Solid, well-written account of one of the world's most famous unsolved crimes. If I had to recommend a book for a beginner to the case, this would be the one. It's easy to follow, logically arranged, and includes comprehensive footnotes and reference information. The solution is, as in many true crime books, somewhat overstated however.

(If other would-be confessors could pick up information from associates linked to the underworld and / or the PD, why not Dillon? Who knows what rumors he heard while staying at the Aster after the murder, for instance. There is no time spent considering other ways Dillon could have answered the 'secret questions', let alone the likelihood of his being just another fantasist. Similarly, his mortuary experience is made a lot of; the reality was that he only spent three weeks at it, if that. The ability to drain the body aside, there is no discussion of his ability to perform the bisection which was generally believed to indicate some level of surgical skill. Etc, etc, - I'm sure you get my point.)

The book only glances over rival theories and solutions, but it gives the reader a good grounding in the chronology and basic facts. If you're new to the case, my advice would be to start here and branch outwards. If you're already well versed I would still recommend reading. There is nothing particularly new here, but it's a good clear read and the historical and social context is particularly well done.