A NEW true crime book examining a murder mystery that captivated the public and press in the 1930s is heading for the small screen after Tod Productions and STV Productions optioned The Jigsaw Murders: The True Story of the Ruxton Killings and the Birth of Modern Forensics.

Written by journalist and author, Jeremy Craddock, the book is due for release next year, and throws new light on the 1935 killings of his wife and nanny by Dr Buck Ruxton.

He disposed of their bodies in the Scottish Borders, and it took the genius of Professors Sydney Smith and John Glaister in Edinburgh, and their ground-breaking forensic techniques, to piece together and identify their bodies.

Craddock details for the first time the story of these horrific killings, bringing to all of the main players, from the enigmatic and charismatic Ruxton, to his victims Isabella Ruxton and Mary Rogerson, and the police officers, lawyers and scientists who grappled with a case that led to the birth of modern forensics.

Elaine Collins, MD of Tod Productions, who identified the potential in bringing the book to screen, said: “Jeremy Craddock is a hugely talented writer and journalist, who is not only determined to excavate this brutal story and the consequent scientific breakthroughs that still influence today’s forensics, but to give an unprecedented voice to Buxton’s female victims.”

Craddock said: “I am absolutely thrilled that The Jigsaw Murders has been optioned for TV by Elaine Collins and Tod Productions. I am a huge fan of her work, especially Shetland and Vera, and I feel privileged that she has seen potential in my work.”

David Mortimer, Managing Director of STV Productions, added: “We’re thrilled to have Tod as part of the STV Productions family and The Jigsaw Murders is a fantastic addition to their already strong development slate of distinctive, high-quality shows. There’s a real appetite for true crime-based drama and we’re delighted Elaine has seen the huge potential in this exciting new work.”