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John Blake Publishing has bought a book that will examine "the full story behind Raoul Moat’s 10 days on the run".
Blake acquired world rights to Raoul Moat: His Short Life and Bloody Death directly from author Vanessa Howard for an undisclosed sum.
Blake said the book "traces his final steps in what became one of Britain’s biggest police manhunt, from the initial murder in Birtley, through to the police standoff on the banks of the River Coquet in Rothby. Examining the various police, press and witness reports, and piecing together Moat’s final movements across the Northumberland countryside, this is the retelling of one of the most deadly manhunts Britain has ever seen, and the first insight into what made Moat a killer."
Ray Mudie, sales director, defended publication of what is likely to be a controversial book, coming so soon after plans to http://thebookseller.com/news/121258-victim-support-distances-itself-fro... target="_blank">publish a title on the Cumbrian shootings were heavily criticised.
He said: “We are market leaders in true crime publishing. If we didn`t do this book, someone else would publish it. The market is just fascinated by what drives these people which is why this case is still in the papers and on TV every day. If you don`t like it then don`t buy it.”
Howard added: "When I first heard about the Moat case I thought that perhaps this was no more than a freak event, something so rare as to offer little insight into what can destabilise an ordinary man. Yet what I've found during my research is that is something that has far-reaching and even terrifying implications...
"We need to understand why Moat is now a hero to many. There is a dark undercurrent of disaffection that, should it settle in the mind of someone battling instability and grievances, can yield terrifying results."
The book will be published on 13th September, as a £7.99 paperback.