The Crewe Murders

Inside New Zealand’s most infamous cold case

Kirsty Johnston and James Hollings

A fresh look at the murders of Harvey and Jeannette Crewe

The murder of Harvey and Jeannette Crewe in their Pukekawa farmhouse in 1970 remains New Zealand’s most infamous cold case. It spawned two trials, two appeals, several books, a film, and eventually a royal commission finding of police corruption.

It also resulted in a free pardon, the only time the New Zealand government has bypassed the courts to set a convicted murderer free. And still, the Crewes’ killer has not been found.

Combining gripping narrative, detailed research and striking new testimony from those who were there, this book tells the complete story of the case for the first time.

To look inside, click here.

‘The reporting is meticulous, even forensic — and the subject is just so deeply, enduringly really interesting that it’s hard to tear yourself away from the pages of this most gothic of New Zealand murders’ — Steve Braunias, Newsroom

‘A brilliantly researched and compelling look at one of our most significant unsolved cases, one that also gives readers a fascinating peek into our cultural and legal history’ — Greg Fleming, Kete Books

  • CATEGORY: Contemporary issues, Ebooks, History, Media and journalism
  • ISBN: 9781991016478
  • ESBN: 9781991016614
  • PUBLISHER: Massey University Press
  • IMPRINT: Massey University Press
  • PUBLISHED: 09/11/2023
  • PAGE EXTENT: 320
  • FORMAT: Soft cover
Profile image for Kirsty Johnston

Kirsty Johnston is an award-winning investigative journalist with an interest in inequality, gender and social justice.

Profile image for James Hollings

James Hollings is Associate Professor of Journalism at Massey University, Wellington.