The Boy in the River is a 2012 book by the British author and criminologist Richard Hoskins about the 'Adam' murder case.

The Boy in the River
AuthorRichard Hoskins
LanguageEnglish
SubjectCrime, child sacrifice, murder
Set inLondon, Democratic Republic of the Congo
PublishedLondon
PublisherPan Macmillan
Publication date
2012
Publication placeUnited Kingdom
Media typePrint
Pages334
AwardsHighly Commended Gold in the Crime Writers' Association Dagger Awards 2013[1]
ISBN9781447207900
364.152309421

Background

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Hoskins lived in the Democratic Republic of the Congo from 1986 to 1992, initially on a gap year. He subsequently was married and had a daughter in the Congo, however his daughter died during his time in Africa. Hoskins was asked by the Metropolitan Police for advice and assistance after the discover of the body of a young African-descent child floating in the River Thames in London.[citation needed]

Synopsis

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The book combines Hoskins' work on the case and the various leads he follows. It is believed the murder was a ritual killing. It is discovered that the victim came from Nigeria. The book also recounts Hoskins' time in the Congo.

Reception

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The book was reviewed in The Economist[2] and The Sunday Times.[3]

BBC London had a segment on the book.[4]

References

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  1. ^ "The Boy in the River — The Crime Writers' Association". thecwa.co.uk.
  2. ^ "Crimes of passion". The Economist. 23 June 2012.
  3. ^ Caesar, Ed. "The Boy in the River by Richard Hoskins". The Sunday Times. Archived from the original on 18 May 2015.
  4. ^ "'Adam torso' case turned into book". BBC News. 6 June 2012.