Lucan: Not Guilty - Revision history

Robert Brockway at 14:32, 24 February 2026

2026-02-24T14:32:40Z

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	{{Featured}}		{{Featured}}
			{{Grokipedia}}
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Robert Brockway at 14:31, 24 February 2026

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	On Amazon, the book averages 4.6 out of 5 stars from nine ratings, where readers have similarly described it as providing a "compelling case" for Lucan's innocence by highlighting "missed evidence and inconsistencies" overlooked in other accounts.		On Amazon, the book averages 4.6 out of 5 stars from nine ratings, where readers have similarly described it as providing a "compelling case" for Lucan's innocence by highlighting "missed evidence and inconsistencies" overlooked in other accounts.

	{{~~Draft~~}}		{{Featured}}
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Robert Brockway at 14:30, 24 February 2026

2026-02-24T14:30:11Z

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	=== Contemporary reviews ===		=== Contemporary reviews ===

	Sally Moore's Lucan: Not Guilty, published in 1987, attracted critical notice primarily through James Fox's review in the London Review of Books, where he portrayed the book as a family-sponsored crusade to exonerate the Earl of Lucan through an accumulation of detail. ~~[2]~~ Fox described it as comprising 260 pages of massive and obsessive research that largely amounted to material for aficionados rather than a convincing case, with Moore positioned as Lucan's champion and adopting a partisan tone that included highly favourable characterisations of him and his associates. ~~[2]~~ He criticised the work for strained attempts to improve Lucan's image, such as a comparison between Lucan's alleged intentions after the attack and a barman's actions, which Fox dismissed as implausible. ~~[2]~~		Sally Moore's Lucan: Not Guilty, published in 1987, attracted critical notice primarily through James Fox's review in the London Review of Books, where he portrayed the book as a family-sponsored crusade to exonerate the Earl of Lucan through an accumulation of detail. Fox described it as comprising 260 pages of massive and obsessive research that largely amounted to material for aficionados rather than a convincing case, with Moore positioned as Lucan's champion and adopting a partisan tone that included highly favourable characterisations of him and his associates. He criticised the work for strained attempts to improve Lucan's image, such as a comparison between Lucan's alleged intentions after the attack and a barman's actions, which Fox dismissed as implausible.

	Fox found the book ultimately unpersuasive in exonerating Lucan, highlighting Lucan's letters as damning evidence due to their lack of curiosity about a supposed large intruder and absence of hope for the intruder's apprehension. ~~[2]~~ He also rejected Moore's theory that police planted the lead piping in the borrowed car, characterising it as resting on the slenderest evidence and involving unfairly selected quotes from a conversation with former detective Roy Ranson. ~~[2]~~ In contrast, Fox viewed Patrick Marnham's contemporary Trail of Havoc as more reflective and very much better-written, despite flaws in its own theory, while deeming Moore's effort far more partisan and detail-heavy with less success in persuasion. ~~[2]~~		Fox found the book ultimately unpersuasive in exonerating Lucan, highlighting Lucan's letters as damning evidence due to their lack of curiosity about a supposed large intruder and absence of hope for the intruder's apprehension. He also rejected Moore's theory that police planted the lead piping in the borrowed car, characterising it as resting on the slenderest evidence and involving unfairly selected quotes from a conversation with former detective Roy Ranson. In contrast, Fox viewed Patrick Marnham's contemporary Trail of Havoc as more reflective and very much better-written, despite flaws in its own theory, while deeming Moore's effort far more partisan and detail-heavy with less success in persuasion.
⚫	The book's detailed research approach was acknowledged in the review, though Fox argued it added little substantive weight to the exoneration claim. ~~[2]~~

		⚫	The book's detailed research approach was acknowledged in the review, though Fox argued it added little substantive weight to the exoneration claim.

	=== Later Reader Responses ===		=== Later Reader Responses ===

	On Goodreads, Lucan Not Guilty holds an average rating of 3.67 out of 5 based on 15 ratings, with readers frequently describing the book as well-researched and compelling in its presentation of evidence supporting Lord Lucan's innocence. ~~[1]~~ Reviewers have praised Sally Moore's extensive investigation, with one noting the "painstaking research that shows flaw after flaw in the actions of the police and in what went on at the inquest" and commending her for building "a brilliant case for the defence." ~~[1]~~ Another reader emphasized the book's "very well researched" quality and how it presents "arguments for Lucan's innocence, or at least doubt on his guilt" in a convincing manner supported by family and friends' accounts. ~~[1]~~		On Goodreads, Lucan Not Guilty holds an average rating of 3.67 out of 5 based on 15 ratings, with readers frequently describing the book as well-researched and compelling in its presentation of evidence supporting Lord Lucan's innocence. Reviewers have praised Sally Moore's extensive investigation, with one noting the "painstaking research that shows flaw after flaw in the actions of the police and in what went on at the inquest" and commending her for building "a brilliant case for the defence." Another reader emphasized the book's "very well researched" quality and how it presents "arguments for Lucan's innocence, or at least doubt on his guilt" in a convincing manner supported by family and friends' accounts.

	Readers have highlighted the book's illumination of the bitter custody battle over Lord and Lady Lucan's children as a key context for the events, with one reviewer pointing out that the case "started out as a custody battle... which became a very bitter struggle" and that Lucan clearly "loved his children." ~~[1]~~ Several responses also stress the enduring mystery of the case and Lucan's disappearance, with comments affirming his innocence based on the investigation's shortcomings and his own letters. ~~[1]~~ Multiple reviewers view the book as a strong defense argument that continues to hold up over time, with one stating that despite "many books written about Lord Lucan and many theories" published since 1987, it "stands up to the competition pretty well." ~~[1]~~		Readers have highlighted the book's illumination of the bitter custody battle over Lord and Lady Lucan's children as a key context for the events, with one reviewer pointing out that the case "started out as a custody battle... which became a very bitter struggle" and that Lucan clearly "loved his children." Several responses also stress the enduring mystery of the case and Lucan's disappearance, with comments affirming his innocence based on the investigation's shortcomings and his own letters. Multiple reviewers view the book as a strong defense argument that continues to hold up over time, with one stating that despite "many books written about Lord Lucan and many theories" published since 1987, it "stands up to the competition pretty well."
	On Amazon, the book averages 4.6 out of 5 stars from nine ratings, where readers have similarly described it as providing a "compelling case" for Lucan's innocence by highlighting "missed evidence and inconsistencies" overlooked in other accounts. ~~[8]~~		On Amazon, the book averages 4.6 out of 5 stars from nine ratings, where readers have similarly described it as providing a "compelling case" for Lucan's innocence by highlighting "missed evidence and inconsistencies" overlooked in other accounts.

	{{Draft}}		{{Draft}}

Robert Brockway: /* Later Reader Responses */

2026-02-24T14:29:01Z

Later Reader Responses

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	The book's detailed research approach was acknowledged in the review, though Fox argued it added little substantive weight to the exoneration claim. [2]		The book's detailed research approach was acknowledged in the review, though Fox argued it added little substantive weight to the exoneration claim. [2]

	=== Later Reader ~~Responses~~===		=== Later Reader Responses ===

	On Goodreads, Lucan Not Guilty holds an average rating of 3.67 out of 5 based on 15 ratings, with readers frequently describing the book as well-researched and compelling in its presentation of evidence supporting Lord Lucan's innocence. [1] Reviewers have praised Sally Moore's extensive investigation, with one noting the "painstaking research that shows flaw after flaw in the actions of the police and in what went on at the inquest" and commending her for building "a brilliant case for the defence." [1] Another reader emphasized the book's "very well researched" quality and how it presents "arguments for Lucan's innocence, or at least doubt on his guilt" in a convincing manner supported by family and friends' accounts. [1]		On Goodreads, Lucan Not Guilty holds an average rating of 3.67 out of 5 based on 15 ratings, with readers frequently describing the book as well-researched and compelling in its presentation of evidence supporting Lord Lucan's innocence. [1] Reviewers have praised Sally Moore's extensive investigation, with one noting the "painstaking research that shows flaw after flaw in the actions of the police and in what went on at the inquest" and commending her for building "a brilliant case for the defence." [1] Another reader emphasized the book's "very well researched" quality and how it presents "arguments for Lucan's innocence, or at least doubt on his guilt" in a convincing manner supported by family and friends' accounts. [1]

Robert Brockway at 14:28, 24 February 2026

2026-02-24T14:28:49Z

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	{{H2\|Reception}}		{{H2\|Reception}}


	=== Contemporary reviews ===		=== Contemporary reviews ===

Robert Brockway at 14:28, 24 February 2026

2026-02-24T14:28:35Z

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	A paperback reprint appeared in 1988 under the Fontana imprint (associated with HarperCollins Publishers), bearing ISBN 0006373666 and extending to 364 pages. This edition reflected a shift to a more accessible format from the original publisher. No subsequent reprints, revised editions, or further publications have been documented in major bibliographic records. The book remains available through second-hand sources and digital lending platforms such as the Internet Archive.		A paperback reprint appeared in 1988 under the Fontana imprint (associated with HarperCollins Publishers), bearing ISBN 0006373666 and extending to 364 pages. This edition reflected a shift to a more accessible format from the original publisher. No subsequent reprints, revised editions, or further publications have been documented in major bibliographic records. The book remains available through second-hand sources and digital lending platforms such as the Internet Archive.

	{{H2\|Content}}		{{H2\|Content}}

	=== Overview ===		=== Overview ===

Robert Brockway at 14:28, 24 February 2026

2026-02-24T14:28:23Z

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	In 1975 Moore began a personal crusade to exonerate Lord Lucan, whom she referred to as "John" and with whose family she developed close ties, spending many hours with them and becoming familiar on Christian-name terms with relatives. Her book Lucan: Not Guilty originated as a family-sponsored effort to defend Lucan, written with the help of his family. She had a manuscript ready by 1980 but faced delays in finding a publisher.		In 1975 Moore began a personal crusade to exonerate Lord Lucan, whom she referred to as "John" and with whose family she developed close ties, spending many hours with them and becoming familiar on Christian-name terms with relatives. Her book Lucan: Not Guilty originated as a family-sponsored effort to defend Lucan, written with the help of his family. She had a manuscript ready by 1980 but faced delays in finding a publisher.

	=== Writing Process ===		=== Writing Process ===

	Sally Moore began her book Lucan: Not Guilty in 1975, shortly after the coroner's inquest in June of that year which named Lord Lucan as the murderer of Sandra Rivett. She completed the manuscript by 1980.		Sally Moore began her book Lucan: Not Guilty in 1975, shortly after the coroner's inquest in June of that year which named Lord Lucan as the murderer of Sandra Rivett. She completed the manuscript by 1980.

Robert Brockway at 14:28, 24 February 2026

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	{{H2\|Background}}		{{H2\|Background}}

	=== ~~Author~~===		=== Author ===

	Sally Moore first gained public attention at the age of 15 when she rewrote a 400-year-old Church of England service in modern language for teenagers, an achievement that attracted international news coverage. At 20 she joined the Daily Mirror in London, where she launched the influential Shopping Clock prices survey and ran consumer watchdog campaigns exposing commercial fiddles. She later worked at the Daily Star, initiating better links with Buckingham Palace to promote more factual Fleet Street reporting on the Royal Family.		Sally Moore first gained public attention at the age of 15 when she rewrote a 400-year-old Church of England service in modern language for teenagers, an achievement that attracted international news coverage. At 20 she joined the Daily Mirror in London, where she launched the influential Shopping Clock prices survey and ran consumer watchdog campaigns exposing commercial fiddles. She later worked at the Daily Star, initiating better links with Buckingham Palace to promote more factual Fleet Street reporting on the Royal Family.
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	{{H2\|Content}}		{{H2\|Content}}

	=== ~~Overview~~===		=== Overview ===

	Lucan: Not Guilty is a 1987 non-fiction true crime book by Sally Moore that investigates the notorious events of November 7, 1974, when Sandra Rivett, the nanny to the children of Lord and Lady Lucan, was brutally murdered in the family's home at 46 Lower Belgrave Street in Belgravia, London, while Lady Lucan was also violently attacked. Lady Lucan identified her estranged husband, Richard John Bingham, 7th Earl of Lucan, as the assailant, after which he vanished and has never been found. Seven months later, a coroner's inquest jury named Lord Lucan guilty of murder in absentia.		Lucan: Not Guilty is a 1987 non-fiction true crime book by Sally Moore that investigates the notorious events of November 7, 1974, when Sandra Rivett, the nanny to the children of Lord and Lady Lucan, was brutally murdered in the family's home at 46 Lower Belgrave Street in Belgravia, London, while Lady Lucan was also violently attacked. Lady Lucan identified her estranged husband, Richard John Bingham, 7th Earl of Lucan, as the assailant, after which he vanished and has never been found. Seven months later, a coroner's inquest jury named Lord Lucan guilty of murder in absentia.
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	The author's thesis posits that Lord Lucan is innocent of the crimes.		The author's thesis posits that Lord Lucan is innocent of the crimes.

	=== Core Thesis and ~~Arguments~~===		=== Core Thesis and Arguments ===

	Lucan: Not Guilty by Sally Moore presents the central thesis that Lord Lucan—referred to throughout the book as "John"—is innocent of both the murder of nanny Sandra Rivett and the attempted murder of his wife Veronica, Lady Lucan. Moore frames her work as a dedicated crusade to exonerate him, supported by cooperation from his family and an extensive accumulation of detail intended to undermine the official conclusion of his guilt.		Lucan: Not Guilty by Sally Moore presents the central thesis that Lord Lucan—referred to throughout the book as "John"—is innocent of both the murder of nanny Sandra Rivett and the attempted murder of his wife Veronica, Lady Lucan. Moore frames her work as a dedicated crusade to exonerate him, supported by cooperation from his family and an extensive accumulation of detail intended to undermine the official conclusion of his guilt.
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	The book portrays Lucan in strongly positive terms, describing him as tall, dark, and handsome, possessed of perfect manners, and widely regarded by family and friends for his gentleness, kindness, and generosity. It further emphasizes his bravery and dashing character as a sportsman who raced powerboats, water-skied, bobsledded for Britain, and competed on the Cresta Run. By contrast, Lady Lucan is depicted more critically, with the narrative highlighting perceived inconsistencies in her account of the events. Moore's overall approach seeks to expose flaws and inconsistencies in the established narrative of the case to support the claim of Lucan's innocence.		The book portrays Lucan in strongly positive terms, describing him as tall, dark, and handsome, possessed of perfect manners, and widely regarded by family and friends for his gentleness, kindness, and generosity. It further emphasizes his bravery and dashing character as a sportsman who raced powerboats, water-skied, bobsledded for Britain, and competed on the Cresta Run. By contrast, Lady Lucan is depicted more critically, with the narrative highlighting perceived inconsistencies in her account of the events. Moore's overall approach seeks to expose flaws and inconsistencies in the established narrative of the case to support the claim of Lucan's innocence.

	=== Key Evidence ~~Presented~~===		=== Key Evidence Presented ===

	Sally Moore examines the letters Lord Lucan wrote to his brother-in-law Bill Shand Kydd shortly after the events at 46 Lower Belgrave Street, emphasizing their calm, matter-of-fact tone and notable absence of any expressed curiosity, concern, or further questions about the alleged large intruder described therein as indicative of Lucan's genuine belief in an outsider's involvement rather than guilt. These letters formed the starting point of Moore's research and are presented as a primary piece of evidence supporting his innocence.		Sally Moore examines the letters Lord Lucan wrote to his brother-in-law Bill Shand Kydd shortly after the events at 46 Lower Belgrave Street, emphasizing their calm, matter-of-fact tone and notable absence of any expressed curiosity, concern, or further questions about the alleged large intruder described therein as indicative of Lucan's genuine belief in an outsider's involvement rather than guilt. These letters formed the starting point of Moore's research and are presented as a primary piece of evidence supporting his innocence.
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	{{H2\|Reception}}		{{H2\|Reception}}

	=== Contemporary ~~reviews~~===		=== Contemporary reviews ===

	Sally Moore's Lucan: Not Guilty, published in 1987, attracted critical notice primarily through James Fox's review in the London Review of Books, where he portrayed the book as a family-sponsored crusade to exonerate the Earl of Lucan through an accumulation of detail. [2] Fox described it as comprising 260 pages of massive and obsessive research that largely amounted to material for aficionados rather than a convincing case, with Moore positioned as Lucan's champion and adopting a partisan tone that included highly favourable characterisations of him and his associates. [2] He criticised the work for strained attempts to improve Lucan's image, such as a comparison between Lucan's alleged intentions after the attack and a barman's actions, which Fox dismissed as implausible. [2]		Sally Moore's Lucan: Not Guilty, published in 1987, attracted critical notice primarily through James Fox's review in the London Review of Books, where he portrayed the book as a family-sponsored crusade to exonerate the Earl of Lucan through an accumulation of detail. [2] Fox described it as comprising 260 pages of massive and obsessive research that largely amounted to material for aficionados rather than a convincing case, with Moore positioned as Lucan's champion and adopting a partisan tone that included highly favourable characterisations of him and his associates. [2] He criticised the work for strained attempts to improve Lucan's image, such as a comparison between Lucan's alleged intentions after the attack and a barman's actions, which Fox dismissed as implausible. [2]

Robert Brockway: Robert Brockway moved page Lucan Not Guilty to Lucan: Not Guilty

2026-02-24T14:27:06Z

Robert Brockway moved page Lucan Not Guilty to Lucan: Not Guilty

← Older revision	Revision as of 14:27, 24 February 2026
(No difference)

Robert Brockway at 14:26, 24 February 2026

2026-02-24T14:26:53Z

Show changes

Lucan: Not Guilty - Revision history

Robert Brockway at 14:32, 24 February 2026

Robert Brockway at 14:31, 24 February 2026

Robert Brockway at 14:30, 24 February 2026

Robert Brockway: /* Later Reader Responses￼ */

Robert Brockway at 14:28, 24 February 2026

Robert Brockway at 14:28, 24 February 2026

Robert Brockway at 14:28, 24 February 2026

Robert Brockway at 14:28, 24 February 2026

Robert Brockway: Robert Brockway moved page Lucan Not Guilty to Lucan: Not Guilty

Robert Brockway at 14:26, 24 February 2026

Robert Brockway: /* Later Reader Responses */