A true crime masterpiece of investigative journalism: the landmark Muriel McKay kidnapping case re-examined.Winter 1969. Rupert Murdoch's purchase of two newspapers captivates two men, setting in motion a plan to kidnap his wife for ransom. A mistake leads them to Muriel McKay, wife of Murdoch's colleague, Alick McKay. Held for £1 million, Muriel's fate grips the nation.A Desperate Business unveils the story of Britain's first kidnap and ransom case. Simon Farquhar evokes a 1960s Britain on the cusp of change, with a struggling police force and a ravenous press. This is a tale of crime, detection, and tragedy, revealing the dark side of ambition and the enduring impact of a desperate act. Perfect for readers of true crime, social history, and those fascinated by the intersection of crime and media.