Super Short Summary

The Murder of the Century by Paul Collins is a 2011 narrative nonfiction work that covers the grisly 1897 murder of William Guldensuppe and the rise of sensationalist "yellow journalism" in New York City. Detectives, led by Detective Arthur Carey, track down body parts wrapped in cloth, leading to the arrest of Augusta Nack and Martin Thorn amidst ruthless competition between major newspapers. The news cycle creates a media frenzy, culminating in a dramatic trial with sensational courtroom antics. The book contains graphic depictions of violence, including murder and dismemberment.