A SERIES of murders that took place in Pembrokeshire, Wales inspired a new ITV series.
But the crimes were actually documented in a book first.
Who wrote The Pembrokeshire Muders: Catching the Bullseye Killer?
The Pembrokeshire Muders: Catching the Bullseye Killer is a book written by Steve Wilkins.
Steve was the senior detective on the case, who in the ITV adaption is portrayed by Luke Evans.
Now retired, Steve is 61 and lives in Cheshire.
Steve has said he “never intended to write a book”, but only wanted to “give an accurate, sensitive record” of the serial killings.
At the time of the case being reexamined, he had just returned to Dyfed-Powys Police after spending two years working with the National Criminal Intelligence Service.
He wanted to take a look at the case again due to DNA successes that were taking place nationally on previously unsolved crimes.
Speaking to Wales Online he said: “When they came and said ‘Luke Evans is going to be in it’ I was really surprised that someone like him wanted to do it. When I met him I realised why.”
He said he was happy with the way ITV portrayed the real life events.
“I was lucky enough to go and see a number of the filming days with him [Luke Evans] and Keith Allen and the rest of the team and they were great.
“I looked at it as I wanted to maintain the relationship I have with the families and they were very sensitive.
“What I didn’t want was anything that was sensationalism so they stuck very closely to the details.”
When was it published?
The book was published in 2013.
John Cooper was found guilty of his crimes in 2011.
The book has lots of five star ratings online, with people calling it “gripping”.
How can I watch The Pembrokeshire Murders on TV?
The final episode of The Pembrokeshire Murders will air tonight (January 13) on ITV 1 at 9pm.
The previous two episodes in the miniseries can be caught up with on the ITV Hub.
Tonight’s episode will conclude the story and show the end of John Cooper’s journey before being found guilty.
