This is a beautiful and well researched collection of murder ballads. Katy Horan describes the origin and evolution of each ballad, accompanied by gorgeous artwork. It’s a fascinating read, especially with Horan’s focus on the historical and sociocultural contexts of the ballads. I appreciate that she includes key recordings (my playlist kept growing).

Thank you to NetGalley for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Very interesting read if you want to learn about the lore behind murder ballads. Many of them I had not heard of before. Loved the layout of the book!

Murder Ballads by Katy Horan is a treat for fans of Dark Folklore and Gothic themes (that's a gruesome way to begin a review, isn't it?). I was already familiar with "The Death of Queen Jane" and "The Twa Swans" thanks to Loreena McKennitt. Horan included a list of recordings, so readers can immerse themselves fully into the eerie beauty of these lyrics. Horan includes some backstory to each of the selected ballads; this led me down a rabbit hole of reading the expanded stories behind these ballads. Katy Horan doesn't just present her readers with a collection of songs, but a unique volume of true crime as well. Apart from the two songs McKennitt produced, I would say my favorite is the rendition of "Where the Wild Roses Grow" performed by Nick Cave and Kylie Minogue. I definitely recommend this darkly beautiful collection to anyone who loves folklore, poetry, and the Gothic and Romantic literature of the nineteenth century. You will absolutely love it. Be warned, though, you will spend hours looking up music videos.

Murder Ballads is a beautifully illustrated and well-researched deepdive into murder ballads. Even if you don't think you know murder ballads, you will have heard or read or somehow seen a version of one, as they have tendrils all through popular culture. Horan provides a great depth to her exploration of them. Thanks to Andrews McMeel Publishing and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Murder ballads are a fascinating part of folklore and, as a (somewhat recovering) true crime fan, I have always been intrigued by them. In part, this also stems from my IRL occupation as a Medievalist, as we see traces of these ballads in medieval literature as well. Murder ballads are narrative songs which deal with a killing of some sort. In her introduction, Horan traces the development and evolution of this "genre", if you can call it that, and it provides a really interesting background to the ballads that follow. In her foreword to the book, Sinéad Gleeson formulates Horan's goals for the book as follows: 'to re-examine old narratives, explore who benefits from violence, and acknowledge which voices have been omitted and historically minimized (women, people of color, the poor)' (p. 12). The book absolutely succeeds at these goals and I find it a highly interesting read.

Murder Ballads contains twenty ballads, picked for their diversity but also for the insight they collectively give into the genre. Each ballad is preceded by an introduction, which summarizes the generally accepted narrative of the song and provides some background and provenance. We find out where the ballad most likely originates from, where it has been collected, what tropes it plays with, and by whom it has been recorded. Horan also specifies which version of the ballad she is using, and then each ballad is also accompanied by an illustration from Horan herself. I liked the balance Horan strikes here between providing enough information and letting the ballad do its own work as well. The ballads that struck me most were those where Horan presents the real life inspirations behind them, which often show historical women in really difficult situations. One is the famous 'Frankie and Johnny', based on Frankie Baker's 1899 shooting of her boyfriend/pimp in self-defense. Horan explains how the ballad took on a life of its own almost immediately after the trial, being turned into Hollywood films and recorded by over 250 artist, and affected Frankie for the rest of her life. It is a good example of how one moment in a woman's life, with which many women could maybe identify, is turned into something else, her story endlessly retold and re-shaped. Some other intriguing ones are 'Stagolee', a "bad man"-style ballad which became a symbol of Black masculinity during the Jim Crow era. I also enjoyed the discussion of 'The Unquiet Grave' (Penny Dreadful did a great rendition) which included mention of a beloved by me Old Norse poem, Helgakviða Hundingsbana II. Here I also enjoyed Horan's choice to feature a variant called 'Cold Blows the Wind' instead. More well-known ballads, such as 'The Cruel Mother' and 'The Twa Sisters' are of course also included.

In her own introduction, Horan discusses her own fascination with the genre, and then her growing awareness of how it is rooted in oppressions of various kinds. Throughout Murder Ballads she tries, and I think succeeds, to on the one hand celebrate a genre of folklore which is diverse, while on the other hand acknowledging and critiquing its messages as well. And her critique is not to be 'mistaken for contempt' (p. 14) Horan warns. There is beauty in these these ballads, which can only be claimed and appreciated if we take a closer look at it. At the end of the book there is a list of Notable Recordings for each ballad, which I liked dipping into, as well as an extensive Bibliography and more Recommended Reading.

I really enjoyed reading Murder Ballads. I was interested in the genre of ballads anyway, but I really appreciated Horan's care in tracing these ballads' origins.

Katy Horan once again invites us into a world that is stark, somber, and hauntingly beautiful through her evocative illustrations. Murder Ballads is far more than an art book—it’s a meticulously researched exploration of the murder ballad tradition and its deep roots in American musical history.

What surprised me most was the depth of scholarship in this volume. Horan skillfully traces the lineage of well-known murder ballads—such as “Delia” and “Stagger Lee”—back to the real people and historical events that inspired them. In doing so, she restores a sense of personhood to the victims, often overlooked in the stylized retellings. She also thoughtfully examines recurring themes across the genre, like the “girl in the river” or the “bleeding dove,” symbols that continue to echo in contemporary music—often without audiences realizing their origins.

The book includes a curated list of notable recordings that will undoubtedly shape my listening habits going forward. As someone relatively unfamiliar with this genre, I found this addition both accessible and compelling—it’s a gateway into a tradition as musically rich as it is unsettling.

Horan’s artwork is, as always, striking. Gothic, restrained, and emotionally resonant, it perfectly complements the haunting subject matter. Her visual interpretations align seamlessly with the stories she tells, making the experience of reading this book deeply immersive.

I highly recommend Murder Ballads to anyone interested in Americana, folk music history, the Southern Gothic tradition, or the cultural undercurrents of femicide. It’s a powerful, beautiful, and necessary work that bridges art, history, and social commentary with grace and gravity.

Thanks to NetGalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing for an Advanced Reader Copy - pub date 4/29/2025. There is nothing quite so haunting as a good solid song that talks about murder and violence and wraps it all up with a near-mythic sense of The Other. I say this with a completely straight face because I've always been the kind of girl who reads the original versions of fairy tales and listens to obscure bands that dig up folk songs to play. (Fun fact - both things are heavily grim and kind of morbid and deeply symbolic and feature an awful lot of MURDER.) Katy Horan takes all of the rich history of the murder ballad and applies her stark art style to make a thing of beauty out of horror for us to enjoy. In her book, she chose 20 traditional songs and did her research on their origins before dropping herself into creating haunting images to match. Quite a few of the songs might already be familiar to readers picking up the book but there are some that are definitely more obscure. Horan notes the fact and fiction behind each song and makes sure to mention some of the musicians who covered them. This gives you a great chance to make your own Murder Ballad Playlist! Very convenient. While I wish some of the write-ups had been longer, I understand that there is a limit on both the information available and Horan's skill-set. What she does give us is to the point and makes you curious so that works very well. Then, oh, then she gives the reader her art to pair with the songs. Her style feels reminiscent of old woodcuts but with touches of American folk-art, a simplicity of design that reveals surprising depth with a few well-placed details. She layers her images and often you get the full ballad in one image. Even the smaller drawings between the ballads ring with a haunting punctuation.

This might be a specialized book but, for those of us who know, will 100% appreciate it... And, yes, I did find myself a playlist of Appalachian Murder Ballads and mainlined it all of the next day at work after finishing my read of this book. What better testimony can you ask for? :)

Firstly, there are at least three murder ballads in here that mention St. Louis in their background histories. What is the STL to murder ballad pipeline, and who is studying this? But seriously this book is very well done. The historical context for the ballads, and the beautiful artwork, give this book a bump for history lovers who are interested in murder ballads (or even those who've never heard of them before). This is a great beginner guide for those dipping their toes into the dark history for the first time.

The music list in the back is also A+, as music heads like myself would be interested in hearing some of the ballads if they hadn't.

Would recommend for those interested in The Decemberists, Edgar Allan Poe, and just those with a little dark streak.

Every single one of you has either listened to or sang along with a murder ballad, probably without recognizing it as a musical subgenre. "Cell Block Tango'" from Chicago, "Smooth Criminal" by Michael Jackson, "No Body, No Crime" by Taylor Swift and "Remains of the Day" from Corpse Bride are all murder ballads. Enough to fill a playlist! But did you know that "Where Did You Sleep Last Night" performed by Nirvana originated in an early 19th c. ballad called "In the Pines?"

Horan's research is incredibly thorough and the reader will quickly notice a pattern. Beginning with British criminal broadsheets of the 18th c., these inevitably traveled to the slave-holding colonial American South. Such is the origin of "Ommie Wise" by G.B. Grayson. After settling into Appalachian folk music and Black song, they finally emerged as a subgenre under modern bluegrass and jazz. For example, "One Mo' Rounder Gone" that was released in 1924. Therefore, as Horan rightly points out, the roots of the older murder ballads can be traced to white supremacy, judicial misogyny, and the morbid fascination with public execution.

Love this, love everything about this, love Katy Horan. I have their "Literary Witches" oracle! Their illustrations are wonderfully macabre, and remind me of mid-18th century American portraits. Those minimal, finer details, dark colors, and haunting stares. It's a unique addition to any library, and I'll definitely be getting a hardcover copy!

This was a very unique and interesting read that definitely appealed to me as a horror and true crime fan.

Murder Ballads by Katy Horan is an incredibly fascinating and beautiful book about the phenomenon of murder ballads, songs written about murder, death, and victims. These songs have long traditions, often in folk music, and have been a tradition in several parts of the world for centuries. The author highlights several songs, some well-known and others less so, writes about the background of the songs, and illustrates with beautiful art.

I had heard of murder ballads before, but I was only familiar with more recent songs (e.g., Where the Wild Roses Grow). It was fascinating to read about the background, how these melodies originated, evolved, and survived through generations. We also get to know several cases, victims, and receive a thorough introduction to the genre and how it has developed.

Incredibly well-written and very exciting reading! The entire book becomes a poetic and artistic experience, making me want to explore more and seek out several of the songs mentioned. Highly recommended for anyone who likes folklore, music, folk art, or just wants to read a fascinating book.

4.5 stars, rounded up
——————

I stumbled upon this book by accident and I’m so glad that I did.

In this haunting book, Katy Horan presents 20 unique murder ballads and their origins, as well as their context within and impact upon society. Using beautiful illustrations, the reader gets to explore a bit of history in short, palatable blurbs that still thoroughly cover the ballad. I almost would have loved a full book, diving deeper into each one. I love that the author included the ballads within the book as well, instead of assuming the reader knew them or leaving it to the reader to further their research. I found myself doing more research anyway, deeply interested in these murder ballads. I was fascinated by this book and couldn't put it down.

The book is incredibly easy to digest and was a fun, informative read.

This was such an interesting book!
I loved to learn more about all those folk songs (and discovered new ones!). The illustrations are absolutely gorgeous.

Book Review: Murder Ballads: Illustrated Lyrics & Lore by Katy Horan

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I have to say, stumbling upon Murder Ballads by Katy Horan was such a treat! From the moment I saw the cover – which is absolutely stunning, I was hooked. It’s one of those rare finds that feels quirky and fascinating all at once.

Katy Horan, co-creator of Literary Witches, dives deep into the world of murder ballads, unwrapping both the true crime and mythic stories behind twenty traditional songs. These aren’t just retellings; each ballad comes with a beautifully eerie illustration by Horan herself, alongside a thoughtful exploration of the song’s origins, cultural context, and evolution. What makes this book stand out is how it doesn’t shy away from the darker roots of these ballads—touching on themes like patriarchal violence and white supremacy—while also connecting them to today’s true crime obsession.

The collection ranges from haunting tales like “Delia's Gone” to historical legends such as “The Death of Queen Jane,” making it a rich journey through folk music’s shadowy side. Plus, if you want to dive deeper, there’s a handy list of essential recordings at the back that perfectly complements the stories.

As someone who loves all things spooky and atmospheric, this book was incredibly satisfying. The artwork is superb—macabre yet mesmerizing—and the whole package feels like a dark cottagecore dream come to life. If you’re into folklore, music history, or just enjoy a good eerie story, Murder Ballads is an absolute must-read.

⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️

‘Murder Ballads’ is a visually arresting, darkly beautiful exploration of traditional folk ballads that often revolve around death, betrayal, and tragedy, particularly those involving women. Katy Horan pairs her stunningly haunting illustrations with rich, well-researched commentary, drawing on multiple versions of each ballad to trace how they’ve shifted over time. With a subtle but powerful feminist lens, this book delves into how stories of women’s pain have been preserved and reinterpreted through generations of song.

Accuracy: ★★★★☆
The research is commendably thorough. Horan includes multiple versions of each ballad, which adds complexity and context to the stories. Rather than presenting a single, definitive version, she highlights the oral tradition’s evolving nature, which is essential to understanding folk ballads. While not overly academic, the balance between accessible narrative and research is well handled.

Perspective: ★★★★★
What truly sets this book apart is the thoughtful, feminist perspective. Horan explores the way women are portrayed in these ballads – not just as victims, but as complex, sometimes vengeful or wronged figures. There’s a quiet reclamation happening here, a re-centring of women's voices and stories that have long been flattened or sensationalised.

Illustrations: ★★★★★
Absolutely stunning. The art is whimsical yet eerie, matching the haunting tone of the ballads perfectly. There’s a folkloric beauty to every page, with layered textures and delicate lines that echo the sorrow, rage, and myth within the songs. Each piece feels like it belongs in a frame, and together, they create a cohesive atmosphere that elevates the entire book.

Engagement: ★★★★☆
This is the kind of book that’s hard to put down if you’re even remotely interested in folklore, music history, or feminist interpretations. Each ballad pulls you in, and the variety of versions keeps it from feeling repetitive. It does lean more toward quiet, thoughtful reflection than page-turning drama, so some might find it better in small, savoured sittings rather than one continuous read.

Readability: ★★★★★
Despite the heavy and often grim subject matter, Horan’s writing is very readable. The prose is lyrical without being dense, and the formatting makes it easy to dip in and out of the different ballads. This would work just as well as a coffee table book for occasional browsing as it does for cover-to-cover reading.

Enjoyment: ★★★★☆
I really enjoyed this, both as a visual experience and a folkloric deep dive. It’s a niche book, sure, but it hits that niche beautifully. If you love eerie ballads, historical storytelling, or gorgeous, moody artwork, you’ll find so much to love here. It left me wanting more – more stories, more art, more analysis.

‘Murder Ballads’ is a gorgeously eerie, deeply thoughtful collection that celebrates the haunting legacy of traditional ballads through both word and image. Katy Horan delivers not only an aesthetic treat but also a cultural exploration of women’s stories – retold, remembered, and reframed. A must-have for folklore lovers, art book collectors, and anyone intrigued by the darker side of music and myth.

An interesting and unique way to present true crime stories, to tell the tale of a murder ballad, with some history and sociology. From the title, I had thought I'd know some of these, but I didn't. This was a quick read and the lyrics were provocative. Wished I could have heard them with music.

With Horan’s art (familiar from her Literary Witches book and oracle deck) this book belongs on a shelf with Damnable Tales and the other horrific and beautiful folk anthologies.  Each section covers a murder ballad first by history (sometimes including real-life basis), then lyrics, to be wrapped up with one of Horan’s signature illustrations. While there’s no enough space for deep scholarship, there are plenty of references and a full bibliography for the curious. Murder Ballads: Illustrated Lyrics & Lore is going to be someone’s gateway to folklore scholarship and I am here for it!

Frankly, my only complaint is how much time I spent listening to recordings of these songs as I finished each section, but frankly that’s not a bad night.

This was an interesting and beautiful book. Though I did not finish it, it wasn't because the book was bad by any means, it just didn't hit fully for me as I think I wasn't into the subject matter as much as I thought I would be. I did still click through and read the songs and look at the illustrations. I thought the illustrations were very cool and definitely matched the vibe of each song and the book altogether.

Thank you to Netgalley and Andrew McCall Publishing for the chance to read this book.
Murder Ballads by Katy Horan is an retelling of true crime cases.

I would give Murder Ballads by Katy Horan a 3 star review because, I like how its an original story that I've never seen anyone else do, the author did a good job on incorporating artwork and folklore into the novel.

This is a very pretty and interesting book. I feel like I was either missing context about classification of ballads or it would’ve helped to include a bit more about that, and of course I’d have loved some more details about each ballad but oral tradition can be tricky.
The illustrations are fittingly haunting, with the Lankim one being just genuinely terrifying.

An in-depth historical and folk lore exploration of twenty different murder ballads from the US and Europe.

This was so fascinating! I had known of The Twa Sisters since I read a retelling by Tamora Pierce in middle school. And I knew more of these songs by the time I was in college, but not all of them! And this introduced me to so many!

And a lot more of these were able to be traced back to historical, documented incidents than I was expecting! What I loved the most was how broad the contents of murder ballads could be, and how Horan examined all the different intersections of class, race, gender, and sexuality in the different ballads:

Also, I loved the illustrations! They reminded me of the League of Lady Poisoners in style which I also adored! And I’m always a fan of a nonfiction book that gives me a bibliography to go reading more in depth.

I also ended up making a Spotify playlist of some of my favorite versions of most of the ballads. https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2PoRQc5TCI3bx5QtHWV00E?si=EjbYK1-AQeCflpR6q8zGog&pi=l4vv8yKpQCCsD

Thanks to NetGalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing for this arc!