The book’s dramatic title – Crime and the Craft: Masonic Involvement in Murder, Treason and Scandal – suggests that the author might be a fly-by-night journalist with an axe to grind against Freemasonry, but in fact, Mike Neville is uniquely qualified to write it – he is a Freemason and retired Scotland Yard Detective Chief Inspector.
The back-cover blurb gives a tantalising overview of the contents:
Crime and the Craft reveals that the Freemasons have been involved in treason, murder, conspiracy, fraud, and scandal from the time of the English Civil War to the 1980s.
Nearly every famous case investigated by Scotland Yard – including Jack the Ripper, Oscar Wilde, Dr Crippen, the Great Train Robbery, and the Kray Twins – is shown to have Masonic involvement.
For the first time, it is shown that some fifty lodges have a link to the Jack the Ripper case – with a known suspect identified as a Mason for the first time.
The book uncovers Masonic involvement in police corruption, from the Trial of the Detectives in 1877 to Operation Countryman.
The true involvement of notorious gangster, Kenneth Noye, in Freemasonry is also revealed, as are the full details of the case of the Mason who made secret signs at the judge during a murder trial at the Old Bailey.
This book also describes how members of the Craft have been pioneers in the development of forensic pathology, fingerprint evidence, and the use of images to catch criminals.
Crime and the Craft answers the question: ‘Is there a relationship between Freemasonry and crime?’
However, it is Mike’s experience and authority that gives the book credence – he is neither overly defensive nor shies away from the truth of the matter that there have been some high-profile criminals that have also happened to be Freemasons.
What does come over quite succinctly is the logical reasoning that
a) just because a criminal is, or has been a Freemason, does not mean that all Freemasons are criminals
b) just because a Freemason has been found guilty of a crime, does not mean that Freemasonry was set up for, nor condones, criminal activity, and
c) you are going to get weeds in a field of flowers regardless of what that organisation is.
Of course, this is not what conspiracy theorists and/or anti-Masons want to hear because it doesn’t fit their already biased viewpoint and narrative, and I’m absolutely sure that they would be convinced that Mike Neville is part of the conspiracy: that narrative being along the lines of ‘well, he would say that – he’s a Mason and a former copper’.
Conspiracy theorists and anti-Masons are not new by a long shot and that is demonstrated right from the beginning of the book’s wonderfully diverse and creatively titled chapters.
Chapter one is effectively an introduction into the subject, in ‘Crime and the Craft: What Happens at a Masonic Meeting’, Neville paves the way by explaining – for the uninitiated – various aspects of the Craft, and the thorny issue of Masonic conspiracies and those involved.
He states that crime in the Craft is ‘very rare’, and that to most brethren ‘…crime and Freemasonry will seem very strange bedfellows, but for conspiracy theorists, the two are intrinsically linked’.
With that aspect sorted, the book then takes us on a chronological journey of shady characters, their Masonic involvement, and the outcomes of their nefarious crimes.
From the 1700s onwards, there are colourful figures who caused mayhem (and conspiracies) to abound during the politically tumultuous years in which Freemasonry was formed: the English Civil War, the Jacobite uprisings and plots, and the infamous hell-raiser LINK <Philip Wharton>, whose story is told in Chapter Five – ‘Lord Wharton: Grand Master, Traitor, and Flasher’.
I have to say that, having written articles on Wharton, the fact that he exposed himself on his wedding day ‘not only to his bride…but also to the entire wedding party’ to demonstrate to his wife what she could look forward to, was news to me!
Following on are cases which some may be familiar with, probably the most famous case reputedly involving members of the Fraternity is that of Chapter 35 ‘Jack the Ripper – Jack the Mason?’
There has been over 130 years of speculation, wild theories, and just as many dead-ends as to the chilling serial killer’s identity.
Numerous books, films and spin-offs have focused on the ‘Masonic’ element of the vicious killings – was Queen Victoria’s son, Albert Edward, Prince of Wales, Freemasonry’s Grand Master, and future king of England involved; were the Masons hiding the killer; was the killer a Mason?
Aside from the possibility that ‘Jack’ was a Mason (there are three candidates who fit that bill) there were numerous other Masons involved in the investigation, including: Commissioner of Police Charles Warren, the Lord Mayor of London, the coroner, police officers, and even the doctor, Thomas Openshaw, who examined the kidney sent with the ‘From Hell’ letter.
Other stories include those such as: John Wilkes, the man made a Mason in prison; Count Cagliostro; Masons who were sentenced to be hung, drawn, and quartered; the Masonic links to the Mutiny on the Bounty; and the strange case of ‘God’s Banker’ Roberto Calvi.
The book does not just focus on the misdemeanours involving Masons but also highlights where Freemasons were the victims of crime, and also the positive side of Masonic involvement in criminal proceedings – where members of the Craft within the police force, and the judiciary, were instrumental in bringing down notorious criminals: Chief Inspector Walter Drew who apprehended the poisoner Dr Crippen, Sir Bernard Spilsbury, the pathologist who solved the case of the ‘Bodies in Trunks’, and Leonard ‘Nipper’ Read – the top detective who brought the reign of the Kray twins to an end.
The bite-sized chapters begin with the subject’s: ‘Masonic Connection’, the ‘Date’, ‘Connection to London’, and ‘Lodges’. There are 59 chapters (including the ‘Conclusions’) and each one is concise, yet packed with information, alongside the evidence for and against each case.
So, what are the conclusions? Neville sums up in the final chapter, by stating ‘This book asks the question: Is there a link between Freemasonry and crime?’ The answer? Sorry, I’m not telling – you’ll have to buy the book!
But my conclusion is that Crime and the Craft is thoroughly well-researched and deftly written; a fascinating read for both Masons and non-Masons alike.
If you enjoy true crime, social history, and a dollop of scandal, this book will make a perfect addition to your library.
Review: Philippa Lee
About the author
Mike Neville is a Freemason and a retired Scotland Yard Detective Chief Inspector.
He is an expert on the history of the Craft and the history of crime, and, as a result, travels the world assisting police forces and giving lectures in lodges.
Mike is also world-renowned for his ability to catch criminals with CCTV using ‘Super Recogniser’ officers.
He is the author of Sacred Secrets-Freemasonry, The Bible & Christian Faith, and holds the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Army Cadet Force, as well as being the National Training Officer for Music.
Article by: Philippa Lee. Editor
Philippa Lee (writes as Philippa Faulks) is the author of eight books, an editor and researcher.
Philippa was initiated into the Honourable Fraternity of Ancient Freemasons (HFAF) in 2014.
Her specialism is ancient Egypt, Freemasonry, comparative religions and social history. She has several books in progress on the subject of ancient and modern Egypt. Â Selection of Books Online at Amazon
Crime and the Craft: Masonic Involvement in Murder, Treason and Scandal
By Mike Neville
Sacred Secrets: Freemasonry, the Bible and Christian Faith
By Mike Neville
Who were Tubalcain, Jabal and Jubal and what is their significance for the Freemason?
There is a general interest in the rituals of Freemasonry, generated in part by the apparently obscure references they contain.
This is the only book that offers a guide to the stories used in Masonic ritual and their links to the Bible and Christianity. The new Mason is directed to a ‘serious contemplation of the Volume of the Sacred Law’ — but that is easier said than done without a grounding in the Scriptures, something that fewer and fewer people have.
The historical and geographical setting of the Bible is explained here, making such contemplation easier for Mason and non-Mason alike.
Mike Neville has systematically cross-referenced the most influential Chapters of the Bible to the ceremonies.
It is his intention to get Freemasons to understand the ritual — not just to memorise and regurgitate — as well as to elucidate for the non-Mason.
Sacred Secrets will aid the clergy, theologians and any other person interested in Freemasonry to see the links between ritual and scripture.
Recent Articles: book reviews
Book Review - A Path to Providence: The Creation of the Middle Chamber Program
Masonic Education has regrettably been reduced to teaching protocol, traditions, and catechism while ignoring the esoteric essence of the ritual. By Shaun Bradshaw (Author), Ben Wallace (Author), Flynn Ryan (Cover Art)
more....
Book Review - A Glossary Of The Craft And Holy Royal Arch Ritual Terms
This handy little book describes the origins and original meanings of the sometimes obscure words used in our ritual by Brigadier A.C.F. Jackson
more....
Book Review - Making A Daily Advancement
In this work the author brings together a whole range of Masonic facts including the origins of our customs, our rituals and our practices, by Michael Lawrence
more....
Book Review - Nobly Born: An Illustrated History of the Knights Templar
The Templars were an unusual Order in that they lived both an active and contemplative life; making them effectively the first warrior-monks in the western world. by Stephen Dafoe
more....
Book Review - A Deserving Brother: George Washington and Freemasonry
Like several of America’s founding fathers, George Washington was a Freemason. In 'A Deserving Brother', Mark Tabbert presents a complete story of Washington’s known association with Freemasonry.
more....
Book Review - Taken by Surprise
Never again will a Freemason be caught out by a last-minute request to make a response. - Taken by Surprise by Yasha Beresiner
more....
book review - Whence Come You
The message of the book is essentially one of Freemasonry being unequivocally esoteric – spiritual – and that is something that many Masons may balk at but it is a topic that needs discussing rationally.
more....
Book Review - The Other Brotherhood: When Freemasonry Crossed the English Channel
An excellent book, being perfect for Freemasons and non-Freemasons alike who want to explore the origins of Freemasonry and to examine how it influenced French thought in the eighteenth century
more....
Book review - The Tracing Boards of the First Degree
The Tracing Board is a picture that encloses the quintessence of the ritual of the Degree and transmits it through symbols and images. By Enrico Marcia
more....
Book Review - Becoming a Craftsman -The Masonic Tutor's Handbooks: Volume 3
Becoming a Craftsman -The Masonic Tutor's Handbooks: Volume 3 - The relationship between a Fellowcraft and their Master is how the traditional wisdom of our Craft is passed on.
more....
Book Review - Freemasonry in London from 1785
This book is a well-researched study by a competent masonic scholar who has welded links from the changing scenes that arose in an era in which the most important step forward in organised Freemasonry was taken…
more....
Book Review - Meditations of a Flawed Ashlar
Many readers will probably be familiar with Bill Hosler – he is a much-respected and veteran American Freemason and a regular contributor to the Midnight Freemasons blog.
more....
Book Review - The Masonry of the «Moderns»: History and Rituality
The Masonic ritual world dates back to the 18th century, both from England and from France, which is still our most valuable reference.
more....
Book Review - Three Stages of Initiatic Spirituality - Angel Millar
Angel Millar is a well-known lecturer on Freemasonry, initiation, and esotericism as well as an artist and student of the martial arts. The author of several books.
more....
Book Review - The Rite of Seven Degrees
This book examines the deeply esoteric eighteenth-century Rite of Seven Degrees.
more....
Book Review - The Green Book of the Elus Coens
The Green Book of the Élus Coëns is the most fascinating insight yet into the secrets and mysteries of the eighteenth century’s most esoteric of masonic societies – The Order of Knight-Mason Elect-Cohens of the Universe.
more....
Book Review - Freemasonry for the Heart and Mind
Freemasonry for the Heart and Mind: A glance at Freemasonry during the Enlightenment and the American and French revolutions.
more....
Book Review - The Masonic Pageant
The Masonic Pageant is published by Cornerstone Book Publishers and features a nice foreword by Chris Hodapp, 33°.
more....
Book Review - Invisibles
It is reasonable to suggest that when published, Invisibles was the most comprehensive, comparative study, to date, of the Rosicrucian mega-meme.
more....
Book Review - Mnemonic Methods
Within this book 'Mnemonic Methods by Robert Fludd', translator Paul Ferguson introduces us to the English translation of two of Fludd's short treatises on memory
more....
Book Review - English Illuminati
This book gives us a deep look into the European occult revival of the late nineteenth century and some of its key figures…
more....
Book Review - Emulation: A Ritual to Remember
How does one begin to review a masonic classic which has faithfully served generations? Perhaps starting with the title Emulation: A Ritual to Remember.
more....
Book Review - The Rosslyn Hoax
Robert Cooper asks, would you like to know the truth about Rosslyn Chapel ?
more....
Book Review - Mastering Masonic Ritual
Mastering Masonic Ritual is focused on preparing for a successful and fulfilling journey around the floor to the Chair.
more....
Book Review - Companions of Christian Rosenkreutz
A review of Companions of Christian Rosenkreutz - Collected Papers 2008-2016
more....
Book Review - Freemasonry: Material Moral and Mystical
A review of Freemasonry: Material, Moral, and Mystical by Tony Baker
more....
Book Review - Three Distinct Knocks - John Meeks
"Why don't these new guys come back?" This is the question I often hear; and it is this same question that pushed me to write this book. - John Meek
more....
Book Review - Soldier and Mason
Soldier and Mason: The Life of Charles Warren Napier-Clavering
more....
Book Review - Bohemian Masonic Glass
A completely unique narrative publication mapping the phenomenon of glass production for the needs of Masonic lodges
more....
Book Review - This Chequered Existence
Gerald Reilly reviews this new book covering the near-modern history of Freemasonry in England and Wales during the 20th-century.
more....
Book Review - The EA, FC, MM Handbooks
Essential reading for every Entered Apprentice, Fellowcraft, and Master Mason - these seminal books by J.S.M Ward are what every Mason needs!
more....
Book Review - The Freemasons who won America's War for Independence
Find out who were the Freemasons who won America's War for Independence
more....
Book Review - Black Freemasonry: From Prince Hall to the Giants of Jazz
A book review of Black Freemasonry: From Prince Hall to the Giants of Jazz by Cécile RévaugerÂ
more....
Book Review - Cagliostro the Unknown Master
The book review of the Cagliostro the Unknown Master, by the Editor of the book
more....
Book Review - Crime and the Craft
Crime and the Craft reveals that the Freemasons have been involved in treason, murder, conspiracy, fraud, and scandal from the time of the English Civil War to the 1980s.
more....
Book Review - Focus on Ric Berman
Focus on Ric Berman a British historian who writes about the intersection of freemasonry, politics and society.
more....
Book Review - The Temple That Never Sleeps
Freemasons and E-Masonry Toward a New Paradigm
more....
Book Review - The Secret School of Wisdom
The Authentic Rituals and Doctrines of the Illuminati is a pioneering text
more....
Book Review - Charles Warren: Royal Engineer in the Age of Empire
Sir Charles Warren, the Police Commissioner who failed to catch 'Jack the Ripper'
more....
Book Review - Freemasonry and the Press in the Twentieth Century
During the latter part of the twentieth century, the Press and Freemasonry had a tense relationship.
more....
Book Review - Who was Hiram Abiff?
Every Freemason must have at some point asked himself the above question.
more....
The Masonic Book Club (MBC)
The new MBC will have a different business model than the old.
more....
Book Review - Jesse James and the Lost Templar Treasure
Lost Templar Treasure: Secret Diaries, Coded Maps, and the Knights of the Golden CircleÂ
more....
Book Review - The Enigma of the Royal Arch
Holy Royal Arch What's it all about
more....
Book Review - The Craft
Review of the new book The Craft by John Dickie, Professor of Italian Studies at University College London
more....
Book Review - For Hills and Valleys
For Hills and Valleys, Mobile Schools and Republicanism in the Zêzere Valley By Aires Henriques
more....
33 and Beyond: The Royal Art of Freemasonry
33 & Beyond: The Royal Art of Freemasonry, is perhaps the most fascinating and important documentary ever made on the on the subject matter of Freemasonry.
more....
Book Review - History of Freemasonry in Bessarabia
Book review by guest reviewer Gheorghe Bichicean on the History of Freemasonry in Bessarabia by Alexandru Rufanda
more....
Game Review - On The Square
A new board game based on The Freemasons
more....
dvd review
A MIGHTY GOOD MAN / THE TRUE STORY OF THE ROSICRUCIANS (double dvd)
A drama-documentary of the life of Elias Ashmole including a reconstruction of the first personally recorded Free Masonic Initiation into a Lodge anywhere in the world.
more....
Prestonian Lecture 2020/21
This year's Prestonian Lecture - ‘A System of Morality – Aristotle and the Making of the Ritual’ - is authored, and presented by Professor G.R. Boys-Stones PAGDC.
more....
The Lost Keys of Freemasonry
Introduction to The Lost Keys of Freemasonry by Manly P. Hall
more....
Book Review - History of the Grand Orient of Italy
In depth book review in to the History of the Grand Orient of Italy by the author
more....
Book Review – Freemasonry It's Hidden Meaning
Youtube Book review by Baruti KMT-Sisouvong
more....
masonic knowledge
to be a better citizen of the world
share the square with two brothers
click image to open email app on mobile device
