Martha Needle

The extraordinary Martha Needle was not only the most treacherous 
poisoner in Australian history - she clearly stands out as one of the 
nation's worst murderesses of all time. And from an international 
perspective she still ranks among the world’s most prolific female 
killers.In her day Martha was as big as Ned Kelly - and she even shared
 the same pugnacious lawyer. Throughout late 1894 her epic tale kept 
the Australian community transfixed and was dramatically reported around
 the globe as ‘the story of the century’. Even in more modern times the
 story of Martha Needle continues to be widely chronicled as one of the 
most mind-boggling poisoning cases in the annals of crime and she 
remains a polarising figure in Australian history.Luridly dubbed the 
‘Black Widow’ by the world’s press this manipulating young woman 
deviously used arsenic to exterminate all those around her who stood in 
the way of her personal ambitions – which ultimately even included her 
own children.<p><br></p><p></p>

<p>The Martha Needle story had it all: family conflict betrayal 
gruesomeness a media frenzy shattered societal expectations dodgy 
lawyers guileless doctors questionable police a mysterious and 
attractive accusedromance and even a hint of sexual scandal.Although 
she was officially only convicted of one murder Martha paid the 
ultimate price for her deeds. After a landmark investigation and trial 
she was hanged at the gallows– even though many members of society were 
outraged by the state-endorsed execution of a woman.But amid such an 
emotional outcry a multitude of scandalous secrets also fell through 
the well-oiled trap door with the tight-lipped poisoner on that grim 
fateful morning. It was readily accepted at the time of her early demise
 that she had left other victims in her wake.Whilst awaiting her murder 
trial in this grisly case Martha sat passively by whilst four bodies – 
all ultimately found to contain arsenic - were exhumed from their 
respective graves.</p><p><br></p>

<p>Compelling new evidence is now fully examined for the very first 
time firmly placing Martha Needle in the frame for a string of at least
 five further murders and two attempted killings. It is now time to 
answer these haunting mysteries and for the astonishing story of 
Australia’s legendary Femme Fatale to finally be told.</p><p></p>