Here are Essex Girls in amostunexpected light. Murderers, mayhem-makers, swindlers, witches, smugglers, and lustful adulteresses have all played a part in the darker side of Essex's history. From the 13th century onwards, Essex has produced more than its fair share of infamous women. Some got their comeuppance, some profited from their infamy, and others were misguided, or with the benefit of hindsight, misjudged. he reader will find a plethora of women to hate, ridicule, or secretly admire in Dee Gordon's new book. Some of the characters featured here might horrify or mystify, others will provoke empathy or disbelief, but all the tales are authenticated by hours of research. Read, learn, squirmand smile "