Murder, intentionally taking a human life, is one of the gravest crimes it is possible to commit. What brings someone to kill? What goes through their mind? In most cases, the perpetrator of the crime is male. Forensic medical scientist and toxicologist Dr William J. Allender has lent his expertise to solving some of Australia's most publicised crimes over more than three decades. Following on from his popular Expert Witness books, he is back with a selection of 20 case stories where the perpetrators are female. Generally, the victim is a spouse or lover, and often mental illness or drug addiction plays a role. In some particularly tragic cases the victim is the woman's innocent child. "Dark Dames, Dastardly Deeds" includes cases in which the author was personally involved as well as a selection of earlier stories from both Australia and overseas.