A City Possessed: The Christchurch Civic Creche Case

"Researching and writing this book often felt like the literary equivalent of a solo crossing of Antarctica." Lynley Hood

A City Possessed is a strong, compelling and shocking story about one of New Zealand's most high-profile criminal cases - a story of child abuse allegations, gender politics and the law. In detailing the events and debates leading up to and surrounding the Christchurch Civic Creche case, Lynley Hood shows how such a case could happen, and why. Her penetrating analysis of the social and legal processes by which the conviction of Peter Ellis was obtained, and has been repeatedly upheld, has far-reaching implications - not only for our justice system, but for the way in which we see ourselves.

Ms Hood is clearly interested in the truth, and in careful research, rather than holding a view and sticking with it through thick and thin. This is an important book - clearly written, well-researched, assiduously referenced, and a compelling read. Dr Alison Jones, Director of the Institute for Research on Gender, University of Auckland

Hood says that when it comes to the Ellis case, and the manner in which those accused of sexual abuse of children are dealt with generally, grave injustices are and have been perpetrated. Much in this case went haywire. The result is a book that will elicit strong responses; outrage and bewilderment among them. Brian Turner, poet and publishing consultant

This book is a work of scholarship of the highest academic standard. The interpretation is a very important one, and one that is clearly supported by the evidence. Professor Mark Henaghan, Dean of Law, University of Otago.