Review of Cold Serial: The Jack the Strangler Murders

[Kayla+Nelson]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Cold Serial: The Jack the Strangler Murders" by Brian E. Forschner.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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Cold Serial:The Jack the Strangler Murders was an intriguing book. Brian E. Forschner told the story of murder victims Ada Lantz, Dona Gilman, Anna Markowitz, Mary Forschner, Elizabeth Fullhart, and Bessie Stickford. Their lives were taken in a heinous manner at very young ages; leaving their families devastated. The attention to the details of these murders was phenomenal. I believe that Forschner conveyed the story of each girl well.

My favorite part of this book was the approach that Forschner took when introducing each of the girls. Each of them was presented individually and given a little bit of a backstory. Forschner chose to present them as more than just victims of a brutal murderer. I enjoyed this perspective, and felt it was well executed. I found this aspect of the book the most interesting.

My least favorite aspect of the book was the length of the chapters. The amount of information in a chapter is crucial to the reader. I find that too much information in a chapter is confusing. Shorter chapters help organize the events of the book; so that the reader can better understand the author's message. Ultimately this can enhance the reader's experience.

When reading this book I was immersed in every case as if I were at the crime scene myself. It really took me back to a very different time. It's amazing to think of how far the justice system has come since then. As the reader getting to read about the crime scenes, the interrogations, and the trials was extraordinary. I enjoyed this book.

In conclusion this book is not for all readers. I believe it should only be read by mature individuals. The book contains references to violence, drugs, sexual assault, and racial disparity. I recommend this book to crime lovers. I don't recommend that someone sensitive to graphic details read this book. I highly recommend this book, and felt it was very well written. It was brilliantly composed, and the structure was exceptional. I give it 4 out of 4 stars.

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Cold Serial: The Jack the Strangler Murders
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