Review of Phantom Rapist

[Sam Ibeh]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Phantom Rapist" by Timothy C. Richards.]

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3 out of 4 stars

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The Phantom Rapist by Timothy C. Richards started with a background about the abolition of slavery following the 'Emancipation Proclamation' by President Lincoln in 1863. The book recounted the true-life crimes of Patrolman Milton Brookins. Milton was born in Mississippi and raised around the slums of Meek Creek Valley. Like most black people, he harbored the common hate for the 'white devil.' However, Milton believed that he was better than the poor black people and superior to the white people. His favorite activity was observing and watching white people. When the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department hired Milton, it was the perfect cover he needed to indulge his obsession with white women safely. The story in the book revealed Milton's journey toward attaining the title of the phantom rapist.

One of the first things that became glaring in this book was the apparent issue of racial discrimination that permeated every level of society, from the government to the people and even the law enforcement. Another striking issue highlighted was the societal distrust that followed women who were victims of sexual assault. I saw this in the conversation between Detectives George Hotsenpiller and Bobby Mathews. They assumed that a receptionist who was raped may not have been a victim only because they suspected that she slept with black men. This was not only an indication of racism but also of discrimination based on gender and sexual choices. The author held nothing back in his descriptions of the crimes committed and the systemic failure within law enforcement and society. The book was graphic, and many readers may find its details disturbing and disheartening.

The book's descriptions of witch-hunting and gross injustice would question the efficacy of the constitutional rights of 'innocent until proven guilty.' This question would be further heightened because this book was practically an insider revelation. After all, the author was an officer himself. The height of abuse of constitutional rights showed in the jailing of twenty-year-old Isom Combs Jr. for a crime he did not commit and the inhumanity of the jail guards.

The central emotion that may sit with readers would be a curiosity about the possible reasons for the actions of this criminal. There may also be some excitement quite akin to reading a mystery book. However, neither the curiosity nor the excitement would last. It would be dawned on the reader that this book was not a figment of the author's imagination nor merely a product of his creativity; the story was real, the system decay highlighted was true, and the phantom rapist truly existed. Yet, one may wonder whether the phantom rapist was a product of a racist society. However, neither this nor the possibility that the rapist may have been a severely mentally ill man should excuse his actions.

The author introduced dialogue into his narration, which provided occasional breaks from the essay-like storytelling and made it an even more interesting read. Richards gave background to the characters and the story itself to help readers understand the logical development of the main character in this book into what he later became. The book was a reality check and a personal call to action to change society and be mindful of oneself. As the author pointed out, "the cops won't save you." The book was a well-written account of Milton's story. I'd recommend it to lovers of mysteries. If you'd also love to understudy the mindset and psychology of a rapist, this book would make a good resource. Unfortunately, due to the poor editing, I’d rate The Phantom Rapist three out of four stars.

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Phantom Rapist
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[Tendy567]

How do you get obsessed with women of the race you despise and feel superior to? This book sounds interesting. I would like to see where the story goes. Thanks for the informative review.

[Tim Toby]

Nice review but there should be more to this
This phantom rapist must have reasons for his actions

[Aisha Yakub]

Your review has piqued my interest. I'd like to read this book.

[Horlarmidey Harkinolah]

Your review makes me want to read this book more than ever. The book title gave a vague description of what the story will be like and the review gave a more interesting side to it.
Thanks for the review.