Review of Hate Crime

[Gabriela Contreras Gonzalez]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Hate Crime" by Richard B Standridge.]

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4 out of 5 stars

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Hate Crime: A Contemporary Thriller About the Evil of Racially Motivated Hate Crime in the Midst of a Global Pandemic by Richard B. Standridge is a crime novel that is based on some of the attacks that Chinese people suffered during the COVID-19 pandemic. Although this book is fictional, it raises important questions and reflections that will make readers analyze how they react to certain events narrated in the book.

When Detective Sergeant Steven Ryan was assigned a case where a Chinese woman had been assaulted, he never imagined what was happening. Nor could he imagine the impact this case would have on his life. After more Chinese women were attacked, Ryan knew those were no isolated cases, and the real problem began. Who was the attacker? How could he catch them? And more importantly, why was he committing hate crimes? Read Hate Crime to discover the answer to those questions.

I love the criminal aspect of the book; it seemed realistic. I am certain the author did exhaustive research when writing the book. Steven Ryan is a likeable character; he is well developed, and his character growth was admirable. He is more than just a detective. I also loved that I could not predict who the attacker was and was constantly surprised by the book. The book has several chapters, but they are short, which I found to be perfect, as the author gives vivid descriptions of what matters and adds to the plot.
The book touches on topics like racism, prejudice, and hatred; it never forces the reader to accept the views the author has and shares in the book, but instead it demonstrates the pain they cause. I believe this is something extremely relevant in today’s day and age, where people are still suffering racial profiling and racism and are being targeted because of their looks or origins.

The only negative thing I have to say about the book is that I believe it needs more editing. I loved this world; I would love to give it a perfect rating, but some of the editing problems made me deduct a star. Because of this, I rate Hate Crime 4 out of 5 stars.

I recommend this book to those into crime novels, drama, or just contemporary books. The book is suitable for young adults and adults, as it has some sexual content and profanity. There are also descriptions of violent acts.

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Hate Crime
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[Kutloano Makhuvhela]

I wish the author and the publisher could polish the editing to make the book to be best. Based on your review, this is a good read. I remember the hashtag trending on Twitter amidst the COVID-19 outbreak of Asian Hate. But now, it has been quiet like it never happened. I am glad the author picked up on this to make this good book based off it. Good review. Keep up the good work.

[Kibet Hillary]

I am glad that the author demonstrates the effects of racial prejudice and hate, which enables one to actually feel the harm they cause to individuals. However, I am not sure about the catchy nature of the book title. The good thing is that, as per the review, it is hard to foretell who the attacker is. Thank you, @Gabriela Contreras Gonzalez, for the review.

[Oriakhogba joel]

am not sure about the catchy nature of the book title. The good thing is that, as per the review, it is hard to foretell who the attacker is. Nice one though Thank you

[Rakib Hossen Rocky]

Thanks for the detailed review! I love thrillers too, and this book seems really interesting. I’ll definitely check it out!

[Stephen Christopher 1]

I kept reading horror stories of other Asian people, not even from China, being beaten on the street in the US, all because of the scaremongering about Covid's origins. I'm adding this book to my list as I really want to know more.

[Onyemuwa-dave]

You've perfectly highlighted its crucial message about "racially motivated hate crime" and how it makes readers analyze their reactions. It's great to hear the criminal aspect felt realistic and that Steven Ryan was a likable, well-developed character. Despite minor editing points, it sounds like a vital and compelling read for today's world. Thanks for sharing.

[Gerry Steen]

This crime novel's focus on hate crime is interesting. I gather from your review that this novel could spark feelings of empathy in the reader. I hope this is one of the benefits from reading this story. Thank you for the thorough review.

[me_and_momreads]

Based on your review this book is something I've been searching for a while.
The thriller and suspense elements caught my eyes, and I'll definitely check this book out.

[Relay Jensen]

As I went through the reviews i find the book is really attractive as it hold how people have gone through the situations and its really gonna be interesting as i hold a story to tell in every page i will be turning ...

[NetMassimo]

This novel draws inspiration from real events that followed the beginning of the pandemic. Chinese people became the target of hate crimes, an excuse to justify acts that have purely racist causes. Historically, racists exploit any excuse to act on their hatred, and in this case, the Chinese were the target. Thank you for your great review!

[Lauren Stjohn]

The review illuminates various aspects of the book theme surrounding activities spiked from Covid- 19. The book is a bit too criminal for my interest. One would suppose the subject matter has been smashed by many authors and none with solutions. The review points out all the aspects of prejudice, suspicion and opinions via the author. A detailed review his delivered. .

[Amarachi Stephanie Ejike]

A crime novel that raises vital questions on why and how people react to certain events, and especially to certain extremes. Richard B Standridge's "Hate Crime" is based on some of the attacks that Chinese people suffered during the COVID-19 pandemic. I love that the novel is timely and calls for introspection on the pains of racism, racial prejudice and hate.

[Chi Chiu Michael Mak]

The book doesn't shy away from the grim reality that many people want a scapegoat for their suffering, and skin colour just happens to be the perfect target. How will Steven locate the attacker? I want to know more!

[Macel A]

Fantastic review. It is indeed true that racism has become a problem in this century I'm also intrigued by the attackers character why was he just after Chinese women what was the motive.