Review of Hate Crime

[Creole]

So many eventful and bizarre things happened around the time of the pandemic. Someone is always out to capitalise on human suffering. In "Hate Crime" by Richard B. Standridge, these themes of racism, prejudice and hatred are portrayed reflectively. I would love to discover whether the culprits were caught. I hope the author will act on your recommendations.

[Rose Angela]

A tense, fast-paced thriller set in San Diego, Hate Crime follows Detective Steve Ryan and CSI Shui Chen as they investigate a string of racially motivated murders. Marked by the Chinese character for “hate,” each crime is chilling and symbolic. Standridge blends suspense with timely social themes, making this a gripping and thought-provoking read.

[Muhammad Afif Kamaludin]

***Hate Crime*** by Richard B. Standridge is a gripping, fast-paced crime thriller that follows Detective Steven Ryan and CSI Shui Chen as they chase a violent predator targeting Chinese biotech workers in San Diego. The attacks are brutal, and each scene is marked with a chilling symbol: the Chinese character for "hate."

The story blends tense investigation with personal struggles—Ryan is dealing with feelings for his ex while growing closer to Chen, who brings sharp instincts and emotional depth to the case.

While the plot leans on familiar crime thriller beats, the cultural angle and solid character dynamics make it feel fresh. It's a quick, engaging read for anyone who enjoys a mix of suspense, forensics, and human drama.

[Jessica Woods 3]

Your review is insightful and descriptive. I love that you give a short yet thorough summary. This seems like a good book to read. I am sure I will enjoy it as it is very relatable.

[Arif Chaudhary 1]

This review offers a deep and sensitive take on a powerful book. The way it highlights how the story reflects real-world issues like racism during the pandemic is truly eye-opening. I appreciate how the reviewer connected the fictional plot to meaningful reflections. Definitely makes me curious to read Hate Crime. Thanks for the insight!

[Chinazo Anozie]

I enjoy thrillers, so I'm sure Hate Crime by Richard B Standridge will be a great fit for me. I wonder who's behind all the attacks. Hopefully, Detective Ryan will be able to find the culprit.

[Leonie Vermaak]

I love crime related novels, I'm always excited to try and figure out 'who done it'. The fact that the author brought in racial aspects and how this affects people, I find commendable as its a very sensitive subject, but a subject that needs to be covered more. Thanks for a great review. Congrats on BOTD.

[Tars]

Unfortunately, it is human nature to display in times of great stress both their best and worst qualities. It was admirable to see the dedication of doctors and others to help people risking their own health, but so many turned against helpers in fear of contamination. So I am not all that surprised by the crime described; in fact, it sounds very real that someone was attacking Chinese women and I'd like to see him caught.

[Mariah Jackson 6]

A relatable and timely novel focused around justice and racism-super in depth yet moves so fast. I loved its fit in crime novella. Super thrilling.

[Idah_Kenei]

I love crime and detective thriller stories. The fact that this book covers racially motivated cases is more impressive as racial profiling is still a challenge in today's society.

[Shan Mohammad]

Hate Crime by Richard B. Standridge is a gripping and thought-provoking crime thriller that delves into the dark realities of prejudice, justice, and redemption. With a sharp narrative and emotionally complex characters, the novel explores how deep-rooted hatred can fracture lives—and how courage and truth can bring them back together.

The story centers around Detective Sam Parker, a seasoned investigator who finds himself entangled in a brutal case that appears to be a racially motivated hate crime. As the investigation unfolds, the lines between good and evil blur, revealing the hidden biases and fears that influence even the most well-intentioned people. Standridge does an excellent job of portraying not just the procedural aspects of police work but also the emotional toll it takes on those involved.

What sets this novel apart is its raw honesty. The author doesn’t shy away from portraying the discomfort and tension that often accompany discussions about race and hate. The dialogue is authentic, and the moral dilemmas are real and relatable. The pacing is tight, with each chapter adding layers to the mystery, leading to a climax that is both shocking and satisfying.

Standridge’s writing style is straightforward yet powerful. His characters, especially Sam Parker, are well-developed, flawed, and human. The supporting cast adds richness to the story, especially victims and their families, whose grief and resilience add emotional weight to the narrative.

One of the most powerful aspects of Hate Crime is how it challenges the reader to reflect on their own beliefs and assumptions. It’s not just a story about solving a crime; it’s about confronting uncomfortable truths and striving for justice in a world where it often feels out of reach.

Rating: 4.5/5

Verdict: Hate Crime is a compelling read that combines the intensity of a crime thriller with the social relevance of a modern drama. It’s a must-read for fans of detective fiction who want more than just a mystery—they want meaning.

[Christine Odindi]

So many things that are really helpful and that the author has highlighted, he has given a historic account of how the covid pandemic started and detailed it. The author recognizes how people struggle mentally in their line of duty by highlighting how Steve struggled mentally when he worked in Afghanistan and how it took a toll on him. He has gone also to show the effect of the Corona virus pandemic that wasn't so much highlighted in regards to Yee's story. Otherwise it is a perfect and a thriller read.

[Seetha E]

I was unaware of hate crimes against Chinese people living in other parts of the world. This is an intriguing plot point. I appreciate that the author considers this important enough to include the theme as the premise for this narrative. Thank you for a detailed review.

[Atieno Magero]

Hate Crime is a captivating crime thriller that is based on the attacks Chinese people experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic. I like that the story is based on true occurrences and that it creates awareness on the hate crimes. The book is well researched and has a captivating storyline.

[Leen282]

It is always a bit weird to see such recent history, that impacted the entire world, as background setting for a novel. It is hard to imagine but unfortunately very real that racism can pop up any time. I like reading crime novels, and this one appeals to me since it shows how stupid people can react when they are scared. Too bad about the errors but a next round of editing can solve that issue.