Review of Cold Serial: The Jack the Strangler Murders
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Jess V
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Review of Cold Serial: The Jack the Strangler Murders
[Following is a volunteer review of "Cold Serial: The Jack the Strangler Murders" by Brian E. Forschner.]
The tragic story follows the crimes committed against a number of girls of different ages and social statuses. It is fairly obvious that Brian E. Forschner thoroughly did his research. Rather than simply providing the facts, he gives his readers a peek at the emotional roller coaster that takes place after the passing of a loved one. Personally the murder of Ada struck me particularly hard, the horror of such a gruesome crime committed against such a young, innocent girl was deeply disturbing and heart wrenching.
What I liked about the book was the humanity with which it was written. It accurately captures the emotions and thoughts that overwhelm a person after a tragedy. The time in which the story takes place was difficult for women, not just because of the murders but also the complete lack of rights, respect and mercy they were given. Even today phrases like, "She was asking for it", "She was leading him on", "She tempted his lust", are thrown around as if women and young girls are asking to be violated. In the book that part of history is also properly portrayed, especially with the death of Dona Gilman, who's character and memory was first poked and prodded at by the different reporters and people of the public.
I really had to dig deep for something that I did not like and all that really came to mind was the chapter lengths, I feel each murder could have been spread over multiple chapters which would have made the book easier to digest. But other than that it really was truly an exceptional read, highly stimulating, binding and thought provocative.
I rate this book a 4 out of 4 stars, it was exceptionally written, edited and researched. The ways the facts and true history was portrayed coaxed emotions that aren't always afforded when reading a simply factual crime report. It deserves nothing less than a 4 star rating and although it was horribly tragic and emotional it was a fantastic read.
I would however not recommend this book to people who are easily upset, triggered by subjects such as violence or sexual assault. The third murder is slightly different than the other 4, it was described in a lot more detail than the rest. Where the other 4 murders were only mentioned after the crime had taken place, the murder and sexual assault of Anna is considerably more graphic.
It is by no means a light read, it's the kind of book you have to pour all your attention into. There are many facts and information that you need to process in order to truly understand the story.
Cold Serial: The Jack the Strangler Murders was truly an enjoyable read. Even though the story was dark and the events were gruesome, the author managed to appropriately convey the details without being insensitive to the memory of the victims.
******
Cold Serial: The Jack the Strangler Murders
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
The tragic story follows the crimes committed against a number of girls of different ages and social statuses. It is fairly obvious that Brian E. Forschner thoroughly did his research. Rather than simply providing the facts, he gives his readers a peek at the emotional roller coaster that takes place after the passing of a loved one. Personally the murder of Ada struck me particularly hard, the horror of such a gruesome crime committed against such a young, innocent girl was deeply disturbing and heart wrenching.
What I liked about the book was the humanity with which it was written. It accurately captures the emotions and thoughts that overwhelm a person after a tragedy. The time in which the story takes place was difficult for women, not just because of the murders but also the complete lack of rights, respect and mercy they were given. Even today phrases like, "She was asking for it", "She was leading him on", "She tempted his lust", are thrown around as if women and young girls are asking to be violated. In the book that part of history is also properly portrayed, especially with the death of Dona Gilman, who's character and memory was first poked and prodded at by the different reporters and people of the public.
I really had to dig deep for something that I did not like and all that really came to mind was the chapter lengths, I feel each murder could have been spread over multiple chapters which would have made the book easier to digest. But other than that it really was truly an exceptional read, highly stimulating, binding and thought provocative.
I rate this book a 4 out of 4 stars, it was exceptionally written, edited and researched. The ways the facts and true history was portrayed coaxed emotions that aren't always afforded when reading a simply factual crime report. It deserves nothing less than a 4 star rating and although it was horribly tragic and emotional it was a fantastic read.
I would however not recommend this book to people who are easily upset, triggered by subjects such as violence or sexual assault. The third murder is slightly different than the other 4, it was described in a lot more detail than the rest. Where the other 4 murders were only mentioned after the crime had taken place, the murder and sexual assault of Anna is considerably more graphic.
It is by no means a light read, it's the kind of book you have to pour all your attention into. There are many facts and information that you need to process in order to truly understand the story.
Cold Serial: The Jack the Strangler Murders was truly an enjoyable read. Even though the story was dark and the events were gruesome, the author managed to appropriately convey the details without being insensitive to the memory of the victims.
******
Cold Serial: The Jack the Strangler Murders
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Latest Review: Phobia Relief by Kalliope Barlis
