Review of TRACKRS: On the Cold Trail of a Serial Killer

[Emmanuella C Arumeze]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "TRACKRS: On the Cold Trail of a Serial Killer" by Michael A. Jacobs.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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A realistic account of real-life events can be a challenging undertaking, especially if said events are of a gruesome and criminal nature. Fortunately, in TRACKRS: On the Cold Trail of a Serial Killer, the experienced hands of Michael A. Jacobs shine through. With methodical and detailed writing, Jacobs does an admirable job of presenting the cold facts of these homicide cases in a manner not devoid of sympathy yet not marred with sentiments.

The result is a book that captures the author's recollections of real-life events, people, and places in a fashion that compels the reader(s) to confront ugly realities and forces them to consider the menace of serial murder while also evoking empathy towards the loved ones of these murdered victims.

The narrative revolves around Michael A. Jacobs, who works as a senior trial deputy district attorney in the Orange County District Attorney's Office. It traces his gradual interest and increasing involvement in resolving two unsolved homicide cases brought along by Mel Jenson (a colleague) on his transfer to the felony department from the homicide department. This involvement sparks a series of events that culminate in the discovery and eventual prosecution of a serial killer.

On a personal note, I must confess that the book is well-edited and properly referenced. Each chapter is followed by explanatory notes concerning issues/subjects that may have been ambiguous, thereby making it easier for a reader to understand the circumstances surrounding the events at the time they transpired.

In addition, there are exact dates, names, and locations clearly indicated throughout the book, and they lend credence to the integrity of the story while becoming a useful aid to any individual seeking to inquire further into the cases. Finally, I appreciated the author's overall style and diction, especially in not glossing over the disturbing accounts of the murders (and autopsy results) but at the same time conveying delicacy in the writing of such accounts, a difficult feat indeed.

However, there are also aspects of the book that I did not like. Firstly, the chapters of the book were uneven, and although they did not lessen the book's narrative impact, the book did not feel balanced. For instance, Chapters 10 and 11 were short, while Chapters 9, 17, and 18 were unusually long.

Also, the epilogue was burdened with unnecessary detail, the short summary of the lives of major persons in the story following the aftermath of the case was a fitting addition, but the accounts of the resolved cases should have been limited to five (or six) at most. The number of cases noted is extraneous, and they do not really serve any practical purpose. If so desired, a comprehensive list might have been attached as an addendum. This would have been a better-fitting choice.

In conclusion, the book is a first-rate read. I rate it 4 out of 4. While the book could have been better without the negative aspects, it is an intriguing read. It is recommended to fans of true crime.

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TRACKRS: On the Cold Trail of a Serial Killer
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[Sarah tianna]

This book is an amazing book., and I love it. Though this is not my mind of book, but this book is interesting and intriguing. I look forward to reading this book.

[Dirk Jacobs]

I liked your review, finding out how serial killers can destroy the lives of their victims' loved ones is just tragic. The district attorney seems like no walk over and I would like to read this book to see how he goes about dealing with the guilty charge.

[Sarah tianna]

This book is suspenseful and well-detailed. In actual fact, I love the book cover and the storyline is intriguing and captivating. I look forward to reading this book. Great review.

[Amy Luman]

Whenever I read books like this, I realize how truly inept I am. This is my favorite genre and I love this kind of television show, too. I like to think I can solve murders like this, but I inevitably miss something crucial.

[FunkyFlowerLady]

You've perfectly captured the essence of the book in your review, wonderful!

[Roy Nick]

I enjoyed the review. Seems the book is detailed read containing additional but useful notes.

[NetMassimo]

A thorough chronicle of gruesome crimes that can be brutal in its details but also shows sympathy for the victims. Thank you for your great review!

[Francis Kapola]

The book does not seem clear from the negative aspects of the book. The unnecessary details in the epilogue are an overload of information that make this book boring despite the interesting storyline. Thanks for sharing an honest informative review.

[Francis Kapola]

This book is an amazing book., and I love it. Though this is not my mind of book, but this book is interesting and intriguing. I look forward to reading this book.

I'm motivated to hear that you find the book interesting and intriguing, even if it's not typically the kind of book you would read. Sometimes stepping out of our comfort zones can lead to pleasant surprises and new discoveries. I hope that as you delve into the book, you thoroughly enjoy the experience and find it to be a captivating read. Happy reading!

[Francis Kapola]

I liked your review, finding out how serial killers can destroy the lives of their victims' loved ones is just tragic. The district attorney seems like no walk over and I would like to read this book to see how he goes about dealing with the guilty charge.

It's true that exploring the impact of serial killers on the lives of their victims' loved ones can be a deeply tragic and compelling subject.

[Francis Kapola]

Whenever I read books like this, I realize how truly inept I am. This is my favorite genre and I love this kind of television show, too. I like to think I can solve murders like this, but I inevitably miss something crucial.

Crime and mystery stories can be incredibly engaging and challenge our problem-solving abilities. Seems to me that you are part of an intelligence team in crime investigation. If so, good work pal.

[Francis Kapola]

A thorough chronicle of gruesome crimes that can be brutal in its details but also shows sympathy for the victims. Thank you for your great review!

It sounds like this particular book accomplished to strike a balance between providing the necessary details to understand the crimes and showing empathy towards the victims and their families.

[Kristin Cowan]

Love when authors add notes that help the reader