Review by Kegs90 -- Cold Serial: The Jack the Strangler ...
-
Kegs90
- Posts: 2
- Joined: 10 Feb 2019, 17:14
- Currently Reading:
- Bookshelf Size: 0
- Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-kegs90.html
- Latest Review: Cold Serial: The Jack the Strangler Murders by Brian E. Forschner
Review by Kegs90 -- Cold Serial: The Jack the Strangler ...
[Following is a volunteer review of "Cold Serial: The Jack the Strangler Murders" by Brian E. Forschner.]
4 out of 4 stars
Share This Review
I just finished reading Cold Serial: The Jack the Strangler Murders by Brian Forschner, and let me say, I could barely put it down. It tells the story of a series of murder/rapes of young women in the community, and the subsequent hunt for the offender.
When I first started reading this book, I thought it was to be a factual case study of sorts. I expected an in depth look at a terrible time in Dayton, Ohio's history. What I wasn't expecting was a vivid, heartbreaking tale of young, vivacious women, whose brutal murders tore a community apart.
The author treats each victim with such reverence. Each vignette of their lives is written so delicately, you can't help but mourn their deaths along with all their loved ones. You can't help but feel the fear of the parents each time their daughters walk out the door. So often, a true crime story centers around the offender. People want to know why a person would do such terrible things. The victims can sometimes be relegated to a number. Not here. We learn about their families, their friends. We learn about their jobs and aspirations. It's definitely a more unique look.
I would rate this book a 4 out of 4 stars. The book reads exceptionally easy. The facts are laid out in a very linear fashion. It was very well thought out and well edited. I think my favorite part is the way the author really develops the characters. All the victims and the detectives feel so alive and tangible. They feel like friends to us, and so we mourn the girls deaths and feel frustrated with the ineptitude of some of the detectives. If I had to think of an aspect that I considered my least favorite, I would choose the rather abrupt ending. I would have liked to read about the evolution of the community after the conviction of the murderer, especially in regards to changes in the police force or infrastructure.
All in all, this was a wonderful read. If you are the type of person who likes to delve into the psyche of the criminal, this book may not be for you. The author takes a very austere view in regards to the offender: this is who he is, this is what he did, this is what happened. But if the wide reaching effects of tragedy on a community and its residents interest you, this is a great portrait. Be prepared to experience several emotions; grief, anger, disillusionment. This book is definitely worth a read for any true crime fan, and probably some urban history fans. Check it out, I don't think you'll be disappointed.
******
Cold Serial: The Jack the Strangler Murders
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Like Kegs90's review? Post a comment saying so!
4 out of 4 stars
Share This Review
I just finished reading Cold Serial: The Jack the Strangler Murders by Brian Forschner, and let me say, I could barely put it down. It tells the story of a series of murder/rapes of young women in the community, and the subsequent hunt for the offender.
When I first started reading this book, I thought it was to be a factual case study of sorts. I expected an in depth look at a terrible time in Dayton, Ohio's history. What I wasn't expecting was a vivid, heartbreaking tale of young, vivacious women, whose brutal murders tore a community apart.
The author treats each victim with such reverence. Each vignette of their lives is written so delicately, you can't help but mourn their deaths along with all their loved ones. You can't help but feel the fear of the parents each time their daughters walk out the door. So often, a true crime story centers around the offender. People want to know why a person would do such terrible things. The victims can sometimes be relegated to a number. Not here. We learn about their families, their friends. We learn about their jobs and aspirations. It's definitely a more unique look.
I would rate this book a 4 out of 4 stars. The book reads exceptionally easy. The facts are laid out in a very linear fashion. It was very well thought out and well edited. I think my favorite part is the way the author really develops the characters. All the victims and the detectives feel so alive and tangible. They feel like friends to us, and so we mourn the girls deaths and feel frustrated with the ineptitude of some of the detectives. If I had to think of an aspect that I considered my least favorite, I would choose the rather abrupt ending. I would have liked to read about the evolution of the community after the conviction of the murderer, especially in regards to changes in the police force or infrastructure.
All in all, this was a wonderful read. If you are the type of person who likes to delve into the psyche of the criminal, this book may not be for you. The author takes a very austere view in regards to the offender: this is who he is, this is what he did, this is what happened. But if the wide reaching effects of tragedy on a community and its residents interest you, this is a great portrait. Be prepared to experience several emotions; grief, anger, disillusionment. This book is definitely worth a read for any true crime fan, and probably some urban history fans. Check it out, I don't think you'll be disappointed.
******
Cold Serial: The Jack the Strangler Murders
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Like Kegs90's review? Post a comment saying so!
