Official Review: Christmas Murder by Betty Schultz

[Ria710]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Christmas Murder" by Betty Schultz.]

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3 out of 4 stars

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Christmas Murder by Betty Schultz tells the story of a murder from the murderer’s point of view. James was 19 when he killed his little sister on Christmas Day. Luckily for him, he gets away with it. Instead, his little brother gets the blame. At the time, this case was known to be the ‘biggest unsolved murder in history’. Now, 20 years later, James accepts the fact that he did something wrong. In this book, he recounts the events that had happened leading up to the murder.

The cover of this book is beautiful. It captured my attention and made me want to read the book. After reading the opening line, I was immediately hooked in. I think the idea of this book is unique. Usually, we read from the point of view of the victim. However, in this book, we read from a murderer’s perspective. Even though this is a fictional story, it hurts to know that this happens to many children in real life. There are scenes of abuse and rape. I’m glad that the author didn’t make these scenes very detailed. If it was in any more detail, I would not have had the stomach to read the words.

This is a great book to use to raise awareness of child sexual abuse. Children shouldn’t be taken lightly. If a child says their body parts hurt, it’s vital to get it checked out. In the book, Jamie visits her school nurse because she has pain in certain areas. Despite this, her mother just passes it off as being normal. This should have immediately been a red flag.

The story itself is very short, and it doesn’t take long to read the whole book. The author did a great job writing the story. It’s fast-paced and gets straight to the point. There’s no waffling. I like that James realised that he did something wrong because not many people would admit that they made a mistake. James had a very tough childhood growing up. In a family full of women, he wanted to learn how to be a man. All he ever wanted was to spend more time with his dad. Instead, his dad decided to spend more time with his second family. This jealousy then led to James making a huge mistake.

The only thing I didn’t like about the book is that the story contains a lot of male stereotypes. For example, the idea that all males think about sex 24/7, and the idea that all men get turned on when kids wear revealing outfits for beauty pageants. Males in this story are portrayed as monsters. I feel like male readers might get uncomfortable reading this book because of the negative way it presents them.

In conclusion, I would rate this book 3 out of 4 stars because I enjoyed reading it thoroughly. However, because of the reason I mentioned above, I have to knock off one star. I only found two mistakes, so it is professionally edited. There are graphic sexual scenes, so I recommend this book to those over 18. This book might be triggering to some people, so read at your own risk.

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Christmas Murder
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

[NetMassimo]

The theme is tough and yes, the depiction of males seems really negative, even offensive, so I don't know if I could read this novel. Regardless, thank you for your great review!

[Rukitejevbo02]

Even though I don't appreciate the idea of stereotypes, I'm willing to read this because it's from the point of view of the murderer.

[Rukitejevbo02]

Nice review.

[SweetSeraphim]

Very nice review!!! I'm not sure I would have made it through the book. I do agree with your take on both child abuse and the negativity towards all men. I believe in balance in all things, so I believe there will be a percentage of males and females that are affected by revealing costumes, but that cannot categorize all. Thank you for your honest opinion!

[Shanaian]

Any kind child abuse is appalling and devastating, be it in thought or deed. I have always wondered what goes through the mind of an abuser and do they feel remorseful afterwards and how does the deed impact their everyday life. Its the only reason why I will give this book a try.

[Nikkisails01]

Strong opening, sensitive subject, intriguing and I look forward to reading the book albeit with a hint of trepidation as child sexual abuse is always shocking to face.

[Buk Nerd]

This book sounds like it contains some tough themes and controversial stereotyping. I appreciate the author’s intent to bring awareness to child sexual abuse. Thanks for sharing.

[Nikkisails01]

Strong opening, sensitive subject, intriguing and I look forward to reading the book albeit with a hint of trepidation as child sexual abuse is always shocking to face.

[Goral]

This is a little like Agatha Christie's The Murder of Roger Ackroyd. I had particularly loved that one, and I feel that I would enjoy Christmas murder too. Thanks for the review!

[Adedayo+23]

The cover art is both is both eye-catching and misleading, a sharp contrast to the book’s heavy themes. The premise sounds intriguing. Great review.

[Asma Aisha Ansari]

The story sounds intense and this book will be a difficult read for me. It's heartbreaking to know what happened to Jamie. And I agree that we must take children seriously when they confide in us.
Also, the author could have been more sensitive when it came to writing about males and their behaviour. In fact, any kind of stereotyping is most likely full of prejudice.

[Amrita B]

Wow !! What a great review . Never heard a story of a murder from murderer's perspectives . Honestly ! I m not much a fan of murder genres . But your review surely turn on my curiosity to read this book to know would have actually happened that made the murderer kill his own sister ! and why after a long time he is repenting for his sins he did 20 years back ? I think this would be an interesting story to read . Thanks for your review .

[Aan Granados]

This is unique because it's told from the point of view of the perpetrator. But the idea of child abuse is a turn-off for me. I don't know if I have the stomach for it. Thanks for your review.

[Etienneza]

Child abuse is rife and often the perpetrator is found to be a relative. Males get the brunt as a result of many more pinned on boyfriends,brothers and fathers.
The change of perspective from victim to assailant is brilliant! Thank you for an insightful review.