Reviews with content warning for Kidnapping - Bright Young Women

Wow….jessica Knoll. I love women writing about women… we have a different way to understand one another and I think it’s beautiful.

A true crime book that gives no attention to the killer other than to make people understand how dumb and disgusting he truly was.

I was hesitant at first when I read that it was inspired by true events. But the way jessica put the entire focus on these women understanding who they were before and after the tragedy is something so fascinating I can’t begin explaining. I love the way it denounces society’s role in the families of the victims pain and how so many people were complicit in hurting these women. I had the pleasure of reading this book while listening to the audiobook…Do yourself a favor and do the same!!! The voice actors performed so well and helped me through this journey. Loved this book!!

Content Warnings

summerofsoaps's review against another edition

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dark emotional mysterious sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

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crystalclearfairytales's review against another edition

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medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? N/A

5.0

✩✩✩✩.75

"Sometimes I think The Defendant is just another old wives' tale. That law enforcement backed up his self-purported claims of brilliance to cover up their own incompetence -- in interviews they have the media, in testimonies they made before the judge -- and it all cemented from there, hardening into a generational truth passed down from mother to daughter. Consider this my own warning: The man was no diabolical genius. He was your run-of-the-mill incel whom I caught picking his nose in the courtroom. More than once."

This book did such a good job at demonstrating how the media and law enforcement have painted well-known serial killers as charismatic geniuses to cover up their own negligence. The way the author completely stripped away serial killer's identity by labelling him as 'The Defendant' perfectly conveyed how small he was. The author did not hold back in describing the misogyny, carelessness, and deceit that was heavily involved in this case which really goes to show how serial killers have had the spotlight for so long. It was satisfying that a book about crime did not glamorize the murderer or hearings in any capacity for once.

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pollyem's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

“Law enforcement would rather we remember a dull man as brilliant than take a good hard look at the role they played in this absolute sideshow, and I am sick to death of watching them in their pressed shirts and cowboy boots, in their comfortable leather interview chairs, in hugely successful and critically acclaimed crime documentaries, talking about the intelligence and charm and wiliness of an ordinary misogynist."

This book is a peak behind the curtain into 'impossible grief'. Pamela loses her best-friend to someone whom reporters portray as a cunning, attractive man who used these skills to his advantage when women fell at his feet. This couldn't be further from the truth.
A page-turning dive into the misogyny towards victims and the discovery that there is no perfect way to be a victim. This is a fictionalised account of the story that is so often glossed over in the obsession with 'The Defendant'. The power of survivors and their hunger for truth and justice.
Knoll's writing style was captivating, leaving me wanting to read on, even as rage boiled within me. If you want a read with a darker side, that will light a spark in your belly, this book could be for you.
To my fellow survivors, I see you.
Tread carefully.

Content Warnings