Reviews with content warning for Rape - The Book of Cold Cases

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The Book of Cold Cases by Simone St. James

97 reviews

boba_n_books's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional mysterious reflective tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

The Book of Cold Cases is another hit Simone St. James novel.

This book is told in dual POVs and dual timelines. Back in 1977, we learn about the Lady Killer Murders: a killing spree in small-town Oregon that left everyone reeling trying to figure out who did it. Beth Greer was the perfect suspect: a rich girl who was seen fleeing the scene of the crime. But when she is tried, she was acquitted and has since isolated herself in her family's mansion. In 2017, Shea Collins is a receptionist with a passion for true crime. Having almost become an abduction and murder statistic as a child, she is drawn to these stories and has an online forum dedicated to solving cold cases. By chance, Shea meets Beth Greer, and though she has declined multiple interviews in the past, Beth agrees to be interviewed by Shea. The two women form a bond through their trauma and the odd presence they both feel at the Greer mansion. Shea can't decide whether she's interviewing a manipulative murderer or hearing the story of an innocent women. Or maybe the truth lies somewhere in the grey.

As with the other Simone St. James books I've read, The Book of Cold Cases applies a supernatural element, which I think just makes the story even more spooky and tense. The more you read, the more twisted the plot becomes, and the more you're unsure of what really happened back in 1977.

This book kept me on the edge of my seat. Fans of psychological thrillers, true crime, serial k!llers, multi-POV, dual timelines, and 1970s vibes will love this novel.

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missdaniellexo's review against another edition

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adventurous mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes

5.0

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ajay913'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

4.0

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strrygo's review against another edition

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medium-paced

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

2.0

trying 2 be kind but, :t least favorite combo of straight and true crime in one, everyone is masculine or sexy or perfectly a type (rly feel like that only works for me in noir), reminds me of people who would say they have a "favorite murder" they would lovveeee this, so teeny bit strange !
this many stars bc i think this could've been vry good if it leaned into the house and beth without trying to do e v e r y t h i ng, an essay on memory and home and family and ghosts, but that would b a different book !

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