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ebbie_casuallereading's review against another edition
dark
informative
3.0
Meh, it was alright. Either I'm just not a deep sauced true crime girly enough or the way the book was structured didn't pull me in.
shannon_white1099's review against another edition
dark
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
4.25
angus_mckeogh's review against another edition
4.0
Really enjoyed this one. There’s just something about a really enthralling true crime book. This was actually a case I was unfamiliar with and it was filled with the classic facts, details, and investigative intrigue of other really great true crime reads. Unfortunately the author passed away before finishing the book; therefore, some of the sections were cobbled together by editors and a traditional narrative arc was sometimes disjointed. But regardless I wouldn’t have wanted to miss this book. Recommended!
bookph1le's review against another edition
4.0
The timing is uncanny. I was almost finished with this book when I heard a suspect had been arrested in this case, so some of the end parts were out of date when I finished reading them this evening (4/25/18). However, the very last part, with McNamara's letter, sent chills down my spine.
My major quibble with this book is with the sequencing. I sometimes had trouble following what was happening and got the cases mixed up because the book hops around a lot.
However, McNamara's writing blew me away. This book caused me such a sense of creeping horror that I was almost afraid to be in the house alone, even though I'm nowhere near where the crimes occurred. I really admired how she avoided using gory details to titillate, instead relying on the strength of her writing voice and the story she was telling to draw the reader in. She was such a force. Her dying so young was a tragedy, and it was a true shame to lose such a talented voice in crime writing.
My major quibble with this book is with the sequencing. I sometimes had trouble following what was happening and got the cases mixed up because the book hops around a lot.
However, McNamara's writing blew me away. This book caused me such a sense of creeping horror that I was almost afraid to be in the house alone, even though I'm nowhere near where the crimes occurred. I really admired how she avoided using gory details to titillate, instead relying on the strength of her writing voice and the story she was telling to draw the reader in. She was such a force. Her dying so young was a tragedy, and it was a true shame to lose such a talented voice in crime writing.
novelette's review against another edition
3.0
It was good, but I think I would have been more into the story if I had lived during this time.
jennifersmind's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
mysterious
medium-paced
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Physical abuse, Murder, Sexual assault, and Sexual violence
raxorrr's review against another edition
2.0
3.75* It was really good and I loved how most of the crimes were depicted before Michelle and Paul's investigation began.
owlfacewitch's review against another edition
5.0
A brilliant example of the genre, and leaves you devastated that she won’t be writing any more books like it.
zias's review against another edition
dark
emotional
medium-paced
5.0
Michelle McNamara’s writing is easy to read, weaving harrowing accounts with facts and research. I enjoyed the memoir portions of this book in addition to the coverage of the GSK’s crimes and her research. I got chills several times while reading this book. Michelle has a way with words while reporting on research.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Stalking, Injury/Injury detail, Murder, Violence, Sexual assault, and Sexual violence