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A review by crystalclearfairytales
Bright Young Women by Jessica Knoll
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
4.75
"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.
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.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual harassment, Kidnapping, Rape, Violence, Physical abuse, Murder, Stalking, Injury/Injury detail, Misogyny, Death, Grief, Sexual violence, and Sexual assault