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A review by clairebearrich
Death in the City of Light: The Serial Killer of Nazi-Occupied Paris by David King
4.0
Death in the City of Light is a non-fiction book by David King which details the activities of serial killer Marcel Petiot. He killed at least 27 people (probably more) during the German occupation of France during World War II.
The subject of this book is most definitely a fascinating one, so this review is based almost solely on the way this book is written. The beginning is absolutely fascinating. It talks about the discovery of Petiot’s past, ”death house” used by Petiot and the subsequent police investigation into Petiot’s activities. Call me macabre, but the psychology behind serial killers is absolutely fascinating to me.
The pace slows down and the book gets a little bit less interesting once Petiot is apprehended. Everything gets bogged down in almost irrelevant details and I have to admit I almost stopped reading at this point. The case’s main investigator Commissaire Georges-Victor Massu commits suicide, leaving us without a very likable character (for lack of a better word) to attach ourselves to.
The story picks up once again during Petiot’s trial, where King paints so vivid a picture of the courtroom that you almost feel as you are there. You become angry at the defense, frustrated by the prosecution, and sickened by Marcel Petiot’s twisted mind.
This is an absolutely fascinating case and King does a good job describing the events that took place. It seems that some of this book is irrelevant detail and it is rambling at times. But such an intriguing subject matter makes up for the seemingly useless information.
3.5/5 stars
Book review blog: http://thebookgirlblog.wordpress.com/
The subject of this book is most definitely a fascinating one, so this review is based almost solely on the way this book is written. The beginning is absolutely fascinating. It talks about the discovery of Petiot’s past, ”death house” used by Petiot and the subsequent police investigation into Petiot’s activities. Call me macabre, but the psychology behind serial killers is absolutely fascinating to me.
The pace slows down and the book gets a little bit less interesting once Petiot is apprehended. Everything gets bogged down in almost irrelevant details and I have to admit I almost stopped reading at this point. The case’s main investigator Commissaire Georges-Victor Massu commits suicide, leaving us without a very likable character (for lack of a better word) to attach ourselves to.
The story picks up once again during Petiot’s trial, where King paints so vivid a picture of the courtroom that you almost feel as you are there. You become angry at the defense, frustrated by the prosecution, and sickened by Marcel Petiot’s twisted mind.
This is an absolutely fascinating case and King does a good job describing the events that took place. It seems that some of this book is irrelevant detail and it is rambling at times. But such an intriguing subject matter makes up for the seemingly useless information.
3.5/5 stars
Book review blog: http://thebookgirlblog.wordpress.com/