A review by theserendipitousreader_
Slenderman: Online Obsession, Mental Illness & the Violent Crime of Two Midwestern Girls by Kathleen Hale

dark informative reflective sad medium-paced

4.5

*I was provided an advance copy of this book by Grove Press via Netgally. My review is my honest opinion* 

In May of 2014, the world was shocked by the news of a heinous crime- the brutal stabbing of a 12 year old girl, by two other 12 year old girls- girls who were supposed to be her friend. While the crime itself was horrifying, it was perhaps the circumstances that caused the most media interest- the girls claimed to have committed the crime to appease a dark internet character known as Slenderman. 

In this book, Kathleen Hale dissects all aspects of the situation, from the planning of the assault, the assault itself, and then the consequences that followed that fateful day. The extensive research that has gone into this book is evident from the start, with Hale utilising a combination of first person interviews, interview transcripts, court & police records, medical reports & media coverage of the case to tell the story. 

To describe this book as “just” true crime would be unfair. Rather, it is a look at the criminal justice system, the treatment of juvenile mental health, the legacy of generational untreated mental illness, & the role of the media. It is as much a book about Sociology and Psychology as it is a book about True Crime. 

Whilst this book does thoroughly cover the case itself, it goes into the most detail about the mental health and treatment of the perpetrators. Although it is sensitive to the victim, and maintains that she is the true innocent in this situation, it largely focuses on the two girls who committed the assault, & the way that the criminal justice system and mental health system failed them. 

I found this book absolutely fascinating, and incredibly compelling. I enjoyed Hale’s writing immensely, and appreciated the level of detail. My only criticism would be that I would have liked to know more about the victim, and of the long term impact of the crime on her. Although I felt Hale was sensitive towards her, she was largely missing from the post-crime narrative. 

I would highly recommend this to anyone with an interest in True Crime. 
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