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Lindsay (1812 KP) rated The Scarlet Pen (True Color #12) in Books
Jul 10, 2021
The last book in the True Colors series is called "The Scarlet Pen." What a story it told. Though at first, you might think about what is going on. Why would parents be concerned for their daughter and not allow her to marry her friend?
We meet a young woman and her sweet talk lover Stephen. But will they end up getting married, or will Emma finally see what is going on with their beloved and find true love? We seem to follow Stephen's journey from his marriage proposal to a young woman to his eventful capture.
There a young man on horseback comes to visit and do some business. As the twist and turns show up. Something happens to make Stephen and his friend jump town; Stephen tries to keep Emma at bay and in the dark. Clay seems to want to help and protect her. Emma seems to want to defend Stephen. Why is that?
There seems to be a trail of banknotes that keep leading back to Stephen and connecting to Emma. Will Emma confront a man that may harm her and possibly kill her. Or will someone come and save her.
Who is this serial killer? Why is he doing it? Clay seems to get hints and information and then loses Richards while he is on the run. Will they all make it out safe? Will Stephen get caught, or will he run free. I felt terrible for the family that brings Clay to face the past that happened to him and his family.
The True Color series is a favorite of mine. The books are set in history and tell about true American crimes and have some fiction. These books are great for historical fiction fans and crime fans as well. This one has quite a few killings but not too much detail of the gruesome deaths. Enough to know how it happened. The stories transpire based on actual crimes in American history, but there is some friction that the author brings up in the book.
We meet a young woman and her sweet talk lover Stephen. But will they end up getting married, or will Emma finally see what is going on with their beloved and find true love? We seem to follow Stephen's journey from his marriage proposal to a young woman to his eventful capture.
There a young man on horseback comes to visit and do some business. As the twist and turns show up. Something happens to make Stephen and his friend jump town; Stephen tries to keep Emma at bay and in the dark. Clay seems to want to help and protect her. Emma seems to want to defend Stephen. Why is that?
There seems to be a trail of banknotes that keep leading back to Stephen and connecting to Emma. Will Emma confront a man that may harm her and possibly kill her. Or will someone come and save her.
Who is this serial killer? Why is he doing it? Clay seems to get hints and information and then loses Richards while he is on the run. Will they all make it out safe? Will Stephen get caught, or will he run free. I felt terrible for the family that brings Clay to face the past that happened to him and his family.
The True Color series is a favorite of mine. The books are set in history and tell about true American crimes and have some fiction. These books are great for historical fiction fans and crime fans as well. This one has quite a few killings but not too much detail of the gruesome deaths. Enough to know how it happened. The stories transpire based on actual crimes in American history, but there is some friction that the author brings up in the book.
Suswatibasu (1703 KP) rated Serial in Podcasts
Jan 4, 2018 (Updated Jan 4, 2018)
Gripping first series, second underwhelming
Serial is one of those high-trending true crime phenomena, gripping a nation similar to the likes of @Making A Murderer - Season 1. The first series follows the murder case of a young student Hae Min Lee, allegedly killed by her former boyfriend Adnan Syed and the apparent failings in the investigation. Is he guilty or innocent? Journalist Sarah Koenig tries to retrace the steps of both Adnan and other suspects to get to the bottom of this disturbing story in 12 episodes.
The first series is well-made, each episode carefully crafted to leave you on a cliffhanger. It is easy to binge-listen, but like MAM, there are parts that have been omitted from the case, so not all is what it actually seems. Either way, I fell for it hook, line and sinker.
The second series, unfortunately, is an entirely different ballgame. Unlike its true crime predecessor, Koenig looks at the infamous case of Sergeant Bowe Bergdahl, a US soldier who allegedly defected and was subsequently captured by Taliban insurgents in Afghanistan. The series focuses on his perception and experiences, and eventual vilification, as his release caused much political controversy over whether a deal should have been negotiated or not. The price of his freedom was an exchange for five Taliban-linked inmates held at maximum security prison Guantanamo Bay. The reason he says, for his defection, was that he attempted to become a whistleblower for the apparently mismanaged unit he belonged to.
Sadly, as with most popular media, the change in direction with the podcast came at a price, as many felt the subject was too dry and too heavy. With dense military language, it seem to become too bogged down with the details, losing its edge.
It's not a perfect podcast, but the first series is still worth the listen.
The first series is well-made, each episode carefully crafted to leave you on a cliffhanger. It is easy to binge-listen, but like MAM, there are parts that have been omitted from the case, so not all is what it actually seems. Either way, I fell for it hook, line and sinker.
The second series, unfortunately, is an entirely different ballgame. Unlike its true crime predecessor, Koenig looks at the infamous case of Sergeant Bowe Bergdahl, a US soldier who allegedly defected and was subsequently captured by Taliban insurgents in Afghanistan. The series focuses on his perception and experiences, and eventual vilification, as his release caused much political controversy over whether a deal should have been negotiated or not. The price of his freedom was an exchange for five Taliban-linked inmates held at maximum security prison Guantanamo Bay. The reason he says, for his defection, was that he attempted to become a whistleblower for the apparently mismanaged unit he belonged to.
Sadly, as with most popular media, the change in direction with the podcast came at a price, as many felt the subject was too dry and too heavy. With dense military language, it seem to become too bogged down with the details, losing its edge.
It's not a perfect podcast, but the first series is still worth the listen.
Blind Injustice: A Former Prosecutor Exposes the Psychology and Politics of Wrongful Convictions
Book
In this unprecedented view from the trenches, prosecutor turned champion for the innocent Mark...
The Southern Book Club's Guide to Slaying Vampires
7.4
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Book
Fried Green Tomatoes and Steel Magnolias meet Dracula in this Southern-flavored supernatural...
Girl Next Door (Jack Ryder Book 5)
7.0
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Book
Inspired by a true story. He came in the morning when they were still making lunches and getting...
police prodecural fiction adult series Jack Ryder suspense
Sarah (7800 KP) rated His Bloody Project in Books
Apr 21, 2020
Intriguingly realistic
I saw this advertised on my library service and I'm a sucker for an interesting looking cover so thought I'd give it a go and it was a rather pleasant surprise.
This is a very realistic and intriguing tale - so realistic that I had to double check to see if I was reading a non-fiction rather than a fiction. But it's definitely not true, and it goes to show how well written and laid out this is that it makes you feel like it's a true story. The structure works very well and despite being set in olden times with slightly old fashioned language, it never comes across as particularly difficult or tedious to read. It's an engaging crime story and keeps you entertained right to the end to find out the full story. Even Roddy Macrae is a likeable protagonist despite his crimes.
My only issue is that the ending is a bit of a letdown. This story turns out exactly the way you'd expect and I think I may have been expecting some sort of twist or surprise. Despite this, it's still a very entertaining and enjoyable read and a different way to tell a story.
This is a very realistic and intriguing tale - so realistic that I had to double check to see if I was reading a non-fiction rather than a fiction. But it's definitely not true, and it goes to show how well written and laid out this is that it makes you feel like it's a true story. The structure works very well and despite being set in olden times with slightly old fashioned language, it never comes across as particularly difficult or tedious to read. It's an engaging crime story and keeps you entertained right to the end to find out the full story. Even Roddy Macrae is a likeable protagonist despite his crimes.
My only issue is that the ending is a bit of a letdown. This story turns out exactly the way you'd expect and I think I may have been expecting some sort of twist or surprise. Despite this, it's still a very entertaining and enjoyable read and a different way to tell a story.
Doped: The Real Life Story of the 1960s Racehorse Doping Gang
Book
Doped is the gripping true-story racing thriller set in Britain in the 1950s and early 1960s....
The Haunting of Alma Fielding: A True Ghost Story
8.0
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Book
LONGLISTED FOR THE 2020 BAILLIE GIFFORD PRIZE 'A page-turner with the authority of history'...
Non-fiction True Crime paranormal history Ghosts Britain
Fruit Bat (42 KP) rated Prisoner 4374 by A.J. Griffiths-Jones in Books
Feb 27, 2018
Contains spoilers, click to show
I can honestly say the true crime reader won't be disappointed with this gripping account of the life and times of Dr.Thomas Neill Cream the Lambeth poisoner.The book is well researched and well written and I highly recommend you read it.
Spolier alert
A.J's book proves with little room for doubt that Dr.Thomas Neill Cream was not and could not have been Jack the Ripper. The book is made even more appealing my the way the author has chosen to write the book. She has given the book a unique perceptive by allowing Dr Cream to tell the reader his story from his point of view you. So if you haven't already, read the book and allow Dr Cream to take you on journey through his life that ultimately ends on the steps of the gallows.
Spolier alert
A.J's book proves with little room for doubt that Dr.Thomas Neill Cream was not and could not have been Jack the Ripper. The book is made even more appealing my the way the author has chosen to write the book. She has given the book a unique perceptive by allowing Dr Cream to tell the reader his story from his point of view you. So if you haven't already, read the book and allow Dr Cream to take you on journey through his life that ultimately ends on the steps of the gallows.
Dianne Robbins (1738 KP) rated Beach Too Sandy, Water Too Wet in Podcasts
Nov 13, 2019
Dramatic readings of one-star reviews
Siblings Alex and Christine Schiefer, the latter of whom is co-host of the true crime/paranormal podcast, And That's Why We Drink, share dramatic readings of one-star reviews from Yelp, Google, and other review sites, with an occasional redemption. Listeners write in with a topic and location for them to research for the best one-star reviews and they give us their best reenactments. Their rapport is wonderful, humorous, and fun. I really enjoy listening to these two banter and share stories. They're delightful, adorable and endearing. And the reviews are entertaining.
I wanted to support the podcast so I bought some of the merch, a Beach Too Sandy, Water Too Wet, which is a black shirt with their color logo on it. It arrived quickly, and is soft, comfortable, and fits well.
I wanted to support the podcast so I bought some of the merch, a Beach Too Sandy, Water Too Wet, which is a black shirt with their color logo on it. It arrived quickly, and is soft, comfortable, and fits well.