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THE BEST NEW TRUE CRIME STORIES: CRIMES OF PASSION, OBSESSION & REVENGE is an eclectic mix of stories from all over the world, set in different times, from Victorian England to Japan, to modern-day America.

If you like True Crime then I am sure you will find something to keep your interest. It is clear from the start that a lot of research has gone into these stories, some of which have personal memories from the author. However, some of the stories felt disjointed in the way they were presented, going off on tangents that didn't seem relevant to the story at that point.

Each story features the bare bones of the story; being a collection, there simply isn't room for much more. However, it gives you the story, some build-up, and some information after the crime.

On the whole, this was an enjoyable read by a new-to-me author.

** same worded review will appear elsewhere **

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Dec 13, 2021
  
40x40

ClareR (6202 KP) rated Helm in Books

May 30, 2026 - 8:28 PM  
Helm
Helm
Sarah Hall | 2025 | Fiction & Poetry, Science Fiction/Fantasy
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Imagine making the wind a main character in a novel for adults! Well, Sarah Hall has done exactly that in Helm, and presented it in all of my favourite genres (thank you very much!).

Helm is the anthropomorphised wind in the North of England, in a valley that feels like it should be in the Peak District (perhaps?). For millennia, it blows around, doing its own thing, and then humanity comes on the scene.

A prehistoric clan worship Helm, hoping for leniency from it’s devastating, troublesome, unpredictable nature. Another character, a wizard-type priest, tries to banish Helm. A Victorian Engineer wants to capture him. My favourite characters were the girl who could converse with Helm and is then regarded as insane (as well as promiscuous by her mother), and the Climate Scientist who wants to save the wind. All of these characters have only one connection: Helm.

Don’t expect some nice, tied up with a bow, perfect ending. That’s not this book. I loved how it showed humanity’s relationship with nature and the weather in such a creative way.
I was transfixed throughout.

Highly recommended!