• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Home Page
  • About this website and the writer
  • Testimonials
  • Archives
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Contact Page

Defrosting Cold Cases

Research website by Alice de Sturler

  • Cold Case Database
    • Index
      • Cases Index A-G
      • Cases Index H-N
      • Cases Index O-Z
    • Summaries
      • Case Summaries A-G
      • Case Summaries H-N
      • Case Summaries O-Z
  • Two Research Methods
  • How to Search
  • Case of the Month
  • Guest Writers
  • Book Reviews
You are here: Home / Archives for Book Reviews

Book Reviews

All That Remains by Sue Black

March 25, 2022 By Alice

All That Remains by Sue Black came out a few years ago and has won numerous awards. The book cover suggests a factual, maybe even clinical assessment of what remains when we die. However, the book combines deeply personal reflections on death including the deaths of loved ones, with the cold, hard process of decomposition. […]

Thank you for sharing!

  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Mastodon (Opens in new window)
  • Click to print (Opens in new window)
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)
  • More
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)

Filed Under: Book Reviews Tagged With: Book Reviews, Sue Black

The Lost Apothecary by Sarah Penner

March 10, 2022 By Alice

I learned about this book from one of my friends’ book clubs. I heard the words apothecary, London, poison, possible female serial killer, so naturally, I was interested. The book cover had praising references about this debut novel with words like ‘convincingly’ and ‘clever.’ So, naturally, I bought the book. I finished reading it this […]

Thank you for sharing!

  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Mastodon (Opens in new window)
  • Click to print (Opens in new window)
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)
  • More
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)

Filed Under: Book Reviews Tagged With: Book Reviews, Sarah Penner

The Murder of Roger Ackroyd by Agatha Christie

February 22, 2022 By Alice

What can you write about this book by Agatha Christie that is so famous and popular, so well discussed by everyone online who either loves or hates it, what is the use of giving you my two cents? There are no insights that have not already been touched upon online and the plot is so […]

Thank you for sharing!

  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Mastodon (Opens in new window)
  • Click to print (Opens in new window)
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)
  • More
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)

Filed Under: Book Reviews Tagged With: Agatha Christie, Book Reviews

The Bone Jar by S W Kane

February 2, 2022 By Alice

To read something new, to discover a new author, it is all worth not sleeping decently for two days. The Bone Jar by S W Kane is a debut novel of such power that it was shortlisted for the CWA New Blood Dagger Award. The Story Deserted buildings have their own charm and it isn’t […]

Thank you for sharing!

  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Mastodon (Opens in new window)
  • Click to print (Opens in new window)
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)
  • More
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)

Filed Under: Book Reviews Tagged With: Book Reviews, S W Kane

Forensics by Val McDermid

January 29, 2022 By Alice

Full title: Forensics, what bugs, burns, prints, DNA, and more tell us about crime. This book by Val McDermid is from 2014 however, it is still relevant today. Old unsolved cases are discussed again in the news as we have the improvements in forensic sciences. Of course, TV shows, movies, podcasts, and the mainstream media […]

Thank you for sharing!

  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Mastodon (Opens in new window)
  • Click to print (Opens in new window)
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)
  • More
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)

Filed Under: Book Reviews Tagged With: Book Reviews, Val McDermid

Partners in Crime by Mitzi Szereto

January 27, 2022 By Alice

Partners in Crime Mitzi Szereto

The latest edition in the anthology series ‘The Best New True Crime Stories’ by editor and author Mitzi Szereto has a great collection of short stories that will take you around the world. The focus this time is on Partners in Crime. Maybe they already were a couple, maybe they became one as they bonded […]

Thank you for sharing!

  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Mastodon (Opens in new window)
  • Click to print (Opens in new window)
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)
  • More
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)

Filed Under: Book Reviews Tagged With: Book Reviews, Mitzi Szereto

Bone Deep by Bosworth Jr. and Schwartz

January 5, 2022 By Alice

Charles Bosworth Jr. and Joel J. Schwartz bring you the mesmerizing and chilling account of the 2011 murder of Betsy Faria. As the title mentions, this book goes bone deep and not just into the murder of Elizabeth “Betsy” Kay Faria. Bone Deep concentrates on the legal aspects of the  wrongful conviction of Russell “Russ” […]

Thank you for sharing!

  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Mastodon (Opens in new window)
  • Click to print (Opens in new window)
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)
  • More
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)

Filed Under: Book Reviews Tagged With: Book Reviews, Charles Bosworth Jr., Joel J. Schwartz

Crimes of Passion, Obsession & Revenge by Mitzi Szereto

December 12, 2021 By Alice

The latest in the ‘Best New True Crime Stories’ from Mitzi Szereto showcases a mixture of well and lesser known cases. This book features the following writers: Joe Turner, Edward Butts, Dean Jobb, Priscilla Scott Rhoades, Tom Larsen, C.L. Raven, Anthony Ferguson, Craig Pittman, Iris Reinbacher, Mark Fryers, Chris Edwards, Jason Half, Shashi Kadapa, Stephen Wade, and […]

Thank you for sharing!

  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Mastodon (Opens in new window)
  • Click to print (Opens in new window)
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)
  • More
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)

Filed Under: Book Reviews Tagged With: Book Reviews, Mitzi Szereto

The Litmus Test by K.H. Norris

December 10, 2021 By Alice

The Litmus Test by K.H. Norris

Would you kill if someone you fancied asked you to? Or, would you be able to manipulate someone to do your bidding while you were double-crossing them? Would you be able to tell the truth if you saw a horrifying act of violence? The story begins with a newspaper article. A talented graduate student, Rese […]

Thank you for sharing!

  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Mastodon (Opens in new window)
  • Click to print (Opens in new window)
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)
  • More
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)

Filed Under: Book Reviews Tagged With: Book Reviews, K.H. Norris

Mystery At The Blue Sea Cottage by James A. Stewart

November 27, 2021 By Alice

Full title: Mystery At The Blue Sea Cottage, a true story of murder in San Diego’s jazz age. This is the first book by U.S. Navy Veteran James A. Stewart. The Case On January 14, 1923, Frieda “Fritzie” Mann (May 26, 1902 – Jan 14, 1923) left her San Diego home to go to a […]

Thank you for sharing!

  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Mastodon (Opens in new window)
  • Click to print (Opens in new window)
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)
  • More
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)

Filed Under: Book Reviews Tagged With: Book Reviews, Frieda "Fritzie" Mann, James A. Stewart

Curtain by Agatha Christie

November 12, 2021 By Alice

Curtain by Agatha Christie

After I read Poirot by Mark Aldridge, I mentioned a few Christie books that I needed to either read again or buy. Curtain was one that I had never read so, I bought it, read it, and am now disappointed. Disappointed by Christi, not Aldridge, just to be clear. Aldridge explained in his book that […]

Thank you for sharing!

  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Mastodon (Opens in new window)
  • Click to print (Opens in new window)
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)
  • More
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)

Filed Under: Book Reviews Tagged With: Agatha Christie, Book Reviews

Death on Ocean Boulevard by Caitlin Rother

October 21, 2021 By Alice

Death on Ocean Boulevard by Caitlin Rother

If the Rebecca Zahau case baffled you in 2011 then be prepared for a double-feature rollercoaster in 2021. And no, that’s not giving away anything as the Zahau case has been covered extensively in the news. Who can forget the helicopter images of her naked remains that were left on the lawn for a good […]

Thank you for sharing!

  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Mastodon (Opens in new window)
  • Click to print (Opens in new window)
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)
  • More
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)

Filed Under: Book Reviews Tagged With: Book Reviews, Caitlin Rother

The Secret Serial Killer by Robert Mulhern

October 6, 2021 By Alice

Robert Mulhern The secret Serial Killer

Full title: The Secret Serial Killer, the true story of Kieran Kelly. In this book, Robert Mulhern, a journalist, documents his search for the truth: was Kieran Kelly a serial killer who managed to fly under the radar, or not? And, if he was not, why do some think that he was a serial killer? […]

Thank you for sharing!

  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Mastodon (Opens in new window)
  • Click to print (Opens in new window)
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)
  • More
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)

Filed Under: Book Reviews Tagged With: Book Reviews, Robert Mulhern

A Killer by Design by Ann Wolbert Burgess

September 25, 2021 By Alice

A Killer by Design by Ann Wolbert Burgess

Full title: A Killer by Design, Murderers, Mindhunters, and My Quest to Decipher the Criminal Mind by Ann Wolbert Burgess and Steven Matthew Constantine. “Her research with victims began when she co-founded, with Boston College sociologist Lynda Lytle Holmstrom, one of the first hospital-based crisis counseling programs at Boston City Hospital. She then worked with FBI […]

Thank you for sharing!

  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Mastodon (Opens in new window)
  • Click to print (Opens in new window)
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)
  • More
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)

Filed Under: Book Reviews Tagged With: Ann Wolbert Burgess, Book Reviews

Why The Innocent Plead Guilty by Jed S. Rakoff

September 10, 2021 By Alice

Jed S Rakoff

Full title: Why The Innocent Plead Guilty And The Guilty Go Free and other paradoxes of our broken legal system. Huge title but then the book covers an enormous number of issues. Judge Jed S. Rakoff used this book to combine essays that he wrote for the New York Review of Books over the past […]

Thank you for sharing!

  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Mastodon (Opens in new window)
  • Click to print (Opens in new window)
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)
  • More
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)

Filed Under: Book Reviews Tagged With: Book Reviews, Jed S. Rakoff

The Wilkes Insurrection by Robbie Bach

September 3, 2021 By Alice

The Wilkes Insurrection by Robbie Bach

“With heart-pounding action, compelling plot twists, and a rich tapestry of characters, The Wilkes Insurrection is a contemporary thriller of anarchic obsession and heroic ambition. Its perfect blend of callous villains, iconic heroes, and political intrigue will keep readers on the edge of their seats.” It did indeed keep me on edge but not for […]

Thank you for sharing!

  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Mastodon (Opens in new window)
  • Click to print (Opens in new window)
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)
  • More
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)

Filed Under: Book Reviews Tagged With: Book Reviews, Robbie Bach

Poirot by Mark Aldridge

August 28, 2021 By Alice

Poirot by Mark Aldridge

My first introduction to Hercule Poirot on the big screen was the 1978 movie ‘Death on the Nile.’ I loved seeing David Niven in that movie as well as Bette Davis. Years later, I rejoiced that my favourite Professor, Minerva McGonagall, had been on that boat too. The first Poirot I read was ‘Murder on […]

Thank you for sharing!

  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Mastodon (Opens in new window)
  • Click to print (Opens in new window)
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)
  • More
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)

Filed Under: Book Reviews Tagged With: Book Reviews, Mark Aldridge

Well-Mannered Crooks, Rogues & Criminals by Mitzi Szereto

August 17, 2021 By Alice

Mitzi Szereto Well-Mannered Crooks, Rogues, & Criminals

The next book in Mitzi Szereto‘s series of ‘Best New True Crime Stories‘ centers on those criminals whom you might secretly like. You know that they are violating the law but you also know that some do well for their community. Or, they keep all their profits but do treat their victims well. Some even […]

Thank you for sharing!

  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Mastodon (Opens in new window)
  • Click to print (Opens in new window)
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)
  • More
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)

Filed Under: Book Reviews Tagged With: Book Reviews, Mitzi Szereto

Queen of the Burglars by Shayne Davidson

August 4, 2021 By Alice

Sophie Lyons by Shayne Davidson

Sophie Lyons (Dec 22, 1847 – May 8, 1924), I had never heard of her until I read Shayne Davidson‘s book. Full title: Queen of the Burglars, the scandalous life of Sophie Lyons. It is true crime, a historical overview of many criminal cases and procedures, and a biography. With several husbands, children, accomplices, and […]

Thank you for sharing!

  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Mastodon (Opens in new window)
  • Click to print (Opens in new window)
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)
  • More
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)

Filed Under: Book Reviews Tagged With: Book Reviews, Shayne Davidson, Sophie Lyons

Serial Killers by Joni Johnston, Psy.D.

April 4, 2021 By Alice

Serial Killers Joni Johnston

The full title of the book is ‘Serial Killers; 101 Questions True Crime Fans Ask.’ Dr. Joni Johnston, a practicing clinical and forensic psychologist, has written a book in plain English that you should pick up and not just to see some myths debunked. You should pick it up because she includes many lesser known […]

Thank you for sharing!

  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Mastodon (Opens in new window)
  • Click to print (Opens in new window)
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)
  • More
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)

Filed Under: Book Reviews Tagged With: Book Reviews, Joni Johnston

« Previous Page
Next Page »

Primary Sidebar

Dina Fort

Categories

  • Book Reviews (163)
  • Case of the Month (119)
  • Cold Case News (219)
  • Forensics (283)
  • Guest Bloggers (57)
  • Miscarriages of Justice (130)
  • Missing Persons (124)
  • Unidentified (32)
  • Unsolved (523)
  • Zeigler (63)

Top Posts & Pages

  • The Cold Case of Eleanor C. Parker
  • Grim Sleeper Victims need your help
  • Case of the Month: Hinterkaifeck
  • Zeigler, Part XIII
  • Who killed Beth Ann Brown Patterson?

Author Notes

I write about old, unsolved cases from the pre-DNA era as they need renewed media attention. I only do research and leave the active investigation of these cases to professionals.

Posts include homicides, missing and unidentified people, wrongful convictions, and forensics as related to these cases.

On book reviews: I only review select works of true crime, crime fiction, and historical fiction/mysteries. The stories have to fit my website's theme and research. It remains my prerogative to not review a book. Please check the FAQ page for more.

My databases are free to the public. Cases are sorted by the victim’s last name.

If you have any questions about my website please check the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page, the about page, and the tabs in both menu bars. If you cannot find the answers there, please contact me.

Thank you,

Alice de Sturler
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License.

Subscribe to DCC by email

Enter your email address to get new posts notifications in your inbox

Copyright

If you use my work, please add a link back. Let your readers know where you found your information. I do the same for you. Thank you!

Protected by Copyscape

Copyright © 2023 ·News Pro · Genesis Framework by StudioPress · WordPress