Official Review: Cold Serial: The Jack the Strangler Murd...

[Mike_Lang]

The early to middle 20th century is always a favorite era of mine simply because, as you touched on in your review, it's a modern era while at the same time there's nowhere near the kind of technology we know today. Sometimes a person wonders how they were ever able to solve any crimes at all... it's a testimony to the sharp minds in law enforcement at the time as well as a certain amount of just plain luck!

Anyone who is a fan of true crime might also enjoy The Blooding by Joseph Wambaugh. It's the true crime story of the first case to ever use DNA to get a conviction in a criminal trial, during the mid 1980's (I think, been awhile since I read it) a small English village started a volunteer campaign to have all the men in the area within a certain age group give their DNA in an effort to solve a series of several murder/rape cases. Wambaugh has a real gift for that type of thing, the first half reads like a who-done-it while the second half goes into detail about how they eventually got the right man (by that time you know who it is but it's still compelling stuff).

[bookowlie]

I agree that it's a wonder how they solved any crimes at all. In the early 20th century, I think the investigations were more professionally handled in the major cities such as NYC and Boston. Even in recent years, look at how the Boulder, CO police and D.A.'s office bungled the JonBenet Ramsey case in the mid-1990's.

[lilredneckgirl84]

I agree with you Bookowlie. This book is a great read. I have read it myself and enjoyed it thoroughly. I enjoy true crime quite a bit. The research done for this book did show how it "happened" and the aftermath. Your review was excellent.

-- 30 Dec 2015, 20:31 --

Be Who You Are and Say What You Want Because Those Who Matter Don't Mind and Those Who Mind Don't Matter. Dr. Suess

[bookowlie]

Thanks and welcome to the forums. I am also a fan of true crime books. I like reading about all the clues and how the police solve the crimes.

[Brian +++]

Glad you enjoyed the book. I am posting my research material weekly on my website. Enjoy and blessings on your 2016

[bookowlie]

Happy New Year to you, too! Although I don't think you are allowed to post the name of your website, I am pretty sure I found it when I read the book. Are the weekly updates on the website or blog?

[Strangerthanfiction]

Great review! I've always found true. Time books to be fascinating and I like how you said that the author transports the reader to early 1900's Saytin. I will definitely be checking this book out. Thanks for sharing.

[Heidi M Simone]

Another great review, bookowlie! I'm not sure if I've read a true crime book, but this one sounds especially fascinating. It's too bad about the disjointed stories, but it looks like the author portrayed a thrilling read. I'm glad you enjoy it, and I may have to give this one a chance!

[AA1495]

I'm not a fan of Crime or mystery, but I'm glad that you enjoyed reading the book. Agree with you on your point about the length of the chapters. Thank You for the great review.

[Kourtney Bradley]

It's nice to see how much research the author did for this story, and I'm glad you enjoyed it!
I don't think this one is for me, but a great review, as always.

[tarafarah7]

Wow! What an interesting book! I've never read a true crime novel of this type! I can't even imagine the hours of research that went in to this project! I'm sure it was a rewarding, but very emotional, experience to break into something that happened 100+ years ago. Your family must be very proud!

[MandalynnJDG]

Thanks for the review. It is really amazing when an author can transform lots of information into a book. I haven't read a true crime novel before, but this certainly sounds like something that is intriguing to me!

[quadbrookie]

I love books about the 20th century, and I love true crime novels. This is first time I have seen them combined! Great review.

[mindyg123]

This is a great review. Congrats on being BOTD! I love true crime stories and grabbed this right up. I'm really interested in this type of true crime especially since the author has personal ties to the story. I love the look into the early 1900's and crime and woman's rights.

[Cjgarland89]

I am familiar with these cases. I think it's quite interesting that the author has a link to one of the actual victims. It provides a POV that isn't typically seen in true crime books. I look forward to checking this book out. Great review!