Official Review: Twisted But True by Darren Burch

Cecilia_L · Post by **Cecilia_L** » 21 Sep 2018, 07:30

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Twisted But True" by Darren Burch.]

4 out of 4 stars

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A bank robber decked out in disco apparel, a cow-jacked intersection, the pursuit of an armed gang member in the midst of a circus; these are several of the strange scenarios depicted in the true crime collection, Twisted But True, by author Darren Burch. Based on his career in law enforcement for over thirty years, these bizarre, tragic, and morbidly entertaining tales provide a glimpse into the real-life drama officers face daily proving the Mark Twain adage "Truth is stranger than fiction."

Darren Burch's fixation with saving lives began as a teenager after witnessing an explosive car crash and its resulting casualties. Haunted by his inability to rescue a young female victim from the burning vehicle, he credits that tragic night for first establishing his confidence to respond in harrowing situations during his law enforcement career. Burch acknowledges the need for the occasional dark humor represented in his collection as a coping skill for dealing with the tragic events often associated with daily police work. He likens it to telling amusing stories about the recently departed at a funeral as part of the healing process. While some of the tales are indeed, twisted, others are poignant and inspirational. All are true and despite the humor, convey Burch's dedicated commitment to protect and serve as a retired sergeant and twenty-eight-year veteran with the Phoenix Police Department.

I have been fascinated by true crime stories for as long as I can remember, so I couldn't wait to dive into this collection--I was not disappointed. More than once, I found myself thinking, "You just cannot make this stuff up!" The book includes thirty-four short stories that could be read in any order, but if you're like me, once you start, you'll be tempted to read "just one more."

It's said that authors should write what they know. Given his vast career experience working as a detective supervisor with the Crimes Against Children Unit, Night Detective Sergeant for the Homicide Unit, and detective for the Adult Sex Crimes Unit, Burch certainly qualifies experiencewise. As a writer, he displayed the unique talent of relating his stories humorously while still expressing compassion and remorse. For example, his description of a disco apparel clad bank robber complete with platform shoes using a pink bicycle as a getaway vehicle was hilarious while the results following the crime were understandably more serious. I was particularly moved by Burch's final chapter and the epilogue. Without revealing any spoilers, these chapters were on a more personal level and spoke to his character and dedication to both his family and career.

I'm unable to highlight any areas that needed improvement in this entertaining read. However, several of the stories included gross details, though the author usually prefaced the content with a subtle warning even if it was reflected in the chapter's title. Additionally, the book was professionally edited as I didn't note a single grammatical error. I'm pleased to rate this page-turner 4 out of 4 stars. I recommend it to readers who enjoy true crime stories with a humorous twist. It is intended for a mature audience.

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Twisted But True
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Julie Green · Post by **Julie Green** » 22 Sep 2018, 15:09

I love this review, and these stories sound great too. I like true life stories and also crime/detective novels, so this sounds right up my street!

Sonya Nicolaidis · Post by **Sonya Nicolaidis** » 22 Sep 2018, 15:30

Well, the outline of the cow on the cover initially threw me a bit, and I didn't really know what to expect from the title. However, your review was clear, well-written and concise and it led me to add this book to my bookshelves. I have always been a big fan of True Crime, so stories with an added twist sounded even more appealing. This is a definite must-read-as-soon-as-I-can type of book! Many thanks.

Cecilia_L · Post by **Cecilia_L** » 22 Sep 2018, 17:04

Julie Green wrote: ↑22 Sep 2018, 15:09 I love this review, and these stories sound great too. I like true life stories and also crime/detective novels, so this sounds right up my street!

Thank you, Julie.

Cecilia_L · Post by **Cecilia_L** » 23 Sep 2018, 01:53

sonya01 wrote: ↑22 Sep 2018, 15:30 Well, the outline of the cow on the cover initially threw me a bit, and I didn't really know what to expect from the title. However, your review was clear, well-written and concise and it led me to add this book to my bookshelves. I have always been a big fan of True Crime, so stories with an added twist sounded even more appealing. This is a definite must-read-as-soon-as-I-can type of book! Many thanks.

I appreciate your comment.

gen_g · Post by **gen_g** » 23 Sep 2018, 04:52

The premise certainly is intriguing, and it's great that the stories have a basis in fact. Thanks for the lovely review!

Cecilia_L · Post by **Cecilia_L** » 23 Sep 2018, 10:07

gen_g wrote: ↑23 Sep 2018, 04:52 The premise certainly is intriguing, and it's great that the stories have a basis in fact. Thanks for the lovely review!

Thanks for stopping by and for your comment.

Sicily Joy · Post by **Sicily Joy** » 23 Sep 2018, 17:36

A cop writing true crime short stories is a unique and interesting premise. From your review, it sounds like the book was well done with a mixture of humor, and compassion. I like the true crime so based on your review, I will likely read this book in the future. Thank you for a great review.

Cecilia_L · Post by **Cecilia_L** » 23 Sep 2018, 17:53

Sicily Joy wrote: ↑23 Sep 2018, 17:36 A cop writing true crime short stories is a unique and interesting premise. From your review, it sounds like the book was well done with a mixture of humor, and compassion. I like the true crime so based on your review, I will likely read this book in the future. Thank you for a great review.

Thank you, Sicily. Hope you enjoy the book!

Post by **kandscreeley** » 23 Sep 2018, 18:12

No areas of improvement? That's high praise. I would love to read a book like this. Stories of the strange but true. So, thank you for the introduction.

Cecilia_L · Post by **Cecilia_L** » 23 Sep 2018, 20:44

kandscreeley wrote: ↑23 Sep 2018, 18:12 No areas of improvement? That's high praise. I would love to read a book like this. Stories of the strange but true. So, thank you for the introduction.

Thanks, I appreciate your comment.

Samy Lax · Post by **Samy Lax** » 23 Sep 2018, 23:21

Short stories are just what I need right now after the huge tomes I have been consuming lately. The fact that the book kept you reading the stories one after the other proves that this could be the perfect read.

Lovely, convincing review!

Helen_Combe · Post by **Helen_Combe** » 24 Sep 2018, 09:50

Great review, it sounds like a really entertaining read. I don’t think I would be able to ride a bike wearing platforms though

Cecilia_L · Post by **Cecilia_L** » 24 Sep 2018, 13:29

Samy Lax wrote: ↑23 Sep 2018, 23:21 Short stories are just what I need right now after the huge tomes I have been consuming lately. The fact that the book kept you reading the stories one after the other proves that this could be the perfect read.

Lovely, convincing review!

Thank you, Sammy. I think you'll enjoy it!

Cecilia_L · Post by **Cecilia_L** » 24 Sep 2018, 13:31

Helen_Combe wrote: ↑24 Sep 2018, 09:50 Great review, it sounds like a really entertaining read. I don’t think I would be able to ride a bike wearing platforms though

Thank you, Helen. Right?! That mental picture was definitely worth a thousand words.