natreviews's Reviews (445)

Another knock out from LaRocca! I went into this completely blind, and I think everyone should. Three macabre tales, each one really good. I know I need to read more of their work, and hopefully soon.

The wording is a bit much atm. Will try again later. 

Not the book I hoped for

So... wow. This book was an amazing read. I've known the Bundy case and have looked into it several times (I read Conversations With A Killer: Ted Bundy a couple of years ago), but this is one of the more emotional readings. It is amazing to see a book written when these things were happening, and that it wasn't intended to be a Ted Bundy book. Originally, Ann was tasked to write a book about a string of murders dubbed the "Ted" murders, and it would turn out her friend was the suspect. 

I also liked the inclusion of all of the epilogues and updates. There are about 4-5 added chapters that came out with updated versions of each book. The latest update was in 2021 written by her daughter (Ann passed away in I think 2015). In those she updates about the crimes, victims, and her preconceived notions. Although it adds about 150 pages to the original book, it is worth it.

I highly recommend reading this with Conversations (mentioned earlier in this review) as they work really well as companion books. This will be one that I keep on my shelves, and I may have to check out some of Ann's other books one day.

Such a cute little story about two monsters falling for each other. I loved the mention of lesser known mythological beings (i.e. the mention of the huldra, that's from Scandinavian folklore). I have read Cassandra Khaw's Nothing But Blackened Teeth before this, and I can see the improvement in her writing. This is one I know I will keep for a very long time.

I really liked these collection of short stories. Each one had their own tone and vibe to them. I also loved how there was a glossary is the back that had both meaning and pronunciations in it, although I probably still butchered those words.

I really liked this book. I thought the twist at the end made sense (got the character wrong, but that the perp would be a character we knew right). I thought it could've been a bit more fleshed out, and the last part was a bit rushed, but otherwise it was a really good read. I saw that the author also wrote The Maiden, which I've seen, but haven't read yet. Will need to add that onto the list!

A story I really enjoyed and could relate to (being diagnosed with anxiety and depression myself). Obviously a classic. Sometimes I wish we got more details about her time spent there, but at the same time I think it would sort of ruin the flow of the book.

Honestly, a book that any true crime fan should read. It helps bring back reality into these crimes by showing you actual photographs of the bodies. Definitely a disturbing read, but a necessary one. 

Really didn't love the whole "a women can't be r@ped because she's over 300lbs" bit.