Books Like...

In 'Breaking Blue' by Timothy Egan, readers are taken on a journey to Spokane, Washington in the 1930s, where an unsolved murder of a law enforcement officer unfolds. The story follows Sheriff Anthony Bamonte's relentless pursuit of the truth, despite facing corruption within the police force and challenges due to the passage of time. Egan weaves a narrative that delves into crime, police corruption, and the quest for justice, providing a historical account of lawlessness during the Great Depression era.

The book is praised for its detailed exploration of the 1935 murder in the inland northwest, shedding light on the troubled times of the depression and the moral complexities surrounding law enforcement. Egan's writing style captivates readers with its engrossing storytelling, highlighting the noble efforts of Sheriff Bamonte in uncovering the truth behind the unsolved crime, showcasing the author's dedication to thorough research and compelling narrative.

In 'Strange Piece of Paradise' by Terri Jentz, the author recounts her harrowing experience of being attacked while on a cross-country bike ride in Oregon. The book delves into the aftermath of the crime, her quest for justice, and the impact of the traumatic event on her life. Jentz's writing style is described as detailed, emotional, and at times repetitive, reflecting the psychological impact of the crime on the author.

Midnight in Peking by Paul French is a true crime story set in 1930s Peking, focusing on the unsolved murder of a young Englishwoman, Pamela Werner. The book delves into the intricate political world of pre-WWII Peking, the bungled official police investigation, and the determined efforts of Pamela's father to solve the crime. French's writing style is described as a mix of historical detail and suspenseful storytelling, painting a vivid picture of colonial life in 1930s Beijing amidst a backdrop of impending war and political turmoil.

Deranged: The Shocking True Story of America's Most Fiendish Killer by Harold Schechter delves into the chilling crimes of Albert Fish, a notorious serial killer from the 20th century. The author intricately weaves together historical context with the narrative of Fish's heinous acts, providing a detailed account of the depravity and brutality that characterized his crimes. Schechter's writing style is described as engaging and informative, offering readers a glimpse into the mind of a truly deranged individual.

The book explores the life and crimes of Albert Fish, shedding light on the horrifying details of his murders and the impact they had on his victims and their families. Through meticulous research and vivid descriptions, Schechter paints a vivid picture of the disturbing events surrounding Fish's capture and trial, leaving readers both fascinated and horrified by the depths of human depravity.

'18 Tiny Deaths: The Untold Story of Frances Glessner Lee and the Invention of Modern Forensics' by Bruce Goldfarb is a biography that delves into the life of Frances Glessner Lee, a wealthy woman who revolutionized the field of forensic science. It explores how Frances used her wealth and influence to fund the development of forensic science, including setting up the first Department of Legal Medicine at Harvard University. The narrative follows Frances' journey from her privileged upbringing to her creation of miniature crime scene models known as Nutshells, which were used to train investigators in observational skills. also sheds light on the challenges Frances faced in a male-dominated society and her significant contributions to the field of forensics.

Goldfarb's writing style in '18 Tiny Deaths' has been praised for its thorough research and engaging storytelling. Readers appreciated the detailed exploration of Frances Glessner Lee's life, her motivations, and the historical context surrounding the development of forensic science in the United States. is described as a compelling blend of biography and history, offering insights into Frances' determination, her impact on criminal investigation practices, and the evolution of forensics as a discipline.

'A Midwife's Tale: The Life of Martha Ballard, Based on Her Diary, 1785-1812' by Laurel Thatcher Ulrich delves into the life of Martha Ballard, a midwife in Hallowell, Maine from 1785 to 1812. Through excerpts from Martha's diary, readers are transported to a world of herbal remedies, local conflicts, and everyday life details. Ulrich weaves together Martha's diary entries with historical context, providing a rich tapestry of the past that draws readers in. not only chronicles Martha's experiences attending to families in various circumstances but also sheds light on the social history of the time.

Martha Ballard's meticulous diary entries serve as a valuable record of the families of that era, capturing their triumphs, turmoils, moves, and local history. Ulrich's research and analysis bring Martha's world to life, providing insights into the role of midwives, the dynamics between midwives and male doctors, and the daily activities of families in early America. offers a unique perspective on women's lives, medical practices, and societal changes during a transitional period in medicine.

Starvation Heights is a true crime book that delves into the horrifying story of Dr. Linda Burfield Hazzard, a naturalist doctor in Olalla, WA, who treated her patients with a fasting cure that led to many deaths. The book follows the wealthy British sisters, Claire and Dora Williamson, who sought out Dr. Hazzard's unconventional treatments, only to face tragic consequences. The narrative explores the dark and twisted world of Starvation Heights, shedding light on the medical malpractice, theft, and murder that occurred at the hands of Dr. Hazzard.

The writing style of Starvation Heights is commended for its detailed storytelling, bringing to life the characters and the Pacific Northwest setting. Readers are drawn into the ghastly imagery and historical context of the story, as the author weaves together a narrative that is both fascinating and chilling. Through meticulous research, the book provides a thorough account of the events surrounding Starvation Heights, offering insights into the lives of the victims, the trial proceedings, and the legacy of Dr. Hazzard's crimes.

'Small Sacrifices' by Ann Rule is a gripping true crime novel that delves into the horrifying case of Diane Downs, a mother who shot her three young children to secure the love of a married man. The book unravels the complex motivations behind Diane's actions, the determination of authorities to uncover the truth, and the unbelievable courage of her daughter who testified against her. Through detailed forensic exploration, Rule paints a chilling and fascinating portrait of a diagnosed narcissistic sociopath, providing readers with a suspenseful and engaging read that offers insights into the mind of the killer.

The narrative of 'Small Sacrifices' is structured to make readers feel like they are right there as the case unfolds, allowing them to spend time in Diane Downs' head and understand her background leading up to the tragic events. Ann Rule skillfully weaves together the various elements of the story, from the initial crime to the police investigation, court case, and aftermath, presenting an unbiased and thorough account that keeps readers hooked till the very end.

'The Dark Queens: The Bloody Rivalry That Forged the Medieval World' by Shelley Puhak is a historical biography that delves into the lives of two lesser-known but powerful women from the 6th century, Fredegund and Brunhild. The book reads like a brutal medieval soap opera, providing a rich history of these queens who played significant roles in the Merovingian dynasty. Despite the lack of firsthand sources from that period, the author weaves a gripping narrative that keeps readers entertained and engaged, showcasing the ruthless yet fascinating lives of these queens and the turbulent times they lived in.

The author, Shelley Puhak, paints a vivid picture of 6th century France and beyond, bringing to life the story of Fredegund and Brunhild with detailed descriptions and a flair for storytelling. While the book may rely on some speculation due to the scarcity of information from that era, Puhak's extensive research shines through, offering readers a thorough overview of who these women were and the power struggles they faced. The narrative unfolds like a real-life game of thrones, highlighting the complex dynamics of the Merovingian dynasty and the fierce rivalry between these two queens, making for an engaging and informative read.