Interesting true crime story
928395
This was a fascinating look at this true crime story. I never knew about this serial killer. If this kind of book interests you, then I would highly recommend you read this story.
1899851
True Story of John Norman Collins. Eerie, and well done. I had to read this in my Evidence and Criminal Investigation class as a sort of case study. Missing some pertinent details (as one would expect). Shows true investigation techniques of the time and the difficulty when the case goes cold. When reading this book it reminded me of how much easier the proof in the case would have been had they had DNA screening techniques, although I am sure John would have found a way around it. A great look at the escalation of serial crime. Makes me want to drive to Ypsi and check it out for myself, but I am pretty sure that would be to much for me. I live near Milwaukee and one serial killer area is enough for me! for more info on this case check out crimelibrary.com
1248800
Very interesting from a historical perspective. It was hard to put it down. I will be looking forward to the next historical true crime story by this author.
1346558
If you are a true crime fan this is a good book. It isn't the best true crime book it has about 10-15 different crime stories and I usually prefer one but, and I hate to admit this, I never heard of D.B. Cooper, and I was fascinated by the story. Things like this, little tidbits worked well for me - its like the Enquirer of true crime lol but I do give it 4 stars because it was interesting...
1805379
Interesting to see the other side. A good read. Would recommend to anyone who likes true crime novels. Enjoyed greatly
2083691
A fascinating tale of a serial killer before anyone had identified such a when or coined a term for it. The fact that it was a woman performing the murders makes the story such an intriguing read. The animated illustrations really added an extra dimension to the tale. If you're into true crime stories, this is well worth the read.
2993949
There are a great many true crime stories in this volume.  I enjoyed reading about some cases that I was not familiar with.  Some of them are hair-raising, some are heartbreaking, especially the cases involving children.

142+
2532758
This book is based on a true crime.  It was interesting, but long and drawn out in some parts.  The book mainly focuses on the trials.
4763424
I read this & really liked the way Phelps tells a true story full of facts, but it's not just facts. He is a very thorough fact finder & the man he writes about in this is a very interesting read. There are pages of photographs from the scene which make it very real, which it is. I REALLY enjoyed this. If you like true crime, you'll love this.
2648994
A well written story that lets you follow the police work involved with such a murder but keeps you guessing about the outcome..
4737450
Very interesting read about a super smart, driven woman, Susan McFarland, who for reasons unknown to her family and friends marries loser Rick, who can never quite keep it together, can't hold a job, has ADD (but doesn't take his meds), and is a compulsive shopper. Susan has 3 kids with this guy. Rick is a not so great stay at home dad, who by some accounts is abusive and medicates his kids with various adhd meds, when the mood strikes. Finally Susan has had enough. When she starts plotting a divorce, and in turn, Rick starts plotting her murder. The psychology of Rick McFarland is truely mystifying, and this book leaves you asking many questions about this couple. Fanning managed to score interviews with friends and neighbors of the couple, who provide a disturbing look into the marriage of Rick and Susan, and how their 3 young sons fit into the picture. The actual murder of Susan and attempted cover up, left me wondering, is this guy crazy? an idiot? or a combination of both. Strange and intriguing story I recommend to true crime fans.
1174838
A interesting, if depressing, read about the intersection of serial killers and prostitution. As someone who's intrigued by true crime, it was worth a read
4627661
This is a very interesting story about a police officer working a murder case that appears to have an easy solution but as he works the case he starts to think there might be more than meets the eye. The characters have interesting lives which adds to the interest level of the book. There are several subplots which fit nicely with the plot and add to the story. The book is worth your time and money.
4498591
As a long time fan of true crime, I particularly liked this book - it takes place in jersey, which gives it a totally different tone to the dozens of small town America true crime books I have read- interesting story, setting, and treatment by the author- worth a look in my opinion
1621680
This may be categorized as true crime, but to me it read more like history, and a very good history. The criminals weren't highlighted, rather, the detective, Joseph Petrosino, was the star of this account. He was an immigrant from Italy and around the turn of the 20th century, joined the New York City police department when crime in the Italian neighborhoods took a disturbing turn. Organized crime, which had been active in blackmail and various intimidating methods of extracting money from families and businesses, started kidnapping adults and children, and demanding huge ransoms, which might or might not save the life of the victim. Petrosino was the one of the first policemen to take the crimes seriously and of course, speaking Italian was a big plus in gaining the trust of the community. He quickly rose to detective and started a one man campaign to rid the city of organized crime. He really was heroic and made a huge difference for the decades he served. I also enjoyed learning more about how people lived at the turn of the century in immigrant neighborhoods, and how the police department operated. And to add a bow to the whole package, there's even a bit of travel and romance to round out the story.
1817933
I enjoy true crime books and have read many and yet this one had several evil people I had not heard about and more information about others. Yes it is disturbing to read what people are capable of but still very fascinating.
4467881
Enjoyed reading a book based on a true crime.  The author made  the era come back to life.  A sad story of the young boy and how if affected the whole community. The police work, which is so different as we know it now.  I would recommend this book to anyone that likes true crime or past history.  Well written and an interesting read.