Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite

Beyond the Green Widow: Consequences of the Piney Woods Creek Murders of 1921 by Juanita Green Hollinghead traces the history of the Green family, starting with James Matthew Green, an Irish immigrant who settled in Mississippi in the late 1700s. His descendants included Jake Green, a sheriff and Prohibition agent killed in a 1921 gunfight with moonshiners. The incident sparked national attention and led to a high-profile trial where several individuals were convicted of the murders of Green and his partner, Lawrence Dunnam. The family’s story is later explored by Hollinghead, who uncovers details about her grandfather's death and the family's legacy. In 2021, she secured a historical marker and a highway sign in honor of the fallen officers, culminating in her grandfather’s inclusion in the Mississippi Fallen Officers Memorial.

Beyond the Green Widow by Juanita Green Hollinghead is a meticulously researched and concisely represented family biography. Hollinghead’s dedication to uncovering her family’s history is both impressive and inspiring as she digs deep into the past, collecting forgotten documents and piecing together fragmented stories. The writing is clear and straightforward, and as a reader who is not American, I found the lives of her ancestors to be a fantastic vehicle to the broader historical context of Prohibition-era America. Hollinghead’s devotion to her grandfather’s legacy is apparent, and her careful details of the people and events surrounding Green and Dunnam's deaths give the book a powerful, investigative feel. More than just a family memoir, the work serves as a valuable time capsule, ensuring the Green family's story is preserved for future generations. Overall, Beyond the Green Widow is perfect for those who love a personal lean into historical non-fiction. Recommended.

Reviewed by Carol Thompson for Readers' Favorite

Twenty Years of Unraveling by Ted Neill is a powerful and unsettling follow-up to his 2016 memoir, Two Years of Wonder. In this deeply personal and investigative narrative, Neill reconnects with young adults who were once children living in an orphanage for HIV-positive youth in Nairobi, Kenya, where he had worked in the early 2000s. What began as a reunion quickly turns into a journey into trauma, accountability, and the long shadows cast by institutional abuse. Neill listens as survivors recount years of physical, emotional, and sexual abuse that allegedly occurred at the hands of trusted caregivers, many of them members of Catholic religious orders. What follows is a meticulous, painful attempt to seek truth and justice. The author collaborates with the survivors to document their stories, corroborate evidence, and amplify their voices in the face of denial, institutional silence, and retaliation.

The author does not shy away from difficult content. Ted Neill addresses topics such as sexual assault, suicide, mental illness, and substance abuse with unflinching honesty. These issues are explored not only as consequences of the abuse but as part of a larger system of harm and neglect that failed the children for years. Through detailed reporting and interviews, Neill paints a picture of how charismatic leadership and unchecked authority can enable cycles of exploitation, even in the guise of charity. Neill’s writing balances compassion with rigor, offering respect to the survivors while confronting the institutions that enabled harm. His background as a journalist and former caregiver adds credibility and emotional depth to the account. The inclusion of federal investigations and major media coverage, such as involvement from The Washington Post, underscores the gravity of the revelations. Twenty Years of Unraveling is not an easy read, but it is an essential one. It speaks of the courage of those who came forward, the power of truth, and the urgent need for reform in institutions meant to protect vulnerable children.

Reviewed by Romuald Dzemo for Readers' Favorite

Rooting Out Shame: A Son's Account of Child Sexual Abuse and Recovery by Frank Root III is a profoundly moving and disturbing memoir that chronicles the author’s traumatic childhood filled with sexual abuse inflicted by his parents. With raw honesty and heartfelt reflection, the author takes readers through a labyrinth of dark memories, emotional turmoil, and the struggle toward recovery while underlining the indelible marks left by betrayal. The book explores several important themes, including the complexity of shame, the struggle to seek help, and the path to healing. Shame pervades Root's narrative; it is an omnipresent specter that follows the author from childhood to adulthood. He recounts feeling worthless, much of it stemming from his perceptions of the abuse and the normalization of sexual acts as a child. This sense of shame complicates his emotional landscape as he struggles with feelings of vulnerability and powerlessness, especially in interactions with authority figures.

This is the journey of the author’s healing, loaded with insight and lessons for readers. It has strong psychological underpinnings and brilliantly shows readers the numerous challenges of healing from childhood trauma. Rooting Out Shame offers an interplay between memory repression and recovery, another theme in the memoir. Frank Root III’s journey of uncovering repressed memories—triggered by the external conversations surrounding sexual assault, like those found in the #MeToo movement—illustrates how complex and challenging it can be for anyone to confront past trauma. His evolution from victim to survivor is marked by a series of self-affirming choices, including the courageous decision to hold his father accountable. The legal battles highlight the flaws within the justice system but also illustrate the possibility of reclaiming power. This memoir is a work of love, filled with wisdom and insights to guide readers on their journey toward healing from trauma. The author’s authoritative voice grips the reader from page one and never relents.

Reviewed by Zahid Sheikh for Readers' Favorite

Fifty Shades of True Crime by Douglas Fifer is a shocking collection of real-life crime stories from the police world. It focuses on crimes with extreme sexual behavior, strange fetishes, and very disturbing actions. An experienced Alaskan police officer tells these stories. The book mixes dark humor with clear storytelling, pulling readers into some of the most twisted investigations you can imagine. Each chapter covers a new case, from unbelievable kinks that went wrong to violent crimes that are hard to believe. With titles like “Cool as a Cucumber” and “The Jizz in the Whiz,” the book does not hold back. Whether it’s sex in odd places, strange obsessions, or forbidden topics like sex with dead bodies and animals, Fifer shows the most extreme human behavior. He asks readers to think about what is right, legal, and sane.

Douglas Fifer’s writing is strong, moves fast, and is very detailed, even if these are shocking. The stories are well-organized. This keeps you reading even when you might want to stop. Fifer’s dry humor and writing skills balance shock with storytelling. The action is always there, either from the crimes themselves or from the chaotic reactions they cause. The people in the stories, even if described briefly, feel real because they come from the author’s direct experience. The main themes are intense power, perversion, and justice, but Fifer’s mix of honesty and dark humor makes the stories strangely exciting. Even though some parts were disturbing, I could not put it down. If you are interested in true crime and are not easily upset, Fifty Shades of True Crime is an exciting book worth reading.

Reviewed by Carol Thompson for Readers' Favorite

Convoluted: The 1972 Durham Family Triple Homicide by Terry L. Harmon is a meticulously researched account of a tragic murder case that has captivated the community of Boone, North Carolina, and beyond for over five decades. Harmon examines the lives of the Durham family; Bryce, Virginia, and their son Bobby brutally murdered in their home on a winter night in 1972. This haunting true-crime story is woven with details of the investigation, revealing a web of theories, suspects, and local lore that kept the case alive in the minds of Boone’s residents. The book's structure, divided into multiple parts that chronicle the lives of the Durhams, the investigation, and the lasting influence of the case, engages readers who appreciate a comprehensive approach to true crime storytelling. Harmon also reflects on the Durham family’s character, addressing the victims as more than just names in a case file and honoring their memory through his thoughtful narrative.

Terry L. Harmon balances detailed investigative work with compassion for the victims and their surviving family members. The book traces the ups and downs of the lengthy investigation, from early leads and witness interviews to recent developments that continue to shed light on the case. The author’s attention to detail, from crime scene descriptions to community reactions, allows readers to feel the weight of the tragedy and its lasting impact on those involved. Ideal for true crime enthusiasts and those interested in unsolved mysteries, Convoluted is a compelling and respectful exploration of a cold case that has left a deep imprint on a small town. Harmon’s dedication to uncovering the truth and preserving the story of the Durham family makes this book a powerful homage and a captivating read.

Reviewed by Grant Leishman for Readers' Favorite

The Butcher, the Embezzler, and the Fall Guy: A Family Memoir of Scandal and Greed in the Meat Industry (Poetic License) by Gretchen Cherington is an intensely personal and thoughtful memoir recounting her life as the daughter of a famous father. The author’s father was one of the most celebrated U.S. poets of the twentieth century; Richard Eberhart, Poet Laureate, Pulitzer Prize winner, and the recipient of numerous academic honors. While her life was undoubtedly enriched by the company and friendship of some of the most celebrated literary geniuses of the century, growing up in a household such as hers also had its dark and sinister side that would trouble and haunt the author for decades during her adult years as she sought to establish her own life, career, and family. Along with the stories of her celebrated father and her mother, the author delves into the family history to discover where her father had emerged from. She records the travails of her grandfather, a successful executive at Hormel Foods, one of the leading meat producers in the 1920s. A major embezzlement that her grandfather was partially blamed for resulted in the family’s downward slide in wealth and status. Her grandmother’s terminal illness would be a seminal event in her father’s young life and laid the foundation for his character and behavior in later years.

The Butcher, the Embezzler, and the Fall Guy is interesting from the perspective that rather than being a memoir from a famous person, it is a personal account of the effects of that fame and unusual lifestyle on a child of the celebrity. Author Gretchen Cherington takes us inside the hectic life of a poet, his colleagues, and his close friends. What I gained most from this work was the understanding that the effect of even minor abuse can be deep and intensely disturbing, especially when it occurs from someone in whom the child vests complete and utter trust and faith. That Richard Eberhart was a narcissist is without question from this memoir. The author describes him as a man who believed the universe revolved around him and his ideas. The fact that he was comfortable allowing his private and intensely personal love letters to and from his mistress to be part of his public records bears this out. I found it amusing that an analysis of his public works, despite his celebrated status, reveals, as the author so eloquently puts it, “many poems that simply are not that good.” I appreciated that the author chose to explore more of the family’s history in an attempt to understand the behavior and actions of a man who, for many, was greater than life, but who to Gretchen Cherington was a deeply flawed human being. I enjoyed this read and appreciated the cathartic benefit it must have had for the author.

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

Busting Drug Dealers: Diaries of a DEA Special Agent is a work of non-fiction in the memoir and true crime subgenres. It is best suited to mature adult readers owing to graphic descriptions of real crimes, violence, drugs, and weapon use, and was penned by author Mike Fredericks. Readers are sure to be hooked on this gripping and eye-opening memoir that provides us with a rare glimpse into the dangerous and complex world of drug enforcement. Fredericks, a seasoned DEA Special Agent, takes us on a thrilling journey through his career, chronicling his adventures, investigations, and encounters with drug traffickers from around the globe.

Author Mike Fredericks has crafted a real roller-coaster ride of true stories that read like high-stakes crime fiction yet keep the authentic narrative integrity of someone who has truly been there and done that. From undercover drug buys in the United States to daring raids on clandestine cocaine labs in the jungles of Colombia, Fredericks' experiences are both exhilarating and terrifying. His dedication to his job and his relentless pursuit of justice shine through in every chapter. What sets this memoir apart is its authenticity. Fredericks draws from his extensive diaries and court documents, providing an unvarnished look at the challenges and risks faced by law enforcement officers in the war against drugs. His storytelling is both compelling and insightful, shedding light on the complexities of the drug trade and the dedication required to combat it. This well-penned, intimate memoir is a testament to the unwavering commitment of law enforcement officers and the sacrifices they make to keep our communities safe. Overall, Busting Drug Dealers is a must-read for anyone interested in the real-life battles against drug traffickers and the relentless pursuit of justice, and I would not hesitate to recommend it.

Reviewed by Anne-Marie Reynolds for Readers' Favorite

Saint Bloodbath by Frederick Douglass Reynolds is a chilling true crime story. The bodies are piling up; five are found in a camp for the homeless, and a teenager is found in the desert, executed in cold blood. At first, they are treated as unconnected, but the police soon find commonalities between them. Did the same man commit all the murders? The detectives, McGuire, Cortez, and Rodriguez, work tirelessly to find the perpetrator and bring justice to their families, friends, and communities. This book spills the details of this case, following in the detectives’ footsteps in their quest to solve these mindless killings.

Saint Bloodbath by Frederick Douglass Reynolds tells a bloody, violent story of drugs, murder, and gangs that truly is not for the faint-hearted. It is incredibly descriptive, leaving nothing to the imagination, but sadly, real-life murders are like that. It reads like a fictional story, but it most assuredly is not, and it is an eye-opener, following the detectives as they go about their work in their search for justice. One point that should be mentioned is that this is not for the easily offended, given that it contains racial slurs and derogatory comments. However, this is not out of character for the story and is entirely accurate for the setting and time the crimes occurred. This interesting, if gruesome, read offers a decent insight into how the police do their jobs and some of the sights and situations they have to deal with daily. It is well put together by someone who knew the detectives who worked the case and recommended to those who like true crime stories.

Reviewed by Alicia DeBerry for Readers' Favorite

Is it possible to be whole again after experiencing a traumatic event? Alexis Faere considers this question in her memoir documenting her journey to recovery after being kidnapped and sexually assaulted in Invisible Wounds: An Inside Story. Having faced this immense challenge, she wants to help individuals experiencing various life traumas find a way to express, accept, and cope with their trauma, transforming from victim to survivor and beyond. Allowing herself to be vulnerable and brave, Alexis explains the steps she took to regain her empowerment and how she successfully integrated this event into her identity. Through acknowledging and understanding the need for validation, she outlines a map of the turmoil she suffered to provide a beacon of hope during the lifetime journey of the recovery process. 

Alexis Faere has written a personal masterpiece that helps those who have experienced the trauma of sexual assault in Invisible Wounds. As I was reading, I experienced the feeling of the creation of a safe place to confront the thoughts going through my mind concerning past traumas. I appreciated the author's vulnerability, strength, and guidance provided in each chapter. The idea that your trauma is a historical event that happened in your life and does not define you resonated deeply with me. I was moved by how she learned to trust her intuition again and forgive. I recommend that readers who need motivation and are looking for a way to provide a step toward self-help and begin healing due to hardship or grief get this book.

Reviewed by Natalie Soine for Readers' Favorite

Spiked by Sharron Gold is a riveting true crime story that delves into the harrowing world of drug-induced manipulation, gang stalking, and the indomitable human spirit's ability to overcome unimaginable adversity. This compelling narrative takes readers on an emotional rollercoaster, recounting Sharron's descent into a nightmarish existence after being drugged with GHB and subjected to mind-altering techniques. Sharron's journey from an independent woman to a victim, manipulated to do unspeakable things, keeps readers on edge from the very beginning. Her experience with GHB serves as a chilling reminder of the dangers lurking in today's society.

Sharron Gold's courage and resilience shine throughout the story. Her meticulous memory, honed from her past career, is her ultimate weapon against her tormentors. Her determination to document her ordeal and turn it into a book is a testament to the strength of the human spirit. Sharron's narrative grips readers with its raw and honest portrayal of her trauma and her ultimate escape from her tormentors. Spiked also serves as a powerful advocacy tool, raising awareness about the perils of drugs and the need for better protection against gang stalking. Sharron's story is not just a personal account but a call to action, a testament to the importance of resilience and determination in the face of unimaginable challenges. In the end, Sharron's journey from victim to survivor is a source of inspiration and hope. Her book becomes a powerful tool for healing for herself and others who have endured similar traumas. Spiked is suitable for all adults.