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.

Reviewed by Bernadette Longu for Readers' Favorite

If you are a true crime fan then Hidden Demons: Evil Visits A Small New England Town by Margery B. Metzger will hold your attention from the first page to the last. The author has written in such a way that the reader feels that they are part of the investigation and can actually feel the frustration of the detectives, state troopers, and police investigating these murders by Lewis Lent, Jr. The author shows the reader how complicated and frustrating an investigation into murder can be, especially when one realizes that the other day-to-day work still has to be done in between the new investigation. There are numerous references to articles that appeared in newspapers and press releases from the police and State Attorney’s office. This makes for very interesting reading and the reader realizes that the detectives and police have to do everything by the book or a murderer could be let off on a technicality.

Margery B. Metzger has taken the very difficult subjects of murder, serial killers, and the feelings of the families involved, with family members that may have been murdered, to help families negotiate the rocky path of the newspapers and TV channels that suddenly descend to get a story, expecting people to just down tools and tell them their most intimate secrets to be broadcast all over the world. Margery ends the book in such a way that it makes the reader realize just how hard everyone in the various justice and police departments worked to get justice for the families who lost a member to murder by this serial killer. The newspapers and TV channels also get a thank you for their help with the coverage of these murders. Thank you for such an insightful book. I really enjoyed it and would highly recommend it.

Reviewed by Crystal Wazny for Readers' Favorite

Click Click Click is about a murder that occurred in the hometown of sisters Anne Varner and Karen DeVanie. Anne and Karen are the hosts of the true-crime podcast Sugar Coated Murder. They were contacted by a producer from Investigation Discovery after doing an episode about the murder of Trent Whitley in their hometown of Franklin, VA. While researching the case further for an episode of television that did not happen, the sisters could not let the story go and decided to tell the story of Trent and what led one of his killers to kill him. The sisters take you along on the journey as they recount the events that happened before and after the murder of seventeen-year-old Trent Whitley.

Click Click Click is the first book in the Say My Name series, and I hope the series will continue and look forward to the subsequent stories. I love that Anne and Karen want to focus on Trent rather than his killers. With Franklin being the hometown of Anne Varner and Karen DeVanie, the sisters have first-hand knowledge of the town and some of the families of those involved. This adds to the ambiance and enables the authors to provide another layer to the story that an outsider would not have been able to give. To help remember Trent, be sure to say his name aloud like Anne and Karen request as a way to keep his memory alive and help keep Trent at the forefront of the tragedy that happened to him.

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

The Girl I Never Knew: Who Killed Melissa Witt? is a work of non-fiction in the true crime and thriller subgenres by LaDonna Humphrey. As the title suggests, the work focuses on the mysterious circumstances surrounding the death of Melissa Witt, and the answers to her untimely death seem to lie within the Ozark National Forest, Arkansas. Humphrey’s vested interest in unmasking Melissa’s killer is impressive for her sheer determination and attention to detail, but also remarkable considering that she never actually met the victim in person. So begins a real-life thriller of cracking the case and the strange twists in life that following Witt’s killer have given the author.

I am an avid fan of true crime and trying to unpick and understand why vicious people do vicious things, so I was sucked into the exciting premise offered by LaDonna Humphrey from the start. That is not to say this is a gory tale, because Humphrey is enormously respectful of the tragic fate that befell Melissa Witt, and the circumstances of her death are never glamourized or used to gratuitous effect. Moreover, it is the dogged tenacity and powerful sense of justice that Humphrey possesses that rockets this work of non-fiction into action and will certainly keep readers flipping pages to see what clue is uncovered next and how these experiences have shaped the author as a person. The Girl I Never Knew is a superb work of true crime narration that no fan should be without.

Reviewed by Vincent Dublado for Readers' Favorite

Thistles and Thorns by Jessica Lee Peterson is a powerful and gut-wrenching memoir of a mother’s tragic struggle to overcome trauma following the death of her children, Amara, Sophie, and Cecilia, who died at the hands of their abusive father. Her harrowing account of domestic violence begins as she introduces readers to her three wonderful angels, who felt secure in her love. The bliss of their innocent little lives was shattered when Jessica’s ex-husband called and asked to see the kids. She agreed, thinking that Blake may have been trying to be a better father. What happened next would shatter her world and shock an entire community, as she waged a battle that would take her to courtrooms and force her to deal with a deep psychological wound that could fester forever.

My heartfelt respect goes out to Jessica Lee Peterson. She wrote her painful memoir to show that she is not just a survivor, but to demonstrate that the process of healing takes time, especially true in her case where the level of violence was unspeakable. She assesses her ordeal to reveal how courage played a crucial role in her survival. It is utterly painful for any parent, especially a mother, to lose a child but even more so when one loses them at the hands of someone they once trusted. She may have moved on, but her journey toward healing continues. Reading her story will draw you into the depths of despair, but it is a step for you and her toward the light. Thistles and Thorns is a must-read for anyone interested in domestic violence, victimization, anti-violence crusades, and trauma discourses.

Reviewed by Viga Boland for Readers' Favorite

Before I even read The Injustice System by Ronarose Train, my perceptions of the fairness of the judicial system weren’t positive. Oh, how this biography supported my misgivings and how unfortunate for Sam Gray, falsely accused of major financial crimes, that he believed justice would prevail. He truly believed he and his wife would be exonerated. After all, they were innocent! When the government froze the Grays’ bank accounts and other assets, they were forced to settle for using a public defender. Because Sam believed so ardently in the justice system, and lying via a plea bargain was against his moral code, he refused to accept said plea bargain. That decision, combined with the disinterest of that public defender, landed both Sam and Marilyn in jail. In Sam’s case, incarceration lasted 10 years!

What I learned from Sam’s biographical account was eye-opening: heaven help anyone who is unfairly implicated in a crime! But what impressed me most about Sam’s time in prison was how he turned it into a positive, not just for himself but for other inmates. This is the best takeaway from reading The Injustice System. Before this book, my perceptions of jail were limited to TV shows and movies…for the most part, pretty horrifying. But, just as Sam did, I met some surprisingly good people inside the various prisons where he served time. Sam's stories about those people are heartwarming and through Sam’s conversational, sometimes even humorous accounts, Ronarose Train has made the chilling aspects of incarceration more bearable by focusing on human kindness and offering hope. Treat yourself to a very different and important true story. The Injustice System is a must-read!