BookAwards.com
Award-Winning Books from Today's Best Authors
A Free Resource for Book Lovers, Authors, Agents, Publishers and Journalists
Recommend this book:
Don't Tell
Teresa Schapansky
2026 Finalist
Kindle Edition
Check current price
Non-Fiction - True Crime
Reviewed by Doreen Chombu for Readers' Favorite
Don't Tell by Teresa Schapansky is a deeply personal and harrowing memoir based on the life story of Troy Edward Eklund. The book walks you through Troy’s painful childhood, his addiction, and his fight for a better life—all before his sudden death in 2025. Troy and his sister Sonja went through things no kid should ever face, mostly at the hands of their mother, Teri. Troy spent a lot of time with her, and it was even worse. He dealt with his mother's violent boyfriends and adults around him who took advantage of his vulnerability. By the time he was a teen, he was working on fishing boats, missing classes, and pretty much fending for himself. Drug use started early—thanks to his mother, who used it as a twisted form of reward. He started acting out, stealing from neighbors, and sank deeper into trouble. He also tried to please his mother, who never truly cared. This book shares Troy's struggles with life, work, and addiction, and his mother's behavior and other illegal dealings.
Don't Tell gives a raw and unfiltered look into the traumatic life of a man who searched for healing and redemption from his past. This is a story that makes you pause and think about the darkness many children face in the world, and the pain hidden by most people who live lives similar to that of Troy Eklund. The innocence and childhood that were stolen can never be restored. Teresa Schapansky did an excellent job of recounting Troy’s life in British Columbia. She captured the essence of the hippie era, the drugs, the alcohol, and reckless living that looked liberating but left children neglected and exposed to dangerous vices. This book covers issues that may be triggering to sensitive readers, but it is worth reading because it reminds us to be advocates for child protection. It also encourages others with similar experiences to tell their stories and keep hope alive.
Don't Tell by Teresa Schapansky is a deeply personal and harrowing memoir based on the life story of Troy Edward Eklund. The book walks you through Troy’s painful childhood, his addiction, and his fight for a better life—all before his sudden death in 2025. Troy and his sister Sonja went through things no kid should ever face, mostly at the hands of their mother, Teri. Troy spent a lot of time with her, and it was even worse. He dealt with his mother's violent boyfriends and adults around him who took advantage of his vulnerability. By the time he was a teen, he was working on fishing boats, missing classes, and pretty much fending for himself. Drug use started early—thanks to his mother, who used it as a twisted form of reward. He started acting out, stealing from neighbors, and sank deeper into trouble. He also tried to please his mother, who never truly cared. This book shares Troy's struggles with life, work, and addiction, and his mother's behavior and other illegal dealings.
Don't Tell gives a raw and unfiltered look into the traumatic life of a man who searched for healing and redemption from his past. This is a story that makes you pause and think about the darkness many children face in the world, and the pain hidden by most people who live lives similar to that of Troy Eklund. The innocence and childhood that were stolen can never be restored. Teresa Schapansky did an excellent job of recounting Troy’s life in British Columbia. She captured the essence of the hippie era, the drugs, the alcohol, and reckless living that looked liberating but left children neglected and exposed to dangerous vices. This book covers issues that may be triggering to sensitive readers, but it is worth reading because it reminds us to be advocates for child protection. It also encourages others with similar experiences to tell their stories and keep hope alive.
Recommend this book:
 is a moving true crime memoir. When Walt’s father unexpectedly died in a freak accident when Walt was very young, his life took a tragic turn. Walt felt this tragedy changed the course of his life, and his later misconduct and lawlessness were a result. As Lisa explo...){kind=link}
Better Dead Than Poor
Stories and Letters from Uncle D.B. Cooper
Lisa Story
2026 Honorable Mention
328 Pages
Check current price
Non-Fiction - True Crime
Reviewed by Susan Sewell for Readers' Favorite
Better Dead Than Poor by Lisa Story (Stories and Letters from Uncle D.B. Cooper) is a moving true crime memoir. When Walt’s father unexpectedly died in a freak accident when Walt was very young, his life took a tragic turn. Walt felt this tragedy changed the course of his life, and his later misconduct and lawlessness were a result. As Lisa explores her uncle’s history and career through his letters, notes, friends’ memories, and anecdotes, she uncovers some amazing possibilities surrounding her Uncle Walt’s life. Walt was a very mysterious man who led an exciting and adventurous life. Amongst all the stories he told about himself, he included robberies, parachuting in the Army Airborne, assassination attempts, and the infamous 1971 hijacking of Northwest Airlines Flight 305 by D.B. Cooper, leading to the question, was he D.B. Cooper? Whether he was or not, Walt led a spectacularly adventurous life that deeply touched his friends, family, and everyone who came in contact with him.
Better Dead Than Poor by Lisa Story is a fascinating account of an intriguing and unforgettable man. It is a compelling tale that is so astonishing and incredible that authenticity rings throughout the dramatic narrative. Although the story mainly focuses on the common factors between Walt and D.B. Cooper, Walt’s verifiable accomplishments are just as riveting and even more imposing. Undoubtedly, the charismatic Walt Peca/Reca led an extraordinary life, and his experiences would give Robert Ludlum’s character, Jason Bourne, a run for his money at the box office. I would love to see Walt’s memoir on the big screen. Everyone who loves a good anti-hero will enjoy meeting Walt.
Better Dead Than Poor by Lisa Story (Stories and Letters from Uncle D.B. Cooper) is a moving true crime memoir. When Walt’s father unexpectedly died in a freak accident when Walt was very young, his life took a tragic turn. Walt felt this tragedy changed the course of his life, and his later misconduct and lawlessness were a result. As Lisa explores her uncle’s history and career through his letters, notes, friends’ memories, and anecdotes, she uncovers some amazing possibilities surrounding her Uncle Walt’s life. Walt was a very mysterious man who led an exciting and adventurous life. Amongst all the stories he told about himself, he included robberies, parachuting in the Army Airborne, assassination attempts, and the infamous 1971 hijacking of Northwest Airlines Flight 305 by D.B. Cooper, leading to the question, was he D.B. Cooper? Whether he was or not, Walt led a spectacularly adventurous life that deeply touched his friends, family, and everyone who came in contact with him.
Better Dead Than Poor by Lisa Story is a fascinating account of an intriguing and unforgettable man. It is a compelling tale that is so astonishing and incredible that authenticity rings throughout the dramatic narrative. Although the story mainly focuses on the common factors between Walt and D.B. Cooper, Walt’s verifiable accomplishments are just as riveting and even more imposing. Undoubtedly, the charismatic Walt Peca/Reca led an extraordinary life, and his experiences would give Robert Ludlum’s character, Jason Bourne, a run for his money at the box office. I would love to see Walt’s memoir on the big screen. Everyone who loves a good anti-hero will enjoy meeting Walt.
Recommend this book:
Scars of the Badge
Faith, Trauma, and Redemption Behind the Thin Blue Line
Tom Lee
2026 Bronze Medal
Kindle Edition
Check current price
Non-Fiction - True Crime
Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite
In his memoir Scars of the Badge, Tom Lee describes leaving an electrical engineering path after a university Police Explorers program leads him toward law enforcement. Dispatching gives him his first view of police work before academy training places him on the other side of the radio. Lee enters patrol knowing procedure, yet the calls he answers begin teaching him what a badge asks of the person wearing it. His career brings a firing that sends him away from policing before another agency gives him a way back. At the Hardin County Sheriff’s Office, repeated exposure to death begins following him home, while mental health assignments change how he thinks about people in crisis. Years into that career, a welfare call involving a suicidal man ends with Lee facing a crossbow.
Tom Lee’s Scars of the Badge is part police memoir, part inspirational Christian testimonial from Lee’s career in law enforcement. The writing is exceptional, and there’s a unique honesty that shows as he talks about what the badge can leave behind in the people who wear it. I love when he writes about field sobriety instruction. His gift for teaching shines brightest when cadets test drinking volunteers before discovering that one participant had been sober all along. At the same time, Lee’s return to faith gives the memoir a hopeful spirit, especially as serving with the Gideons gives him a way to offer New Testaments to first responders after Uvalde. Well written and moving, readers who enjoy Christian first responder memoirs will embrace this.
In his memoir Scars of the Badge, Tom Lee describes leaving an electrical engineering path after a university Police Explorers program leads him toward law enforcement. Dispatching gives him his first view of police work before academy training places him on the other side of the radio. Lee enters patrol knowing procedure, yet the calls he answers begin teaching him what a badge asks of the person wearing it. His career brings a firing that sends him away from policing before another agency gives him a way back. At the Hardin County Sheriff’s Office, repeated exposure to death begins following him home, while mental health assignments change how he thinks about people in crisis. Years into that career, a welfare call involving a suicidal man ends with Lee facing a crossbow.
Tom Lee’s Scars of the Badge is part police memoir, part inspirational Christian testimonial from Lee’s career in law enforcement. The writing is exceptional, and there’s a unique honesty that shows as he talks about what the badge can leave behind in the people who wear it. I love when he writes about field sobriety instruction. His gift for teaching shines brightest when cadets test drinking volunteers before discovering that one participant had been sober all along. At the same time, Lee’s return to faith gives the memoir a hopeful spirit, especially as serving with the Gideons gives him a way to offer New Testaments to first responders after Uvalde. Well written and moving, readers who enjoy Christian first responder memoirs will embrace this.
Recommend this book:
Standing Up
Making the Best Out of Surviving the Worst
Mary L. Devine
2026 Silver Medal
272 Pages
Check current price
Non-Fiction - True Crime
Reviewed by Stewart Brian for Readers' Favorite
Standing Up: Making the Best Out of Surviving the Worst by Mary L. Devine is a well-written, emotional, and inspiring memoir. Mary writes about two intense phases of her life. At age 23, Mary fell in love with Vince, a man she hoped to spend the rest of her life with. However, after four years of dating, what she imagined to be the best moments of her life after her wedding turned out to be a nightmare as she became a victim of domestic violence. Vince, just like his father, was bad-tempered, an abuser, and an alcoholic. After a traumatic incident that almost cost her life, Mary is determined to get over her past, heal from her trauma, and rewrite her story.
I commend Mary’s courage to share her story despite how difficult it would be going through her past trauma and giving such a detailed account of it. This memoir is a unique way of enlightening readers on the impact of domestic violence on victims. I loved the title of this book as it blended perfectly with the story. I also loved Mary’s unique yet engaging writing style. This book got me so hooked that the only time I had to take a break was when I was overwhelmed by emotions. This is a testament that Mary is a talented writer and an amazing storyteller. The story had an impeccable pace, and it was easy to comprehend. I will recommend this book to all victims of domestic violence. Standing Up by Mary L. Devine will always remind me to contribute my part in the fight against domestic violence and any other form of abuse.
Standing Up: Making the Best Out of Surviving the Worst by Mary L. Devine is a well-written, emotional, and inspiring memoir. Mary writes about two intense phases of her life. At age 23, Mary fell in love with Vince, a man she hoped to spend the rest of her life with. However, after four years of dating, what she imagined to be the best moments of her life after her wedding turned out to be a nightmare as she became a victim of domestic violence. Vince, just like his father, was bad-tempered, an abuser, and an alcoholic. After a traumatic incident that almost cost her life, Mary is determined to get over her past, heal from her trauma, and rewrite her story.
I commend Mary’s courage to share her story despite how difficult it would be going through her past trauma and giving such a detailed account of it. This memoir is a unique way of enlightening readers on the impact of domestic violence on victims. I loved the title of this book as it blended perfectly with the story. I also loved Mary’s unique yet engaging writing style. This book got me so hooked that the only time I had to take a break was when I was overwhelmed by emotions. This is a testament that Mary is a talented writer and an amazing storyteller. The story had an impeccable pace, and it was easy to comprehend. I will recommend this book to all victims of domestic violence. Standing Up by Mary L. Devine will always remind me to contribute my part in the fight against domestic violence and any other form of abuse.
Recommend this book:
Through the Lens of a Monster
A Serial Killer on Death Row, an Unsolved Murder List, and an Inmate’s Deadly Play for Redemption
William A. Noguera
2026 Gold Medal
230 Pages
Check current price
Non-Fiction - True Crime
Reviewed by Carol Thompson for Readers' Favorite
Through the Lens of a Monster by William A. Noguera is a gripping exploration of the mind of serial killer Joseph Naso, told from the unique perspective of the author, who spent over forty years on San Quentin’s death row. This true-crime account provides a compelling look at Noguera’s dangerous and thorough investigation into Naso’s crimes, revealing the chilling confessions of a man who evaded justice for decades. Noguera’s skill in extracting confessions from Naso offers a rare and disturbing glimpse into the mind of a remorseless predator. The final section of the book shifts to the aftermath, describing Noguera’s efforts to bring closure to the victims’ families and his own path toward redemption.
William A. Noguera’s writing is raw and unflinching, capturing the horror of Naso’s crimes while demonstrating a clear sense of purpose and determination to uncover the truth. The story is both personal and investigative, as Noguera reflects on his own past while navigating the dangerous realities of prison life and the psychological manipulation required to extract information from Naso. The book also highlights the systemic failures that allowed Naso to evade capture for so long, emphasizing the indifference often shown toward marginalized victims. Through the Lens of a Monster is a gripping account of crime, justice, and redemption. Noguera’s unique position as both a former death row inmate and a skilled investigator offers readers an unparalleled perspective on the complexities of the criminal mind and the pursuit of justice. Filled with photographs and images, this is an eerily good book.
Through the Lens of a Monster by William A. Noguera is a gripping exploration of the mind of serial killer Joseph Naso, told from the unique perspective of the author, who spent over forty years on San Quentin’s death row. This true-crime account provides a compelling look at Noguera’s dangerous and thorough investigation into Naso’s crimes, revealing the chilling confessions of a man who evaded justice for decades. Noguera’s skill in extracting confessions from Naso offers a rare and disturbing glimpse into the mind of a remorseless predator. The final section of the book shifts to the aftermath, describing Noguera’s efforts to bring closure to the victims’ families and his own path toward redemption.
William A. Noguera’s writing is raw and unflinching, capturing the horror of Naso’s crimes while demonstrating a clear sense of purpose and determination to uncover the truth. The story is both personal and investigative, as Noguera reflects on his own past while navigating the dangerous realities of prison life and the psychological manipulation required to extract information from Naso. The book also highlights the systemic failures that allowed Naso to evade capture for so long, emphasizing the indifference often shown toward marginalized victims. Through the Lens of a Monster is a gripping account of crime, justice, and redemption. Noguera’s unique position as both a former death row inmate and a skilled investigator offers readers an unparalleled perspective on the complexities of the criminal mind and the pursuit of justice. Filled with photographs and images, this is an eerily good book.
Recommend this book:
Beyond the Green Widow
Consequences of the Piney Woods Creek Murders of 1921
Juanita Green Hollinghead, Sherye S Green
2025 Finalist
251 Pages
Check current price
Non-Fiction - True Crime
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.
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.
Recommend this book:
Twenty Years of Unraveling
The story behind the Washington Post investigation at a world famous charity
Ted Neill
2025 Honorable Mention
247 Pages
Check current price
Non-Fiction - True Crime
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.
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.
Recommend this book:
Rooting Out Shame
A Son's Account of Child Sexual Abuse and Recovery
Frank Root III
2025 Bronze Medal
Kindle Edition
Check current price
Non-Fiction - True Crime
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.
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.
Recommend this book:
Fifty Shades of True Crime
Sex, Drugs, and Killer Kink
Douglas Fifer
2025 Silver Medal
Kindle Edition
Check current price
Non-Fiction - True Crime
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.
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.
Recommend this book:
Convoluted
The 1972 Durham Family Triple Homicide
Terry L. Harmon
2025 Gold Medal
585 Pages
Check current price
Non-Fiction - True Crime
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.
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.
Contact Author -
