Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

Gunrunner: The Mario Oliveira Story is a work of non-fiction in the true-crime subgenre. It is aimed at mature readers and was penned by author team Mario Oliveira and Keith Knotek. The book follows Boston Detective Mario Oliveira as his investigation into a string of gang-related crimes results in his own tragedy. As he fights for his life after receiving six gunshot wounds, Mario flashes back over his investigation into arms dealer Matt Kramer and his partnership with ex-gang member Leon, which saw the pair enjoy major successes before the criminal elements they were pursuing decided to fight back.

This book depicts an incredible journey of an inspiring individual as their commitment to the ideals of law enforcement and community service sends them on an incredible journey to fight back against gang violence, which ends in a tragedy that nearly tears his life apart. Mario Oliveira’s journey after the attack that came so close to claiming his life is inspiring, and the prose employed by Oliveira and Keith Knotek in this book manages to walk the fine line between authentically depicting a traumatic experience and inspiring hope in the aftermath. The way the book charts Mario’s experiences before, during, and after the attack is simply sublime as he constantly fights to survive and do what is right for his city. Overall, Gunrunner is a book that will challenge readers with the harsh life and death reality for those on the front lines of law enforcement, but it is also an insight into an extraordinary member of the police and the fraternity that exists between those who have pledged to protect and serve.

Reviewed by Susan van der Walt for Readers' Favorite

In Scrapped: Justice and a Teen Informant, Lisa A. Peebles and John O'Brien investigate the abduction of Heidi Allen on the early morning of Easter - April 3, 1994 - from the store where she worked. Despite no evidence linking them to the crime, two brothers, Dick and Gary, are charged with kidnapping and brought to trial. Records found Dick was the last person to buy from the store before Heidi's kidnapping. Ironically, he was found not guilty, but his brother Gary was convicted and sentenced to 25 years to life. It is clear early in the book that Gary is innocent. Lisa and John's investigation shows the incompetence of the Oswego County Sheriffs' department, ignoring critical leads, misplacing vital documentation, and twisting evidence to fit their theories. And even the judges conspire to protect the system instead of ensuring justice.

This book is not an easy read. At 64 years, Gary has been in prison for 22 years. Lisa is in a race against time to prove Gary's innocence as his health deteriorates. She repeatedly loses in court despite endless hours scrutinizing all the information and evidence. But even when Lisa Peebles and John O'Brien discover the truth about Heidi's kidnapping, she has no legal way to have Gary acquitted and the real culprits prosecuted. In the end, there was no justice for Heidi Allen or Gary, an innocent man who died in prison. Scrapped: Justice and a Teen Informant is an extraordinary book and will suit readers who love true stories, court dramas, and root for the underdog.

Reviewed by Ankita Shukla for Readers' Favorite

Evil has lurked among us since the beginning of time, but very few actually witness its gruesome and gutwrenching display of cruelty. In his career as a detective, Robert Davidson (aka Robbo) saw more monstrosity than most of us. In his memoir, The Evil I have Seen, Robert Davidson has described six gruesome true crime cases. This memoir is not for the faint of heart; it is not fiction so the reader does not have the luxury of waving away the disturbing cruelty of culprits, crediting it to the author's imagination. Case after case, the audience stands face to face with the worst and the most innocent of humans, wondering how could someone do that? Although each case was as unsettling as the next one, the one titled Jeff's Friends was beyond heartbreaking.

The Evil I have Seen by Robert Davidson is one of those books that will live with readers and even haunt them for a long time. By his own admission, Robert struggles with the evil that he had seen, even today. Each crime story, though presented with hard facts and pieces of evidence, is heavy with the author's emotions. The audience watches as the author switches gears from presenting facts and logic to reflecting on the victim's suffering, the culprit's soulless act, the lifelong heartache of the victim's friends and family, and the everlasting impact on the detective. The author's words are filled with a contagious passion. When he says, "It's not something we talk about -- people in law enforcement -- our nightmares, our anxieties, our fears of making a wrong decision in a split second," readers feel a palpable sense of dismay. Robert is an authentic writer whose sentiments rise out of the pages and touch the hearts of his readers. I highly recommend The Evil I have Seen by Robert Davidson.

Reviewed by Vincent Dublado for Readers' Favorite

Stephanie Scott was a 26-year-old teacher who moved to Leeton, New South Wales. A few days before marrying Aaron Leeson-Woolley, tragedy strikes when this bride-to-be goes missing. In Monique Patterson’s crime non-fiction book, United in Grief: The Tragic Story of Stephanie Scott’s Murder and the Effect it had on the Small Town of Leeton NSW, the author gives an account of what transpired behind Scott’s disappearance and the harrowing confession from the man responsible for her death that left an entire community shocked and devastated. The culprit, school cleaner Vincent Stanford, was known for many wonderful things, but psychometric tests revealed that he manifested deeply entrenched faults in his personality. As for the small town of Leeton, the developments of the investigation will continue to leave them in horror and at a loss for words, as their community gets into the spotlight for the wrong reasons.

United in Grief is a moving and heartbreaking story, and Monique Patterson succeeds in reminding readers that evil can lurk in any corner and assume different forms. The narrative moves in a direct line, taking you step-by-step through the events that led to Scott’s rape and murder. It also provides generous information on the profile of Stanford. Patterson motivates readers to ask: what type of human being would do something so heinous to another person? United in Grief is a gruesome real-life tale of murder with a considerable emotional impact, honoring the memory of a promising life that was snuffed out like a candle flame. True crime is more horrifying than its fictional counterpart, and this story proves it.

Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite

The Zodiac Revisited, Volume 1: The Facts of the Case is a nonfiction, true crime book written by Michael F. Cole. The story of the Zodiac Killer is an exceptional one in the pantheon of serial killers. His saga is a mystery that remains unsolved five decades after he first appeared and continued to slaughter innocents, taunt the authorities, and share personal details with the press and the public alike. He first appeared on the scene in December 1968, and, in the ten months following, had launched attacks four times, leaving five victims dead and two others, who were left for dead, surviving grievous injuries. He continued to dominate the news cycles; however, through 1974, and, while authorities considered his death toll to be those five victims, the Zodiac claimed that he had dispatched 37 unlucky souls who had met him under unfortunate circumstances. Cole’s work focuses on what he terms “Pillars of Principal Importance” in his investigation into the Zodiac Killer: the crimes committed; the letters sent by the Zodiac killer to the press and the authorities, over 20 letters in all; and the journalistic efforts of the Chronicle, the Examiner and the Vallejo Times-Herald in reporting the crimes and their interactions with the Zodiac.

Michael F. Cole’s The Zodiac Revisited is a compelling and well-written story charting the odyssey of one of America’s most enduring mysteries -- the Zodiac killer and the hold he had on the Bay Area for years. Cole brings the reader in close focus to each of the attacks, making them privy to details made public as well as those kept quiet to help the authorities discount fakes and copy cats during their investigations. His accounts of eye-witnesses and the surviving victims are fascinating and helped me understand more about this shadowy killer who terrorized the country and seemed oddly dependent upon the authorities and the press as he continued his rampages. Likewise, Cole’s coverage of the ciphers the Zodiac sent and the efforts made by authorities and cryptologists alike to decipher them is fascinating. I appreciated the endnotes and images of victims, locations and the notes the Zodiac sent, which all provide the reader with the opportunity to consider the evidence and perhaps do a bit of armchair sleuthing. The Zodiac Revisited is a well-organized and brilliantly presented work. It’s highly recommended.

Reviewed by Lucinda E Clarke for Readers' Favorite

The subtitle to Chris Riedel’s book Blood Money is ‘One Man’s Bare-Knuckle Fight to Protect Tax Payers from Medical Fraud,’ which is a very accurate description of the contents. He opens the door to give us a peep into the deep level of corruption, illegal practices, and the blindsiding of the general public, probably at their lowest point, when they are seeking help for failing health. He documents how he became a Whistle Blower in his fight initially in California to bring the two biggest laboratory testing companies to account for flagrantly breaking the law. The book covers almost eight years, spanning the west to the east coast of the US, as each state’s laws differed slightly and even those appointed by government prosecutors to uphold the law failed in their duty. It’s a long and dangerous walk to make, and the last section explains ways to protect both the informant, his family, and his livelihood. There are stories of how big business will lie, steal, cheat and, indeed, laugh at the law while in some cases paying ludicrously small amounts in reparation and carrying on as before. They use every trick to defeat and destroy anyone who has the courage to take them on in the legal system.

Blood Money by Chris Riedel is not an easy read and the reason I say this is that I stopped every few pages in total shock at the level of fraud that is occurring in the United States medical system. It is so blatant, so ingrained, all brought into the spotlight in this book. It has everything from offshore accounts to death threats. You have to admire the tenacity, the hours of work, the desire to protect the taxpayers who are defrauded by corporate companies and the author is to be applauded for his courage. However, the failures and the extent of the corruption are heartbreaking. CEOs found in breach of the law still received their bonuses, golden parachutes and only one has been imprisoned as a result of dozens of successful court cases. The lawyers’ fees mount up, the small companies who play by the rules go bankrupt and everyone carries on as before. An in-depth book that leaves no stone unturned, that names names and follows cases from beginning to end in detail, Blood Money should be required reading not only for legal students but members of the public whose hard-earned tax dollars are going to line the pockets of the few. A book that opened my eyes and left me in a mild state of shock.

Reviewed by Anne-Marie Reynolds for Readers' Favorite

A Stranger Killed Katy by William D. LaRue is the True Story of Katherine Hawelka, Her Murder on a New York Campus, and How Her Family Fought Back. On August 29, 1986, a stranger arrived in town. Just hours later Katy Hawelka, a pretty sophomore, was heading back to campus after a night out when she was brutally raped, strangled, and left for dead. A man, covered in blood, was found hiding nearby but he claimed he found her like that and tried to help. Three days after the attack, Katy died and so the nightmare started. When Katy’s mother, Terry Connelly, learned that the murder could have been stopped, her blood begins to boil. From campus guards to those who allowed the murderer to be free on the streets, Katy’s family is determined to ensure that their daughter’s death would be avenged, that the murderer would pay for his crimes. For more than 30 years, they fight for justice for Katy, not justice for the criminals.

A Stranger Killed Katy by William D. LaRue is a story that will reach deep into you, the story of an innocent woman’s life taken from her by a complete stranger. The story is told in a straightforward, respectful manner, keeping Katy’s family and friends firmly in mind all the while. At times, it is horrific but most true crime stories are and this one recounts everything as it happened. This is more than just the story of a life cut short; it also brings home the fact that justice doesn’t always serve the right people and it's about time things changed to make sure that the victims and not the criminals are looked after. You will be hooked by this book, you will feel true compassion for the family and it will make your blood boil at times too. Fantastically written, a great insight into the legal justice (or injustice, as some people call it) system, and a story that will never leave you.

Reviewed by Anne-Marie Reynolds for Readers' Favorite

Liv to Tell by Ann Heathman is based on the true story of Olivia Carson. Liv Carson is on a caving expedition when disaster strikes. Saved by Gary Preston, Liv thinks she is the luckiest woman alive and is reeled in by his kind, loving nature. They marry and have children and Liv believes she has the perfect marriage until Gary’s evil side appears and her life becomes a living nightmare. Subjected to abuse and isolation, Liv is under Gary’s control but she hasn’t seen anything yet. When she asks for a divorce, the full weight of the nightmare is forced onto her. And when the mob is involved, things turn truly deadly for Liv. Can she escape with her sanity and life intact? How far will Gary go to exert control over her life?

Liv to Tell by Ann Heathman tells the story of how Liv Carson escaped from a sociopathic husband and is based on a true story, although names have been changed. It’s a terrifying tale of how easy it is to be taken in by charm, to be reeled in and hooked until it's too late to get out. It’s easy to wonder why women stay trapped in marriages to people like Gary but unless you’ve been in that position, you can’t possibly understand just how hard it is to escape. Liv tells us why she stayed, why she couldn’t get out, and why she ignored the obvious red flags. This is compelling reading, a book that will draw you in, hold you until the end, and haunt you for a long time when it's all over. It may even have you studying everyone you meet, trying to spot the signs of abused or abuser. A well-written story, Ann Heathman has developed characters you won’t forget in a hurry, with real-life experiences wound through the plot to unveil the horror the real-life ‘Liv’ went through at ‘Gary's' hands. A must-read book that everyone can learn something from.

Reviewed by Shannon Winings for Readers' Favorite

On March 1, 1932, Charles Augustus Lindbergh Jr. was abducted from his crib in his parents' New Jersey home. His nanny, Betty Gow, was the first to notice his disappearance. This stirred a massive hunt for baby Charles and the kidnapper(s). The Lindbergh Kidnapping Suspect No. 1: The Man Who Got Away by Lise Pearlman starts by introducing the Lindbergh family and their history before describing the now-infamous kidnapping. Following the disappearance, readers are then taken on a journey to search for the suspect(s). Ten weeks later, this turns into a manhunt for the killer(s). Lise Pearlman takes readers on an adventure behind the scenes and delves into what the evidence says to reveal a shocking conclusion. Was Bruno Richard Hauptmann's execution for this crime a mistake?

The Lindbergh Kidnapping Suspect No. 1: The Man Who Got Away by Lise Pearlman is a must-read for any true crime aficionado and those fascinated with this highly publicized case. I was thrilled to read this book and am sure others will like it as well. The book is meticulously organized and filled with information. Clearly, the author did an extensive amount of research. The author even provides a cast of characters, photographs, end-notes, sources, appendices, and an index. In addition to this wealth of information, I enjoyed the author's writing style. I felt like I could truly get into the story and picture what was happening. I'm excited to see what other books the author has written and what they are up to next.

Reviewed by Christian Sia for Readers' Favorite

Playing Dead: A Memoir of Terror and Survival by Monique Faison Ross and Gary M. Krebs is a memoir that chronicles the author’s abusive relationship with her childhood sweetheart, an abuse that escalated from verbal and physical hurt to an attempt at murder. Monique married Chris after she discovered she was pregnant with his child. But it didn’t turn out to be a happily-ever-after experience for her as Chris started abusing her verbally and physically. And when she couldn’t take it any longer, she escaped with her children. Chris didn’t let her be. He started stalking her and no warnings from the police could stop him. Then one morning, he kidnapped her in front of their children and drove off with her on a dangerous ride involving a car crash and rape. He beat her on the head with a shovel and left her alone in the woods, believing her dead.

Playing Dead is poignant and compelling, arousing the anger of the reader and their sense of compassion for the victim. It is bold and told with unwavering honesty. It is easy to applaud the courage and intelligence of Monique Faison Ross, especially at the moment when she feigns death to escape the cruelty of her husband. She is wise and she makes decisions to protect herself, something that is rare in people who suffer from a cycle of abuse. The writing is beautiful and the chapters are well-crafted, each chapter ending with a curious note that pushes the reader to turn to the next page. Playing Dead: A Memoir of Terror and Survival is a gripping real-life story that gives readers chills and has them rooting for the author. A powerful indictment of domestic and spousal violence!