When I was a kid I used to like some of the scary horror movies that were out. I got over it pretty quickly when I had the living daylights scared out of me. But in a book it’s more difficult to write in such a manner that you can place a visual image inside your readers brain that would scare and creep them out.
Last year I read a book by this author that was creepy, not overly scary, and it was a great story. So when I saw this book up for review I definitely wanted to check it out. Continue on for my full review.
The Book of Cold Cases by Simone St. James
Publisher : Berkley (March 15, 2022)
ISBN-13 : 978-0440000211
OVERVIEW:
In 1977, Claire Lake, Oregon, was shaken by the Lady Killer Murders: Two men, seemingly randomly, were murdered with the same gun, with strange notes left behind. Beth Greer was the perfect suspect—a rich, eccentric twenty-three-year-old woman, seen fleeing one of the crimes. But she was acquitted, and she retreated to the isolation of her mansion.
Oregon, 2017. Shea Collins is a receptionist, but by night, she runs a true crime website, the Book of Cold Cases—a passion fueled by the attempted abduction she escaped as a child. When she meets Beth by chance, Shea asks her for an interview. To Shea’s surprise, Beth says yes.
They meet regularly at Beth’s mansion, though Shea is never comfortable there. Items move when she’s not looking, and she could swear she’s seen a girl outside the window. The allure of learning the truth about the case from the smart, charming Beth is too much to resist, but even as they grow closer, Shea senses something isn’t right. Is she making friends with a manipulative murderer, or are there other dangers lurking in the darkness of the Greer house?
The Book of Cold Cases by Simone St. James Review
This book has so many different levels of creepiness to it, I think it’s the real reason why this story kind of got to me. It’s very subtle and while I would not label it horror, I would add the paranormal label onto this book definitely.
If you follow my reviews, then you know I’m pretty good about not giving up the plot. I hate that. I like to dance around what the story is about so as not to ruin the surprise for anyone else. That’s exactly the way this author writes the story.
St. James adds plenty of subtlety and foreshadowing for the reader, allowing you to read between the lines through hints and assumptions to things you think you know, butttt…really aren’t quite sure about.
There’s so many different levels and layers to the interior stories that intersect in this book that sometimes is difficult even know where it’s going. She does an amazing job ramping up the suspense, drip by drip. The ending is so not what you expect! She literally did creep me out in several places, but especially that ending. Wow!
I have to give props where they are due and this author is genius when it comes to the subtleties in her writing and ramping up the eeriness of the plot. Her method of telling spooky stories with haunting effects will captivate you and keep you reading long into the night. Well, maybe not a great idea to read this one into the night….
The Book of Cold Cases is a Must-Read for the true crime lovers and paranormal readers. It will suck you in!
5 SPOOKY STARS!
Disclaimer: Chris has personally reviewed the product listed above. She has not received any monetary compensation for her review but did receive a free ebook so she could evaluate and use it for this post. Her thoughts & opinions in this review are unbiased & honest and your opinions may differ.
Hi! I’m Chris! Just a Midlife Wife sharing about life’s journey; screaming and kicking through it while supposedly aging gracefully…
Focusing on healthy living, low carb & keto, things I am loving right now, and life in general.