Book Review - Michelle McNamara's I'll Be Gone in the Dark: One Woman's Obsessive Search for the Golden State Killer

Between the mid 70’s and mid 80’s, California was terrorized by a serial killer and rapist who operated up and down the golden state. In I’ll Be Gone in the Dark, writer and true crime enthusiast Michelle McNamara shares her obsession with the case.

McNamara died prior to finishing I’ll Be Gone in the Dark, and at the time of publication, the killer had not been caught. However, McNamara’s persistence and obsession with the case, helped it stay on the police’s radar and shortly after the original book was published, Joseph James DeAngelo was arrested. McNamara is even credited with coming up with the label, “Golden State Killer.”

Part cold case analysis and part memoir, I’ll Be Gone in the Dark, is a fascinating look at one woman’s obsession. Her obsession was so deep, that McNamara’s husband, comedian Patton Oswald, even themed presents to his wife’s work. It also revealed the importance of the crime junkie community in keeping a case alive.

I have a pretty strong stomach for gore and this book has plenty of disturbing details, however, I found the way in which the victims were stalked, to be more than my vivid imagination could handle. I took months to read this book, not because it wasn’t compelling or well-written, but simply because I could not read it when my husband was traveling and I was home alone. Which is odd, because many of the victims were attacked as couples, so it’s not like being home alone was a main factor to his victim choice! In any case, this book made me feel very vulnerable and nervous about personal security.

If you enjoy true crime, I’ll Be Gone in the Dark is a must read. McNamara was a gifted writer and the point where she passes during the book, the shift to the people who finished her work is done in a delicate and meaningful way. Almost more intriguing than the actual case, was McNamara’s dedication to solving it.

Book Review: Educated- Tara Westover

In her memoir, Educated, Tara Westover shares her difficult childhood growing up in poverty in rural Idaho. The youngest of seven children, Westover was raised by conservative, survivalist parents, who practiced the Mormon faith, but eschewed the mainstream Latter Day Saints church. Westover and her siblings were homeschooled, taught to fear and avoid anything that could be linked to the government, including hospitals and schools.

Westover felt a pull to seek an education and life beyond which her parents and community were providing. Using books and tutors, she learned beyond the scope of her homeschooling and managed to get accepted to Brigham Young University and Cambridge.

Westover’s story is incredible. She faced enormous obstacles from both her family and culture to find a place in academia. She was in physical danger from an abusive older brother, whom she managed to outwit to survive. Her parents offered reluctant support and she had to figure out financial aid and housing on her own. She was taught to be so self-reliant that the idea of financial aid, even though she was desperately poor and among the most needy at her University, was a concept that scared her. Westover had a difficult time making friends and trusting others. She had to overcome both gaps in her knowledge socially and educationally.

One of the most shocking examples of Westover’s knowledge gap is when she asked for a definition for the word Holocaust in a civics class at BYU. The classmates thought that she was being disrespectful, but Westover’s parents never taught her about the Holocaust and it was a sincere question. There are many things about Westover’s family that are hard to imagine. For example, Westover’s father makes his children work with him on incredibly dangerous junk salvaging jobs. One of Westover’s brothers is horrendously injured, but since they fear modern medicine, he is treated at home. It’s absolutely horrific.

Despite her childhood traumas and difficulties, Westover loves her family. I think this is the heart of it, that many people love their families, even the relationship is complicated. Westover’s parents are hot and cold during her time pursuing her University education. She has the support of some siblings who have also moved away from their parents teachings, but her relationship is fraught with others.

Educated is inspirational and surprising. I admire Westover and everything that she fought to overcome in efforts to pursue her education. She kept going even when she struggled to find support from her family or to connect with her peers. I don’t know if many people could be humbled by all that which they did not know and still continue to fight for knowledge. Every time she was beat down, she got back up and came back stronger.

Book Review- Elle Cosimano's Finlay Donovan is Killing It

Finlay Donovan is beyond stressed. The recently divorced, single mom of two is struggling to meet the deadline for her latest book. Her bank account is reaching zero and she’s desperate, but not desperate enough to commit murder.

While at a coffee meeting with her agent, a stranger overhears pieces of their conversation and mistakes Finlay for a hitman. After her meeting, the stranger, a woman with a husband issue, contacts Finlay with a proposition for a hit job. Unable to properly disengage herself from the situation, Finlay agrees to go to dinner with the target, planning on assessing the case, perhaps issuing a stern warning, rather than committing a crime. The guy is a jerk after all, and Finlay has had her own husband troubles. A mishap occurs and although she didn’t commit murder, Finlay is left with a dead body that she must handle. Every move makes her appear more guilty and serves to confirm her involvement with a murder. Can Finlay hide the body and complete the job without getting caught? Will she manage to get back on track with her manuscript? Can she prove to her ex-husband that she is capable of life without him?

Finlay Donovan is Killing It is catchy. I was drawn to the clever title and fun cover. Seriously, isn’t this one of the best book covers? I thought it would make an ideal costume if there was a contest to dress like a book cover!

The story itself is entertaining, if not a bit ridiculous. You absolutely must suspend your disbelief. Finlay is a plucky character and I think relatable to many women who might be recently divorced and struggling to get back on their feet. While I found the premise to be engaging, the overarching plot gets silly. It’s just so outrageous. However, if you want an escapist read, this could be a good pick. I took it on vacation, and for a light read, it was enjoyable. It has minor amount of gore, but it falls into the comedy-mystery category, so possibly a good pick for people who like a mystery, but don’t like anything too dark. It’s an easy read. The humor and tone reminded me of the TV series ( also a book, but I have only see the series) The Flight Attendant.

Finlay Donovan is Killing It is the first in a series. If you had asked me while I was still reading, if I was planning on picking up the next one, I think I would have said no. However, there is an enormous cliff-hanger at the end of the first book, leaving me curious to see how it is all going to play out. Although, I would be more inclined to watch a tv series version, rather than continue reading the books.