This book is a fascinating look at a serial rapist turned murderer. This book analyses the East Area Rapist (EAR), a man who committed more than 50 rapes and killed over 10 people in the state of California from 1974-1986.
The chapters vary between re-enactments of certain cases in the different areas, responses from police, ongoing investigations into the crimes from retired police officers to online amateur investigators, and a brief look into Michelle and her present life whilst investigating and writing this book. It is important to note that Michelle passed away before the book was finished but left enough notes for the editor to complete the text.
Michelle was a very engaging author often books that look into real crime can be dry and tedious, but Michelle found a way to make this particular book interesting without being overly gruesome. She presents ample information on the crimes through her extensive research and collaboration with people involved with the cases. There is a nice balance between recounting crimes and explain the research and investigations undertaken to capture the EAR. This helps to keep the book readable and intriguing.
The EAR himself is interesting. As the book consistently provides details about him, how his crimes escalated from robbery and rape of women, to couples, to murder. It also looks at the areas where he committed his crimes. Plus provides a look into his character and state of mind through his victims’ descriptions.
An intriguing book. I give it 4 stars based on the quality of writing. I would have liked a more logical sequence to the chapters; it seemed to jump around through years, areas, crimes, present and past etc. Nevertheless an interesting read.