I've never been much of a true crime reader. I prefer to listen to podcasts or watch documentaries when it comes to this subject, for whatever reason.
Recently though, I've started reading more true crime books. It started with I'll Be Gone in the Dark, the truly impressive book written by the late Michelle McNamara. McNamara's beautiful book about the search for the East Area Rapist/Original Night Stalker/Golden State Killer was absolutely fantastic and is a must-read for anyone who is interested in the genre or just anyone who likes good writing. McNamara's early death was a tragedy for many reasons and the fact that we'll never get to read anything else by her is certainly one of those reasons.
Someone, I can't remember who, recommended I try The Spider and the Fly, since I'd enjoyed I'll Be Gone in the Dark so much. It took a few weeks to get my hands on it (it's still pretty popular with my local library, despite having been out for a few years now) and even longer to read. It's a slow book, but still a good one. Detailing the crimes of Kendall Francois or Poughkeepsie, NY, this book tells a lot about it's author, as well. It's not the traditional true crime book, focused exclusively on its criminal subject, reveling in the salacious details of how and when and what. This book is quieter than that and much more personal.
If you are interested in true crime - books, documentaries, podcasts, whatever, check out The Spider and the Fly (and I'll Be Gone in the Dark, if you haven't already). I've seen some other reviewers call out The Spider and the Fly for being too focused on Rowe, the author, than on Francois, the murderer, but I liked it. It's an interesting examination on why we are interested in these killers. Why do we want to know what makes them tick? Is it simple morbid curiosity, or does it reveal a deeper need inside of ourselves to understand evil and evaluate its presence in our own lives?
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