I try to pick books that are “Jen books” but occasionally need to try what everyone else is reading. I wasn’t sure The Book of Cold Cases would be for me. Was it? Is it for you? Check out my Review of the Book of Cold Cases on Jen Ryland Reviews!
The Book of Cold Cases by Simone St James
Published by Berkley on March 15, 2022
Synopsis: 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 young woman, seen fleeing one of the crimes. But she was acquitted and retreated to the isolation of her mansion. Four decades later, Shea Collins is a receptionist, but by night,runs a true crime website, a passion fueled by her near abduction as a child. When she meets Beth by chance, Shea asks her for an interview. The two 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?
Review of The Book of Cold Cases
How many times do you try an author? I’d tried another book by Simone St. James and the writing style wasn’t really for me. But the synopsis of The Book of Cold Cases sounded like something I’d like, so I decided to give it try and I’m glad I did. Overall, I enjoyed it!
What I liked most about The Book of Cold Cases
Shea was an interesting character and I empathized a lot with her PTSD and anxiety. The setting, both the small coastal town of Claire Lake and the creepy house in Arlan Heights, were both good. And I especially liked the relationship between Beth and Shea. Beth basically challenges Shea to solve the Lady Killer Murders.
Some missed opportunities in The Book of Cold Cases
If you like a really twisty book, The Book of Cold Cases isn’t really super twisty. Some things that turned out to be red herrings I saw as missed opportunities to connect things.
I’m not always a fan of a book with a past/present storyline, as I feel like heading back into the past decreases the tension.
Again, this is a personal preference, but I’m not a huge fan of paranormal elements in my mysteries. To me, mysteries are all about deduction and logic, and supernatural happenings can’t really be logical. I can’t really say much more without spoilers, but if you want to discuss this element, or anything else about the book, please come to my Spoiler Discussion Post for The Book of Cold Cases.
Have you read The Book of Cases? Are you going to? Please talk to me in comments!
I really enjoyed another book from Simone St james so I’m glad this worked out for you. She’s an author I want to read more from but also am wary because of the paranormal elements I’ve seen from her. I guess I usually just expect a mystery so I think it’s very much my expectations I need to adjust before going in.
I need to survey my social media friends about which book they recommend that does not have the paranormal stuff. I did like elements of this but the past/present and the paranormal were not my favorite!
I haven’t read this one but it sound ok even with the problems you had with it.
You might like it, Mary! You like paranormal, right?