The Book of Cold Cases

*2.5 stars. Again, there is a good concept but it never materialized to anything more than passable popcorn. I feel almost exactly the same way I did after reading The Sun Down Motel. Kinda entertained but also very meh.

I'm a big fan of Simone St. James books. They all have a bit of a true crime feel and a lot of haunted, paranormal vibes. This one was a bit different. The true crime element was much more prevalent and the paranormal aspect was more of a footnote than the main theme.

St. James does an amazing job at making female characters that are just the right amount of likable and tenacious, but I feel like she really outdid herself with Shea. I am a fan of true crime. I listen to the podcasts, read the books, and watch the documentaries. One thing that has always intrigued me are the people behind those podcasts, books, and documentaries. To go through the history of these people to create a story that is accurate and entertaining takes a special kind of person. Though, I have the interest and I believe the discipline, I don't know if I would have the stamina. This book was perfect, though fictional, for me to see what it's like to be someone that hunts for the answers of these cold cases. And not only are the MC's likable and complicated but the “villains” of the story usually are as well. There's always a loop or something that gives them multiple shades of grey instead of just black and white.

While most thrillers wait until close to the end to give you the big reveal this book reveals it in the middle of the book. While it does take away that need to read every page to get to the truth, I think it fit with this book. The big reveal in the middle of the book allowed for the story to take shape and allow no stone to be unturned. When you were finished with the book you had all of the answers and understood the motives. And it helped to understand how something that happened 40 years ago can be brought to the light today.

As I said before the paranormal/ haunting aspects of this book are light and more of a footnote but its done well. It starts right in the beginning that sets the tone of eeriness of the whole plot. It aids the unfolding of the story and the big reveals and helps explain a lot of motive. And makes the revelations of motive so much better.

I would highly recommend this book. If you are a fan of true crime this would be a great read for you. If you have read St. James previous work I would go in expecting some similarities to her previous work but also to keep an open mind.

Thank you NetGalley and Berkley for giving me an ARC for a fair and honest review.