The Best New True Crime Stories: Small Towns by Mitzi Szereto recently received a glowing review from “Cup of Books”- read the review here!
The Best True Crime Stories: Small towns by Mitzi Szereto Book Review
Book Description (via Goodreads): A collection of non-fiction accounts by international writers and experts on small town true crime shows readers that the real monsters aren’t hiding in the woods, they’re inside our towns. Small towns aren’t always what they seem. We’ve been told nothing bad happens in small towns. You can leave your doors unlocked, and your windows wide open. We picture peaceful hamlets with a strong sense of community, and everyone knows each other. But what if this wholesome idyllic image doesn’t always square with reality? Small towns might look and feel safe, but statistics show this isn’t really true. Tony town, big crime. Whether in Truman Capote’s detailed murder of the Clutter family or Ted Bundy’s small-town charm, criminals have always roamed rural America and towns worldwide. Featuring murder stories, criminal case studies, and more, The Best New True Crime Stories: Small Towns contains all-new accounts from writers of true crime, crime journalism, and crime fiction. And these entries are not based on a true story – they are true stories.
I received this book in exchange for an honest review. I have given The Best New True Crime Stories: Small Towns by Mitzi Szereto five out of five stars
Chills. Endless chills.
Whilst reading this anthology of true crime stories, I don’t think I’ve ever experienced so many chills and shivers (and I’m certain it’s not because it’s November as we’ve turned the heating on in our house). A lot of these stories, some more than others, will stick with me for a long, long while. They were all so haunting in their own way. I find it incredibly fascinating how we’re all wired in completely different ways, which I believe 99.9% that it stems from a traumatising experience not from birth.
There were some stories that I read in this anthology which made me think long and hard, this made me step away from the book for a little while as I found all of the disturbing information difficult to register and needed it to pass or to sink in properly as some of the events that occurred are pretty heavy and are definitely not for the faint-hearted.
I thought each story was well-written and told in such an addictive way I didn’t want the stories to end. I wanted to know more and more detail about each messed up criminal. I enjoyed this anthology even more knowing that I hadn’t heard of any of the true crime stories that were told, it introduced me to so many criminals and their stories.
Recently I’ve been listening to Crime Junkie podcast on Spotify which has really opened up a bigger interest into true crime stories so when I had been given the opportunity to review this book I jumped at the chance.
My thoughts go out to all of the victims who were sadly murdered or permanently traumatised in these stories and to all victims from around the world who have been affected. Reading a book like this really puts everything into perspective about how anything can happen to anybody at any time and so it’s best to always be cautious.
I would definitely recommend this anthology to fans of true crime, short stories and for readers with strong stomachs.
Have you read The Best True Crime Stories: Small Towns by Mitzi Szereto? Do you enjoy reading true crime stories? Let me know in the comments below.
Happy reading,
Claire