The Book of Cold Cases

I read this straight through.I said that the author's last book was "horror with a heart" and you could that about The Book of Cold Cases as well. A supernatural mystery with great characters / character development. There are several characters in the book that I came to care about. The pacing was great. I found myself constantly thinking that I knew what everything was leading to only to change my mind.Ms. Simone has a way of unfolding her plots that is unique in my experience. You get to find out what happens to the characters instead of simply being left with a photo finish in the last 20 pages.Really enjoyed this. I'm thinking now at going back to read some of her earlier books.

Of all of the books St James has written… And I think I’ve read them all… This one was very unusual. It takes place bouncing between 2017 and 1977. There are themes of dysfunctional family, the harm that families bring upon their children —creating what some people call “generational curses.“ A common practice of the 70s is illustrated here of misogynistic comments and behaviors towards women by police, in published and broadcasted news, and within society in general—attitudes and behaviors that a man would generally never have to face. There are themes of mental instability: specifically sociopathic behaviors, dissociative disorder, etc. And the ghosts in this story (one in particular) are really terrifying esp. in that there seems to be no way to control them. Shea, our main character (and the victim of violence as a child) has become something of a crusader in solving cold cases, delving into the dark and scary world of true crime. She meets Beth Greer who had been accused of, and acquitted of, two murders. Their relationship is an odd one because they come from different worlds, but even with its limitations, it is central to the development of the plot. This is a story about 40 year old mysteries coming full circle; about people refusing to be defined for the things that have happened to them; of a woman who is strong enough not to be controlled by what society thinks of her; and finally, a fourth unidentified character who plays a key role in shedding light on the mystery of the murders in 1977 (of which Beth Greer was accused and acquitted). Shea shows us what she is capable of as she grows beyond her traumatic experiences when she was nine years old; and though it takes her years to be able to step away from the things that haunt her of that time, hers is the story of coming out of a 20-year darkness, getting her footing finally, and rising to the top of those deep waters to find a way to put those experiences behind her so that she can move forward. And strangely, Beth, Greer has some part in bringing about these changes. Note: The language in this book, which I find unusual for this author, is at times raunchy—even vulgar. Exciting story, characters, well-developed, great writing, and seemingly effortless plot development with excellent pacing. Disappointed with the language (does not really add anything to the story), but the book has lots of twists and turns, surprises, unlikely relationships established, and a positive resolution to the story. It is, however, an unsettling book.

For me this book started off strong but by the middle I was a little bored, Shea and Michael were the only characters in this book I liked. I found Beth Greer (aka the lady killer)and her story pretty boring and It’s hard to explain what I didn’t like about this book without there being spoilers. I didn’t find the story compelling enough. Although the author does a good job at writing scenes that are eerie, mysterious and gripping in past books, there just wasn’t enough of this in this book. The parts that were there, were very lack lustre. I also feel the cold case picked for the story could have been more gripping and intriguing. I also didn’t find anything about Beth Greer interesting, I found her story to be very boring and just didn’t enjoy her as a character. The ending was okay, there were no twists or turns, and it was pretty easy to figure out what had happened and some parts of the ending were a bit underwhelming. I would of liked more suspense throughout the story. The story switches between the past and present of Beth Greers life and the storyline is clear to follow. Overall I did enjoy this book, and it kept me reading but sadly it didn’t live up to my expectations and it was just missing ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

I liked imaging someone who had trauma as a child solving a mystery and finally escaping the fear that held her captive for so long. What brought her to freedom? Writing a blog on unsolved crimes and meeting one of the people who was thought to be the town's local acquitted serial killers. Why did Beth Greer agree to talk to Shea about something that happened 30 years ago, when she refused to talk to anyone for years? What happened to her parents? Who was the Lady Killer?I enjoy the back and forth perspectives from past to present and from Beth and Shea. The book is sad because so many people in the story are broken, but it is also healing because people are able to rise above circumstances they feel trapped in.

**3.5 stars rounded up** this was a solid read. Solid in regards to the writing was strong, the story was strong, the characters were strong. So all this strength makes some sort of solidified solid right? Ok moving on. Even though it was all so good, it felt like there was a little shining light missing from it. A big end of the book gasp! It was straight forward and you knew what was happening but it was told so well that you enjoyed it without the surprise factor. I’m not a big ghostly horror book person but I make exceptions for Simone St. James because she’s just pretty brilliant that she makes you forget you’re even in that category. I mean don’t get me wrong you get the creeps but again, the plot is so engaging you have to keep going and ignore the chilly breathe on your neck that’s the ghost of whoever’s past. Anyway, rant over its good. Read it.

A modern gothic crossover between the Haunting of Hill House and the episodes of the Cold Case series. Creepy, mysterious, and captivating. Read it in less than one day.

I couldn't put it down. I'm a sucker for justice so I wish that Beth could have been a bit more "redeemed", burning retrospect, this was better. Life is inperfect.

Simone St James has mixed some Henry James/Shirley Jackson paranormal horror into what would already be a good and gritty murder mystery, and I love it. Some great twists, and very memorable characters. In going to be thinking about Beth and Shea and their stories for a long time to come. I hope someone adapts this into a miniseries.

Loved this book. Not her best but definitely in top 3

As the title states, this book is poorly written, with a very predictable 'twist'. The pacing of the entire book is excruciatingly slow, with tons of fluff. Definitely do not read if you are into thrillers.

It's a master piece from simone ...I would have missed out something really worth reading if I hadn't chanced upon this book and this writer....simone is a true story teller ...all the way ....

I loved itIf you like the Lisa book you will like it and it's erry but not in what the f just happened it all makes sense