Wendy F. reviewed Fiend : The Shocking True Story Of Americas Youngest Serial Killer on + 31 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
Schecter's books are all well written and researched giving you a look into the mind of someone whose mind is not ordinary in any way. For some reason that fascinates me and I've read all his books.
Helpful Score: 1
This is an incredibly well-written perspective on the case of Boston's 19th century sadist and killer, Jesse Pomeroy.
I was very impressed with how well Schechter drew parallels between the public reaction to the Pomeroy case and cases in recent history. The more things change, the more they stay the same, indeed.
A bit dry and overdone in the section about Pomeroy's trial, yet I still recommend reading this book. Overall it is a fascinating perspective not only on this case but on 19th century justice and history in general.
I was very impressed with how well Schechter drew parallels between the public reaction to the Pomeroy case and cases in recent history. The more things change, the more they stay the same, indeed.
A bit dry and overdone in the section about Pomeroy's trial, yet I still recommend reading this book. Overall it is a fascinating perspective not only on this case but on 19th century justice and history in general.
Paula G. (Paulathegreat) reviewed Fiend : The Shocking True Story Of Americas Youngest Serial Killer on + 148 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
I like Harold Schechter because he is literate, even scholarly, a very rare quality in true crime writers. He also has a gift of story telling and description that draws you right into the story.
I wish he would have told a little more of Jessee's childhood. However, it is a well done book, that sticks in your mind, after you finish it.
I wish he would have told a little more of Jessee's childhood. However, it is a well done book, that sticks in your mind, after you finish it.
Dixie H. reviewed Fiend : The Shocking True Story Of Americas Youngest Serial Killer on + 26 more book reviews
Easy to read and very interesting story.
Amanda W. (mimiwal) reviewed Fiend : The Shocking True Story Of Americas Youngest Serial Killer on + 4 more book reviews
Even though the story line is grim overall the quality of the book and writing is good. I am a counselor and I picked this up in a little bookshop up north when I was in undergrad school because I wanted to go for forensic psychology. It really kept me hooked. There is never a dull moment.
Dana W. (SouthWestZippy) -
A very good but disturbing book about a very young serial killer in 1874.
Writing has a fiction feel to it and has a little history here in there to put perspective to the time period.
Writing has a fiction feel to it and has a little history here in there to put perspective to the time period.
