The Review

“The Book of Cold Cases” by Simone St. James is an atmospheric and chilling mystery that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Set in the small town of Claire Lake, Oregon, the story follows Shea Collins, a receptionist by day and a true crime blogger by night. Shea becomes obsessed with the infamous “Lady Killer Murders” from the 1970s, and when the acquitted suspect, Beth Greer, contacts her for an interview, Shea jumps at the chance.

The narrative alternates between Shea’s present-day perspective and Beth’s past, creating a dual timeline that adds depth and intrigue to the story. Shea is a relatable and likable protagonist, driven by her own traumatic past and her quest for justice. Beth, on the other hand, is a complex character who exudes an air of mystery and manipulation. As the two women delve deeper into the case, they form an unlikely bond, despite their differences.

One of the highlights of the book is the eerie atmosphere created by the author. The Greer mansion, where most of the story takes place, is described vividly and adds a haunting element to the narrative. The supernatural occurrences, such as moving objects and ghostly apparitions, enhance the tension and suspense.

Simone St. James excels at building suspense and crafting a compelling mystery. The pacing is well-executed, with twists and turns that keep you guessing. However, some readers might find the lack of major plot twists disappointing, as the identity of the culprit is revealed earlier on in the story. Nevertheless, the journey to uncover the truth behind the murders and the connection to the mansion remains engaging.

Overall, “The Book of Cold Cases” is a gripping and atmospheric read that combines elements of mystery, suspense, and the paranormal. Fans of Simone St. James’s previous work, such as “The Sun Down Motel,” will enjoy this latest offering. I highly recommend it to anyone who loves a great paranormal horror story blended with a psychological thriller.

4 out of 5 Stars!

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Short Review (AKA TLDR)

“The Book of Cold Cases” by Simone St. James is a captivating and chilling mystery set in the small town of Claire Lake, Oregon. Shea Collins, a receptionist and true crime blogger, becomes obsessed with the infamous “Lady Killer Murders” from the 1970s. When the acquitted suspect, Beth Greer, reaches out to Shea for an interview, Shea eagerly accepts. The story unfolds through alternating perspectives, following Shea in the present and delving into Beth’s past, creating a dual timeline that adds depth to the narrative. Despite their differences, the two women form an unlikely bond as they delve deeper into the case. The atmospheric setting of the Greer mansion, with its haunting atmosphere and supernatural occurrences, adds to the tension and suspense. While the lack of major plot twists might disappoint some readers, the journey to uncover the truth behind the murders and the connection to the mansion remains engaging. Overall, “The Book of Cold Cases” is a gripping blend of mystery, suspense, and the paranormal, recommended for fans of Simone St. James’s previous work and anyone who enjoys a compelling psychological thriller infused with a paranormal horror element.