When a Killer Calls- A Haunting Story of Murder, Criminal Profiling, and Justice in a Small Town by John E. Douglas
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Web ID: 16835409Tight storytelling, interesting information
Usually, I consume my true crime through audiobooks but as soon as I spied this title on NetGalley I knew I had to request an arc. Thank you to the publisher for my copy! I had a basic understanding of the case, though most of my knowledge was based around the forensics of the case. Readers are given a swift refresher on profiling and the history of the behavioral analysis field, but the bulk of book shares the investigation and trial. I appreciate that the scope of this book was scaled down to two main cases with a couple asides that were relevant to the story. In previous books, the scope of the books was far too broad with too much material to thoroughly explore topics which disappointed me. Thankfully, Douglas and Olshaker keep When a Killer Calls centered on the Shari Smith and Debra May Helmick cases and the hunt for Larry Gene Bell. A couple cases are referred to, but only briefly as it relates to the cases at hand. The book's tone felt closer to a conversation with the authors rather than a formal true crime novel. What I mean to say is there were plenty of facts, interview snippets, and the like. More than enough to satisfy readers that devour true crime books, podcasts, and tv. However, as the information was relayed, Douglas included a fair amount of asides that added some personality and feeling to the investigations. I do wish the page time felt more balanced between the two cases. I'm not even sure how to describe my unease, but Debra May's case and her family didn't receive as much attention as the Smith's. Granted, the Smith family had more contact with the subject and ultimately the break for both cases came from Shari's Last Will and Testament letter. Douglas admitted he spent more time with the Smith's and had developed a friendly relationship with them. It just felt odd that one case and family appeared to receive more care and respect. Beyond that though, this was a gripping story with some great information. I will probably reread this on audio at some point. **I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
More detail from a case that was in Mindhunters
When a Killer Calls by John Douglas and Mark Olshaker is about a case that was first mentioned in Mindhunters - the Shari Smith kidnapping and murder by Larry Gene Bell. Shari Smith was abducted from the driveway of her family home a few days before her high school graduation. Bell called the family from multiple pay phones putting them through anguish over the fate of Shari. Several days later he abducted 9-year-old Debra May Helmick from her front yard. The book shows the intense fear the community had - and the early lack of leads for Smith's killer. There's a lot of detail on the work of Douglas's profile group and just how close to describing Bell it was. There's a lot written about the courage and faith of the Smith family, especially Dawn Smith, Shari's older sister. (Bob Smith, Shari's father, was actually a prison chaplain.) Douglas was a big help in the interrogation of Bell, getting him as close to a confession as anyone. Douglas also testified in the trial where Bell's behavior was demonstrative and silly at times. A good choice for readers who want true crime and the impact and process of criminal profiling.
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
Chilling true story
This is a chilling account of the murder of two young girls in rural South Carolina. It follows John Douglas, as the FBI special agent and profiler, as he investigates and delves into the mind of the suspect. The crimes are heinous, with a perpetrator that is deeply disturbed, but fully aware of his actions. I have to admit, the story line brought me to tears several times, in part, because I knew this was not fiction. It was very insightful into the profiling by Mr. Douglas, the efforts of law enforcement, and the workings of the judicial system in this case, as well as the prior failings of the various systems to incarcerate this man for previous crimes. The anguish and fear of the two families, and the phone calls the family of Shari Smith had to endure from her murderer are heart wrenching. It is a well written, totally absorbing book, even though it is not always easy to read. I did receive an ARC of this book through the publisher and Netgalley, through Scene of the Crime. I am very glad I did.
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
Fine read, but nothing special
A firsthand account of FBI profiler John E. Douglas’ work on the 1985 kidnapping and murder case of 17-year-old Shari Smith by Larry Gene Bell. Like usual, hearing Douglas recount a case is interesting enough. He, along with author Mark Olshaker, recounts the kidnapping, killing, dramatic investigation and the prosecution of Bell. However, this one doesn’t really stand alone. It feels as though Douglas is just pulling out another story to make some money by capitalizing on the current true crime trend. It’s a fine read that gives good insight into the investigative and profiling process, but nothing special. Thank you to the author, NetGalley and Dey Street Books for sharing this advance copy with me in exchange for my honest review. 3.5/5
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
When the FBI helps
I enjoyed this book, despite having read another book about the case. Seeing it from the profilers’ perspective made this book for me. I’ve enjoyed several other books from these authors. This killer was just so reprehensible. Very good true crime. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com