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Books matching: murder of a child

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  1. England, early morning June 30th 1860, Road Hill House located five miles from Trowbirdge Wiltshire, Saville Kent aged three years ten months was found missing from his bed. Later that same morning he was found by servants in a most disturbing way stuffed down a make shift toilet the boys throat had been cut. Murder on the streets of London was one thing but a child to be taken from a bedroom in a remote area of a middle-class family home while they all slept was quite another. Summerscale's style is straightforward and direct. But that simplicity masks a staggeringly complex interweaving of themes and narratives. She rarely puts a foot wrong. She may perhaps sometimes spend too long on the correspondence received by the regional press and the middle third of the book does sag a little under the weight of historical detail. But overall she judges brilliantly the points at which she can dip out from the central narrative, and the duration of those digressions.

    In the early hours of Friday, 29 June 1860 Samuel and Mary Kent were asleep on the first floor of their detached three-storey Georgian house above the village of Road, five miles from Trowbridge. They...

  2. 'The Fact of a Body: A Murder and a Memoir' by Alexandria Marzano-Lesnevich is a unique blend of true crime and memoir, delving into the disturbing story of a murder while exploring the author's own traumatic past. Through the intertwined narratives of a convicted child killer and the author's personal history of abuse, the book navigates the complexities of the legal system, family secrets, and the impact of past experiences on present actions. Marzano-Lesnevich's writing style weaves together the two narratives seamlessly, offering a compelling and thought-provoking exploration of empathy, storytelling, and the blurred lines between truth and memory.

    The book is structured as a painful and introspective account of a crime that not only affected those involved but also changed the life of the author, Alexandria Marzano-Lesnevich. Through detailed research and personal reflections, the author brings to light the nuances of the justice system, the complexities of family dynamics, and the lasting effects of childhood trauma. Marzano-Lesnevich's writing style, described as confessional, psychological treatise, and morality tale, draws the reader into a narrative that challenges perceptions, provokes introspection, and lingers in the mind long after the final page is turned.

    The boy wears sweatpants the color of a Louisiana lake. Later, the police report will note them as blue, though in every description his mother gives thereafter she will always insist on calling them ...

  3. #3

    The Evil Within by Darren Galsworthy
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    'The Evil Within' by Darren Galsworthy is a heart-wrenching true crime memoir narrated from the victim's father's perspective. It delves into the tragic story of a family torn apart by the heinous actions of their own son, highlighting the love, grief, and resilience that define their journey. The narrative captures the emotional turmoil of Darren and Anjie as they navigate through the aftermath of their daughter's murder, shedding light on the complexities of family dynamics and the enduring bond that holds them together.

    The writing style of 'The Evil Within' is described as engaging, informative, and genuine by readers. Darren Galsworthy's raw and heartfelt account offers a unique insight into the family's struggles, emotions, and the challenges they faced in the wake of the tragedy. is praised for its ability to evoke strong emotions in readers, making them cry, reflect, and empathize with the author's profound experience.

    Appeal over missing schoolgirl: Concern is mounting over the disappearance of Bristol schoolgirl Becky Watts. The 16-year-old was last seen by her stepmother, Anjie Galsworthy, four days ago after she...

  4. #4

    The Little Friend by Donna Tartt
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    'The Little Friend' by Donna Tartt opens with the horrific murder of a little boy named Robin Cleve Dufresnes in his own front yard in Alexandria, Mississippi. Twelve years later, his younger sister Harriet sets out to unmask his killer, aided by her friend Hely. The story follows Harriet's journey as she delves into her family's history of loss, crossing the town's rigid lines of race and caste. Despite the intriguing mystery at its core, the book meanders through a long, dark, melancholy tale set in a small Mississippi town during a hot summer, filled with woe, snakes, bugs, drugs, and grief.

    The plot of 'The Little Friend' is centered around Harriet's determination to solve the mystery of her brother's murder, leading her and Hely into troubles far beyond their years. The story explores larger issues such as poverty, prejudice, deception, drugs, and death, all intertwined with the complexities of Harriet's family life and the dark past of the town.

    People in the town still discussed the death. Usually they referred to it as “the accident,” though the facts (as discussed at bridge luncheons, at the barber’s, in bait shacks and doctors’ waiting ro...

  5. #5
    Until Proven Guilty
    by: 
    Book 1 in the series:J.P. Beaumont

    Until Proven Guilty - J.P. Beaumont by J.A. Jance
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    'Until Proven Guilty' follows Detective J.P. Beaumont as he investigates the murder of a young child, leading him to unravel mysteries within a cult-like religious group. The plot weaves a murder mystery with elements of romance, introducing intriguing characters and developing a complex storyline that keeps readers engaged. The writing style is described as having a mix of pulp fiction cheesiness, cliche elements, and a Dragnet-style voice which may have irritated some readers, but overall, the book delves into the personal and professional life of the main character, providing insight into his backstory and character development.

    She was probably a cute kid once, four maybe five years old. It was hard to tell that now. She was dead. The murder weapon was a pink Holly Hobbie gown. What little was left of it was still twisted ar...

  6. #6
    Hallowe'en Party
    Book 36 in the series:Hercule Poirot

    Hallowe'en Party - Hercule Poirot by Agatha Christie
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    Hallowe'en Party by Agatha Christie revolves around a murder mystery that takes place at a Halloween party in a small town. The story follows Hercule Poirot and his interactions with Ariadne Oliver, a mystery writer, as they investigate the murder of a young girl who claimed to have witnessed a murder prior to her own death. The plot is filled with twists and turns, involving hidden connections and unsolved cases, leading to a surprising resolution. The writing style is described as engaging, with references to other Agatha Christie novels and Greek mythology, creating a complex and intriguing storyline that keeps the reader guessing until the end.

    At the moment it was a scene of chaotic activity. Energetic women came in and out of doors moving chairs, small tables, flower vases, and carrying large quantities of yellow pumpkins which they dispos...

    (Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Hercule Poirot )

  7. #7

    Broken Monsters by Lauren Beukes
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    In Lauren Beukes' 'Broken Monsters', the story unfolds in a broken Detroit, intertwining the lives of a diverse set of characters including a detective, her daughter, a failed journalist, a church worker, and a disturbed artist. As a young boy's mutilated body is discovered, the narrative delves into a complex web of events involving a supernatural element, online journalism, teenage friendships, and the dark desires of a killer artist. Beukes expertly weaves together multiple storylines, exploring themes of urban decay, media saturation, and the blurred lines between reality and fantasy.

    The writing style in 'Broken Monsters' is described as engaging, fast-paced, and gripping, with vividly real characters and a compelling plot that keeps readers hooked. Beukes' narrative approach immerses the reader in the haunting setting of Detroit, painting a vivid picture of a city in turmoil while exploring dark themes such as mental illness, misogyny, and the destructive power of social media. The book blends elements of crime thriller, horror, and social commentary, offering a multifaceted portrayal of a city grappling with darkness and decay.

    Jonno is yanked from sleep’s deepest tar pits by an elbow to the jaw. He comes up flailing and disoriented, only to find himself fighting bed sheets. The girl from last night—Jen Q—rolls over, her arm...

  8. #8

    The Last by Hanna Jameson
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    'The Last' by Hanna Jameson is a dystopian thriller set in a remote hotel in Switzerland after a nuclear war has devastated major cities worldwide. The story follows the survivors, a group of guests and staff who must learn to live together and somehow survive in the aftermath of the apocalypse. The main character, Jon Keller, an American historian, discovers the chaos unfolding and becomes determined to uncover the truth behind a murder that occurs within the isolated group. The narrative style is described as journal entries, documenting each day after the end of the world, creating a suspenseful and contemplative feel to the story.

    The plot of 'The Last' intertwines elements of a locked room mystery, dystopian fiction, and a murder investigation, creating a gripping and thought-provoking narrative. The author, Hanna Jameson, takes risks with characterizations, introducing a less than perfect narrator and a spiky cast of residents in a post-apocalyptic setting, adding a layer of tension and intrigue to the story.

    Dylan is one of the only members of staff who hasn’t fled. A tall black man in his late forties, with an infectious smile and cropped hair, he’s become our default leader after the breakdown. He knows...

  9. #9

    Beloved by Toni Morrison
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    Beloved by Toni Morrison is a haunting and complex story that delves into the horrors of slavery and its lingering impact on individuals. The book weaves together themes of love, motherhood, guilt, identity, and the supernatural, creating a dense and poetic narrative that explores the lives of freed slaves post-slavery era. Morrison's writing style is described as rich, poetic, and masterful, blending magical realism into the storytelling to create a touching tale of a woman grappling with her past and the return of her deceased daughter.

    124 WAS SPITEFUL. Full of a baby’s venom. The women in the house knew it and so did the children. For years each put up with the spite in his own way, but by 1873 Sethe and her daughter Denver were it...

  10. #10

    The Egypt Game by Zilpha Keatley Snyder
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    'The Egypt Game' by Zilpha Keatley Snyder is a children's book about April, a girl who befriends Melanie and together they create a game based on ancient Egypt. They immerse themselves in the imaginative world of Egypt, complete with rituals, costumes, and elaborate stories. As they involve more kids in their game, they face challenges such as a local tragedy and a mysterious man attacking children in the neighborhood. The book explores themes of friendship, imagination, and the fine line between reality and make-believe, all set against a backdrop of ancient Egyptian culture. The writing style is engaging, capturing the excitement and suspense of the children's adventures while also delving into deeper themes like cultural exploration and the power of imagination.

    Nobody knew for sure what the A-Z meant. Perhaps it referred to the fact that all sorts of strange things—everything from A to Z—were sold in the store. Or perhaps it had something to do with the owne...

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