Scan barcode
A review by ruthypoo2
Helltown: The Untold Story of a Serial Killer on Cape Cod by Casey Sherman
challenging
dark
informative
sad
tense
medium-paced
3.75
This book felt like an odd construct for me. I struggled through the initial chapters that interrupted the flow of the crime story to introduce renowned authors Kurt Vonnegut and Norman Mailer who have peripheral connections to the time and location where the murders took place. The story of their lives are interwoven throughout the book and while I get the author’s intention in including them, I can’t say it added to my enjoyment while reading the book since I often skimmed over the chapters dedicated mostly to Vonnegut and/or Mailer.
Otherwise, when the book was telling the story of the perpetrator of a series of horrible murders, it was interesting. While a lot of liberty is taken to fictionalize the dialogue and actions of many characters, the basics are faithful to real life events and historical record. I really didn’t mind that the author, Casey Sherman, “created” possible scenarios and dialogue between the killer, their victims, and others. As long as the reader understands this is something of a hybrid combining true crime and fictionalized actions and encounters, it does bring the story to life.
I liked that the layout is familiar: crime - discovery - police investigation - trial - outcome. These are the elements I enjoy learning about, as well as the incidents being set in the late 60s/early 70s in a part of the United States with its own unique identity.
Otherwise, when the book was telling the story of the perpetrator of a series of horrible murders, it was interesting. While a lot of liberty is taken to fictionalize the dialogue and actions of many characters, the basics are faithful to real life events and historical record. I really didn’t mind that the author, Casey Sherman, “created” possible scenarios and dialogue between the killer, their victims, and others. As long as the reader understands this is something of a hybrid combining true crime and fictionalized actions and encounters, it does bring the story to life.
I liked that the layout is familiar: crime - discovery - police investigation - trial - outcome. These are the elements I enjoy learning about, as well as the incidents being set in the late 60s/early 70s in a part of the United States with its own unique identity.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder
Moderate: Addiction, Adult/minor relationship, Drug abuse, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Gun violence, Mental illness, Sexual violence, Suicide, Blood, Grief, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Child abuse, Confinement, Gore, Toxic relationship, Medical content, Car accident, and Death of parent