When I began reading this book, I wasn’t aware that the story was based on a true crime. Mixed in with fiction. Therefore, I was curious how this combination would turn out. I haven’t read anything about this case before, happening before the Civil War. Another thing that caught my interest was how the investigation and trial were conducted back then. How the evidence was collected and witnesses interrogated. Far from what we know today, but I found it interesting to follow.
The story has a nice flow and is easy to follow. The suspense is kept up, also thanks to the side plots.
When the court trial begins, that’s where the flow stops, and my interest is at a downfall. The case, in my opinion, closed too abruptly. Because the trial was announced to be presented in the highest manner. I don’t know if this is the way such cases were treated then, but it didn’t help me find the way back into the story. The last pages felt rushed, as was the conclusion.
The story is a good mix of fiction and truth about a true crime, but I would have enjoyed more witness testimonies and eagerness in locating witnesses.
