Whoosh. There is so much here and very little of it is happy [as it goes with true crime books]. Even with the currently atmosphere, it is tough to be reminded that there is such depravity out in our world and the killer in this book is one of the worst I have ever read about. What he did to the girls and then did to the families is beyond depraved and his shenanigans in court just proved that. I have a love/hate relationship with the death penalty and often struggle with the idea of it, except in cases like this, though a lot of me thinks that death was too easy for him, but I also don't believe that he should have gotten to spend his life in the "comforts" of prison either. Apparently, the love/hate relationship continues.

This is a well-written book - at no point does it feel sensationalized or over-dramatic. I appreciate that in really good true crime books, especially when it is a story that I know nothing about. I realized while reading this just how sheltered we were in the 80's from the onslaught of constant news. The events in this book happened while I was in high school and NC isn't that far from where I live and had we known about this going on, I am pretty sure my Mom would have kept a pretty tight reign on us. That certainly hasn't changed as the availability to news became 24/7 - I know that I always kept a tight eye on the littles that have been in my charge over the years.

If you like true crime books and a well-written book, this is the book for you. I am very glad I requested it and learned about this history.

Thank you to NetGalley, John. E. Douglas, Mark Olshaker, and Dey Street Books for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Continuing my current true crime binge, I now focused on the kidnapping and murder cases of the serial killer Larry Gene Bell.

Shari Smith was abducted and killed in 1985; this investigation and trial was not on my radar so all of the information was new to me without that historical background. Almost immediately, profiler John Douglas was involved in the massive manhunt along with the FBI and local law enforcement in South Carolina. Shortly after that murder, another local girl was kidnapped -- 9-year-old Debra May Helmick. The community was fearful and frantic and the police and forensic scientists worked nonstop to track the man behind these horrific crimes. The book details how the criminal justice system worked together to find and prosecute Larry Gene Bell.

Another excellent piece of writing by this author and I am happy to rediscover a genre that fits my reading mood right now. The descriptions and details about the profile and investigation are extremely meticulous and quite absorbing. I feel that I got the facts with a very satisfying conclusion.

Thank you to NetGalley and Dey Street Books for this e-book ARC to read, review, and recommend. If you're tired of crime fiction, try this one for a change.

**Received a review copy.**
I always enjoy John Douglas books. This is not a case I was very familiar with and it was fascinating.

This is a true story about murder, serial killers and pushes profiling to its limits. I enjoyed this story and the suspense, mystery it brought to the pages. This is a well written book that will pull at your heart strings one moment and have you sitting on the edge of your seat the next. The characters pulled me into the story and kept me engaged to the story. I found this book to be fast paced and entertaining to read. A story full of action and dedicated law enforcements that are determined to find the killer. I really enjoyed this book and it is worth the pick up for sure. I highly recommend this book.

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

I received this book from the publisher through Netgalley for review and all thoughts and opinions are my own.
John Douglas, FBI profiler, teams up with Mark Olshaker, author and filmmaker, to write the story of the case of Shari Smith and Debra Helmick. Beginning with the disappearance of a vibrant teen girl; on the cusp of womanhood and with a bright future; the book informs of facts and details surrounding the case, the killers response to family and the behind the scenes work of the criminologists desperate to find her. Shari disappeared only a short drive from the safety of where her family watched and waited. Her car left alone at the top of her driveway led to a massive manhunt. Every single minute detail was gathered and collated to find who took her. When another girl, young child this time, is taken from her driveway, another search means profiler John Douglas is dealing with a possible serial killer.
This book takes the reader through the details of the disappearance, the discovery of the bodies, the criminal mind capable of such horror and the subsequent trial and justice.
On a personal note: this case has special meaning to me. As this case was ongoing and I was only an elementary student myself at the time, I was getting the mail at the bottom of our long lane when a vehicle with four men pulled into the driveway between me and the drive. Claiming to know my father, they wanted me to get into the car so they could give me a ride up to the house. The driver started to open the door of the car after I asked him my father's name and he gave a wrong answer. I took off running for my life. After telling my mom police were called but the car was never found. Years later, rereading bout this case still gives me shivers.
Note: The Smith family has a deep abiding faith in Almighty God. This faith allows for forgiveness and Dawn, the sister of Shari is able to help when the killer calls repeatedly to taunt the family. Such faith sustains and keeps hope alive. This book resonates with truth, justice, faith, and the love of family and God.

In a small town in South Carolina, May 1985, 17 year old Shari Smith mysteriously disappears from her driveway. Shortly after, her family is contacted by her kidnapper and taunted repeatedly until they are sent a copy of Shari’s “Last Will & Testament”. While the family still holds out hope for her safe return, their hopes are dashed when the kidnapper calls to give them directions to Shari’s body. Two weeks later, nine-year-old Debra May Helmick is taken from her front yard and the authorities are confronted with the possibility of a serial killer. Noted FBI profiler, John Douglas, is asked to join the case and assist in catching their killer before he strikes again. A well written account of the events surrounding the cases and an intriguing look at how beneficial profiles can be in catching the killer. True crime at it’s finest.

Thank you William Morrow, Scene of the Crime, and Netgalley for my advance copy.

I received this from NetGalley as an advanced reader copy

This story was ok, did not quite pull me in like some do. I did enjoy it and liked the premise.. it just did not grab me.

Shari Smith was abducted in her driveway just before her graduation. A manhunt ensued, and the criminal who abducted her contacted the family. Interesting story, and goes back to some old history in the town to be solved.

Good read, but again didn't pull me in like some books do.

This ARC was provided to me via Kindle, Dey Street Books and by #NetGalley. Opinions expressed are completely my own.

If you like true crime you’ll be happy with this one. Definitive, accurate coverage of a well known case that’s been covered on many podcasts and shows.

4.5/5 stars

Summer 1985
Lexington County, SC

Shari Faye Smith a 17yo high school senior was abducted near the mailbox in her front yard on Friday, May 31, 1985.

Richland County, SC
Debra May Helmick 9yo was taken from her front yard on June 14, 1985.

John Douglas is a legendary FBI criminal profiler and describes his work helping local law enforcement catch this dangerous killer in South Carolina. He lets the reader into his work of creating an extensive criminal profile in order to catch one of the most dangerous serial killers of his time. This true crime story is extremely detailed, haunting, and allows you to see inside the mind of a very manipulative killer.

I haven't read true crime in many years, and this book was definitely haunting. I loved Douglas's style of writing and how incredibly detailed he was in describing the events that lead to the capture of Larry Gene Bell. The stories of Shari Faye Smith and Debra May Helmick will stick with me for some time. I highly recommend this book to all true crime fans!

Favorite quote from the book: "The point is, serial killers and violent predators whatever is going on inside do not look or act like monsters in everyday life. If they did, it would be much easier to identify and catch them. Their advantage is that we tend to look right through them."

Thank you NetGalley and Dey Street Books for this e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I have posted my review on my instagram: @thrillersandcoffee

Thank you to Willi Morrow for an advanced copy.

Believe it or not, this is the first true crime I have read and I hadn't even heard of this crime from the 80's until reading this book. The story of Shari Smith being kidnapped from the end of her driveway was truly heartbreaking. The story was very well written and gave a lot of detail and insight of how they build their UNSUB profile and how it actually ended up being spot on to who they arrested. If you enjoy true crime, you should definitely give it a read.

I love a good true crime book and John Douglas is extremely knowledgeable and I enjoy his writing.
This book is about the true crime story of serial killer Larry Gene Bell and a new FBI profiling program created. It provides great insight and how the killer completely fit the profile. Although it is a tough book to read, it is very well written.
If you are interested in true crime, particularly criminal profiling, this book is for you.

4.2/5

🌱THE EXCELLENT
~ True Crime Biography-esque
~ A dive into the history of the Behavioral Science Department (BSD) of the FBI (although not strictly relevant to the story - TO ME)
~ Some insight into the psyche and actions of a few serial killers in the 70s and 80s in the USA
~ Co-written by an actual FBI profiler at the time (so there are a lot of ‘bonuses’ 😍 😉)
~ Great for those interested in true crime and learning about repeat killers
~ 🤔 Makes you consider things like the cost of moving a trial to another county

In an unfolding story with a narrator we never truly get to meet, we follow the beginnings of the BSD of the FBI as they waded in the waters of serial-killer-hood in the 70/80s in the USA (😬ekk what a time to be unalived). The case that comes in involves a young adult (17) who disappears from her driveway, with her car still running and her jellie shoes waiting for her feet. What follows is the mystery of the disappearance of Shari Smith and the crimes of a manipulative sick asshole.

✨Give it a read.

🌱THE MEH
~ Some meandering about the ‘good old days of the agency we built’ which honestly threw me
~ The tragic definition of this girl that tells us little besides hair and eye colour 🤦 and being ‘outgoing’, ‘friendly’ and ‘charming’ 😬
~ You are reminded that some humans are just scum who shouldn’t be around 😬

♡🌱 But that’s just me ;)

Thank you to John Douglas, Mark Olshaker, Dey Street Books & Netgalley for the chance to read this advanced copy in return for an honest review. This book will be released on Feb. 1, 2022.

John Douglas, best known for his book Mindhunter, details another case where behavioral profiling helps lead local police to the man who kidnapped and murdered a young woman and a little girl. It is believed that without the profile offered by the FBI, this man may never have been caught.

Shari Smith is getting ready for the best summer of her life. She is two days from walking at graduation and then going on a cruise to the Bahamas with her friends. Upon returning to the home she shares with her parents, Shari stops at the end of the long driveway to check the mail. When her father looks out the window and sees her car is still at the end of the driveway with the door open he knows something is wrong. The local police are called and they automatically know that this isn't the case of a girl who has run away - she has left everything behind including the medicine she needs to live.

Shortly after her abduction, her family begins receiving haunting calls from her kidnapper claiming that there will be a letter from Shari to her family mailed soon. That letter ended up being Shari's Last Will and Testament. As the UNSUB (unknown subject) continues to call and torture the family. One of his calls gives them directions to Shari's body. Despite the discovery of her body, the subject continues to call and hurt the family.

Two weeks after Shari Smith goes missing, nine-year-old Debra May Helmick is abducted from her front yard by a man matching the description of Shari's kidnapper. The subject continues to call the Smith family as he is now obsessed with Shari's older sister, Dawn, and feels the need to offer details on where Debra can be found. Her little body is recovered later that day.

Thanks to advances in technology a possible suspect becomes the only suspect and is quickly arrested for the crimes. While he attempts to do everything he can to make himself seem mentally ill - the truth comes out and justice is served.

I love a good true crime book and John Douglas' is some of the best. I had only previously heard of this case via podcast and an old episode of Unsolved Mysteries. It was very interesting to watch the case unfold and find out that it was successfully resolved made the book that much better.

This is the heartbreaking true crime tale of the deaths of high-schooler Shari Smith and nine-year-old Debra May Helmick at the hands of serial killer Larry Gene Bell, and the risky lengths that world-renowned FBI profiler John Douglas went to to bring him in.

This is not a case I had heard of, and my heart goes out to the families of Shari and Debra.

It is always interesting to hear true crime from the mouths of those involved, and Douglas is an excellent writer that shares cases as only he can.

This was a five star read for me, and I know with Douglas’s reputation alone, this will be a huge bestseller, but Olshaker is a master at weaving Douglas’s tales.

**Many thanks to NetGalley and Dey Street Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. My opinions are my own.**

This was incredibly interesting and riveting. Douglas and Olshaker are FBI profilers and they walk us through the abduction and murder of Shari Smith in 1985. She was checking the mail at the end of her driveway and was taken at that moment. The killer took great pleasure in calling the family and rambling about his fantasies and made up relationship with Shari and her family. I always wondered how close FBI profiles are, especially after watching Criminal Minds, and I discovered in this book that they can be pretty detailed and spot on,,

Aside from the profiling, the story is horrifying and heart breaking and they hold great respect and love for the family and this comes through the story.

This is so packed full of detail and it was incredibly interesting to read from a profiler’s perspective. I love true crime in general and this really gave me what I had been looking for. However, I am slightly concerned that there may be a bias in this. If there is, I don’t feel it’s overly obvious.

True crime fans rejoice! John E. Douglas and Mark Olshaker are bringing us a new one. When a Killer Calls looks into notorious serial killer Larry Gene Bell. Well-researched and a great look at criminal profiling. Highly recommended!

Fans of true crime will appreciate this inside look at the murder of two young girls in 1985. Douglas and Olshaker, both formerly of the FBI's Behavioral Sciences Unit, go into considerable detail on the investigation, and the BSU. I liked that they included other cases in the narrative, Thanks to the publisher for the ARC.

I'd like to thank NetGalley and Dey Street Books for allowing me to read this early!

Wow. John E. Douglas has written two of these books where he takes you scene by scene of his famous cases - interviewing law enforcement, family members, and grabbing from court documents. Allowing us to get a glimpse of how criminal profiling laid way to apprehending some pretty awful people.

I like the narrative and I liked the information that was provided in allowing us to get a full feel of the case as if we were there in the 80's and 90's. The court proceedings were intense - this case lasted more than 20 days! The man apprehended spent so much of that time really pissing the community and the families of those he hurt off with his attitude and the fact he pretended to be mentally incapable of understanding what he did.

If you're a true-crime fan or enjoy anything that the Mindhunter writes I encourage you to grab this book.