Member Review
Review by
Daniella P, Reviewer
Algonquin Books sent me this book for free in exchange for a review through NetGalley. I have been a true crime fan for many years now, and I've become aware of the increasing challenge to solve cold cases due to lack of resources, lack of personal, and lack of general awareness. For Kathryn Miles, the case that stuck out in her mind was the one of Julie Williams and Lollie Winans due to the overlaps in their life and hers.
Julie and Lollie were two wilderness-loving, college women who were cruelly murdered in Shenandoah National Park in Virginia. Miles, a journalist, becomes increasingly involved with the case because of the similarities she shared with the women. As a result, this book is a mixture of interviews with detectives who worked on the case, conversations with friends and family, news reports as facts develop, and personal reflections on safety, backpacking, and love.
Miles herself admits that she crosses the boundary of being a journalist simply reporting on a case. This is a huge asset to the book. Miles brings so much humanity and spark to the lives of the women which reminds readers why it's so important to never give up on these cold cases. Through the factual sections, we learn how fallible investigations and the justice system is. Through Miles's interest in the case, a new light is brought to how much entire communities are affected by violence against women. This is a crucial story to be told and shared.
Julie and Lollie were two wilderness-loving, college women who were cruelly murdered in Shenandoah National Park in Virginia. Miles, a journalist, becomes increasingly involved with the case because of the similarities she shared with the women. As a result, this book is a mixture of interviews with detectives who worked on the case, conversations with friends and family, news reports as facts develop, and personal reflections on safety, backpacking, and love.
Miles herself admits that she crosses the boundary of being a journalist simply reporting on a case. This is a huge asset to the book. Miles brings so much humanity and spark to the lives of the women which reminds readers why it's so important to never give up on these cold cases. Through the factual sections, we learn how fallible investigations and the justice system is. Through Miles's interest in the case, a new light is brought to how much entire communities are affected by violence against women. This is a crucial story to be told and shared.
*This page contains affiliate links, so we may earn a small commission when you make a purchase through links on our site at no additional cost to you.
