I’d never heard of this tragic event, which happened in 1949 in New Jersey and which is billed here as America’s first recorded mass shooting. How sadly familiar those words “mass shooting” have become these many years later. It’s a well-written and well-researched account, insightful and non-judgemental, and narrated form multiple points of view, with much background information setting the scene. I found the account interesting, although it was somewhat repetitive at times and I think could have been more tightly told. But anyone who enjoys true crime will find it a gripping read, and I enjoyed learning about the people involved.

i finally got a chance to listen to this audiobook and wow - so much research went into this. we heard from eyewitness accounts, psychiatric records, diary entries and police reports throughout the story. this man shot 12 people in 13 minutes. just heartbreaking. he was 28, discharged from the military and also living a secret life. howard was constantly mistreated and bullied by his neighbors, until one day he took matters into his own hands.

hearing from different POVs added an extra layer to the story and i'm glad i gave it a listen! i had never heard of this story prior to my NG request and i'm glad i finally got to it.

A great true crime for anyone who loves the true crime non-fiction genre.

I’m a true crime junkie, saw that this was about a case I had no knowledge of, and ate up the content. It was well written, with a good mix of background leading up to current premise. Overall, glad I requested this one!

I found the detail in this book fascinating and I have recommended it to fellow true crime readers. I will for sure be on look out for more books from this author.

This is a great true crime book. This is so well written and so informative.
I couldn’t stop turning the pages.

A Murder in the Neighborhood is the story of Howard, the perpetrator of the first recorded mass shooting in the United States. On September 6, 1949, Howard killed thirteen people, working down his list of those who had wronged him, but quickly losing control and murdering children and other innocents. Howard suffered from PTSD from the war, he was bullied by those around him even as an adult, while also being gay in a time where it was literally illegal.

You never, ever know what someone else is going through. Does that in any way justify what Howard, or any mass shooter, has done/will do? No. In no way is it ever okay. But we have to treat people with kindness. Would it have prevented these wrongful deaths? Probably not. Based on Howard’s diary entries and the insight we have into his mind, more than likely he would have found a reason to commit his crimes. Anything to justify his reasons to himself.

It’s just so hard to read and to try to understand someone’s mind and actions when you in no way can relate. As someone of sound and (somewhat) stable mind, it’s unimaginable. I can’t imagine why he did it, even with his “reasons.” I can’t imagine what the families went through. That being said, the author does a fantastic job of providing different layers with multiple POV’s. You can really tell a lot of research went into the creation of this novel. I had honestly never heard of this before, and that’s kind of sad. You would think this would be major news, with so many podcasts and articles and just so hard to avoid being informed about this. It really just goes to show how much we all truly don’t know/aren’t made aware of. How much is missing or removed from our history, covered up, hidden…

Sad and incredibly difficult read for me. Was not in the right frame of mind to tackle this book.

Nonetheless, incredible writing, hard hitting, and in depth. Just a mismatch on book to reader in this case.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for my e-arc of this book.

This book was very factual and I liked how it was laid out. It is awful the way in which some of these people acted

Thank you to Thread Books and NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book as Green does a great job presenting the facts in a way that doesn’t feel dry and hard to get through- like some nonfiction. With the society we live in, we hear about mass shooting on a weekly basis at this point. I think this book is important and a necessary read to recognize the progression and escalation of mass shootings since this instance of what is the first recorded mass shooting in the US.
I also thought it was important to note the significance of learning about the shooter in a way that was not bashing or blame-placing but more informative.

Thank you to the publisher for allowing me advance access to this title. I really enjoyed reading this story and look forward to reading more from this author. As a reader, I am really motivated by character driven stories and I found myself quickly becoming immersed in these characters’ lives. Full review to come.

Due to a family passing at the time, I was unable to download this in time before it was archived, and having only returned after several years away due to it severely affecting me, I am now working my way through those reviews I was unable to get to to detail the issue. Thank you for the opportunity, and I look forward to working with you in the future.

What sets this novel apart is its raw and unflinching portrayal of grief, loss, and betrayal. Welsh's characters are deeply human, flawed and vulnerable, and their pain and anguish are palpable throughout the story. As the investigation unfolds, the reader is drawn deeper into the web of relationships and secrets that define this close-knit community, and the sense of heartbreak and tragedy only intensifies.

Overall, "Murder in the Neighbourhood" is a powerful and affecting novel that will stay with you long after you've finished reading. It's a testament to Welsh's skill as a writer that she can evoke such powerful emotions and create such a haunting and unforgettable story.

Informative and shocking - I really enjoyed this novel. I had never heard of this mass shooting but was utterly engrossed by this telling of it. Perfect for fans of Midnight in the Garden, Columbine and Empire of Pain. A really well written and researched work of non fiction.

Murder in the Neighbourhood follows the events that are believed to be the first mass shooting in the US. Ellen Green has done a tremendous job of giving details from extensive research that makes the reader feel like they are part of this as everything unfolds. She also does a wonderful job of creating empathy for the man who committed the crime.

The diary-style story telling was perfect for this true crime read.

|This book follows the first known mass shooting in the USA in September 1949. Howard, a 28-year-old veteran, wanders the neighbourhood shooting 13 people in 12 minutes - men, women & children. It is told from the perspective of Raymond, a young man who lived in the neighbourhood. He witnessed the killing spree, but also knew the killer - he interacted with him from time to time. We also hear from Frieda, Howard's mother.

I have grown to love true crime and was immediately drawn to this story. I was intrigued that this book was about the first recorded mass shooting. I had never heard the name Howard Unruh before reading this book. This story was definitely chilling and grabbed my attention right away. The chapters alternate between Raymond Havens and Freda Unruh, Howard's mother. Raymond Havens was twelve when he witnessed Howard Unruh shoot 13 people on his neighbourhood block in East Camden, NJ. It was incredible how much research the author did through police reports, interviews, and newspaper articles. The conversations between psychiatrists and Howard were interesting as well as his letters to his mom that are throughout the book.

This book was very well-written and I highly recommend it to all true crime lovers! It was a heart-pounding page-turner. Highly recommended.
So if you are looking for a fast-paced true crime set in the United States with less than 400 pages this would be it.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for sending a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Pretty interesting book but sad to know mass shootings would become the norm and hardly gain intention.

Would definitely recommend this book.

I enjoyed this book, it was easy to read and held my attention. I will be reading more from this author :)

The first recorded mass shooting took place on September 6, 1949. Howard Barton Unruh killed thirteen people in East Camden NJ. Told through eye witnesses and police reports this is a hard story to read.
Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for this arc in exchange for my honest review.

I had no idea this was a true story until I started reading and had to look it up! I grew up in New Jersey so this story was extra captivating for me since it hit so close to Home! Raymond tells the story of how Howard murdered 13 people in his neighborhood for revenge back in 1949. Howard and Raymond had a sort of friendship growing up, as Raymond was one of the only people in the neighborhood who talked with Howard. Then one morning, Raymond goes to get his hair cut and witnesses a few of the many murders committed by Howard. The book is extremely sad and eye opening. While you don’t necessarily empathize with a murderer, you do almost want to understand where he came from and see the abuse he withstood from his neighbors and peers. A great read for murder/mystery/true crime fans, and a unique POV and perspective.

I was not prepared for the story I was getting here. It was amazing! I felt like I have learned so much from it. Prior to reading this book, I had no idea about the first suspected mass shooting. This book gave me chills late into the night, which is always a great feeling while I'm reading. I really enjoyed how it was written, I like the different viewpoints. I recommended this to every true crime lover. Don't sleep on this one.