I really enjoyed this true crime book about the first mass spree killings in America in 1949. It was very cleverLy written from the perspective of two people closely involved in the crime, the killer’s mother and a hound boy who was friends with the killer and witnessed first hand some of the shootings. It was a fascinating and detailed account of events and very thoughtful in its approach. I would recommend it to true crime aficionados and those interested in mid century social history. A good read.

In 1949, Howard Unruh walked out of his apartment and killed 13 people on his block. This was recorded as America’s first mass shooting.

This true story is told from the perspectives/recollections of an 11 year old eye witness, Unruh’s mother, and a couple of others involved in the case. This story is not told like non-fiction. It reads like a narrative story and keeps you reading.

Because most of Camden still exists today, they way it was in 1949, the reader can vividly picture River Road in Camden. The reader knows the landmarks, but readers will be introduced to a very different Camden than exists today. Many people do not know this story, this history, but if you know Camden or the surrounding areas, this is definitely worth a read.

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


Remarkable, in-depth coverage of a horrific crime. Gripping narratives from the perspective of Unruh’s mother. A must for true crime fans.

As someone whose parents and grandparents lived in Camden during the time of this Murder spree I was fascinated but the title and notes on the book. While reading it, I found the incites into Freda and Raymond especially compelling. But I did feel unsatisfied at the end. It seemed to me that there was so much more that could have been said about Freda, Raymond and even Howard as well as the other survivors. So while the book was a well written read, it didn’t see, to go deep enough; especially when we find so many similar mass killings even to this day. It’s a good start.

I found this to be a really interesting story about the purported very first mass shooting in the United States on the day after Labor Day, 1949. It tells about Howard Unruh and his family, but is told from the perspective of Unruh's mother, and a younger boy who was a friend to Howard. Well crafted true crime that’s been wonderfully researched. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Murder in the Neighborhood, disturbing yet interesting, was a phenomenal read. Howard's progression alongside Ray's narration throughout the story provides incredible insight to human behavior and the brain. Green did a remarkable job bringing this tragedy to life through a haunting and encapsulating narration. I will recommend this piece of work over and over.