A Hunger to Kill

I enjoyed this book. The writer was a modern day detective similar to Clarice on the fictional Hannibal. Sadly, it is about a disturbed serial killer. Interesting story though not one of the popular most people hear about.

A good true crime book is becoming harder and harder to find as most of them are all written about the same stories. This one is an exception though, I'd never heard of this case and appreciated the research and care that went into this book. Absolute would reccomend.

A Hunger to Kill
by Kim Mager, Lisa Pulitzer
Pub Date: July 23, 2024
Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
Deeply personal and shocking, A Hunger to Kill takes readers behind the scenes of one of the most appalling criminal cases in American history from the woman who stopped his murderous rampage in collaboration with New York Times bestselling author Lisa Pulitzer.
While this story may be infamous in Ohio, it was the first time I'd heard of this case. As someone who has read numerous true crime accounts over the past year, I was intrigued to hear a book told from the perspective of an investigating detective, particularly focusing on the interviews that took place after the arrest. I thought it was interesting to see how the police went about collecting a confession, and what it takes to get a suspect to trust and open up to a detective.

The book is very detailed in its recounting of the crimes and investigation, It can be graphic in its descriptions, but I appreciated the respect and level of care the author had for the victims.
Overall, I thought this was an interesting and intense book. Worth a read for fans of true crime.

Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for this arc. I thought the authors did a fantastic job of telling us about this serial killer and his victims.

Thank you so much to NetGalley for allowing me this ARC. Truth be told, I never heard about this serial killer beforehand, however this book helped me learn quite a bit about him. I never found myself bored reading it, and found myself captivated by how it was written. This was a great storytelling of a true crime story.

True crime is often hit-or-miss for me. Reflectively, I think it is because the individuals that can write the most compelling true crime are often not writers (and I am a stickler for quality writing :)). I realize that these stories are often paired with another writer (in this case, Lisa Pulitzer) but I still find that, most of the time, the story doesn't read as well. That said, this was a very well done. The story of Shawn Grate is horrifying and disgusting. Kim Mager, the Detective that spent 33 hours interviewing, tells her story (and his confessions) in a way that is compelling and emotional. Her distaste for his heinous crimes is palpable, but there is also an undertone of empathy (both in how she interacts with him and also how her Christianity affects her thoughts and opinions of him). I like how she shared what she learned from Shawn, but also speculates on what she might have missed. It's clear that she was/is a successful police officer because she conducts herself with both professionalism and kindness. Her ultimate duty is to her family, then to protecting others. 4.5 rounded up

Thank you to Netgallery for the ARC of this book!
This is a true crime story that follows serial killer Shawn Grate. I had never heard of him before, but Detective Mager does an amazing job at getting him to confess all of his crimes.
It starts with a lady calling 911 for help because she is locked in a bedroom. Once she is safe and he is brought in for the crime, it all spirals into confessions of Grate killing more women (a total of 5).
Mager does an amazing job at keeping her cool through hours of interviews with Grate, all while getting him to open up and share everything he has done.
I think she did a wonderful job at telling the story, and she has such compassion for the victims and trying to make sure justice is served. She does a great job at building trust and listening to everything he (and the victim) have to say. It can't be an easy job to listen to all of the things she was told, but congrats to her on getting the info out of him.
I give this read a solid 4.5 ⭐️

A hunger kills a true crime story that is about a serial killer named Shawn Grate. He was known as the “lady killer”. In 2016, he was arrested after holding a woman hostage. One of the authors, Detective Kim Maher, tells the story of how her skills as an investigator and communicator allowed to bring justice to the victims in this case.

I felt that it was an engaging read that did keep my attention from beginning to end. There was a bit of repetitive lines in the story and it did feel a little drawn out, but overall was a good read. If you’d like true crime books, I’m sure you’ll like this one.

This was a good book. Kim Mager is a detective in Ashland, Ohio. She specializes in abuse and sexual crimes. When a kidnapped woman calls 911 and the police find her locked in a house with a sleeping Shawn Grate. Mager is the detective who interrogates him. As she does, she unwraps a truly chilling thread of crime that wends its way through northeast Ohio and several decades.

Mager weaves her own story into the book also. While she is descriptive in what happened, it is not lurid. She goes into detail without being gory. Shawn Grate was an evil man who did evil things Kim Mager was able to close several unsolved murders because of her instincts and her determination to get to the bottom of what really happened over the years.

I would definitely say this is worth the time to read.

Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free, electronic ARC of this novel received in exchange for an honest review.
Expected publication date: July 23, 2024
Kim Mager is a real-life SVU detective. Working in Ashland, Ohio, Mager has spent the last twenty plus years dealing with abuse victims and their abusers and has seen all the evil that humanity has to offer. Or she thought she had- until she met a man called Shawn Grate.
When a woman called 911 stating she had been kidnapped and held against her will, repeatedly attacked and raped, Mager was called in to interview her and hopefully obtain pertinent details about what happened to her, and by whom. Very quickly, Mager and her team were able to identify Shawn Grate as the abductor and, after eight days of using her masterful interview skills, Mager was able to uncover that Shawn had not only been responsible for the abduction of this victim, but there were many more that had not been lucky enough to escape.
Mager, along with Lisa Pulitzer, bring the scary details to life in “A Hunger to Kill: A Serial Killer, A Determined Detective and the Quest for a Confession that Changed a Small Town Forever”. The story starts from when the victim, identified as Jane Doe, calls 911, and the drama only escalates from there. Soon, Mager becomes the only person Grate will talk to, and he confesses to at least five more rapes and murders, although it is suspected he was responsible for many more.
This is the kind of true crime I like as, since it’s told from the police investigator’s perspective, I got a front row seat to the criminal interview and was able to learn about his crimes and his motivations first hand. The legal aspects were defined, of course, but only in terms of Grate’s legal consequences. The trial component of the novel did not drag on, and there was no stumbling over investigative procedures or legal jargon to lose yourself in.
As a mother, community member and one of the only women in the police force at this particular time, Mager has a unique perspective and writes with compassion, empathy and respect for the victims and their families. I thoroughly enjoyed “Hunger”, and I really hope that Mager becomes the next John Douglas and is able to bring more of her stories into the world, as I will devour them all.

What I particularly liked about this book was that it was written by the lead detective, Kim Mager, who interviewed/investigated Shawn Grate. The reader gets insight into her thoughts and feelings as she realizes that what initially appeared to be a kidnapping and rape case turns out to be a serial murder investigation; and that the rescued "Jane Doe" was one of the rare women who had survived their encounter with Grate. Detective Mager explains her interview strategy and how she tried to gain Grate's trust and keep him talking. The gamesmanship between Grate and Mager and other investigators was interesting, as Grate alluded to people or events and waited to see if Mager would realize that he was dropping breadcrumbs for her to follow, and as Mager decided what information she would let Grate know the police knew or would imply the police knew in order to get him reveal more details. Mager details the "justifications" and "excuses" that Grate gave for why certain women were tortured and killed; while he often acknowledged his guilt, and the wrongness of his actions, he also often blamed the women for what happened to them. Mager also highlights in the book the differences between Grate's portrayal of each victim and the "reality" of that victim based on those who knew her.

This happened just shy of 3 hours away from me and I was completely clueless and knew nothing about this story. The courage that Jane Doe had in the beginning is amazing and I wouldn't even know what I would do in the situation, you would like to think it would be the same reaction but you just never know. I enjoyed hearing the story through Kim Mager's eyes and words, I do believe he would have harmed or attempted to harm her if he had the chance and I'm glad he didn't get the chance. I simply hope there aren't anymore victims attached to him and if there is I hope he eventually comes clean and gives more families closure over their missing loved ones.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

As a true crime I found this was a book that was better than many I have read in the past. The book was very detailed. I wish I could of given it a higher rating

Wow, this was a suspenseful true crime book written by a seasoned detective. It takes you into the world of Shawn Grate, a disgusting person who took advantage of vulnerable women and ended their lives in a very heinous, disturbing way. You really feel for the investigators involved and can't believe the horror they had to endure cleaning out the main crime scene. It's unbelievable the lengths some people will go to to hurt hurt others. To hear how they recount crimes that leave us speechless in such a way that it's just like doing some mundane, meaningless task is absolutely disturbing. Kudos to Detective Kim Mager and her ability to foster trust with Grate so that he confessed to more murders than what was actually known. Also, if it had not been for a woman being strong enough to get away and call for help (the only known survivor of this monster), he could still be walking the streets murdering countless women. This story is just astonishing. Shawn Grate is the epitome of evil.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this book in exchange for an honest review.
The interviews with Grate were definitely shocking as he told of his killing of women. I really think the detective had a great approach to her interviewing process. Grate threw in clues along the way that she was mostly able to pick up on and get more information from Grate.

While I do not feel this rose to 4 stars, it was also better than 3. I was disappointed that this turned out to be far more of a memoir than a true crime book. The author did a good job of weaving the material into a story but there was too much material about the author. It began to feel as though the author was the focal point ant not the crime or sociopath who committed the crimes. too much time was spent ensuring that the reader knew how skilled and adept the detective was. Overall, it was an entertaining read but there was too much self-promotion in this book. Background info is great in a true crime book but it should not detract from the focus or topic. True crime is a difficult genre when it comes to writing and the author did a good job with ensuring overall flow and connections between the collection of evidence. It would have been so much better if there was far less highlighting and self-touting of the author. Can't give 3.5 stars but that is essentially where it stands for me.

On a quiet morning in 2016, the tranquility of small town Ashland, Ohio is shattered by a 911 call from a woman saying a man has taken her hostage. Not just any man, but serial killer Shawn Grate, tagged as “The Ladykiller.” After the young woman’s rescue and Grate’s arrest, the real story begins. Enter sex-crime investigator Detective Kim Mager. She interviews the victim before turning her attention to the killer. What follows is a series of interviews, a true cat-and-mouse game, that crack the killer and lead to his confession to five murders and multiple sexual assaults. This is a chilling first-hand account of those interviews. True crime fans will find this story fascinating, and disturbing.


DP Lyle, award-winning author of the Jake Longly and Cain/Harper thriller series

What an interesting book! I love finding out information about crimes that have actually happened. This was very well-written and I couldn't put it down!

I am the type of reader who loves it when a writer just tells the story. That isn't to say an author can't try something new or put a new wrinkle in their narrative. But, I am simple man with simple tastes. If the story is interesting, tell it and don't try to get fancy just for the sake of it.

This approach is taken to perfection by Kim Mager with Liza Pulitzer in A Hunger to Kill. Mager was one of the detectives assigned to an abduction case which quickly turned into an investigation of a serial killer. Mager was the main interviewer of Shawn Grate. He is a terrible person on so many levels. However, Mager makes it clear she knows that, but also needs to interview him as if he isn't. This is how she will get him to talk.

There are a few minor things which Mager and Pulitzer do in the narrative which make this so readable. First, of course, is the sticking to the story which I have already ranted about. Second, Mager doesn't make herself out to be some super detective. Sure, she's highly skilled and this case is right up her alley. However, she makes it clear that while the story revolves around her actions and will take up much of the page count, every police case is a team effort. She takes center stage, but she's not the only actor. Third, backgrounds are kept to a minimum for everyone. You get what you need to in order to understand each character. The final aspect, which I appreciated immensely, deserves its own paragraph. So let's go!

I am very much over true crime which spends an inordinate amount of time on the killer and, in a way, glorifies them. On the surface, A Hunger to Kill might give people pause because a lot of ink is spilled on Grate. However, Mager makes sure the victims are given their due and most importantly, Grate is presented as the awful, confused, hypocritical, and pathetic person he is. In a way, Mager is treating him as an object just like he did his victims. Grate is a tool to give closure to the victim's families, justice to the town, and information on how to stop people like Grate in the future. If you love true crime, this is a must for you. No, it doesn't revolutionize the genre. It just tells a great story about putting away the bad guy.

(This book was provided as an advance copy by Netgalley and St. Martin's Press.)

🔍 Just devoured "A Hunger to Kill" by Kim Maher and Lisa Pulitzer and it's a gripping true crime read! 📖💥 Maher and Pulitzer unravel the chilling story of a killer's insatiable thirst for blood with meticulous detail and suspense. From the shocking crimes to the intense investigation, every page keeps you on the edge of your seat. If you're a fan of true crime and love a story that leaves you breathless, this is a must-read! 🕵️‍♂️🔪 #TrueCrime #AHungerToKill #PageTurner #KimMaher #LisaPulitzer

I have heard/read a bit about Shawn Grate so when I saw this title, I knew I had to read A Hunger to Kill. This is a good, in depth book about the crimes Shawn committed against others, his victims, and the police that helped capture him.

I received an ARC of A Hunger to Kill thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin Press for a fair review.

What a fantastic retelling of the serial killer,Shawn Grate. I live about 35 miles from the crime scene town of Ashland and remember seeing missing posters of Stacey Stanley Hicks in the area. It was so sad to hear of her fate. Thank you for letting me read an advanced copy of the book. It was awesome! #ahungertokill #netgalley #kimmager #lisapulitzer

For all my friends who are a fan of true crime this is absolutely one you should add to your TBR! I love learning about the inner workings of crimes and how the investigators do what they do.

I was able to read an ARC of this novel thanks to St Martins Press, NetGalley and the author. I really enjoyed this novel that focused on the investigation surrounding the crimes of Shawn Grate in Northern OH. I was not familiar with this case prior to reading this however the author wrote this in such a way I was invested in finding out more. I really appreciate Kim Magee, a former police detective coming forward and working to write this novel and lay out the truths surrounding these horrific acts. As indicated in the novel, if we do not learn, then how can we keep this from happening to other victims? I would definitely read more novels focused on topics such as this and the writing style was great.

While I'm far from a true-crime connoisseur, I had an empty spot in my review schedule and was intrigued by this story of an Ohio serial killer of whom I'd previously been unaware.

"A Hunger to Kill" is written by former Ashland, Ohio police detective Kim Mager along with Lisa Pulitzer.

The story kicks off on September 13, 2016. Emergency dispatchers in the small town of Ashland, Ohio (population under 20,000) received a 911 call from a whispering, obviously terrified woman who was claiming to be kidnapped. Against remarkable odds, police were able to rescue the woman and capture her kidnapper, Shawn Grates. What first seemed like a horrific kidnapping and sexual assault quickly became even more as Ashland, Ohio became yet another city in America to experience their very own serial killer.

Detective Mager was tasked with interviewing Grate over a period of eight days. With a combination of police-like precision and small town hospitality, Mager gained Grate's trust and extracted recorded confessions for five murders, kidnapping, multiple sexual assaults and more. Grate is currently on death row in Ohio with a current execution date of March 19, 2025.

While I'm not a connoisseur of true-crime writing, I was captivated by Mager's storytelling with a combination of matter-of-factness and quiet humanity. While we certainly get a strong focus on Grate himself, Mager makes sure we also get to know the women that Grate killed and their stories.

True crime writing is, of course, naturally dramatic. However, Mager really humanizes this story by allowing us to get to know her, her professional peers, the victims, and all that she learned about Grate along the way.

Mager powerfully captures the twisted and depraved mind of a killer, his interviews revealing a dark logic for his actions and a sort of exploitative sense of remorse. Mager, rather remarkably, captures the charm he was able to use to gain the trust of his victims and also how the littlest thing could alter the course of their interactions.

Similarly, Mager powerfully portrays the lives of these women. In most cases, they had a very specific vulnerability and Grate simply was able to exploit them. Yes, some of them had troubling backgrounds but Mager captures their humanity and reminds us very vividly that there isn't a poor choice that justifies Grate's actions.

Along the way, Mager also captures the challenges of small town police work and the frightening times she was actually in danger while interviewing him. This became especially true once he truly latched on to her and began making request after request to speak to her.

As is always a reality in true crime writing, "A Hunger to Kill" has its share of violence and graphic descriptions of sexual assault, violence, and murder. Remarkable in its detail of both top-notch police work and in capturing the very foundations of one man's hunger to kill, "A Hunger to Kill" is deeply personal, absolutely heartbreaking, and unforgettable.

"...This book pulls all the punches of a primetime police procedural and Mager is a real-life Olivia Benson..." - Full review to appear in BookList.

I received a free ARC, and this review is voluntary

The synopsis describes the story well. In-between discussions of the case, and subsequent interrogations, we also find a story about the area of Ashland itself. The author does a great job at focusing on the community, and the impact this situation had.

The book was highly impressive. In terms of intelligence gathering, the author showed a masterclass through the interrogations. The random tidbits about Ashland were also welcomed. Overall, a suspenseful, and amazing addition to true crime category.

WOW! this book is so good.

IF the author wants to get away from police work, she has a second career as a writer.

With a great blend of speed and restraint the author takes the reader on the way in which she connected with the serial killer Shawn Grate. She was the lead detective handling a sexual assault and kidnapping that would turn into so much more.

The author is the detective and with determination she pulls the reader along as she feigns a partnership with the serial killer. She is honest, she is patient, yet she needs information.

Due to her interrogation skills, the serial killer eventually confesses to at least 5 murders of women around the area.

The book winds its way from the 911 call, to the interview, to the jail, to places in which the bodies would be found, to the trial.

I could not put down this book. This is a great add to the true crime genre.

Ok this gave me goosebumps! What a captivating read. So much I did not know. I was addicted the moment I picked this book up! A strong recommended book for those seeking more information!

Synopsis (From Netgalley, the provider of the book to review)
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In this fascinating & profoundly chilling account, Detective Kim Mager, a real-life version of Clarice Starling, reveals how she closed in on―and broke―one of Ohio’s most infamous serial killers.

On September 13, 2016, in the small town of Ashland, Ohio, emergency dispatchers received a 911 call from a terrified woman who claimed to be kidnapped. The man holding her hostage was Shawn Grate, a serial killer whom the press later dubbed “The Lady Killer.” A key to his conviction and death sentence were Grate’s extensive recorded confessions―all extracted by one Detective Kim Mager.
As an experienced specialist in sex offences, Detective Mager was assigned to Grate’s case upon his arrest. Grate immediately latched onto her, refusing to speak to any other law enforcement officers, convinced that he could somehow exercise his power over her in much the same way that he’d overpowered and controlled his female victims.

He was wrong.

Over a period of eight days, Mager conducted one interview after another, risking her life by sitting alone in the interview room with a malevolent predator. Using brilliant psychological strategy in a lethal game of wits, Mager successfully elicited his damning confessions to five murders, kidnappings, and multiple sexual assaults of women across Ohio.

Deeply personal and shocking, A Hunger to Kill takes readers behind the scenes of one of the most appalling criminal cases in American history from the woman who stopped his murderous rampage in collaboration with New York Times bestselling author Lisa Pulitzer.

Oooooooh what a book --- I want and can see a Netflix series based on this. Mager is a rockstar of a cop – tenacious and determined and we can thank her for catching this animal and him being put in a cage…he deserves some painful euthanasia. Well written, it will appeal to individual readers and book clubs alike with its subject as it is just a fascinating book. Highly recommended. #shortbutsweetreviews

BTW LinkedIn continues to refuse to link (ironic) ... but posted there as well