What do you think?
Rate this book
A Hunger to Kill
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 Ladykiller.” A key to his conviction and death sentence were Grate’s extensive recorded confessions—all extracted by one woman: Detective Kim Mager.
As an experienced specialist in sex offenses, Detective Mager was one of the officers assigned to Grate’s case upon his arrest. Grate immediately latched onto her, repeatedly demanding to speak to her and presumably 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, kidnapping, and multiple sexual assaults of women across Ohio.
Deeply personal and shocking, A Hunger to Kill takes listeners 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.
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 Ladykiller.” A key to his conviction and death sentence were Grate’s extensive recorded confessions—all extracted by one woman: Detective Kim Mager.
As an experienced specialist in sex offenses, Detective Mager was one of the officers assigned to Grate’s case upon his arrest. Grate immediately latched onto her, repeatedly demanding to speak to her and presumably 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, kidnapping, and multiple sexual assaults of women across Ohio.
Deeply personal and shocking, A Hunger to Kill takes listeners 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.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published July 23, 2024
About the author
Kim Mager
1 book42 followersDetective KIM MAGER is a 30-year law enforcement officer who retired from the Ashland City Police in 2022. Mager works for a prosecutor's office and still holds a law enforcement commission. Mager specializes in sex offenses, violent crime, and child abuse and has investigated over 2,000 cases. She has a BA from Ashland University and graduated Top Gun of her Police Academy. Mager is married to husband, Dan, and they have three children, Corbin, Macy, and Reed.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
June 28, 2024
True crime content by its very nature addresses the pain and suffering of individuals. The best true crime, for me, is when the focus is on the psychology of the perp, and the investigation to get these monsters off the street, piecing together parts of the puzzle.
In this case, a victim escaped while the monster slept, police arrived and arrested him. Then details came out. The investigation was identifying the scope of his victims, identifying the women, and discovering just how depraved he was.
I read true crime, not as a voyeuristic endeavor, but as an effort to understand the psychology of why monsters do what they do, and to read about the intricacies of the investigation to bring them to justice.
The detective seems like a wonderful person and a highly competent investigator, and I greatly admire her expertise in bringing this serial murderer to justice for his atrocities. But I would have preferred less memoir/less of the author’s voice, which bogged the story down.
* I received a digital copy via NetGalley. All opinions are my own
In this case, a victim escaped while the monster slept, police arrived and arrested him. Then details came out. The investigation was identifying the scope of his victims, identifying the women, and discovering just how depraved he was.
I read true crime, not as a voyeuristic endeavor, but as an effort to understand the psychology of why monsters do what they do, and to read about the intricacies of the investigation to bring them to justice.
The detective seems like a wonderful person and a highly competent investigator, and I greatly admire her expertise in bringing this serial murderer to justice for his atrocities. But I would have preferred less memoir/less of the author’s voice, which bogged the story down.
* I received a digital copy via NetGalley. All opinions are my own
June 17, 2024
I have read my fair share of ‘hunting serial killer’ books; some better than others. This book was not what I expected - it is the first book on the subject that I have read that really makes you feel as if you are there in the interview room. Another dimension of this book that is so often overlooked is the lasting effect such murders have on the community; the psychic scars that will always be there after such a killing takes place. Contextually layered yet crisp and flowing, this book will appeal to both serious students of serial killers and those just wanting to read an exciting book on crime.
July 25, 2024
2.5⭐
Genre ~ true crime
Setting ~ Ohio
Publication date ~ July 23, 2024
Publisher ~ Macmillan Audio
Est Page Count ~ 309 (p+ 22 chapters +e)
Audio length ~ 10 hours 1 minutes
Narrator ~ Jennifer Blom
POV ~ single 1st
Featuring ~ police procedural, serial killer
I listened with my daughter while we were on a road trip. It's a good thing my dog was breathing in my ear to keep me awake because I was a bit bored at times and my daughter zonked out after 16 minutes, so I was on my own.
I am a big fan of true crime and serial killer stories, but this felt really long and drawn out because a good portion of it was about Detective Mager's backstory. I'm sorry, but I'm not interested in her life and how she first shot a gun at 9 years old. She'd get all the props for what she accomplished from me if this was a memoir, but it's not. I'm more interested in the background of the killer and why they did what they did. Personal preference perhaps. Now don't get me wrong she did a great job bringing him down, but this just wasn't what I was expecting.
So overall, it was fine as an investigative look at what goes on behind the scenes, but don't go into this one expecting there to be a lot of action on the actual killings.
Narration notes:
Well, on a whole she did okay, but I could have went for a little more emotion when she was talking about finding a body.
Connect with me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook ~ Twitter
Genre ~ true crime
Setting ~ Ohio
Publication date ~ July 23, 2024
Publisher ~ Macmillan Audio
Est Page Count ~ 309 (p+ 22 chapters +e)
Audio length ~ 10 hours 1 minutes
Narrator ~ Jennifer Blom
POV ~ single 1st
Featuring ~ police procedural, serial killer
I listened with my daughter while we were on a road trip. It's a good thing my dog was breathing in my ear to keep me awake because I was a bit bored at times and my daughter zonked out after 16 minutes, so I was on my own.
I am a big fan of true crime and serial killer stories, but this felt really long and drawn out because a good portion of it was about Detective Mager's backstory. I'm sorry, but I'm not interested in her life and how she first shot a gun at 9 years old. She'd get all the props for what she accomplished from me if this was a memoir, but it's not. I'm more interested in the background of the killer and why they did what they did. Personal preference perhaps. Now don't get me wrong she did a great job bringing him down, but this just wasn't what I was expecting.
So overall, it was fine as an investigative look at what goes on behind the scenes, but don't go into this one expecting there to be a lot of action on the actual killings.
Narration notes:
Well, on a whole she did okay, but I could have went for a little more emotion when she was talking about finding a body.
Connect with me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook ~ Twitter
June 25, 2024
2.5 stars
I admire all the work that Detective Kim Mager, did in order to bring in and nab a killer of women. In September of 2016, in the town of Ashland, Ohio, emergency dispatchers received a 911 call from a terrified woman who claimed to be being held captive. Shawn Grate, was the captor latter receiving the title of lady killer. Kim Mager by establishing a rapport with the killer, was able to elicit many confessions of killings by Shawn Grate.
It took eight days, but Detective Mager was able to get Grate to confess, to five murders, a number of sexual attacks, and of course kidnapping. It was a chilling battle of wits between Mager and Grate in which she conducted the interviews by herself, alone with a killer.
This is usually a book I love. However, the book dragged on with quite a few repetitions and the usage of the "I" preposition too many times. A book that should have been exciting turned into one where I had to force myself to finish.
However, that doesn't diminish the fact that Detective Mager was indeed a very courageous woman who brought down the most prolific serial killer in Ohio.
Thank you to Kim Mager, Lisa Pulitzer, St Martin's Press, and NetGalley for a copy of this soon to be released story.
I admire all the work that Detective Kim Mager, did in order to bring in and nab a killer of women. In September of 2016, in the town of Ashland, Ohio, emergency dispatchers received a 911 call from a terrified woman who claimed to be being held captive. Shawn Grate, was the captor latter receiving the title of lady killer. Kim Mager by establishing a rapport with the killer, was able to elicit many confessions of killings by Shawn Grate.
It took eight days, but Detective Mager was able to get Grate to confess, to five murders, a number of sexual attacks, and of course kidnapping. It was a chilling battle of wits between Mager and Grate in which she conducted the interviews by herself, alone with a killer.
This is usually a book I love. However, the book dragged on with quite a few repetitions and the usage of the "I" preposition too many times. A book that should have been exciting turned into one where I had to force myself to finish.
However, that doesn't diminish the fact that Detective Mager was indeed a very courageous woman who brought down the most prolific serial killer in Ohio.
Thank you to Kim Mager, Lisa Pulitzer, St Martin's Press, and NetGalley for a copy of this soon to be released story.
April 11, 2024
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.)
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.)
June 2, 2024
I received a free copy of, A Hunger to Kill, by Kim Mager: Lisa Pulitzer, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Serial Killer, Shawn Grate met his match when he met, and was interviewed by Detective Kim Mager. Mr.. Grate thought he could control Kim like he controlled other women. This was a really intense but good read. Im so glad there are people out there like Det. Mager, who can put animals like Mr. Grate behind bars.
May 4, 2024
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.
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.
June 25, 2024
A Hunger to Kill is a true crime book that chronicles the murder investigations of several women in Ohio, with a concentration on suspected serial killer, Shawn Grate.
The story unfolds through the lens of Detective/Author, Kim Mager. And while a first person point of view is the best perspective for a true crime story, A Hunger to Kill read more like a memoir. It just seemed that the actual crimes took second seat to Mager's inclinations.
True Crime is one of my favorite genres. But A Hunger to Kill missed the mark for me. I would have preferred grittier details on the crime scenes, victimology, and more profiling of the unsub. Instead, I was lead through Mager's thought process, and emotions. Not what I would expect from a true crime story. Two okay stars.
I received a DRC from St. Martin's Press through NetGalley. This review is completely my own and reflects my honest thoughts and opinions.
The story unfolds through the lens of Detective/Author, Kim Mager. And while a first person point of view is the best perspective for a true crime story, A Hunger to Kill read more like a memoir. It just seemed that the actual crimes took second seat to Mager's inclinations.
True Crime is one of my favorite genres. But A Hunger to Kill missed the mark for me. I would have preferred grittier details on the crime scenes, victimology, and more profiling of the unsub. Instead, I was lead through Mager's thought process, and emotions. Not what I would expect from a true crime story. Two okay stars.
I received a DRC from St. Martin's Press through NetGalley. This review is completely my own and reflects my honest thoughts and opinions.
April 21, 2024
I'm a huge fan of true crime but this one just didn't work for me. The author was certainly the key to unlock the confession and conviction of these horrendous crimes. However, the reader doesn't need to be reminded of this every other page. It almost read like a memoir rather than a true crime story. I felt the story was drawn out with tidbits that weren't necessary. The book is interesting but needs more polish - I found it difficult to finish. Finally - all good true crime books have pictures - this has none. Thanks to Netgalley for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
June 24, 2024
A Hunger to Kill starts with Jane Doe being rescued after her 911 call. The police originally believe they are interviewing a man on the charges of kidnapping, rape, assault and battery. As things progress, they realize they find themselves face-to-face with a serial killer, Shawn Grate.
This book focuses on the first few days of interviews and is written best to memory by the detective. It has a bit of local color to add setting context and the detective's oersonsl background. This creates a mood, although at times, it seems a bit out of place and isn't done smoothly or in a way that adds to the understanding of the case.
There is a lot of emphasis on interview, not as much on evidence. I was relieved not to have much on study of remains. Some books go too into that for me. The legal portion is concise and not drawn out. This all makes sense, since the detective who wrote this was the one in the room doing the interview so that is the big focus of this book. I found that very interesting to read, and I think anyone with an interest in true crime would.
Thanks so much to both authors and St. Martin's Press for my free advanced reader copy. My review is unbiased and opinions my own. The book is releasing this July, so keep an eye out for it!
#truecrime #truecrimebooks #serialkillerbooks #nonfictionbooks #nonfiction #strangerthanfiction #shawngate #ahungertokille with an interest in true crime would.
Thanks so much to both authors and St. Martin's Press for my free advanced reader copy. My review is unbiased and opinions my own. The book is releasing this July, so keep an eye out for it!
#truecrime #truecrimebooks #serialkillerbooks #nonfictionbooks #nonfiction #strangerthanfiction #shawngate #ahungertokill
This book focuses on the first few days of interviews and is written best to memory by the detective. It has a bit of local color to add setting context and the detective's oersonsl background. This creates a mood, although at times, it seems a bit out of place and isn't done smoothly or in a way that adds to the understanding of the case.
There is a lot of emphasis on interview, not as much on evidence. I was relieved not to have much on study of remains. Some books go too into that for me. The legal portion is concise and not drawn out. This all makes sense, since the detective who wrote this was the one in the room doing the interview so that is the big focus of this book. I found that very interesting to read, and I think anyone with an interest in true crime would.
Thanks so much to both authors and St. Martin's Press for my free advanced reader copy. My review is unbiased and opinions my own. The book is releasing this July, so keep an eye out for it!
#truecrime #truecrimebooks #serialkillerbooks #nonfictionbooks #nonfiction #strangerthanfiction #shawngate #ahungertokille with an interest in true crime would.
Thanks so much to both authors and St. Martin's Press for my free advanced reader copy. My review is unbiased and opinions my own. The book is releasing this July, so keep an eye out for it!
#truecrime #truecrimebooks #serialkillerbooks #nonfictionbooks #nonfiction #strangerthanfiction #shawngate #ahungertokill
April 24, 2024
A Hunger to Kill is the true-life account of Kim Mager, a Detective tasked with interviewing a man accused of kidnapping a local woman. Through Kim's skillful interviewing, it quickly became apparent that the police were dealing with a disturbed predator who had murdered and abused multiple women. In this book, Kim recounts her actions and interviews with Grate in order to help bring justice for the victims, closure for the families, and knowledge and awareness of how to stop those who commit atrocious crimes as these.
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.
While this was a chilling and informative non-fiction account, the narrative wasn't as seamless as I would have liked. The writing was okay but didn't grip me as deeply as I expected, and the back-and-forth between memoir / true crime occasionally made the book feel a little clunky. I don't mind memoir aspects to books like this as I think they lend authenticity to the author and give you a better understanding of what it's like to investigate these sorts of crimes, but that aspect didn't seem to be fully fleshed out here.
Overall, I thought this was an interesting and intense book. Worth a read for fans of true crime. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for my advance e-read.
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.
While this was a chilling and informative non-fiction account, the narrative wasn't as seamless as I would have liked. The writing was okay but didn't grip me as deeply as I expected, and the back-and-forth between memoir / true crime occasionally made the book feel a little clunky. I don't mind memoir aspects to books like this as I think they lend authenticity to the author and give you a better understanding of what it's like to investigate these sorts of crimes, but that aspect didn't seem to be fully fleshed out here.
Overall, I thought this was an interesting and intense book. Worth a read for fans of true crime. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for my advance e-read.
July 24, 2024
A Hunger to Kill by Kim Mager with Lisa Pulitzer is utterly unputdownable!
This true crime book is graphic in nature, as Detective Mager depicts the heinous crimes committed by serial killer Shawn Grate in small town Ohio. This book is a balance of profiling a killer with memoir-like additions to provide additional depth.
Background information into Detective Mager's history sheds light on how she gained knowledge outside her standard training and why she was tasked with interviewing Grate to achieve his confessions. There is a strong motherhood lense through which Detective Mager writes, allowing a further glimpse into why she strives so hard at her job and proves she has the same struggles as all parents.
Jennifer Blom provided a no-nonsense audiobook narration devoid of emotion, which was perfect for this books genre. Blom had a slight alteration to her voice for when Grate spoke, which made it easy to distinguish his dialogue.
This book would make a perfect gift for anyone who appreciates true crime and learning about the minds of serial killers! (Note that a portion of the proceeds of this books sales will benefit crime victims.)
Thank you NetGalley, St. Martin's Press and Macmillan Audio for the complimentary copies to read and review.
This true crime book is graphic in nature, as Detective Mager depicts the heinous crimes committed by serial killer Shawn Grate in small town Ohio. This book is a balance of profiling a killer with memoir-like additions to provide additional depth.
Background information into Detective Mager's history sheds light on how she gained knowledge outside her standard training and why she was tasked with interviewing Grate to achieve his confessions. There is a strong motherhood lense through which Detective Mager writes, allowing a further glimpse into why she strives so hard at her job and proves she has the same struggles as all parents.
Jennifer Blom provided a no-nonsense audiobook narration devoid of emotion, which was perfect for this books genre. Blom had a slight alteration to her voice for when Grate spoke, which made it easy to distinguish his dialogue.
This book would make a perfect gift for anyone who appreciates true crime and learning about the minds of serial killers! (Note that a portion of the proceeds of this books sales will benefit crime victims.)
Thank you NetGalley, St. Martin's Press and Macmillan Audio for the complimentary copies to read and review.
July 3, 2024
A chilling count for sure. Half memoir half true crime story which I preferred the latter. Some of the memoir parts could’ve been removed for a more enjoyable read. Thanks to the publisher and netgalley for this copy for read and review
April 27, 2024
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.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
April 14, 2024
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.
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.
July 19, 2024
As someone who is familiar with both Ashland and Mansfield, Ohio, this book intrigued me. I was shocked to realize the arrest took place in September 2016 [9 months after I had last stopped in Ashland] and I wondered why I didn't remember hearing about this [at only 2ish hours from Ashland, we most certainly would have heard about it where I live], and then remembered that 2016 was a truly craptastic year for myself and my family and that overall, I remember very little about that year [I am sure that if I HAD heard about it, I would have remembered this horrific story had I not been knee deep in the hoopla], which explains a lot.
This book grabbed me from page one and as it went on, not only was I enthralled by the story [because HOLY FREAKING MOSES], I was both admired and was amazed by Kim Mager and her skill at working the suspect to get him to tell them all he had done [the convicted criminal is a despicable human being and I will not be using his name at all in my review] and where the bodies were [and remaining calm as horrific details started spilling out]. I admit I was also creeped out by this monster's audacity and sheer nonsense as to why he killed [and never believed his "remorse" at all; I think his only remorse was that he got caught before he killed again and again].
Well-written and laid out in a easy-to-read and concise way, this book will lead you down a path of horrors and will leave you amazed at the woman [along with the whole police department that she worked for] that got the answers they needed to bring this monster to justice [the notes at the end, in regards to him, are very satisfying]. The notes at the end are heartbreaking and I can only hope that the survivor, Jane Doe, and the families of all the victims are finding some semblance of peace and have been able to move on with their lives.
Jennifer Blom is a new-to-me narrator, but I certainly hope it's not the last time I get to listen to her narrate as she does an excellent job here.
This could not have been an easy book to narrator [tere are a lot of awful, descriptive, gross parts that would have been for anyone to narrate IMO], and Ms. Blom handles it so well - her calm voice makes some of the worst horrors much easier to digest [I hope she got to go home and hug puppies and unicorns each night after doing this narration]. I highly recommend both this audiobook and its narrator.
Thank you to NetGalley, Kim Mager [Police Detective (Ret.), Ashland, Ohio], Lisa Pulitzer - Contributor, Jennifer Blom - Narrator, St. Martin's Press, and Macmillan Audio for providing the eBook and audiobook ARC's in exchange for an honest review.
This book grabbed me from page one and as it went on, not only was I enthralled by the story [because HOLY FREAKING MOSES], I was both admired and was amazed by Kim Mager and her skill at working the suspect to get him to tell them all he had done [the convicted criminal is a despicable human being and I will not be using his name at all in my review] and where the bodies were [and remaining calm as horrific details started spilling out]. I admit I was also creeped out by this monster's audacity and sheer nonsense as to why he killed [and never believed his "remorse" at all; I think his only remorse was that he got caught before he killed again and again].
Well-written and laid out in a easy-to-read and concise way, this book will lead you down a path of horrors and will leave you amazed at the woman [along with the whole police department that she worked for] that got the answers they needed to bring this monster to justice [the notes at the end, in regards to him, are very satisfying]. The notes at the end are heartbreaking and I can only hope that the survivor, Jane Doe, and the families of all the victims are finding some semblance of peace and have been able to move on with their lives.
Jennifer Blom is a new-to-me narrator, but I certainly hope it's not the last time I get to listen to her narrate as she does an excellent job here.
This could not have been an easy book to narrator [tere are a lot of awful, descriptive, gross parts that would have been for anyone to narrate IMO], and Ms. Blom handles it so well - her calm voice makes some of the worst horrors much easier to digest [I hope she got to go home and hug puppies and unicorns each night after doing this narration]. I highly recommend both this audiobook and its narrator.
Thank you to NetGalley, Kim Mager [Police Detective (Ret.), Ashland, Ohio], Lisa Pulitzer - Contributor, Jennifer Blom - Narrator, St. Martin's Press, and Macmillan Audio for providing the eBook and audiobook ARC's in exchange for an honest review.
July 13, 2024
Kim Mager was a detective with the Ashland (Ohio) Police Division in the fall of 2016. One mid-September morning, a desperate 911 call came in. A woman said she’d been abducted, held captive, raped and beaten. She didn’t know the address of the place she was being held, but she knew the name of the man who taken her and how to describe where they were. Thus began the downfall of serial killer Shawn Grate.
Mager was one of the only women on the small Ashland police force and had been with the department for 23 years. Mager says the Ashland community loves their police force and their community policing, and she prides herself on being familiar with many of the residents. As the only female detective, she got the call to interview the woman who’d called 911. The frightened Jane Doe asked Mager to stay with her as she told her story of meeting and befriending Grate, and how a meeting turned from conversation to assault.
A Hunger to Kill focuses on the detective and her thoughts as she interviewed and investigated Shawn Grate. At one point Mager talks about her alarm when she realized a breakdown in department communication had left her alone with Grate, with no backup. She was able to call out to an agent from another agency but was shaken at feeling vulnerable. She was able to form a bond with Grate without ever coming to empathize with him instead of the women he killed. She got him to talk about victims that weren’t on the radar of the police. The book is an interesting glimpse into the work life of a small town detective dealing with a big crime. It is less sensationalistic than most True Crime I’ve read, and the serial killer is not well known. Mager and writer Lisa Pulitzer do a good job depicting the investigation.
I read an advance reader copy of A Hunger to Kill from Netgalley.
Mager was one of the only women on the small Ashland police force and had been with the department for 23 years. Mager says the Ashland community loves their police force and their community policing, and she prides herself on being familiar with many of the residents. As the only female detective, she got the call to interview the woman who’d called 911. The frightened Jane Doe asked Mager to stay with her as she told her story of meeting and befriending Grate, and how a meeting turned from conversation to assault.
A Hunger to Kill focuses on the detective and her thoughts as she interviewed and investigated Shawn Grate. At one point Mager talks about her alarm when she realized a breakdown in department communication had left her alone with Grate, with no backup. She was able to call out to an agent from another agency but was shaken at feeling vulnerable. She was able to form a bond with Grate without ever coming to empathize with him instead of the women he killed. She got him to talk about victims that weren’t on the radar of the police. The book is an interesting glimpse into the work life of a small town detective dealing with a big crime. It is less sensationalistic than most True Crime I’ve read, and the serial killer is not well known. Mager and writer Lisa Pulitzer do a good job depicting the investigation.
I read an advance reader copy of A Hunger to Kill from Netgalley.
July 4, 2024
Dive into the darkness, but beware—the light may not save you.
How did the book make me feel/think?
I dove into “A Hunger to Kill” by Kim Mager, expecting to despise this book about a notorious serial killer and the detective who masterfully elicited his evil confessions, bringing closure (not a thing) to many families. Surprisingly, it enthralled me at first. Could it be a guide on what to watch for to stay alive? The pages flipped quickly, and I questioned who I was for enjoying a book about a serial killer.
At about halfway, my fascination began to wane, and I questioned why I needed to know anything about a serial killer. The religious bent of the book turned my stomach sour as I wondered why any devoutly spiritual person would ever want to read about the devastation and suffering caused by a serial killer.
“A Hunger to Kill” is a fascinating, easy read that may provide clues about how some people from abusive upbringings can go off the rails and find themselves immersed in evil, violence, and murder—just like some people from privilege and entitlement can as well. If you’re intrigued by darkness and the limits of spirituality in fixing the monsters among us, this is the book for you.
WRITTEN: 4 July 2024
How did the book make me feel/think?
I dove into “A Hunger to Kill” by Kim Mager, expecting to despise this book about a notorious serial killer and the detective who masterfully elicited his evil confessions, bringing closure (not a thing) to many families. Surprisingly, it enthralled me at first. Could it be a guide on what to watch for to stay alive? The pages flipped quickly, and I questioned who I was for enjoying a book about a serial killer.
At about halfway, my fascination began to wane, and I questioned why I needed to know anything about a serial killer. The religious bent of the book turned my stomach sour as I wondered why any devoutly spiritual person would ever want to read about the devastation and suffering caused by a serial killer.
“A Hunger to Kill” is a fascinating, easy read that may provide clues about how some people from abusive upbringings can go off the rails and find themselves immersed in evil, violence, and murder—just like some people from privilege and entitlement can as well. If you’re intrigued by darkness and the limits of spirituality in fixing the monsters among us, this is the book for you.
WRITTEN: 4 July 2024
April 14, 2024
Mixed feelings. The author did a decent job of making this read like a story--something Ann Rule set the bar very high on. I had expected to read a true crime book but it was much more like a memoir. The author stated that she is "not accustomed to making cases about herself" but she clearly did not hesitate to make this book about herself. Ann Rule had a knack for weaving in background tidbits about the detectives involved in cases she wrote about; in this book, the story is primarily about the author and, for me, this detracted from the overall story. I felt the book was better than 3 stars but not quite 4. The author seemed to be continually informing the reader of her adept interviewing skills and well-honed instincts; this became tedious. I know this was an ARC edition so I am hopeful that revisions are still taking place in order to address some sentence structure issues and ungrammatical sentences. The book was entertaining regardless of some of the issues I had with it. There is potential for this to be a really good book but I truly had expected to read a book about a serial criminal and not about a detective and her family.
July 23, 2024
This is one I was really interested in given that it took place in a town only a few hours away from where I live. It was an interesting read but felt like it didn’t know exactly what it wanted to be. Part true crime story and part memoir, the two didn’t come together seamlessly and it felt a bit clunky.
Where this shined for me was the true crime side of the story. This book more than any other I’ve read really puts you into the interview room as the detective recounts her side of the story. She also did an excellent job highlighting the longer term effects on the community.
What didn’t work as well for me was the memoir aspect. The detective is a very brave, smart and interesting person but her backstory took up a lot of page time and felt completely separate from the narrative of the rest of the book. There was also some repetition of facts and overused words and phrases.
I went into this with perhaps the wrong expectations - this is more of a memoir and a look at the case from the detective’s POV which includes more of her thoughts and feelings than details about the actual crimes.
Where this shined for me was the true crime side of the story. This book more than any other I’ve read really puts you into the interview room as the detective recounts her side of the story. She also did an excellent job highlighting the longer term effects on the community.
What didn’t work as well for me was the memoir aspect. The detective is a very brave, smart and interesting person but her backstory took up a lot of page time and felt completely separate from the narrative of the rest of the book. There was also some repetition of facts and overused words and phrases.
I went into this with perhaps the wrong expectations - this is more of a memoir and a look at the case from the detective’s POV which includes more of her thoughts and feelings than details about the actual crimes.
July 16, 2024
Either this is a take on true crime writing that I've never seen, or Kim Mager does it better than anyone else. Though there is one caveat - if your interest in true crime stops at the psychological aspects of the crime, you probably won't enjoy this.
In other review I've read so far, the main complaint is the author talking so much about her thoughts and her side of the experience, as if it's a memior. Personally, I love this. It makes the retelling feel well rounded. I'm not left with as many questions around the biases in play.
If it weren't for the repetitive facts (to the point I genuinely think the author must have forgotten she'd already told us this info bc it was brought up so many times - but with this being an ALC, maybe that will change? I'm not sure how publishing works), I'd have given it 5 stars. Admittedly though, I'm not sure if I would have noticed it if I hadn't finished this in less than 12 hours.
{Thank you bunches to NetGalley and publisher for ALC!}
In other review I've read so far, the main complaint is the author talking so much about her thoughts and her side of the experience, as if it's a memior. Personally, I love this. It makes the retelling feel well rounded. I'm not left with as many questions around the biases in play.
If it weren't for the repetitive facts (to the point I genuinely think the author must have forgotten she'd already told us this info bc it was brought up so many times - but with this being an ALC, maybe that will change? I'm not sure how publishing works), I'd have given it 5 stars. Admittedly though, I'm not sure if I would have noticed it if I hadn't finished this in less than 12 hours.
{Thank you bunches to NetGalley and publisher for ALC!}
July 5, 2024
It's scary to think these people are living among us and we have no clue. This is a gripping story that will make you want to cry and scream. It's horrible to think about what these women went through. Kim Mager did a fantastic job, both in the telling of the story and in getting the guy to talk. Jennifer Blom is perfect as the narrator. I can't say I enjoyed the book, because of the subject matter, but it did enthrall me. One of the better true crime books I've read.
Thank you to NetGalley, MacMillan audio, Kim Mager and Lisa Pulitzer for the opportunity to listen to this book.
Thank you to NetGalley, MacMillan audio, Kim Mager and Lisa Pulitzer for the opportunity to listen to this book.
July 9, 2024
If you enjoy true crime books this is for you. I swear my heart was beating outside my chest during the 911 call narration. Excellent audiobook!
May 25, 2024
This is a hard one to review. I like a good true crime. It’s not that I enjoy the pain or suffering and horribleness of the stories. I enjoy the puzzle of it the psychological part of it. The look at how different we are all made and react to similar situations. So having said that, I really liked the unfolding of this story. This is the true story of a modern day serial killer and how he was caught. The events in this book narrated and told by lead detective Kim Mager. Again the story is horrific and just seems straight out of a tv show etc. However I did not like the writing. It seemed almost like someone reading a story or maybe testifying. It also had some tangents about certain people and just details and side notes that seems oddly place or too long. I hate giving it a less than stellar review because of the content and just the experience of this for the author was harrowing I’m sure. I can’t imagine the trauma that occurs police and those that have to show up and help in the worst of situations. Ultimately, if true crime is your thing go for this book when it comes out. Just don’t expect many frills.
March 10, 2024
An interesting and thorough breakdown of the Shawn Grate case told by Detective Kim Mager. Mager illuminates the importance of verbal and non-verbal communication when obtaining confessions and information about Grate's life and crimes. Mager writes that as an investigator, "your survival is your ability to communicate", and she is able to utilize these skills under tremendous amounts of pressure. By "creating an environment, both physical and emotional, where a suspect feels comfortable", Mager was able to bring justice to five victims in this case. I appreciate her work and her ability to show that "being a girl should never stop you from reaching your goals."
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for access to this ARC!
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for access to this ARC!
July 10, 2024
A Hunger to Kill: A Serial Killer, a Determined Detective, and the Quest for a Confession That Changed a Small Town Forever by Kim Mager is a 2024 St. Martin’s Press publication.
This book doesn’t read like most true crime stories. This is a first-person narrative from the perspective of Kim Mager, the investigator who conducted the interviews and interrogations of the serial killer-Shawn Grate- in Northern Ohio, in 2016.
He was initially brought in for a kidnapping and rape charge after his victim escaped. Little did Kim know, at the time, that this interrogation would morph into the horrifying realization that she’s sitting across the table from a serial killer…
A good police interrogation can be riveting on television or in books. They have the benefit of an author’s finesse, a screenwriter’s talent for creating an atmosphere, a knack for drawing in the audience, as well as a professional group of actors portraying the good and bad guys effectively.
In real life, watching enough true crime and recorded interviews with suspects, it’s not always as suspenseful. In some cases, it’s straightforward- sometimes it challenges our ideals of ethical tactics- But, sometimes the detectives manage to set clever traps that lying criminals step right into- but they are rarely as spit and polished as they are in fiction…
Which is something you’ll want to keep in mind before you start reading this book. I found it fascinating to hear a firsthand account of how Mager handled her interview with the suspect. She had to glean specific details from him, see if he would lie, if she could also get him to open-up about a missing woman that might be connected to him, all while building his trust in her. Tricky. Not sexy, though- like on TV. Still, as the events unfolded and Mager and others working the case began to realize the situation they were dealing with, the narrative could be quite chilling.
The problem, I think, is that the interrogations were written out a bit like a police report- or transcript one might use in court. While the information is horrifying- and Mager is obviously very good at her job- it’s too dry to capture the dark, gritty reality of what was transpiring in that interview room, and some readers might struggle with the sparseness of the writing.
That said, Mager did a great job dealing with Grate, drawing him out- despite some of his creepy mind games. The case is more than unsettling, and I thought Mager handled things just an officer should- though there were a few times when, like some her colleagues, I thought there were some risky tactics employed- but thankfully no one was hurt… or worse.
An investigator, as Kim Mager is, does not typically add profiling to their list of duties- and Kim, frankly, didn't have time for that stuff- though she was pretty skilled at deaing with Grate on a psychological level. This all transpired in a relatively short period of time, and frankly, I’m amazed that she managed to get Grate to confess- and uncover the truth of what happened to several missing women in that short time frame.
Five murders solved- and justice served- I'd say that was more than a little impressive.
But this is also a personal story- Mager’s family and her community were all affected by this case and forever changed by it.
I think if you want an up close and personal look at how these things work in real life, this is a fine example of a day in the life of an investigator… not one who plays one on TV or a part of an author’s imagination- it’s real life and reads as such.
Is it the most polished book? No, the writing is raw and I stated earlier, it's a sparce, no frills account- no long unnecessary pontifications, or sermons- no in-depth analysis or profiles of fellow officers, no fillers- and no intention of adding entertainment value to the story- just a straightforward testimony of a law enforcement officer recounting a horrifying and notorious murder case, the art of interrogation, and a job well done - without all the self-glorifying ego- which, frankly, I found refreshing.
3.5 stars
This book doesn’t read like most true crime stories. This is a first-person narrative from the perspective of Kim Mager, the investigator who conducted the interviews and interrogations of the serial killer-Shawn Grate- in Northern Ohio, in 2016.
He was initially brought in for a kidnapping and rape charge after his victim escaped. Little did Kim know, at the time, that this interrogation would morph into the horrifying realization that she’s sitting across the table from a serial killer…
A good police interrogation can be riveting on television or in books. They have the benefit of an author’s finesse, a screenwriter’s talent for creating an atmosphere, a knack for drawing in the audience, as well as a professional group of actors portraying the good and bad guys effectively.
In real life, watching enough true crime and recorded interviews with suspects, it’s not always as suspenseful. In some cases, it’s straightforward- sometimes it challenges our ideals of ethical tactics- But, sometimes the detectives manage to set clever traps that lying criminals step right into- but they are rarely as spit and polished as they are in fiction…
Which is something you’ll want to keep in mind before you start reading this book. I found it fascinating to hear a firsthand account of how Mager handled her interview with the suspect. She had to glean specific details from him, see if he would lie, if she could also get him to open-up about a missing woman that might be connected to him, all while building his trust in her. Tricky. Not sexy, though- like on TV. Still, as the events unfolded and Mager and others working the case began to realize the situation they were dealing with, the narrative could be quite chilling.
The problem, I think, is that the interrogations were written out a bit like a police report- or transcript one might use in court. While the information is horrifying- and Mager is obviously very good at her job- it’s too dry to capture the dark, gritty reality of what was transpiring in that interview room, and some readers might struggle with the sparseness of the writing.
That said, Mager did a great job dealing with Grate, drawing him out- despite some of his creepy mind games. The case is more than unsettling, and I thought Mager handled things just an officer should- though there were a few times when, like some her colleagues, I thought there were some risky tactics employed- but thankfully no one was hurt… or worse.
An investigator, as Kim Mager is, does not typically add profiling to their list of duties- and Kim, frankly, didn't have time for that stuff- though she was pretty skilled at deaing with Grate on a psychological level. This all transpired in a relatively short period of time, and frankly, I’m amazed that she managed to get Grate to confess- and uncover the truth of what happened to several missing women in that short time frame.
Five murders solved- and justice served- I'd say that was more than a little impressive.
But this is also a personal story- Mager’s family and her community were all affected by this case and forever changed by it.
I think if you want an up close and personal look at how these things work in real life, this is a fine example of a day in the life of an investigator… not one who plays one on TV or a part of an author’s imagination- it’s real life and reads as such.
Is it the most polished book? No, the writing is raw and I stated earlier, it's a sparce, no frills account- no long unnecessary pontifications, or sermons- no in-depth analysis or profiles of fellow officers, no fillers- and no intention of adding entertainment value to the story- just a straightforward testimony of a law enforcement officer recounting a horrifying and notorious murder case, the art of interrogation, and a job well done - without all the self-glorifying ego- which, frankly, I found refreshing.
3.5 stars
July 17, 2024
Thank you to Netgalley, Macmillan Publishers, and St. Martin’s Press for allowing me the opportunity to review Detective Kim Mager’s riveting book A Hunger to Kill. I don’t read a lot of true crime and murder books; I tend to make exceptions for certain writers or events—Mark Bowden’s The Last Stone was one exception, but I just remembered feeling so sad and upset after reading the book. Although Bowden’s book features a remorseless killer who withholds or shares information when it is convenient, it was also heartening to learn about the dogged efforts from the victims’ families and the investigators to continue to pursue justice. Detective Mager’s A Hunger to Kill shares both of these aspects with Bowden’s book. Yet, one of the most important differences is that Detective Mager was on the team assembled to investigate the crimes of Shawn Grate, so we read from her perspective, learning about her strategic approach to interviewing Grate and eventually extracting confessions for several murders across the span of a few days. Also like Bowden’s book, A Hunger to Kill tracks the devasting crimes, and the events are brutal. The investigation starts out with an abducted woman who dialed 911 and the rescue team that saved her from captivity. We learn that Shawn Grate, a drifter from another town squatting in an abandoned house, has abducted and tortured Jane Doe. Although Jane Doe’s recounting of the torture is hard to read, I was fascinated to learn about the strategic thinking that goes into this kind of forensic interviewing. Detective Mager details how she works to build trust and reassure a victim, while also seeking ways to develop a trusting relationship with a suspected perpetrator like Shawn Grate. I was amazed by how she was able to work with both individuals, yet keep a kind of calm and measured approach, especially with Grate. Most of the book details her interviews with Grate, and how she was able to pay attention to his mannerisms and clues about the women he murdered and where he left him. Detective Mager’s profile of Grate was also detailed and specific; as we learn about his background and family, I could see how he ended up with certain tendencies. I condemn his actions, but Grate did grow up in incredibly unstable environments where little love and attention were shown. Strangely, he talks about freeing the women he killed, but it seemed more like punishment. He claimed that the women were seeking to die, and Detective Mager’s interviewing techniques and analysis help readers understand the kind of failed attribution and victim blaming that murderers like Grate engage in. It was surprising, but also scary to see the way Grate thought about human life. As we continue to learn more about him and the trail of violence he has left throughout his life, we also see how deceptive and cunning he is, and how he can act out when he doesn’t get his way. Detective Mager’s recounting of the story takes us all the way through to the trial and eventual conviction of Grate. I didn’t know about this case, and I read a little about it as I was reading. It is incredibly sad to learn about the victims and how Grate preyed upon vulnerable women, especially those he deemed less than valuable in society. He kept repeating that he was setting them free or freeing them from pain, but also acknowledging that he wasn’t God. Although I wouldn’t call this book enjoyable, I found it magnetic. I kept reading to learn more about what was going to happen next. I was especially interested in Detective Mager’s interviewing techniques, and how she described the methods she employed to develop trust and build rapport. It seemed to work as Grate continued to gradually reveal the crimes he committed and provide some reasoning for it. While he may not have expressed genuine remorse for his crimes, it seems that Detective Mager was able to extract a sense of regret or at least acknowledgement that Grate did something wrong and harmed people beyond his victims. Nevertheless, we also learn how she put herself and a colleague in danger being in a room with a killer. This is a riveting book that provides an inside look into the methods and strategies for forensic interviewing. It’s a fascinating look behind bars at the criminal justice system at work.
March 5, 2024
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.
"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.
July 14, 2024
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Before I launch my review, I need to explain my relationship with true crime. There has been a dramatic surge in interest in this genre over the past few years and it is important to note that my particular interest has a lot to do with the psychology of killers. As a result, the gritty, gory details of the victims is never what I want to explore. Matter of fact, I can't watch true crime shows or documentaries. They make me ill. So the vast majority of my knowledge on this topic comes from books.
It is also important to note that because a lot of true crime is written from the perspective of the detectives who work the cases, the quality of many true crime books fluctuates. Some people are naturally gifted storytellers and some tend to stick to the facts which doesn't particularly lend itself to creativity.
Kim Mager is one of the latter writers. And why shouldn't she be? She is a mother and a detective. She is not a writer. If you read nonfiction that tells a story, you will not find it here. Mager recounts the murders of Shawn Grate in Ohio, and she does so by telling the order in which he revealed them to her. As a result, the timeline is complicated. I found myself struggling to follow the pacing. What would occasionally start as a description of a location would veer off into a discussion of small-town life. The very early opening of the book is incredibly engaging, but it dipped very quickly to give background info and context for the community. While I understand that some of this context is important, the timing of it was unpleasant.
I can not, under any circumstances, understand how detectives of violent crimes can do their jobs. They must be able to compartmentalize in a way that I can only dream of. As Mager recounts her hours spent interrogating Grate, working him from every direction, I am bewildered with the way that she dissected tiny drops of information from what he said. Most of her direct quotes from him seem nearly unintelligible to me, which is why I was not particularly surprised by a doctor's evaluation of him as having a borderline intelligence level. While reading, I was continually confused by women going to "hang out" with him, but after looking at pictures it became incredibly clear. He is very good looking with little to set him apart as odd. Which makes the gravity of what he has done more chilling. He seemed to intentionally seek out women of faith, preying on their desire to help someone that they thought needed help.
Truly, the most disturbing fact from this book is that there are undoubtedly many more cases of women (and possibly men AND children) that Mager was simply not able to extract from him.
Before I launch my review, I need to explain my relationship with true crime. There has been a dramatic surge in interest in this genre over the past few years and it is important to note that my particular interest has a lot to do with the psychology of killers. As a result, the gritty, gory details of the victims is never what I want to explore. Matter of fact, I can't watch true crime shows or documentaries. They make me ill. So the vast majority of my knowledge on this topic comes from books.
It is also important to note that because a lot of true crime is written from the perspective of the detectives who work the cases, the quality of many true crime books fluctuates. Some people are naturally gifted storytellers and some tend to stick to the facts which doesn't particularly lend itself to creativity.
Kim Mager is one of the latter writers. And why shouldn't she be? She is a mother and a detective. She is not a writer. If you read nonfiction that tells a story, you will not find it here. Mager recounts the murders of Shawn Grate in Ohio, and she does so by telling the order in which he revealed them to her. As a result, the timeline is complicated. I found myself struggling to follow the pacing. What would occasionally start as a description of a location would veer off into a discussion of small-town life. The very early opening of the book is incredibly engaging, but it dipped very quickly to give background info and context for the community. While I understand that some of this context is important, the timing of it was unpleasant.
I can not, under any circumstances, understand how detectives of violent crimes can do their jobs. They must be able to compartmentalize in a way that I can only dream of. As Mager recounts her hours spent interrogating Grate, working him from every direction, I am bewildered with the way that she dissected tiny drops of information from what he said. Most of her direct quotes from him seem nearly unintelligible to me, which is why I was not particularly surprised by a doctor's evaluation of him as having a borderline intelligence level. While reading, I was continually confused by women going to "hang out" with him, but after looking at pictures it became incredibly clear. He is very good looking with little to set him apart as odd. Which makes the gravity of what he has done more chilling. He seemed to intentionally seek out women of faith, preying on their desire to help someone that they thought needed help.
Truly, the most disturbing fact from this book is that there are undoubtedly many more cases of women (and possibly men AND children) that Mager was simply not able to extract from him.
July 20, 2024
A Hunger To Kill by Kim Major and Lisa Pulitzer, shaun Grate known as the horror House serial killer was only convicted of killing five women and if not for the bravery and survival instincts of his last known victim only known as JaneDoe Who called 911 while he slept, more than likely she would’ve been the next. When I heard about this case years ago I couldn’t wait until the book came out about it because he is the most scariest kind of killer because it seems his MO is to gain women’s trust and then kill them. There’s nothing more frightening to me than hearing about a killer whose victims not only knew them previously but trusted them and in the case of Jane Doe they went on hikes and he even told the police he didn’t kidnap or rape her that they were going to get married. So needless to say when I heard this book was coming out I couldn’t wait to get my hot little hands on it. When I started reading it didn’t take me long to realize most of the book is about the detective there is certain parts about the investigation the control he tried to have over Detective Kim major but mostly we are privy to stories about her and her dad her growing up pivotal moments in her life things you find in autobiographies and not usually True Crime books. Although they do discuss some of the crimes he committed I found most of the book is dedicated to the detective and kudos to her for the great cat and mouse game she played with Mr. grate and taking this monster off of the street. They do have many people who would love to hear about the life of a detective and her biggest case but I really wanted to hear more about his life his childhood ET see. It is a hard thing to describe the reason people like True Crime and when it comes to perpetrators who know the victims I could read books about that all day hoping to find out what could cause someone to do it to someone they know and or Love but that wasn’t this book. It was still a pretty good book and if you like biographies and autobiographies you will definitely enjoy the story about Detective Kim major in the book overall was okay but if you’re looking for a True Crime book with all the reasons you love True Crime that’s not this book. #SaintMartin’sPress, #NetGalley, #KimMajor, #LisaPulitzer, #AHungerToKill,
Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews