Lindsay L's Reviews > Bright Young Women

4.5 stars! Hard to put down!

A fictionalized story based on the real-life last killing spree of one of the most infamous serial killers in history. The author refused to name the serial killer as this notoriety is what they crave, instead she refers to him as The Defendant throughout the pages of this well-written, well-researched, shocking and fascinating story. I stand with the author in that decision in not naming this monster who was convicted of abusing, brutalizing and murdering 30+ women, and not convicted of the murder of countless other of his victims before he was executed.

This killer’s final spree starts in a Florida sorority house where several women are raped and murdered one horrifying night. Undetected, the sorority president witnesses the attacker leaving the house and is a key witness in the trial that comes to convict the monster who had already escaped prison twice before this final killing spree. The book provides insight into how police failed to keep this killer behind bars and how their failings lead to many more victims.

The chapters alternate between the sorority president and one of the victims leading up to her disappearance. The narratives were strong and powerful. Each perspective sharing insightful detail and layers to this tragic story.

This was a well-written, informative, atmospheric, pulse-pounding account of this horrifying time of history. Highly recommend especially to true-crime fans. I did find that a few parts of the novel were less intense and fast-paced than others which is why I didn’t give the full 5 stars.

Thank you to my lovely local library for the loan!