This book is exactly what it seems, a reporters account of the Congdon Mansion Murders, from start to finish. Its not high literature. The writing is blunt and too the point. Some of the stories later are a bit rambley and switches focus quickly. And while the author tried to stay neutral, his thoughts about the murder show through (and his hatred of the Pioneer Press). The matter of fact writing is the books strengths - it sets out all the details and allows a reader to come to her own conclusion.

As for the subject matter itself, this is such a strange story and it feels like it is taken out of a Law and Order episode. As for the Glensheen Mansion itself, I've taken the tour a few times and had friends were tour guides (who were told not to talk about the murders at the time), but I didn't know much about the crime itself - only that it happened. ( )