Category: True Crime

Book Review: The Dirty Tricks Department: Stanley Lovell, the OSS, and the Masterminds of World War II Secret Warfare by John Lisle

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️/5

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If you’ve ever wondered how the CIA came to be, John Lisle’s The Dirty Tricks Department: Stanley Lovell, the OSS, and the Masterminds of World War II Secret Warfare is a must-read. Lisle takes readers deep into the world of the Office of Strategic Services (OSS), the wartime precursor to the CIA, and introduces us to Stanley Lovell — a brilliant scientist turned unlikely spymaster.

What makes this book so compelling is how it balances solid historical research with a fast-paced, engaging narrative. Lisle doesn’t just recount events; he pulls us right into the secret labs and field missions where some of the wildest ideas in warfare were dreamed up. From the infamous “bat bomb” project to experiments with glowing foxes designed to spook enemy soldiers, the inventions Lovell’s team produced range from ingenious to downright bizarre. And yet, Lisle weaves these stories so smoothly into the larger history of WWII intelligence that the book never feels like it’s bogging down in trivia — instead, it stays sharp, entertaining, and even a little shocking at times.

What stood out most to me was how the book traces the OSS’s influence on the birth of the CIA. By spotlighting Lovell’s work, Lisle shows not only the creativity behind these “dirty tricks,” but also the ethical questions that haunted those who created them. It’s a reminder that intelligence work has always existed in a gray zone between necessity and morality.

In short, The Dirty Tricks Department is both informative and wildly entertaining. It’s history written with the pace of a spy thriller — the kind of book that makes you keep turning pages (or in my case, keep listening) long past when you meant to stop. If you’re fascinated by espionage, World War II history, or the origins of modern intelligence, this is a five-star read that belongs on your list.

Thank you so much to the author, John Lisle, Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC copy of this book. 

The The Dirty Tricks Department: Stanley Lovell, the OSS, and the Masterminds of World War II Secret Warfare is out now! You can grab your copy here.

Book Review: The Book of Murder by Matt Murphy

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️/5

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The Book of Murder by Matt Murphy is a must-read for all true crime junkies out there. Law and forensic investigation have always fascinated me, and Murphy’s extensive experience with high-profile cases makes this book an absolute page-turner. You might recognize his name—Murphy was the prosecutor who put Dirty John behind bars, as well as Skylar Deleon and Rodney Alcala. Others may know him as a frequent guest on 20/20 or Good Morning America. 

This book is part autobiography, part dos and don’ts of being a prosecutor, and part history of the horrific cases Murphy has worked on. He’s brutally honest about the toll his work took on his mental health, personal life, and relationships. His vulnerability and the regrets that came with throwing his entire life into his career add a raw and personal element to the story. Murphy gives readers an inside look at the emotional and mental strain of relentlessly fighting for justice.

I hesitate to call this an “enjoyable” read because the nature of the crimes Murphy prosecuted is so horrific but once I started reading, I was hooked—totally invested and unable to stop. His ability to bring criminals to justice is riveting, and his strong, clear voice makes him a master storyteller. If you’re a diehard true crime fan, you do not want to pass this one up. Even if true crime isn’t your usual go-to, this book is still worth diving into.

Murphy also shows a great deal of respect for his colleagues, even those on the other side of the courtroom. Often, you hear about bad blood between prosecutors and defense attorneys, but he seems to have genuine admiration for everyone involved in the process—from judges to fellow prosecutors and even defense attorneys.

I found myself constantly Googling the names, trying to put faces to the victims, heroes, and perpetrators alike. It felt like being in a twilight zone—totally invested and impossible to deter. This book offers an intense, all-consuming read, providing a gripping and insightful view into the life of a prosecutor who dedicated himself to seeking justice. Highly recommend!

As always, I encourage you to read this one for yourself and formulate your own opinion. Thank you to the author Matt Murphy, the publisher Hyperion Ave and NetGalley for the ARC copy of this book!

On sale now, you can click here for the book, or HERE for the author narrated audio book (highly recommend!)

Wise Gals By Nathalia Holt

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️/5

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Nathalia Holt, a New York Times bestselling author renowned for uncovering untold stories, delivers another gem with Wise Gals: The Spies Who Built the CIA and Changed the Future of Espionage. Diving into the hidden history of the CIA’s early days, the book introduces readers to four extraordinary women—Adelaide Hawkins, Mary Hutchison, Eloise Page, and Elizabeth Sudmeier—who defied societal norms to play pivotal roles in the Agency’s formation and operations.

These aren’t your average femme fatales from spy novels or the stereotypical honey traps that normally come to mind when you think about female spies. No, these women are intellectual powerhouses with nerves of steel. Their remarkable stories span from World War II through the Cold War era, touching on ongoing international crises. In what was described as a “male, pale, and Yale” dominated workspace, Adelaide’s cryptographic genius, Mary’s diplomatic skills, Elizabeth’s daring field intelligence, and Eloise’s groundbreaking scientific contributions all shine through.

What sets this book apart is Holt’s meticulous research, evident on every page. Drawing from first-hand interviews and declassified documents, Holt doesn’t give readers a James Bond-esque narrative but instead offers a grounded account of these women’s determination and significant contributions. This includes crucial roles in predicting the Soviet Union’s early development of atomic capabilities and intelligence gathering that contributed to the Cuban missile crisis.

However, the book doesn’t shy away from the grim realities these extraordinary women faced, particularly their battles for equal pay and recognition in a notoriously misogynistic environment. A poignant example is Jane Burrell, another key figure who has yet to receive a star on the CIA’s Memorial Wall—an oversight that Holt brings into focus.

Wise Gals serves as a significant addition to both historical non-fiction and discussions about the challenges and triumphs of women in the workforce. Reading it leaves you with a complicated mix of pride for these women’s achievements and frustration at the societal barriers they had to fight. It’s a fight many continue to this day. While the book may not offer high-octane thrills, it provides a long-overdue homage to these unsung heroines of American history. Whether you’re interested in untold stories of women instrumental to our country’s security or simply a well-crafted narrative, this book is an excellent read.

A huge thank you to the author Nathalia Holt not only for an advanced copy of this book, but for shedding light on these crucial but long-overlooked narratives. And thank you to the publisher Penguin and NetGalley for the ARC copy of this book.

As always, I encourage you to read this one for yourself and formulate your own opinion.

On sale now, you can get your copy by clicking Here

Behold The Monster By Jillian Lauren

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️/5 (3.5)

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“Behold the Monster” by Jillian Lauren is a chilling and comprehensive account of the life of Samuel Little, touted as the most prolific serial killer in history. As an avid reader of true crime literature and a regular listener of true crime podcasts, I was taken aback by my unfamiliarity with Sam Hill, a testament to Lauren’s extensive research and deft storytelling.

Lauren skillfully weaves together various narratives, including her conversations with Sam Hill during his incarceration, trial transcripts, and deeply emotional interviews with the victims’ family members. These diverse narrative threads form a haunting tapestry that offers readers a glimpse into the lives of Little’s victims and their tragic last moments.

“Behold the Monster” delves into disturbing territories as it unfurls the life of Sam Little. From his shocking birth and unsettling upbringing to his harrowing reunion with his biological mother, every aspect of his life seems steeped in horror. These unnerving details might make the book a difficult read for some. For me, it was an overwhelming journey through the macabre details of his heinous acts.

The strength of the book lies in its empathetic storytelling. Lauren gives voices to the victims, interviewing their family members to ensure that their memories endure. It’s heartening to witness the resilience of the four women who escaped Little’s clutches, their stories forming a ray of hope in this dark narrative.

I hardly ever put trigger warnings on my reviews especially true crime books. More than likely if you’re reading a true crime book, you know that you’re going to read some messed up stuff. However, readers should be forewarned that the book contains graphic descriptions that might trigger sensitivities. From violence to deep-seated trauma, if there’s a potential trigger, it’s likely present in this book. Despite its disturbing content, the book is informative, engaging, and at times it is as difficult to put down as it is to read.

In comparison to other true crime books like “I’ll Be Gone in the Dark” which detail the exhaustive hunt for the criminal, “Behold the Monster” might come off as excessive in its detailing of Little’s gruesome crimes. Personally, I would have appreciated more insight into the trial proceedings and the evidentiary process.

Jillian Lauren’s “Behold the Monster” is a definitive account of Samuel Little’s life, making it a must-read for true crime aficionados. However, its graphic content makes it a tough read at times. I’d give it a 3.5 out of 5. I was hoping for more courtroom drama and investigative details and less graphic depiction of his horrific deeds.

For those interested in the history, mystery, and thriller genres or in historical biographies and memoirs, this book is a crucial addition to the true crime non-fiction landscape. But proceed with caution: this book pulls no punches when it comes to the brutal reality of Samuel Little’s crimes.

As always, I encourage you to read this book and form your own opinions and thoughts as I have mine.

One sale now, you can grab your copy here.