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The Shadow of Death: The Hunt for a Serial Killer
The Shadow of Death is the unforgettable true story of the search for the man who, since 1984, has killed at least six women and young girls in the Connecticut River Valley area of New Hampshire and Vermont. It is the definitive account of how police and forensic psychologists work to track a killer, and it is the harrowing story of bucolic innocence lost when murder becomes a fact of small-town life. In this brilliant work of true-crime reportage, Philip E. Ginsburg, acclaimed author of the bestselling Poisoned Blood, re-creates for us the terror of the small communities unnerved by inexplicable murders that begin to occur with horrifying regularity. Ginsburg takes us deep into the lives of the women who died, so that we share the pain of their families and friends as the connections among the several deaths become chillingly clear. He introduces us to the most up-to-date methods today's police use to bring a serial killer to justice, making real the close-knit world of the small-town policemen for whom there is no distinction between the personal and professional when their own families are in danger. And, most harrowing of all, Ginsburg paints an indelible portrait of the psychologist who must burrow inside the mind of the unknown serial killer, and who must identify with the murderer even as he works with the police to capture him. Philip E. Ginsburg's new book is imbued with the same unerring sense of dramatic pacing and "bang-up investigative reporting" that made Poisoned Blood "one of the most riveting true-crime stories in memory," according to Publisher's Weekly. The Shadow of Death is superb and mesmerizing true-crime writing.
397 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1993
222 people are currently reading
669 people want to read
About the author
Philip E. Ginsburg
5 books12 followersPhilip E. Ginsburg enjoyed several careers, sacrificing the advantages of continuity and seniority for the pleasures of new challenges and a variety of experience and learning. The common thread was writing, and each profession fed his curiosity about individual lives and how they fit together in a mosaic of politics and culture.
Ginsburg started writing before he was a teenager as a reporter for a short-lived summer camp newspaper. After college and a term in the Peace Corps, he worked as a newspaper reporter, a college professor teaching comparative and Chinese politics, and executive director of the New Hampshire Humanities Council. On a sabbatical from the Council, he turned what was intended to be a magazine article harking back to his journalism days into a book, Poisoned Blood, which became a New York Times bestseller. His subsequent career as a freelance writer produced histories, brochures and other materials—mostly for nonprofit organizations—and a second true crime work, The Shadow of Death. Since retiring as a writer, Ginsburg has worked as a volunteer advisor/mediator at the New Hampshire Consumer Protection Bureau and a court guardian for children in abuse and neglect cases. He also served in the New Hampshire House of Representatives.
Ginsburg started writing before he was a teenager as a reporter for a short-lived summer camp newspaper. After college and a term in the Peace Corps, he worked as a newspaper reporter, a college professor teaching comparative and Chinese politics, and executive director of the New Hampshire Humanities Council. On a sabbatical from the Council, he turned what was intended to be a magazine article harking back to his journalism days into a book, Poisoned Blood, which became a New York Times bestseller. His subsequent career as a freelance writer produced histories, brochures and other materials—mostly for nonprofit organizations—and a second true crime work, The Shadow of Death. Since retiring as a writer, Ginsburg has worked as a volunteer advisor/mediator at the New Hampshire Consumer Protection Bureau and a court guardian for children in abuse and neglect cases. He also served in the New Hampshire House of Representatives.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
January 5, 2019
True crime books are a mixed bag. The authors have to walk a fine line between sensationalizing the crimes and making clear the horror of what happened to the victims and their families. And that sort of thing can be even more difficult when the crimes in questions haven't been solved. Philip Ginsburg's account of the search for serial killers in New England during the 70s and 80s does a good job of bringing the events to vivid life without careening headlong into crime porn. Part of what makes this book so interesting is the material from the point of view of a local psychologist who ends up working as a profiler for the local and state police, which strikes a balance of maintain some emotional distance while still delving into the crimes.
[Side note: a lot of these crimes took place when I was a teenager, and yet despite how near I was to the Connecticut River Valley, I don't recall hearing about them at all. In retrospect, that seems weird.]
[Side note: a lot of these crimes took place when I was a teenager, and yet despite how near I was to the Connecticut River Valley, I don't recall hearing about them at all. In retrospect, that seems weird.]
August 31, 2018
I would like to give this book 3.5 stars. It was well written but the fact the killer hasn't been found left the book very flat for me not the standard of the writing but just the killer hasn't been found.
April 27, 2017
When I was a child I would make frequent trips with my family to Lachine Canada to visit my grandparents, and one of the pit-stops along the way up there was in White River Junction, Vermont to a Howard Johnson’s restaurant. On the lobby wall of that restaurant was a huge map with buttons on it, and when you pushed a button, a peg on the map would light up. It would indicate the position where a woman was last seen and then another area would light up-depending on what button you pressed-indicating the body dump of that or another person. I recall a truck driver swinging himself from around the counter after seeing me interacting curiously with the buttons and its sundry lot of lit pegs. He hopped off and began to regale me about a monster in the woods, much to my parents shock and anger. It was then that I first heard and read-via the bulletin board-of the Connecticut River Valley Killer, a stabbing and slashing phantom who stalked and hunted the lone highways and byways of New Hampshire, Vermont and Connecticut. Even after the disappearances and murders had ceased and the map was eventually taken down, I never forgot what that truck driver said and how I correlated his words to the pictures and lit pegs on the wall. It was the first time that the idea of real earthly evil entered my mind, the idea that there was a hunter of humans roaming about, watching and waiting. The idea was so scary and outside the box of my reality that it left a stark impression on me, primarily because I always equated the bucolic and mountainous beauty of Vermont as something pristine and untouched by anything conceivably bad. As most kids do, I looked at everything through rose colored glasses.
Many years later, the T.V. show Unsolved Mysteries did a segment on the unknown killer and of the only known survivor of his vicious attack. It was frightening to watch the reenactment of the harrowing experience of the survivor, but it brought me back to White River Junction, Howard Johnson’s and the map. In connecting the dots and wanting to learn more about this case, I came across Philip E. Ginsburg’s outstanding book on the case: The Shadow of Death: The Hunt for a Serial Killer. His book is an incredibly engaging and well-written true-crime book, a work of nonfiction that will immediately transport readers to the bucolic and mountainous landscapes of New Hampshire, Vermont and Connecticut while looking over their shoulders for the slashing and stabbing bogeyman that lurked and hunted those specific corners of the Northeast.
In chilling and vivid detail, Ginsburg is quite accomplished at painting a picture with words. He evokes the quiet and peaceful landscapes, the carefreeness of summer and the contemplativeness of winter. He plays up the freedom of life and nature beautifully but is also adept at tinting that innocence with an unexplainable lurking darkness, for underneath the surface of all that, there was someone evil who was hunting, a phantom on the prowl stalking the woods, highways and rest stops. Ginsburg creates compassionate profiles of the victims and conveys what their unimaginable final moments must have been like, but he does it without being gruesome or graphic. He lets the factual aspects and scene analysis of the victim’s disappearance and demise speak for themselves while at the same time portraying the victims with compassion and respect. He unearths many interesting details about some odd yet colorful locals, one of whom is truly reminiscent of Norman Bates and of his lone and looming house from Psycho. But what I find Ginsburg does especially well is his before and after portrayal of what Vermont, New Hampshire and Connecticut was like before the vast influx of visitors came to those states and who later on chose to settle in those uninhabited hamlets of those states. His narrative is told through flashbacks. One chapter will represent the present. The next chapter will go back to the past. And it crescendos to the harrowing ordeal by Jane Boroski, the lone survivor of the Connecticut River Valley killer. There were suspects, but no one really fit the M.O., and when alibis were investigated, everything panned out to be truthful and legit. The case was truly one long and unending frustration. The dedication of the police and investigative force was very admirable. However, what was most unusual, at least from a crime perspective, was that there was not one serial killer, but in reality, two. And these two psychopaths either inadvertently or purposefully intersected. Who can say. Figuring out that dilemma made for some interesting reading.
The Shadow of Death: The Hunt for a Serial Killer was a sad yet edge-of-your-seat read, one that brought me back to a long lost episode in my childhood. The names of the cities and towns and stops were familiar to me, and it evoked in me a sense of loss of what once was: the natural carefree innocence of just roaming about freely in the woods and mountains and simply having fun. The Connecticut River Valley killer put a black stamp on that woodsy trusting innocence, I am sure, for many people. A compelling read.
Many years later, the T.V. show Unsolved Mysteries did a segment on the unknown killer and of the only known survivor of his vicious attack. It was frightening to watch the reenactment of the harrowing experience of the survivor, but it brought me back to White River Junction, Howard Johnson’s and the map. In connecting the dots and wanting to learn more about this case, I came across Philip E. Ginsburg’s outstanding book on the case: The Shadow of Death: The Hunt for a Serial Killer. His book is an incredibly engaging and well-written true-crime book, a work of nonfiction that will immediately transport readers to the bucolic and mountainous landscapes of New Hampshire, Vermont and Connecticut while looking over their shoulders for the slashing and stabbing bogeyman that lurked and hunted those specific corners of the Northeast.
In chilling and vivid detail, Ginsburg is quite accomplished at painting a picture with words. He evokes the quiet and peaceful landscapes, the carefreeness of summer and the contemplativeness of winter. He plays up the freedom of life and nature beautifully but is also adept at tinting that innocence with an unexplainable lurking darkness, for underneath the surface of all that, there was someone evil who was hunting, a phantom on the prowl stalking the woods, highways and rest stops. Ginsburg creates compassionate profiles of the victims and conveys what their unimaginable final moments must have been like, but he does it without being gruesome or graphic. He lets the factual aspects and scene analysis of the victim’s disappearance and demise speak for themselves while at the same time portraying the victims with compassion and respect. He unearths many interesting details about some odd yet colorful locals, one of whom is truly reminiscent of Norman Bates and of his lone and looming house from Psycho. But what I find Ginsburg does especially well is his before and after portrayal of what Vermont, New Hampshire and Connecticut was like before the vast influx of visitors came to those states and who later on chose to settle in those uninhabited hamlets of those states. His narrative is told through flashbacks. One chapter will represent the present. The next chapter will go back to the past. And it crescendos to the harrowing ordeal by Jane Boroski, the lone survivor of the Connecticut River Valley killer. There were suspects, but no one really fit the M.O., and when alibis were investigated, everything panned out to be truthful and legit. The case was truly one long and unending frustration. The dedication of the police and investigative force was very admirable. However, what was most unusual, at least from a crime perspective, was that there was not one serial killer, but in reality, two. And these two psychopaths either inadvertently or purposefully intersected. Who can say. Figuring out that dilemma made for some interesting reading.
The Shadow of Death: The Hunt for a Serial Killer was a sad yet edge-of-your-seat read, one that brought me back to a long lost episode in my childhood. The names of the cities and towns and stops were familiar to me, and it evoked in me a sense of loss of what once was: the natural carefree innocence of just roaming about freely in the woods and mountains and simply having fun. The Connecticut River Valley killer put a black stamp on that woodsy trusting innocence, I am sure, for many people. A compelling read.
June 27, 2020
This is a book that I have on my shelves for quite a long time.Mine is the hardback copy and I know I read it and liked it but could not recall a thing so decided to read the kindle version.
What an interesting read. I was so enthralled with it, really invested. So curious who the serial killer would turn out to be and that he would be caught so all the family and friends of the many victims would feel at least a little justice.
Okay in the end I did become a bit done with the profiling of John Philpin but enjoyed it.
Then the thing happened I did not see coming. NOOOOO
>
The book was done but they still had not caught the serial killer who murdered all those innocents.. It was a shock to my system but even more so when I googled and discovered there is still nobody in jail for it.
Yes they did have some suspects but no certainty.
My heart felt so much for everyone involved besides the coward of course it took me awhile to get back to the daily stuff. So sad. This is why I do not like to read about unsolved cases. It hurts my heart.
What an interesting read. I was so enthralled with it, really invested. So curious who the serial killer would turn out to be and that he would be caught so all the family and friends of the many victims would feel at least a little justice.
Okay in the end I did become a bit done with the profiling of John Philpin but enjoyed it.
Then the thing happened I did not see coming. NOOOOO
>The book was done but they still had not caught the serial killer who murdered all those innocents.. It was a shock to my system but even more so when I googled and discovered there is still nobody in jail for it.
Yes they did have some suspects but no certainty.
My heart felt so much for everyone involved besides the coward of course it took me awhile to get back to the daily stuff. So sad. This is why I do not like to read about unsolved cases. It hurts my heart.
September 25, 2021
This was a BookBub purchase. An insightful read.
I found the work of John Philpin, a psychologist and Forensic psychologist really interesting. The way he would get into the mind of the killer, his process of letting his mind make associations to think like the killer.
He described the killer like a hunter. A man in the habit of surveying what Philpin thought of as a “trapline” spending long hours cruising and checking a set of selected places where he might find his prey waiting.
There are two stories in this book, about two different killers, two sets of serial murders that took place in this same area. The first group of murders have been solved, but unfortunately the second group are not, which is a big disappointment I really wanted to see the killer caught and brought to justice.
The book details several suspects along the way, but sadly all the evidence didn’t add up.
This book gives a great insight to what’s involved in the hunt for a killer.
What investigators did know was that the killer was comfortable and probably familiar with the surrounding area.
Some of the victims had been hitchhiking which was common for young women to do at the time.
One woman was stabbed in her own home. A vicious killing with multiple stab wounds that took place in a mere 30 to 45 seconds.
Research indicates that men who commit violent sex crimes often start off with less serious offenses and then escalates gradually. Peeping Tom violation are a common starting point.
The killer finds his pleasure in the domination and control of his victim.
And sexual murder typically involves a knife, strangulation or physical beating.
There are just too many things within this book that I found interesting. Too many for me to mention here. But this book always held my interest and I learned so much about
killers and the hunt for them.
I found the work of John Philpin, a psychologist and Forensic psychologist really interesting. The way he would get into the mind of the killer, his process of letting his mind make associations to think like the killer.
He described the killer like a hunter. A man in the habit of surveying what Philpin thought of as a “trapline” spending long hours cruising and checking a set of selected places where he might find his prey waiting.
There are two stories in this book, about two different killers, two sets of serial murders that took place in this same area. The first group of murders have been solved, but unfortunately the second group are not, which is a big disappointment I really wanted to see the killer caught and brought to justice.
The book details several suspects along the way, but sadly all the evidence didn’t add up.
This book gives a great insight to what’s involved in the hunt for a killer.
What investigators did know was that the killer was comfortable and probably familiar with the surrounding area.
Some of the victims had been hitchhiking which was common for young women to do at the time.
One woman was stabbed in her own home. A vicious killing with multiple stab wounds that took place in a mere 30 to 45 seconds.
Research indicates that men who commit violent sex crimes often start off with less serious offenses and then escalates gradually. Peeping Tom violation are a common starting point.
The killer finds his pleasure in the domination and control of his victim.
And sexual murder typically involves a knife, strangulation or physical beating.
There are just too many things within this book that I found interesting. Too many for me to mention here. But this book always held my interest and I learned so much about
killers and the hunt for them.
November 27, 2018
I wanted to like this book but it didn't happen. I am a huge fan of true crime novels and I had never heard of this serial killer so I paid Amazon for the privilege of reading this book. However, if I had known how slow going it would be, I would have waited till it was free or foregone buying it. For some reason, this book didn't flow and the author kept changing the timeline so it was a bit confusing. It was hard to keep all the murdered girls in order with the back and forth of the writing. And it appears there were two serial killers operating in the area at two different times. This was not made clear for quite awhile. Spoiler Alert: one of these serial killers has not been found to this day. I also felt no tie or empathy with the victims because more attention was paid to the investigators lives than to the victims. If you like true crime this book won't change your mind but I've read much better true crime books by better writers.
January 9, 2024
3.5 stars--This is a well-written, if occasionally meandering, true crime account. I feel it could have been edited to be more succinct but the effect is one of thoroughness and respect for the victims without sensationalism.
As of the audiobook's recording, this remains a cold case, so SHADOW lacks the tidy ending of capturing the murderer. The 1980s-era crimes are yet another example of someone (or multiple people) getting away with terrible acts that they probably would not have had DNA technology been available at the time.
As of the audiobook's recording, this remains a cold case, so SHADOW lacks the tidy ending of capturing the murderer. The 1980s-era crimes are yet another example of someone (or multiple people) getting away with terrible acts that they probably would not have had DNA technology been available at the time.
November 10, 2024
Horrifying book about 2 serial killers (or more?) murdering girls and women in the same area during the 1980s. It’s an older book, but is a must-read for those interested in true crime.
December 9, 2018
Fantastic read!
I only skipped very small parts of this book, and that's when I felt the author went a bit overboard describing a city or town, and/or its history. I don't really understand why true crime authors do that when it really has nothing to do with the story at hand, but too many of them do. I skip over all of it. Especially if it goes on for pages upon pages. I can get that from Wikipedia of I want it. I don't need it in a true crime book. I want the crime. I understand some may do it to give us a glimpse of the environment in which the perpetrator grew up, say in a poor neighborhood, but tell us it was "similar to Detroit" or to a certain section in Chicago and we will understand. No more detail is really needed than that. We don't need tho know how many inches tall the grass was, what the average income was, what the family tree was - unless it's important - and I've yet to find how skipping these elements has made me miss anything important.
Other than that, this book phenomenal! It was mostly about the psychologist, Dr. Philpin, who learns, basically on his own, how to criminally profile the cases of several small New England towns, and between himself and the police chiefs they discover that there has been a serial killer in their midst for many years. Despite the formation of several task forces to try and catch this killer, he remains elusive to this day. However ... there is no mention as to whether or not the killings continue, so I assume a Google search is necessary to keep up on that (which would make sense since the first killing was in 1979, and the murderer would probably be older by now).
The psychologist finds himself immersing his own mind and psyche into that of the killer and the victim so much so that he finds himself having nightmares, and it becomes a problem in his personal and professional life.
Mr. Ginsburg succinctly and expertly defines and illustrates each crime, both past and present, as he pulls the information from the case files and any living people still willing to talk about the crimes, including one man convicted of a murder that occurred during the same time period which turned out not to be related to the others.
A masterful storyteller, I only wish he'd write more in this genre, but alas, he's only written two. Mr. Ginsburg ... I think I speak for most, if not all, true crime buffs when I say: we'd really love to hear more from you!
I only skipped very small parts of this book, and that's when I felt the author went a bit overboard describing a city or town, and/or its history. I don't really understand why true crime authors do that when it really has nothing to do with the story at hand, but too many of them do. I skip over all of it. Especially if it goes on for pages upon pages. I can get that from Wikipedia of I want it. I don't need it in a true crime book. I want the crime. I understand some may do it to give us a glimpse of the environment in which the perpetrator grew up, say in a poor neighborhood, but tell us it was "similar to Detroit" or to a certain section in Chicago and we will understand. No more detail is really needed than that. We don't need tho know how many inches tall the grass was, what the average income was, what the family tree was - unless it's important - and I've yet to find how skipping these elements has made me miss anything important.
Other than that, this book phenomenal! It was mostly about the psychologist, Dr. Philpin, who learns, basically on his own, how to criminally profile the cases of several small New England towns, and between himself and the police chiefs they discover that there has been a serial killer in their midst for many years. Despite the formation of several task forces to try and catch this killer, he remains elusive to this day. However ... there is no mention as to whether or not the killings continue, so I assume a Google search is necessary to keep up on that (which would make sense since the first killing was in 1979, and the murderer would probably be older by now).
The psychologist finds himself immersing his own mind and psyche into that of the killer and the victim so much so that he finds himself having nightmares, and it becomes a problem in his personal and professional life.
Mr. Ginsburg succinctly and expertly defines and illustrates each crime, both past and present, as he pulls the information from the case files and any living people still willing to talk about the crimes, including one man convicted of a murder that occurred during the same time period which turned out not to be related to the others.
A masterful storyteller, I only wish he'd write more in this genre, but alas, he's only written two. Mr. Ginsburg ... I think I speak for most, if not all, true crime buffs when I say: we'd really love to hear more from you!
February 27, 2012
Shadow of Death is as much about the loss of innocence of a region in America—and, America itself—as much as it is about the dogged hunt by North Country detectives for a killer of women. First published in 1993, journalist Philip Ginsburg’s book tells the true story of a wave of murders that took place in the early 80’s around the town of Claremont, on the border of Vermont and New Hampshire. If In Cold Blood was a testament to its time, Shadow of Death shows just how far we’ve fallen in the decades since.
Beginning as early as 1968, as many as nine people fell victim to a sadistic serial killer who kidnapped, tortured, and then brutally stabbed his prey to death. Finally, in 1988, a woman managed a miraculous escape and the killer fell silent. Ginsburg’s book is told from the perspective of the detectives, the victims, and a college professor who is recruited by police to figure out the killer’s mind. The professor, John Philpin, eventually becomes one of the first criminal profilers, though the effect of getting into the mind of a murderer takes its toll on him.
Though the killer is never caught, several suspects are identified by investigators one other bad man is sent to prison during the course of their search.
My interest in this book stems from my research into the 2004 disappearance of Maura Murray, who vanished not far from where this serial killer once hunted. In fact, the circumstances of finding Maura’s abandoned car locked on the side of the road mirrors once murder in particular.
Could a long-silent killer be stalking prey in the Valley again? Or are these cases related only in their similar depravity?
If you’re a fan of true crime, you must own this book. It’s taut and suspenseful all the way through. And Ginsburg’s grasp of character and place is quite artful. This book is one of the very best in its genre.
Beginning as early as 1968, as many as nine people fell victim to a sadistic serial killer who kidnapped, tortured, and then brutally stabbed his prey to death. Finally, in 1988, a woman managed a miraculous escape and the killer fell silent. Ginsburg’s book is told from the perspective of the detectives, the victims, and a college professor who is recruited by police to figure out the killer’s mind. The professor, John Philpin, eventually becomes one of the first criminal profilers, though the effect of getting into the mind of a murderer takes its toll on him.
Though the killer is never caught, several suspects are identified by investigators one other bad man is sent to prison during the course of their search.
My interest in this book stems from my research into the 2004 disappearance of Maura Murray, who vanished not far from where this serial killer once hunted. In fact, the circumstances of finding Maura’s abandoned car locked on the side of the road mirrors once murder in particular.
Could a long-silent killer be stalking prey in the Valley again? Or are these cases related only in their similar depravity?
If you’re a fan of true crime, you must own this book. It’s taut and suspenseful all the way through. And Ginsburg’s grasp of character and place is quite artful. This book is one of the very best in its genre.
May 29, 2016
I wonder how this book came to be published. I've got a sinking feeling that the backstory to how it got published is far more interesting than the actual book.
Did Ginsburg think the case would get solved any day now, so he started the book? This was published in 1993 and STILL they haven't caught the creep. Note to self: Cold cases make crap true crime books -- unless it's about Jack the Ripper, of course. He made murder into an art form. The Connecticut River Valley Killer is no Jack the Ripper.
Ginsberg goes to desperate lengths to fill out this heavy book. He writes about health problems of the investigators, dreams the investigators had (not exactly like Twin Peaks but STILL) and rumors and rumors and suspects that buy coffee for their imaginary friends and did I mention rumors?
The only thing that would be of interest for Fannibals (and you know who you are and that you desperately need anything to do with the late lamented TV series Hannibal) is the descriptions of the psychologist John Philpin (who looks like Jim Hensen's evil twin), who tries to think like the killers. Yes -- sort of like Will Graham -- except no way near as effective as Graham. Nice to see that there was some sort of factual basis for the Will Graham character.
Well, Will didn't get better and neither did this book.
Did Ginsburg think the case would get solved any day now, so he started the book? This was published in 1993 and STILL they haven't caught the creep. Note to self: Cold cases make crap true crime books -- unless it's about Jack the Ripper, of course. He made murder into an art form. The Connecticut River Valley Killer is no Jack the Ripper.
Ginsberg goes to desperate lengths to fill out this heavy book. He writes about health problems of the investigators, dreams the investigators had (not exactly like Twin Peaks but STILL) and rumors and rumors and suspects that buy coffee for their imaginary friends and did I mention rumors?
The only thing that would be of interest for Fannibals (and you know who you are and that you desperately need anything to do with the late lamented TV series Hannibal) is the descriptions of the psychologist John Philpin (who looks like Jim Hensen's evil twin), who tries to think like the killers. Yes -- sort of like Will Graham -- except no way near as effective as Graham. Nice to see that there was some sort of factual basis for the Will Graham character.
Well, Will didn't get better and neither did this book.
February 10, 2019
It was a good read, however I thought it was a bit long and repetitive. Having said that however the first half of the book was intriguing and interesting but the rest is a long read.
August 3, 2020
In the 1980's I moved to Sunapee NH. My father was thrilled, because he was worried about how dangerous it was for in Southeastern Massachusetts. I don't think I had been there a month when one of my employees told me about the Connecticut River Valley Serial Killer. A year later I watched the story on Unsolved Mysteries. They visited so many sites that were familiar to me.
This book was an excellent investigation into these crimes. The information on the suspect on the NH side of the river was familiar to me. The man was not unknown where I lived and worked. It was equally interesting to learn there was a different suspect on the Vermont side of the river and he fit the profile so well. That's a little frightening.
I would love justice for these women. I don't know if that will ever happen.
This book was an excellent investigation into these crimes. The information on the suspect on the NH side of the river was familiar to me. The man was not unknown where I lived and worked. It was equally interesting to learn there was a different suspect on the Vermont side of the river and he fit the profile so well. That's a little frightening.
I would love justice for these women. I don't know if that will ever happen.
March 26, 2022
I picked up this book to read about the serial killer(s) in the area in which I have lived for 36 of my 47 years. I moved here just 6 months prior to the last murder that is discussed. I remember hearing about the woman who was killed but do not remember anything else so it was a huge shock to me to find out about the prospect of not only 1 serial killer in this small area, but 2. One caught, one still never found.
I am in awe of the lone survivor!
The writing was very good, though I get at times it did drag a bit. There seemed to be superfluous information throughout the book that could’ve been left out as it really did not lend to the story.
I found the ending to be very abrupt but was happy to see an epilogue.
Overall for true crime, this was a very good book.
Now I need to go and talk to friends who’ve lived here longer and find the podcasts the survivor did.
I am in awe of the lone survivor!
The writing was very good, though I get at times it did drag a bit. There seemed to be superfluous information throughout the book that could’ve been left out as it really did not lend to the story.
I found the ending to be very abrupt but was happy to see an epilogue.
Overall for true crime, this was a very good book.
Now I need to go and talk to friends who’ve lived here longer and find the podcasts the survivor did.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 22, 2016
A good but frustrating read about a then-unsolved serial-killing case. I hear that they have since identified a suspect, though...This would be well wroth re-reading if they released an updated edition. Hint hint.
April 7, 2018
Great true crime. Would love an update though. Did the murders stop or were there more. Has he ever been caught.
Also makes you wonder, has the murderer read this book? Laughing that they couldn't catch him
Interesting insight into profiling too.
Also makes you wonder, has the murderer read this book? Laughing that they couldn't catch him
Interesting insight into profiling too.
February 15, 2019
True Crime story
This is a very good book. The author tells a long and complicated story well. The book is well written and tells the tale in a fascinating way. I would recommend the book to those who are fans of true crime
This is a very good book. The author tells a long and complicated story well. The book is well written and tells the tale in a fascinating way. I would recommend the book to those who are fans of true crime
August 26, 2022
Really good account about the hunt for a serial killer and it's impact on a normally peaceful community.
Would be five stars if not for the mistake in the books photo gallery. The photograph that claims to be Mary Elizabeth Critchley is actually Cathy Millican.
Would be five stars if not for the mistake in the books photo gallery. The photograph that claims to be Mary Elizabeth Critchley is actually Cathy Millican.
June 2, 2019
This is one of the first true crime books I have read and picked it up because I am very familiar with the area it takes place in. I wasn't disappointed, as it details the hunt for a serial killer in the towns that border the river that separates New Hampshire and Vermont. The best part of the book is the humanizing of the police officers and the detectives investigating the grisly finds and especially good is the spotlight on the victims themselves, character flaws and all.
The tale also revolves around the psychologist who is trying to put together a profile of the killer, as he dangerously dwells into the man's mind at the cost of his own health. The last chapters tells the fascinating story of the woman who was nearly killed but survived and her journey back from that terrifying night she came face to face with her own mortality.
It is not a spoiler, in my opinion, to state that, aside from the first three murders, the Connecticut River Valley killer disappeared as fast as he came in the scene and the cases have never been solved. I highly recommend it to mystery fans and anyone who likes a great story period.
The tale also revolves around the psychologist who is trying to put together a profile of the killer, as he dangerously dwells into the man's mind at the cost of his own health. The last chapters tells the fascinating story of the woman who was nearly killed but survived and her journey back from that terrifying night she came face to face with her own mortality.
It is not a spoiler, in my opinion, to state that, aside from the first three murders, the Connecticut River Valley killer disappeared as fast as he came in the scene and the cases have never been solved. I highly recommend it to mystery fans and anyone who likes a great story period.
June 2, 2022
reading a 30 year old true crime book about a case that is still unsolved? Probably not the best idea. but these homicides occurred in the community just above where i live, so i had to find out more. This book is about 200 pages too long, and focuses too much on some of the investigators backstories. Turns out, the book quickly reveals that there were actually two serial killers working in this same area (wild) and while one was caught, the other is still (in 2022) at large. the at-large killer crossed state lines, which i am sure contributed to his ability to allude the police.
Also, given these murders started in the late 60's, it's very possible the killer is dead, and we will never know who he was. unsatisfying to say the least! But since i am from this community, i felt more drawn into the book. Unfortunately, it was still a painfully slow read for me. i would only recommend this to those that live in the CT River Valley.
Also, given these murders started in the late 60's, it's very possible the killer is dead, and we will never know who he was. unsatisfying to say the least! But since i am from this community, i felt more drawn into the book. Unfortunately, it was still a painfully slow read for me. i would only recommend this to those that live in the CT River Valley.
July 20, 2024
(Audiobook)
During the 1980s, a killer stabbed six women in the Connecticut River Valley, between New Hampshire and Vermont. Despite rigorous investigations, the murderer has never been caught. Author Philip E. Ginsburg reveals the pioneering forensic methods police and FBI agents used to track the killer.
The only negative comment I can make about this book is that it leaves us without a conclusion. Ginsburg’s highly detailed research highlights the work of all the investigators, particularly that of psychologist John Philpin, who gave up his time voluntarily and risked his own mental health in a bid to track down the culprit. Ably narrated by Stephen Bowlby, the book brings the investigation to life, revealing the torment of victims’ families and the handful of women who survived the killer’s attacks.
A fascinating insight into a series of unsolved murders, that still haunt the area today.
During the 1980s, a killer stabbed six women in the Connecticut River Valley, between New Hampshire and Vermont. Despite rigorous investigations, the murderer has never been caught. Author Philip E. Ginsburg reveals the pioneering forensic methods police and FBI agents used to track the killer.
The only negative comment I can make about this book is that it leaves us without a conclusion. Ginsburg’s highly detailed research highlights the work of all the investigators, particularly that of psychologist John Philpin, who gave up his time voluntarily and risked his own mental health in a bid to track down the culprit. Ably narrated by Stephen Bowlby, the book brings the investigation to life, revealing the torment of victims’ families and the handful of women who survived the killer’s attacks.
A fascinating insight into a series of unsolved murders, that still haunt the area today.
December 25, 2018
I actually did not know anything about this case and it's quite horrifying. Especially as the killer got away with it. I wonder if there is some DNA out there that could help.
Well, getting back to the book. I like the way it delved into the lives of the victims and survivors. I liked how it delved into the investigation to show just how scary and frustrating it all was. I liked the detail, but at times I think there was too much, like the story of the psychologist, which I don't think brought too much to the table. But I really wanted to know what happened, I wanted justice for these people who were fleshed out so well. And all in a respectful way that did not feel voyeuristic. Hope maybe something comes up someday like in the case of the Golden State killer.
Well, getting back to the book. I like the way it delved into the lives of the victims and survivors. I liked how it delved into the investigation to show just how scary and frustrating it all was. I liked the detail, but at times I think there was too much, like the story of the psychologist, which I don't think brought too much to the table. But I really wanted to know what happened, I wanted justice for these people who were fleshed out so well. And all in a respectful way that did not feel voyeuristic. Hope maybe something comes up someday like in the case of the Golden State killer.
April 2, 2019
This book had me hooked from the beginning and I felt it was edited extremely well, especially considering all of the names and times that had to be reported. I don't read these books to further exploit the victims, I read them I think, because I can't believe the violence and the extremely odd behavior of these criminals. Also, these crimes are older and it is fascinating to consider how far science and police work in general have come over the years.
I am sad for the women in this book and what they endured. Many just living their lives and trying to get by. The author has great respect for the victims and tells their stories with grace.
I am sad for the women in this book and what they endured. Many just living their lives and trying to get by. The author has great respect for the victims and tells their stories with grace.
November 13, 2018
With a misleading title, this account isn't about the search for one killer, but rather multiple killers over a seven-year rash of attacks on women in areas around Vermont and New Hampshire. The reader is introduced to a large cast of characters-- victims, family members, officers, profilers-- and how these murders affect each person. It is a little unsatisfying, as some of these cases go unsolved, and a little confusing (there are SO MANY characters, and three apparently separate murderers). Nicely written but a little lofty.
February 29, 2020
This one was tough. This is a story about two serial killers that terrorized my hometown and the surrounding communities over the course of a decade. One was caught, one was not. I have family members mentioned in this book, neighbors mentioned in this book, roads that I grew up on and love, wooded areas I explored as a child that have a terrible past. There were times I had to put it down to process. But I think it's important to read if you're from that area -- to know the history and how a community is capable of finding strength after chaos.
January 24, 2024
5 star rating and must read for anyone who grew up in the Connecticut River Valley in the 70's and 80's.
That's me!
My own backyard had a serial killer - and then another one - who never gets caught?! I didn't know that this even happened, as I had just left town for college. But returned enough to have heard of this terrible news. It's a gripping account but hard to read in parts knowing the area in detail and the people there...
That's me!
My own backyard had a serial killer - and then another one - who never gets caught?! I didn't know that this even happened, as I had just left town for college. But returned enough to have heard of this terrible news. It's a gripping account but hard to read in parts knowing the area in detail and the people there...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 17, 2025
This was Ginsburg's second book and just as good as the first, Poisoned Blood. I read Poisoned Blood about Audrey Marie Hilley when it first came out and over the years it kept popping up in my thoughts. I re-read it a few weeks ago and saw Ginsburg wrote this second book. My only disappointment was that he didn't keep writing. He takes the reader along for the investigations that take place in the books.
September 28, 2018
Really well written true crime
The author is a good writer, kept my interest all the way through. What ties the story together is the location of a variety of murders over many years. Thanks to a local crime profiler and lots of nitty gritty police work, police in the New Hampshire-Vermont area caught one serial killer and are still looking for the other.
The author is a good writer, kept my interest all the way through. What ties the story together is the location of a variety of murders over many years. Thanks to a local crime profiler and lots of nitty gritty police work, police in the New Hampshire-Vermont area caught one serial killer and are still looking for the other.
December 10, 2018
I found the book thrilling. The chapters seem to be all over the place tho. Didn't always go chronological order. Had to flip back chapters to remember details of each case. So many tragic scenarios to recall. It was interesting to read about one of the worst crimes I never knew happened. Kept me interested.
June 18, 2020
One of the best true crime books I’ve read
A true crime book as good as this one is a rare find. Not only does Ginsburg provide intriguing details of the numerous Connecticut Valley murders and and assaults but he gives his readers a crash course in forensic psychology, profiling and how these cases are investigated by law enforcement.
A true crime book as good as this one is a rare find. Not only does Ginsburg provide intriguing details of the numerous Connecticut Valley murders and and assaults but he gives his readers a crash course in forensic psychology, profiling and how these cases are investigated by law enforcement.
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