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Killer Files: Abduction & Murder in South Carolina
A sleepy southern town becomes a place of unimaginable horror as young girls begin disappearing. A cunning serial killer is on the loose, tormenting a family while evading capture. Until investigators could find a way to stop him, he would continue his hunt for more victims. He was a predator, abducting girls and young women from their own front yards in broad daylight. He was a sadist, phoning one victim’s family, taunting them, and then dashing their hopes, and he would not stop until he was caught. This serial killer, whoever he was, could pass unnoticed in society yet he craved the attention his crimes provided. Somewhere in this contradiction lay the key to his exposure. This short story takes you back to the summer of 1985, and relives the terrible events that changed Lexington, South Carolina forever.
This is a professionally written account of a serial killer. It is enhanced by photographs. I prefer long true crime reads, but so far as it goes, the story is well done.
I read a ton of true crime. The writer did a fabulous job of condensing this complicated case into such few pages. It's refreshing to read short, explanatory studies of this type from someone who actually possesses writing talent.
I like to read & watch true crime stories. All I can say is cannot wait to read your next work.
I just could not put this book down! I read it in one seating
This is a professionally written account of a serial killer. It is enhanced by photographs. I prefer long true crime reads, but so far as it goes, the story is well done.
I read a ton of true crime. The writer did a fabulous job of condensing this complicated case into such few pages. It's refreshing to read short, explanatory studies of this type from someone who actually possesses writing talent.
I like to read & watch true crime stories. All I can say is cannot wait to read your next work.
I just could not put this book down! I read it in one seating
28 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 11, 2013
45 people are currently reading
255 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
May 30, 2015
True crime
This was a very short account of two murders. Not too well written, in my opinion. I don't recommend it.
This was a very short account of two murders. Not too well written, in my opinion. I don't recommend it.
June 20, 2014
Being familiar with this case I can say the facts in this book are accurate, however, the book is short. There are a few photos, quotes from law enforcement officials and Shari’s family, and phone transcript excerpts.
My problem with this book is that the author barely talks about the second victim, Debra May Helmick, who was killed by Shari’s killer. I feel that Debra deserves to be talked about as much as Shari was. Also I feel the author could have gone into more detail about the case and allowed the readers to make a connection with the victims and family members.
While the book is well written, the author could have a 5 star book if he would have gone into more detail then he did. I do give this book 4 stars because it is accurate and well written. I would love to see the author write this book in greater detail, add more evidence photos, and write about the victims and the families more so readers can connect with them on a deeper level. This author writes very well and would make a great full length book.
My problem with this book is that the author barely talks about the second victim, Debra May Helmick, who was killed by Shari’s killer. I feel that Debra deserves to be talked about as much as Shari was. Also I feel the author could have gone into more detail about the case and allowed the readers to make a connection with the victims and family members.
While the book is well written, the author could have a 5 star book if he would have gone into more detail then he did. I do give this book 4 stars because it is accurate and well written. I would love to see the author write this book in greater detail, add more evidence photos, and write about the victims and the families more so readers can connect with them on a deeper level. This author writes very well and would make a great full length book.
April 7, 2014
VERY INTERESTING, YET VERY SAD, BOOK!
VERY INTERESTING, YET VERY SAD, BOOK!
I chose this rating because the book was very well written. I felt like I was right there with the families, feeling their every emotion and heartfelt sadness and disgust for Larry Gene Bell. My oldest brother is a retired police officer and Bomb Squad Commander and having a background in Military Law Enforcement myself, I have always been drawn to True Crime stories. I have read the stories of Larry Gene Bells' crimes before so I was familiar with the ones in this book. I would highly recommend this book to anyone with the same interests and I look forward to reading more books written by John Humphrey.
VERY INTERESTING, YET VERY SAD, BOOK!
I chose this rating because the book was very well written. I felt like I was right there with the families, feeling their every emotion and heartfelt sadness and disgust for Larry Gene Bell. My oldest brother is a retired police officer and Bomb Squad Commander and having a background in Military Law Enforcement myself, I have always been drawn to True Crime stories. I have read the stories of Larry Gene Bells' crimes before so I was familiar with the ones in this book. I would highly recommend this book to anyone with the same interests and I look forward to reading more books written by John Humphrey.
April 27, 2014
This book is poorly written and far too short to capture the crime even remotely. There are several editing errors as well.
May 19, 2018
Not a great book
September 22, 2018
I love this & I can't wait for more.
I will be also leaving a review on Goodreads @ Amazon.
And letting everyone know about it.
So i gave it a 5 Stars.
I will be also leaving a review on Goodreads @ Amazon.
And letting everyone know about it.
So i gave it a 5 Stars.
November 26, 2022
Great read!
Nice little condensed compilation of true crime stories for lovers of the genre. I enjoy these when I have a bit of time between tasks.
Nice little condensed compilation of true crime stories for lovers of the genre. I enjoy these when I have a bit of time between tasks.
October 26, 2015
THIS and reasons such as this is why I chose to earn my degrees in Mental Health. Human behavior, thoughts, etc., are both fascinating AND frightening. I would love to work with law enforcement and help put people like this away. No offense to anyone reading, but I have little interest in the actual chase, field work, carrying a weapon, or apprehension of the perpetrator/s . I want to observe, interview, and analyze them. I want to get inside their head and see what makes them "tick." Although evil DOES exist, I do not believe in the bad seed or born bad theory. I think - my opinion only, something goes wrong in the brain that controls impulses, moral behavior, empathy, etc. Also keep in mind we ALL make choices and sadly, some people choose evil... That being said, I always feel uneasy rating anything based on real-life events, as I take no pleasure in another's pain or distress.
This book is based on the abduction, rape, and .murder of Sharon "Shari" Smith. Shari is looking forward to a new chapter in life - her high school graduation and college. I remember that period in my life and I was so excited, so in that respect, I was able to relate to Shari.
It is 1985, and the world, at least in Lexington, SC is carefree and safe, or so everyone thought. Everything changes after Shari is abducted from her family's property while checking the mail. In the blink of an eye, nothing is the same, parents no longer wanted their children out of sight; few adults, if any wanted to be alone.
Afterward, abductor Larry Gene Bell taunts Shari's family for a while, only adding to their anguish. Not long after, Shari's remains are found decomposing in the late spring SC heat... Mr Bell is truly a disturbed man who went on to abduct and murder another victim, nine-year-old Katherine as she play in her front yard.
I remember watching this movie "Nightmare in Columbia County." I found this book and chose to read it. Although it is well written, it includes some scripted conversations between Mr Bell and Shari's family. The only thing that bothers me is the fact that the book barley discussed nine-year-old Katherine. This is a brief read that can be read in 1/2 hour or less. It gets straight to the point of Mr Bell and his behaviors. If you enjoy true crime, this is a book for you. I feel for Shari's family, as well as Katherine' s -- so much evil in the wotld and too many victims. No one deserves that.
This book is based on the abduction, rape, and .murder of Sharon "Shari" Smith. Shari is looking forward to a new chapter in life - her high school graduation and college. I remember that period in my life and I was so excited, so in that respect, I was able to relate to Shari.
It is 1985, and the world, at least in Lexington, SC is carefree and safe, or so everyone thought. Everything changes after Shari is abducted from her family's property while checking the mail. In the blink of an eye, nothing is the same, parents no longer wanted their children out of sight; few adults, if any wanted to be alone.
Afterward, abductor Larry Gene Bell taunts Shari's family for a while, only adding to their anguish. Not long after, Shari's remains are found decomposing in the late spring SC heat... Mr Bell is truly a disturbed man who went on to abduct and murder another victim, nine-year-old Katherine as she play in her front yard.
I remember watching this movie "Nightmare in Columbia County." I found this book and chose to read it. Although it is well written, it includes some scripted conversations between Mr Bell and Shari's family. The only thing that bothers me is the fact that the book barley discussed nine-year-old Katherine. This is a brief read that can be read in 1/2 hour or less. It gets straight to the point of Mr Bell and his behaviors. If you enjoy true crime, this is a book for you. I feel for Shari's family, as well as Katherine' s -- so much evil in the wotld and too many victims. No one deserves that.
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October 24, 2014This book is about the murder of Shari Faye Smith & Debra May Helmick in South Carolina by Larry Gene Bell in 1985.
It tells us about Bell's obsession with Shari, the mistakes he made, and how FBI legend John Douglas created a profile that fit the killer to a T. It also includes some of the forensics that were used and how they were able to catch this killer using Shari's sister as bait.
I enjoy a book that is factual, to the point and what I call a "Quick Read". I recommend it to someone who wants to read a true crime book but doesn't want to take a week or two to do so.
It tells us about Bell's obsession with Shari, the mistakes he made, and how FBI legend John Douglas created a profile that fit the killer to a T. It also includes some of the forensics that were used and how they were able to catch this killer using Shari's sister as bait.
I enjoy a book that is factual, to the point and what I call a "Quick Read". I recommend it to someone who wants to read a true crime book but doesn't want to take a week or two to do so.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 15, 2015
straight to the point account
The book is concisely packaged with all the details surrounding the case in a short well written book. The only thing missing was more detail about the second victim in the case. It would have rounded it out and not left the reader wondering more about the circumstances of that part of the perpetrators criminal activity.
The book is concisely packaged with all the details surrounding the case in a short well written book. The only thing missing was more detail about the second victim in the case. It would have rounded it out and not left the reader wondering more about the circumstances of that part of the perpetrators criminal activity.
June 17, 2014
Liked this book
Liked this book
This story was over y intriguing. Not until I heard the names, did I realize I heard/seen this from TV.
Thank you, I've enjoyed the writing.
Liked this book
This story was over y intriguing. Not until I heard the names, did I realize I heard/seen this from TV.
Thank you, I've enjoyed the writing.
November 21, 2014
Poor Family
I just can't understand what went through this family's heart's listening to this madman call them repeatedly . I would have gone insane. That have a stronger foundation than I have.
I just can't understand what went through this family's heart's listening to this madman call them repeatedly . I would have gone insane. That have a stronger foundation than I have.
April 26, 2015
This is very short and easy reading. Larry Gene Bell abducts 17 year old Shari Fay Smith and 9 year old Debra May Helmick in South Carolina. He than murders both. There is no fluff in the telling of this story - just how the police and FBI solve the case.
May 24, 2015
More details please!
Great story but more detail and background could be offered. Saw this story on Forensic Files... there was more information presented in the 30 minute episode than in this story.
Great story but more detail and background could be offered. Saw this story on Forensic Files... there was more information presented in the 30 minute episode than in this story.
August 5, 2015
Good Writing, Interesting Case
I liked the writing in this. It made it riveting. The only complaint I have is that some of the formatting and extra added in things were strange. I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys reading about real life cases.
I liked the writing in this. It made it riveting. The only complaint I have is that some of the formatting and extra added in things were strange. I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys reading about real life cases.
September 24, 2015
VERY short account of the murders of Shari Smith & Debra Helmick in South Carolina.
Several editing errors,lacking depth, & (in my opinion) poorly written. Would not recommend.
2 stars rating for: a crime I was completely unfamiliar with, incredibly quick read, and the book was free.
Several editing errors,lacking depth, & (in my opinion) poorly written. Would not recommend.
2 stars rating for: a crime I was completely unfamiliar with, incredibly quick read, and the book was free.
May 3, 2014
I found this book very interesting. Such a sad story but the way the FBI tracked the killer was fascinating! If you enjoy your crime stories then I would recommend.
November 23, 2014
Pfttttttttt.
December 6, 2014
I felt the was too short. We hardly got any information on the second victim.
December 25, 2014
Not bad
This was an ok read. I enjoy more in-depth true crime books. This just did not have enough back round into the crime. What made him commit this crime?
This was an ok read. I enjoy more in-depth true crime books. This just did not have enough back round into the crime. What made him commit this crime?
January 11, 2015
Fast 20 page account of murder in Lexington SC.
February 16, 2015
Good read
I love true crime reads. This was good insight into the mind if the killer. Anything by John Humphrey is worth my time.
I love true crime reads. This was good insight into the mind if the killer. Anything by John Humphrey is worth my time.
March 8, 2015
A cursory rehash of the case.
This just covered the high points of this case. This case could have been described in much greater detail than it was.
This just covered the high points of this case. This case could have been described in much greater detail than it was.
March 18, 2015
Brief but well written.
Very well put together without going into too much detail. To the point, and was easy to follow. Would recommend.
Very well put together without going into too much detail. To the point, and was easy to follow. Would recommend.
April 29, 2015
THIS HAS ONLY ONE FILE, IT CENTERS ON THE ABDUCTION OF SHERI FAY SMITH ON MAY 31, 1985 IN LEXINGTON, SOUTH CAROLINA VERY SHORT READ.
August 22, 2015
A good short. I would have given it 5 stars if it hadn't been for some grammatical errors and page formatting issues that occurred on my NOOK.
August 26, 2015
Fast read. Not much depth to story.
February 24, 2015
Very sad story but well written with lots of detail for a short read. Enjoyed reading this book.
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September 22, 2015This story appeared as an episode of Forensic Files.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews