A Hunger to Kill: A Serial Killer, a Determined Detective, and the Quest for a Confession That Changed a Small Town Forever

by Kim Mager, Lisa Pulitzer

In this fascinating & profoundly chilling account, Detective Kim Mager , a real-life version of Clarice Starling, reveals how she closed in on―and broke―one of Ohio’s most infamous serial killers.

On September 13, 2016, in the small town of Ashland, Ohio, emergency dispatchers received a 911 call from a terrified woman who claimed to be kidnapped. The man holding her hostage was Shawn Grate, a serial killer whom the press later dubbed “The Ladykiller.” A key to his conviction and death sentence were Grate’s extensive recorded confessions—all extracted by one woman: Detective Kim Mager.

As an experienced specialist in sex offenses, Detective Mager was one of the officers assigned to Grate’s case upon his arrest. Grate immediately latched onto her, repeatedly demanding to speak to her and presumably convinced that he could somehow exercise his power over her in much the same way that he’d overpowered and controlled his female victims.

He was wrong.

Over a period of eight days, Mager conducted one interview after another, risking her life by sitting alone in the interview room with a malevolent predator. Using brilliant psychological strategy in a lethal game of wits, Mager successfully elicited his damning confessions to five murders, kidnapping, and multiple sexual assaults of women across Ohio.

Deeply personal and shocking, A Hunger to Kill takes listeners behind the scenes of one of the most appalling criminal cases in American history from the woman who stopped his murderous rampage in collaboration with New York Times bestselling author Lisa Pulitzer.

Genres: True Crime, Nonfiction, Crime, Memoir, Audiobook, Mystery, Adult

309 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 23, 2024

About the author

Detective KIM MAGER is a 30-year law enforcement officer who retired from the Ashland City Police in 2022. Mager works for a prosecutor's office and still holds a law enforcement commission. Mager specializes in sex offenses, violent crime, and child abuse and has investigated over 2,000 cases. She has a BA from Ashland University and graduated Top Gun of her Police Academy. Mager is married to husband, Dan, and they have three children, Corbin, Macy, and Reed.

Reviews

[JanB · Rating 3 out of 5]

True crime content by its very nature addresses the pain and suffering of individuals. The best true crime, for me, is when the focus is on the psychology of the perp, and the investigation to get these monsters off the street, piecing together parts of the puzzle.

In this case, a victim escaped while the monster slept, police arrived and arrested him. Then details came out. The investigation was identifying the scope of his victims, identifying the women, and discovering just how depraved he was.

I read true crime, not as a voyeuristic endeavor, but as an effort to understand the psychology of why monsters do what they do, and to read about the intricacies of the investigation to bring them to justice.

The detective seems like a wonderful person and a highly competent investigator, and I greatly admire her expertise in bringing this serial murderer to justice for his atrocities. But I would have preferred less memoir/less of the author’s voice, which bogged the story down.

* I received a digital copy via NetGalley. All opinions are my own

[Heather Adores Books · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5⭐
Genre ~ true crime
Setting ~ Ohio
Publication date ~ July 23, 2024
Publisher ~ Macmillan Audio
Est Page Count ~ 309 (p+ 22 chapters +e)
Audio length ~ 10 hours 1 minutes
Narrator ~ Jennifer Blom
POV ~ single 1st
Featuring ~ police procedural, serial killer

I listened with my daughter while we were on a road trip. It's a good thing my dog was breathing in my ear to keep me awake because I was a bit bored at times and my daughter zonked out after 16 minutes, so I was on my own.

I am a big fan of true crime and serial killer stories, but this felt really long and drawn out because a good portion of it was about Detective Mager's backstory. I'm sorry, but I'm not interested in her life and how she first shot a gun at 9 years old. She'd get all the props for what she accomplished from me if this was a memoir, but it's not. I'm more interested in the background of the killer and why they did what they did. Personal preference perhaps. Now don't get me wrong she did a great job bringing him down, but this just wasn't what I was expecting.

So overall, it was fine as an investigative look at what goes on behind the scenes, but don't go into this one expecting there to be a lot of action on the actual killings.

Narration notes:
Well, on a whole she did okay, but I could have went for a little more emotion when she was talking about finding a body.

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[Jon Nakapalau · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read my fair share of ‘hunting serial killer’ books; some better than others. This book was not what I expected - it is the first book on the subject that I have read that really makes you feel as if you are there in the interview room. Another dimension of this book that is so often overlooked is the lasting effect such murders have on the community; the psychic scars that will always be there after such a killing takes place. Contextually layered yet crisp and flowing, this book will appeal to both serious students of serial killers and those just wanting to read an exciting book on crime.

[Marialyce · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars
I admire all the work that Detective Kim Mager, did in order to bring in and nab a killer of women. In September of 2016, in the town of Ashland, Ohio, emergency dispatchers received a 911 call from a terrified woman who claimed to be being held captive. Shawn Grate, was the captor latter receiving the title of lady killer. Kim Mager by establishing a rapport with the killer, was able to elicit many confessions of killings by Shawn Grate.

It took eight days, but Detective Mager was able to get Grate to confess, to five murders, a number of sexual attacks, and of course kidnapping. It was a chilling battle of wits between Mager and Grate in which she conducted the interviews by herself, alone with a killer.

This is usually a book I love. However, the book dragged on with quite a few repetitions and the usage of the "I" preposition too many times. A book that should have been exciting turned into one where I had to force myself to finish.

However, that doesn't diminish the fact that Detective Mager was indeed a very courageous woman who brought down the most prolific serial killer in Ohio.

Thank you to Kim Mager, Lisa Pulitzer, St Martin's Press, and NetGalley for a copy of this soon to be released story.

[Brendan (History Nerds United) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am the type of reader who loves it when a writer just tells the story. That isn't to say an author can't try something new or put a new wrinkle in their narrative. But, I am simple man with simple tastes. If the story is interesting, tell it and don't try to get fancy just for the sake of it.

This approach is taken to perfection by Kim Mager with Liza Pulitzer in A Hunger to Kill. Mager was one of the detectives assigned to an abduction case which quickly turned into an investigation of a serial killer. Mager was the main interviewer of Shawn Grate. He is a terrible person on so many levels. However, Mager makes it clear she knows that, but also needs to interview him as if he isn't. This is how she will get him to talk.

There are a few minor things which Mager and Pulitzer do in the narrative which make this so readable. First, of course, is the sticking to the story which I have already ranted about. Second, Mager doesn't make herself out to be some super detective. Sure, she's highly skilled and this case is right up her alley. However, she makes it clear that while the story revolves around her actions and will take up much of the page count, every police case is a team effort. She takes center stage, but she's not the only actor. Third, backgrounds are kept to a minimum for everyone. You get what you need to in order to understand each character. The final aspect, which I appreciated immensely, deserves its own paragraph. So let's go!

I am very much over true crime which spends an inordinate amount of time on the killer and, in a way, glorifies them. On the surface, A Hunger to Kill might give people pause because a lot of ink is spilled on Grate. However, Mager makes sure the victims are given their due and most importantly, Grate is presented as the awful, confused, hypocritical, and pathetic person he is. In a way, Mager is treating him as an object just like he did his victims. Grate is a tool to give closure to the victim's families, justice to the town, and information on how to stop people like Grate in the future. If you love true crime, this is a must for you. No, it doesn't revolutionize the genre. It just tells a great story about putting away the bad guy.

(This book was provided as an advance copy by Netgalley and St. Martin's Press.)

[♥Milica♥ · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I started this audiobook, I was instantly hooked. The case was one I'd never heard about, and every new revelation had me going "oh no, there's more?". It just kept getting worse and worse...I admire Kim Mager for all she's done to bring this killer to justice.

It was so fascinating listening to the interviews, (which are actually a majority of the book) because the whole time I was thinking how I'm not sure if I would've been as calm as her, sitting across from someone like that, listening to the things he was saying.

Mager is an expert at her job, and not a bad writer either. I like that she gave enough attention to the victims, brought us closer to them by telling their stories, and always put them first. I only wish she could've continued interviewing Shawn Grate, because I'm certain there's more to uncover.

I recommend the audiobook, the narrator did an excellent job and kept my mind from wandering throughout. I'd definitely reread this one.

[Sheila · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of, A Hunger to Kill, by Kim Mager: Lisa Pulitzer, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Serial Killer, Shawn Grate met his match when he met, and was interviewed by Detective Kim Mager. Mr.. Grate thought he could control Kim like he controlled other women. This was a really intense but good read. Im so glad there are people out there like Det. Mager, who can put animals like Mr. Grate behind bars.

[CYIReadBooks (Claire) · Rating 2 out of 5]

A Hunger to Kill is a true crime book that chronicles the murder investigations of several women in Ohio, with a concentration on suspected serial killer, Shawn Grate.

The story unfolds through the lens of Detective/Author, Kim Mager. And while a first person point of view is the best perspective for a true crime story, A Hunger to Kill read more like a memoir. It just seemed that the actual crimes took second seat to Mager's inclinations.

True Crime is one of my favorite genres. But A Hunger to Kill missed the mark for me. I would have preferred grittier details on the crime scenes, victimology, and more profiling of the unsub. Instead, I was lead through Mager's thought process, and emotions. Not what I would expect from a true crime story. Two okay stars.

I received a DRC from St. Martin's Press through NetGalley. This review is completely my own and reflects my honest thoughts and opinions.

[Sara the Librarian · Rating 2 out of 5]

This lackluster account of the arrest and confessions of serial killer Sean Grate (who was caught not thanks to police ingenuity but because one of his victims, who no one was looking for, managed to escape and alert authorities on her own) through the eyes of the woman who was his primary interogator. I'm not a huge fan of overly interpretive true crime but neither do I enjoy just reading a straight up transcript of conversations, which much of this is down to every "um." When Mager speaks its primarily to talk about how great the police force is and how hard they work and how amazingly wonderful law enforcement is and it all gets to be just a bit much.

[Kristine · Rating 3 out of 5]

I saw on 20/20 a Chilling Account of this Serial Killer. It started with a 911 Call made by a woman who this man had captured, but was alive. Then it becomes apparent that it is not just 1 woman who was affected. Throughout the show, there are interviews with Kim Mager.

So, I got this out on Audio and would suggest listening for this book. I did like listening to how Kim Mager used her communication skills so well to get this man to open up. It made me realize how difficult that must be to do. You have to interview the person, and act as though you understand and seek the truth. She does this honestly, but that must have been very hard knowing the horrific crimes he committed. It is very interesting listening to how she got him to trust her and speak and this lead to finding additional victims.

If I hadn’t seen the TV Expose though, this would have been a little dry for a True Crime Book. It was fascinating, but I had access to more than just the Audio Book. It added a deeply layer to truly understand all that was achieved.

[Amber Burton · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a hard one to review. I like a good true crime. It’s not that I enjoy the pain or suffering and horribleness of the stories. I enjoy the puzzle of it the psychological part of it. The look at how different we are all made and react to similar situations. So having said that, I really liked the unfolding of this story. This is the true story of a modern day serial killer and how he was caught. The events in this book narrated and told by lead detective Kim Mager. Again the story is horrific and just seems straight out of a tv show etc. However I did not like the writing. It seemed almost like someone reading a story or maybe testifying. It also had some tangents about certain people and just details and side notes that seems oddly place or too long. I hate giving it a less than stellar review because of the content and just the experience of this for the author was harrowing I’m sure. I can’t imagine the trauma that occurs police and those that have to show up and help in the worst of situations. Ultimately, if true crime is your thing go for this book when it comes out. Just don’t expect many frills.

[Erin Clemence · Rating 4 out of 5]

Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free, electronic ARC of this novel received in exchange for an honest review.

Expected publication date: July 23, 2024

Kim Mager is a real-life SVU detective. Working in Ashland, Ohio, Mager has spent the last twenty plus years dealing with abuse victims and their abusers and has seen all the evil that humanity has to offer. Or she thought she had- until she met a man called Shawn Grate.

When a woman called 911 stating she had been kidnapped and held against her will, repeatedly attacked and raped, Mager was called in to interview her and hopefully obtain pertinent details about what happened to her, and by whom. Very quickly, Mager and her team were able to identify Shawn Grate as the abductor and, after eight days of using her masterful interview skills, Mager was able to uncover that Shawn had not only been responsible for the abduction of this victim, but there were many more that had not been lucky enough to escape.

Mager, along with Lisa Pulitzer, bring the scary details to life in “A Hunger to Kill: A Serial Killer, a Determined Detective, and the Quest for a Confession That Changed a Small Town Forever”. The story starts from when the victim, identified as Jane Doe, calls 911, and the drama only escalates from there. Soon, Mager becomes the only person Grate will talk to, and he confesses to at least five more rapes and murders, although it is suspected he was responsible for many more.

This is the kind of true crime I like as, since it’s told from the police investigator’s perspective, I got a front row seat to the criminal interview and was able to learn about his crimes and his motivations first hand. The legal aspects were defined, of course, but only in terms of Grate’s legal consequences. The trial component of the novel did not drag on, and there was no stumbling over investigative procedures or legal jargon to lose yourself in.

As a mother, community member and one of the only women in the police force at this particular time, Mager has a unique perspective and writes with compassion, empathy and respect for the victims and their families. I thoroughly enjoyed “Hunger”, and I really hope that Mager becomes the next John Douglas and is able to bring more of her stories into the world, as I will devour them all.

[Christine Cazeneuve · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm a huge fan of true crime but this one just didn't work for me. The author was certainly the key to unlock the confession and conviction of these horrendous crimes. However, the reader doesn't need to be reminded of this every other page. It almost read like a memoir rather than a true crime story. I felt the story was drawn out with tidbits that weren't necessary. The book is interesting but needs more polish - I found it difficult to finish. Finally - all good true crime books have pictures - this has none. Thanks to Netgalley for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Either this is a take on true crime writing that I've never seen, or Kim Mager does it better than anyone else. Though there is one caveat - if your interest in true crime stops at the psychological aspects of the crime, you probably won't enjoy this.

In other review I've read so far, the main complaint is the author talking so much about her thoughts and her side of the experience, as if it's a memior. Personally, I love this. It makes the retelling feel well rounded. I'm not left with as many questions around the biases in play.

If it weren't for the repetitive facts (to the point I genuinely think the author must have forgotten she'd already told us this info bc it was brought up so many times - but with this being an ALC, maybe that will change? I'm not sure how publishing works), I'd have given it 5 stars. Admittedly though, I'm not sure if I would have noticed it if I hadn't finished this in less than 12 hours.

{Thank you bunches to NetGalley and publisher for ALC!}

[Kat (Katlovesbooks) Dietrich · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

A Hunger to Kill by Kim Mager and Lisa Pulitzer  is a true-crime account of a serial killer targeting women in Ohio.

First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher St. Martin’s Press (and in particular Natalie Sun for sending me a widget), and of course the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.


My Synopsis:    (No major reveals, but if concerned, skip to My Opinions)
The small town of Ashland Ohio is generally a very safe place to live.  However, in September of 2016, and in response to a 911 call from a woman who was abducted, raped, and held for three days,  a serial killer is caught.

Detective Kim Mager, who specializes in crimes against women and children, is called to interview both the victim, and the abductor.  Soon she discovers that this is more than just an kidnapping.   Shawn Grate is a serial killer. At one point, as other policemen leave to find evidence that Shawn is telling the truth, Kim realizes she is left alone to interview a killer.  All her back-up are out following up on other leads.  But Shawn makes no move against her.  He has latched onto her, and will ask for her again and again.  Kim will eventually spend over 33 hours interviewing him.  Building a rapport with Grate, she gets him to confess to much more than the abduction of "Jane Doe".

As the dead bodies slowly surface, Shawn only admits to them as they are discovered.  Although Kim is sure there are more dead bodies out there, it's going to be hard


My Opinions:
First, I have never heard of Shawn Grate, so this was a "new" serial killer for me.  I agree with the author, I think there are more dead bodies out there, and I don't think they'll ever be linked to this man.  But at least he won't be free to kill again.

The conversations with the killer were really interesting, as were the leads they had to follow.  I also thought the way the officers were portrayed was really well done. I loved Kim.  Knowing that these are real people, with real lives outside the force only made the story stronger - in some ways.

I did, however, had some problems with the book.  Parts that didn't relate to the actual crime (Kim's family life, and her early life), were really boring. A little would have been okay, but there was too much.  We didn't need to know her entire life story.  I wanted to know more about the victim's background and the killer's background -- we got that, but there was a lot of "fluff", and some repetition.    I found myself skimming. 

Okay, on another note.  It's a little scary that  if the "kidnapper" had not been overly talkative, the police may not have even known a serial killer was out there.  They certainly weren't looking for him. I'm not sure what this says about this county,  but it is scary.  

So, overall, the story of the killer and his crimes was really interesting.  The method of telling the story was a little "off" ... but that's only my opinion.  It's still a true crime story,  so if you are a fan, you should read it.  Especially if you are like me, and have never even heard of this guy.



For a more complete review of this book and others (including the reason I chose to read/review this book, as well as author information), please visit my blog: http://katlovesbooksblog.wordpress.com/

[sammi_reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Hunger to Kill starts with Jane Doe being rescued after her 911 call. The police originally believe they are interviewing a man on the charges of kidnapping, rape, assault and battery. As things progress, they realize they find themselves face-to-face with a serial killer, Shawn Grate.

This book focuses on the first few days of interviews and is written best to memory by the detective. It has a bit of local color to add setting context and the detective's oersonsl background. This creates a mood, although at times, it seems a bit out of place and isn't done smoothly or in a way that adds to the understanding of the case.

There is a lot of emphasis on interview, not as much on evidence. I was relieved not to have much on study of remains. Some books go too into that for me. The legal portion is concise and not drawn out. This all makes sense, since the detective who wrote this was the one in the room doing the interview so that is the big focus of this book. I found that very interesting to read, and I think anyone with an interest in true crime would.

Thanks so much to both authors and St. Martin's Press for my free advanced reader copy. My review is unbiased and opinions my own. The book is releasing this July, so keep an eye out for it!

#truecrime #truecrimebooks #serialkillerbooks #nonfictionbooks #nonfiction #strangerthanfiction #shawngate #ahungertokille with an interest in true crime would.

Thanks so much to both authors and St. Martin's Press for my free advanced reader copy. My review is unbiased and opinions my own. The book is releasing this July, so keep an eye out for it!

#truecrime #truecrimebooks #serialkillerbooks #nonfictionbooks #nonfiction #strangerthanfiction #shawngate #ahungertokill

[Kameron · Rating 4 out of 5]

True crime is not a genre I typically grab for but this specific book was written about a city I’ve worked in for over half my life. It truly gives you insight on what all has to happen to get people to admit to committing such heinous crimes and Detective Kim Mager and other law enforcement did an astounding job! I listened to this on audible & the narration was awesome.

[Steph · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is one I was really interested in given that it took place in a town only a few hours away from where I live. It was an interesting read but felt like it didn’t know exactly what it wanted to be. Part true crime story and part memoir, the two didn’t come together seamlessly and it felt a bit clunky.

Where this shined for me was the true crime side of the story. This book more than any other I’ve read really puts you into the interview room as the detective recounts her side of the story. She also did an excellent job highlighting the longer term effects on the community.

What didn’t work as well for me was the memoir aspect. The detective is a very brave, smart and interesting person but her backstory took up a lot of page time and felt completely separate from the narrative of the rest of the book. There was also some repetition of facts and overused words and phrases.

I went into this with perhaps the wrong expectations - this is more of a memoir and a look at the case from the detective’s POV which includes more of her thoughts and feelings than details about the actual crimes.

[Christy · Rating 3 out of 5]

3/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️

I was immediately intrigued by this true crime story—especially since it took place in my home state. The case itself was fascinating, and the author, who also served as the investigating detective, deserves immense credit for her role in bringing this serial killer to justice.

That said, while the writing was decent, the storyline felt bogged down by the author’s personal interjections. These tangents made it harder to stay fully immersed in the central narrative. It’s a compelling case, but overall, this one fell short for me.

[Book.ishJulie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Hunger to Kill by Kim Mager with Lisa Pulitzer is utterly unputdownable!

This true crime book is graphic in nature, as Detective Mager depicts the heinous crimes committed by serial killer Shawn Grate in small town Ohio. This book is a balance of profiling a killer with memoir-like additions to provide additional depth.

Background information into Detective Mager's history sheds light on how she gained knowledge outside her standard training and why she was tasked with interviewing Grate to achieve his confessions. There is a strong motherhood lense through which Detective Mager writes, allowing a further glimpse into why she strives so hard at her job and proves she has the same struggles as all parents.

Jennifer Blom provided a no-nonsense audiobook narration devoid of emotion, which was perfect for this books genre. Blom had a slight alteration to her voice for when Grate spoke, which made it easy to distinguish his dialogue.

This book would make a perfect gift for anyone who appreciates true crime and learning about the minds of serial killers! (Note that a portion of the proceeds of this books sales will benefit crime victims.)

Thank you NetGalley, St. Martin's Press and Macmillan Audio for the complimentary copies to read and review.

[Megturnsthepage · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Hunger To Kill is a compelling and addictive, yet horrific, inside look on how Detective Kim Mager was able stop a serial killer living in a small town in Ohio.

I feel conflicted describing a book like this using words such as “addictive” and saying that “I could not stop listening” when this follows a true story and involves horrendous things happening to real people. That being said, I think Kim Mager and Lisa Pulitzer did a great job writing this book in a way that allowed outsiders a behind the scenes look at the high stakes involved in catching and interviewing a serial killer.

Jennifer Blom did a great job with the narration and I was able to stay focused and drawn into the story for hours on end. I did have to take some breaks for the sake of my own mental health because this story is dark, disturbing, and tragic.

I enjoyed learning about the detective’s background detailing the way she grew up and how that shaped her into the detective she is today. She demonstrated
skilled detective abilities, bravery, and took extreme risks in order to retrieve and uncover necessary information. There were a few scenarios that had me thinking “no, you can’t do that, are you insane?”and I think some of her superiors thought the same thing!

I don’t read a lot of non-fiction, but I’m glad this book caught my eye. 5 stars!

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the ALC in exchange for an honest review.

[Melanie Belson (melanielovesbooks) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This happened just shy of 3 hours away from me and I was completely clueless and knew nothing about this story. The courage that Jane Doe had in the beginning is amazing and I wouldn't even know what I would do in the situation, you would like to think it would be the same reaction but you just never know. I enjoyed hearing the story through Kim Mager's eyes and words, I do believe he would have harmed or attempted to harm her if he had the chance and I'm glad he didn't get the chance. I simply hope there aren't anymore victims attached to him and if there is I hope he eventually comes clean and gives more families closure over their missing loved ones.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

[Linda · Rating 1 out of 5]

I know the author is not a professional writer but this felt like a 5th grade essay. We know you're a cop, we know you work with cops, we know what the job entails. We don't need 50 pages telling us over and over. I also don't care about your personal life. I'm reading this book because I'm interested in the story of the crime. If you don't have enough information about the crimes to write a 306 page book then dont!

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this book in exchange for an honest review.
The interviews with Grate were definitely shocking as he told of his killing of women. I really think the detective had a great approach to her interviewing process. Grate threw in clues along the way that she was mostly able to pick up on and get more information from Grate.

[Liz Mannegren · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Hunger to Kill is the true-life account of Kim Mager, a Detective tasked with interviewing a man accused of kidnapping a local woman. Through Kim's skillful interviewing, it quickly became apparent that the police were dealing with a disturbed predator who had murdered and abused multiple women. In this book, Kim recounts her actions and interviews with Grate in order to help bring justice for the victims, closure for the families, and knowledge and awareness of how to stop those who commit atrocious crimes as these.

While this story may be infamous in Ohio, it was the first time I'd heard of this case. As someone who has read numerous true crime accounts over the past year, I was intrigued to hear a book told from the perspective of an investigating detective, particularly focusing on the interviews that took place after the arrest. I thought it was interesting to see how the police went about collecting a confession, and what it takes to get a suspect to trust and open up to a detective.

The book is very detailed in its recounting of the crimes and investigation, It can be graphic in its descriptions, but I appreciated the respect and level of care the author had for the victims.

While this was a chilling and informative non-fiction account, the narrative wasn't as seamless as I would have liked. The writing was okay but didn't grip me as deeply as I expected, and the back-and-forth between memoir / true crime occasionally made the book feel a little clunky. I don't mind memoir aspects to books like this as I think they lend authenticity to the author and give you a better understanding of what it's like to investigate these sorts of crimes, but that aspect didn't seem to be fully fleshed out here.

Overall, I thought this was an interesting and intense book. Worth a read for fans of true crime. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for my advance e-read.

[Jamele (BookswithJams) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to @stmartinspress for the digital copy to review.

This was a combo of Detective Kim Mager’s memoir as well as her account of how serial killer Shawn Grate aka “The Ladykiller” was convicted, thanks to Detective Mager. As such, this did not quite work for me like other true crime books, as the two subjects did not quite flow together well. I definitely enjoyed the serial killer subject matter more and commend Mager for her work in getting him to confess all that he did, it was truly incredible what she was able to do. I listened to this via audio and thought it was great that way, narrated by Jennifer Blom.

[Laura Wonderchick · Rating 3 out of 5]

A chilling count for sure. Half memoir half true crime story which I preferred the latter. Some of the memoir parts could’ve been removed for a more enjoyable read. Thanks to the publisher and netgalley for this copy for read and review

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A small-town detective comes face to face with a serial killer in this true crime story. Over a series of interviews, the two build a "relationship" that involves establishing trust in order to gain Shawn Grate's confessions of five murders in Ohio.

The details outlined by Kim Mager as she recounts her time talking to Grate are absolutely chilling. I would have liked to hear a bit more about how other people working the case contributed, but I understand that Mager got a lot of information out of him that more heavy-handed interrogations might not have. This is her story to tell.

This is not a book for the faint of heart, which might go without saying, but there is a lot of graphic detail about how Grate committed his crimes as well as the condition of the crime scenes and victims.

Great audiobook narration by Jennifer Blom.

I received an audio ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Stacey (reading2escape) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This true crime story is unique in that it focuses on an eight-day period where the author interviews a serial killer who kidnapped and murdered multiple women in Ohio. I enjoyed reading about the interview process and the techniques that the author uses to get confessions out of suspects. However, it became a little redundant at times, and I would have liked to have gotten some more information into the investigation, victims, and maybe some psychological profiling.

I do commend the author for her work to get this killer to confess to as many murders as he did. I would not have been able to sit in a room with him for more than five minutes.

[Thebestdogmom · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you enjoy true crime books this is for you. I swear my heart was beating outside my chest during the 911 call narration. Excellent audiobook!