it’s time to put your crime solving skills to work!
Just between us, we know you like true crime investigations. You’ve seen every episode, heard every podcast, and now you can name the killer in the first five minutes of that cable show you’re watching… again. But how many times have you shouted at the screen, “YOU GOT IT ALL WRONG!” Well, Barney Doyle is here to tell you they probably did.
Reckless Speculation about Murder takes on some of the most infamous unsolved cases in recent American history. From the murders of JonBenét Ramsey and Kathleen Peterson to the shootings of Tupac Shakur and Biggie Smalls, Barney will lead you through the evidence, give you all the facts (even the inconvenient ones), and let you decide for yourself who committed these notorious atrocities.
Disregard what you thought you knew about these crimes. Fill up your coffee cup (or wine glass), turn down Forensic Files, and take a fresh look at these infamous murders.
I was listening to an episode of True Crime Garage, and Nic recommended this book. So I bought it and read it. I was discouraged at first to see the cover, which made me really judge the book, and not in a good way. But Nic recommended it so I figured it couldn't be all bad.
I was pleasantly surprised to find an articulate representation of some pretty famous true crime cases. And "articulate" is not usually a word I would use to describe a self-published book on Amazon.
"Barney Doyle" (I mean, has to be a pseudonym, right?), lays out seven well-known crimes and then speculates, perhaps not as recklessly as the title implies, as to what the truth most likely is in each case. He is a former homicide detective and it is incredibly interesting to hear of these cases from that point of view. I highly recommend the read for that reason.
The humor may not be for everyone. It is acerbic and pulls no punches--never at the expense of the victims however. But he does at times wade into politically incorrect waters. You've been warned. If you can read a statement you disagree with without becoming violently froth-mouthed, then you will appreciate this book. If not, again, you've been warned.
Lighthearted cover for not as lighthearted subject. But it works. Doyle talks about several quite controversial cases in his book, giving short summary and some of the evidence before coming to conclusions. I knew of all cases and I knew some better than others. He changed my opinion on JonBennet case that's for sure. Author has experience working as a homicide investigator and it shows. I love books written by people in law enforcement and this one is definitely a book I enjoyed thoroughly. The humor, that the book has plenty of, didn't feel disrespectful or misplaced and that's a huge bonus. Few things could've been done additionally: would've loved some pictures because I didn't know some of the cases in this book besides knowing of them and while Doyle describes the scenes accurately - pictures never hurt anyone, especially in true crime. Another thing I have to mention - the book was too short. I get that the title of the book already should suggest that this is not a very serious investigative attempt at these high profile cases, still, when reading some cases I am quite familiar with I missed some truly big evidence being mentioned. But it's a fun read nonetheless if it can be said about subject such as murder. A book will fit a newbie in the genre and someone seasoned. Highly recommend to pick this up for "light" reading when big investigative books wear reader down, as a break from true crime with.... true crime? Yes indeed. I read this in less than 24 hours. Enjoyed it through and through.
As the title suggests, it is a lot of speculation about seven infamous murder cases; but it is speculation based on the available evidence and the experience of the author, all the while told with good humour and a side eye at documentaries and podcasts.
I can’t recommend this book highly enough. Reckless Speculation About Murder by Barney Doyle is an excellent book, very well written with a bit of humour while still being respectful to the victims. It’s hard to put down.