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His Garden: Conversations with a Serial Killer
"You want to know what happened? Ask Anne."—serial killer William Devin Howell
A monster was on a killing spree. In just nine months, seven people went missing; all of their bodies eventually discovered in a wooded lot behind a suburban strip mall. But the investigation that led law enforcement to their suspect, William Devin Howell, is only part of the story behind HIS GARDEN: Conversations With A Serial Killer.
A practicing attorney, author Anne K. Howard first contacted Howell while he was serving a fifteen-year sentence for the murder of one of his seven victims. He was about to be charged for the remaining six murders. A unique and disturbing friendship between the two began, comprised of written correspondence, face-to-face prison visits and recorded phone calls. Howell, who had been unwilling to speak to any members of the media, came to trust Howard.
In the years that follow, the suspect shared his troubled history with Howard but refused to discuss the charges against him, promising only to tell her everything when the case was over.
That time has come.
HIS GARDEN probes the complicated and conflicted mind of William Devin Howell--Connecticut’s most prolific serial killer. Both sacred and profane in its narrative style, the story on these pages explores the eternal question of human evil and its impact on others, including the woman he chose to hear his horrific confession.
A monster was on a killing spree. In just nine months, seven people went missing; all of their bodies eventually discovered in a wooded lot behind a suburban strip mall. But the investigation that led law enforcement to their suspect, William Devin Howell, is only part of the story behind HIS GARDEN: Conversations With A Serial Killer.
A practicing attorney, author Anne K. Howard first contacted Howell while he was serving a fifteen-year sentence for the murder of one of his seven victims. He was about to be charged for the remaining six murders. A unique and disturbing friendship between the two began, comprised of written correspondence, face-to-face prison visits and recorded phone calls. Howell, who had been unwilling to speak to any members of the media, came to trust Howard.
In the years that follow, the suspect shared his troubled history with Howard but refused to discuss the charges against him, promising only to tell her everything when the case was over.
That time has come.
HIS GARDEN probes the complicated and conflicted mind of William Devin Howell--Connecticut’s most prolific serial killer. Both sacred and profane in its narrative style, the story on these pages explores the eternal question of human evil and its impact on others, including the woman he chose to hear his horrific confession.
304 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 10, 2018
639 people are currently reading
818 people want to read
About the author
Anne K. Howard
6 books33 followersAnne K. Howard is a true crime author and a voracious true crime reader. As a practicing attorney, she is able to sift through large volumes of legal information and craft it into page-turning stories. Her book, "His Garden: Conversations with a Serial Killer" won the 2020 Independent Press Award, the Pencraft Literary Award for Best Non Fiction of 2018, and the 2019 Readers' Favorite Bronze Award for Best True Crime. The book and interviews with Howard are featured in an episode of "21st Century Serial Killers," airing on the Justice Network. She is featured on the EU reality show, "Trace of Evil," airing on the CBS Reality Channel. "Crime Watch Daily" also interviewed Howard for a show about the New Britain Serial Murders that first aired in January 2018.
Anne K. Howard graduated with Distinction from McGill University, where she studied English Literature. She thereafter graduated with Deans Honors from University of Cincinnati College of Law. She lives in Connecticut with her husband of 30 years, three dogs and one cat. Her children are adults now and are happily living their own lives.
Anne K. Howard graduated with Distinction from McGill University, where she studied English Literature. She thereafter graduated with Deans Honors from University of Cincinnati College of Law. She lives in Connecticut with her husband of 30 years, three dogs and one cat. Her children are adults now and are happily living their own lives.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
August 23, 2018
This book was written by attorney Anne K. Howard, who was working while she was also spending time writing and visiting the accused killer. His name is William Devin Howell, suspected of killing at least 7 people over a 9 month period, leaving their bodies in a wooded area of a suburb in Connecticut behind a strip mall. She also spent time talking to him on the phone during his time in prison awaiting the outcome of his charges on the remaining murders after he’d already pled no contest to the first one that had been discovered. There was a game of cat and mouse about him confessing his guilt to her on the rest until he decided what he was going to do in court. Fascinating book.
The book gives a lot of insight into the things that go on in jails and prisons, with the guards and snitches and the system. It kept me up all night reading it right through. My thanks to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for providing me the advance digital copy for a fair review.
WildBlue Press
Pub: July 10th, 2018
My Bookzone blog on Wordpress: https://wordpress.com/post/bookblog20...
The book gives a lot of insight into the things that go on in jails and prisons, with the guards and snitches and the system. It kept me up all night reading it right through. My thanks to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for providing me the advance digital copy for a fair review.
WildBlue Press
Pub: July 10th, 2018
My Bookzone blog on Wordpress: https://wordpress.com/post/bookblog20...
September 14, 2018
I am a self proclaimed true crime junkie. I went into His Garden knowing absolutely nothing about serial killer William Devin Howell, and the first half of the book gave a nice recap of the crimes of which Howell was accused. There was a specific focus on the murder of Nilsa Arizmendi, as for awhile she was the only murder that Howell was charged with initially. I appreciated that Howard followed the new trend of letting the story tell itself organically instead of forcing a structured timeline. I've been seeing this more and more in recent years with true crime and it feels much less forced and lets the book flow in the way of a well paced novel.
The reader knows all along that Anne has been meeting with Howell in an attempt to get first hand knowledge and insight directly from him, but his role in the book doesn't become apparent until the second half. And this is where His Garden really shines. Often society thinks of serial killers as monsters--that is the normal reaction, including in this case, where at least six rapes and murders took place. But Howard is able to show us more of the person that Howell is. All of a sudden, he is more than just the sum of his crimes. Howard grappled with her feelings towards Howell, and as the reader, I did too. There were a lot of conflicting emotions as I finished the book. As much as you don't want to diminish the legacy of those Howell murdered so senselessly, it's also fairly easy to see how Howard was able to forge a friendship with him.
The reader knows all along that Anne has been meeting with Howell in an attempt to get first hand knowledge and insight directly from him, but his role in the book doesn't become apparent until the second half. And this is where His Garden really shines. Often society thinks of serial killers as monsters--that is the normal reaction, including in this case, where at least six rapes and murders took place. But Howard is able to show us more of the person that Howell is. All of a sudden, he is more than just the sum of his crimes. Howard grappled with her feelings towards Howell, and as the reader, I did too. There were a lot of conflicting emotions as I finished the book. As much as you don't want to diminish the legacy of those Howell murdered so senselessly, it's also fairly easy to see how Howard was able to forge a friendship with him.
October 9, 2018
Being Australian, I’m always slightly blown away to discover just how many serial killers America seems to have. Many of them make global news because of the nature of their crimes, or the number of their victims, but there are many more I’ve never heard of. Until I came across this book, William Devin Howell was one of those.
Yet, in a period of just nine months in 2003, Howell murdered seven people and buried their bodies in shallow graves within literal shouting distance of a suburban strip mall. Only caught because he deviated from his pattern to kill someone he was previously acquainted with, he discussed with Anne Howard (a practicing attorney who was not representing him, but acting as a journalist to research his crimes) details he revealed to nobody else.
His Garden is a deep delve inside the mind of a serial killer, and it’s very obvious that Anne Howard is profoundly uncomfortable with what she found there. ‘Bill’ Howell was a friendly, personable man even once incarcerated, and Howard obviously found it hard to reconcile the facts of his case with the kindly, thoughtful man who wanted to be her friend.
Howard does a superb job of letting the story unfold organically, rather than sticking rigidly to a timetable of events. Most of the details of Howell’s crimes were discovered long after she started talking to him, and it’s clear just how unsettling it was for Howard to find out what manner of man she was really dealing with. I was struck by how very ordinary Howell seemed, how normal his background… right up until a switch flipped in his head and he decided to commit his first murder. It makes you wonder, if someone as ordinary as Howell could kill, how many other men do you know who have that switch - it just hasn’t flipped yet?
While I was intrigued by the relationship Howard built with Howell, I was disappointed she let him direct the final product of the book by actually allowing him to, in effect, edit it before production. She also chose deliberately to leave out some details he provided to her because of their graphic nature, but to most readers of true-crime (and fictional crime!) what was left in was honestly pretty tame. If she wanted to leave it out to avoid titillating Howard himself, she had only to ensure he never got to read it, not difficult considering his current status of incarceration in supermax for a term of 360 years.
Four stars for a fascinating deep delve into the mind of a serial killer, but I wish the author had allowed herself to be less influenced by the criminal.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book for review through NetGalley.
Yet, in a period of just nine months in 2003, Howell murdered seven people and buried their bodies in shallow graves within literal shouting distance of a suburban strip mall. Only caught because he deviated from his pattern to kill someone he was previously acquainted with, he discussed with Anne Howard (a practicing attorney who was not representing him, but acting as a journalist to research his crimes) details he revealed to nobody else.
His Garden is a deep delve inside the mind of a serial killer, and it’s very obvious that Anne Howard is profoundly uncomfortable with what she found there. ‘Bill’ Howell was a friendly, personable man even once incarcerated, and Howard obviously found it hard to reconcile the facts of his case with the kindly, thoughtful man who wanted to be her friend.
Howard does a superb job of letting the story unfold organically, rather than sticking rigidly to a timetable of events. Most of the details of Howell’s crimes were discovered long after she started talking to him, and it’s clear just how unsettling it was for Howard to find out what manner of man she was really dealing with. I was struck by how very ordinary Howell seemed, how normal his background… right up until a switch flipped in his head and he decided to commit his first murder. It makes you wonder, if someone as ordinary as Howell could kill, how many other men do you know who have that switch - it just hasn’t flipped yet?
While I was intrigued by the relationship Howard built with Howell, I was disappointed she let him direct the final product of the book by actually allowing him to, in effect, edit it before production. She also chose deliberately to leave out some details he provided to her because of their graphic nature, but to most readers of true-crime (and fictional crime!) what was left in was honestly pretty tame. If she wanted to leave it out to avoid titillating Howard himself, she had only to ensure he never got to read it, not difficult considering his current status of incarceration in supermax for a term of 360 years.
Four stars for a fascinating deep delve into the mind of a serial killer, but I wish the author had allowed herself to be less influenced by the criminal.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book for review through NetGalley.
June 11, 2023
‘From Feb to Oct 2003, seven individuals in and around New Britain, Conn., went missing. All of their bodies were subsequently found in close proximity to one another in a wooded lot behind a suburban strip mall. All of them prostitutes, most with drug addictions. Six women and one man. The only victim that was not addicted to drugs was Danny Whistnant.’
In Jul-2015 William Devin Howell was serving a 15-year sentence for the murder of Nilsa Arizmendi. The author, Anne K Howard, a practicing attorney, writes to him about the seven murders. She is writing as a journalist though. At the time he was the main suspect. The conversations are quite unnerving where you forget sometimes what a vile human being he is. He is a serial rapist and killer. He performed the most godawful acts. He gives nothing to society apart from pain and misery.
It is really the last third of the book where the conversations about the murders begin. He says that actually it was the raping that he fantasied about. ‘“How did you feel when you were killing them? Did it give you pleasure? A sense of power?” “No. No. Anne, it was never about the killing. I just killed them to conceal the evidence. I knew that once I raped them, they would go to the cops and I’d end up back in jail. So I had to keep that from happening. I definitely didn’t enjoy killing them. As I choked them out I was thinking—just hurry up and die.”
There you have it. A rapist that killed to hide the evidence. These men should be wiped off the face of the earth. The author does start to form a bond with Howell. You can see why but really Anne needed to remind herself what this waste of space did and she does do that. I am not sure she really got into his mind or truly worked out why he did it. There are a variety of reasons. There is not one thing that you can pinpoint as the reason. A bang on the head? His upbringing? Just not educated? The author cannot conclude but nonetheless she tried.
In Jul-2015 William Devin Howell was serving a 15-year sentence for the murder of Nilsa Arizmendi. The author, Anne K Howard, a practicing attorney, writes to him about the seven murders. She is writing as a journalist though. At the time he was the main suspect. The conversations are quite unnerving where you forget sometimes what a vile human being he is. He is a serial rapist and killer. He performed the most godawful acts. He gives nothing to society apart from pain and misery.
It is really the last third of the book where the conversations about the murders begin. He says that actually it was the raping that he fantasied about. ‘“How did you feel when you were killing them? Did it give you pleasure? A sense of power?” “No. No. Anne, it was never about the killing. I just killed them to conceal the evidence. I knew that once I raped them, they would go to the cops and I’d end up back in jail. So I had to keep that from happening. I definitely didn’t enjoy killing them. As I choked them out I was thinking—just hurry up and die.”
There you have it. A rapist that killed to hide the evidence. These men should be wiped off the face of the earth. The author does start to form a bond with Howell. You can see why but really Anne needed to remind herself what this waste of space did and she does do that. I am not sure she really got into his mind or truly worked out why he did it. There are a variety of reasons. There is not one thing that you can pinpoint as the reason. A bang on the head? His upbringing? Just not educated? The author cannot conclude but nonetheless she tried.
October 7, 2020
Review coming soon
July 17, 2018
I absolutely loved this book from start to finish. The author got to know a serial killer for several years and he told her things that he has not told anyone else- including exactly how, when and why he committed the terrible crimes. Law enforcement and the media did not know the majority of that info until Howell shared it with Howard.
It is a fascinating exploration into human evil. As far as this being more about the author than the killer, the story is about both of them and the unique author/subject relationship that you rarely read about in true crime books. For me, that is what made the story so interesting.
Howard also interviewed family members of the victims and I feel that she handled that sensitive subject with grace. She depicts the victims as good people, trapped in heroin addictions. At the end of the story, I grieved their loss. She honestly depicts the tragedy of the heroin epidemic and how it led to these poor girls to getting murdered by a monster.
Further, the PodCasts that Howard has done backs up what she’s written and you hear Howell admit his guilt directly! Her efforts in writing this book are to be applauded. Mark this as a "must read" on your summer reading list. In addition to checking out the Podcasts!
It is a fascinating exploration into human evil. As far as this being more about the author than the killer, the story is about both of them and the unique author/subject relationship that you rarely read about in true crime books. For me, that is what made the story so interesting.
Howard also interviewed family members of the victims and I feel that she handled that sensitive subject with grace. She depicts the victims as good people, trapped in heroin addictions. At the end of the story, I grieved their loss. She honestly depicts the tragedy of the heroin epidemic and how it led to these poor girls to getting murdered by a monster.
Further, the PodCasts that Howard has done backs up what she’s written and you hear Howell admit his guilt directly! Her efforts in writing this book are to be applauded. Mark this as a "must read" on your summer reading list. In addition to checking out the Podcasts!
April 9, 2022
I was going to refrain from leaving a review, not having anything particularly postive to say, but having known Dori Holcomb since she was 12 yrs old I am really disappointed at how ungraciously she was portrayed. If I don't speak up for her maybe no one else will. This was the first time I ever was glad she is no longer in this world, but I guess somebody had to be the villain in the story. In my opinion the author's "facts" are unreliable, having taken as her source Dori's psychotic boyfriend, Devin Howell. Twice she stated that Dori committed suicide, overdosing after breaking up with a boyfriend. She was in fact at her boyfriend's house when she had a heart attack. Alone at the time, she called 911 and was taken to the hospital, where she had two more attacks before she passed. She also takes the killer's word that Dori was bipolar and needing medication. Having known her 30+ years there was never any sign of this. It was just Devin gaslighting her. And finally she is described as "paranoid". She was worried and suspected Devin of getting into her apartment when she wasn't at home. It wasn't Devin but she wasn't paranoid either. A previous caretaker from the church next door was entering the apartment with a key he had kept. I had relayed this information to Anne Howard but she chose to paint Dorothy in a bad light anyway. Surely she didn't know she was sleeping with the devil!?
As for the majority of the book, it seems more about the author and how unique she is for being able to get into the mind of this killer. While offering some insights from their conversations, I don't find any exceptional information that hadn't already been available in previous news sources and public record. She may have seized the opportunity and gotten her foot in the door but I suspect almost anyone who wanted to put themselves in that situation could have befriended Howell in his predicament. And of course, in the book she admits to giving him money.
Even if I didn't know Dorothy & Devin I wouldn't be excited about the book. It lacks flair. Overall it was a disappointment.
As for the majority of the book, it seems more about the author and how unique she is for being able to get into the mind of this killer. While offering some insights from their conversations, I don't find any exceptional information that hadn't already been available in previous news sources and public record. She may have seized the opportunity and gotten her foot in the door but I suspect almost anyone who wanted to put themselves in that situation could have befriended Howell in his predicament. And of course, in the book she admits to giving him money.
Even if I didn't know Dorothy & Devin I wouldn't be excited about the book. It lacks flair. Overall it was a disappointment.
July 25, 2022
A must-read for those interested in the mind of a serial killer
The author is amazing at telling Bill’s story without misleading readers but by interviewing him as a person and not a monster. It’s conflicting for any author to sit across from a self proclaimed serial killer and get them to not only trust them but to confesses to all his murders and even developed a friendship with the author despite the reasonings for first visiting him she later realizes how difficult it is to see past his murders and just see him as a person. Unlike most authors this author took her writing to another level where she made even Bill rethink his reasonings for doing what he did and diff methods used when he was raping and then later strangling his victims. I thought this was a well written book and highly recommend it to any true crime fan.
The author is amazing at telling Bill’s story without misleading readers but by interviewing him as a person and not a monster. It’s conflicting for any author to sit across from a self proclaimed serial killer and get them to not only trust them but to confesses to all his murders and even developed a friendship with the author despite the reasonings for first visiting him she later realizes how difficult it is to see past his murders and just see him as a person. Unlike most authors this author took her writing to another level where she made even Bill rethink his reasonings for doing what he did and diff methods used when he was raping and then later strangling his victims. I thought this was a well written book and highly recommend it to any true crime fan.
July 17, 2018
I read in paperback. It wont let me change it from "kindle". At any rate....this is a GREAT book. When I first got it I just wanted to look at the pictures and read it later. After looking at the photos...I decided I would just read a couple pages. Luckily I didn't have much planned that night because once I started reading...I couldn't stop until I finished the entire book. It was THAT good. I loved every word of it and by the time I finished it...I felt like I knew the author and could feel her emotions and struggles with what she was doing....and I felt that I also knew the subject. I am so happy I got this book and highly recommend it. Everyone is curious about people like this subject and Anne Howard was very brave to meet him and bring us this story. I cant wait for her next book.
July 17, 2018
A chilling tale ... very well written! I just finished the book. I had to put it down a few times because of the disturbing nature of the crimes but the writing was excellent and I couldn't help but finish reading it. I don't know how Anne was able to maintain composure during the conversations with such a person. I thought the story was written truthfully and accurately based on the forensic evidence.
July 13, 2018
I have to say right up front, though disturbing I really enjoyed this story. Being able to get into the minds of killers would be my dream job. This book is well written. The book gives a lot of insight into the things that go on in jails and prisons, with the guards and the system. Great book!
July 19, 2018
His Garden is a well written true crime book. I have read a ton of these types of books over the years and each one gets me differently each time. To sit across from a serial killer and befriend them just blows me away.. I realize they are human too and Anne Howard definitely gives a perspective on how easily it is to befriend them. A truly great read for readers who like this genre.
March 17, 2020
I received a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway.
While there were parts of this I found interesting, much of it read more like a journal than a book. The editing was hit or miss and sometimes it was difficult to read because of this. Overall, definitely not one of the best true crime books I've picked up, but it might be worth checking out if you're a die-hard fan of the genre.
While there were parts of this I found interesting, much of it read more like a journal than a book. The editing was hit or miss and sometimes it was difficult to read because of this. Overall, definitely not one of the best true crime books I've picked up, but it might be worth checking out if you're a die-hard fan of the genre.
August 3, 2018
This wasn't what I expected in the slightest. It was clear from almost the first page that this was written by a lawyer and to be honest it was full of the legal system.
I received an advanced reader’s copy in exchange for an honest review
I received an advanced reader’s copy in exchange for an honest review
September 11, 2018
Note: I would like to thank NetGalley, author Anne K. Howard, and WildBlue Press for a free eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. I'm an avid reader of true crime and was very excited to get my hands on this title.
This book is the culmination of four years worth of interviewing, research, and writing conducted by Anne K. Howard. Howard spent time writing, interviewing in person, and researching notorious serial killer William Devin Howell (sometimes called the 'Sick Ripper'). Howell was convicted of killing 7 women (including one transgender woman) and was sentenced to six consecutive life sentences. He wanted the death penalty, but Connecticut abolished the death penalty for their state in 2015 (damn).
The book includes Howard's research, discussions she had in writing and in person with Howell, and even includes excerpts where Howell wanted his side of the story to be heard. Though Howard eventually could see the serial killer as a human being (albeit one with serious mental issues and a propensity to attack, rape, torture, and kill women) she still reports his crimes with accuracy as there is no denying his guilt. He selected prostitutes/drug addicts to lure into his van where he would then rape them for hours, torture them (beyond just rape he used verbal attacks and some pretty horrific torture devices on these women), and he would then strangle them and dump their bodies.
The book is not for those that would easily cringe at learning about serial killers. There are some vivid descriptions here and there (including discussions of machinery devices that were used to rape women) and there is definitely violence (serial killer, after all).
Some prior reviews mention that most of this information is widely available online. The research of the crime itself, yes, is publicly available. I still think it is nice to have this all in one book rather than having to search for it by yourself. What is unique here are the conversations that Howard and Howell have--Howard is one of the only people (non-inmate) to get information from Howell and that DOES count for something.
My only qualm was that in one area Howard noted that she had information about names Howell called women, knew different ways he raped the women (I guess positions?), etc., and she noted that she was not going to share that information. At first, I thought that this was indeed information that should be shared. There may be something to glean from the information (ie: someone could study what derogatory terms he used, try to use it for analysis) and a part of me actually wanted to know... what else does Howard know? I thought about this for a few hours after I finished the book. While the "true crime guru" inside of me is curious, and does want to know more... I'm reminded of some of the graphic information that Howard did provide. It is disturbing. Very disturbing. So if she shared that information... whatever she decided was too intense to share is the stuff of nightmares and I understand her need to keep that out of the book.
A really "fun" book with a good pace, lots of information, and a unique methodological approach. Definitely worth a read if you're interested in learning about the minds of serial killers.
This book is the culmination of four years worth of interviewing, research, and writing conducted by Anne K. Howard. Howard spent time writing, interviewing in person, and researching notorious serial killer William Devin Howell (sometimes called the 'Sick Ripper'). Howell was convicted of killing 7 women (including one transgender woman) and was sentenced to six consecutive life sentences. He wanted the death penalty, but Connecticut abolished the death penalty for their state in 2015 (damn).
The book includes Howard's research, discussions she had in writing and in person with Howell, and even includes excerpts where Howell wanted his side of the story to be heard. Though Howard eventually could see the serial killer as a human being (albeit one with serious mental issues and a propensity to attack, rape, torture, and kill women) she still reports his crimes with accuracy as there is no denying his guilt. He selected prostitutes/drug addicts to lure into his van where he would then rape them for hours, torture them (beyond just rape he used verbal attacks and some pretty horrific torture devices on these women), and he would then strangle them and dump their bodies.
The book is not for those that would easily cringe at learning about serial killers. There are some vivid descriptions here and there (including discussions of machinery devices that were used to rape women) and there is definitely violence (serial killer, after all).
Some prior reviews mention that most of this information is widely available online. The research of the crime itself, yes, is publicly available. I still think it is nice to have this all in one book rather than having to search for it by yourself. What is unique here are the conversations that Howard and Howell have--Howard is one of the only people (non-inmate) to get information from Howell and that DOES count for something.
My only qualm was that in one area Howard noted that she had information about names Howell called women, knew different ways he raped the women (I guess positions?), etc., and she noted that she was not going to share that information. At first, I thought that this was indeed information that should be shared. There may be something to glean from the information (ie: someone could study what derogatory terms he used, try to use it for analysis) and a part of me actually wanted to know... what else does Howard know? I thought about this for a few hours after I finished the book. While the "true crime guru" inside of me is curious, and does want to know more... I'm reminded of some of the graphic information that Howard did provide. It is disturbing. Very disturbing. So if she shared that information... whatever she decided was too intense to share is the stuff of nightmares and I understand her need to keep that out of the book.
A really "fun" book with a good pace, lots of information, and a unique methodological approach. Definitely worth a read if you're interested in learning about the minds of serial killers.
July 17, 2018
I cannot say enough good things about this book. From the first sentence to the last, it grabbed me for quite the ride along inside the mind of a monster. The atrocities that befell his victims, the agony of the family and friends left behind, the stories behind why he did what he did will pull you in and shake you up. There should be a trigger warning for those that rape and murder hit too close to home for but this is an outstanding book by an extraordinary author. Anne K. Howard lays out the story right from the killer's mouth and mind. Some of the recitations of his exploits were told with such clarity, the reader felt like they were right alongside with Bill. At least that's how I felt. I found it incredibly hard to put the book down but knew that I had to so that I could sleep. But I didn't want to. I am a huge fan of true crime and mystery thrillers. This book did not disappoint. Anne K. Howard rates right up alongside the likes of Ann Rule and Philip Carlo. The last time a true crime get inside the mind of a killer book grabbed me and wouldn't let go, was Philip Carlo's The Iceman about Richard "Iceman" Kuklinski. His Garden is a fantastic read in that caliber that grabs you immediately. By the end I almost felt sorry for Bill and what he went through to drive him to the madness of his actions. That being said, he is where he belongs to pay the price for his crimes. I wish I could give this book more than five stars. Outstanding Ms. Howard. I look forward to reading more of your works.
September 3, 2018
I enjoy reading true crime novels. When you step back and think about it; it is in our human nature to be curious about things we don't understand or sadly death...whether it be from natural causes or the act of a violent crime. If lots of people did not like reading about true crime stories, there would not be a lot of books published. Ok, enough of my mini rant and on to the book.
At first I thought it was the fact that I found William to be uninteresting as to the reason I was struggling to stay focused with this book but after reading several other readers comments; I realized that what I was feeling about this book was due to William but also the author. Now I am not saying I have anything against the author herself. It is more with the writing of this book. It did feel more like the author was putting together her case to go to trial. This way of writing for me personally felt like it weighted the book down.
At first I thought it was the fact that I found William to be uninteresting as to the reason I was struggling to stay focused with this book but after reading several other readers comments; I realized that what I was feeling about this book was due to William but also the author. Now I am not saying I have anything against the author herself. It is more with the writing of this book. It did feel more like the author was putting together her case to go to trial. This way of writing for me personally felt like it weighted the book down.
September 5, 2018
Anne K Howard, His Garden.
Anne, has pushed the limits getting her interview with convicted Connecticut Serial killer,
William Devin Howell. She has told the story of his victims, factual so that the families had a greater understanding of what happened to their loved ones but in telling their story with dignity and compassion for the those left behind. By the time I finished the book I had run through the gamut of many emotions, I cried, felt pain and the fear of victims, sadness for the families, for what Anne faced, but kept the anger and hate, something I have never felt that strong before. For Howell. He not only destroyed the victims lives, but of all those who were left behind.
Linda M Kalista, sister of Victim, Mary Jane Menand, took ten years for her to be at peace.
Anne, has pushed the limits getting her interview with convicted Connecticut Serial killer,
William Devin Howell. She has told the story of his victims, factual so that the families had a greater understanding of what happened to their loved ones but in telling their story with dignity and compassion for the those left behind. By the time I finished the book I had run through the gamut of many emotions, I cried, felt pain and the fear of victims, sadness for the families, for what Anne faced, but kept the anger and hate, something I have never felt that strong before. For Howell. He not only destroyed the victims lives, but of all those who were left behind.
Linda M Kalista, sister of Victim, Mary Jane Menand, took ten years for her to be at peace.
July 14, 2018
This book was a big disappointment-- it has no substance and the author has no style. The killer's quote on the cover ("Want to know what happened? Ask Anne.") is very misleading. As a previous reviewer pointed out, there was very little in this book that you couldn't learn from news reports and court records. Specifically, when it comes to Howell's killings, the author says that she made a decision not to share more than a few harmless details; even then those details are only for a couple of the murders. It's more of an amateur memoir than true crime, interspersed with banal and didactic comments about serial killers in general, the law-- and things like how the weather on the way to visit Howell was identical to the weather on 9/11. I thought true crime was supposed to be about the criminal, not the author. Perhaps it could have been a good book if said author had been graced with style and insight, but she was not.
September 4, 2018
A very different type of true crime book. The correspondence and visits between the author and the killer give a unique look into the mind of a serial killer. His inability to see himself as bad at the same time he characterizes his victims as bad because of their life choices was very interesting to me. I think this shows why it is unlikely that someone like this will ever really change and instead they will always be a threat to the rest of society. The author's law background definitely made her ideal for authoring this book
I received this book as part of a goodreads giveaway but the opinions expressed are solely my own.
I received this book as part of a goodreads giveaway but the opinions expressed are solely my own.
July 17, 2018
This book is a page turner that grips you from beginning to end. The author's personal relationship with the killer brings out details never before known by anyone- even detectives working to solve the mystery. Detectives have even reached out to the author for insights into whether Howell has more victims. Chilling! The author's internal struggle as the killer exclusively confesses the brutal details of his crime is seamlessly woven into the story of the killer's life. I've been enjoying following "behind the scenes" on Anne's "Serial Murders in Connecticut" Facebook page. I can't wait for her Netflix episode of "Inside the Mind of a Serial Killer" to air!
September 22, 2018
Fascinating and detailed account of the terror spree of serial rapist-killer William Devin Howell by attorney and Connecticut resident Anne Howard. This book was made all the more chilling in that it took place close to where I live. I'm very familiar with all the locations mentioned. This is one true crime book that will iterally send shivers up your spine.
August 4, 2018
His Garden: Conversations With A Serial Killer is a fascinating, harrowing account of the events surrounding the murders of seven people by Connecticut's most prolific serial killer, William Devin Howell. Anne K. Howard not only examines the mind and motivations of Howell, but also reveals the emotional strain of establishing a relationship with Howell as she seeks the truth behind his horrific acts. In the carefully documented chapters, Howard lays out the progress of the investigation, details the crimes, and recounts her interviews with the killer. A worthy addition to the true-crime genre.
December 12, 2019
I'm shocked reading the first few pages...and seeing the exact words lifted and posted in the book NO LETTERS from Christopher by Cadle...HOW can Cadle legally do this? Does this Author Anne Howard know that this first time VERY disgusting idiot book writer, Cadle has copied word for word several paragraphs in her book? Isn't that Plagiarism? A crime?
I don't see ANY indication OR notation that Howard was given credit and Cadle wrote as if in her own words...Shame on Cadle.
Glad this author having a higher education AND good morals, standards that Cadle seems to be lacking.
So far this is a GREAT BOOK...I got on Kindle as well....but I'm seriously wondering if Howard is aware of what Cadle has done in using her words...very 1st pages...wow.
I think Cadle stole from the wrong person!...but a so called "Christian" woman shouldn't be stealing anyway, but I guess she just does whatever she wishes. NO wonder the bad reviews outweigh good, 27 of 5 star rating vs 73% poor reviews, says a lot!
Search YouTube creator Kimberly, Cadle Plagiarism Letters Chirs Watts to see for yourselves. wow1
I don't see ANY indication OR notation that Howard was given credit and Cadle wrote as if in her own words...Shame on Cadle.
Glad this author having a higher education AND good morals, standards that Cadle seems to be lacking.
So far this is a GREAT BOOK...I got on Kindle as well....but I'm seriously wondering if Howard is aware of what Cadle has done in using her words...very 1st pages...wow.
I think Cadle stole from the wrong person!...but a so called "Christian" woman shouldn't be stealing anyway, but I guess she just does whatever she wishes. NO wonder the bad reviews outweigh good, 27 of 5 star rating vs 73% poor reviews, says a lot!
Search YouTube creator Kimberly, Cadle Plagiarism Letters Chirs Watts to see for yourselves. wow1
August 20, 2018
His Garden: Conversations with a Serial Killer by Anne Howard was one of the most thought provoking true crime novels I've ever read. Usually, when reading a non-fiction true crime novel, it reads like a book of fiction (which by the way makes for a riveting read, given that the story is true) but this novel included the author's thoughts during the telling as well as the struggle she faced learning that she actually felt "friendly" towards her subject and the dichotomy in that situation.
Reading it was like examining a compelling yet disturbing specimen, coupled with the author's own issues in the process. "Thought provoking" because it also caused me, as a reader, to wonder how I would think or feel if I were in her shoes ... things like, human nature is so complex, there's nothing simple about it, so to try & define how we might like AND detest a person at the same time would be an effort in futility, because regardless of what Howell had done, he still portrayed himself as human, because he is a human being. Thus, human nature is complex and can't be truly categorized as many psychiatrists & psychologists are compelled to do.
Also, I'm not sure if Bill is comparable to Ted Bundy, Manson, et al, because the author was able to study him in depth and convey that or because he had more human characteristics than most serial killers. As to Bill's killings, he experienced a learning curve much like most other people do when they begin a new job, after awhile one gets better at their craft; the difference with Bill was that his reward didn't come in the form of money (at the end of the week) his reward appeared to be, well the satisfaction he got from the killings.
The point being, the author did a great job in the telling of this story, as well as causing the reader to gain insight into the mind of a serial killer.
This book was provided to me by netgalley for an honest review.
Reading it was like examining a compelling yet disturbing specimen, coupled with the author's own issues in the process. "Thought provoking" because it also caused me, as a reader, to wonder how I would think or feel if I were in her shoes ... things like, human nature is so complex, there's nothing simple about it, so to try & define how we might like AND detest a person at the same time would be an effort in futility, because regardless of what Howell had done, he still portrayed himself as human, because he is a human being. Thus, human nature is complex and can't be truly categorized as many psychiatrists & psychologists are compelled to do.
Also, I'm not sure if Bill is comparable to Ted Bundy, Manson, et al, because the author was able to study him in depth and convey that or because he had more human characteristics than most serial killers. As to Bill's killings, he experienced a learning curve much like most other people do when they begin a new job, after awhile one gets better at their craft; the difference with Bill was that his reward didn't come in the form of money (at the end of the week) his reward appeared to be, well the satisfaction he got from the killings.
The point being, the author did a great job in the telling of this story, as well as causing the reader to gain insight into the mind of a serial killer.
This book was provided to me by netgalley for an honest review.
September 14, 2018
I received a free copy of this ebook through a Goodreads First Reads Giveaway.
William Devin Howell is a serial killer I was not familiar with, so it was interesting in that respect. It was also interesting to read excerpts from letters written by Howell, in his own 'voice'. That's the good.
The bad was that the book was more a story about the author...not about Howell. Okay, maybe about Howell and the author's relationship. Either way it's more memoir than true crime. Yes, the book is "Conversations" of which there were many, but also included details about Howard's life and feelings about Howell and her conversations with him. Interesting with limited use, but overused in this book.
It did bother me to read this in Part II, "Although I am possession [sic] of many letters detailing the gruesome ways in which he raped each of his six female victims--the obcenities that he shouted at them, the lewd acts that he carried out..." "I don't see the point of barraging the reader with that information". I'm sorry, but I'm reading a true crime book about a serial killer. I expect that. You can include some excerpts without being gratuitous. It's not barraging, it's reporting. It makes me wonder what else Howard held back from her letters and conversations, without telling us...
Overall, the information is organized into one book so I could learn about Howell. The letters were interesting (at least the ones included). Beyond that, it was all information anyone could find if they so desired and decided to seek out the information.
William Devin Howell is a serial killer I was not familiar with, so it was interesting in that respect. It was also interesting to read excerpts from letters written by Howell, in his own 'voice'. That's the good.
The bad was that the book was more a story about the author...not about Howell. Okay, maybe about Howell and the author's relationship. Either way it's more memoir than true crime. Yes, the book is "Conversations" of which there were many, but also included details about Howard's life and feelings about Howell and her conversations with him. Interesting with limited use, but overused in this book.
It did bother me to read this in Part II, "Although I am possession [sic] of many letters detailing the gruesome ways in which he raped each of his six female victims--the obcenities that he shouted at them, the lewd acts that he carried out..." "I don't see the point of barraging the reader with that information". I'm sorry, but I'm reading a true crime book about a serial killer. I expect that. You can include some excerpts without being gratuitous. It's not barraging, it's reporting. It makes me wonder what else Howard held back from her letters and conversations, without telling us...
Overall, the information is organized into one book so I could learn about Howell. The letters were interesting (at least the ones included). Beyond that, it was all information anyone could find if they so desired and decided to seek out the information.
December 3, 2018
This was a very hard book to read for more than one reason. First, the book is very graphic as to the crimes committed. I expect that in a true crime book, but it really was very disturbing and overwhelming at some points. Second, the author swings from one time period to another, making it very difficult to follow. Things are mentioned early on, leaving you wondering until much later as to the outcome (for instance, Dori's death is alluded to but not explained until many chapters later). It just wasn't a seamless read. Third, I thought that this would be more along the lines of an Ann Rule book, and it is definitely not in that category. These are strictly conversations with the serial killer, not background from others telling the tale of what made this person the way they are. Fourth, I had a hard time with the author's motives. She is a lawyer and early on said she made it clear that she was not there to offer legal advice. Yet, she wants him to offer a guilty plea, ostensibly to save the families from more pain yet it appeared she wanted to make the writing of her book a little easier on herself.
November 27, 2018
I have read so many reviews on this book .. and those who loved it, did a lot and those who didn’t,hated it! I believe this author set out to write a true crime novel about ones mans selfish acts of murder and her conversations with him. Which she did. I do not believe it is her responsibility as a writer to portray or have an opinion about any of the victims or people in this book about if they were good people or not. Her responsibility is to write the facts as they are or come; in which case she did. As far as being able to find everything online about this case so “why write it” lol I watched oj Simpsons and Jodi arias’s trial everyday on tv with all the facts but I still bought both of those books and loved them!! Casey Anthony’s lawyer wrote a book, which I also own.I however never knew anything about this man before I read this book so I think it was a great read! For those looking to portray the victims in a different light or otherwise should write a memoir! So in saying that good job Anne 5 of 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
October 8, 2019
This book is the result of the years the author spent getting to know serial killer Bill Howell. The whole story fits into a single question: how can a regular guy like Bill be so sickeningly cruel and violent? He wasn't popped out of the familiar mold of the TV serial killer. He doesn't add up neatly so you can file him away and forget about him. And this book doesn't offer the reader a predigested answer from one of the standard texts on serial murder. She struggles with the question on every page and makes you struggle with it too. This one is more than worth your time.
July 22, 2018
This true crime book was captivating. I cannot believe that the author was able to sit across from a serial killer and befriend him. That just blows my mind! However, if she had not befriended him, she would not have written this amazing book!
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