Blog Archives
Looking for Trouble
Looking for Trouble follows Maurice Hicks from his childhood in Baltimore through his early years in law enforcement. The book moves fast, almost breathless at times, as it shows a kid growing up in a rough world who somehow stays hopeful. It tracks his path from a paperboy with big dreams to a Marine and then to a police officer who ends up facing danger that feels unreal. The stories unfold with heat and sweat and fear and sometimes humor, and they paint a picture of a city that seems alive and angry and wounded all at once. What struck me most was the constant push and pull between survival and duty. The book never slows down. It grabs you at the start and keeps going.
The writing is blunt. It is raw in spots. It has a rhythm that feels like someone talking to you across a table late at night. The scenes inside the housing projects made my stomach knot. The tension builds so sharply that I kept catching my breath. At the same time, the author also slips in these little pieces of heart, small moments of gratitude or pride or humor that soften the edges. I liked that mix. It made the stories feel relatable. I found myself angry at the chaos around him, frustrated at the failures of systems that should have helped people, and surprised by how quickly small choices could turn dangerous. The book does not try to pretty anything up. It gives you the smoke and the noise and the fear straight up, and I respected that.
What stayed with me even more were the quieter reflections woven into the story. The author writes about the weight officers carry and the scars they collect along the way. He also writes about the people who shaped him, from family members to neighbors to teachers who saw more in him than he saw in himself. Those parts hit me hardest. They felt honest. They felt like memories he never stopped holding. I found myself thinking about how the environment shapes a person and how strength sometimes comes from the most unexpected places. The ideas here feel grounded. Nothing lofty. Nothing inflated. Just real life and the lessons scraped out of it.
I would recommend Looking for Trouble to readers who want a vivid, unfiltered look at police work, city life, and the long road a person walks to find purpose. It is a strong fit for people who enjoy memoirs that pull no punches and for readers curious about what it feels like to be inside the chaos instead of watching it from far away. The book is sharp, tense, and full of heart.
Pages: 535 | ASIN : B0C15B8JDB
Confronting Malice
Confronting Malice is a harrowing memoir by forensic psychologist Anna C. Salter, chronicling her forty-year journey working with sex and violent offenders. From courtrooms to treatment rooms, Salter offers an unfiltered view into the minds of those society fears most—psychopaths, child abusers, and sadistic killers. Through stories from her practice, including heartbreaking cases and courtroom battles, Salter explores not only the horrors inflicted by offenders but also her personal evolution—what drew her into this dark world, what kept her there, and what it cost her emotionally and spiritually.
I was riveted. Salter’s writing is clear, candid, and relatable. What she does is tell the truth—the jagged, uncomfortable truth most people would rather ignore. What makes this book hit so hard isn’t just the monstrous acts described, but how she takes readers inside the minds of these offenders without turning away. There’s rage here, for sure, but there’s also incredible restraint. She’s measured. Professional. But beneath that, you can feel the pain and the fatigue of someone who’s had to sit across from evil for decades. And yet, her voice never loses clarity. There are moments that hit like a gut punch because they’re so true, and because she’s saying the quiet part out loud.
What struck me most was Salter’s honesty about herself. This isn’t just a book about monsters, it’s also about survival. Her stories from childhood, especially her complex relationship with her mother, aren’t detours—they’re the roots of her tenacity, her toughness, and maybe even her calling. She writes like someone who has nothing left to prove and everything left to say. The chapter where she grapples with the raw presence of malevolence—staring across a courtroom at a boy who murdered and dismembered a child—shook me. That scene doesn’t leave you. Nor does the question she raises repeatedly: why can some people see malice when others can’t?
This isn’t an easy read. It’s not a comforting one either. But it’s important. I’d recommend Confronting Malice to anyone working in the justice system, social services, mental health, or anyone who wants to better understand the world we live in. It’s also for those of us trying to make sense of evil without flinching, and for those who wonder what it takes to stare it down and still come out standing.
Pages: 227 | ASIN : B0DVQ3KR8P
Homicide in the Hood: Murders that Haunt a Small Town Girl
Kelli Martin’s Homicide in the Hood is a heartfelt and haunting exploration of unsolved murders in the seemingly quaint town of Granbury, Texas. Drawing on her personal experiences growing up there, Martin provides an emotional narrative about six specific cases that left an indelible mark on the community. The detailed accounts not only memorialize the victims but also call for justice and renewed attention to these cold cases.
What struck me most about Martin’s writing is her ability to weave personal anecdotes with meticulous research. She describes the murder of Lillian Peart, who was brutally shot in a convenience store for a mere $57. Her recounting of how this event shook her childhood innocence is raw and moving, making it easy to empathize with the fear and confusion she must have felt. The inclusion of small-town quirks, such as the community’s reliance on word-of-mouth gossip, adds an authentic charm to an otherwise grim subject matter. Martin’s knack for storytelling truly shines when she recounts how these murders affected her family and her career path. In the chapter on Holly Palmer’s murder near the sheriff’s department, Martin ties her personal memories of riding her bike past the location to a broader discussion of law enforcement’s struggles in solving these cases.
The contrast between her idyllic childhood memories and the brutal reality of these crimes adds an emotional depth that is hard to ignore. While the book is gripping, it’s also frustrating and that’s no fault of the author. Martin is transparent about the challenges law enforcement faced due to the lack of modern technology like DNA testing during the 1980s. For example, she discusses how suspects were identified but not prosecuted due to insufficient evidence, leaving readers with a sense of unresolved injustice. Her writing conveys not just the facts but also her palpable frustration and determination to bring attention to these cases.
I particularly appreciated Martin’s plea to humanize the victims. Her insistence that these women were more than statistics resonates strongly. In discussing Dorothy Sanders, who was stabbed over 100 times, Martin paints a vivid picture of the victim’s humanity and the ripple effects of her loss on the community. This level of compassion and advocacy is what makes the book stand out.
Homicide in the Hood is a compelling read for true crime enthusiasts, particularly those interested in cold cases and the intricacies of small-town dynamics. Martin’s passion for justice and her ability to connect the reader to her past create an engaging and thought-provoking narrative. This book is perfect for those looking to better understand the long-term impacts of unsolved crimes on families and communities. It left me both heartbroken and hopeful, a testament to Martin’s powerful storytelling.
Pages: 322 | ASIN : B0DMPTY2V9
Pleasure to Purpose: Based on the True Story of Sex Worker Scarlett Pereira
Pleasure to Purpose by Elizabeth B. Splaine, narrates the compelling, gritty, and deeply personal story of Scarlett Pereira, a sex worker whose journey intertwines struggles, empowerment, and a complex exploration of identity and humanity. Drawing from Scarlett’s real-life experiences, the book delves into her professional and personal life, including her nuanced relationships, encounters with clients, and moments of introspection. The narrative also includes Scarlett’s connection to her “heart horse,” Franco, symbolizing healing and transformation amid chaos.
Splaine’s writing is engaging, and the vivid portrayal of Scarlett’s experiences struck a chord with me. One striking scene involves Scarlett managing a client’s health crisis during a session. Her quick thinking juxtaposed with her colleague Steph’s indifference highlights Scarlett’s deep sense of humanity and professionalism, even in precarious circumstances. The storytelling effectively balances raw, unflinching honesty with moments of vulnerability, making Scarlett a relatable and multifaceted protagonist. Some chapters delve into explicit details that, while integral to the narrative, might not resonate with all readers.
What I appreciated most was the blend of resilience and self-reflection throughout Scarlett’s story. Her decision to rescue Franco, despite her challenging financial and personal circumstances, was both heartwarming and symbolic. The connection between Scarlett and Franco serves as a metaphor for rediscovering purpose and hope. The descriptions of Franco’s initial wariness and eventual trust mirrored Scarlett’s own journey, forging a poignant parallel between human and animal recovery.
It is worth noting that the transitions between Scarlett’s professional encounters and personal life are sometimes sudden, particularly when the emotional depth of her introspection shifts abruptly into transactional interactions. I believe these contrasts, while reflective of Scarlett’s dual existence, occasionally disrupted the story’s flow. Nonetheless, the depth of her character and her eventual pivot toward advocacy and self-reliance redeemed any narrative inconsistencies.
Pleasure to Purpose is a gripping and courageous exploration of an often-stigmatized profession, offering insights into resilience, empathy, and personal growth. It’s a perfect read for those who enjoy character-driven stories with a mix of realism and redemption. I would recommend it to readers looking for a raw, thought-provoking tale that doesn’t shy away from life’s complexities. Potential readers should be aware of its explicit content and heavy themes.
Pages: 287 | ASIN : B0DHLFXRMF
Interrupting Violence: One Man’s Journey to Heal the Streets and Redeem Himself
Interrupting Violence: One Man’s Journey to Heal the Streets and Redeem Himself by Cobe Williams and Josh Gryniewicz is both a memoir and a powerful call to action for change across American cities. The book chronicles the life of Cobe Williams, who was born into the gang Black Disciples and faced tremendous adversity from a young age. Despite the odds—losing his father to gang violence at age 10, dealing drugs in high school, and being wrongfully imprisoned for murder—Cobe managed to turn his life around. He became a violence interrupter, dedicating himself to saving the lives of young people on the brink of falling into the same destructive patterns.
This touching memoir is not only about personal growth but also serves as a cautionary tale and a rallying cry for those who believe they can make a difference. As a reader from a different background, I had only encountered gang-related content in movies. It was eye-opening to learn that such gangs exist in reality, with violence as pervasive as portrayed on screen. Coming from a psychology background, I recognize that these issues are deeply rooted in society and manifest globally in similar forms. Addressing violence and problematic behavior requires time and effort, much like the work Cobe and his colleagues are doing, as described in this book. Their stories will undoubtedly reach and inspire many. Reading about real-life events and the life trajectory of someone like Cobe is incredibly impressive. His transformation is a testament to the possibility of change and growth. His story teaches us that better times are always within reach if we remain determined and disciplined in our goals. The book is written in an engaging, conversational style, making readers feel as if they are hearing Cobe’s story firsthand. The authors use slang and informal grammar to reflect authentic spoken language, effectively drawing readers into the narrative.
Interrupting Violence has broadened my perspective, exposing me to realities I might not have otherwise known. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a compelling read that transports them into the lives of others around the world. This is a story of resilience, redemption, and the enduring possibility of positive change.
Pages: 328 | ASIN : B0C9W7JJNX
The Decision to Kill
When a crime is committed, numerous questions are asked. But if that crime rips apart the very core of a family, the only question to ask is why? When everything about who you are and who you love is torn apart, what have you got left to stand for? And would you overcome all the pain and sorrow to see justice prevail? Would you fight for your family? Is blood thicker than water? And in the end, could you say that you still love after so long of feeling nothing but hate?
The Decision to Kill: A True Crime Story of a Teenage Killer and the Mother Who Loved Him is brought to us by Leslie Ghiglieri. It is a memoir and true crime book that documents the investigation and murder trial of Dwayne Weir, a 16-year-old boy accused of murdering his father. The author shares all the gruesome details surrounding the case but does so in as respectful a manner as she can. The story is told from the perspective of his mother, Cherie. She talks us through the whole story, their lives, the events leading up to the murder, and what happens after.
The author has included real courtroom accounts and expert testimony on not just the actual murder but the mental state of Dwayne. What I really enjoyed about it was the use of actual letters written by Dwayne. This really gave an insight into his mental state and showed how far he retreated into the dark corners of his mind. But this tale is as much about his mother if anything. Her quest for the truth and her battle to understand is almost too hard to bare. Her struggle to move forward and reconcile her feelings for her son after what he did is heartwrenching. This is a story no mother ever wants to be a part of.
The Decision to Kill is an emotionally charged biography and true crime story. This gripping story will engage readers as they follow the tragedy and follow along as the family searches for the answer to why. A must-read for any fans of true crime.
Pages: 340 | ASIN : B09ZNKF28B
LITERARY TITAN 