The Book of Cold Cases by Simone St. James
4 Stars
The Book At A Glance
In 1977, Claire Lake, Oregon, was rocked by the Lady Killer Murders, with wealthy, eccentric Beth Greer as the prime suspect. Forty years later, true crime blogger Shea Collins gets the rare chance to interview Beth in her eerie mansion. But as their meetings deepen, unsettling events make Shea question: is Beth a misunderstood woman, a manipulative killer, or is something even darker haunting the Greer house?
Bookish Thoughts
This book has been on my TBR for quite some time, and I’ve often heard that the author is an exceptional writer of thrillers. With fall being the perfect season for dark, atmospheric reads, I decided it was finally time to dive in. The title immediately intrigued me, and as someone who enjoys exploring cold cases both in books and on screen, this story promised to be a compelling choice. When you’re in the mood for a small-town cold case wrapped in eerie secrets, with a haunted house and a dual timeline shifting between the 1970s and the present, this book is the perfect pick.
Book Review
This was my first book by Simone St. James, and I absolutely loved it. Shea, a crime blogger, researches crimes throughout history while trying to escape the shadow of her own past. She begins a deep dive into the town’s most infamous murder case—the Lady Killer—when she receives an interview request from Beth Greer, the accused killer who was acquitted.
I really enjoyed the use of multiple points of view and timelines. We got to see the crime and trial unfold in real time while also witnessing the long-lasting effects nearly forty years later. Shea is an incredible main character—dedicated to uncovering the truth, growing beyond her fears, and opening herself up to love and reconnecting with her sister.
Beth is a complex character; at first, you feel a strong sense of animosity toward her, but as her perspective unfolds during the events of the crime, you start to empathize with her. We see her emotions, thoughts, and struggles growing up, as well as what it was like to be accused of such a brutal crime.
The eerie atmosphere of the house gave me chills—it felt like a haunted place trapped in the past. The setting was described in such vivid detail that I truly felt like I was there. I was thoroughly shocked throughout the novel and pleasantly surprised by the ending.
There’s a subtle romance for the female main character, but it remains largely in the background, allowing the mystery and suspense to take center stage. The unexpected supernatural element added an extra layer to the story that initially threw me off, but it ultimately enhanced the book and matched its dark, suspenseful theme perfectly.
“Being a girl is the best,” she said, “because no one ever believes you’d do something bad. People think you’ll do nothing, which means you can do anything.”
Simone St. James
Shelf To Table
The perfect food pairing for this novel is a molten lava cake. A dark, rich, and full of hidden surprises. Its molten chocolate center mirrors the dark secrets and chilling truths at the heart of the cold case, while the slow reveal of the lava mirrors the way the story gradually uncovers twists, including the true identity of the Lady Killer. On the outside, it’s comforting and indulgent, but beneath the surface lies intensity and danger, much like the eerie mansion and psychological tension that keep readers on edge.
Molten Lava Cake
A rich, decadent chocolate dessert with a perfectly baked exterior and a warm, gooey center that flows like melted chocolate when cut open. Served best with a scoop of ice cream or a dusting of powdered sugar
Book Club Bite
A charcuterie board filled with cheeses, crackers, meats, fruits, and chocolates makes the perfect pairing for discussing this book. It’s elegant yet easy to snack on—ideal for diving into this chilling supernatural mystery while sharing theories and twists with your book club.
“Am I bitter or am I sweet? Ladies can be either.”
Simone St. James