Trailed: One Woman’s Quest to Solve the Shenandoah Murders by Kathryn Miles is a 2022 Algonquin Books publication.
This is very good examination, not Trailed: One Woman’s Quest to Solve the Shenandoah Murders by Kathryn Miles is a 2022 Algonquin Books publication.
This is very good examination, not only of the double murder of Julie Williams and Lollie Winans, but of other murders in our National Parks and the implications of crimes against women, possible hate crimes, and the process of the investigations, which led to what is most likely an erroneous suspect, and resulted in an unsolved double murder case.
This is a different approach to true crime, as the author doesn’t just outline the case, investigations, etc., in the traditional manner we normally find in true crime books. This book also doubles as a commentary about how women are often the targets of crimes in a wilderness environment. The study includes the possibility that some of these crimes might be motivated by hate, especially considering that Julie and Lollie were a lesbian couple.
Based on the evidence presented here, the one and only suspect for the investigators, is most likely not the doer. There is, though, some strong evidence that the real murderer was a known sexual deviant, but has since died by suicide.
Miles's findings weren’t welcomed by those who worked the case, as it would indicate they got it wrong or didn’t to a very good job with the investigation.
It would appear that women- from all walks of life- are at risk when in a wilderness environment- not from wildlife or the forces of nature, but from human predators.
Sadly, some women will forego or give up entirely on enjoying the full, invigorating pleasures of our National Parks because they don’t feel safe.
This is a recurring theme in the book, but at times, the author tended to spend more time on this topic than was absolutely necessary and I would have preferred to have more balance with the criminal elements, which I feel are required for any true crime book.
That said, backpacking and ‘roughing it’ in the wilderness is a place one might feel they could let their guard down and be more aware of the natural surroundings, such as wildlife, and survival measures, sadly, there is no place women, no matter their sexuality or race, can fully relax against the possibility of an attack, sexual or otherwise, especially considering that men are usually the predominant population in this specific landscape.
Overall, this book has been yet another example of shoddy, tunnel vision like investigations, and is also a study of crimes against women, while examining the challenges of solving crimes committed in National Parks or wilderness areas.
True crime readers will want to check this out. It is not only a riveting crime saga- it is as thought provoking as it is disturbing.
The Bald Eagle: The Improbable Journey of America’s Bird by Jack Emerson Davis is a 2022 Liveright publication.
According to Jack E. Davis the Bald EaThe Bald Eagle: The Improbable Journey of America’s Bird by Jack Emerson Davis is a 2022 Liveright publication.
According to Jack E. Davis the Bald Eagle has never been officially made the National bird of the United States, although our government websites list them as such.
No president or Congress as ever signed a proclamation or passed a law declaring the Bald Eagle to be our national bird.
This is the way Davis begins this book about the Bald Eagle and from there takes the reader on an interesting journey that covers the history of the Bald Eagle beginning with the story of how it became the symbol that graced the Great Seal of the United States, and through to present day.
Davis explores the eagle’s long history, not just as an American symbol, but the behaviors of the bird, its habits, etc., dispelling myths, and examining human interactions with the great bird, and how it nearly became extinct, not once, but twice.
“Humans had made the world confusing for the bald eagle. They had saddled the top predator with an undeserved reputation for being a tyrant and shameless coward, and ornithologists had affirmed that reputation. Yet, paradoxically, Americans also put the bald eagle up on a symbolic perch, where it asserted the ennobling virtues of a great nation.”
The Eagle has a split personality it seems- greatly admired and revered by some, but by others, the bird does not impress. Farmers and the Audubon society expressed disdain towards the Eagle.
The native people gave the eagle spiritual connotations, but the bird has often been a frequent target- not just from guns, but from poisons. But the Eagle, with the help of its champions has survived against all odds.
The bird is often a model for artists, there are sports teams named after it, and celebrities have attached their names to the conservation cause.
Thankfully, there were programs put in place that saved the Eagle, and attitudes toward the bird became more enlightened as people have become more conscious and informed about ecology, and about animals’ relation to humans, while stupid myths have been debunked.
Overall, this comprehensive history of the bald eagle is fascinating, but is also an easy and enjoyable book to read....more
The Solitude of Wolverines by Alice Henderson is a William Morrow publication.
White-knuckle suspense!
After Alex experiences an unsettling act of vioThe Solitude of Wolverines by Alice Henderson is a William Morrow publication.
White-knuckle suspense!
After Alex experiences an unsettling act of violence, she is offered an opportunity to study Wolverines at a wildlife sanctuary in Montana. This is just the break Alex needs, and without even thinking it over properly she jumps at the chance.
Upon arrival, at the spooky camping location, Alex gets the distinct impression she is not wanted there. Determined to proceed with her mission, Alex’s cameras pick up the Wolverines and something quite unexpected- a badly injured man.
Her reports to authorities are mostly dismissed, but the danger to Alex is most assuredly real…
I love a good environmental thriller- though I haven’t stumbled across one in a while- until now, that is. There is something about humans versus nature, about wildlife and isolated locations that creates a stronger level of suspense.
There was a lot going on in this novel- the landscape, the dangerous weather, the awe of tracking the wolverines, the greed of human nature, an unsettling backstory, as well as a very puzzling mystery.
I was hooked right from the get-go and couldn’t turn the pages fast enough! This new series has a gotten off a fabulous start and I’m very excited about tagging along with Alex Carter on her next big adventure!...more
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