One review you do not want to miss!
Three out of one hundred and twenty books have been read (plus a couple extra not on the booklist). This was a read that I could NOT put down, nor did I want to. To know more about another elusive serial killer, I had to keep turning the page and Robert Graysmith does not disappoint with his research. Even more, Graysmith is a devoted writer who continued his pursuit of information even when the Zodiac took a four-year hiatus from writing letters.
When I first started this novel, I was already anticipating it to be a great read after reading the many 5 star reviews about it. Choosing this read for January fits in with the goal of reading true crime. The more I delve into the world of serial killers (on paper, that is) I find it to be consuming (just Michelle McNamara did). Without further ado, here is my review!
The Zodiac, as he claimed the pseudonym in his letters, is the American serial killer who eluded policemen through the late 1960s to the early 1970s. His first known victims were two young teenagers, David Arthur Faraday (aged 17) and Betty Loud Jensen (aged 16) were shot and killed in December of 1968. They were murdered in the town's known "Lover's Lane" and seven months later his next victims were murdered.
When the Zodiac sent his first letter and cipher, people were both baffled and enthused at the prospects of discovering his identity. The Zodiac wanted to be in the spotlight of attention, as he created his cipher and taunted the San Francisco Police Department. Spanning Northern California, the Zodiac would go on to murder several other couples, as it seemed he killed in pairs, save a few victims.
Many of the victims that have lived or escaped the Zodiac have changed their names (several times) and relocated throughout the North American continent. Victims lived in fear, and I can imagine they still may hold that fear. But, this novel explores more, diving into several reasons why a person could do such vile acts.
This is a novel of research, depth, and an understanding of how one author can be dedicated to piecing together the movements of a serial killer. It is, without saying, that Robert Graysmith is an accomplished writer. I admit Michelle McNamara's work was deeper.
Nonetheless, each writer is talented, and Robert Graysmith's novel gives us an in-depth look at who the Zodiac is. While he has evaded the police for over fifty years, one of his cryptograms (340 cipher) was recently cracked by a team from the United States, Australia, and Belgium. It was sent to the San Francisco Chronicle originally, but with no luck some fifty years ago.
So, here it is. One of the most interesting reads I have had the honor of reading for the first month of 2021. I am happy to give this novel a 4 out of 5 stars.
Thanks for reading!
Until next time,
Riss Reviews
The picture can be found: https://www.target.com/p/zodiac-by-robert-graysmith-paperback/-/A-79599226
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