Book Review: Saint Bloodbath

Reviewed by Melissa Suggitt

A spellbinding true crime story that captivates the heart and mind

Saint Bloodbath is an exceptional true crime book. The author (with experience as an L.A. County Homocide Sergeant) writes about five lives that intersect and end tragically in a homeless encampment in Southern California: LV, Vanessa, Frederick, Sammy, and Kat. 

Each person is a unique soul, facing the struggles and hardships of life on the streets. But on one fateful day in 2008, their paths would be forever entwined by this unimaginable act of violence that sent shockwaves through the community. 

As readers move further into the investigation with Detectives McGuire and Cortes, the two competent and compassionate officers assigned to the case, another chilling murder is discovered. This time a young gang member named Tony holds an unsettling link. What unfolds is a haunting tale of tragedy, mystery, and the relentless pursuit of justice.

The book’s core strength lies in its remarkable portrayal of the victims and the police officers involved in the case. As both cases become even more disturbing and gruesome, and we follow the officers through the crime scenes and interviews thereafter, it becomes apparent just how well Reynolds does in depicting the human side of these heroes. 

By delving into their lives, motivations, and challenges, the author elevates them beyond the role of mere investigators. The officers feel like real people, their determination and resilience a source of inspiration. When it comes to the victims, he devotes time and care to humanizing each individual, granting them the dignity and recognition they deserve. These six lives, often overlooked by society, are rendered with such vividness that readers can’t help but be moved. The author’s approach is heartfelt, reminding us that each person had a story to tell, dreams, and hopes that were tragically cut short.

Saint Bloodbath is not simply a recounting of heinous acts, but a call to action. The author skillfully uses the lens of true crime to explore broader societal issues, such as homelessness, race, and social neglect. Through the narratives of the victims and the tireless officers, the book prompts introspection and contemplation about the collective responsibility to address systemic problems.

As a reader who is well-versed in true crime, it can be difficult to find a story that isn’t dry or leans too heavily on the details of a case. I found the writing style refreshing here. While it doesn’t skimp on the details or the facts, they are not the vehicle used to tell this story, and it makes for an easier and more immersive read. It truly feels like a crime procedural more than nonfiction, which makes it all the more jarring when you remember how real this story is. 

There’s a deft balancing act here between the brutal realities of the case and moments of levity within the dialogue. This infusion of humor as Detectives McGuire and Cortes make their way through the case, and through life, serves not to diminish the gravity of the crimes but rather to emphasize the resilience of the human spirit even in the darkest of times. The playful tone, realistic turns of phrases from each culture, and overall grounded-in-reality dialogue act as a beacon of light amidst the somberness, making the book more accessible to a wider audience.

This narrative is a compelling call to action, urging us to confront broader societal issues and seek justice for those whose voices have been silenced. Any lover of the genre would be remiss not to pick this one up. 

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