- by Darlington O. 28 Oct. 2022
Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of “TRACKRS: On the Cold Trail of a Serial Killer” by Michael A. Jacobs
4 out of 4 stars
A realistic account of real-life events can be a challenging undertaking, especially if said events are of a gruesome and criminal nature. Fortunately, in TRACKRS: On the Cold Trail of a Serial Killer, the experienced hands of Michael A. Jacobs shine through. With methodical and detailed writing, Jacobs does an admirable job of presenting the cold facts of these homicide cases in a manner not devoid of sympathy yet not marred with sentiments.
The result is a book that captures the author’s recollections of real-life events, people, and places in a fashion that compels the reader(s) to confront ugly realities and forces them to consider the menace of serial murder while also evoking empathy towards the loved ones of these murdered victims.
The narrative revolves around Michael A. Jacobs, who works as a senior trial deputy district attorney in the Orange County District Attorney’s Office. It traces his gradual interest and increasing involvement in resolving two unsolved homicide cases brought along by Mel Jenson (a colleague) on his transfer to the felony department from the homicide department. This involvement sparks a series of events that culminate in the discovery and eventual prosecution of a serial killer.
On a personal note, I must confess that the book is well-edited and properly referenced. Each chapter is followed by explanatory notes concerning issues/subjects that may have been ambiguous, thereby making it easier for a reader to understand the circumstances surrounding the events at the time they transpired.
In addition, there are exact dates, names, and locations clearly indicated throughout the book, and they lend credence to the integrity of the story while becoming a useful aid to any individual seeking to inquire further into the cases. Finally, I appreciated the author’s overall style and diction, especially in not glossing over the disturbing accounts of the murders (and autopsy results) but at the same time conveying delicacy in the writing of such accounts, a difficult feat indeed.
However, there are also aspects of the book that I did not like. Firstly, the chapters of the book were uneven, and although they did not lessen the book’s narrative impact, the book did not feel balanced. For instance, Chapters 10 and 11 were short, while Chapters 9, 17, and 18 were unusually long.
Also, the epilogue was burdened with unnecessary detail, the short summary of the lives of major persons in the story following the aftermath of the case was a fitting addition, but the accounts of the resolved cases should have been limited to five (or six) at most. The number of cases noted is extraneous, and they do not really serve any practical purpose. If so desired, a comprehensive list might have been attached as an addendum. This would have been a better-fitting choice.
In conclusion, the book is a first-rate read. I rate it 4 out of 4. While the book could have been better without the negative aspects, it is an intriguing read. It is recommended to fans of true crime.