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The Berman Murders: Unraveling the Mojave Desert's Most Mysterious Unsolved Crime
At daybreak on January 6, 1986, a couple on a camping trip in the Mojave Desert set out for a stroll and never returned. The local sheriff’s office eventually discovered that Barry and Louise Berman had been murdered. As years passed and the double homicide remained unsolved, the Berman case spawned speculation and conjecture. Despite extensive investigation by local and federal authorities, to date there’s never been an arrest made in the case – let alone a conviction. But this doesn’t mean the crime is unsolvable. After years of investigation, research, and interviews, Kari was able to link the Berman murders to a Cambodian sex crimes and trafficking case involving a former Marine. This is the first book to tell the full story of the Berman murders and uncover the likely suspect.
258 pages, Hardcover
First published March 5, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
January 18, 2024
I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
This was a true-crime pageturner that was nearly impossible to put down!
At the beginning were a factual geological description of how the topology of the regions were formed, and a true description of how sexual rules apply in a clothing-optional environment, along with an advisory that it contained graphic descriptions which some people might find disturbing.
Descriptions of the geography and geology of areas were delightful. There were vivid descriptions of what happened to the murder victims, and when it happened and was discovered. There were also vivid description of how the suspect – who was eventually convicted for other crimes – lived his life. He seems like an all-around bad guy. There were details about the court case and its appeals, which in itself was a novel application of law.
Although these were well-to-do murder victims, and a father with a famous fortune, I don’t recall hearing about this as it happened – with the disappearance having occurred nearly 40 years ago.
This was a true-crime pageturner that was nearly impossible to put down!
At the beginning were a factual geological description of how the topology of the regions were formed, and a true description of how sexual rules apply in a clothing-optional environment, along with an advisory that it contained graphic descriptions which some people might find disturbing.
Descriptions of the geography and geology of areas were delightful. There were vivid descriptions of what happened to the murder victims, and when it happened and was discovered. There were also vivid description of how the suspect – who was eventually convicted for other crimes – lived his life. He seems like an all-around bad guy. There were details about the court case and its appeals, which in itself was a novel application of law.
Although these were well-to-do murder victims, and a father with a famous fortune, I don’t recall hearing about this as it happened – with the disappearance having occurred nearly 40 years ago.
February 21, 2024
Thankyou Bookinfluencers for giving me the opportunity to read The Berman murders!
Firstoff, I checked the already existing reviews that were put on reviews and they weren't all that positive because not the whole book is about the Berman murder case, and some people were bothered by it. So here I am, stirring up the pot.
I loved the writing style of Doug Kari. He makes reading nonfiction very easy and fun to do! He writes in a way that makes the story more visual and easier to imagine with less cut and dry info to dig through.
He describes very carefully what happened to the Bermans and then proceeds to describe their trip to Saline Valley, using every point the drive by to give some information on their background, family, personality and beliefs. It was, for me, the very best part of the book and I enjoyed this way of reading about the Bermans a lot.
A map would have been convenient tho, because there are a lot of places that are named in the book that are unfamiliar for me as a Dutch person. I did however enjoy looking up those places and maps on my own and it even caused me to watch videos about Saline Valley.
There are some pictures in the middle of the book, which, in my opinion were placed a little bit in aff point, because they were pictures of what was already talked about and about what was still to come, giving away some spoilers of you didn't know the case already.
About halfway through, the subject changes from the murder to the suspect and then takes a turn to other crimes he committed. It could have used a trigger warning on sexual abuse of children, I was disgusted by it, although I can see why it was talked about. The Berman case never got the supect convicted but his other crimes paint a very clear picture on what kind of person he actually was.
I really still hope the case can be solved, but I am very glad the supect is behind bars and even almost cried when I read the verdict on his other charges. But I do hope one day, they find enough evidence to also charge him on the Berman murders. He may have never been convicted for those murders, but I am sure as hell he did it.
I loved reading about this subject, about these people and I loved reading a book from Doug Kari who is very meticulous about his research and his writing.
3,5-4 stars for The Berman Murders!
Firstoff, I checked the already existing reviews that were put on reviews and they weren't all that positive because not the whole book is about the Berman murder case, and some people were bothered by it. So here I am, stirring up the pot.
I loved the writing style of Doug Kari. He makes reading nonfiction very easy and fun to do! He writes in a way that makes the story more visual and easier to imagine with less cut and dry info to dig through.
He describes very carefully what happened to the Bermans and then proceeds to describe their trip to Saline Valley, using every point the drive by to give some information on their background, family, personality and beliefs. It was, for me, the very best part of the book and I enjoyed this way of reading about the Bermans a lot.
A map would have been convenient tho, because there are a lot of places that are named in the book that are unfamiliar for me as a Dutch person. I did however enjoy looking up those places and maps on my own and it even caused me to watch videos about Saline Valley.
There are some pictures in the middle of the book, which, in my opinion were placed a little bit in aff point, because they were pictures of what was already talked about and about what was still to come, giving away some spoilers of you didn't know the case already.
About halfway through, the subject changes from the murder to the suspect and then takes a turn to other crimes he committed. It could have used a trigger warning on sexual abuse of children, I was disgusted by it, although I can see why it was talked about. The Berman case never got the supect convicted but his other crimes paint a very clear picture on what kind of person he actually was.
I really still hope the case can be solved, but I am very glad the supect is behind bars and even almost cried when I read the verdict on his other charges. But I do hope one day, they find enough evidence to also charge him on the Berman murders. He may have never been convicted for those murders, but I am sure as hell he did it.
I loved reading about this subject, about these people and I loved reading a book from Doug Kari who is very meticulous about his research and his writing.
3,5-4 stars for The Berman Murders!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 8, 2024
Barry and Louis Berman go on a camping trip in the desert of California. When their vehicle is found abandoned they're declared missing and the search is on.
Surprisingly I had not heard of this case prior to picking up this book. Barry's background made it a bit interesting as did his family's reaction to him being missing. Things didn't get intriguing until the marine entered the story.
This was well written and well documented but it lacked on readability and intrigue.
Surprisingly I had not heard of this case prior to picking up this book. Barry's background made it a bit interesting as did his family's reaction to him being missing. Things didn't get intriguing until the marine entered the story.
This was well written and well documented but it lacked on readability and intrigue.
March 21, 2024
This is a short book but it took me a long time to get through it. It’s well researched and rich with descriptions of the people and places that inhabit the case, yet there is nary one photo included. So I spent a good deal of time googling. I found this to be an interesting case, but also frustrating because even though they were pretty sure who did it, there was never an arrest. This book just reenforced my belief that the Mojave Desert has a dark and dangerous side in addition to all the beauty that is found there. Thank you to @netgalley and @rowanandlittlefieldbooks
February 3, 2024
Compelling true story of the mysterious disappearance of a unique married couple with the husband who is the son from a wealthy family. In the search for answers to their disappearance the book turns into a murder mystery which is pretty much solved by the author’s piecing together the details of the topography and layout of the specific area of the Mojave Desert, witnesses’ facts and the presumed killer’s weird, kinky, sadistic life compiled with his lifestyle in Cambodia.
The writer’s style flowed without being overly flowery or trying too hard. The book goes a lot of places I wouldn’t have anticipated from the start and I enjoyed that!
I always looked forward to picking the book back up and I read this book quickly as I do every good book.
Thank you NetGalley for the advance copy. Highly recommend!
The writer’s style flowed without being overly flowery or trying too hard. The book goes a lot of places I wouldn’t have anticipated from the start and I enjoyed that!
I always looked forward to picking the book back up and I read this book quickly as I do every good book.
Thank you NetGalley for the advance copy. Highly recommend!
March 15, 2024
📚 Book Review: "The Berman Murders: Unraveling the Mojave Desert's Most Mysterious Unsolved Crime"
by Doug Kari 📚
Rating:5/5
Review:
👉 From the very first page, Kari masterfully draws readers into a world of intrigue, suspense, and relentless pursuit of justice.
👉At its core, this captivating narrative follows the chilling disappearance of Barry and Louise Berman during a seemingly idyllic camping trip in 1986. As the sun rose over the desert horizon on that fateful January morning, the couple ventured out for a stroll, never to return. What ensued was a decades-long saga of speculation, conjecture, and unanswered questions that gripped the imaginations of true crime enthusiasts worldwide.
👉Through meticulous research and expert storytelling, Kari peels back the layers of this complex case, offering readers an unprecedented glimpse into the lives of the victims and the web of deceit that shrouded their fate. With each turn of the page, Kari skillfully navigates the twists and turns of the investigation, uncovering new leads, suspects, and tantalizing clues along the way.
👉One of the book's most compelling aspects is Kari's exploration of potential suspects, including former Marine Corps captain Michael Pepe, whose chance encounter with the Bermans on that fateful day casts a shadow of suspicion over the entire investigation. As Kari delves deeper into Pepe's troubled past and possible motives, readers are drawn into a labyrinth of secrets and lies that threatens to engulf them.
👉What sets "The Berman Murders" apart is Kari's unwavering commitment to uncovering the truth, no matter how elusive it may seem. With dogged determination and unparalleled dedication, he meticulously pieces together the puzzle of the Bermans' disappearance, weaving a narrative that is as captivating as it is thought-provoking.
👉But beyond the intrigue and suspense lies a poignant tale of loss, resilience, and the enduring power of the human spirit. this book is a must-read for anyone who delights in the thrill of the chase and the triumph of truth over darkness.
Happy reading 😁😁
by Doug Kari 📚
Rating:5/5
Review:
👉 From the very first page, Kari masterfully draws readers into a world of intrigue, suspense, and relentless pursuit of justice.
👉At its core, this captivating narrative follows the chilling disappearance of Barry and Louise Berman during a seemingly idyllic camping trip in 1986. As the sun rose over the desert horizon on that fateful January morning, the couple ventured out for a stroll, never to return. What ensued was a decades-long saga of speculation, conjecture, and unanswered questions that gripped the imaginations of true crime enthusiasts worldwide.
👉Through meticulous research and expert storytelling, Kari peels back the layers of this complex case, offering readers an unprecedented glimpse into the lives of the victims and the web of deceit that shrouded their fate. With each turn of the page, Kari skillfully navigates the twists and turns of the investigation, uncovering new leads, suspects, and tantalizing clues along the way.
👉One of the book's most compelling aspects is Kari's exploration of potential suspects, including former Marine Corps captain Michael Pepe, whose chance encounter with the Bermans on that fateful day casts a shadow of suspicion over the entire investigation. As Kari delves deeper into Pepe's troubled past and possible motives, readers are drawn into a labyrinth of secrets and lies that threatens to engulf them.
👉What sets "The Berman Murders" apart is Kari's unwavering commitment to uncovering the truth, no matter how elusive it may seem. With dogged determination and unparalleled dedication, he meticulously pieces together the puzzle of the Bermans' disappearance, weaving a narrative that is as captivating as it is thought-provoking.
👉But beyond the intrigue and suspense lies a poignant tale of loss, resilience, and the enduring power of the human spirit. this book is a must-read for anyone who delights in the thrill of the chase and the triumph of truth over darkness.
Happy reading 😁😁
February 28, 2024
The disappearance of Barry and Louise was, at first, nothing too serious. Most figured they were just extending their vacation. Locals worried that something might have happened to the couple, as the desert was not a place that one wanted to get lost in.
As the search ramps up, after a very slow start by the local law enforcement, questions begin to arise.
This was a book that was rather disturbing. While I was expecting to read about a murder case, and you will (in short bursts), the majority of the book tends to focus around the person of interest. Michael Pepe, a former Marine Corps officer, was caught in Cambodia, forcing young girls into horrible acts (please see the book for details, I will not spell them out).
While he was extradited back to the United States, and stood trial, he was not charged in the Barry and Louise Berman case. It seems that while there was circumstantial evidence, there was not enough concrete evidence to tie him to the crime. While the bodies of Barry and Louise were eventually found, many of their possessions were gone, including jewelry and a silver belt buckle.
There was nothing that tied the suspect to these items, and if he still had them in his possession, he did a great job in hiding them, as they have not been found at the writing of this book.
While there was a lot of interesting information contained in this book, the title is almost misleading. As stated above, while the murder case is discussed, the majority of the book focuses not on the couple, but on Michael Pepe and the despicable human being that he is.
True crime readers will enjoy this, but please be wary of the content. There are some stomach turning areas, and as a mother, I was honestly horrified and disgusted.
Thanks to Edelweiss and Rowman & Littlefield Publishers for an advanced copy of this book.
As the search ramps up, after a very slow start by the local law enforcement, questions begin to arise.
This was a book that was rather disturbing. While I was expecting to read about a murder case, and you will (in short bursts), the majority of the book tends to focus around the person of interest. Michael Pepe, a former Marine Corps officer, was caught in Cambodia, forcing young girls into horrible acts (please see the book for details, I will not spell them out).
While he was extradited back to the United States, and stood trial, he was not charged in the Barry and Louise Berman case. It seems that while there was circumstantial evidence, there was not enough concrete evidence to tie him to the crime. While the bodies of Barry and Louise were eventually found, many of their possessions were gone, including jewelry and a silver belt buckle.
There was nothing that tied the suspect to these items, and if he still had them in his possession, he did a great job in hiding them, as they have not been found at the writing of this book.
While there was a lot of interesting information contained in this book, the title is almost misleading. As stated above, while the murder case is discussed, the majority of the book focuses not on the couple, but on Michael Pepe and the despicable human being that he is.
True crime readers will enjoy this, but please be wary of the content. There are some stomach turning areas, and as a mother, I was honestly horrified and disgusted.
Thanks to Edelweiss and Rowman & Littlefield Publishers for an advanced copy of this book.
March 3, 2024
This was a true-crime page-turner, it was impossible to put down!
On the morning of January 6, 1986, Barry and Louise Berman set off for a hike in the Saline Valley located in the Mojave Desert National Park. Once they left, they have never been heard from again. After multiple different agencies tried to locate the couple with all leads exhausted and the search yield nothing, their disappearance became a cold case.
In November of 1988, the remains of the couple we found in a shallow grave and identified through dental records. Kari did a wonderful job of telling us about the Bermans, and how they come to stay at the Saline Hot Spring. The beginning of the book really gives us a peek into who the Bergman’s were and how they lived. The second half of the book is more about what happened after their remains are found and who they think could have done this.
Then we are introduced to Michael J Pepe, a former Marine who has connections to a Cambodian sex crimes against children and trafficking case. Kari sheds light on how Pepe could be tied to the Bermans. Kari did a wonderful job on making you feel like you are watching this story unfold.
If you love true crime this book is a must-read. It is a book that will stay with you long after you have reached the end of the book. that will linger in your thoughts even after you've reached the final chapter.
My thanks to Ecco Books, Doug Kari, as well as NetGalley, for the opportunity to read and review an early copy of The Berman Murders.
On the morning of January 6, 1986, Barry and Louise Berman set off for a hike in the Saline Valley located in the Mojave Desert National Park. Once they left, they have never been heard from again. After multiple different agencies tried to locate the couple with all leads exhausted and the search yield nothing, their disappearance became a cold case.
In November of 1988, the remains of the couple we found in a shallow grave and identified through dental records. Kari did a wonderful job of telling us about the Bermans, and how they come to stay at the Saline Hot Spring. The beginning of the book really gives us a peek into who the Bergman’s were and how they lived. The second half of the book is more about what happened after their remains are found and who they think could have done this.
Then we are introduced to Michael J Pepe, a former Marine who has connections to a Cambodian sex crimes against children and trafficking case. Kari sheds light on how Pepe could be tied to the Bermans. Kari did a wonderful job on making you feel like you are watching this story unfold.
If you love true crime this book is a must-read. It is a book that will stay with you long after you have reached the end of the book. that will linger in your thoughts even after you've reached the final chapter.
My thanks to Ecco Books, Doug Kari, as well as NetGalley, for the opportunity to read and review an early copy of The Berman Murders.
March 16, 2024
Firstly - Thank you to NetGalley and Rowman & Littlefield Publishers for this opportunity to read and review The Berman Murders by Doug Kari.
This book was tough to read at times (and I am an avid reader and watcher of true crime). So if you’re someone deeply affected by sensitive subjects such as sexual assault I would take caution in reading this book.
While the author kind of veers off track from the Berman Murders themselves I feel that Doug Kari was effective in weaving this unsolved case throughout the course of the book and it still manages to flow really well. It doesn’t feel like you’re jumping around and it’s easy to follow. It’s through no fault of his own that he veers as this unsolved case has very little in the way of evidence. It is evident Doug Kari spent a tremendous amount of time and effort into research so as to remind us readers that the victims in this book are people just like us. Doug Kari shows respect to the victims and as a reader and human being that is something I admire and respect. It is so easy to get caught up in and feed into the offender and shock value of such heinous crimes. I would definitely be interested in reading more of Doug Kari’s work and I plan on recommending this work, and others of Doug Kari’s, to friends, family and other folks where I post my reviews.
This book was tough to read at times (and I am an avid reader and watcher of true crime). So if you’re someone deeply affected by sensitive subjects such as sexual assault I would take caution in reading this book.
While the author kind of veers off track from the Berman Murders themselves I feel that Doug Kari was effective in weaving this unsolved case throughout the course of the book and it still manages to flow really well. It doesn’t feel like you’re jumping around and it’s easy to follow. It’s through no fault of his own that he veers as this unsolved case has very little in the way of evidence. It is evident Doug Kari spent a tremendous amount of time and effort into research so as to remind us readers that the victims in this book are people just like us. Doug Kari shows respect to the victims and as a reader and human being that is something I admire and respect. It is so easy to get caught up in and feed into the offender and shock value of such heinous crimes. I would definitely be interested in reading more of Doug Kari’s work and I plan on recommending this work, and others of Doug Kari’s, to friends, family and other folks where I post my reviews.
March 2, 2024
In 1986, married couple Louise and Barry Berman went to the Mojave Desert for a romantic getaway and never came home. Years later, their remains were found in the desert, but despite a strong suspect, and investigation by state and federal law enforcement, the crime has never been solved. In this book, the author lays out the facts of the case, and what happened to the prime suspect following the death of the Bermans. I had never heard of this case before reading this book, and found it fascinating. Both Louise and Barry seem like they were incredible people, and their loss was devastating to their families. It is a true tragedy that no one has ever been brought to justice for their murders. Reading about what happened to the suspect after their deaths was truly disturbing, as he was involved in some truly heinous crimes. I found this book to be well written, and detailed without getting bogged down in too much information. The timeline was clear and easy to follow. The author did a great job at painting a picture about who Barry and Louise were as people, something not all true crime books do. I thought this was a good book, and would recommend it. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
February 13, 2024
"The Berman Murders" is a wild ride through a fascinating true crime story. Kari tells the story of "a colossal assembly of lapses, mistakes, miscues, and derelictions, at multiple levels of officialdom", that prevents this crime from being solved. He masterfully takes the reader from Saline Valley's "aura of unfettered freedom" to the wilds of Cambodia to tell the story of the murder of Barry and Louise Berman.
Kari does a great job of researching this true crime story by interviewing many involved across many years. It is clear that this book took a lot of work to complete and has personal meaning due to Kari's appreciation of the valley's "adventure, inspiration, and solace."
I would recommend this book to all fans of true crime and adventure stories.
Thank you to NetGalley and Rowman & Littlefield for this ARC!
Kari does a great job of researching this true crime story by interviewing many involved across many years. It is clear that this book took a lot of work to complete and has personal meaning due to Kari's appreciation of the valley's "adventure, inspiration, and solace."
I would recommend this book to all fans of true crime and adventure stories.
Thank you to NetGalley and Rowman & Littlefield for this ARC!
March 2, 2024
When you first start to read this story, you will think that Barry and Louise Berman are a fairly normal couple who venture out on a trip to an area of the Mojave Desert that has hot springs and not much else. It is definitely not a place you want to get lost in. This place reminds you of the old west where individualism is valued. It turns out that Barry comes from money as you will see and makes you if this will be a tie in the story when the couple go out for a stroll and never come back. So begins a massive search for them. There are parts in the story that make you wonder if there had not been some perceived missteps from law enforcement if anything would turn out different. Be forewarned that there is or should be a trigger warning because about halfway through the book it turns dark concerning the exploitation of children so be prepared. Overall, this was informative and really good read. Give it a look.
March 9, 2024
While I'm a true crime fan, I do not like to read "just the facts" dry recitations of a criminal case. Doug Kari is NOT that kind of author. He obviously spent considerable time and efforts reearching this cold case, then put them together in book form that displayed the Berman couple, their lifestyle and their disappearances. Then we learn how Doug Kari followed leads and a few clues to identify the man most likely to have killed this couple. The case has never been closed, the majority of the evidence is circumstantial with too many questions left unanswered. Kari's work contributed to the suspect's arrest and conviction on other crimes, but was unable to connect all the dots to stand trial for the Berman's deaths. This is the first of Kari's titles I have read. Now I'm on my way to look at his back library.
January 25, 2024
The Berman Murders is an interesting book about Barry and Louise Berman, who go on a 'make up' trip, and are never heard from again. Doug Kari is great at research as well as very familiar with the Mojave Desert, and really adds details that help one to picture the natural landscape and terrain that brings this area to life. In the investigations and digging, a suspect is uncovered, and then the story really shows that individual and his background in a different event, and how that event really ties to the Bermans story. I have not heard of this, the suspect, the other event...this was really bringing to light justice for the Bermans. Very well done!
*I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. This review is my own opinion*
*I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. This review is my own opinion*
February 26, 2024
Does it make any difference when someone somewhere is lost? As far as I can remember, I heard several stories where people went on a trip and never came back from there.
I used to crack jokes about these incidents and narrate such stories with a vivid image of some magical moments or something like that. Even the thought of getting away intentionally to avoid trouble was my ready-to-eat kind of solution back in those days.
The Berman case is quite chilly, as hearing those stories and relating to them recently makes me feel dubious and horrific. The couple goes on a trip and eventually loses control of their lives. Yes, they die! Why have they been murdered? Themes of trafficking, Cambodian sex crimes, etc. creep into the bodies of the readers as they turn the pages.
I used to crack jokes about these incidents and narrate such stories with a vivid image of some magical moments or something like that. Even the thought of getting away intentionally to avoid trouble was my ready-to-eat kind of solution back in those days.
The Berman case is quite chilly, as hearing those stories and relating to them recently makes me feel dubious and horrific. The couple goes on a trip and eventually loses control of their lives. Yes, they die! Why have they been murdered? Themes of trafficking, Cambodian sex crimes, etc. creep into the bodies of the readers as they turn the pages.
March 7, 2024
4 1/2 stars. It had been a while since I read a true crime book, and I found this to be intriguing. All the research from before the disappearance to well after was very interesting. Things that went wrong and held up the investigation seemed incredible but probably appropriate for that time. The murderer was named with more legalese and procedures to still keep him from paying for the crime. The author documented all sources gathered over about a decade so that one could check on the facts. Justice kind of won out in the end. My only issue was with the bouncing back and forth in time. Maybe a depiction of the timeline would have helped.
I received a copy through RABT Book Tours, and this is my unsolicited review.
I received a copy through RABT Book Tours, and this is my unsolicited review.
March 19, 2024
This is a very well-researched and well-written true crime narrative about a still unsolved case. He interviews family members of the victims as well as witnesses who saw the Bermans at the park and Hot Springs where they were last seen alive. There is one person in particular of interest and the author effectively follows his story to present day including other horrific crimes he ended up in jail for (involving child trafficking in Cambodia). While justice has not yet been served in the Berman murders, the fact that this suspect is in jail for these other horrific crimes gives Louise's son some sense of closure.
Thank you to Netgalley and Rowman & Littlefield for an ARC and I voluntarily left this review.
Thank you to Netgalley and Rowman & Littlefield for an ARC and I voluntarily left this review.
January 23, 2024
I apparently skipped over the line in the description that said these crimes would somehow be tied to trafficking in Cambodia. That felt like the most in depth part of this whole book and I was not expecting it.
It actually feels misleading to call it The Berman Murders when really we learn very little about them, and instead are given really explicit information about the prime suspect's other unrelated, heinous crimes. Regarding the titular crime we're only given some broad info on when they went missing, when they were found, and some speculation in between.
**I received my copy from Netgalley.
It actually feels misleading to call it The Berman Murders when really we learn very little about them, and instead are given really explicit information about the prime suspect's other unrelated, heinous crimes. Regarding the titular crime we're only given some broad info on when they went missing, when they were found, and some speculation in between.
**I received my copy from Netgalley.
March 4, 2024
I loved this cover and it draws you in to want to read it and then the title of this book makes it intriguing to want to read.
True crime is one of my favorite genres! This was a great read and I had never heard of this case of Barry and Louise Berman who went camping for a romantic getaway. The author did great at bringing facts to the story and to learn what happened to this couple. It was well written by an attorney and journalist. The story is heartbreaking and i am glad i received an advanced copy.
I will read more by this author and loved the writing.
Thanks NetGalley for letting me read and review.
True crime is one of my favorite genres! This was a great read and I had never heard of this case of Barry and Louise Berman who went camping for a romantic getaway. The author did great at bringing facts to the story and to learn what happened to this couple. It was well written by an attorney and journalist. The story is heartbreaking and i am glad i received an advanced copy.
I will read more by this author and loved the writing.
Thanks NetGalley for letting me read and review.
April 30, 2024
There are thousands of tourists that go missing every year so did this missing persons investigation warrant the time and resources that t actually took. And why was the case just categorized as missing person instead of a homicide. You can find stats missing hikers here https://www.nps.gov/orgs/1563/cold-ca.... There are many holes in this story including the fact that the suspect was never charged with homicide but ended up with a 210 year sentence for violating a federal law on traveling to foreign countries to obtain child sex trafficking. It’s a weird story but the reason there is difficulty investigating these crimes on public lands is that are often many different jurisdictions involved as the criminals know that.
February 18, 2024
Through in-depth exploration, Kari vividly portrays the victims, the crime scene, and the relentless pursuit for the truth. His straightforward writing style and thorough analysis present every detail of the case with clarity, keeping true crime enthusiasts engaged until the very end.
While the narrative is intense, Kari's expertise in storytelling and comprehensive examination of the facts make for a compelling and enlightening read. If you love true crime and tales of justice prevailing, this book is a must-read that will linger in your thoughts even after you've reached the final chapter.
While the narrative is intense, Kari's expertise in storytelling and comprehensive examination of the facts make for a compelling and enlightening read. If you love true crime and tales of justice prevailing, this book is a must-read that will linger in your thoughts even after you've reached the final chapter.
March 27, 2024
I received this book in exchange for a honest review from NetGalley.
Overall I really enjoyed this book but it was definitely not what I thought I was getting into. I went into this book thinking it would be a adult true crime and murder case, knowing a little about the Bermans. I was not expecting the rabbit hole this case takes. So for those sensitive to it know that this case also contains a great deal of detail about CSA and CSAM. Despite this troubling material the authors writing is interesting, informative and entertaining.
Overall I really enjoyed this book but it was definitely not what I thought I was getting into. I went into this book thinking it would be a adult true crime and murder case, knowing a little about the Bermans. I was not expecting the rabbit hole this case takes. So for those sensitive to it know that this case also contains a great deal of detail about CSA and CSAM. Despite this troubling material the authors writing is interesting, informative and entertaining.
December 30, 2023
Doug Kari has written an interesting, methodical account of the mysterious disappearance of Barry and Louise Berman from a camping trip in California in 1986. Barry Berman was the only child of Jules Berman, the so called 'Kahlua King.' Decades go by with leads and suspects being investigated by lots of law enforcement officers and agencies. Remains of the couple are found a distance from the camping area, but resolution of the case is never achieved.
February 4, 2024
I absolutely loved this book! It completely fed into my inner crime junkie, and I practically devoured it in three days. There were parts that were relatively graphic so I definitely appreciated the forewarning. This was a fantastic nonfiction book! I would recommend this book to all of my fellow true crime junkies.
February 22, 2024
I enjoyed this very interesting book about the disappearance of Barry and Louise Berman who were camping and went for a stroll in the Movave Desert on January 6, 1986 never to return. The author did an excellent job researching and writing this fascinating story.
Thank you NetGalley and Rowman and Littlefield Publishers for the ARC of this very interesting book.
Thank you NetGalley and Rowman and Littlefield Publishers for the ARC of this very interesting book.
January 8, 2024
Interesting true crime.
Thanks to author, publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book. While I got the book for free it had no bearing on the rating I gave it.
Thanks to author, publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book. While I got the book for free it had no bearing on the rating I gave it.
January 18, 2024
Interesting true crime case. It explains the story of Barry and Louise Berman.
The story got interesting once the marine got involved.
The story got interesting once the marine got involved.
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