Pure Murder (Pinnacle True Crime)
by Corey Mitchell
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Book Summary Information
Author: Corey MitchellEdition: Mass Market Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2008-06-01
ISBN: 0786018518
Number of pages: 320
Publisher: Pinnacle Books
Book Reviews of Pure Murder (Pinnacle True Crime)
Book Review: Corey Mitchell is THE best true crime author today
Summary: 5 Stars
I have been an avid reader of true crime for a number of years, but have only been compelled to review the work of one author: Corey Mitchell. There is something about the way Mitchell writes that not only pulls me directly into each story he tells, but also inspires me as a citizen. No other true crime author is able to compile so much research, yet make it interesting, gripping, and terrifyng. In addition, a reader of his books learns about all the key players involved, not just the victims or just the killers. He is truly a gifted author who stands head and shoulders above all modern day true crime authors and easily ranks among the greats like McGinniss, Capote, Rule, and Bugliosi.
Mitchell's excellent writing reaches an even higher level with the story of Jennifer Ertman and Elizabeth Pena, murdered by six teenage boys in Houston in 1993. Most true crime books throw the murder in your face within the first ten pages. Not Mitchell. He draws out the tension by forcing you to get to know both of the girls, what they are like, their character and their flaws; and the boys, all six of them, and how they got to the point of being capable of murder. It takes almost 200 pages to actually get to the murder, and by the time you are there it is almost unbearable. Mitchell's ability to make you feel for the victims and fret for the killers has not been replicated in other recent true crime works. The tension is palpable, and, as always, Mitchell thrusts you right into the horrible scene on that hot Houston day.
The crime itself is almost too frightening to believe and Mitchell paints a most vivid depiction. I'm glad he does because it made me realize how truly despicable these young men were and how horribly they assaulted, raped, mutilated, and finally killed these two sweet teenage girls.
The second half of the book is a heart-wrenching look at how insensitive the legal system is for the family members of crime victims. The ordeals that the Ertmans and Penas had to endure were outrageous, yet somehow, the families come off as dedicated, yet humorous individuals. Both families are to be commended for how they have dealt with the continuous legal manuevering by the defendants for fifteen years and counting.
Not much of a death penalty advocate, I had no problem whatsoever in feeling relieved that one of the killers, Jose Medellin, was executed in Texas recently. The fact that he was allowed to live 15 years after these murders is pathetic, as were the attempts by President George Bush and Condoleeza Rice to stall his execution.
"Pure Murder" is a heart-wrenching classic that is truly destined to become one of the most memorable and greatest true crime books ever penned. An instant classic.
Summary of Pure Murder (Pinnacle True Crime)
Two Innocent TeensThe crime was unspeakable. On a summer night in Houston, two bright, beautiful, success-bound teenage girls crossed paths with a group of young men fueled with alcohol and rage. Four days later, when searchers finally found Jennifer Ertman and Elizabeth Pena, their bodies were unrecognizable...
An Orgy Of Violence
At first, the teenage boys grabbed Elizabeth, while Jennifer escaped. But Elizabeth's desperate cries brought Jennifer back to help her best friend. Both girls were subjected to sexual assaults of every conceivable kind...and long, painful, drawn-out deaths...
No Mercy
For days afterward, the killers bragged openly about their crime. By the time prosecutors got the case, convictions for double murder looked like a "slam dunk." But the families of the victims were in for a horrible surprise. In this terrifying case, justice would be a torturous journey...
Includes 16 Pages Of Shocking Photos
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