A Treasury of XX Century Murder Compendium I

Starred review from August 1, 2017

Geary has compiled previously published graphic novel representations of three of America's most sensational murder investigations at the turn of the century: the kidnapping and death of the Lindbergh baby, the Axe-Man of New Orleans, and the fatal shooting of Stanford White. Excellent black-and-white pen sketches grimly bring each account to life; readers will feel as though they're watching a true crime documentary. Geary provides plenty of background information for those unfamiliar with these crimes, along with a brief bibliography before each chapter for further reading. Each case is fully dissected, but particularly chilling is the retelling of the murders of the Axe-Man of New Orleans, a serial killer who targeted immigrant grocers in 1918 and 1919, leading authorities on a wild goose chase and raising puzzling questions: Why were the victims' valuables left untouched? Why immigrant grocers? Did the Axe-Man know his victims, or did he attack at random? Geary evokes mystery and suspense, creating a truly spine-tingling read. VERDICT With the popularity of true crime shows such as Making a Murderer and The Keepers on the rise, this compendium of death will no doubt have loads of teen appeal. For every YA collection.-Tyler Hixson, Brooklyn Public Library

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