When Jana Monroe was growing up all she wanted to do was right the wrongs of the world. This desire led her to become one of the few female police officers in Long Beach, California. A few years later, she applied for and got accepted into the FBI where she made a mark as one of only a few women in a male-dominated world. She worked cases in New Mexico and Florida before starting training with the FBI's world-renowned Behaviorial Science Unit. With the BSU, she consulted on more than 850 homicide cases, profiling serial killers and helping to catch murderers. She even coached Jodie Foster on her role as Clarice Starling in the movie
The Silence of the Lambs.
Her biography, Hearts of Darkness, was my nonfiction read for this month, and it's such a compelling book! Monroe chronicles her time in the FBI with both honesty and humor. And her writing feels very conversational as she relates her most memorable cases and experiences. And she certainly saw the worst of humanity in her job. But she never stopped working to make a difference. Her resilience and intelligence shines through on every page. She's a remarkable woman. And this book is a mix of memoir and true crime that I found very interesting. 4/5 stars.
Happy Reading!
This sounds excellent! I will look it up later.
ReplyDeleteIt's an interesting read. And I liked how natural and conversational her narrative felt.
DeleteA fascinating memoir/crime book. And she coached Jodie Foster! Amazing! Have a good week.
ReplyDeleteIt was fun to read about her time with Jodie Foster! She worked a little with Demi Moore, too.
DeleteWhat a fascinating and purposeful life she has led.
ReplyDeleteA lot more fascinating than mine. ;D
DeleteOh, how interesting! At first glance, I assumed this was a thriller -- but it's awesome to realize that it's a memoir. Adding to my TBR! Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteIt does sound like it could be a thriller, doesn't it? Someone should do a TV series with her as the main character.
DeleteIt's a memoir? That's even better. Great review.
ReplyDeleteIt's really good.
DeleteIt sounds like a fascinating memoir about a remarkable woman. I'm always interested in learning about true crime and the work of law enforcement. Jana Monroe's story sounds particularly compelling, especially given her experience as one of the few female agents in the FBI.
ReplyDeleteAnd her time in the FBI was certainly an interesting one. I learned a lot.
DeleteThis sounds like a fascinating memoir! I don't read much non-fiction, but I'm adding this one to my list. Great review, Lark!
ReplyDeleteIt reads fast, especially the first half. The second half was quite as interesting, but still good.
DeleteIt does sound fascinating! Great review, Lark!
ReplyDeleteHer job's a lot more interesting than mine...a lot more intense and challenging, too.
DeleteThis books sounds very good, and I hope to read it someday. I don't read a lot of nonfiction or memoirs, but there are lots of elements to this that would be interesting.
ReplyDeleteI really liked reading about her time with the FBI and some of the cases she worked.
DeleteThis sounds like a memoir I'd actually like! I'll see if I can get a copy. Thanks for putting it on my radar, Lark! :)
ReplyDeleteHope you get a chance to check it out. :D
DeleteSounds very good.
ReplyDeleteIt was definitely very interesting!
DeleteLark, wow! This sounds like such an interesting read. I'm definitely adding it to my TBR list :) Wishing you a lovely week!
ReplyDeleteI think you would like this one, Nadia. :D
DeleteThis looks good and I like the sound of a mix of memoir and true crime. I found Paul Hole's book interesting and it was similar. Adding this to my TBR.
ReplyDeleteI'll have to look up Paul Hole's book!
DeleteThis sounds very interesting, Lark.
ReplyDeleteIt really was.
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