HUNTING A PSYCHOPATH New Book release

[woofytreats]

Nov 10, 2014 16:49:01 GMT ice said:

I have now finished the book and overall it was an enjoyable read from the POV of the information contained within it. A good complement to ST. Unfortunately, I found the number of gramatical errors, spelling mistakes and typos very distracting. Was this just the Kindle version or was the printed version as bad? I don't think anybody related to the publishing of HaP proofread it at any point.

As I mentioned elsewhere, I was very disappointed with the amount of leads or stories that went nowhere. Too often this was down to a lack of follow up, but occasionally it was due to the writer switching gears too quickly. A great example of this was the section on the not really 6' 1" Jamison (who died aged 54 in 2010) and his pudgy 5' 10" cousin. Just as the story is getting interesting, the paragraph ends and Shelby starts talking about something else. WTF?! Are we to assume both were DNA tested and cleared? Perhaps I'm missing something here.

Also, Shelby includes enough information to make you seriously consider the possibility of there being two EARs or at least an accomplice. He never sides with that theory but it does make you wonder as you read the descriptions of the assailant by each victim.

Overall, it's great that Shelby got this book out there as this case needs publicity to keep it in the public eye. When is Michelle's book due out?! I've nothing to read!

I too have the Kindle version and ( as this wasn't mentioned in other reviews ) I chalked up the spelling mistakes and the occasional missing word to creation / conversion to the Kindle format.  My impression of the book's mission wasn't so much in line with 'solving the case' as it was creating questions and generating discussion that would help move the case forward. Hence, the open ended resolves that closed some of the sections. Some of the apparent lack of follow up would probably need to be contextualized fuller to understand it. I think he could have made it a 750 pg. book with greater detail that would have to be vetted by lawyers and just "go through channels" of a book deal for publishing approval but I don't think that was the mission. Read: self-publish on Booklocker. Unfortunately, it seems publishers like HarperCollins will put a media machine behind something like the latest Zodiac book but "books that matter" are left to be self-published if you don't have any media cache or aren't an established author.

Given that Shelby retired over 20 years ago and doesn't have access to much of what he could have utilized back then ( that wasn't already destroyed due to the SOL ), he makes it clear he's drawing on memory and information he gleaned from available documents, interviews and old co-workers. I view the book in that sense versus something that ( for example ) Michelle McNamara might put out which might put more meat to the bone and, then again, might not. 

[magnumforce73]

Nov 10, 2014 18:06:15 GMT woofytreats said:

Nov 10, 2014 16:49:01 GMT ice said:

I have now finished the book and overall it was an enjoyable read from the POV of the information contained within it. A good complement to ST. Unfortunately, I found the number of gramatical errors, spelling mistakes and typos very distracting. Was this just the Kindle version or was the printed version as bad? I don't think anybody related to the publishing of HaP proofread it at any point.

As I mentioned elsewhere, I was very disappointed with the amount of leads or stories that went nowhere. Too often this was down to a lack of follow up, but occasionally it was due to the writer switching gears too quickly. A great example of this was the section on the not really 6' 1" Jamison (who died aged 54 in 2010) and his pudgy 5' 10" cousin. Just as the story is getting interesting, the paragraph ends and Shelby starts talking about something else. WTF?! Are we to assume both were DNA tested and cleared? Perhaps I'm missing something here.

Also, Shelby includes enough information to make you seriously consider the possibility of there being two EARs or at least an accomplice. He never sides with that theory but it does make you wonder as you read the descriptions of the assailant by each victim.

Overall, it's great that Shelby got this book out there as this case needs publicity to keep it in the public eye. When is Michelle's book due out?! I've nothing to read!

I too have the Kindle version and ( as this wasn't mentioned in other reviews ) I chalked up the spelling mistakes and the occasional missing word to creation / conversion to the Kindle format.  My impression of the book's mission wasn't so much in line with 'solving the case' as it was creating questions and generating discussion that would help move the case forward. Hence, the open ended resolves that closed some of the sections. Some of the apparent lack of follow up would probably need to be contextualized fuller to understand it. I think he could have made it a 750 pg. book with greater detail that would have to be vetted by lawyers and just "go through channels" of a book deal for publishing approval but I don't think that was the mission. Read: self-publish on Booklocker. Unfortunately, it seems publishers like HarperCollins will put a media machine behind something like the latest Zodiac book but "books that matter" are left to be self-published if you don't have any media cache or aren't an established author.

Given that Shelby retired over 20 years ago and doesn't have access to much of what he could have utilized back then ( that wasn't already destroyed due to the SOL ), he makes it clear he's drawing on memory and information he gleaned from available documents, interviews and old co-workers. I view the book in that sense versus something that ( for example ) Michelle McNamara might put out which might put more meat to the bone and, then again, might not. 

"Unfortunately, it seems publishers like HarperCollins will put a media machine behind something like the latest Zodiac book..."

This here.  That's the damnable part of it, Woofy--it's crucial for the information to be shelled out in all directions for public consumption.  I still believe it's the public who'll get the job done if he's going to be found and caught alive--because I don't believe his DNA is in the C.O.D.I.S. database.  On the other hand, the media mutts muck up the facts being that profits are their primary concern--not factual evidence being presented in a blitz-like fashion.  At the same time, EAR/ONS isn't exactly the most charming reading material--I firmly believe anyone a regular at this board (myself especially included) has an intriguing, intense if sometimes unhealthy obsession with these cases--so I can't be completely a hardass with an established publishing house for being reluctant to appropriate funds to such an endeavor.  Ultimately I realize, at the end of the day, it's about the bottom line--always a green one.

I applaud Ms. McNamara's efforts in keeping this important story alive and in the center of the spotlight--as it should be until he's identified, alive or dead.  My only gripe is that damned "GSK" moniker.  Ugh.  He's the Night Stalker.  End of story--for now.

mf73

[northernjustice]

I ordered this from Amazon on October 23rd and the book has yet to be shipped to me.

It sounds like others had a delay in shipment as well. Does anyone have any background as to why orders are so problematic? On top of all the other problems related to this case and its lack of media attention, of course this would be yet another difficulty.

[V]

Nov 11, 2014 18:55:26 GMT magnumforce73 said:

Nov 10, 2014 18:06:15 GMT woofytreats said:

I too have the Kindle version and ( as this wasn't mentioned in other reviews ) I chalked up the spelling mistakes and the occasional missing word to creation / conversion to the Kindle format.  My impression of the book's mission wasn't so much in line with 'solving the case' as it was creating questions and generating discussion that would help move the case forward. Hence, the open ended resolves that closed some of the sections. Some of the apparent lack of follow up would probably need to be contextualized fuller to understand it. I think he could have made it a 750 pg. book with greater detail that would have to be vetted by lawyers and just "go through channels" of a book deal for publishing approval but I don't think that was the mission. Read: self-publish on Booklocker. Unfortunately, it seems publishers like HarperCollins will put a media machine behind something like the latest Zodiac book but "books that matter" are left to be self-published if you don't have any media cache or aren't an established author.

Given that Shelby retired over 20 years ago and doesn't have access to much of what he could have utilized back then ( that wasn't already destroyed due to the SOL ), he makes it clear he's drawing on memory and information he gleaned from available documents, interviews and old co-workers. I view the book in that sense versus something that ( for example ) Michelle McNamara might put out which might put more meat to the bone and, then again, might not. 

"Unfortunately, it seems publishers like HarperCollins will put a media machine behind something like the latest Zodiac book..."

This here.  That's the damnable part of it, Woofy--it's crucial for the information to be shelled out in all directions for public consumption.  I still believe it's the public who'll get the job done if he's going to be found and caught alive--because I don't believe his DNA is in the C.O.D.I.S. database.  On the other hand, the media mutts muck up the facts being that profits are their primary concern--not factual evidence being presented in a blitz-like fashion.  At the same time, EAR/ONS isn't exactly the most charming reading material--I firmly believe anyone a regular at this board (myself especially included) has an intriguing, intense if sometimes unhealthy obsession with these cases--so I can't be completely a hardass with an established publishing house for being reluctant to appropriate funds to such an endeavor.  Ultimately I realize, at the end of the day, it's about the bottom line--always a green one.

I applaud Ms. McNamara's efforts in keeping this important story alive and in the center of the spotlight--as it should be until he's identified, alive or dead.  My only gripe is that damned "GSK" moniker.  Ugh.  He's the Night Stalker.  End of story--for now.

mf73

Completely agree about the GSK name. It's terrible.

[lepke]

Nov 12, 2014 2:00:03 GMT V said:

Nov 11, 2014 18:55:26 GMT magnumforce73 said:

"Unfortunately, it seems publishers like HarperCollins will put a media machine behind something like the latest Zodiac book..."

This here.  That's the damnable part of it, Woofy--it's crucial for the information to be shelled out in all directions for public consumption.  I still believe it's the public who'll get the job done if he's going to be found and caught alive--because I don't believe his DNA is in the C.O.D.I.S. database.  On the other hand, the media mutts muck up the facts being that profits are their primary concern--not factual evidence being presented in a blitz-like fashion.  At the same time, EAR/ONS isn't exactly the most charming reading material--I firmly believe anyone a regular at this board (myself especially included) has an intriguing, intense if sometimes unhealthy obsession with these cases--so I can't be completely a hardass with an established publishing house for being reluctant to appropriate funds to such an endeavor.  Ultimately I realize, at the end of the day, it's about the bottom line--always a green one.

I applaud Ms. McNamara's efforts in keeping this important story alive and in the center of the spotlight--as it should be until he's identified, alive or dead.  My only gripe is that damned "GSK" moniker.  Ugh.  He's the Night Stalker.  End of story--for now.

mf73

Completely agree about the GKS name. It's terrible.

Don't start getting dyslexic on me. GSK is also a well-known abbreviation for a drug company.

[V]

Nov 12, 2014 2:27:38 GMT lepke said:

Nov 12, 2014 2:00:03 GMT V said:

Completely agree about the GKS name. It's terrible.

Don't start getting dyslexic on me. GSK is also a well-known abbreviation for a drug company.

lol...ooops. Let me fix that. 

[magnumforce73]

Nov 11, 2014 23:44:52 GMT northernjustice said:

I ordered this from Amazon on October 23rd and the book has yet to be shipped to me.

It sounds like others had a delay in shipment as well. Does anyone have any background as to why orders are so problematic? On top of all the other problems related to this case and its lack of media attention, of course this would be yet another difficulty.

That's the the main reason I didn't buy from Amazon--when I first searched for the book about a month ago, Amazon had it in "Temporarily Out Of Stock" Status for a long time (and right on top of the book's release date), so I ordered directly from www.booklocker.com.  You're right though--strange why a new release would have a such a problematic launch.  

I hope today's the day you're greeted by the sight of Lt. Shelby's book on your doorstep or mailbox.  Justice, despite what you might've read about the mechanics and various other written English devices in the novel, the book is an invaluable addition to the literature collection, which I'm sure you'll quickly find out as soon as you get to tear into the book.

mf73

[V]

Nov 12, 2014 11:06:53 GMT magnumforce73 said:

Nov 11, 2014 23:44:52 GMT northernjustice said:

I ordered this from Amazon on October 23rd and the book has yet to be shipped to me.

It sounds like others had a delay in shipment as well. Does anyone have any background as to why orders are so problematic? On top of all the other problems related to this case and its lack of media attention, of course this would be yet another difficulty.

That's the the main reason I didn't buy from Amazon--when I first searched for the book about a month ago, Amazon had it in "Temporarily Out Of Stock" Status for a long time (and right on top of the book's release date), so I ordered directly from www.booklocker.com.  You're right though--strange why a new release would have a such a problematic launch.  

I hope today's the day you're greeted by the sight of Lt. Shelby's book on your doorstep or mailbox.  Justice, despite what you might've read about the mechanics and various other written English devices in the novel, the book is an invaluable addition to the literature collection, which I'm sure you'll quickly find out as soon as you get to tear into the book.

mf73

If it was self published they may not have printed very many in the first run. And now they are possibly out of stock and waiting for a new printing?

[dengas]

It was not self published. I have been on the East Coast for the past three weeks, and when I got home I had two books waiting for me. I understand that the Ebook is only $5.99. I want to donate one to our local library, and next week I plan to take another copy to VPD (whoever is now working cold cases). I want to talk to Steve Lampe to find out if anything is on the front burner in Visalia.



NEW ebook up for sale
BookLocker.com to Richard Shelby · November 7 2014 at 11:28 am
HUNTING A PSYCHOPATH is now for sale at all storefronts:

AMAZON:
www.amazon.com/dp/B00P9UP3KS

BARNES & NOBLE:
www.barnesandnoble.com/w/hunting-a-psychopath-richard-shelby/1120464930

BOOKLOCKER:
booklocker.com/books/7677.html

ITUNES:
itunes.apple.com/us/book/hunting-psychopath-east-area/id937883611

KOBO:
store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/hunting-a-psychopath-the-east-area-rapist-original-night-stalker-investigation-the-original-investigator-speaks-out

[playinem]

If it was self published they may not have printed very many in the first run. And now they are possibly out of stock and waiting for a new printing?

If it was self published it most likely is being produced in accordance with a "print on demand" agreement where orders for printed books are produced basically as they are received and processed. They should be able to do this fairly quickly though. 

[V]

I just got the itunes version. Had a gift card laying around. I'll be back with my thoughts on the book.

[northernjustice]

Mine finally came in the mail. It was published by Booklocker.com, which is very similar to self-publishing. You pay a flat fee and Booklocker publishes it and you receive royalties for copies they sell.

Mine has an entirely blank cover with no book jacket. Did anyone else's come this way? It doesn't bother me, but if all copies are sold that way it definitely hurts any marketing potential for this already obscure book.

That said, from what I've read so far, I don't believe that Shelby wrote this for the greater public. This book was clearly written for people already familiar with the case who want one of the detective's perspectives minus the fictionalized "narrative" aspects told by Crompton. He even mentions the "internet forums" in the introduction, so I assume one of his motivations was to write this for consumption by us amateur researchers. With that in mind, I have greatly enjoyed (might be the wrong word...) everything in it so far and it has shed light on aspects of the case that I either wasn't aware of or had confusion about. Does that mean it is all gospel? No, only that it's another resource for a case that has few dependable resources associated with it.

[northernjustice]

Sorry to double-post, but one thing I wonder is if either Shelby or Crompton have access to a list of names who have purchased the books online. I'm not going to say anymore, as I think you can make your own assumptions about why I'd ask that.

[pendleton]

Nov 14, 2014 21:11:58 GMT northernjustice said:

Sorry to double-post, but one thing I wonder is if either Shelby or Crompton have access to a list of names who have purchased the books online. I'm not going to say anymore, as I think you can make your own assumptions about why I'd ask that.

I can't say for certain what the laws are down south but up here that would be a violation of the PIPEDA act.

[northernjustice]

Nov 14, 2014 21:14:21 GMT pendleton said:

Nov 14, 2014 21:11:58 GMT northernjustice said:

Sorry to double-post, but one thing I wonder is if either Shelby or Crompton have access to a list of names who have purchased the books online. I'm not going to say anymore, as I think you can make your own assumptions about why I'd ask that.

I can't say for certain what the laws are down south but up here that would be a violation of the PIPEDA act.

Thanks. The laws are likely the same here as well. I know about HIPAA for health-related information, but wasn't sure about something like this.