A fascinating take on what might have been, this book chronicles potential path of serial killer Belle Gunness. The author admits this is part headlines, part suspicion, part invention. I highly suggest reading the author note after reading the story to see what was fact and what the author added.

Told from both Bell's pov and her sister Nellie's pov, the reader gets a look at the gnawing need of a serial killer to sate their murderous urges and the growing horror of a family member who loves them but realizes something is not right. The author has an amazing style that allows the reader to hate and sympathize with Belle.

Because of the pov, some characters were not as fleshed out a possible. This is a product of people being shown how the narrator sees them. Belle thinks most people are stupid while Nellie sees issues but chooses to be optimistic about people and situations.

Fair warning that this book is not all based in La Porte, Indiana where the black widow had her famous farm. The narrative weaves through Belle's early life in Sweden, 20 some years in Chicago, and farmlife inIndiana. I can see where this would be two slow for some readers, but for me it was perfect to establish and build the complex duality of the main character.

Overall I was thoroughly engrossed in this book. Recommend for those who like true crime, historical fiction, and anyone in need of a slightly creepy read.