The Blue Cloak by Shannon McNear is an important historical read. It is impeccably researched and that shows clearly in the book. The author brings to life a vivid picture of the frontier and the crazy, difficult lives lived. The criminal acts and heroic efforts in tis book definitely set it apart as a great read. I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own.

I loved the research effort that went into this story. Well-written, but maybe a bit too graphic in some of the details for some readers. Still, the depth of getting this actual crime correct was excellent.

This is a good read, It is very descriptive! It is an eye opener to see how much evil is in the world in every generation. But is worth the read and the author paints a vivid picture.

Part of the True Colors series. Can be read as a stand-alone or as part of the series. These are stories of American criminal activity played out as historical romantic suspense. 
 
This one is based on real events beginning in 1797 — Rachel Taylor attends her friend’s wedding only to watch murders occur.  How many will die before peace can return to the frontier?

I wanted to like this book but it was just so slow moving and repetitive. I enjoyed the historical notes at the end much more than the novel itself. I struggled with growing attached to the characters and with keeping up with what was going on. Interesting true story,  but this one just didn't do it for me.

This series has been great! Thrilling stories that bring dark history to live leaving on the edge of the seat. Sad that these crimes actually happen but glad we can learn from them.

I love all the books in this series. They are so well done, and the fact that they are true stories is incredible. 

This book is an excellent addition to the series. I hate violence and gore, but this book was a good read. I skimmed a bit, but didn't lose anything from the story by doing so. What an amazing tale with a jaw-dropping ending. I highly recommend reading it, and the author's notes after the story is completed. What an amazing tale that I had not been previously aware of. I will certainly continue reading books in this series, as well as look for more from this author.

Realistic fiction at its best. My first read by Shannon McNear. The writing captured the essentials of the human soul. The author convincingly and accurately wrote this story for me. 
I have a difficult time with a lot of Christian authors,in the sense that it’s not realistic enough to me. And sometimes they’re to preachy. Do you understand what I mean here? I want a truthful story that has real life struggle, chemistry, love and hope. I love to see people acting godly.  Their moral compass shouts, I walk with God. 
This story held all of those for me. Thank you Shannon for writing this. I loved it and can’t wait to read more from your talented hand. 

Thank you NETGALLEY and the publisher for this ARC,

This is the third book in the True Colors “series” and also my least favorite so far. It didn’t grab me like the others have. I didn’t feel like the characters were developed that well. 

I realize the nature of the crimes are more grizzly than in the other books but from the authors note in the beginning I gathered this isn’t really a book the author wanted to write and it shows. 

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to read and review this book.

This was probably one of my favorite books I’ve read this far. Well developed characters and a good storyline.

I really enjoyed reading this book, the characters were great and I actually really enjoyed the suspense in the book. I liked that you don't have to be super religious to enjoy this.

The recounting of the evil exploits the Harpes committed in the 1790's was difficult to read due to the crimes themselves. However, it was told with the focus of finding justice for the victims and their families. 

The perspective of Sally Rice's poor decisions and her association with these men was what made me want to keep reading. Would she ever be free of them? Would she become another victim in the wake of these two horrible men's deeds?

I appreciated Ms. McNear's thoughts at the beginning of the book to let readers know the struggle she had with writing about these crimes. While she does include some details, they are described to show us that, "they're [the Harpes] just in the fun of shedding innocent blood." The research that was cited at the end of the book was interesting and gave resources for further investigation.  

Thank you to Barbour Publishing and NetGalley for a copy of this ebook in exchange for my opinion.

I received this book from the publisher via Netgalley, All opinions are my own.


The book is based on true events and reading and understanding that makes me extra sensitive to the topic being handle. The book is detailed on the murders which took place which made me have to skip over some parts but the rest of the story was compelling to read and sad. I have enjoyed the series of book based on true crime but it is still hard to grasp that these took place . The book is not for someone with a light stomach but it’s well researched and well written

Experience the wilderness and brutality of the eighteenth-century frontier in Shannon McNear’s The Blue Cloak.

 Throughout the area, the Harpes satisfy their murderous inclinations and create havoc, uncertainty, and terror. Rachel Taylor’s friend, Sally Rice, recently became wife to Wiley Harpe, while Ben Langford’s cousin fell victim to the killing spree. With clear reasons to want justice, they grapple with the evil lurking around them, do what they can to put an end to it, and even find hope amidst the tragedy.

 The Blue Cloak brings to life an astounding piece of history I had never heard before, and seeing it play out kept me intrigued. The Harpes exemplify the challenge of keeping evil in check, and yet, through it all, God works and brings about good. It is a solid historical-fiction story—even if the writing felt a little distant from it, at times—and look forward to exploring more True Colors crimes.

Rachel Taylor is a little jealous that her friend Sally is the one getting married, not her. But when rumors of newlywed Wiley Harpe's brutality begin to spread through the Tennessee frontier, Rachel begins to realize how much Sally is to be pitied. Soon Rachel finds herself trying desperately to extricate Sally from the situation she has got herself into and to stop her from being hanged as an accessory to murder.

Based on true events right before the turn of the eighteenth century, this fictionalized account tells the story of America's first serial killers. Coming of age during the violence of the American Revolution, Wiley and Micaiah Harpe are highwaymen who exemplify the word "amoral." Angry at the world, they go on a killing spree across the wildnerness state, taking Sally and two other women with them. A posse of frontiersmen attempts to locate the blackguards, but they are clever as they are cruel, eluding pursuit for over a year.

This gruesome story is deftly told by a Christian author who blends it with a tale of God's grace. Although the horrors of the murders are chronicled, there is no delight taken in depraved details. The blue cloak in the book symbolizes the link between Rachel and Sally, adding artistry to the tale. Not for the faint of heart, this is one novel you will keep thinking about long after you are finished....

Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this title from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my open.

Gripping, eerie, and overall a brave novel. Not for the faint of heart, but definitely an eye-opener, as other books of the series have been.

I wasn't aware that this was part of the Christian genre.  I saw the description and thought it sounded good.  I don't normal go for that genre.  It was an ok book.  Not heavy on the religion.  Still, I ultimately did not finish.  Just didn't hook me.  If you are fan of Christian literature, go for it.  It was well written.

This is a hard read. It is well written to be sure, but the subject matter is not for the faint of heart. This horror and tragedy of this story are gripping and I definitely had to see how it ended. I can't imagine how the real people who  lived through this coped. It is quite a story and one I had I never heard of before this book. What a tragic tale from our nation's history. Well written book but a dark one, given the subject matter. Shannon does do a good job at letting hope shine through the pages and the ending was a nice tie up of the elements of the story.

Oh my goodness, how evil men can be! Based on true facts, this was a shocking but well written story. I enjoyed McNear's writing and look forward to reading more from her hand that is less dark.

"The Blue Cloak" by Shannon McNear is a well-written story that will capture your attention and keep it throughout. It is a love story that develops in the midst of awful situations and the subject matter is emotionally challenging at times, as it depicts situations of violence against women and children.

Thank you to the author, publisher, and Net Galley for an advanced readers copy in exchange for an honest review.