This novel is graphic and grisly and dark. On the other hand, it has moments of hopefulness, healing, and romance. McNear balances it well so the darkness doesn’t overwhelm the tale – and yet darkness is the body of the unfortunate events depicted – it leaves a stain or heaviness behind.

It’s quite difficult to explain my reaction. It was intense. The novel is very well-written and you may cry more than once – at least I did. It was gripping and evocative. I highly recommend it, but I recommend it with a bright strobing word of caution. You may feel a little banged up upon completion, especially if you’re a sensitive soul. The “true crime” aspect makes it difficult to process and will have you questioning how humanity can be so broken.

This story was very enjoyable and might possibly be disturbing for some as it deals with the dark side of the human condition. It is a Christian read so any violence does happen “off screen” and the descriptions are kept to a minimum. Having said that this is a true story and the author did keep to the facts, which are difficult at times to read. She did do an amazing job of really portraying Stockholm syndrome and all that that implies. I think her writing in this story was wonderful and would recommend this book to any true crime lover. The story is well written and I enjoyed the way the author unfolded the facts. The ending was a bit mind-blowing (in a certain way). I read it all in one sitting, never putting it down. This series has become a favorite for me.

Absolutely riveting! I didn’t realize until the end of the book that the brutal crime spree depicted throughout this book is actually based on real events, but I should have known! Shannon McNear is an absolute master at researching just the right facets of history, and finding the beauty in even the darkest of times. Despite the ghastly situations that Sally went through, Rachel and Benjamin managed to find a happily ever after when they least expect it. I also enjoyed the cameo of the Bledsoes from The Cumberland Bride. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing via NetGalley and was under no obligation to post a review.

Very informative while still a fictional read. The subject matter cannot be described as enjoyable but McNear did give the tale an infusion of hope through her fictional characters that contrasted so sharply with the evil of the Harpes/Roberts. Definitely recommend this book for anyone who has an interest in post-Revolution history. Not on overt love story but enough to keep the story from becoming disheartening.

I have really enjoyed most of the books in this series by Barbour. I have never read anything by Shannon McNear, but I have enjoyed this series, so I picked it up. The novel is different, yet wonderful. It fits right into the vein of stories that Barbour is publishing. I enjoyed the writing. McNear is a fabulous writing. She showed the horrors surrounding this story, but in a safe way. No real horror on the pages, but I did shake my head a number of times at the pain Sally had to be feeling. Their is romance between Ben and Rachel, but it isn't overwhelming to the story. It felt just right for this time period and the length of the story. Overall, The Blue Cloak is a delightful story showing the historical crimes and bringing the to life for the readers. I'm glad I read this novel.

I received a complimentary copy of The Blue Cloak by Shannon McNear from Barbour Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.

Wow. I was intrigued by the back cover of this book about the first serial killers in the United States of America. I already knew this author would do a great job, but I wasn’t sure about the content. Shannon McNear did a fabulous job with this story!

In a book about evil villains, I was leery of any triggering graphic content. Thankfully, most of the violence happened “off-screen” but the evil was still evident. (I did skim 2 of the murders that were a bit more written out than the rest. The three Stockholm-syndrome/victims in the book were VERY well done.

From the author’s introduction, the book sucked me in and I found myself wrapped up in the story and the lives of the characters. I finished it in one sitting. After I finished, I passed my Kindle to my husband who had been doing some web-searches about the Harpes. I told him that he had to read the author’s note at the back of the book since she did a better job discussing the real Harpes and all the events than anything he was pulling up online!

I follow the GoodReads rating system. Please note that this means even the 3-star books are ones I liked.
1 star – didn’t like it
2 stars – it was OK
3 stars – liked it
4 stars – really liked it
5 stars – it was amazing; I’ll read it over and over and/or it will impact my daily life.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through NetGalley. I was not required to give a positive review. The thoughts and opinions expressed here are entirely my own.

Very well researched book with an in-depth look into the lives of the notorious Harpe's and their 'family.' The ending was very well done, and at one point, I'm almost certain my jaw was in my lap. Very intense, gritty depiction of actual events.
The writing was well done and in keeping with the vernacular of the time. I found the pacing to be a little slow in some parts, but all in all, a very good read for those who love historical true crime.

This was a well-written very well researched book. The historical notes on the Harped very interesting.
Rachel Taylor's friend seems to be in love with her husband on her wedding day. Something seems very odd about him and his cousin. They are muderers on the run.
Fascinating! Action, drama, adventure, suspense! Hard to put down until the very end.

Thank you to Publisher and NetGalley for the eARC

The Blue Cloak was absolutely, without a doubt, the darkest story I have ever read under the Christian genre. Having said that, I greatly enjoyed reading this story, and it had an excellent ending. I didn't want to put it down at all. Interestingly, at the end of the story, I read about the true accounts that inspired this story. Fascinating!!! While this story may not be for everyone, I thought it was well written and interesting, even with dark elements. I will likely read it again.

This is a very well researched and written book. It has action, adventure, suspense, drama and romance. It will keep you on the edge of your seat. It hooked me on the first page and didn't let go. To me, the author drove home the point that no matter how bad and painful your life is God never leaves you and He will help you. This is not a book for the faint of heart, it has a lot of violence and a few gory details that some might find offensive.. The Historical Notes at the end of the book was very interesting to read. Thank you Barbour Publishing via NetGalley for the ARC copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

Thank you to Barbour Publishing and Net Galley for giving me the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review. This book was well-written, but it just turned my stomach. If you like really gory stories, then you will like this book. I think the killing of the baby was just the turning point for me-just too gruesome! Good writing, but just not for me.

Lots of research went into this book.The footnote was as interesting as the book and I usually skip it.
Rachel Taylor’s cousin seems to be in love with her husband on her wedding day but something seems to be off about the groom and his cousin.
Turns out they are murderers and on the run.Set in the 1700’s in Tennessee this is an intriguing true story.
Thankyou Netgalley for this ARC

A riveting tale based on a real eighteenth century crime spree. Not for the faint of heart, as this well researched story includes some grizzly murders and violence, with just enough detail to imagine the terror and evil of the pair responsible. Yet in the midst of it all there is still a light of hope and faith, plus a tender romance.

“For he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, the Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.”
The writing is tight and the characters spring to life from the first page on. So much tension and danger lurked along the wilderness road, it made me hold my breath and want to pray for them sometimes. The tragedy of Sally's dilemma especially tugged at my heart. She holds onto a thread of faith in her horrible situation though, clinging to what is good. Loved Ben's stalwart character and the determination to see justice carried out, showing mercy to the women who were victims also. The author's notes at the end were interesting. She did a stellar job of wading through genealogies and records to merit out the facts. Not an easy subject to write about, for sure.

Mature situations and violence make this an adult read. Historical Christian romance fans may like it if they can tolerate the subject. Recommend!

I read this because it is based on a true crime. I can't say that i liked it very much. It got tedious and the hero was not really that heroic. The people that were running rampant murdering in gruesome ways should have been caught way sooner.. It seems they were aided and abetted by the woman i suppose we are supposed to feel sorry for. I did feel sorry for her until she refused to help authorities when they were all captured and then she was at her parents house with other people and the hero shows up and she warns him to leave and he leaves. Even after the husband or brother killed her baby by smashing it against a tree, she stayed with them. No i don't believe there was an excuse that could make anyone watch their baby be smashed and left laying and she doesn't get to the police as she could or other people because they left her alone. This book was hard to read but there was no justification for Sally staying and helping the killers along with 2 other women and children when she could have got away. At the end of the story, the author explains her reasoning and gives some interesting historical facts that were better than the story.


This book was given as an ARC through netgalley.
The opinions are my own.