I have learned so much through this true crime series... two of the stories actually take place in my home state of Tennessee, including this one.
Several people have complained about the content of this book, however I would say all things considered, the subject matter was superbly handled. Shannon McNear doesn't sugar coat the truth of what happened to the women held captive by the Harpe brothers - however she does not use graphic details in any way. The only "details" that are given are more in relation to some of the murder victims of the men, just to tell that they were found in pieces, or the skull split. Very matter of fact, without any terrible details. I think she gave the information needed to tell the story without giving anyone images they won't be able to get rid of.
I have read other books by Shannon McNear, including her installments in the Daughters of the Mayflower series, and always enjoy her characters and their faith. She does her research carefully and brings a vivid sense of time and place to her historical novels. This book just goes to show she's more than capable of writing in a variety of genres. I will keep an eye out for more of her books in the future!

This was my first read by Shannon McNear and I thought it was a very well-written story about the Harpe brothers and quite possibly the first known serial killers in the U.S. I loved how detailed the author was at the ending of her book with regards to the research for this book. I was drawn to this story because of the prior reviews that I saw on Goodreads. The characters were well-drawn, I liked the characters of Rachel Taylor and Ben Langford and how they formed a friendship through their mutual acquaintance of Hugh White. Rachel and Ben are further affected by the murder of Ben's cousin Thomas Langford because Rachel is friends with Sally Rice who married Wiley Harpe, unwittingly not knowing who her husband really was. Even though there are some gruesome details about the victims of the Harpe brothers, I felt it didn’t detract from the story that Ms. McNear is clearly telling. My gratitude to NetGalley and Barbour Books for a copy. All opinions expressed are my own.

I have read and enjoy all of the books in the True Colors series. It's a fictional series based off of true crime happenings in the past.
This one dealt with some tough subjects and didn't play out as I expected it to.
It was interesting to read the author's notes in the back of the book explaining the story based on fact and read about it more in depth. Not for the faint of heart there is brutality and a crime spree. Get ready for edge of your seat action.

Published March 1st 2020 by Barbour Books
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.

A dark account of the Harpes trail of death in the late 1700s lightened by the unwavering belief in God by Rachel, Ben and, Sarah.

This is an exciting account of the devastation caused by Big and Little Harp. Their gory story is tempered by the potential romance of Ben Langford and Rachel. The reader can feel the attraction between the two in the superb writing. The fact that they turn to God in times of need and praise only enhances the story and makes the characters more believable.

I was enthralled by this book and read it in less than 24 hours. I am on my way to find the other books in this series. Definitely recommended.


I received an ARC from Barbour Publishing, Inc. through NetGalley. This in no way affects my opinion or rating. I am submitting this review voluntarily and am under no obligation to do so.

Wow, where do I begin. This is a very emotionally draining story, and yet very well written. The history of these ruthless men is mind boggling. Ms. McNear was very thorough in her research. Hence, between her research and talent for writing, this was an exceptional read. Even though it can be a bit graphic, it can hold your attention to where you cannot put it down. I very much enjoyed the Historical note she wrote attractive the end. She was able to explain what was fact, according to history, and what was fiction. I will definitely read more books from this author. I received this book from the publisher through net galley for an honest review.

This book is based on the real Harpe brothers, serial killers in the late 1790's. Written and categorized as a Christian fiction book, I was intrigued how the story would be told.

From the outside facts, it could have been a suspense. They were chasing murderers, lots of danger around. It could have been horror because of the violent crimes. It could have even been a story of redemption: Sally (one of the murderer's wife), was the daughter of a preacher.

But this story was not any of these. I would say it was a historical fiction romance. Because the focus was on the relationship of an outside fictional couple. In doing this, the story lost the possible redemption story that could have followed (all Sally really does is pray/chant some help me prayers and express remorse for marrying such a man). The story utterly lacked any suspense, which was disappointing. I felt no anxiety for the chase and caption of the villians. It was all done so calmly. These were murderers, not youth that stole candy from a store!

The story was very flat lined to me. Nothing that stirred my emotions one way or another. Character development was minimal. I wanted to love Ben, but in the end he was just a good guy.

Surprisingly some murders were a bit graphic (not bad, or even very detailed. But they were more detailed than other events of the story). But it wasn't balanced with the good characters, so it pulled the story down.

I had to push myself to finish reading this one.

Thanks to Netgalley for a copy of this book. This review and rating is my own opinion.

I have enjoyed this series very much which is based on true crimes, but this one was very dark and gritty. The brutalities committed by the two brothers in this story definitely made me cringe throughout this story. Serial killers are difficult to understand and even harder to read about. McNear's obvious research shows throughout the book and is detailed in the epilogue. Using not only historical tools but also genealogical tools to make sure her work was as accurate as possible must have been vastly time consuming.

My heart went out to Ben as he spent weeks and months attempting to join others and catch the two brothers whose first known kill was his cousin. The circumstances that Sally found herself in were beyond imagining, and it is difficult to see how someone during that time period could ever recover from their experiences. Her own prayers and those of Rachel and her own family had to have kept her from losing her sanity.

Overall, a difficult book to read due to its darkness and cruelty; yet it showed how Satan is at work, but God can help us walk through the most difficult times.

**I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Books through NetGalley. Opinions are mine alone. I was not compensated for this review.

Little known serial killers, the Harper brothers terrorised Tennessee and Kentucky in the late 1700's to early 1800s. Fictionalized characters help bring this true story to light in a sensitive way. The crimes and treatment of people by these brothers were horrific and not easily forgotten. The author's note at the end emphasized all the research that went into this novel to sort out facts from rumors and tales. Recommended for readers who love true crime without all the gory details.

From the beginning of the story the narrator sets the tone for intrigue and suspicion on one hand and love and faithfulness on the other. Rachel’s friend Sally is getting married, but something doesn’t seem right. Then we meet the Harpes, two brothers bent on cold blooded murder and mayhem. In contrast we also meet brave characters who believe in justice. I loved this book. It moved quickly, it had a sweet love story and a satisfying ending. Nonetheless, some of the scenes were difficult to read because of the Harpe brother’s brutality. These scenes are mentioned, not described in full. I recommend this well researched book. Thank you #NetGalley #TheBlueCloak and #Barbour for sending me an ARC of this book.

“The Blue Cloak” by Shannon McNear is part of the True Colors Series. As my readers know, I am a big fan of this Christian historical fiction series. This book is incredible. I had never heard of the Harpe brothers before. They are considered America’s first serial killers. The author did a great job of portraying the heinous crimes committed without being too descriptive of them. I felt compelled to keep reading late into the night.

I was so impressed by the loyalty shown by various characters in “The Blue Cloak.” The only complaint I had was that the character who married one of the Harpe brothers should have had more fight in her. Beyond that, I loved the various character portrayals and how skillful the author of “The Blue Cloak” was at bringing the setting to life.

"The Blue Cloak” was a darker book than the other books that have been released so far in the True Colors Series. How could it not be, considering the subject matter? Yet, the author managed to make this a story that glorified Christ and the Church community. Another thing that the author did well was to balance the storylines of the main character, Rachael, and that of her best friend who was in the clutches of the Harpe brothers. There is romance, adventure, suspense, and true friendship. There is no vulgar language and the violence was kept “off of the page.”

I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes a clean romance with action and adventure. The fact that this is based on actual events makes it even better.

Thank you to Net Galley and Barbour Books for providing me with an ARC of “The Blue Cloak” in exchange for an honest review.

This book was not for me. It’s too graphic and I felt like it pushed the boundaries of Christian fiction. The subject matter was Heartbreaking on so many levels. I wish Barbour would’ve passed on this one.

1 star

I was so excited about this book! However, it is very dark and disturbing, especially for a Christian book. This is a very disturbing book including rape references. I just couldn't finish it. I truly wish there would be warnings on books saying these types of scenarios are included in the book.

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Based on a true story, this is not an easy book to read. This is not a story of faith tested by having to wait on the Lords time, or trust his choice. This is a story of the true evil that man is capable of, and the redemption of those who believe they are nonredeemable. It takes you to some very dark and horrible places that come about as close as one can get to Hell on earth. But after it all, faith is there. If you are looking for a fun summer read, this is not it. But if you are looking for a thought provoking, soul searching read, this might be for you.

This author did a lot of research into who and what she was writing about, and it definitely shows! I love when you can feel the authenticity of a book while you're reading it. I wasn't sure going in about how I would feel about this book, it had the option to be rather grisly. Fortunately a lot of violence and gore happens kind of off screen and you just see character reactions or the impact it has. I really enjoyed this book. This series has been great. It is listed as Christian, and yes the characters have a faith in God. I am not a Christian but am still able to enjoy these books as it doesn't come off as too preachy or being shoved down your throat like in some other books. It's a realistic fact that the characters are Christian and is as easy to accept as saying the character is a woman, it's easy to handle. I have LOVED this series.

Another great story of American criminal activity, this one by McNear and it will hold your interest right from the beginning. These stories are based on actual crimes that were committed in our early history. Unique stories of historical romantic suspense. This one centers on a lawless couple of men with no conscience, that went through the land taking whatever they desired by force, even to murdering to get what they wanted. Two men with three woman roaming the country side bent on evil. One woman was kept against her will even though she had willingly wed the younger man. Now she finds out what evil really is. The crimes of the Harpe brothers were numerous and very unsettling. The way they treated the three women in their life was very sad. But that is not all there is to the book, there is love and trust and faith in God in the other characters. All in all it makes for a most riveting Historical read……….I received a review copy of this novel in eBook form from the publisher, Barbour Books, via NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Not for the squeamish. Spoilers will follow but I will try to be brief with those. This is a different type of book for Barbour Publishing, I commend them for branching into a different genre.
Said to be the first documented serial killers this is a tale that will not leave you soon. I read many genres because I can’t always read just sugar and I draw the line at many things. This was an intriguing story for me involving what seemed like a simple wedding that went wrong.
Not long after Sally’s wedding her husband and
brother begin their gruesome reign of brutal murders. I will let you read more on others reviews if you want more details.
I was very interested in the historical background set in the commonwealth of Kentucky since my husband and I are in the process of moving here ourselves. I’m glad that it is now settled and I have nothing to fear from the Harpe brothers
Thank you NetGalley and Barbour Publishing for an e-copy of the book and will look for more in this series. The thoughts are my own

3 1/2 rounded up. First of all, this is based on real events. That's terrifying, as this book tells such a gruesome story. Set in 1797, we follow Rachel as she first attends her friend's wedding, then moves North to be with family. We soon find out that her friend married a man who sets out on a serial murder spree with his cousin. This book is so heartbreaking! The author even mentions how hard it was to write a faith book while dealing with this really awful story. Overall is was fascinating, heartbreaking, and just sad. There is some lightly graphic violence, rape, and murder. I am sad that these women actually went through this!

Thank you NetGalley and Barbour books for an ARC of this book for my honest opinion.

This is an extremely well-written novel based on the first American serial killers and a standalone in the exciting True Colors multi-author series. The author has thoroughly researched facts and worked to portray the crimes while excluding the worst details. At times, it was an almost overwhelming read, but I am thankful I did because of the example of faith, prayer, and God’s love through integral characters.

Rachel and Hugh were witnesses at the wedding of her friend Sally in Knox County, TN. Sally and Wiley Harpe had only known each other six weeks, but courtships were short on the 1797 Kentucky frontier. The father of the bride was a preacher. Wiley (aka Little) and his brother Micajah (aka Big) Harpe attended, and Wiley was baptized.

Hugh and Rachel were friends since childhood. Recently returned from law school, he thought Ben Langford, a friend from law school, might be a good match for her. She worked at Taylor’s Trading Post, owned by her father, and would soon go to Kentucky to help her brother Dan and his wife Anne with their new child and trading post.

The church attendance of the couple waned. Rachel heard business of the brothers was doing well for a while, and that the occasional sighting of Sally was with two other women, one of whom wore the beautiful blue cloak Rachel had given to Sally for her wedding. The brief time Rachel saw her in the trading post, Sally looked shaky and asked Rachel to pray for her. What Sally couldn’t tell anyone is that “Big” lived in their cabin with them, as did two other women, and the men abused all the women.

A well-dressed, charming young man, Thomas Langdon, came in at the trading post Dan and Anne own. He was looking for a place to stay. Rachel suggested a tavern with rooms down the road. A couple days later, Ben Langford came to the Post and met Rachel, a surprise since Hugh had written to him about her. While Ben was there, someone came in telling that another brutal murder had just taken place. Horrified, they not only heard what happened, but that the victim was Thomas. Ben had been sent by his uncle to check on Thomas, his younger cousin. Thomas had decided to travel with two scruffy men and three women he met at the tavern for “safety”. The attackers sounded like Sally, Little, Big, and the other two women. Rachel had recently seen them dashing into the woods. Ben spent much of the next year riding in posses to find the Harpes and get justice for Thomas and many others.

I am very glad I read this novel of faith, prayer, and second chances! Yes, the serial murders were horrifying, and I wouldn’t recommend this for women sensitive to reading about the aftermaths unless comfortable skipping past those brief paragraphs. Characters are very well-defined. There are times that hope seemed lost, especially when Ben encountered the killers. He and Rachel could not ignore their growing attraction between posse riding, but they will not pursue anything until justice is done – if Ben returns alive. There are real-life twists and turns with definite surprises. With the exception noted above, I highly recommend it to those who appreciate Christian historical novels based on true events that exemplify the faith and prayers of some of the characters rather than the gruesome murders that occurred.

From a thankful heart: I received a complimentary copy of this from the publisher through NetGalley, and was under no obligation to post a review.

The True Colors series has been a really interesting group of books, with multiple authors lending their unique voices to fiction books based on true crime events. ( Let me preface the review with this: there are very difficult themes in this book. Murder, violence against children.) Because these stories are based on true events in American crime history, expect a gritty read here. If you are a sensitive reader, this may not be the read for you.

"The Blue Cloak" finds Tennessee native Rachel Taylor readying for her friend Sally's upcoming wedding. While things seem wonderful on the surface, Rachel can't help but be concerned. Something doesn't feel right about the Harpe family. Rachel wishes her friend well and gifts her a beautiful blue cloak for her wedding. However, Sally's new husband Wiley and his cousin are not who they seemed to be, much to Sally's horror. She is thrown into an unimaginable situation fueled by violence and fear. How will she overcome this challenge to her very life?

Benjamin Langford is a man on a mission-- to uncover the truth about his cousin's disappearance, said to be at the hands of the Harpe family. He has his suspicions, but he needs proof. He is going to find out what happened to his cousin, no matter how dark the answers may be.

As these books are based on true American crime stories, be aware that this is not your typical CF book. However, there is a light of hope throughout this dark tale, which makes it a little easier to bear. There are stark reminders of the great cost of sin at someone else's hand but there is also room for restoration and new hope.

I was an early reader, thanks to Barbour Publishing and #NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

I knew this book would not be an easy read due to the content and was thankful for the warning that the author gave at the beginning. While the content was difficult to read, the writing was extremely well done. This book drew out my emotions from start to finish; sympathy for Sally, anger at the senseless killings, anxiousness when men went in pursuit of the killers, anguish over one death in particular, delight in the side romance. There was one scene that would have had me tossing this book across the room had it not been on my Kindle, the emotional reaction was that visceral. BUT, after a brief pause in reading, I picked the book back up because ultimately, I wanted to know what became of the characters. I was invested in how they would come through this story. I liked that this book made me uncomfortable while still offering the reader hope that despite the evilness of the killers, God was still good and does not ever leave us. It bothers me when readers of Christian Fiction think that authors should not handle certain topics or insist that everything has to be rosy... this world is full of evil and I appreciate when authors cover the difficult things and are able to show God's goodness through it. Shannon McNear has done that with this book.