This was a good book! A little hard to read at times, but good, and very educational about this period in time. I enjoyed the characters the most. Four stars!

I absolutely loved this book!! I highly recommend this book to everyone that loves a well written story. It is historically accurate but in no way dull or dry. Everyone who loves to read is sure to enjoy this book!!

I have enjoyed all of the books in this series but felt this one took longer to get going, to give you a full picture of how horrible the Harpes really were. The Harpe brothers/cousins were America's first serial killers and it was interesting to learn about them. The author clearly did a great deal of research for this book.

It is hard to read this book when you realize it is based on fact and that these horrific things were happening in that time period. Well researched and well written. It takes a while to get into the story and events. The jacket cover gives adequate description and others have given full review so I will not dwell on details or give spoilers.
If you like reading true crime and historical fiction then this is a book you will want to read.
I received this book as a complimentary copy for an unbiased review.The opinions expressed are my own.

4.5 stars for this True Colors novel on the Harpe brothers, known as the first American serial killers. This tale is disturbing, to be sure, but the author shares the gruesome details only in a detatched manner of one filing a police report - not with the intensity and emotion of the actual killer or the first upon the scene. For that reason, though the subject matter is gory and disturbing, the reading of this book is not likely to issue nightmares or other such sensitivities. Though I would recommend that exceptionally sensitive readers shy away from this one.

One thing I loved about Ms. McNear's take on this story is her perspective that even when things seem beyond hopeless, God has promised to never leave us or forsake us. I loved how Sally was able to remember those comforting scriptures when times were paricularly tough and when she saw no way out. The emphasis on the power of prayer was also uplifting as well, and the romance between Rachel and Ben was sweet.

If you read this story, I would recommend reading the author's notes at the end. I was absolutely astounded at how much of the story was based on fact and actual characters. I can't imagine the research that the author had to do for this one as my husband was making horrified faces at me based on a google search of these infamous killers when I'd asked him if he'd ever heard of them. It was good that Ms. McNear reduced the intensity of the details in this novel for the sake of readers. Sometimes, the truth is stranger than fiction!

If you enjoy true crime novels, serial killer mysteries and/or historicals, I would recommend this novel. Special thanks to NetGalley for an e-copy of this book. I was under no obligation to write a review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.

***Thank you to NetGalley and Barbour Books for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Expected release date March 1, 2020.***

3.5 – 4 stars

I’m really having a difficult time writing this review. My thoughts are still all over the place after finishing this book.

The story drew me in from the start, which is always a good thing. Shortly after, the pure evil of two of the main characters quickly became evident. I hate to admit that I’m almost numb to hear about similar actions happening in our current time, but was very bothered thinking about this in America’s early history.

Overall, the story seemed very well written. I’d like at a later time to research more about the true characters that this story was based on, and would like to try other books written by this author.

This is one of those books that you don’t feel quite right saying you enjoyed reading it.....because of the subjects covered. However, this book was based on historical crime events by young men who reeked havoc on the people that were unfortunate enough to come into their crosshairs. As such, Ms. McNear’s writing of this time in our history was spot-on and well-done. I felt she aptly described the countryside and the type of characters who were inhabitants of the Kentucky territory in the late 1700’s. There were those who were trying to tame the wilderness, and those that embraced it for nefarious reasons of their own. The main characters, Rachel, Ben and Sally were well developed and important to the story in different ways. I also found it interesting that they were examples of three different types of people to the area, Rachel....settled with family and helping to provide services to people in the area, Ben .... wanting to settle and bring law to the area, and Sally....young innocent girl who became both a victim and an unwilling part of many of the crimes as captive spectator. It was interesting to read the Historical Note at the end of the book as it gives much more insight into the subjects of this book. I received an ARC of this book from Net Galley and Barbour Publishing in return for an honest review, which this has been. #NetGalley #BarbourPublishing

Confession: I didn’t quite “get” the premise of the book the first time I read the back cover. But I picked it up anyway, as I’ve read all the other books in the “True Crime” series.

Hoo boy...on a few levels.

Writing style, character development, plot, and pacing are all fantastic. I’ve never read McNear’s books before, and look forward to checking them out.

Subject matter, though...I can’t say this is a book I’ll re-read. It’s hard, sometimes and some parts harder than others. My jaw literally dropped at one point and I just sat in stunned silence.

But...this is history. I can’t argue with that. It really happened, and the amount of research McNear put into the book is truly astounding. I don’t envy what she had to research, read, and articulate herself to bring us this book. Her author’s note at the beginning is warranted and appreciated.

So, admirably researched and written...my heart aches for such a history and fallen state of humanity that real events led us here. While I may not re-read this, it’s an example of history we cannot and should not whitewash or try to erase.

I received a copy of the book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

This was an interesting book that was based on historical fact. It was my first book by Shannon McNear. It was well done but not my favorite author or story.

I have never read fiction with Christian themes quite like this. The scripture scattered throughout the book and the characters deep faith and reliance on God's provisions is inspiring; however, the events are as graphic as those in Genesis.

After Sally is married before her, Rachel finds herself envious of her friend. Little does she know the horror her friend has been wed into. As murders begin to happen along the frontier, they are quickly traced back to one family unit--and Rachel realizes her envy is misplaced. On a journey to find Sally and stop the murders, Rachel finds a way to trust the Lord's sovereignty and timing.

The book is very well written, based on true historical events--and when the reader is reminded of that--the reality is unsettling at best. The author does a beautiful job of showing beauty in the ashes. The characters are easy to identify with and I had a vested interest in the outcome of Sally's story. I do feel it's important to note that the murders are described in a fair bit of detail, so if you find yourself sensitive to these things--you may want to read with caution.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through NetGalley. The thoughts and opinions expressed here are entirely my own.

The Blue Cloak by Shannon McNear is the new title in the True Color historical story of American crime series. It is the year 1797 in Know County, Tennessee when the US was young, and the west was still wild. Rachel Taylor attends the wedding of her friend, Sally, to Wiley Harpe. Something about the groom and his brother, Micajah, gives her the creeps but her friend seems so happy and she tries to shake it off. One year later, Rachel notices a group, two men and three women, come into town. One woman is her friend, Sally, who hadn’t been seen in a year since whispers of the brothers’ “business” practices started and they disappeared. December 1798, along the Wilderness Road in Kentucky, a young man is found murdered. It is the fourth along the road and it has been linked to the Harpes. A young lawyer, Benjamin Langford, from Virginia comes looking for his cousin, Thomas, and quickly joins the search for the group. Will they find the brothers before they kill again? How is Sally involved? Will Rachel see her friend again?
The Blue Cloak is the third book I’ve read in the True Colors series and this one was creepy. Creepy but I was unable to put it down. Featuring the real-life case of Wiley “Little” Harpe and Micajah “Big” Harpe, the two would begin a horrifying crime spree through Tennessee, Kentucky and Illinois from 1797 until 1799 when Micajah was captured and killed. Wiley would continue his killing spree as a part of the Samuel Mason gang until 1803 when he was captured and later hanged in 1804. I was fascinated by this story from history that I have never heard before. It was hard to read at times especially when these men seemed to enjoy their crimes; but I was fascinated how they were eventually caught and what became of the women who were with them. I highly recommend The Blue Cloak, especially if you have enjoyed the other titles in this series.

The Blue Cloak
is available in paperback and eBook

The Blue Cloak is historical fiction that kept my attention from beginning to end! It could have been a true story.

The Blue Cloak is based upon the little-known but true story of Wiley and Micajah Harpe. In the late 1700s, their spree of murderous violence claimed an untold number of lives and marked them as the perhaps the earliest known of America’s serial killers.

McNear deftly captures the horror of the events with grace and sensitivity, offering insight into why Sally—one of the Harpes’ wives—stayed with them so long. The fictional story of Rachel Taylor and Ben Langford binds the Harpes’ story together, and their romance offers sweet respite from the dark tale. McNear’s writing skillfully weaves together fact, fiction, and meticulous research to craft a chilling story that will keep you turning page after page until the end.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Shannon McNear really tackled tough true crime and I was hooked. There is no doubt that the crimes and violence committed by these two individuals was horrific. But in this story, there were also people willing to stand up, sacrifice and fight against evil. As the search for these criminals went on, I found myself caught up in the suspense and turning pages fast. The community soon realized the necessity of prayer and McNear wove short natural prayers throughout the story wonderfully. I liked that different characters with different perspectives prayed from their hearts. Within this well written story, there were tender moments and a genuine romance had a chance to bloom. Even a friendship proved true. This novel was well researched and certainly an interesting read and I’m glad that I did not miss it! I was given a copy of this book by the publisher. All opinions are my own.

The Blue Cloak was a strong and interesting read. Well-written and engaging, the story evoked emotion teetering on shock and astonishment. The story was beautifully written, with a consistent style and tone, efficiency of description, and complete with authentic dialogue, yielding an even pace. As with all the books in this unique series, The Blue Cloak is original and serves an excellent addition to the historical fiction genre.

I enjoyed the author's notes at the end, almost as much as the story. What a ton of research Shannon McNear did in order to make this so interesting for us, the readers! I don't know where my mind was but somehow I missed realizing that this was a true crime story. Rather, I think I knew when I chose to download it but forgot by the time I actually started reading. I just may have enjoyed it more that way... who knows? Great history involved here; in fact, it led me to look up Nashborough and learn more Tennessee lore that I was unaware of (even though I've been to Nashville several times). Now I'm interested in looking up the others in this series.

And, especially, nice about the book were the prayers and scriptural references throughout! It meant a lot to me. Thank you, Shannon McNear!

Life on the Tennessee frontier in 1797 is hard, it’s even more difficult when you’re a young woman. We’re introduced to Rachel Taylor who helps her family run a trading post along the Wilderness Road in Tennessee. Rachel is happily (albeit a little jealously) attending her best friend Sally’s wedding. The only people who know what Sally is getting into that day is her husband, Wiley Harpe and his cousin. Sally and the women find themselves witnesses to unspeakable things, in the company of murderers and made to endure the harshness of the Tennessee/Kentucky frontier without a place to call their own. Consistently pursuing the Harpe’s on their lawless and bloody spree is Benjamin Langford, whose only goal is to find out if the rumors of his cousin running afoul of the Harpe’s is indeed the truth. At what cost will the Harpe’s spree be brought to justice?

The Blue Cloak is a book that oddly enough reminds me of my dad and his love of western/frontier type movies/television. If this book were indeed a movie or television show I know that he and my mom would watch it. I grew up watching these kinds of shows, I still have a gigantic soft spot for John Wayne movies; my personal favorites being Hondo, Rio Bravo, Chisum, Big Jake, The Cowboys, McClintock! and of course True Grit. The sheer amount of research that I feel went into making this novel is astounding. I can hardly sort through results received by genealogy websites for my own family let alone someone else’s from over 200 years ago. I also found something personally interesting to me in this book – the Narragansett Pacer. I have an interest in horse breeds and had not actually heard of this one but found out that it is attributed to the founding of modern day Tennessee Walking Horse, Standardbred and American Saddlebred. Sadly the breed is now extinct which is probably why I had not heard of it (that I can recall).

I feel like novels that are placed in a time period where religion was more commonplace than it is today have a better chance of being accepted by the general public than religious novels taking place in our current time. The religious aspect of this novel feels natural for the characters – it doesn’t feel forced or out of place.

This book does contain it’s fair amount of violence and murder, even against children so just be prepared or don’t read it if those are sensitive subjects for you. I would recommend reading The Blue Cloak if you like frontier/western fiction, historical fiction or books about outlaws. Thank you again to NetGalley and Barbour Publishing for an advance copy of not only this novel but yet another from the True Colors series. I have been not only enjoying them but planning on purchasing the prior novels in the series as well.

I would like to thank Netgalley, Barbour Books and Shannon McNear for the ARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

There is no language or sex (only the hint to it happening, but not more than that). There is violence in this book. So if you don't care for violence in books just be forewarned.

This book is a fictionalized story based on real events. I was into this book from the moment I started reading it. It really captured and kept my attention all through the book. Great attention to detail to that time period and to the characters and story. It's about the Harpe family and their killing spree and about those around them and those trying to stop them. The author really did her research to write this book as accurately as possible. At the end of the book she tells you how she came about all the information, which to me was just as interesting to read as the story itself. I don't usually care for the footnotes after but I did enjoy this one.

A redemptive telling of a truly horrifying tale. I was not at all familiar with this historical crime spree. I appreciated the way the story was unfolded as it built to the terrors that were to come. While Rachel and Ben are the romantic focus, and they have a precious story of their own, a lot of the plot focused on her friend, Sally and her firsthand experience of the cousin’s evil rampage. I appreciated that full descriptions were not given, but rather implied. There were a few times I felt my heart stop and I could not stop reading until a scene concluded. If you have a tender heart, there may be some triggers in this tale, but know that justice is served, and God’s redemption is clearly seen. Another gripping installment of the True Colors series. I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and all opinions expressed are solely my own.

The Blue Cloak was a difficult read in various sections, a gruesome story of wild men: Old Man Roberts, Big Harpe and Little Harpe and the deaths they caused in 1790’s Kentucky. The brutality of the deaths were difficult to read and I was tempted to skim past them but wanting to give an honest review I plunged through. This is not something I would have read as my own selection. The court scenes were much easier reading and were well done and somewhat reminded my of the style of John Grisham. This part had me spellbound and kept me up late at night not wanting to put the book down.

My thanks to Barbour Publishing, Inc. for the opportunity to read this ARC of the book in exchange for my honest review