The TRUE COLORS series is a fantastic example of what truly skilled authors can do. Each of the books in the series is a true crime that has been fictionalized to make it more ineteresting and entertaining. It's sometimes hard to believe that these crimes could have been committed while the victims stood by and looked on. If you love this book half as much as I do, look up the series, you have a lot of good reading ahead of you.

The Scarlet Pen is the 12th book in the True Colors series and does not disappoint. I enjoyed every minute reading it. It was intriguing and suspenseful, and the romance did not take away from the main plot of the novel, which I appreciated.

I liked how Uhlarik wrote each character. They all felt so real. Emma is sweet, but somewhat naïve. All she wants is to marry the man she loves and thinks she knows so well. And all Clay wants to do is protect her from the dangerous situation she unknowingly put herself in.

While the book is more graphic regarding the murders than the previous books in the series have been, I think this is the one I have enjoyed the most. Although I tend to say that after every True Color novel I have read, I say it with all honestly. I feel they each got better. And I thoroughly enjoyed Uhlarik's writing. While a new to me author, she is definitely one I will be reading again.

I had received a copy of the book as part of the Celebrate Lit Blogging Team and was required to give an honest review.

I love, love, love these types of stories. I love true stories in general and as a psychology major, I love learning about why people do what they do, good and bad. This book was wonderful. The characters drew me right into the story and I couldn’t stop turning the pages to see what happened. To know that it was based in truth added depth and enjoyment to the story itself. I love how fiction writers can take real life events and bring them to life.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit but was not under any obligation to write a review. All opinions are strictly mine.

This is the second book I have read in the True Colors series, and I enjoyed it for the most part, but there were a couple of things that I didn't like that did dampen my enjoyment of The Scarlet Pen a little. 

First, I did really enjoy the premise and that the novel is a fictionalized account of forgotten serial killer - Stephen Dee Richards. I have becoming increasingly more interested in true crime stories, especially ones that seem to have been forgotten by time. While the author does take quite a lot of artistic license, it still made for an interesting read, especially since we do get Stephen's point-of-view in almost every chapter, and we get to see him descend into the murderer he becomes. 

I enjoyed getting to know most of the characters, however for a good portion of the novel, I found our heroine, Emma Draycott, to be quite insufferable with obstinate and headstrong ways, however I also understand why the author chose to write her this way. I think another reason I didn't like her at first is that it was too much of a reminder of my own character, which is something I am trying to change. I also enjoyed getting to know Clay Timmons, although there is something that he does in about the last quarter of the book that made him lose a few points in my book, but it more based on my personal preference and a sort-of trope I am just not a fan of. 

My only other complain is that it seemed to take a while for the plot to get going, but I also understand that it needed t happen in order to set the story up. 

Overall, I really liked The Scarlet Pen, even though it had some things that I did not like. I am looking forward to checking out more of Jennifer Uhlarik's work in the future, as well as some of the previous installments in the True Colors series. 3.75/5 Stars.

I love the True Colors series and this addition did not disappoint. The author takes us inside the crimes of Stephen Dee Richards but Emma does not want to believe these things of him. The characters are so realistic on the page.
Many thanks to Barbour Publishing and to NetGalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

Thank you to Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book. This is book twelve from the True Colors series. This is one of those series that definitely does not have to be read in order as they do not relate to each other at all. The Scarlet Pen explores the dark mind and actions of American serial killer Stephen Dee Richards, told from three points of view

The Scarlet Pen
by Jennifer Uhlarik
Pub Date 01 Jul 2021
Barbour Publishing, Inc., Barbour Fiction
Christian | Historical Fiction | True Crime



I am reviewing a copy of The Scarlet Pen through Barbour Publishing and Netgalley:



Enjoy a tale of a true but forgotten history of a 19th century serial killer whose silver-tongued ways almost trap a young woman into a nightmarish marriage.




This book takes us back to 1876 Emma Draycott is charmed into a quick engagement with childhood friend Stephen Dee Richards after reconnecting with him at a church event in Mount Pleasant, Ohio. But within the week, Stephen leaves to “make his fame and fortune.


The heartbroken Emma gives him a special pen to write to her with, and he does with tales of grand adventures. Secret Service agent Clay Timmons arrives in Mount Pleasant to track purchases made with fake currency. Every trail leads back to Stephen and therefore, Emma. Can he convince the naive woman she is engaged to a charlatan who is being linked a string of deaths in Nebraska?



I give The Scarlet Pen five out of five stars!


Happy Reading!

I raced through this book in a couple of hours because I knew if I left it go overnight I would have trouble sleeping. It was bad enough to be guessing at what a terrible person Stephen was, but to see Emma being drawn in by his flattery and smooth talking was really hard to take! I was glad to reach the end of the story and find the resolution, but I hated seeing all the murders along the way.

I received a review copy of this book from NetGalley, and these are my honest thoughts about it.

I have enjoyed this series immensely. I think what's fascinated me the most is these are fictionalized historical fiction based on true crimes and when it comes to the human mind and what someone is going to think and do we should expect the unexpected.
The series ended with a bang and you ask yourself how could a person have basically no conscience, committing these crimes like it's an every day occurrence.
Some of these cases I had heard of but many I hadn't and it was interesting to get inside of the criminal's mind for a time. Very well written and researched series that I enjoyed.

Published July 1st 2021
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.

This is the last book the True Colors series. You think you know someone and believe you love them then regardless of what others may say doesn’t matter. But when incidents happen that link you betrothed to the crimes, well then the saying “the truth is painful” be comes more than just a saying but becomes life. Emma refuses to believe that her intended is anyone other than a respected businessman who travels. But then the puzzle pieces begin to connect and she doesn’t like what she sees! Do I have your attention? Good! Read the book!

Blessings,

Karen

Rating:5*

I received this book as a gift and all opinions are my own.

I have reached the conclusion that this whole series is pretty much a miss for me. I think out of all the ones I've read I've only liked one or two . The crimes in all of them are interesting and they draw me in because I was Criminal Justice major in college and it comes with that. It's the characters most of the time the heroines that make it hard to finish the book because they get on my nerves so bad. But I read to learn more about the crimes. It's the historic crimes that keep me turning pages.

The Scarlet Pen is about a serial killer, a young woman engaged to the deceptive villain, and our hero who is looking for the person behind the counterfeit money that is circling the town. I really enjoyed how the author used the color scarlet and pen to really tell the story behind this creepy character. Some of the authors make it work, but how this was written, tied it all in really well!

Getting a perspective of Stephen, our serial killer, was interesting but also dark in the sense that you wonder if they even have a soul? a conscience? Its all about them and their gratification.

Author, Jennifer Uhlarik, wrote in the author's note how she worked with her husband who was a sheriff behind other serial criminals and use that inspiration as well as the book that Stephen wrote. I found that really fascinating and love what she came up with in regards to a plot based on limited information.

The only thing that rubbed me wrong about this book is that we have our main girl, Emma, engaged to the man of her dreams... and yet she is still taking second glances at Clay, the government official that comes on the scene. It always bugs me in books. When he comes into a room, her heart flutters and she is forced to check her feelings. I guess my point is, if it was more of a slow increase in affection that caused her to reflect later on in the book, I don't know that it would bother me as much. But pretty much since he first steps into the picture. I know we have a short amount of time and need to put as much into the story as we can, but surely it can be written in such a way as to not give the idea that women are fickle?

But, since I shared a negative view, let me also share a positive in this regard! At some point, Emma and Clay are in a different city and she is upset. Clay makes it a point to drop her off at her door but not step a foot inside her room, even when Emma asks, "Shouldn't a gentleman come to the aid of a lady in her time of need?" And Clay brilliantly responds, "Not in a closed room alone." I cheered! Hurray! Yes! Well done, Mrs. Uhlarik! Well done!
https://sodbusterliving.com/the-scarlet-pen-by-jennifer-uhlarik-book-review/

This is my first Jennifer Uhlarik book, but certainly not my last! The Scarlet Pen is a fast-paced story of falling in love with someone you think you've known your entire life, only to discover that perhaps you never knew him at all. Steven Dee is quite a creepy character, and I devoured this book in a day because I NEEDED to know how it would wrap up!

Thanks go to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

This book is part of the True Color series, a Historical, Suspense, Mystery, Romance book. This book takes you back to into time of the 19th century, it begins in Ohio and continues through out the states. Emma wants to marry her sweetheart and live happily ever after, she is determined that she has found the a kind, gentle and loving man. However, looks are deceiving, Stephen is all for making Emma his loving wife, but he has issues. He must prove to Emma's family that he can take care of her before he is married to her. He has a plan to make lots of money, only that plan may not be what the family intended for him to make make money doing. He is so determined that he keeps telling lies to Emma, but soon the lies turn deadly. When Clay, secret service agent, comes to town, he is determined to find out who is breaking the law and all his findings point to Stephen. How can he bring justice to the town? Can he make Emma realize that Stephen is not who she thinks he is? Will Emma make the biggest mistake in her life, that might lead to death?

I would recommend this book to anyone that wants a page turner that will keep you up reading until you find out what is going to happen. Just when you think you have it figured out, it does a twist. This was from chapter 1 right to the end, twist, twist and more twist. Loved this book..... It is part of a series, however, each book is meant to be read as a stand alone. Every book in the series is different, what they all have in common is they are all about a crime that happened in the past. Must read for anyone that loves a good mystery.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Celebrate Lit Books. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255, "Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.

The Scarlet Pen by author Jennifer Uhlarik is Book 12 in Barbour Publishing’s the True Colors Crimes series. Each book in this series is based on an unbelievable true crime.The books are all so different, but every one of them has captured my interest and kept me turning pages to see what would happen next. This one was just as riveting.

This is the story of Stephen Dee Richards and his childhood friend Emma Draycott. After having been apart for a few years they run into each other at church. After a brief period of becoming reacquainted they decide become engaged. Emma has always felt sorry for Stephen and stood up for him, but is that love?

Strange things begin to happen in places where Stephen has visited. Secret Service Agent, Clay Timmons, is called in to investigate. When he meets the Draycott family he is enamored with Emma, but she is engaged to the ever traveling Stephen. This historical account takes place in the 1870's and spanned about three years. The characters are realistic and relatable.

The author has done an excellent job bringing this story to life. I became invested in it and the characters early in the book. This macabre story was unbelievable at times, but the author lists the facts in her notes. Even though the subject matter is not for the faint of heart, author Uhlarik skillfully and discreetly handled it with her deft pen. I was grateful for the minimum use of details. After the story is an Author’s Notes section, information on the author, and a preview of another of the True Colors Crime books.

There are many timeless life and spiritual lessons incorporated in this novel. Some of the first are about trusting your parents and God, not gossiping or telling someone else’s story, and being honest. There were no discussion questions, but this would make a nice reading group selection. There is so much to discuss! I highly recommend this for older teens or young adults and above because of the subject matter. It gets a 5 out of 5 star rating from me. A copy was received from the publisher, but these are my honest thoughts.

I finished reading The Scarlet Pen and it was good! 5 stars. I really love this series of fiction that's strange but true. This story was great! I recommend this book & all the books in the series if you love true crime with some romance thrown in.
Thank you Barbour Publishing for the read. All opinions are my own.

This story is based on a true crime but given a historical fiction spin. Wow, the characters were so well described and each told very important details as to who and why the killer was defined and stopped. The author told this story with facts and fiction so well I would assume she had many sleepless nights getting this story written. If you like fiction based on true happenings... get this one! I requested a copy through NetGalley. My review is voluntary and my honest opinion.

Superbly written. Loved the way in which old western romance genres were woven in with a true crime story. Brought to mind some of my favourite Zane Grey westerns from years ago. Masterfully done. Highly recommended.

The Scarlet Pen is the latest in the True Colors series; a series that combines true crime and fiction into epic standalone stories. Like the previous books, The Scarlet Pen tells a horrific tale that kept me riveted from the very first page . Although the events have been fictionalized and embellished in places, the 19th century serial killer, Stephen Dee Richards and the cruelty he inflicted on those around him was very real.

Emma Draycott has fallen in love. Her childhood friend, Stephen Dee Richards, has returned after years away and he's no longer the awkward teen that she knew so long ago. He's quickly stolen her heart, but when he suddenly leaves again under the guise of preparing for their future together, Emma's family and their new friend, Secret Service Agent Clay Timmons, are quick to cast doubts on their relationship. At first, the law is only looking for the source of the fake money Stephen seems to be spending, but when the scarlet pen and inkwell Emma gave her fiancé is linked to a murder, the situation escalates. Could Emma have been wrong about Stephen's true character? What will it take for her to finally see the truth?

I can't say too much without giving away the story, but The Scarlet Pen was definitely worth the read. Clay makes an incredible hero and I enjoyed watching Emma's character develop. I loved the Bible verses Emma sent in her family's letters, and the characters' faith in God. Stephen's POV was definitely difficult to read at times, and isn't for the faint of heart, but I felt like it was essential to the story.

If you enjoy true crime, or have enjoyed any of the previous True Colors novels, you won't want to miss this one.

*I received a complimentary copy of The Scarlet Pen through the publisher and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. My positive review is not required.

The Scarlet Pen is written by Jennifer Uhlarik. This is book 12 in the True Colors series. The true color series takes real life cases and history and places fictional characters into it. I’ve read the whole series. They are all standalone novels. However I’ve enjoyed learning about all the different events in history that I didn’t know existed.



In the Scarlet Pen we travel to 19th century Mount Pleasant, Ohio. We see Emma reconnecting with her child hood friend, Stephen. The two have sparks fly immediately and they become engaged quickly. However Stephen leaves to claim his fortune. He sees out on a business adventure.



Clay is a secret service agent who has been looking into a bunch of crimes including counterfeit cash and murder. Clues are leading to Stephen. Clay questions Emma who doesn’t want to believe charming Stephen would be responsible. Clay continues to present the mounting evidence and Emma refuses to believe he’s a serial killer.



So, I disliked Stephen immediately. I did feel bad for Emma. She is young, naive and doesn’t want to think the man who has charmed her could be responsible for the crimes Clay is saying. Clay is the hero of the story. He kept coming back with more stuff to show Emma.



This book does contain some gruesome parts. It may be sensitive to some. The book is suspenseful, and full of mystery. I did some research that this book is based on and the author did a wonderful job capturing so much of the true story.



I received a copy of this book through the Celebrate Lit Blogging Program, all thoughts are my own.