Will her innocence get them both killed?

Well, I can definitely say that The Scarlet Pen was quite a story. I'm still shaking my head over it and trying to sort out my thoughts. Flat out, Stephen Dee Richardson was one cold customer, how a man could commit that many murders, and so violently, is completely beyond me. Thankfully we don't see evil like that every day.

This is the twelfth True Colors novel, Jennifer Uhlarik's first, and in many ways is one of the more chilling ones. Serial killers always give a sane person a touch of the heebie-jeebies but when you realize how easily they can be someone you know and even like, well, that is a different story entirely. Emma and Clay find that one out the hard way in this rather spine-chilling novel from Jennifer Uhlarik.

The Scarlet Pen was one dark book and after Googling Stephen Dee Richardson when I was about halfway through I can see why it was. I will caution more sensitive readers that there is a disturbing scene near the beginning of the book and it is referred to several times throughout the book. I did appreciate, though, how Jennifer Uhlarik used such a horrible true crime story to point towards the Ultimate Hope. Even though Emma is almost hopelessly naive and headstrong, and Clay has been scarred by his childhood, both of them lean on their faith for answers and for strength.

There are 3 points of view in this novel, Emma, Clay, and Stephen's, which was quite different from most of the other True Colors books, and it was something that took me a little while to get used to. However, I did like The Scarlet Pen and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend the entire True Colors series to any true crime fan...

(I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)

Stephen Dee Richards. I had never heard of him and after reading The Scarlet Pen I’m glad I didn’t know him.

Emma and Stephen have always been friends. It’s been said that absence makes the heart grow fonder and this was the case for Emma. Teen Stephen spent a short time away from home and not long after returning, he and Emma were engaged. (What? No!!) The Scarlet Pen is based on the life of Stephen Dee Richards who confessed to murdering several people. Knowing this causes you to turn page after page as you anticipate how his actions will affect Emma and her family. Is she in danger?

As quickly as you care about Emma you just as quickly dislike Stephen. You’ll be drawn into a whirlwind of deception and will fear for anyone who meets Stephen. Jennifer Uhlarik does a fantastic job of getting across to the reader how emotionally and physically dangerous he was on real life.

Emma is an imperfect and fictional character who makes bad decisions, but her heart is right. She adds much beauty in the midst of ugly and she balances the evil with good. She is kind and compassionate, but she is also young and in love which damages her ability to use comon sense.

It’s not often that I say every character in a book is memorable. I’m glad to say that this is true of The Scarlet Pen. I either loved and cared deeply for each character or I very much dislike them. To have such strong feelings about them makes this book stand out to me. I enjoy great plots and great characters.

The plot in The Scarlet Pen is fast paced, but not in the usual way. An emotion charge drove the plot. It’s a disturbing book. Although there aren’t heavy descriptions of emotional abuse, the reader’s imaginations can easily understand that Stephen was diabolical in his relationships.

The use of Bible verses and prayers fit so well to combat the evil. Some may be turned off by this but it’s helpful to remember that this took place during a time when the majority of people were church goers. The references to Biblical knowlege and a belief in God are very apropriate. If you aren’t interested in inspirational stories I hope you give this one a try. It is well done and will keep your attention. At the end of the book, the author clarifies the liberties she took to write this particular true crime in American history.

I gave this book 5 stars. There was enough factual information to show Stephen Dee Richards’ criminal record, but it also promoted positive messages. All dating-age girls (unless easily triggered by emotional abuse) should read this book. It’s a clean story of differences between false love and true love and is a book that can be enjoyed.

*Thank you, Barbour Books, for the free ebook via NetGalley. I am not required to give a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own. ”

Emma Draycott is a naive young lady who makes poor decisions with some pressure from her newly declared fiance Stephen Dee Richardson. When Stephen left to make his fortune so they can marry, Emma gives him a special scarlet pen so he can write to her. Secret Service Agent Clay Timmons was a great character as he searches for someone passing counterfeiter bills. The story was interesting but I rated it lower because of some gruesome details that I don't like to fill my mind with. The Scarlett Pen is part of the True Colors series which is based on true crimes. I received a complimentary e-book from Barbour Publishing through Net Galley. This is my honest opinion.

This book is well-written and thoroughly disturbing. Normally, I wouldn’t combine those two things, but since we’re reading about a serial killer from the past, it fits. I wasn’t quite sure what I expected after reading the back cover, but maybe more of a romance-centered storyline, which is more my usual fare.

There is a sweet romance in this book, but the characters are kept apart for much of the story. We get their thoughts about the other and the torn feelings within our heroine, but the novel focuses more on the case that inadvertently brings them together.

The reader is never in doubt about who the “bad guy” is, but we are left wondering if he will be caught before he claims his next victim. Every time he interacts with the heroine, it is very tense and kept me on edge.

Given the subject matter and its disturbing nature, I can only recommend this book for mature readers. The author does an exceptional job of keeping anything from crossing into inappropriate territory, but there can be no denying that I felt uncomfortable as I read this book. That only serves to highlight the author’s talent, and I look forward to reading more of her in the future, though maybe not of the crime fiction variety.

I received a copy of this book through Celebrate Lit but was under no obligation to post a positive review. The opinions expressed are both honest and my own.

If only young people will listen to those wiser and love them the most, their parents most of the time, and others who care about them. Emma is enamored with a charlatan and much worse when she agrees to marry Stephen. Only knowing him for about a month she is dismayed her father and mother don't just jump on board with their engagement. They do not even know the depravity that her fiancé is involved in.

Like all the the other True Colors stories, this is a bit dark as the author takes us into the crimes of a real individual. Stephen's story especially the end is unlike the others and if true, inspirational. The author's notes are helpful and much appreciated.

Emma must decide to stop just following her heart and feelings and start thinking with her mind. Especially when Secret Service agent Clay Timmons steps into her life while looking into Stephen. Clay is a hero and he is not about to let the woman he is coming to care for and love put herself into a nightmare. Even if she is fighting her feelings towards him and feels a sense of misplaced loyalty towards Stephen. Clay will fight even her for her.

I received a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

This story about a nineteenth-century serial killer offers intriguing suspense, but the gruesome murders can make reading difficult at times. The talented author did a good job at making the characters, plot, and setting come to life while dealing with such a difficult scenario. Innocent Emma Draycott wants to be loved and falls for wily Stephen Richards. Secret Service Agent Clay Timmons seeks to find who has been passing counterfeit bills, but winds up finding much more than his worst nightmares. The murderer, nicknamed the Nebraska Butcher and Nebraska Fiend, actually committed the horrendous crimes detailed in this true account, which has been turned into a novel. It’s hard to believe someone could harbor such evil, but there is also a message of faith, which helps both Emma and Clay through the hardships they face and a redemptive scene at the end. If you like true crime stories, try this one and the entire series. I received a copy through Celebrate Lit. All opinions are my own. #TheScarletPen #NetGalley

It is no secret how much I enjoy this series. In a world full of romances, this series gives a little break from it with murder, intrigue, and history. What I love even more is the reader can be fully immersed in the story but due to the lack of gore that secular media would insert, it can be enjoyed. Yes, there were a few books in the series that might have turned our stomachs, but it wasn’t so bad that it gave you nightmares. An avid reader has to appreciate that.

With that said, let’s take about The Scarlet Pen and its new-to-me-author, Jennifer Uhlrik.

I know that Ms. Uhlrik isn’t new to the writing community, but since I have not read the specific genre she writes in, this is my first glimpse into her writing abilities. She weaves a thrilling tale with The Scarlet Pen that only forces me to consider reading one of her other stories (Maybe later on my TBR list). Where more authors will only give our hero and heroin POVs, she has opened a big ol’door into the mind of our antagonist. It only seems to make the story richer and more well-balanced. It isn’t just one side of the story which leads the readers to make their own conclusions.

The Scarlet Pen was masterfully written to keep a reader engaged and hooked, even on the villain’s POV. There were times I almost–I repeat, ALMOST–felt sorry for him. He was misunderstood, judged, and treated poorly. That is no excuse for evil behavior though.

Emma, that poor girl is just caught in the middle but I found myself wanting to give her a little “wake-up” slap. At the same time, I knew what her intended was doing before she did. I actually saw a lot of myself in her, like making assumptions without pausing to listen.

I wish I could give more, but I don’t want to spoil it. Just trust me when I say, go pick. up a copy of this one. It will be worth the read.

***I was given a copy from the publisher through CelebrateLit Publicities. Views expressed are entirely my own and a positive review is not required.

Each one of these book in this series has given me insight into crimes committed from different time periods, Some of them I knew about but the majority of them were not known to me. I have enjoyed each one and am sad to know that this is the last book in the series.

This story is set in 1876 and focuses on a man that is ruthless, calculating, uncaring and a heart that is cold as ice. I have tried to figure out why this man is so creepy but some people are just wired differently. Even though Stephen does some unthinkable crimes I was intrigued with him. How could he show a caring side then in a split second he was an evil man who thrived on killing? His temper seemed to rise if he was threatened by words. Those triggering hurtful words like liar, cheater and criminal brought him to seek revenge on those who dared utter anything that attacked his character.

Poor sweet innocent Emma. You know the saying, “Love is blind” well that describes Emma. She refused to believe that her intended is a criminal. Why he is so sweet and caring around her yet can murder someone and actually enjoy it? Her father describes Emma as fierce and strong, yet when it came to Stephen her blinders were up. I did want to shake her several times and tell her to open her eyes. She prays and seeks God’s wisdom but for some reason she is ignoring any signs that God is showing her. I did wonder why she and Stephen were in such a rush to marry. Good thing her parents slowed that down and told her she needs to wait.

Now I liked Clay and appreciated how dedicated he was to prove Stephen guilty but I was annoyed at the attraction both he and Emma felt for each other so quickly. I think temptation snuck in and both are trying to fight that off. I did cheer for Clay has he dug his heels in and followed every lead that led to where Stephen might be. I loved how the author let us go along as Clay pursued Stephen. As the story continues I began to understand why Clay felt an attraction toward Emma. The author slowly begins to set the stage for these two to share their feelings and Clay was a perfect gentleman throughout the story. Kudos for redeeming yourself Clay. I was a bit troubled with you but it all makes sense at the end of the story.

There are moments in the story that may be sensitive to some readers. The author does describe the murders but I think she did it in a way that is not very detailed and spares readers from more intense facts that would be hard to read. The author includes scripture throughout the story which I found helpful in showing how the characters drew near to their faith in the troubling situations they faced.

The ending is bittersweet and I was surprised at some of it. I liked how the question of God forgiving Stephen for his sins was handled. As the story closes we are faced with a question? Should God forgive even someone like Stephen and welcome him home to heaven?

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

First off, I thoroughly enjoyed the writing style of The Scarlet Pen. Jennifer Uhlarik as a great ability to turn a phrase and draw the reader in while writing characters who all but leap off the page. I wanted to shout at Emma and tell her to open her eyes, which is a great example of writing that speaks through the pages and kept me hooked on the story. I loved reading Clay's point of view, he has such a sweet heart and drive for justice. The crimes committed were heartbreaking but expressed in such a way that I was able to keep reading in hopes of justice being served. The overall thread of faith and redemption built with each page and culminated in a powerful ending I had to stop and read again to appreciate the intricacy of thoughts and feelings. I received a copy of this book from the author through NetGalley I was not required to leave a positive review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

A killer so vicious that he was labeled the Nebraska Butcher or Nebraska Fiend. A young woman who was fooled by his lies, and a Secret Service agent who feverishly tried to stop him. These are the three main characters in The Scarlet Pen, and oh, what a story it has turned out to be! Author Jennifer Jennifer Uhlarik has used the true facts of a killing spree that occurred in the late 1870s, and added fictional detail to create an intriguing and chilling historical fiction tale. Stephen Dee Richards was the true historical figure who was both charming and very disturbed, and Emma Draycott and Clay Timmons make up their romantic triangle. The Scarlet Pen refers to the special pen that Emma gave Stephen when he left Mt. Pleasant, Ohio for Nebraska, and the letters written with it are certainly an intriguing element.

This is the twelfth book in the True Colors Crime series and it is a stunning installment. Some of the murder scenes have graphic detail but they are balanced by the many moments that illustrate deep faith, and total trust, in God. Uhlarik sprinkles Bible scripture throughout The Scarlet Pen, and she uses a conversation between Emma and Clay to emphasize that Richard's actions, as evil as they were, still couldn't deny him a place in Heaven...all because of God's forgiveness and grace!

I received a copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and NetGalley. There was no obligation for a positive review.

The Scarlet Pen
by Jennifer Uhlarik
Series: True Colors
Rated: 3
Back of the Book: “Enjoy a tale of true but forgotten history of a 19th-century serial killer whose silver-tongued ways almost trap a young woman into a nightmarish marriage.
In 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, 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 to a string of deaths in Nebraska?”
My Thoughts: I jumped from my usual romance to this murderous mystery. I was hoping for more suspense but because the murderer was identified at the beginning of the story it was not as exciting or tense as I was hoping for. The story was actually on the slow side. It was interesting but not enthralling as a murder mystery should be.
Inspirational Thoughts: There was plenty of scripture and words of wisdom throughout this book however I did not note anything particular.
I received an ARC of this book via the publisher in exchange for my honest review shared here.

Romantic suspense and historical fiction... my two favorite genres! Perhaps it goes without saying that I have really enjoyed the True Colors series, which combines the two--- blending true crimes in history with fictional romantic tales. Each book is written by a different author and takes on a different crime in history, and as such can be read as a standalone. The Scarlet Pen is book number twelve in this series.

Now, while I do love historical fiction, I must admit that I prefer that I prefer those stories that take place a little more recently in history. Anything in the 1800s and earlier? Well, that's a little more hit and miss, and so I wasn't sure how I would feel about this one before I began reading. Even at the start, it seemed to have a slow build... but once it took off, I absolutely could not put it down! The author did a really great job of balancing out just how depraved serial killer Stephen Dee Richards truly was, while still keeping the book from becoming too dark. (Though to be clear, there are some tough moments to read--- as some of his victims did include children.) Seeing the contrast of how he presented himself to the world and particularly his fiancé Emma and how he could so casually take a life was really eye opening and disturbing... but certainly kept me intrigued in the story nonetheless. The ending was quite surprising and certainly left me thinking about it all long after I'd finished. I found it really fascinating to learn which part of the stories were true and which were more fictionalized... the ending being one that was true to history making it all the more compelling!

While I have not yet read all the books in this series, I can say that after finishing this one- despite my initial uncertainty, it's definitely one of my favorites in the series so far. If you enjoy true crime and history, this is certainly one worth checking out.

**I received a complimentary copy for consideration. All thoughts are my own.

The Scarlet Pen by Jennifer Uhlarik is among my favorites from the True Colors series. I love reading fiction based on true events and this one definitely does not disappoint. I was intrigued with the vivid historical details within the pages. The author does a great job making me feel as though I was right there. Emma’s story was one that kept me engaged from start to finish. I had no problem reading the whole book in one sitting. There was some suspense and mystery with a few twists and turns I could not have predicted it. I never knew what was going to happen next.

The Scarlet Pen will be getting a very well deserved five plus stars. I would give it one hundred stars if I could. I highly recommend it for readers who enjoy reading historical suspense.

The books in the True Colors series are each stand alone novels and are all fantastic stories. They take a true story of a murderer from the past and tell a story with a romance. I loved Emma and Clay. There were times when I could not believe that Emma did not know that Stephen was not always a nice young man. It is not right that some murderers can be so charming sometimes. I really enjoyed how Clay came to be friends with Emma’s family and then with Emma. I also loved how the author portrayed Stephen. I received a copy of this book from Celebratelit for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

I have appreciated this series and am sorry to see that this is apparently the last one. I liked learning about unusual crimes from the past.

This novel got off to a bit of a slow start as we do not know about the evil nature of Stephen until a ways into the story. I did not like Emma as a character but then, she was supposed to be naive, refusing to believe for so long that her fiance was not the man she thought. She was just stubborn, too, perhaps a bit one dimensional. Her character sure gives new meaning to the concept of blind love.

There is an interesting spiritual aspect to Stephen's character at the end. The concept of forgiveness and salvation in Christ is highlighted, ending a somewhat gruesome novel on a higher plane.

I like the author's notes at the end of the book detailing the facts upon which this fiction is based. I do wish the bare information would have been given at the beginning of the book instead of the end.

This is a good novel for readers who like fiction based on historical fact including chasing a serial killer.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

I am a huge fan of the True Colors series. Every author brings their own flair to historical stories by adding their own writer's voice to the people involved. The Scarlet Pen was another read that deftly weaves real peoples' experiences with quality fiction.

The characters were well done, the reader can't help but be drawn in and the faith element was readily apparent. The author was true to the time period and culture of those in the story and the book was one that will draw you in and keep you riveted until the end.

There were some scenes that dealt with death and other difficult issues, but they were addressed without glamorizing violence. The heroine was plucky and able, which I appreciate. The romantic elements were well done and not too syrupy.

I was an early reader, thanks to Netgalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.

I've really enjoyed this true crime series filled with characters of faith.
The biggest problem with this story, as the author herself points out, is the significant lack of historical info on this case. There were a lot of gaps to fill in to flesh it out as a fictional story. And, some significant time jumps. I also think it's a very hard job to portray a someone so devious and brutal as the killer in this story in a PG13 kind of book.
That being said, I think Uhlarik did a pretty good job of it.
I enjoyed the character development and seeing the changes in characters as they come to grips with who the killer truly is.

Engaged to a Monster

Book 12 in the True Colors series—Fiction Based on Strange-But True History

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

In 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, 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?

My Thoughts: I have thoroughly enjoyed all the books in this series. This book takes us to Ohio and the wild west of Nebraska and Iowa, where a young woman is deceived by her fiancee. Wonderfully written, this book grabs the reader's attention until the very end. This book is based on true facts. This is what makes the stories so interesting is the fact that they are based on true crimes. It is hard to fathom sometimes how these crimes could possibly have been committed. If you like mystery and true crime books this is a must-read. A crime of counterfeit and murders will certainly entertain.

The Scarlet Pen by Jennifer Uhlarik closes out the True Colors fiction series from Barbour publishing where each book is based on a true crime. This was a great conclusion to the series with a well-to-do but someone naïve heroine, and kind and noble Secret Service agent with a tragic past, and a wolf in sheep’s clothing.

Uhlarik tells this story from all three perspectives which makes it richer and lets readers have the inside scoop. Despite the crimes, the ending is filled with hope and light and redemption—a difficult feat to pull off when you’re writing about violent crimes where the perpetrator has no remorse.

The romance in this was also well done. The plot is laid out in a timeline (even though condensed from the real events) which allows for admiration and love to form and blossom.

Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

What a disturbing individual the villain was! The author did a good job of handling a difficult historical set of deaths linked to serial killer Stephen Dee Richards. This historical fiction tale followed the idea of “what if” the villain’s betrothed had no idea that he was a monster of a man, corresponded with him while he traveled across states killing people, and that correspondence was partly how he was able to be tracked. Counterfeit money tracking also played a large part in his discovery.

While there were several disturbing murder descriptions in the novel, I thought that the author did a great job at describing what Richards was doing and thinking as he killed these people, while also attempting to not be too overly descriptive. However, some of the more gruesome murder details might not be for the faint of heart!

I really liked the way that the author showed the confusion that the heroine carried regarding the entire situation. She was rather naive, yet it made perfect sense given the time period and her sheltered upbringing. Also, what woman who believes herself in love would expect that man to turn out to be a serial killer!?

The connection that eventually developed between Clay and Emma was an enjoyable part of the story, as was the strong faith that both of these characters embodied. I also really liked that this book had the perspective of all three of the main characters in the book, including the villain. It made his actions all the more twisted to see how he interpreted and reacted to the world around him.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.