This is the newest in the True Colors, multi-author series of standalone fiction novels with a basis in historical true crimes. Some characters are based on real people, others are fictitious, many of whom believe in the Lord. This author gifts us with characters defined primarily by realistic actions and conversations. The plot is executed very well with surprising twists. I especially appreciated the spiritual lessons and scripture verses.

It is October 1876 and Emma has just accepted Stephen’s proposal. They have known each other for years and courting for about a month. He just received an inheritance, the beginning of their nest egg. Unfortunately, Stephen had not asked her father for his blessing first.

Later that day, Emma and her younger brother and sister met a handsome stranger in town on business. Her siblings couldn’t stop talking about him. Stephen tried to tamp down his irritation, as he wants their attention, not some new guy! Emma’s father gave his tentative blessing to Stephen and Emma to marry in a year if he proves he can support his daughter.

The next day, Stephen showed up, dressed for traveling, and told Emma he was leaving for a few months. He would set up the business he was discussing with a couple people out west now that he had the inheritance money. The same day, Clay, a Secret Service agent, showed up at the bank her father was a partner in to respond to reports of counterfeit money. He had been invited to stay at her family’s guesthouse, so Emma and Stephen saw each other daily during his stay when he came to dinner.

Clay’s investigation found that Stephen had passed at least a few of the counterfeit banknotes. Emma refused to believe it, thinking that Clay against Stephen, just like her father. Clay left to find where Stephen had gone. Emma’s siblings wanted to write to him after he left, and he agreed, then asked Emma to send him scripture verses with their letters. They were both Bible-believing Christians and agreed on many things, except Stephen.

Weeks later, Clay returned. He had not yet found Stephen but had heard things about him he would rather not tell Emma. He was able to prove to her that Stephen was involved with the death of at least one man, which she simply couldn’t believe. Instead, Emma took off on the next train west to the last town from which she heard from him.

How can I point fingers at Emma? How often have I gone my own way, refusing to listen to the Lord or to others? When our hearts are involved with someone, it is hard to see the truth. When pride rears its head, it is even harder to remove the blinders. Clay, to me, seemed almost too polished at first until we learn his background and struggles. I came to appreciate him much faster than Emma did. And unlike Emma, I just didn’t like Stephen from the start. I did like the relationship this family has with the exception of Emma and her dad regarding Stephen.

Rich with scriptures, descriptive writing, and intrigue, I truly enjoyed this novel. I highly recommend it, and any others in the series, to those who appreciate historical fiction with a basis in true crimes and characters, spiritual lessons, and a hint of romance.

From a thankful heart: I received an ARC of this novel from the publisher through NetGalley and Celebrate Lit, and this is my honest review.

Sadly this is the final book in the true crime, true colors series. I have read and reviewed each one and loved them all! This one, The Scarlet Pen, was no exception. It started with counterfeiting in 1876 and escalated further as secret service agent Clay Timmons investigated and searched for the culprits.
Emma Draycott comes into the picture after she becomes engaged to Stephen Dee Richards, her childhood friend. He quickly disappears to seek his fortune to satisfy Emma’s father. But as Clay digs deeper and deeper into his investigation certain information disturbs him.
The characters were so real and well developed. I seemed to travel right along on the investigative journey. I got caught up in what was happening to the point that when I looked up from the book it took me a few seconds to return to reality. A great way to get away from real life if even for a short while.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through Celebrate Lit but was not required to write a review positive or otherwise.

When I first started the True Colors series I didn’t care for it, but I kept picking up the books and by book three or four I wanted to read them all. I am so sad this is the last book in this series, but I am very happy Barbour is coming out with other series.

This book was amazing. I really enjoyed the way the author allowed to see into the criminals mind. There was no doubt what he was doing and who was doing it. But that didn’t take away from the suspense and intrigue of the book. The crimes that Stephen did are horrible and if you are sensitive to things you might not like this book. I love true crime shows so this book was right up my ally.

I also loved Clay and the romance that bloomed between Emma him.

I am sad to see this series end, but what a way to go!


A copy of this book was given to me through Celebrate Lit. All opinions are my own.

The Scarlet Pen, by Jennifer Uhlarik, is part of the True Colors True Crime series, a group of fictional novels based on American crime. Having read most of the books in this series, I looked forward to reading The Scarlet Pen and was not disappointed. I was drawn into the story quickly as in the first few pages Emma and Stephen pledge their love for each other, and the tension of their romance begins. Set in the Midwest during the late 1870s, the book tells the horrifying story of a serial killer. Uhlarik is a wonderful storyteller as her writing is strong and descriptive. She has blended suspense, romance, and faith in the narrative to make a story that keeps the pages turning. Uhlarik created her characters to be believable, relatable, and people that I would like to have known as friends (well, the good guys anyway!) Emma, spunky and loyal. Stephen, a charmer with big dreams. And Clay, an honorable lawman with a haunting past and strong faith in God. As these three interact and sometimes clash, their story pulls on the reader’s emotions, shock, horror, sorrow, hope, and compassion. I enjoyed the book, and I look forward to reading more from this author.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing. A favorable review was not required, and the opinions are my own. This review is part of a CelebrateLit blog tour.

The Scarlet Pen by Jennifer Uhlarik is the twelve book in Barbour Publishing’s True Color Series. This is a series of stand alone stories written by different authors that are based on strange crimes that have taken place in our history. This story takes place in 1876 and is based in Mount Pleasant, Ohio.

Emma and Stephen have been friends since childhood and have just recently started dating. They have become engaged and he has to prove to her father he can support her. He leaves town saying he is working with others to find a way to support her but instead goes on a very long, very terrible crime streak. Emma struggles with believeing he could be the one secrect service agents are looking for.

This is a great story that is well written and easy to follow and imagine. The story does contain a lot of violence. The story is filled with suspense and has lots of twists and turns. This is one of those stories I found very difficult to put down as the action never stops.

I received a complimentary copy of this story from Celebrate Lit, NetGalley and Barbour Publishing. This is my honest review.

I really enjoyed this story. A little history and a little fiction. I love the 1800s era and this did not disappoint.

Stephen Dee Richards, donned "the Ted Bundy of the Old West" is a man from Mount Pleasant, Ohio, and is engaged to a young lady named Emma Draycott. Emma is the daughter of a local banker and does not like Stephen very much but cannot put his finger on why. When a series of counterfeit bills start showing up in town it brings Clay Timmons in. Clay is a Secret Service agent who has worked for the Pony Express in the past. He quickly finds out that Stephen has passed a few of these bills within town but has left with a companion to travel west for "business" or at least that what he's told Emma.

In reality, Stephen is a cold blooded killer. Killing 9 people over the course of three years and two states. He even killed a woman and her three children. Emma, thankfully, was informed of his misdeeds and in the end did not marry him. Instead she ends up marrying the kind and courageous Clay.

I really enjoyed the historical aspect of this story, even with the changes to the history a little bit, I found the story to be well written, suspenseful and it definitely held my interest. I am a huge fan of true crime and just when I've thought I had heard about almost every serial killer out there, I am shown a new one. I had not heard of this killer or his crimes. At the end of the book the author is nice enough to show where she made the changes to the story and why.

This was a great book and I will definitely be checking out more from this author.

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. They are all about true crimes that have happened with a fiction twist. I have read quite a few of them and I have so far enjoyed this collection of stories. I must say this one for me, has been the most disturbing and gruesome. The storyline definitely grabs you from the beginning. You immediately can tell who the culprit is, you just don't realize how twisted he truly is until you read the story.

The crime is based off the Stephen Dee Richards a Nebraska serial killer in the late 1800's. It was amazing to me how well the author was able to write this story and basically get into the killer's mind and tell us a story through fiction. You can really tell she did a lot of research to accomplish this and it makes for a good story.

We do meet fictional characters Emma who happens to be engaged to Stephen despite her father's hesitance towards the situation. She drove me a little batty at times. She definitely was so naive and young. She did grow on me and even her character admits in the story that she had been sheltered and didn't know much about the world. Clay was a great character. He is the Secret Service Agent who brings Stephen down. He has a sad past and that played into the storyline. It was great to see the growth between Clay and Emma but also the growth within themselves.

Overall this was a very good story. It keeps you engaged and intrigued to find out what happens. If you enjoy watching shows like Criminal Minds you will definitely like this series and this book especially.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion

Part of the True Colors: Historical Stories of American Crime, The Scarlet Pen weaves and haunting tale of a disturbing of crimes in Wild West style. Jennifer Uhlarik holds back the worst details of this gruesome series of events in the northwest by what would now be termed a psychopath. He is charming to those he wants to deceive and thinks no one is smarter. Enter an upstanding family in the community and the sudden appearance of secret agent Clay Timmons and the chase becomes a matter of years.

Imagine tracking sly criminals through towns before telephone, national registry, facial recognition and DNA. No wonder Stephen Dee Richards was able to blend into towns and lives for so long. Even so, determination, discernment, faith, hope and family blend to battle evil and internal struggles of main characters.

I received a complimentary copy of the book without obligation. This review is my opinion.

Emma Draycott’s surprise engagement to a childhood friend, Stephen Dee Richards, suffers a serious setback when her protective father withholds consent. Sensing something is off with Stephen, Emma’s father delays the union until the eager, young man can prove himself a stable provider for his daughter.

Outraged, Emma wants to reveal the secret that Stephen has sworn her to keep silent; the roll of cash he’s carrying has come from a sudden inheritance. Stephen assures the heartbroken Emma that he will prove himself worthy so they can be together, soon. Giving Emma very little detail about his plans or when he will return, Stephen declares he is off to search out his business partners and leaves.

By cheating and robbing his way through towns, Stephen discovers he has a taste for bloodshed.

Clay Timmons, a Secret Service agent, is on assignment to track down counterfeiters. His leads bring him to Mount Pleasant where he befriends Emma’s younger siblings and family. Devout and honorable, Clay’s fear for Emma’s safety turns to deep feelings for her. As Clay shares growing evidence, implicating Stephen in the counterfeit dollars scheme, Emma refuses to believe him and remains convinced of Stephen’s innocence. Until the proof is unquestionable and the testimonies of witnesses, undeniable.

I’m a huge fan of Barbour’s True Colours series and I’ve enjoyed every one of the books; The Scarlett Pen is a riveting inclusion. Jennifer Uhlarik has written a compelling true story based on the facts of serial killer Stephen Dee Richards who committed nine murders in two years.

Weaving the gruesome truth in a story that can engage feel-goods throughout while sharing the word of God; another gold link in the Barbour’s series’ chain.

I highly recommend The Scarlett Pen.

Thanks to NetGalley and Barbour Publishing for the read of Jennifer Uhlarik’s, The Scarlett Pen.

The Scarlet Pen is a book for lovers of faith-based historical romance and crime stories. Based in the late 1800’s in the Midwest, this book follows Secret Service Agent, Clay Timmons, as he chases after counterfeiter and murderer Stephen Dee Richards. Both men have something in common, beautiful and innocent Emma Draycott. One man takes advantage of her faithful heart, and the other fights to show her the truth.
This story was beautifully written and kept me on the edge of my seat. To my surprise, Richards was a real-life serial killer, which made this story even more gripping, even if the other characters are fictional. A must read! (I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher for my honest review.)

This is the final book in the True Colors Series. These books are fictionalized books that tell the stories of true crimes. They attempt to provide hope in the midst of somewhat dark stories.

This particular true crime story centers around a man named Stephen who leaves a wake of loss wherever he goes. The man that is searching for him is Clay and his girlfriend is Emma. I particularly enjoyed the way that Emma's family cares for her and tries to protect her from this man. I also enjoyed Clay and even while searching for Stephen he maintains respect for his person.

The author does a good job of not making the story too gruesome and weaves hope throughout.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review

The last book in the True Colors series is called "The Scarlet Pen." What a story it told. Though at first, you might think about what is going on. Why would parents be concerned for their daughter and not allow her to marry her friend?

We meet a young woman and her sweet talk lover Stephen. But will they end up getting married, or will Emma finally see what is going on with their beloved and find true love? We seem to follow Stephen's journey from his marriage proposal to a young woman to his eventful capture.

There a young man on horseback comes to visit and do some business. As the twist and turns show up. Something happens to make Stephen and his friend jump town; Stephen tries to keep Emma at bay and in the dark. Clay seems to want to help and protect her. Emma seems to want to defend Stephen. Why is that?

There seems to be a trail of banknotes that keep leading back to Stephen and connecting to Emma. Will Emma confront a man that may harm her and possibly kill her. Or will someone come and save her.

Who is this serial killer? Why is he doing it? Clay seems to get hints and information and then loses Richards while he is on the run. Will they all make it out safe? Will Stephen get caught, or will he run free. I felt terrible for the family that brings Clay to face the past that happened to him and his family.

The True Color series is a favorite of mine. The books are set in history and tell about true American crimes and have some fiction. These books are great for historical fiction fans and crime fans as well. This one has quite a few killings but not too much detail of the gruesome deaths. Enough to know how it happened. The stories transpire based on actual crimes in American history, but there is some friction that the author brings up in the book.

The True Colors series is one of my favorites and I always look forward to new books being released. Some are better than others and I certainly have my favorite authors. I was slightly nervous when I picked this one up, as I have never read anything by Jennifer Uhlarik before. I shouldn't have been! The Scarlet Pen had me hooked from the first chapter. It was absolutely one of the better books in the series. I truly hope that Jennifer Uhlarik writes another in the True Colors series. If she does I will be first in line for the book!

This is an incredible historical romance based on a true crime!

I absolutely love both Emma Draycott and Clay Timmons. The entire Draycott family is wonderful. I thoroughly enjoyed their interactions with each other. At first I wasn’t sure about the father because he seemed too stern. Then when he talked with Emma about his reasons I recognized his goodness.

One of my favorite aspects of this story is the amount of scripture and reliance on God that is included. Both Emma and Clay lean heavily on their relationship with the Lord. This is what helped them as they were making their way through a very dark and trying time that was filled with evil and danger.

I do want to give a warning that there are some very gruesome scenes in this book.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher, through NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All of the opinions expressed are my own.

Oh, watch out Emma! The nice, sometimes bullied boy that you remembered from your childhood is not the same man you have fallen in love with. Emma is drawn to Stephen Dee Richards because of his charming personality, the attention that he gives her, and her sweet and rescuing nature. Their whirlwind courtship is suspect as Stephen does not ask her father’s permission to marry her and seems to be in a rush to set the date. Promising to Emma and her father that he will return with income to support her, Stephen leaves on a westward journey where he leaves a deadly trail of people who were unfortunate to have met him.

The latest in the True Color series, Jennifer Uhlarik takes the difficult and chilling story of a serial killer and lets you see into the mind of Stephen Dee Richards. The way in which it is written shows us how under the charming and affable veneer of this man lies a callous, ruthless, and brutal murderer. Weaving the story of writing mundane details to his sweetheart, Emma, of his travels after he commits heinous acts was an excellent way of showing his blatant disregard of life and his truly evil nature.

The relationship that Emma develops with Clay Timmons, a Secret Service agent, shows the contrast between the two men and provides light in this dark tale and gives the balance of a selfless godly man. He only wants the best for Emma and to keep her safe as he uncovers clues of Stephen’s activities. He writes her encouraging scriptures as he tracks the killer and offers her the opportunity to choose between two very different paths. If you have read any of the other True Color series books, you don’t want to miss this one!

Thank you to NetGalley and Barbour Publications for an arc of the book. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own.

The Scarlet Pen by Jennifer Uhlarik is the 12th and final True Colors novel from Barbour Publishing. This series is so interesting as Christian fiction inspired by historical true crimes. I went into this novel without reading a synopsis to experience the full shock of the crime it's based on. I was surprised much of the story occurred in my state of Nebraska.

In the 1870s, Stephen Dee Richards, known as The Nebraska Fiend and The Ohio Monster, led a double life. To his fiance, family, and friends, he appeared to be a hard-working church-going gentleman, but he was actually a cold-blooded killer with no remorse for the numerous brutal murders he committed.

Ms. Uhlarik took the harrowing facts of Richards' crimes and wove them into a compelling plot, connecting actual people and imagined characters. The faith elements felt organic and were comforting in a novel filled with much death and devastation. The epilogue sharing the final chapter of Richards' life was particularly interesting.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

Barbour Publishing has a series called True Colors. The book in the series, each one written by different authors, tells stories of criminal activity, based on true-life crimes. Jennifer Uhlarik has written The Scarlet Pen, which is a story based on 19th century con man, Stephen Dee Richards, who has charmed a childhood friend, Emma Draycott, into pledging to become his wife. Her parents are totally against this marriage and Stephen leaves to make his fortune so that Emma’s father will accept him.

No one knows exactly what Stephen is doing to make his fortune and he is keeping Emma in the dark about his activities. In this telling of his story, Secret Service agent Clay Timmons in on his trail trying to prove that he is guilty at least of passing counterfeit money.

I enjoyed the story and was aghast at some of the doings of Stephen on his journey. I was not comfortable with the dedication to which Emma pledged her loyalty to him. She was extremely naïve and accepted Stephen’s word for their future. I think that readers will be swept up in the Secret Servant’s pursuit of this decadent individual. I just thought it would never end. Crimes piled upon crimes committed by this sneaky snake who easily explained away his involvement.

The book was well-written and the horror of the crimes committed sometimes left me cold, but the story itself was intriguing and kept my interest throughout.

Not only did this book capture my attention from the first scene, but I also disliked Stephen Dee Richardson from that moment on! It made me wonder what Emma saw in him. Emma is sweet, caring, adores her siblings, and seems to be more in love with the idea of being in love, than actually in love with Stephen. She is also headstrong and impulsive, which gets her into trouble.

Clay is the true hero of the story. From the moment you meet him, you know he is a great guy. He cares about Emma's siblings and takes care of the kittens, even though there was no reason for him to do so. He treats everyone with respect and always tries to do the right thing. He is haunted by his past and it colors his present.

This story is gripping and haunting. There is a mystery, intrigue, romance, violent crimes, and a truly demented man. It will captivate you from the first scene and keep your attention to the conclusion.

The Scarlet Pen is based on the true crimes of Stephen Dee Richards. It is told from three different points of view. The story has some gruesome parts that might be hard for sensitive people to read, but they are not in-depth or long-winded. Other than that there is nothing to dislike about this story.

I would recommend this book to those who love suspense and mystery, but also historical events.

Thank you to Barbour Publishing and Net Galley for the opportunity to read this book. I was not required to provide a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

A scarlet-barreled dip pen, a cut-glass inkwell that holds many secrets and money that seems to come out of nowhere…..

With plenty of excitement and action, the author brings us another installment of the True Colors series. The lovely Emma Draycott has been swept off her feet by Stephen Richards, a man with many secrets. Clay Timmons works with the Secret Service, following the trail of counterfeit money. Hard to put down, this story takes us through several states, as things start to come together in the hunt for the perpetrators. Between murder, jail breaks and more these well developed characters work on trusting God for the outcome. Is it possible that love might be found in the midst of this?

An ARC of this true crime story was received through Barbour Publishing and NetGalley. These impressions and comments are my own and were in no way solicited.

"I have to be the biggest fool in the world. In all my infinite wisdom, I've run from a truly wonderful, godly, handsome, and caring man to seek out and confront a murderer." - Emma Draycott

Oh Emma...my heart poured out for this wonderfully naive character. A trusting woman to a fault, a being that would never see bad in anyone, is where I most identified with Emma, and what was most eye-opening to me. I too am incredibly trusting, rarely seeing the dangers or darkness that lurks below the surface not only in situations, but people as well. Like Emma, I want to see the good in everyone, but sometimes being so loyal and trusting can put you in a dangerous situation that you would've never dreamed you'd be.

Like the other books in the True Colors series, I was smitten and spellbound from the beginning but I will say that The Scarlet Pen is definitely more gruesome and disturbing that some of the others in the series, but is tastefully told in the cleanest way senseless murders can be described, with little detail, leaving a lot to the imagination.

This is a clear battle between good-vs-evil with Stephen being the devil, a wolf in sheep's clothing, and Clay the guardian angel, that seeks the lawbreaker and fights for justice to be served. I could tell from the beginning that Stephen was a shady character, and wanted to shake sweet Emma into some sense! I love that Clay never gave up on the stubborn girl, and their relationship was one of my favorite parts of the story, especially the Scripture writing back and forth, encouraging each other with God's Word, throughout the novel.

The ending was quite different than what I was expecting in one respect, which was refreshing, yet had me thinking about the outcome long after I put this book down, wondering where the truth truly lies, and hoping that this ending was the true ending (sorry if that's cryptic...I don't want to give any spoilers).

I'm not going to lie, there are some truly cringe-worthy and morbid moments, one in particular I could not get out of my mind, even without the gruesome details, but then there is this balance of moments that are truly heartwarming. One thing I am most thankful for is that this monster was captured early on in his spree, and wasn't allowed to be out there for long, but still he made his grotesque mark on American history, and it is a story I am thankful to now know.

I cannot imagine how hard it is to write stories like this, and my praise goes to Jennifer Uhlarik for doing a masterful job. It is definitely a hard subject to tackle, but she did it with grace and tact, and I know many will be blessed by reading The Scarlet Pen, showing that grace abounds and hope is not lost until we take our last breath.