I finished reading The Scarlet Pen by Jennifer Uhlarik over the weekend. It is part of Barbour Publishing’s True Colors series, a fact-as-fiction series of books based on true crimes. This one journeys into the counterfeit money business in the 19th century as well as the life of serial killer Stephen Dee Richards. This is the 12th book in the True Colors series, but each stands alone.

As the story begins, Emma Draycott has become engaged to her childhood friend Stephen Dee Richards, but he leaves town almost immediately on “business”. Secret Service Agent Clay Timmons arrives in town tracing fake currency, and the trail soon points to Richards. This book is both a crime novel and a love story, with a Christian perspective through.

I took an immediate dislike to Richards, even before I was aware of just what a villain he was. Sweet Emma…I often wanted to shake her so she would wake up and see the truth about Richards. I immediately liked Clay, who was not only an excellent investigator but also an excellent “leading man”.

This is my first Jennifer Uhlarik read, but I hope not my last. Uhlarik has done an excellent job of telling the story of these horrible crimes, yet at the same time weaving a thread of hope throughout. The characters are authentic, the events are vividly described without excessive blood and gore, and the dialogue between characters is well written and flowed easily. This is one you don’t want to miss.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher via Net Galley in exchange for a review.

Rating 4.5

This final book ended the Tru Colors series with a bang! This serial killer was one of the worst psychopaths I’ve read about - handling his killing as just another normal event in his day.

Emma at one hand frustrated me with her naïveté and believe in Stephan while people she trusted told her to be wary, and then also motivated me with her close walk with God and delving in the scriptures.

Clay was a hero to remember - a gentleman, compassionate, deep and solid faith and a ‘cowboy’. I really grew fond of him.

This author did a great job of balancing out the killer’s darkness with the innocence of Emma and light from Clay. There was one scene which almost broke Clay which probably the killer’s worst kill.

I enjoyed this series and will recommend it to fans of suspense and stories based on true events.

This story runs from 1876 to 1878 and features the Draycott family – Emma, her father and mother, sister Cynthia and brother Thomas, Hester, Stephen, Munson, the Harlson family, Dolly, Clay, PJ, Zeb, Lula and a few others. Emma is engaged to Stephen, who sets off to prove himself to her parents. We follow along with his “adventures” as well as following Clay and the Draycotts. Emma is out to prove her Stephen is a good man, and Clay is following some counterfeiting money, which seems to tie back to Stephen. Page turning story and another great addition to this series.
A complimentary copy was provided by Barbour Publishing via NetGalley. A review was not required and all thoughts and opinons are my own.

Emma Draycott has known Stephen Dee Richards since they were kids in school. Now she has developed feelings and wants to get engaged, but her father is hesitant due to gut feelings he has about Stephen. At the same time, Clay Timmons, a secret service agent, is following a trail of counterfeit money that seems to trace to Stephen.

This last book of the True Crime series introduces us to a man who seems filled with charisma; but at the same time, he hides a dark side that is truly frightening. Uhlarik is a new-to-me author, but she brings alive the facts of this true crime case that delves into the mind of someone with a split personality that led secret service agents on a wild goose chase for several years. It wasn't until Clay Timmons focused on the dark side of Stephen instead of following the money trail that he finally was able to apprehend him.

Excellent series brought together by many great Christian authors.

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

What I Loved:
These true crime stories have been fascinating. I admire how each author manages to create a fictional story surrounding a real crime. In this novel, Uhlarik took what she did know about the serial killer, Stephen Dee Richardson, and filled in the missing pieces with lovable characters and a likely scenario.
Uhlarik offered 3 points of view, one of them being the killer’s so there were some scenes that made me squeamish. I think she handled it as best as she could, it’s just more than I’m used to reading personally since I typically don’t read about serial killers.
At the end of the book, Uhlarik shares how she wanted to offer a story of hope in the midst of all this darkness, and I think she nailed it. There was a strong Christian theme with strong Christian characters.
The heroine is rather naive but I found it to be pretty accurate for someone her age and someone who was dead-set on believing what they wanted.
This was my first Uhlarik novel, but it won’t be last. I enjoyed her smooth storytelling style and the way she kept the plot moving at all times.


Rating and Recommendations: I’m giving The Scarlet Pen 5 stars. I highly recommend it to those looking for Christian true crime.

~ I received a copy from NetGalley. All thoughts are my own. I was not compensated for this review or required to give a favorable one.

“The Scarlet Pen” by Jennifer Uhlarik is the newest story in the True Color series. I found it to be an excellent addition. The characters were well written, as was the story line which was based on the exploits of Stephen Dee Richards who was later called the “Nebraska Butcher” or “Nebraska Fiend”.

The story was presented so well that I found myself wanting to learn more of the actual story.

Hoping that there will be more stories added to this intriguing series.

Thank you to NetGalley and Barbour Publishing for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. 4.5 stars

The Scarlet Pen brought to life the mind of a serial killer and of the people that he fooled and those that he didn't. Some of it is disturbing to read although there are very few gory details. Jennifer Uhlarik told a difficult story without giving me nightmares. I enjoyed reading about Emma maturing from that spoiled young woman that she started out being and about Clay's sense of duty. Reading about their faith and one particular scene of God working miraculously in their lives was a joy. There were definitely surprises in the plot, and there were no slow spots in the book. The end had a real twist. If you like clean historical crime stories with faith and romance, this is the book for you.
Jennifer Uhlarik is a new author to me, and I will be on the lookout for more of her books. I have enjoyed all of the books that I've had the privilege to read in the True Colors series.
I received a copy through NetGalley and have shared my opinion of this well-written tale.

Jennifer Uhlarik did such a great job with this one! I’m sure it’s hard to write a Christian fiction story that has a serial killer in it, but she did a great job with it. Some parts were a little bit dark, but that’s part of the story. I was hooked in this story and couldn’t put it down! I really enjoyed it!


I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

Emma Draycott is excited to accept the surprise proposal of her childhood friend Stephen Dee Richards, but her family is less than thrilled. Her parents don't like that they got engaged before Stephen asked their permission, and there is something about him that doesn't sit right with them. Something more than the fact that he has no means to support their daughter. Stephen claims to have business prospects that he's pursuing and leaves town to earn his fortune . . . after some extravagant spending with money he says he received as an inheritance. Emma is distraught when he leaves so quickly after their engagement, and with so little information about where he's going and who his business partners might be, but she remains loyal and continues to write to him. To add to her distress, a cowboy that is new in town turns out to be a Secret Service agent investigating counterfeit money, and he is asking a lot of questions about Stephen.

Clay Timmons is a Secret Service agent tracking down the source of counterfeit bills that have been passed in the area. He quickly develops a good working relationship with the banker, Emmitt Draycott and his family, staying in their guesthouse as he follows the trail. He is attracted to Emma and his feelings are torn when he realizes that the fake money keeps leading to her betrothed. It puts his friendship with her on rocky ground, to say the least. As he continues following Stephen's trail, he realizes that the string of violent murders is connected to Stephen as well. It soon becomes very clear that Stephen is extremely dangerous, and it will be up to Clay to inform Emma and protect her as well as bring Stephen to justice. But will she believe him, and how will she react?

This story is based on the true history of serial killer Stephen Dee Richards, and despite the horror of his crimes, there is justice and even a message of hope in his true story and in the fictional framework the author uses to tell the story. It definitely kept me turning pages and hoping the law would catch up to Stephen before he did more harm.

*I received a digital ARC of this book from Barbour Publishing through NetGalley and was under no obligation to post a review.

The Scarlet Pen is a bit of history wrapped up into a gritty mystery.

Many have become familiar with serial killers through the television show “Criminal Minds”. Most will not realize that there is a long history of serial killers throughout history. This book follows the story of one who killed at least nine in the mid-1870s in Iowa and Nebraska. Stephen Lee Richards had become known as the Nebraska Butcher or Nebraska Fiend. The author wraps her story around this man using a fictional fiance and a Secret Service Agent who is tracking the counterfeit money that Richards is also passing as he travels from Ohio to Iowa to Nebraska.

The story is gripping and attention grabbing as Clay Timmons seeks to protect Richards’ fiance, Emma Draycott, and apprehend the “special kind of tetched” criminal himself. Having lived in the area described in the book, it was difficult to imagine the evil this man left along the Platte River and in Western Iowa

What is amazing is that the author and the murderer himself are able to communicate God’s grace to our broken world. History tells us that both in a final testimony and in written correspondence, Richards confessed faith in Christ prior to his being hanged. The fictional Clay Timmons summed up an appropriate response when asked, “Did he really believe?’

Part of me hopes he was tellin’ the truth, that God has welcomed him home -- because if God can forgive and receive the likes of him, there’s incredible hope for all of us.

With the mixture of history and grace, I give the book 5-stars,
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This review is based on a free electronic copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review. The opinions expressed are mine alone.

Wow, I tell you what, wow. This story did not disappoint. I have not been disappointed in any of these novels based on true crimes. The story of Stephen Dee Richards gave me chills. On the other side of the crime, I love that these are framed in the genre of Christian fiction. It gives the story greater dimension.

I loved Emma, she was such a well written character. She was realistic and faithful and didn't change her mind without compelling evidence. She was also stubborn and free spirited which added to the drama.

Clay was everything a lawman should be and more. His interactions with Emma's family in contrast to Stephen told the tale.

The side characters had depth and only added to the story. This was a story that was impossible to put down once engaged in the story.

I received an early copy through NetGalley and this is my honest review.

Another great installment in the True Colors series. This one rate close to the top for me. I enjoyed the plot development and how Stephen Dee Richards escalated. Emma paints a beautiful picture of loyalty at all costs, which is what almost gets her into so much trouble. I genuinely liked Clay and his pursuit of justice. This story closely follows Stephen, which was insightful, but be warned, it is also a bit gruesome. The telling is very tasteful, but the reality of what he did was just brutal and sad. I really enjoyed the author’s notes at the end and the questions to consider. Despite terrible events, the presence of Scripture regularly woven through kept the Light ever present. I highly recommend this book to all lovers of true crime with an inspirational telling.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley and all opinions expressed are solely my own, freely given.

Author Jennifer Uhlarik did a wonderful job balancing hope and light with a very dark part of true crime history. A charming, yet elusive fiance, a handsome and noble lawman, and a spunky, naive young woman take us on quite the journey. This suspenseful true-crime fiction is a page-turner. The author deftly weaves the true story, while horrific isn't portrayed with extra unnecessary detail.

I love the glimpse into two of the character's faith life throughout this ordeal. The sweet relationship between one of the gentleman, and the young woman's family was delightful. Fans of the True Colors series will not be able to put down this latest installment!


Thank you to the author and Net Galley for allowing me to read an early copy. All opinions are my own.

The Scarlet Pen, like the other novels in the True Colors Series, is a history-filled, fictionalized account of crimes that happened many years ago. The author brings the story to life through carefully created, well-wounded characters. The settings and events come alive on the page. The author also did a good job of showcasing the crimes committed by the warped perpetrator, without overwhelming us in the gruesome details. I loved how, even through the brutal crimes committed, love and hope were still part of the story. The ending is satisfying and filled with the possibilities of grace and mercy available to all of us, even the very worst of humanity. I received a.copy of this book from Barbour Publishing through Netgalley. No review was required. These are my own personal thoughts and opinions.

The Scarlet Pen is a great addition to the True Colors series. A very well written plot that captured me at page one. I highly recommend this book.

This True Colors series is a must read for me. I have enjoyed all of the books and it is interesting to see how they are tied into real-life events.

This suspenseful true crime fiction was hard to put down. The villain’s choices and story was so hard to believe that even his fiancé couldn’t fathom that it was true. Over time, through prayer and Scripture, she sought to determine the truth. I appreciated that Uhlarik included glimpses of character’s relationships with God in practical ways. As the story unfolds, a secret service agent diligently searched out the criminal. However, the case becomes personal leaving a chance for romance, which this author wrote very well. The Scarlet Pen is a story that will keep you engaged until the very end. I was given a copy of his book by the publisher. All opinions are my own.

In a series that aims to bring light and hope into stories of darkness, The Scarlet Pen stands out for bringing laughter as well. The relationship between Clay Timmons and Emma Draycott becomes something so delightful, and his friendships with the two men who have looked out for him since their days in the Pony Express add warmth and levity to the story.

Newly engaged to a childhood friend, Emma is disturbed to find herself attracted to newcomer Clay, a Secret Service agent who quickly endears himself to her family. But when his investigation brings her fiancé's activities into question, Emma is quick to disregard any warnings and slow to question the extended separation and increasing distance between letters as her intended claims to be working towards their future.

While the story is built around the fictional characters of Emma and Clay, it also encompasses the all too real crimes of serial killer and lothario Stephen Dee Richards. Clay's determination, Emma's reluctance, and Stephen's escalating violence combine to make a riveting tale of love, villainy (of the downright evil sort), and faith in 19th Century America.

The Scarlet Pen by Jennifer Uhlarik is the twelfth book in the multi-author True Colors series of inspirational romances based on stories of true historical American crimes. The series may be read in any order and are relatively quick reads at 256 pages each. If you are a fan of true crime, historical romance, and inspiration fiction, then this is a series for you - and The Scarlet Pen is one of the entries that I particularly recommend.

This review refers to a temporary digital galley I voluntarily read via NetGalley, courtesy of the publisher. A positive review was not required and these are only my own, unbiased opinions.

I have enjoyed all these true colors, true crime books, some more than others. This is one of my favorites. The characters were believable. The story flowed well. The story, though gruesome at times was not told in a gory manner.
This book shows the importance of trusting God and not your feelings. It isn't preachy but does show what happens if you do or do not trust God.

If you enjoy a good mystery/crime story that is clean and a non-preachy Christian book, this is for you. I had a hard time putting this book down and it had a satisfying ending. You won't be disappointed.

If you enjoy a good historic romance this will be a great one for you. It’s well written and has a great inspirational lesson, as well. It is a story of counterfeit money in the mid-1870s. Jennifer Uhlarik did a great job of weaving a story around Stephen Dee Richards, a criminal of the time. At the beginning Stephen is engaged to Emma Draycott, a very spoiled and innocent young lady. Clay Timmons is a Secret Service Agent investigating the case. The story is a romance, as well as an account of Stephen’s crimes, and his disturbed mind.
I had not read this author before. She definitely kept me turning the pages.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and am under no obligation to post a review.