The Scarlet Pen
by Jennifer Uhlarik
True Crime

I have enjoyed this True Crime series a lot. This author is new to me but it was OK. Good vs. Evil theme.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC. True Crime goes out a lot at our library so ARC's give me a chance to review them before I purchase.

3 star

I felt ambivalent and unsettled reading this book. The crimes of a violent con-man were not exactly uplifting subject matter, and at times even the “good” characters seemed flat and two-dimensional. But as the story progressed, the main characters, Emma and Clay, began to fill out a bit as they questioned earlier assumptions and examined their own bias. Their slow and tentative romance encouraged me to keep reading. I also appreciated the positive balance given by the Scripture verses quoted in their letters. Even when used to wound, the truth of each passage shone through and eventually brought light to a dark subject. I was disappointed in the author’s notes to discover that some historical facts had been changed in the writing of this story. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley and was not required to post a review.

I have so loved the True Crimes Series, and this addition to the series did not disappoint. Surprisingly this new-to-me author has taken a little-known crime about a nefarious counterfeiter in the 1870’s and woven a tale that kept me mesmerized. Emma is infatuated with Stephen Dee Richards much to her protective father’s chagrin. What a trail of deceit Stephen creates with his boyish charm and web of devious supporters. When Clay begins investigating this crime in his role as a Secret Service agent, Emma doesn’t know who to trust. I found all the characters interestingly unique, but I especially loved the innocence of Emma’s younger sister Cynthia.

I received a copy of this book from Barbour Publishing through NetGalley as was under no obligation to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

An intriguing, sinister read from Jennifer Uhlarik. The Scarlet Pen explores the dark mind and actions of American serial killer Stephen Dee Richards, told from three points of view. Suspense is not my usual genre—I watch a lot of TV series about true crime, but reading about it is a totally different experience in my opinion—and Uhlarik definitely nailed the creepy vibes in this book. For me, it solidified why I don’t read a lot of suspense (hello nightmares!) but I’m still glad I read this story. Despite the dark themes, there is a thread of hope woven throughout that keeps the reader grounded. Fans of dark suspense will definitely enjoy this addition to the True Colors series. 3.5/5 stars

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

No doubt can linger in one’s mind as to who is good and who is evil in The Scarlet Pen, a new book in the True Crime Series. We meet a murderer with a seemingly split personality, sweet at times and violent at others. You know from the beginning that Stephen is a “different” kind of person. We meet his fiancé, a very naïve and willful young woman. Add to the mix a lanky Secret Service agent who rides into town on a mission that will eventually involve all three characters. This combination lures the reader into devouring this fast-paced historical fiction.

The author’s notes at the end also enlighten us and provide interesting detail. I really enjoyed this story and highly recommend it.
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Thank you NetGalley, and Barbour Publishing for an advanced copy. The opinions expressed are my own.

Another great book in the True Colors series.
I had never heard of this crime before so it was definitely an interesting read.

The Scarlet Pen by Jennifer Uhlarik is the final book in the True Colors series. This story is especially chilling. All the books in the series are based on true stories centered around serial killers around the turn of the century. The Scarlet Pen is the story of Stephen Dee Anderson and his killing spree across Nebraska and Iowa in 1876. Throw in an innocent, trusting fiance and a secret service agent and the plot thickens. Seriously, Anderson was truly a frightening man. I think the way someone like him can wreak so much havoc and not even worry about getting caught is hard to fathom. People talk about going back in time and living when things were easier and more innocent. Where there is no technology. After reading The Scarlet Pen and the other books in the True Crime series, I'm perfectly happy where I am.
I voluntarily received a copy of this book from NetGalley.

This is a Must Read book! It is well written and hooks you on the first page. The author did a wonderful job of weaving fact with fiction and making this book a 5 star read. This book is full of drama, suspense, and romance. It will keep you on the edge of your seat. If you like a good Christian historical suspense story grab this book!
Thank you Barbour Publishing via NetGalley for the ARC copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

The Scarlet Pen by Jennifer Uhlarik is a fascinating historical Christian novel based on real life crimes. It is part of the True Colors series.
The action is set in 1876 and follows a rather gruesome killing spree of an actual character who seems to be a real Jekyll and Hyde, turning his personality in an instant.
We follow a young lawman with a traumatic past that still haunts his dreams and his life. His mission is to seek out evil and to protect lives.
Our God is a faithful God and He can be trusted. “I know I should trust Your timing, but … I don’t.” Nothing happens that is not within God’s perfect timing.
The leading lady is headstrong and brave, often giving little thought to her personal safety as she seeks to reveal the truth.
God still speaks through dreams. When He urges us to pray, we must do it.
The Scarlet Pen was a gripping read. It was horrifying too with the knowledge that it was based on real life crimes.
I have really enjoyed this True Colors series. All the books have been both fascinating and compulsive.
I received a free copy of the book from Net Galley. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.

The Scarlet Pen details the nefarious deeds and exploits of a nasty murderer and conman whom most forget exist. The plot is excellent and suspenseful, and will keep you on the edge of your seat. Murders are described, though tactfully, so readers 15 and younger should wait to read this book.

I didn’t care much for Emma until the very end. She was whiny, didn’t exhibit much common sense, and was self-centered. While this ended up working for her character arc, and she later does admit to her shortcomings, she wasn’t a heroine I connected with. Clay was a wonderful character and it’s through his and the antagonist’s POVs that the author’s skill shines. Like just aforementioned, we are treated to a “look” through the antagonist’s eyes. The author does quite well at this, showing the reader the antagonist’s slow descent into insanity. It’s delightfully chilling.

The Scarlet Pen is a solid four out of five stars. I wouldn’t advise it for younger readers, but for anyone else who’s looking for a good blend of historical romance and suspense, I recommend The Scarlet Pen.

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This is a fictional story that is based on true crimes, and that is scary. The author did a great job of following the facts to make this story good, and you get more information at the end of this read with the Author's Notes!

I enjoyed how this story wove together, not only do we have the bad guy, a really bad guy, but we touch on the Pony Express and because counterfeit money, the Secret Service.

The main criminal is beyond evil, and as the story progresses he seems to get worse, having no regard for human life.

We are balanced out with some really good Godly individuals, that are played in both Emma's and Clay's lives, and we hope all we soon care about will be there in the end.

Yes, this becomes a page turner of a read, you will need answers!

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Barbour, and was not required to give a positive review.

This book is part of the True Colors series which is a really good series too. The story follows Emma and the Secret Service agent Clay, who is looking for her intended- Stephen. Stephen is not who Emma thinks he is. Instead he’s turned into a cold blooded murderer. This book was a bit violent. It keeps you on the edge of your seat! It was a good book
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the early copy

True Crime and Romance

The Scarlet Pen, part of the True Colors crime series, by Jennifer Uhlarik is a Historical Fiction book taking place in the late 1800’s. The main characters are Emma Draycott, her fiancé Stephen Dee Richardson and the Federal Secret Service Agent, Clay Timmons. Clay is investigating the distribution of counterfeit money which takes him to Mount Pleasant, Ohio where Emma lives. The book moves westward as Stephen and his partner go on a killing spree as well as dropping the fake money along the way. Clay meets Emma as her father is a banker who has received the counterfeit funds through his bank. Her family stays in communication with Clay which allows him to track the Stephen through the letters he sends to Emma.

I have enjoyed this series and would recommend this book to those interested in Historical Fiction. The author's notes at the end of the book are a must.

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

I have never heard of this serial killer, and I am from Iowa and Nebraska. The story really had me from the beginning until the end.

Stephen Dee Richards is a not especially handsome man, but his charisma makes up for it. Emma Draycott is the daughter of a local banker, has stuck up for Steven in the past, but when he comes home from being away for several months, catches Emma's eye and the two are set to be married. But Emma's parents are none to happy about the pending nuptials. Only too soon, Stephen is off on his next adventure to make a better life for him and Emma.

Clay TImmons is a Secret Service agent looking for the persons spending forged bank notes. He comes to Mount Pleasant, Ohio, and Emma Draycott catches his eye. After winning the approval of Emma's family, investigating the bank notes and possible murders and coming up with only one suspect, Emma is dead set on showing everyone Stephen Dee Richard is not the person they are making him out to be. But how does Clay show her who Stephen really is, and how Clay is slowing falling for her.

Crossing many states, multiple murders, and being a no good scoundrel, Jennifer Uhlarik takes a really nasty serial killer and turns the story into a readable, suspenseful, and happy ending. I have enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more of Ms. Uhlarik's books.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this advanced copy.

The Scarlet Pen (Book 12 of the True Colors Series), written by Jennifer Uhlarik is a great stand a lone or another wonderful addition to the True Colors Historical Crime Series. The story begins in Mount Pleasant, Ohio in 1876. Emma Draycott is in a whirlwind romance with Stephen Richardson. Despite knowing him all their lives, Stephen has a very dark side that Emma refuses to see. When Secret Service Agent Clay Timmons arrives following up leads on a person distributing counterfeit money, the signs point to Stephen as well as new crimes of murder. Emma soon finds herself in danger and questioning everything she thought she knew of herself and others. I enjoyed the historical details of this book, being from Ohio I found it very interesting. The characters were well researched and the plot kept you interested to the end. This is my first book by this author & I would definitely read more of her books. I was given a complimentary copy of this book by Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

The “Scarlet Pen” is book number twelve in this wonderful True Colors series. I have enjoyed totally enjoyed all of the books I’ve read thus far in this series and was thankful to be given the opportunity to read this one by Jennifer Uhlarik, a new author to this reader.

The story did not disappoint and the true crime for this book took place in the late 1870’s and went on for approximately three years. Emma, the heroine of the story, is engaged to Stephen Richards who appears on the surface of having a secret past. She loves him and believes in him to the point of defending him when she has underlying doubts about who he says he really is. Unfortunately, when things and unexplained events start to transpire, she starts to question her belief in this man she loves.

Stephen, her love interest travels for his business but it is not revealed what that business is. It is not until a Secret Service agent by the name of Clay Timmons shows up in the area. He is tracking counterfeit money that leads him on a path towards Emma and her family. Her family welcomes the Timmons into their home and a friendship begins. As Emma begins to suspect the motives of the agent, she gradually becomes outraged to learn that Timmons is working along with her father to investigate Stephen’s activities…activities that is leaving a trail of murders. Can she see through Stephen’s lies to uncover the truth, and make room for the growing attraction she is having towards the Agent Timmons?

This was a well-written story and plot. I was completely drawn into the story and the characters because they felt true to life on the pages. As with the other books read in this series, this one was interesting from beginning and wanting to know the outcome in the end. Totally recommend the reading of this book.

Thank you NetGalley and Barbour Publishing for this ARC in exchange for my fair and honest review. All opinions in this review are my own.

This is the first book of the serie True Colors that I read, a series of Historical Stories of Romance and True American Crime.
Emma Draycott is engaged to Stephen Dee Richards. Her Father doesn't really approve Emma's choice but she is so in loved with Stephen
that he finally consent but at one condition, they have to wait about one year and Stephen must have a good situation...

When a Service Secret Agent Clay Timmons arrives in their town investigating on fake currency everything lead him to Stephen.
Stephen is hiding who he really is: a manipulator and a murderer.

Emma is a strong woman very determined. She was so blinded by her love for Stephen that she can not believe him capable of hurting people.
It shows us how important it is sometimes to take a step back to pray and examine the relationship and the character of your future partner.

Clay on the other hand is a man according to God's heart, loving the word of God and I really like this passage that he quotes: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight." It is so important to see things from God's perspectives and rely on him because things can not
always be what they seem.

I really, but really like this book it shows you the importance of wisdom and it's also about love, forgiveness and redemption.

I received a copy of this book and this is an honest review.

I love this series so much. I enjoy suspense and true crime stories and each of these is based on true crime. This one was particularly interesting. The books always spur me to research these crimes further.

I received a copy of this book from Barbour Publishers via Net Galley. I was not expected to leave a positive review and the opinion here is my own.

The Scarlet Pen by Jennifer Uhlarik is the latest in the True Colors Crimes series and will not disappoint. This true crime occurred in the late 1870's and spanned about three years. Stephen Dee Richards is engaged to Emma but is he really who he says he is? Emma loves him and believes in and defends him even when questionable events begin happening. Stephen is supposedly traveling for business but what is that business? When a federal officer shows up tracking counterfeit money where will the trail lead? Emma’s family takes in the agent and become friends with him; Emma is more suspicious of Secret Service agent Clay Timmons. This story is very well written keeping close to the facts without getting too graphic. The characters feel so real I felt I was in that time experiencing their frustrations and pain as well as the loyalty of family and friends. I give this book a solid 5 of 5 stars for the way the crimes are laid out and the scriptures embedded within the story.
I received an advance copy of this book through Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

As a big fan of Barbour’s fiction-based-on-fact True Colors series, I was looking forward to reading this 12th installment. I was not disappointed! Spanning the years 1876-1878 and set in Ohio and Nebraska, The Scarlet Pen follows the heinous crime spree of real-life criminal Stephen Dee Richards. For Secret Service agent Clay Timmons, what starts out as a search for a counterfeiter turns into a search for a serial killer. For Emma Draycott, what starts out as the possibility of a bright future with her betrothed Stephen, turns into a nightmare. Ms. Uhlarik’s excellent storytelling skill and expressive, flowing style make for an exciting yet heartbreaking read. Her descriptions of the crimes are not graphic or gory, but still paint a vivid picture of the depravity involved. The characters are well-developed and believable. I loved Clay, but Emma’s naivety had me yelling at her to open her eyes and see the truth! For me the romance takes a back seat to the true life crime element of the storyline. I especially appreciate the strong faith element that permeates the story and tempers the evil. I enjoyed the author’s notes at the end which give additional details of the historical facts and explain choices she made as she wrote the fictional tale. I highly recommend this book and the series. Each book in the series can be read as a stand-alone.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in e-book form from the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.