📖 Overview
Gary Kinder is an American author, lawyer, and entrepreneur best known for his influential true crime and non-fiction works, as well as creating WordRake, a professional editing software system. His writing career spans multiple bestsellers, including the groundbreaking true crime book "Victim: The Other Side of Murder" (1982) and "Ship of Gold in the Deep Blue Sea" (1998).
As a pioneer in the true crime genre, Kinder's "Victim" marked a significant shift in focus by centering on the victims rather than the perpetrators of violent crime, specifically documenting the 1974 Hi-Fi Murders in Ogden, Utah. His investigative journalism extended to unusual territories with "Light Years" (1987), examining the controversial claims of alleged extraterrestrial contact by Swiss farmer Billy Meier.
Kinder's professional reach extends beyond authorship into the legal field, where he has spent decades teaching legal writing to lawyers and judges across the United States. His expertise in professional writing led to the development of WordRake in 2012, an editing software specifically designed for legal and business professionals, for which he holds ten U.S. Patents.
His research-intensive approach to writing is evident in his seven-year investigation for "Victim" and his detailed examination of the SS Central America's sinking in "Ship of Gold," demonstrating his commitment to thorough historical documentation and narrative precision.
👀 Reviews
Readers consistently praise Kinder's thorough research and ability to build suspense in non-fiction narratives. "Ship of Gold in the Deep Blue Sea" receives particular recognition for its detailed historical accounts and engaging storytelling.
Likes:
- Clear, precise writing style
- Integration of technical details without overwhelming readers
- Balance of historical facts with human interest
- Meticulous research and documentation
Dislikes:
- Some readers find the pacing slow in early chapters
- Technical sections can be dense for casual readers
- "Light Years" faced criticism for its treatment of controversial subject matter
Ratings across platforms:
"Ship of Gold in the Deep Blue Sea"
- Goodreads: 4.2/5 (2,800+ ratings)
- Amazon: 4.5/5 (500+ reviews)
"Victim: The Other Side of Murder"
- Goodreads: 3.9/5 (1,200+ ratings)
- Amazon: 4.3/5 (200+ reviews)
One reader noted: "Kinder transforms complex maritime history into a page-turner without sacrificing accuracy." Another commented: "The technical details in 'Ship of Gold' require concentration but reward careful reading."
📚 Books by Gary Kinder
Victim: The Other Side of Murder (1982)
A detailed account of the 1974 Hi-Fi shop murders in Ogden, Utah, focusing on the victims' experiences and the aftermath of the crime.
Light Years (1987) An investigative examination of Swiss farmer Billy Meier's claims of extraterrestrial contact and UFO encounters.
Ship of Gold in the Deep Blue Sea (1998) A historical narrative documenting the 1857 sinking of SS Central America and the modern recovery of its gold cargo.
Light Years (1987) An investigative examination of Swiss farmer Billy Meier's claims of extraterrestrial contact and UFO encounters.
Ship of Gold in the Deep Blue Sea (1998) A historical narrative documenting the 1857 sinking of SS Central America and the modern recovery of its gold cargo.
👥 Similar authors
Erik Larson combines historical events with detailed narratives in works like "Dead Wake" and "The Devil in the White City," utilizing extensive research and primary sources to reconstruct past events. His focus on maritime disasters and historical crimes parallels Kinder's investigative approach to complex historical events.
Ann Rule pioneered true crime writing with detailed victim perspectives and thorough research into criminal cases, particularly in "The Stranger Beside Me" and other works. Her background in law enforcement and focus on victim narratives aligns with Kinder's approach in "Victim."
Robert Kurson writes detailed narratives about maritime history and underwater exploration, exemplified in "Shadow Divers" and "Pirate Hunters." His research-intensive process and focus on deep-sea discoveries mirrors Kinder's work in "Ship of Gold in the Deep Blue Sea."
Simon Winchester produces research-based narratives combining historical events with scientific discovery, as seen in "The Professor and the Madman" and "Atlantic." His approach to complex historical topics and dedication to primary source research matches Kinder's investigative methodology.
Hampton Sides creates historical narratives based on extensive research and documentation, demonstrated in "Ghost Soldiers" and "In the Kingdom of Ice." His combination of historical investigation with narrative storytelling reflects Kinder's style of thorough research and compelling documentation.
Ann Rule pioneered true crime writing with detailed victim perspectives and thorough research into criminal cases, particularly in "The Stranger Beside Me" and other works. Her background in law enforcement and focus on victim narratives aligns with Kinder's approach in "Victim."
Robert Kurson writes detailed narratives about maritime history and underwater exploration, exemplified in "Shadow Divers" and "Pirate Hunters." His research-intensive process and focus on deep-sea discoveries mirrors Kinder's work in "Ship of Gold in the Deep Blue Sea."
Simon Winchester produces research-based narratives combining historical events with scientific discovery, as seen in "The Professor and the Madman" and "Atlantic." His approach to complex historical topics and dedication to primary source research matches Kinder's investigative methodology.
Hampton Sides creates historical narratives based on extensive research and documentation, demonstrated in "Ghost Soldiers" and "In the Kingdom of Ice." His combination of historical investigation with narrative storytelling reflects Kinder's style of thorough research and compelling documentation.