Killing Season

Killing Season chronicles the investigation of a series of murders in Sacramento, California during the 1980s. Morris Solomon Jr., a handyman and former felon, became the focus of detectives after multiple women's bodies were discovered buried near properties where he had worked. The book follows the parallel tracks of Solomon's life story and the police investigation that ultimately connected the seemingly unrelated deaths. Through interviews and police records, Smith reconstructs the frustrated early attempts to solve the cases and the breakthroughs that finally emerged. Law enforcement's pursuit of Solomon reveals the challenges of investigating crimes against marginalized victims in an era before DNA testing and modern forensic techniques. The case exposes gaps in the criminal justice system and patterns of predatory behavior that went undetected for years. The narrative examines cycles of violence and the societal conditions that can allow serial killers to operate beneath notice. Smith raises questions about how communities respond to violence against vulnerable populations and the evolution of investigative methods.

The book receives mostly favorable reviews from true crime readers who appreciate Smith's detailed research and reporting on the case. Many note it provides comprehensive background on the victims, investigation process, and social context of 1980s Vancouver. Readers highlight: - Clear timeline and presentation of facts - Inclusion of firsthand accounts and interviews - Focus on victims' stories rather than sensationalizing violence - Careful handling of sensitive subject matter Common criticisms: - Writing can be dry and academic at times - Some repetition of case details - Limited information about certain aspects due to ongoing investigation status when published Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (423 ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (89 ratings) "The reporting is thorough but the writing style lacks engagement," notes one Amazon reviewer. A Goodreads reader states: "Important documentation of the case, though the narrative structure could be stronger."

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📚 Carlton Smith spent over 20 years as an investigative reporter before becoming a true crime author, covering many high-profile murder cases for the Seattle Times. 🔍 The book details the hunt for Robert Lee Yates Jr., who killed at least 13 women in Spokane, Washington between 1996 and 1998, primarily targeting sex workers and women struggling with addiction. ⚖️ Yates was caught in 2000 after DNA evidence linked him to the murders, despite living an outwardly normal life as a married father of five and National Guard helicopter pilot. 🗃️ The investigation was one of the largest in Washington state history, involving multiple law enforcement agencies and over 100 officers at its peak. 🏢 The case helped establish better cooperation between police departments and led to changes in how Spokane law enforcement handled cases involving sex workers and missing persons.