True Crime: Connecticut

by Bryan Ethier

The mention of Connecticut summons charming images of seaports and peaceful rural areas, but this densely populated state has its share of landmark crimes. Headline stories chronicled in this book focus on cases solved through the use of forensic science, including the arsenic poisoning of Mary Stannard, the Halloween golf-clubbing of Martha Moxley by a Kennedy relative, and the wood chipper murder of Helle Crafts. Also discussed are the killing spree of Michael Ross, the cold case murder of Yale University student Suzanne Jovin, and the horrifying home-invasion slaying of an upper-class Cheshire family

Genres: Nonfiction, True Crime

128 pages, Paperback

First published April 30, 2009

Reviews

[Ronnie Cramer · Rating 2 out of 5]

A good selection of cases, but the author seems to dwell on peripheral issues more than the crimes. For example, in the chapter devoted to serial killer Michael Ross, all eight victims are dealt with in a single paragraph.

[Kayla Chittum · Rating 4 out of 5]

True Crime Connecticut was an unexpectedly engaging read that pulled me into several cases I hadn’t heard much about before. The author does a great job highlighting lesser-known stories and giving just enough detail to keep you hooked without feeling overwhelmed. I appreciated how each chapter felt distinct, almost like its own mini-episode of a true-crime series.

While a few sections felt a little repetitive or could’ve gone deeper, the overall pacing kept me turning the pages. I especially enjoyed the mix of historical cases and more recent ones—it added variety and kept the book from feeling predictable.

If you enjoy regional true crime with a solid balance of facts and storytelling, this is definitely worth picking up. A fascinating and well-organized collection that left me curious to learn more about the cases mentioned.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super quick easy read! Well written and gives great overview of the cases.

[Ben Phạm · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great.

[Kelsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy read and well written. The book discusses major crimes that took place in Connecticut. The book provides some “behind the scenes” insight.

[Joanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short stories on CT true crime over the years:
Freedom Sailers (Amistad slave ship)
Arsenic & Murder (Mary Stannard story)
A Cold Care Solved by DNA (1973 murder of Penny Serra in NH)
Forensics & a Brutal Murder(Martha Moxley murder- Michael Skakel guilty)
Killing Spree (Michael Ross)
The Wood Chipper Murder (Helle & Richard Crafts story)
An Ivy League Mystery (Suzanne Jovin - Jim Van de Velde)
Three Strikes & You're Out? (Petit family - Cheshire home invasion)

Good summary of each case, nothing outstanding. Being a CT resident familiar with most of the current stories. Liked the Ivy League section the best.

[Andy Nieradko · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating read. The author could've easily gone over the top with the sensationalist nature of each case, but instead lays the crimes out in detail and presents the facts for what they are. Disturbing and thought-provoking.

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good! I liked that some of the earliest CT cases were included as well as recent ones. Very interesting. I also likes that the unsolved murder of Ms. Jovin was included. Hopefully the book can be updated once her case is solved.