Book Review: Devil's Knot by Mara Leveritt

If you like your books to leave you full of absolute rage at the criminal justice system and sincerely concerned about how people can get locked away on pretty much zero evidence, look no further than Devil’s Knot.

“This story is a children’s tragedy. The victims - and there were many - were all minors.”

The case of the West Memphis Three is an incredibly popular one, and I think it resonates with a lot of my followers in particular, as quite a few of us like to wear black clothing or band tees and read Stephen King and have an interest in the occult. Does this suggest we are capable of murder? Well, the prosecutors of this case seem to think so. Bear in mind, this did take place almost 30 years ago in what has been described as a narrow-minded town, but that doesn’t lessen how absolutely fucking terrifying this case is.

With her journalist background, Levitt has penned an incredibly consuming and immersive account of what happened over the course of this trial. Even if you have watched all of the Paradise Lost documentaries, there is still new information in here. She does not leave any stone unturned. Nor does she necessarily force her own opinion on you, she merely gives you all the facts and leaves you to decide for yourself what you think happened.

My one minor grievance is that the book only covers events up until 2001. There is a short update from 2011, but I would really love a newer version of this book, as I would love more on the suspicions surrounding Terry Hobbs.

In case it isn’t obvious, I absolutely loved it. A new true crime favourite and I would highly recommend to all my fellow junkies. Just be warned - you will get fucking angry. 5 stars.

Johann

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