 | Engaged to a Monster Book 12 in the True Colors series—Fiction Based on Strange-But True History Enjoy a tale of true but forgotten history of a 19th century serial killer whose silver-tongued ways almost trap a young woman into a nightmarish marriage. In 1876, Emma Draycott is charmed into a quick engagement with childhood friend Stephen Dee Richards after reconnecting with him at a church event in Mount Pleasant, Ohio. But within the week, Stephen leaves to “make his fame and fortune.” The heartbroken Emma gives him a special pen to write to her, and he does with tales of grand adventures. Secret Service agent Clay Timmons arrives in Mount Pleasant to track purchases made with fake currency. Every trail leads back to Stephen—and therefore, Emma. Can he convince the naive woman she is engaged to a charlatan who is being linked a string of deaths in Nebraska? Genre: Christian Historical Suspense Release date: July 2021 Click here to get your copy! |
My Review
Will her innocence get them both killed?
Well, I can definitely say that The Scarlet Pen was quite a story. I'm still shaking my head over it and trying to sort out my thoughts. Flat out, Stephen Dee Richardson was one cold customer, how a man could commit that many murders, and so violently, is completely beyond me. Thankfully we don't see evil like that every day.
This is the twelfth True Colors novel, Jennifer Uhlarik's first, and in many ways is one of the more chilling ones. Serial killers always give a sane person a touch of the heebie-jeebies but when you realize how easily they can be someone you know and even like, well, that is a different story entirely. Emma and Clay find that one out the hard way in this rather spine-chilling novel from Jennifer Uhlarik.
The Scarlet Pen was one dark book and after Googling Stephen Dee Richardson when I was about halfway through I can see why it was. I will caution more sensitive readers that there is a disturbing scene near the beginning of the book and it is referred to several times throughout the book. I did appreciate, though, how Jennifer Uhlarik used such a horrible true crime story to point towards the Ultimate Hope. Even though Emma is almost hopelessly naive and headstrong, and Clay has been scarred by his childhood, both of them lean on their faith for answers and for strength.
There are 3 points of view in this novel, Emma, Clay, and Stephen's, which was quite different from most of the other True Colors books, and it was something that took me a little while to get used to. However, I did like The Scarlet Pen and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend the entire True Colors series to any true crime fan...
Tell Tale Book Reviews gives The Scarlet Pen by Jennifer Uhlarik a 4 Bark rating.
Well, I can definitely say that The Scarlet Pen was quite a story. I'm still shaking my head over it and trying to sort out my thoughts. Flat out, Stephen Dee Richardson was one cold customer, how a man could commit that many murders, and so violently, is completely beyond me. Thankfully we don't see evil like that every day.
This is the twelfth True Colors novel, Jennifer Uhlarik's first, and in many ways is one of the more chilling ones. Serial killers always give a sane person a touch of the heebie-jeebies but when you realize how easily they can be someone you know and even like, well, that is a different story entirely. Emma and Clay find that one out the hard way in this rather spine-chilling novel from Jennifer Uhlarik.
The Scarlet Pen was one dark book and after Googling Stephen Dee Richardson when I was about halfway through I can see why it was. I will caution more sensitive readers that there is a disturbing scene near the beginning of the book and it is referred to several times throughout the book. I did appreciate, though, how Jennifer Uhlarik used such a horrible true crime story to point towards the Ultimate Hope. Even though Emma is almost hopelessly naive and headstrong, and Clay has been scarred by his childhood, both of them lean on their faith for answers and for strength.
There are 3 points of view in this novel, Emma, Clay, and Stephen's, which was quite different from most of the other True Colors books, and it was something that took me a little while to get used to. However, I did like The Scarlet Pen and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend the entire True Colors series to any true crime fan...
Tell Tale Book Reviews gives The Scarlet Pen by Jennifer Uhlarik a 4 Bark rating.
(I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)
More from Jennifer
Hello, Readers! For all who might never have read one of my stories or come across me, it’s great to meet you! I’m a wife, a mom, a (young!) grandma, and an author—among many other things. My author tagline is “Where Grit Meets Grace.” If you’re familiar with my writing at all, you’ll know that most of my stories at least touch on a bit of the difficult side of life. Death, abandonment, war, addiction, or who knows what else you might find. The Scarlet Pen is no different.
Given that this novel is the final installment in Barbour’s True Colors series, the story revolves around a true crime from history—in this case, the murders of serial killer Stephen Dee Richards—AKA the Nebraska Fiend. Anytime you’re dealing with someone so depraved as he, you’ll find plenty of “grit” to write about. But that’s only half of my tagline. Remember, it’s “Where Grit Meets Grace.”
While I love a story that delves into difficult topics and, in some cases, pushes the characters right to the edge of what they can handle, I also love a truly redemptive story. When I was asked to write for this series, the ideas that drew me the most were the ones that had something redeeming in the actual history. There were plenty of interesting historical killers I could’ve chosen where I could have manufactured a positive, even happy ending through the fictional characters in the book. In the case of Stephen Dee Richards, there was no manufacturing needed. The “grace” part was already written. The end of Stephen’s story is precisely why I chose to write about him. I hope you’ll find it as though-provoking and compelling as I did. Happy reading!
Given that this novel is the final installment in Barbour’s True Colors series, the story revolves around a true crime from history—in this case, the murders of serial killer Stephen Dee Richards—AKA the Nebraska Fiend. Anytime you’re dealing with someone so depraved as he, you’ll find plenty of “grit” to write about. But that’s only half of my tagline. Remember, it’s “Where Grit Meets Grace.”
While I love a story that delves into difficult topics and, in some cases, pushes the characters right to the edge of what they can handle, I also love a truly redemptive story. When I was asked to write for this series, the ideas that drew me the most were the ones that had something redeeming in the actual history. There were plenty of interesting historical killers I could’ve chosen where I could have manufactured a positive, even happy ending through the fictional characters in the book. In the case of Stephen Dee Richards, there was no manufacturing needed. The “grace” part was already written. The end of Stephen’s story is precisely why I chose to write about him. I hope you’ll find it as though-provoking and compelling as I did. Happy reading!
 Jennifer Uhlarik | Jennifer Uhlarik discovered the western genre as a preteen, when she swiped the only “horse” book she found on her older brother’s bookshelf. A new love was born. Across the next ten years, she devoured Louis L’Amour westerns and fell in love with the genre. In college at the University of Tampa, she began penning her own story of the Old West. Armed with a BA in writing, she has won five writing competitions and was a finalist in two others. In addition to writing, she has held jobs as a private business owner, a schoolteacher, a marketing director, and her favorite—a full-time homemaker. Jennifer is active in American Christian Fiction Writers and is a lifetime member of the Florida Writers Association. She lives near Tampa, Florida, with her husband, teenage son, and four fur children. |
It's Time For A Giveaway!
To celebrate her tour, Jennifer is giving away the grand prize package of
a $25 Amazon gift card and a copy of The Scarlet Pen!!
a $25 Amazon gift card and a copy of The Scarlet Pen!!
Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries!
Blog Stops
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Through the fire blogs, August 8
sodbuster living, August 8
Connect in Fiction, August 8
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 9
Texas Book-aholic, August 9
KarenSueHadley, August 9
Pause for Tales, August 10
For the Love of Literature, August 10
Blossoms and Blessings, August 10
Little Homeschool on the Prairie, August 11
Spoken from the Heart, August 11
Genesis 5020, July 29
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, July 29
For Him and My Family, July 30
Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, July 30 (Author Interview)
Christian Bookaholic, July 30
Southern Gal Loves to Read, July 31
Inklings and notions, July 31
Britt Reads Fiction, July 31
Remembrancy, August 1
Locks, Hooks and Books, August 1
Betti Mace, August 2
Rebecca Tews, August 2
deb’s Book Review, August 2
Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, August 3
Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, August 3
Blogging With Carol , August 3
Older & Smarter?, August 4
Connie’s History Classroom, August 4
The Meanderings of a Bookworm, August 4
Tell Tale Book Reviews, August 5
Bigreadersite, August 5
Godly Book Reviews, August 6
Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, August 6
Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, August 6
A Modern Day Fairy Tale, August 7
Back Porch Reads, August 7
Mary Hake, August 7
Through the fire blogs, August 8
sodbuster living, August 8
Connect in Fiction, August 8
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 9
Texas Book-aholic, August 9
KarenSueHadley, August 9
Pause for Tales, August 10
For the Love of Literature, August 10
Blossoms and Blessings, August 10
Little Homeschool on the Prairie, August 11
Spoken from the Heart, August 11