Description
It was an unbelievable crime—hideous, unexpected, baffling. A crime destined to become the most notorious and obsessive cold case in Cincinnati history. On that long ago day in September on the cusp of autumn, we were horrified by the blaring Bricca murder headlines. Jerry, his pretty wife Linda, and their young daughter Debbie were found stabbed to death in their home in the city’s Bridgetown neighborhood. Striking between the 4th and 5th slayings of the Cincinnati Strangler in 1966, the Bricca killer plunged a city already on edge into an abyss.
A half century later, the Bricca mystery lingers in cobwebs and survives on whispers. Enter Cincinnati crime writer, JT Townsend, author of local best-seller Queen City Gothic. JT was given unprecedented access to the case file, laden with information that never saw the light of print before–evidence that might illuminate the relentless rumors that police “screwed up the crime scene” or “covered up for the suspect.” 50 years later, True Crime Detective JT Townsend answers “Who dun it?” and renders a final verdict.
Kraypaper (verified owner) –
This is JT’s best book yet! I loved all the detail and the photos of the victims were really compelling. The book was well-researched and vivid – he really brought the characters to life! I highly recommend this to anyone interested in history or true crime.
Deena Beckman (verified owner) –
Whether you are already familiar with the Bricca case and want to learn more, or simply a fan of the unsolved mystery genre in general, SUMMER’S ALMOST GONE is a must read. The chilling story lingers with the reader and does not let go. You may want to read this one a second time!
Nancy Gruen –
Half way through. Book is fantastic. Highly recommend and will be checking out other books by the author.
Kimberly A. Harmeyer –
A must read !
Doug Drake (verified owner) –
An amazing, and obsessive journey inside one of Cincinnati’s most notorious, and unsolved crimes. Even if you’re not familiar with this case, you WILL be captivated by this book.
Bonita Burroughs (verified owner) –
Summer’s Almost Gone is not only an in-depth covering of the Bricca murder investigation and the months/days leading up to it, but it also covers some of the Cincinnati crime history during the same time period. Mr. Townsend writes in a manner that is easy to read and keeps you engaged in the historical accounts.
The frustrating part of this story is the part that is already known before you read the book…no one was arrested for this murder. It is an unsolved cold case.
Edward Ray Blevins –
This book will stay with you, you will be surprised at some of it’s revelations. J. T. Townsend has written a great book.
Scott –
This book is as good as unspeakably grisly the crime was. Enjoyed his ability to set the scene around other crimes of the time. Too bad he probably doesn’t have time to tackle the little girl case in boulder colorado!
Lanita Adkins (verified owner) –
Bonita Burroughs, not everyone knows no one was arrested for this murder. Way to spoil the read for those who don’t know everything!
N –
Lanita Atkins the description says it is a cold case. A cold case is one that has not been solved.
Lanie Bliss –
This is an amazing, captivating story! I read it almost non-stop…. I just couldn’t put it down. I have since bought JT’s other books and love them all…
Michelle –
This book is RIVETING! I grew up in Price Hill and was the same age as the author when the Cincinnati Strangler was on the rampage and the Bricca family was massacred. Like Townsend, I was 12 years old and lived through the fear that struck his heart and felt like our “loss of innocence.” His writing style and the way he describes everything kept me mesmerized and unable to put the book down…I went through it like a wood chipper! My mother is borrowing the book now and she loves it too….only day 2 and she is up to the day before the murders! We both can’t say enough good about this book.
Dee –
I am almost finished with my borrowed copy of the book and want to purchase my own. I want to read it again. I am sure I will see something I missed the first time around. The information and the way it is written made it hard for me put down.
Joanne Kemper (verified owner) –
Summer’s Almost Gone is a nonstop read if there ever was one. JT Townsend’s research is thorough and the book is incredibly well-written. I really enjoyed his other books as well. I highly recommend them all!
Veronica Rossi –
I have no issue with this author’s writing style which is really quite good. My issue is the author choosing to discuss 2 completely different and unrelated murder cases within the same book. I also felt the photos he included in the Cincinnati Strangler case to be far too graphic for my taste and I felt were offensive and totally unnecessary. After finishing this book, I thought the the Bricca case would have taken only a couple of chapters to write due to the lack of any actual evidence found in this case. Maybe the author’s discussion of the strangler case was used as *filler* otherwise, there wouldn’t have been enough material to devote an entire book to the Briccas.
Bri.murder case