A Review of the Book "My Mother, a Serial Killer" by Hazel Baron & Janet Fife-Yeomans

 

Title: My Mother, a Serial Killer
Author: Hazel Baron & Janet Fife-Yeomans
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
Year: 2018
237 pages

Dulcie Bodsworth seemed like your typical mom and house-wife. She took care of her children. She baked muffins for the church bake sale. She brought scones to the local police officers.

Dulcie was loved by everyone. Almost everyone.

Her daughter, Hazel, knew the real Dulcie. The woman who, behind closed doors, plotted her route to the top of the chain, to the most money, to whatever path she thought best for her life.

And she took out anyone who stood in her way. Literally.

Three men died under mysterious circumstances but no one could believe that Dulcie had anything to do with it, except for Hazel.

For years, she tried to tell people that her mother had killed these men, but Dulcie was always able to play the role of innocent victim. And, as with most sociopaths, she made it all about her.

Bravely, Hazel kept fighting for justice and eventually Dulcie ran out of room to run.

"My Mother, A Serial Killer" describes the events that took place in Australia during the 1940s and 1950s from Hazel's perspective. Hazel talked about how Dulcie lied about everything, from their name and age, to Hazel's age so that she could work and make money for the family.

It was especially interesting to hear about the trials, and how Dulcie actually almost got away with murder.

This was my first foray into a true crime novel and I can say I wasn't disappointed.

The book was well-written, with a story-like flow to the narrative that almost made you forget you were ready a true crime story.

I look forward to reading more of the same genre.