Green River Killer

Starred review from April 1, 2019

In 1983, Det. Tom Jensen joined a task force charged with capturing the most prolific serial killer in U.S. history, Seattle's Green River killer. Twenty years later a man named Gary Ridgeway is identified and charged with the murders of nearly 50 women and girls. He offers to lead police to the final resting places of some of his as-yet undiscovered victims as part of a deal to avoid receiving the death penalty. Unable to resist an opportunity to gain closure on the case that defined his career, Tom comes out of retirement to assist in the search. Writer Jeff Jensen, Tom Jensen's son, accompanied by artist Case (both, Before Tomorrowland), juxtaposes scenes detailing the hunt for Ridgeway with moments from the 180 days his father spent interviewing the killer in 2003, resulting in an intimate and loving portrait of his father's life and quest for answers, as well as a horrifying exploration of the unknowable and inexplicable nature of real evil. VERDICT Even the best-read fans of true crime tales might find themselves shaken and considering a move into a fortified bunker after spending some time with Ridgeway in this skillfully told, chilling nonfiction account.

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