Trail of Blood (Berkley True Crime) (ISBN 0425214176)

One of the Best True Crimes of the Year:
This well written, gripping tale is of a father's long search for his missing son. All the while, he was playing a cat and mouse game with the woman he knew was responsible for his son's death. No body was ever found but the crime scene told such a story! In my new novel, Texas Poker Wisdom, I used this book as a reference for forensics. When the Vidocq Society gets involved in the investigation, you know you have a very special case. The Lubbock Police did a superb job. You will love this book if you are a true crime or mystery fan. Johnny HughesTexas Poker Wisdom

20 Years is an Outrage!:
I have to say that I thought the justice system in Texas was a lot harsher until I read this book. The story is heartbreaking about the loss and disappearance of Roger Scott Dunn better known as Scott. There is a love triangle between him and two women, Jessica Tate, and Leisha Hamilton but the latter has her own love triangle or quadrangle of her own. Leisha Hamilton is a psychopath and fits many of the characteristics. One Sunday evening, she calls SCott's father in Pennsylvania to relate the news that he's missing or at least that is what she wants us to think. Leisha Hamilton is truthfully a nut job who needs psychiatric care. I shocked by how she behaved and her being a psychopath explains so much about why she acts so callously about Scott's family, friends, and his disappearance. The trail of blood is what helps prove his murder in 1991. The father, Jim, co-wrote his experiences and loss of his son even without a body and his fight for justice. The book starts off slowly and gains momentum along the way making a fast read. I skimmed through the court section because it was somewhat redundant of previous information already written in early pages. The case and fight for Justice in Scott's memory is quite a story in itself. I can't help but write about Scott's beloved car, Yellow Thunder, that he took pride in and treated it so well. When Leisha demands the car back, I just wanted to scream at her. It's just a car and it's not as important as getting Scott back. Sadly Leisha only got 20 years while her accomplice, Tim Smith, got ten years probation. While Leisha was the mastermind, there is still no body. I think Leisha got off quite light in her sentence and she robbed Scott's family of his life and his future with Jessica Tate and possible grandchildren. The grave is still empty at the City of Lubbock Cemetery where he is supposed to be. The family just wants a final burial and still justice.

wdixon:
loved this book. did not want to put it down until I had finished reading it but alas I have to sleep and go to work. Hamilton is right where she belongs. Too bad she will get out but hopefully will stay in the entire 20yrs.

From a Friend:
I went to high school with Scott and at one time was very close to him. We grew apart as some friends do, but regardless of my personal feelings about Scott, he was way too young to go out at the hands of another. This book is a great story about a tradegy that would have been worse without the persistance of a few great people. A well written book about a true tradegy.

A True Crime Thriller:
This book is really sad, but if you like true crime you will want to read Trail of Blood. It doesn't suffer from to much repetition, like some true crime books. I like the way it is written: direct and to the point. The book was suspenseful, as I was not sure how it was going to end. For me the book ended up being a mystery, as well as, a true crime book. I admire Jim Dunn, the detectives, and the justice system for their perseverance and their dedication to find justice for Scott Dunn.