Review of 19 Souls by J.D. Allen

Author J.D. Allen tackles two difficult subjects in 19 Souls. One is male rape. The other is female serial killers.

From the first line, the plot grabs you. I won't spoil it, but there are several twists that surprise in this story. 

The male rape aspect is told well, from the male point of view. Still, today, in many quarters, the whole idea of a man being able to be raped is considered preposterous - making it that much more difficult for the victim to come forward or make a complaint without worries of being lampooned or ostracized. Allen's take on it feels believable. She manages to be in the man's mind and makes us understand.

Apparently, getting deep into people's heads is Allen's specialty. Because the race through this fast-paced book also puts us into the female serial killer's mind. She does it so well, that I almost - almost - started rooting for the crazy killer.

It's a fast, good read. Give it a try.