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The Murders of Lillian Ross by Sirena Van Schaik- Review by Amanda Meady

The Murders of Lillian RossThe Murders of Lillian Ross by Sirena Van Schaik

This book was suspenseful and intriguing from start to finish. As a frequent reader of books about crime and suspense, I found myself expecting what was coming only to be surprised over and over. This is a book that needs and grabs your focus throughout. A great book that I would recommend to anyone who likes to be on edge and engrossed in the boom they are reading.

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The Murders of Lillian Ross by Sirena Van Schaik – Review by Kristy Nelson

The Murders of Lillian RossThe Murders of Lillian Ross by Sirena Van Schaik
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I’m a big fan of true crime/ murder mystery novels, so I was very excited to read this book. I love how the author chips away at Lillian’s side of the story. There is a lot of character development as the reader begins to question their initial impressions of Lillian. This is a hard hitting and sometimes difficult read. Be warned, it deals with some graphic subjects in a very detailed way. It is a book that will stay with you for a very long time.

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The Murders of Lillian Ross by Sirena Van Schaik – Review by Jennifer Gordon

The Murders of Lillian RossThe Murders of Lillian Ross by Sirena Van Schaik
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a thought provoking and at times difficult read as the author deals with mature subject matters and very sensitive issues, however these are dealt with honestly and in terms of the storyline. These could be triggers for some readers, and the author does recognise this with a warning and also by giving information on places people can get help from at the end of the novel which I thought was a lovely touch. The storyline is very original and intriguing, it follows true crime author Allison McKinnon who has been given the opportunity to write about the previously untold story of convicted double murderer, Lillian Ross.

Lillian Ross is a woman who was born into a wealthy family but has ended up on Death Row sentenced to death for murder. For years she has kept her silence but has now chosen Allison to be the one to write her story. The more time the women spend together and the deeper Allison gets into Lillian’s past memories they realise they have more in common than expected, including having both suffered from traumatic events in their pasts. As Allison discovers Lillians troubled past and learns the shocking truths that explain her motives for the murders she committed, Allison begins to wonder if her own life with a similar past will lead her to the same inevitable conclusion as Lillian’s.

Although this is not an easy read and some of the more graphic parts were very difficult and upsetting to read, I also found myself gripped by the storyline and fully immersed in Allison and Lillian’s stories. The book being written from both women’s point of views gave me as the reader great insight into both characters. The wonderful characters made me feel engaged with them and I felt sympathy for both of them as their past traumas were uncovered. I liked and felt the connection between Allison and Lillian and how a friendship bond was formed through these prison visits. The authors descriptive narrative bought the prison setting in particular to life and made me feel claustrophobic at times. The conclusion is harrowing but expected, and I was left thinking about this book and the characters long after I had read the last page and put the book down. I recommend this real page turner of a novel but advise potential readers to be aware of the trigger warnings.

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The Murders of Lillian Ross by Sirena Van Schaik – Review by Jo Frizzell

The Murders of Lillian RossThe Murders of Lillian Ross by Sirena Van Schaik
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book is intense! I was completely ensnared from the time I started reading until I finished it. The way she told the story kept me completely fixated on what was coming next. She made me feel for Lillian and Allison both. They were different from each other and yet able to build a relationship through their similarities and even more through their differences. The other characters were memorable too, and made it easy to remember who they were and how they were a part of the story. There was this theme of self-love and survival and I loved how they were able to move forward in the way they chose and move past the hell they had lived through.

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The Murders of Lillian Ross by Sirena Van Schaik – Review by Mikaela Insinger

The Murders of Lillian RossThe Murders of Lillian Ross by Sirena Van Schaik
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a powerful and heart wrenching page turner for myself. Although I had to take breaks in a few places, due to the detailed descriptions and horrific story, this was a story that I couldn’t stop reading. The adult topics discussed are very real and painful. Van Schaik portrayed these sensitive topics so well, it felt as though it was a true story being replayed. I really enjoyed this book, but I know some readers are much more sensitive to the intense topics and details covered within the story, so please remain cautious if you choose to read.

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The Murders of Lillian Ross by Sirena Van Schaik – Review by Hansini Wasalamudalige

The Murders of Lillian RossThe Murders of Lillian Ross by Sirena Van Schaik
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

‘The Murders of Lillian Ross’ by Sirena Van Schaik tells the story of true crime author Allison McKinnon and the web of lies and deception she begins to unravel when given the unprecedented opportunity to write about the mysterious events surrounding the murders committed by Lillian Ross, who has been mum about the deaths until now. If you are faint of heart then this book isn’t for you- it delves into dark and gritty themes and is a visceral encapsulation of the many shades that abuse and violence can take. But that’s not to say that this is a bad thing- quite ironically what might drive readers away from the book is what makes it so great. Van Schaik doesn’t shy away from the horrors of physical, mental and sexual violence and the sombre reality of homelessness, powerlessness, rigid gender roles and our misogynistic society and political structures through her vivid descriptions and exploration into the everlasting and ruining consequences that can flow from such things. The story allows readers to gain perspectives they may not have considered before or may relate to readers who have been in the situations depicted. This examination of confronting subject matter, while provocative and intense, is never exploitative and is levelled with a layer of respect and consideration for anyone who may have undergone similar experiences.

The structure and format adopted by ‘The Murders of Lillian Ross’ is undeniably one of its major strengths. With every chapter opening with a piece of evidence from the murder case and the subsequent trial, Van Schaik gives the audience the tools to piece together what really occurred the night the killings took place and to make inferences in relation to the various players. Through the way that these documents are laid out and written, it is evident that thorough research has been done to give the feel that you are actually reading real police documents or witness testimonies- adding yet another tier of realism to an already authentic story. Furthermore, the book makes expert use of dual timelines and the narrative flows from third person perspective to first person and back again throughout to provide for a deeper insight into the characters and their feelings at certain moments and to give greater context to the characters’ actions and demeanour in the present.

The highlight of ‘The Murders of Lillian Ross’ by far, however, are the rich and fleshed-out characters that Van Schaik has moulded with a finely-tuned chisel and an adept, steady hand. On their own, Allison McKinnon, our resident gutsy and brave true crime author of a protagonist, is a treat to read about and Lillian Ross is a sympathetic, strong and compelling woman whose past is riddled with hardship and anguish. It is their interactions together, however, that really spark the book’s magic. One incarcerated and the other with all the freedom afforded to her, and yet Van Schaik manages to bridge this dichotomy and craft the two women to serve as mirror images of each other- as two sides of the same coin- with how their experiences coincide and intersect. Lillian’s pain and Allison’s ache both leap off the page and cut you to the core when their backgrounds are slowly unearthed with each word read. The book truly is a study that brushes on the universal experiences of women and the frameworks designed to facilitate such occurrences.

Overall, ‘The Murders of Lillian Ross’ is a profound scrutiny of the upper echelons of society and is a gripping story from start to finish that will leave you wanting more.

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The Murders of Lillian Ross by Sirena Van Schaik – Review by Shelly Kittell

The Murders of Lillian RossThe Murders of Lillian Ross by Sirena Van Schaik
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

THE MURDERS OF LILLIAN ROSS is the best book of 2021! The choices we make in life can affect what happens to us. Lillian and Allison are both survivors of childhood abuse. They both had similar circumstances that ended up in different life choices. Lillian used Allison to mess with her head but her final words – “Live for me.” were poignant. Lillian had given up on her life when she was forced to kill to survive. Allison had buried the memories of what had happened to her but they resurfaced while doing Lillian’s book. Allison started suffering almost immediately with a type of survivor guilt. She wanted to save Lillian, who didn’t ask for her help. Though hard to get through in some spots, it is so worth it. The research put into writing the book is spot on. Your emotions will go for an emotional roller coaster. The characters are so well-written. Lillian’s parents are real pieces of work. Ira was a disappointment. Mr. Tanner felt so much like one of the “celeb” lawyers. This book will leave you thinking. This really was a phenomenal book.

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The Murders of Lillian Ross by Sirena Van Schaik – Review by Tausha Treadway

The Murders of Lillian RossThe Murders of Lillian Ross by Sirena Van Schaik
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Murders of Lillian Ross by Sirena Van Schaik. I LOVED this book. I read it in 2 settings. I couldn’t hardly put it down. Its the story of author Allison McKinnon who has taken on the story of Lillian Ross who is in prison for the murder of her father and her pimp/husband. Allison has written several true crime stories so is familiar with going to prisons to visit inmates but there is something about Lillian that doesn’t set right with her. Allison has her own past she is dealing with and there is something about Lillian that feels familiar. Her mother has begged her not to write this book but she is determined to finish it even though she has started getting threats about it. What Allison finds out about Lillian’s uptown upbringing is shocking and not so different than her own past. Will Allison survive long enough to get the book published? Is Lillian really guilty of these horrible crimes? Read this book to find out! You won’t be disappointed!

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The Murders of Lillian Ross by Sirena Van Schaik – Review by Kayla Bullock

The Murders of Lillian RossThe Murders of Lillian Ross by Sirena Van Schaik
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Lillian Ross has been silent for years regarding the horrific crimes she was convicted of committing. But she is finally ready to tell her story–but only to true crime writer, Allison McKinnon. Allison is used to writing about the victims–the aftermath, their families, and how they survive. She is drawn to Lilian’s story, however, and agrees to be her voice.

SPECTACULAR! The Murders of Lillian Ross reads like a true crime novel–including excerpts from police interviews, the trial, and interrogations. The story draws the reader in from page 1 and doesn’t let go! The emotions the story elicits, the trials that both Lillian and Allision confront from their past, and the magnificent writing style combine to make a 5 star read. Highly recommend!!!

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The Murders of Lillian Ross by Sirena Van Schaik – Review by Santana Hicks

The Murders of Lillian RossThe Murders of Lillian Ross by Sirena Van Schaik
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was written so powerfully. It is NOT for the faint of heart. It touches a lot of “taboo” subjects like abuse, rape, prostitution, as well as suicidal thoughts in graphic detail. You can tell that Sirena Van Schaik is writing from the heart and from experience, making this novel even more heartbreakingly wonderful. Once started, I couldn’t put it down. As a survivor myself, I really felt connected to the main character, Allison. Sirena Van Schaik described everything perfectly.

It takes a different direction than most books which makes it very unique on it’s own. It circles around the life, both past and present, of a true crime author named Allison. Allison is writing her next book about Lillian Ross, Lillian is in prison for the murder of two men.

Once Allison meets with Lillian at the prison, she realizes that they both have a lot in common. This makes Allison’s past come up to haunt her. When Lillian was first convicted for the murders, she didn’t even try to fight the sentences. Years later, she gets in contact with Allison finally ready to talk about why she took the life of two men. It is a heartbreaking tale of a bad childhood, which led into a bad, if not worse adult hood, until she just broke.

Sirena Van Schaik was very good of getting into the mind of the murderer and why she did what she did. The author also had a very good balance of switching from past and present of both main characters as well as throwing in some scenes of the court case, evidence, etc. I would recommend this book who is looking for something real.

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The Murders of Lillian Ross by Sirena Van Schaik–Reviewed by Jerricka Brown

The Murders of Lillian RossThe Murders of Lillian Ross by Sirena Van Schaik

This novel has a very chilling plot. I learn how it grips you from the beginning. Van Schaik doesn’t leave any stone unturned. She really makes you think about how one event in life can change everything. I love how detailed this novel is. Highly recommended but be warned it has some intense triggers.

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The Murders of Lillian Ross by Sirena Van Schaik – Review by Lorrene Huisman

The Murders of Lillian RossThe Murders of Lillian Ross by Sirena Van Schaik
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

For me, I picked up this novel originally as I am one who truly enjoys true crime. And I always like to see what goes through the mind of a murderer when it comes down to it. But, with this novel I was not only left surprised, but often totally swept into different emotions as well as I read through this who truly was the real villain in all of this?

The main characters Lillian who is the one who committed to acts of murder and the crime writer specialist named Allision who personally was selected by Lillian to write her story were not only very well written, but I will be honest both of them really pulled at my heart strings and I could feel what and who they were. I felt Allision was surprised to be selected as she is in her writing , taking the victims side and to tell their story and not the opposite. But without knowing the things I would learn, maybe she was still assigned to do just that? Early on I found truth in that there is always two sides to every story. And sometimes the truth is darker than I actually thought it could be…and in truth was I really prepared for what I would find?

The novel gripped me, and I didn’t want to stop reading even when some of the scenes were a bit graphic. I am a survivor of domestic violence and sexual abuse. Reading what Lillian had gone though made me feel so much, I wanted to scream in my mind for her father to leave her alone, to cry for her to what she endured. To cry and scream for the empty pain she went through and the silent tears no one heard. It was graphic and it provided quite the visual, but I would not have it any other way. The dark descriptive scenes made you not only feel for Lillian, but put you in her shoes and saw life through her and you really got to feel who she was as a person. It made the motives so much more clearer, and yet so much more darker and deeper compared to what I ever expected or imagined.

As I read Allison was also on the edge of her seat and I could truly tell she was moved by the stories and events. When I say moved, I don’t mean in happiness, I mean in shock and filled with so many emotions she as well as me could not wrap her heard around it. It seemed to make Allison question all she was doing and really made her debate with her crime story she was to write, who really was the one who committed the original crime? Who was the true victim?

The story progressed more emotions and a friendship was established between the two women like no other. As the book neared the big climax to me with the two in the jail cell. I honestly didn’t see it coming But perhaps Lillian was finally free from all the pain and torture she went through. She told her story. She left in good hands knowing what was next for her. She made request to Allision to do something in her life. And Allision didn’t only vow to do it, but in the books end she chose to live what she promised.

Allision wrote the story of Lillian and the murders. With the emotions and pain and suffering. She told the truth and nothing else. It was not just only the right thing to do, but its what was meant to be. The plan from the start perhaps.

Again, gripping story and made me get a thoroughly different perspective on now when I read true crime. Maybe there is inner truth to what motives that are present on people who murder? Was it the only way the people who commit these crimes can truly service justice knowing it will cost them the ultimate price in the end?

By the end leading the epic end of Lillian’s story I did not only understand why Lillian did the murders she did. I also why she felt she had to. And not just for herself, for anyone that could across these people, She truly was a heroine in her own mind, knowing she was commending herself, but she was saving others from experiencing anything close to what she had already gone through.

This author did not just only write a book that captivated my soul and heart, but it was also FREAKING amazing good. I was so lost in the words and the events, and the trauma that was endured. The friendship made between the two women was unquestionable. Though with Allision and Lillian, two different paths were set out for each of them I believe from the moment they first met. But, perhaps that was their own personal story all alone? Maybe one was already written and the other was still yet to be defined?

Loved this book. It was so amazing I am recommending this to all my true crime fanatic friends. This so good that it could easily pass for a true event true crime novel.

Well done to this amazing talented author!

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The Murders of Lillian Ross by Sirena Van Schaik – Review by Lauren West

Read in July 2021
This book is very much one-of-a-kind.
While you can’t justify murder the story truly pulls at your heartstrings. Allison and Lillian are kindred spirits, and one could easily be the other. The story is woven so intricately that you wonder where one begins and the other ends. It’s very obvious that’s why Lillian chose Allison, and why she knew her story would be portrayed exactly as it needed to be. A true crime Writer and a woman convicted of murder. Watching the story unfold you can’t help but wonder and feel what ifs, the why and what the future will be.

The Murders of Lillian Ross by Sirena Van Schaik – Review by Erin Clemence

The Murders of Lillian RossThe Murders of Lillian Ross by Sirena Van Schaik
My rating: 3 of 5 stars


*Trigger warning: This book contains graphic depictions of sexual and physical abuse, as well as prostitution and sex work*

Lillian Ross is in jail for the murders of two people, one of them being her father. When Allison is approached by Lillian herself to write her story from her perspective, Allison jumps at the chance. As Allison continues to visit Lillian in jail and compose her book, she starts to see things from Lilian’s perspective and starts to realize that Lillian may have been just another innocent victim.

The cover on this novel is utterly eye-catching, and I’m always up for reading a book about a serial killer (fictional or not), so I was intrigued by Sirena Van Schaik’s “The Murders of Lillian Ross”. The story is told from the perspective of Allison primarily, although we do get a front-row seat to Lillian’s perspective as well, when she takes over the narration for brief snippets. Both Allison and Lillian are very interesting characters, as they share a familiar background and family history (with which they bond over), yet they both have had very different outcomes.

Although I am grateful that Van Schaik included Lillian’s perspective, the physical and sexual abuse of Lillian by her father (and her future clients) is detailed quite extensively. Lillian is called a variety of demeaning and graphic words by others in her life, and she almost always refers to herself as a “stupid bitch”. It is obvious that this is done to help readers have sympathy for Lillian and develop a rapport with her, but it does not make for an easy read. The author could have reduced some of these details, as I felt the point was well made without the extraneous language, gore and abuse depictions.

As mentioned, this novel is not an easy read. There are no positive relationships in this novel, and nearly all of the men are depicted as cruel, aggressive and unkind. Although I can see how someone like Lillian would view the world that way, it would have been nice to have one or two positive and uplifting characters in the novel to break up the horror and evil (the one attempt with Allison’s love interest was not focused on enough to make a difference).

The ending of the novel is bittersweet and heartbreaking, but it provides a solid resolution. After bonding with Lillian, it was painful to see the novel end in this way, but it paints a realistic picture, and a happy ending would have not have been believable. “The Murders of Lillian Ross” is dark and gritty, but the characters are well developed. I would have liked better executed writing, and there were a few grammatical errors, but not enough to detract from the flow of the story.

The Murders of Lillian Ross by Sirena Van Schaik – Review by Kimberly Griffiths

The Murders of Lillian RossThe Murders of Lillian Ross by Sirena Van Schaik
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Murders of Lillian Ross
By
Sirena Van Schaik

Author Sirena paints a vivid picture in the telling of this story. I enjoyed reading this book as it is a gripping story. The ending was shocking, however I should have seen it coming. Still a truly gripping story and the original was it was written, with excerpts from the transcript added a lot to the way it read. I highly recommend this book!!

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The Murders of Lillian Ross by Sirena Van Schaik – Review by Dr. Anya Schultz

The Murders of Lillian RossThe Murders of Lillian Ross by Sirena Van Schaik
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Lillian Ross is serving a death sentence for two murders that she committed. Over the years, all of the stories that came out about her and the circumstances have been filled with half truths. She is now ready for the real story to emerge, and asks for it to be written by Allison McKinnon, an author for the victims. This story provides insight to unfortunate and real aspects that some people face in life, abuse. As a survivor myself, although nowhere near the events in the book, I found that this provided a message of hope through tragedy. Each decision we make, and don’t make, has consequences. How we handle these outcomes is the challenge, for most, and sometimes that challenge becomes lost hope. However, learning and bonding with others is one way to fight the demons, as long as the demons haven’t destroyed you completely. Lillian and Allison build a silent bond, based off of these demons, but yet each woman’s story has a different ending! I enjoyed reading the story of these women and taking some of their strength to be able to deal with my own demons!

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The Murders of Lillian Ross by Sirena Van Schaik – Review by Penelope Taylor

The Murders of Lillian RossThe Murders of Lillian Ross by Sirena Van Schaik
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Murders of Lillian Ross had me engrossed from the first page. Written brilliantly by Sirena Van Schaik. A crime novel that sucked me in and made me want to scream alongside the protagonist, Allison. Lillian approaches Allison, a true-crime writer to tell her story, normally Allison writes stories from the perspective of the victim to give them a voice, but why has Lillian, the perpetrator, approached her? Every character was believable, the writing was excellent. I wanted more and I will look for more written by Sirena. Five Stars. I may just hunker back down and read it again tonight, it was that good.

 

Review by Penelope Taylor July 2021

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The Murders of Lillian Ross by Sirena Van Schaik – Review by Jenni Bishop

The Murders of Lillian RossThe Murders of Lillian Ross by Sirena Van Schaik
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Murders of Lillian Ross by Sirena Van Schaik is just Wow. I love true crime shows on tv and have always wanted to get into the mind of a killer just to find out how they tick. This story is a winner in my book. Sirena does not skimp on the details of darker things like murder and how a murderer thinks, and it makes for a thrilling and engrossing read. I love the way Sirena writes and weaves all the threads so intricately and seamlessly that she gives you a gripping tale. It is written so well written that I had to check to see if this was a real-life account of a real murder. It isn’t but my god it feels like it. I was so captivated that once I had started this book, I could not put it down until I had read all the way through.

 

Reviewed by @jennadb

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The Murders of Lillian Ross by Sirena Van Schaik – Review by Ashley Dover

The Murders of Lillian RossThe Murders of Lillian Ross by Sirena Van Schaik
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Sirena Van Schaik wrote an amazing novel with The Murders of Lillian Ross. The characters and the plot tell a chilling story of how socialite Lillian Ross ended up on Death Row.

Allison McKinnon is a true crime writer. After a few books on the victims of violent crimes, she is approached to write the story of Lillian Ross from the viewpoint of the killer. Reading through the trial transcripts is a part of her research. Feeling that there is more to her story than the trial transcripts giveaway. Jumping in feet first she meets with Lillian Ross many times to hear her story.

Lillian Ross has lived a life of adversity. Her mother was a southern belle that just happened to fall in love with a man whose desire for power was greater than his love of family. After a particularly traumatizing experience as a teen, Lillian runs away from home. She meets Adam Laurent after being on her own for two months. She thinks he is her saviour. After a peaceful few months living off the street, Lillian comes face to face with the stark reality of the life of a female on the run and off the streets.

What will Lillian’s story reveal? Will her story set her free?

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The Murders of Lillian Ross by Sirena Van Schaik – Review by Jess Engel

The Murders of Lillian RossThe Murders of Lillian Ross by Sirena Van Schaik
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Insanely good! The Murders of Lillian Ross by Sirena Van Schaik unfolds like you’re watching a movie. This fast-paced, page-turning read is full of action, suspense, and deep characters. I felt fully engulfed in every scene as it unfolded and the seemingly effortless writing by Van Schaik creates vivid scenes and connection to the characters. I picked up this book and finished it the same day—I couldn’t put it down!

Allison, a true-crime writer, is solicited by a convicted murderer to write her story. It is the opportunity of a lifetime, but Allison is in for much more than she bargained for with this assignment. Lillian tells her story in a way that keeps Allison (and the reader) wanting more in an effort to understand her crimes. I won’t say more because I don’t want to give anything away, but this was one of the best books I’ve read in a long time! Highly recommend!

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The Murders of Lillian Ross by Sirena Van Schaik – Review by Brittany Spry

The Murders of Lillian RossThe Murders of Lillian Ross by Sirena Van Schaik
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A suspenseful thriller worthy of your time!!!

This was a new author for me but I have to say that I may have found a new favorite. This book sucks you in from the beginning and keeps you hooked all the way till the end! I found her descriptions captivating and her characters thrilling! The plot was well thought out and I absolutely loved the various aspects the author added into the story to make it seem even more realistic. I would absolutely encourage you to read this if you are in search of an amazing author and story!

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The Murders of Lillian Ross by Sirena Van Shaik – Review by Crystal Davidson

The Murders of Lillian RossThe Murders of Lillian Ross by Sirena Van Schaik
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I selected this book solely on its title, without looking into the author or even reading the description. The Murders of Lillian Ross for some reason made me think that Lillian Ross may have died several times, which was very thought provoking. Upon opening this book, I was already hooked. I love the way Sirena Van Schaik writes. She was able to go between memories, and present, evidence logs, to interviews seamlessly. With the amount of shifting of perspectives this book had, you would anticipate the reader would get slightly lost or confused, but that never happened. More than once i thought this story was based on real life events. This story is about a woman with an affluent background whom went through some very violent and ugly things before she was even 16, and spent her entire adult life trying to survive. I found myself wiping tears almost every other page. I do not recommend anyone whom is faint of heart read this book. Anyone who is triggered by sex, violent sex crimes, and drugs also should not read this book. For sure, this story will stay with me for many years to come. With that being said, I give this book 5 stars and I’m definitely looking to read more by Schaik!

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The Murders of Lillian Ross by Sirena Van Schaik – Review by Felicia Bates

The Murders of Lillian RossThe Murders of Lillian Ross by Sirena Van Schaik
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Sirena Van Schaik is an author I hadn’t heard about before but knew I had to read when I stumbled across the Murders of Lillian Ross. I wasn’t sure what I was getting myself into but as I so often find when I explore new (to me) authors,, I wasn’t disappointed. I have been incredibly lucky lately to read a few thrillers that are so good they stick with you long after the story is over. This book was one of them. I loved everything about it, honestly, but mostly how it was formatted. I loved the way the 911 call and court transcripts were intertwined in the writing. I felt like the Murders of Lillian Ross played out like a movie in my head from start to finish.
Definitely a 5 star read for me and I would love to read more from this author.

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The Murders of Lillian Ross by Sirena Van Schaik – Review by Felicia Bates

The Murders of Lillian RossThe Murders of Lillian Ross by Sirena Van Schaik
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Sirena Van Schaik is an author I hadn’t heard about before but knew I had to read when I stumbled across the Murders of Lillian Ross. I wasn’t sure what I was getting myself into but as I so often find when I explore new (to me) authors,, I wasn’t disappointed. I have been incredibly lucky lately to read a few thrillers that are so good they stick with you long after the story is over. This book was one of them. I loved everything about it, honestly, but mostly how it was formatted. I loved the way the 911 call and court transcripts were intertwined in the writing. I felt like the Murders of Lillian Ross played out like a movie in my head from start to finish.
Definitely a 5 star read for me and I would love to read more from this author.

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The Murders of Lillian Ross by Sirena Van Schaik – Review by Roxsanne Lesieur.

The Murders of Lillian RossThe Murders of Lillian Ross by Sirena Van Schaik
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Lillian Ross is in jail for a double murder and has never said a word about what happened and why, she didn’t even put up a fight for the court case, just letting them get on with it around her and has never opened up to anyone, that is until she approaches true-crime author Allison McKinnon. Allison has been writing her true-crime novels for a decade and it is always from the point of view of the victims, she does her research thoroughly and uses facts and first hand interviews to show the real impact which crime can have on lives and she is good at her job, so when she gets the call that Lillian Ross wants her to tell her her story, it is a chance she is more than willing to take, as long as the proper steps are taken and the proper paperwork and releases are signed.

As she approaches the prison for their first meeting, Allison has her legal support there with her, she is stunned when Lillian enters the interview room for the first time, she doesn’t look like her pictures, but she is still a beautiful woman who wouldn’t strike you as being a criminal if you saw her on the street, but there is something about her character which Allison feels is a little off, she agrees to sign off on all the paperwork and so Allison arranges with the prison to conduct the meetings, while in the background, she begins to make requests to Lillian’s family so that she can interview them for the book as well.

As the interviews progress, Allison hears about Lillian’s past and this is where similarities to her own past emerge, this sets off an inner turmoil in Allison, but she bravely carries on listening and tries not to bring her own demons to the fore at the same time. Will Allison be able to separate her story from Lillians, or will it lead down a path where only darkness lives and breathes? This is a thrilling look into how writing true-crime can impact the author as well as the criminals and victims and is an interesting glimpse into how the past can impact both the present and the future as you are drawn into two lives and want to see how their stories end.

Reviewed by @roxsannel

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The Murders of Lillian Ross by Sirena Van Schaik – Review by Liz Vrchota

The Murders of Lillian RossThe Murders of Lillian Ross by Sirena Van Schaik
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

WOW! This book was so gripping! I have never read anything by Sirena Van Schaik before but after seeing the cover and blurb I just had to dive in and see what this story was all about. I am so glad that I did because this book brought the thriller ride and the twists and turns that had me going woah the whole time I read. This is told from the murderer’s point of view and it is one that we don’t often get to really dissect quite in the way that Sirena Van Schaik does. I will for sure be going back to see what else is available and what will be coming from her in the future. This is the kind of book you get mad when it is over so I may be re-reading this one sooner rather than later #NOTSORRY.

Review by @lizaileen
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The Murders of Lillian Ross by Sirena Van Schaik – Review by Erica Fish

The Murders of Lillian RossThe Murders of Lillian Ross by Sirena Van Schaik
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Murders of Lillian Rose is a story within a story. This author is new to me and I will be looking up other stories from her as well. The plotline is interesting because it captivates me from the first page until the last page. The characters are realistic and believable. It is an amazing feat to write a murder thriller but to have a true murder mystery within the story is awesome. There were clues to both mysteries that I didn’t see coming down the pike, There were twists and turns that I didn’t see coming around every corner. I highly recommend this story especially if you love murder thrillers.

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The Murders of Lillian Ross by Sirena Van Schaik – Review by Angela Hayes

The Murders of Lillian RossThe Murders of Lillian Ross by Sirena Van Schaik
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

5 Stars

 

 

“Why do you have to write this?” He had emphasized the last word.
Allison had given no answer. How could she when she didn`t know herself? She’d been writing since she was a child, but after college, she’d focused on true crime. She wasn’t sure why the stories that actually destroyed lives were the ones she longed to put on paper. In the end, she supposed, it was unanswerable. That was her muse and she never felt settled unless she was pursuing a case.
Allison arched her back to remove the knot slowly building in her shoulders, before finding a more comfortable position in the metal chair. She knew who she was going to meet, who she was getting ready to interview, but she still didn’t understand why she’d agreed.
That was the source of her stress. Not the fact that she was going face to face with a criminal. Since launching her true crime career a decade earlier, she had waited in similar rooms for sociopaths and murderers many times. It wasn’t the criminal who made her nervous; it was the fact that this one had sought her out… had begged her to write the story behind her.
A loud click pulled Allison from her thoughts and the door swung open to reveal the guard and her prisoner.
Lillian Ross.
The name seemed ordinary enough; refined even. Yet this was a killer who had coldly murdered two men. Two men who had loved her. Allison wasn’t naive. She was positive the two men had committed sins of their own, but there was nothing that could condone the way Lillian had butchered them.”

 

The Murders of Lillian Ross by Sirena Van Schaik is a riveting crime story that had me flipping the pages to find out what was going to happen. It is an unexpected little gem of a story- one I am still thinking about long after finishing the final page. This is really well woven- with intensity, complexity, layers, intrigue, a psychological aspect, and so much more.
I am so glad I took a chance on this story, as it really did surprise me in the best possible way! I have also found another author to add to my ‘must read’ list. Having not read an of her work before taking a chance on this book, I am looking forward to stalking her, oops, I mean exploring her catalogue of work, as well as going on a one-click spree.
Allison McKinnon is a well-known true crime writer who has been contacted by a prisoner, Lillian Ross, who was placed on death row for the shocking murders she committed. Normally Allison writes from the victims’ perspective- so this will be the first time she writes from the criminals’ perspective. Lillian has never told her story before, with much speculation and rumours surrounding her case, getting Lillian’s account could make for quite a sensational story. As the interviews unfold, a bigger picture begins to develop, and Allison realises that she shares a lot in common with Lillian. We get a front row seat to it all as the story unravels- and let me tell you, it makes for a fantastic read!
Sirena Van Schaik doesn’t shy away from exploring the darker side of life- and some of the subject matter might trigger some readers (trauma, violence, abuse, murder).
Highly recommended reading!

Thank you, Sirena Van Schaik!

 

Reviewed by @angelahayes

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The Murders of Lillian Ross by Sirena Van Schaik – Review by MPolicicchio

The Murders of Lillian RossThe Murders of Lillian Ross by Sirena Van Schaik
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Murders of Lillian Ross by Sirena Van Schaik

5 out of 5 stars

This book is ever-woven into the fabric of my being. I could not put this book down. The Murders of LIllian Ross is a gripping, thought-provoking tale of finding who you are after trauma. Sirena doesn’t tiptoe around the issues; she jumps right and examines them from nearly every angle with reverence.

Lillian Ross is sitting on death row for two murders. She has not discussed the events surrounding the deaths, not with the police, not with her own defence attorney, not with the flocks of reporters. Lillian has decided she is ready to tell someone what happened, why two people wound up dead that night. Lillian has decided that she wants Allison McKinnon to tell her story.

Allison McKinnon is an experienced true crime writer. Allison has a reputation for writing from the view of the victim and not focusing on the sensational aspects of the case. This is what Lillian says is the reason she picked Allison. Allison starts visiting the prison to listen to Lillian’s story. As Lillian tells her side, Allison finds a kindred spirit. Could she be where Lillian is? If things had been different, could Allison be Lillian? Allison must confront the secrets of her own past to find those answers. Can Allison learn to live again? Will Lillian save Allison from becoming her?

Sirena weaves the strings of the past with the fabric of the current and strings of hope for the future of these women affected by their shared traumas. I don’t know how one reads this novel and is not affected by Lillian, Allison, Kaylee, or the others left in the wake of the power of men. This book is powerful. If all of Sirena’s works are written with such intelligence, grit, feeling and power, I will forever be a fan!!

This book contains detailed descriptions of domestic violence, child abuse and murder. The material discussed may trigger some readers.

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The Murders of Lillian Ross by Sirena Van Schaik – Review by Kerry Baker

The Murders of Lillian RossThe Murders of Lillian Ross by Sirena Van Schaik
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Murders of Lillian Ross by Sirena Van Schaik is a fantastic thriller book that really intrigued me from the moment I started reading. I thought this was such an exciting story, I could not put it down once I had started. I just had to see how it was all going to play out.
This is the first book that I have read by this author and I really enjoyed it. I thought it was a gripping book and so well written.
The author knew just what to do to draw me in and make sure she had my full attention. I am so pleased to have discovered this author and I can’t wait to read more of their work.

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