Carrie Carolyn Coco is an often raw, compelling, and honestly written true-crime novel by Sarah Gerard, about the life and murder of her friend Carolyn Bush. Released 9th July 2024 by indie publisher Zando, it's 368 pages and is available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout.
It's a straightforward memoir, respectfully written, and definitely not a lurid thriller. The author is a long term friend of the victim, and her personal recollections, observations, and experiences as well as interview materials with people in Carolyn's wider circle make up the bulk of the book.
There are a relatively huge number of people involved in the case, from the family and friends of the victim and her murderer, neighbors, emergency services, police, and healthcare personnel, to the wider legal services involved in the aftermath. The author has included an extensive dramatic personae to help readers keep them straight/reference during the read.
The prose is unvarnished and accessible, and is more effective for being direct. Her pain at the loss of her friend, and her anger and bewilderment are palpable.
The unabridged audiobook has a run time of 10 hours 39 minutes and is read by the author herself. She has a well modulated alto voice and does a good job. She reads surprisingly dispassionately and clearly. Sound and production quality are high throughout the read.
Four stars. Not lurid or sensationalist (thankfully). It would be a good book club selection, buddy read, or for library acquisition.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
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