I don’t read a lot of nonfiction, especially true crime, which is weird because I am often fascinated by it. I decided to step outside my norm and pick this book up during Pride month for a change of pace. I’d not heard of this case before, which is quite shocking, but I understood why once I read the book. Hello, homophobia!

This book is a haunting true crime story that sheds light on the forgotten horrors of the Last Call Killer and the vulnerable gay community he preyed upon in the ’80s and ’90s in New York City. A high crime rate and even higher homophobia rate – primarily due to the AIDS crisis – made this case a lower priority for authorities in the area. Still, thanks to Green’s tenacious investigation, we finally get a look into these crimes.

Green does a wonderful job of painting a raw and poignant picture of the vibrant community that this man terrorized. Through meticulous research and a keen eye for detail, Green takes readers on a journey through the decades-long hunt for the killer, revealing the complexities of the case and the impact it had on those involved.

What I especially appreciated about this book was Green’s focus on the victims and their families. We get an in-depth look at who the victims were, which we don’t often get in these types of stories. Typically, the focus is on the killer, but that was not so with this book. Green even stated that it doesn’t matter why the killer did what he did – either way, he is a monster. It’s the victims who deserve to be highlighted and have their tragic stories told, and this book does it beautifully.

As the bodies pile up, we also get a look at the harsh realities of the prejudice, violence, and fear that plagued the gay community during this tumultuous time. Green’s writing is both empathetic and unflinching, capturing the resilience and strength of those who refused to be silenced in the face of danger and the tenacity of a community that helped bring this guy down. This book is a poignant and powerful reminder of the atrocities that have been forgotten by history and a testament to the importance of remembering those whose lives were cut short by a killer who roamed in the shadows. This is a tribute to the resilience and courage of those who refuse to be victims.

In a world where the horrors of the past are all too easily swept under the rug, “Last Call” shines a spotlight on a forgotten chapter of history that deserves to be told and remembered. If you are looking for your next true crime book, I would highly recommend this one.