Book Review: Dead Reckoning by Caitlin Rother

In this updated version of Dead Reckoning, award-winning author Caitlin Rother invites the reader in to a story of a former child star struggling with gender dysphoria and his accomplices as they plot and kill a retired couple and steal their yacht. No less disturbing the second go around, Dead Reckoning remains a must read for true crime fans. You can read my 2015 review by clicking here.

Two newer issues get a fair amount of attention in the updated version: gender dysphoria and the ongoing argument over the eligibility of transgender inmates to receive surgery to alter their biological sex, and the impact of Governor Gavin Newsom's moratorium on executions in California.

Skylar Deleon's desire for gender reassignment surgery is what led him (at the time) to murder three people. Sentenced to death row, Skylar transitioned to a woman and legally changed her gender to female, potentially to obtain taxpayer-subsidized gender confirmation surgery and transfer to a women’s prison. For the victims' families, such an act coupled with delayed justice for their loved ones seems unconscionable.

Just as Rother did with the original story, she presents both sides without bias. This is a thoroughly researched story of unspeakable acts that changed the lives of many. If you are fascinated by true crime stories, you'll want to grab the latest version of Dead Reckoning. 


Paperback: 470 pages
Publisher: WildBlue Press; 2nd ed. edition (August 26, 2019)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1948239388
ISBN-13: 978-1948239387

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I received a digital copy of this book from the author through Pump Up Your Book. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

Book Review: Dead Reckoning by Caitlin Rother

A frightening, yet fascinating story of greed, deceit, and murder can be found in Dead Reckoning.

This is a true crime investigative account by Pulitzer Prize nominee Caitlin Rother. She lays out the story of Skylar Deleon, a former child star, who along with his wife and others plots to kill a retired couple and steal their yacht.

Dead Reckoning is a chilling story. It reveals the horrible evil this world can contain. It leaves the reader wondering: are killers born or are they made? A life of abuse was all that Skylar Deleon knew. Did that turn him into the greedy, immoral person who could hatch a plot to steal the Hawkses' yacht and throw them overboard while they were still alive?

Or was it the influence of his wife, Jennifer? Was Skylar willing to do anything to please her--even murder?

I've been fascinated by true crime stories for decades, and this is one of the best told books I've ever read. Rother covers all sides to this story. The reader learns about the Hawks family; Skylar and Jennifer and their families; the detectives on the case; the attorneys on both sides of the case; the family of Jon Jarvi--another of Skylar's victims, and Skylar's co-conspirators. The end of the book includes an interview Rother had with Skylar in prison.

If you enjoy true crime, Dead Reckoning by Caitlin Rother is one book you shouldn't miss.

Series: Pinnacle True Crime
Mass Market Paperback: 416 pages
Publisher: Kensington; 1 edition (February 1, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0786022175
ISBN-13: 978-0786022175

I received a free copy of this book from the author. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

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