Who Wrote Crossing The Line: The True Story Of Long Island Serial Killer Joel Rifkin?

2025-12-10 02:14:45 64

5 Answers

Carter
Carter
2025-12-13 04:36:55
Carlton Smith penned 'Crossing the Line,' and honestly, it’s one of those books that lingers in your mind for weeks. I picked it up after binging too many true-crime documentaries, craving deeper analysis. Smith’s style is razor-sharp—he avoids gratuitous gore, focusing instead on the eerie mundanity of Rifkin’s double life. The book’s strength lies in its pacing; it unfolds like a detective’s notebook, piecing together clues alongside the reader. Plus, the occasional dry wit in his prose lightens the heaviness without disrespecting the subject matter.
Bella
Bella
2025-12-14 02:10:19
I stumbled upon 'Crossing the Line' while digging into true crime books last winter, and it left a lasting impression. The author, Carlton Smith, really knows how to weave investigative journalism with narrative flair. His background as a seasoned crime reporter shines through—every chapter feels meticulously researched yet reads like a gripping novel. Smith doesn’t just recount Rifkin’s crimes; he dives into the systemic failures that allowed his spree to continue unchecked. It’s chilling but impossible to put down.

What I appreciate most is how Smith humanizes the victims without sensationalizing their suffering. He balances the darkness with subtle critiques of media and law enforcement, making it more than just a true-crime book. If you’re into works like 'The Stranger Beside Me' or 'I’ll Be Gone in the dark,' this one’s a must-read. The way Smith unpacks Rifkin’s psychology is hauntingly thorough.
Yasmin
Yasmin
2025-12-14 21:56:06
Ah, 'Crossing the Line'—Carlton Smith’s masterpiece on Joel Rifkin. What sets this apart from other true crime books is Smith’s refusal to glamorize the killer. Instead, he zooms in on the investigation’s chaos, painting Rifkin as a product of societal blind spots. The prose is lean but evocative, almost like a noir film script. I’d recommend it to anyone interested in the genre, though maybe not right before bedtime. Smith’s ability to contextualize the crimes within 1990s long island gives it a documentary-like depth.
Parker
Parker
2025-12-16 01:42:48
That’d be Carlton Smith. His book is a masterclass in true crime storytelling—equal parts forensic and philosophical. I love how he contrasts Rifkin’s quiet existence with the horror of his actions. It’s not just about the 'what'; it’s about the 'why' and the 'how it slipped through.' A standout in my true crime collection.
Xander
Xander
2025-12-16 02:29:27
Carlton Smith wrote it! I devoured 'Crossing the Line' in two sittings—it’s that compelling. Smith’s knack for detail turns a grim case into a page-turner. He doesn’t shy away from criticizing the NYPD’s missteps, which adds layers to the story. Perfect for fans of meticulous true crime.
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