Into the Fire

When I think of "true crime" publications, I remember True Crime magazines from my youth. I didn't read them, but I remember them. Next I think of the notable Ann Rule who wrote about serial killer Ted Bundy among others. Now I will tell people about Las Vegas Detective Bradley Nickell who wrote Repeat Offender with his now deceased co-author Warren Jamison.

Repeat Offender reveals the life and times of the most prolific thief and repeat offender in the history of Nevada who is known mostly by his invented name Daimon Monroe which was only one of his several aliases. Daimon worked out of Las Vegas. Much of it dictates the courtroom procedures and text of the multiple trials and pending trials of this criminal which finally led to his concurrent life sentences. However, the book also covers the discoveries leading up to the warrant served on Daimon at his rented home with his girlfriend and two little girls. By the end of this account the oldest daughter is 18 years old.

Daimon Monroe didn't knock off banks or convenience stores. His crimes were sophisticated intrusions which netted him high-end items that he sold and kept for thousands and thousands of dollars both in his home and in multiple storage units. Only a portion of his childhood is known and Detective Nickell believes it's unlikely that certain specific elements which led to Daimon's remaking of himself will ever be revealed and verified because of Daimon's propensity for believing the lies he's created for himself.

One of the fascinating parts of the book is Detective Nickell's assessments of Daimon and his comparison to himself. Of course when it came to his and Daimon's views on morality, there was no likeness or similarity, but some of Daimon's other character traits were shared with those of Detective Nickell.

I found Repeat Offender to be thoroughly enthralling from start to finish with poignant quotations beginning each chapter. Well written and methodical, Detective Nickell interjects personal anecdotes along the way plus admits the impact this hardened narcissistic criminal still has on his life.

Highly recommend Repeat Offender for those readers who are interested in the mechanics and after-affects of true crime.

Father, please continue to bless and protect Det. Nickell and his family. Keep them safe from all harm. I pray you would give Bradley much more to write and direct his steps in all aspects of his life as he surrenders them to you. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.