Genoveva Ortiz

3.5 stars

In South Carolina in the 1980s, 16-year old Shari was kidnapped from in front of her house just after she arrived home and was checking the mailbox. Her car was left running. Shari also needed medication that she did not have with her. The kidnapper then continually called her family, talking to either her mother or sister. They were tormented while trying to keep him on the phone so the police could trace the calls, in hopes of finding Shari alive. Not long after Shari was found (dead), a 9-year old little girl was also kidnapped. It was these last two that finally led police to Larry Gene Bell, and there was a list of other missing girls/women from the ‘70s and ‘80s that he is/was the main suspect in, as well.

This was good. I’ve read others in the series and I know they are short, but it would have been nice to learn more about the other missing women, as well. The author included many of the conversations Larry had with Shari’s family and wow, he was garbled and didn’t make sense much of the time. I’m assuming the author used transcripts, so the confusing statements were legitimately what he said.… (mere)

After kidnapping 17 year old Shari, Larry Gene Bell began calling and writing to the family. He would drop hints about her condition, make promises, and generally cause anxiety and fear. Dawn, Shari’s sister did her best to talk to him, trying to elicit details that would help the police catch him. After Shari’s body was found, Bell kidnapped a 9 year old, killing and leaving her body by the side of the road.

I really like the format of these books. They are meant for all reading levels, but provide an interesting and detailed account of the crime. This book was well written and engaging. It was well paced and did a good job on introducing and developing the victim’s family. Overall, highly recommended.… (mere)

A Call from Hell was an enthralling story about the kidnap and murder of Shari Faye Smith. The nightmare that her family endured from the twisted mind games of Larry Gene Bell was heartbreaking. I can't even begin to imagine the heartbreak her family went through. Genoveva Ortiz does a remarkable job of highlighting the events after Shari Faye Smith was kidnapped in a way that is easy to read.
I love true crime stories, and this book held my attention. It was detailed enough to paint the picture without the gratuitous details for shock value. I had never heard of Larry Gene Bell, so this was a fresh story that held my attention.… (mere)