Join us for a True Crime Book Discussion on Wednesday, Feb. 21 from 1 to 2 p.m. in the Reading Room in the Timothy C. Hauenstein Reynolds Township Library. The February book selection is Color of Night by John H. Timmerman. Copies are available for checkout.

About the Author

John Timmerman is a former college professor who taught creative writing and American Literature. He is a decorated Vietnam war veteran, and volunteers at a veteran's home attending dying patients. He currently lives with his wife in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He has published 26 books and many short stories.

Book Summary

The Color of Night is a skillfully woven true crime account of a horrendous crime, a family's quest for answers, and the landmark case that tested the Federal Death Penalty Act. Nineteen-year-old Rachel Timmerman, who was about to testify against the man who had raped her, disappeared with her toddler daughter, Shannon. A month later, Rachel’s body was discovered in a lake chained to cinder blocks and with her eyes and mouth covered in duct tape. Soon a trail of bodies begins to emerge. Is a serial killer at large? Written by Rachel's father and uncle, The Color of Night is a shocking story of violence, murder, and the search for justice.

Discussion Questions

1. What do you think of how this book is written?
2. Had you heard of this case being so local to the Howard City area?
3. Would you have investigated to see what was floating in the water?
4. How many people do you think Marvin has killed to cover the rape and murder of Rachel?
5. Do you agree with the verdict in this case?
6. Did you know Michigan had the death penalty?
7. Where do you think little Shannon ended up?
8. Did you find out if Marvin Gabrion has been executed as of today?
9. Do you think the writer's got a sense of contentment (helping them deal with their loss) by writing this book?