Those Days in January: The Abduction and Murder of Meredith Hope Emerson Paperback – January 1, 2020

As a native of North Georgia who was the same age as Meredith Emerson, I was captivated by her story. I prayed each night for her safe return, and for her to be reunited with her family and friends. Because of her, I've learned to be more vigilant and to also live life to its fullest. This is a wonderful read written by a man who poured his heart and soul into this case, and who tried so desperately to rescue Meredith.

told with candor and compassion. I truly hope the writing has helped Cagle find peace. The ONLY one to blame for evil acts is the one who committed them.

Only took about an hour to read, but told the whole story of Meredith's murder and the trial, as well as touching on the main points of the other two which made this evil man a serial killer.Told by the FBI agent who retired after this case, he tells the story from his point of view, in a way that respects the victims (which includes the deceased, their family, friends and everyone who was touched by them in life, or the ones who searched for them or worked on the case after.In fact, the author says in the beginning that out of respect for the victims, you will find no pictures in the book. And, the family even petitioned to pass a law against gruesome autopsy photos being included in FOIA requests.Meredith loved two things better than anything: Hiking, and her dog, Ella. Both are uniquely highlighted in this memorial of her life - before and after her death.

Short and easy read. A murder took place after a woman and her dog hiking were abducted. Questions we will never know the answer to: why did he pick her? Why did the killer release the dog? If she would have fought back would she still be alive? These are my questions. This book was written by a law enforcement agent doing his duty from an investigative perspective. But it confirms even more to me that you NEVER allow yourself as a victim to go from point A crime scene to point B crime scene. Nothing good comes from it!

Very well written and interesting accounting of something that happened in the north Georgia mountains near where I live. It’s a very sad story, but shows impressive work by the authorities who found the person who murdered this young girl and, in particular, the GBI agent - John Cagle (author) who was the lead investigator, who showed such respect for Meredith Hope Emerson and her friends and family. These people worked tirelessly to solve the mystery and to get justice for Meredith. The book also references a Dateline special : Mystery on Blood Mountain that I watched as well, as a result of reading this book. Very intriguing and insightful book, and perhaps, through the sharing of this case, Meredith will be remembered and honored.

This book was an easy read.

Grabbed my attention from very beginning, and I read it all in one sitting. Heard about the book from a review in my local newspaper (we live about an hour where all this occurred). I remembered this story in the news years ago, was also intrigued because I am an alumni from UNG (North GA College back then) with a BS in Criminal Justice. The author is now an adjunct professor in the CJ Dept at my alma mater. The book is well-written, succinct, has direct quotes from the criminal, explains what all happened in the various court jurisdictions and provides the lead agent's direct experiences before during and after the overall investigation. Highly Recommend!

John Cagle did something very unique in writing this book. He told a true crime story in a concise manner with no wasted information. The one thing I took away from the story is a woman, young or 'seasoned' needs to be aware that there is evil out there. Theoretically, any woman should be able to go anywhere, anytime and by herself if she wants to unmolested. But the reality is different. When you get out of the urban/suburban areas, 911 is a pipe dream. It's a good book for fathers to share with their daughters.

Tragic story of lives taken tragically too soon by a monster. A Innocent woman out for a hike encounters true evil.