Review: Murder in Baker Company by Cilla McCain

Today I am hosting Cilla McCain on my blog.  I received a copy of her new book Murder in Baker Company: How Four American Soldiers Killed One of Their Own.  This book is the sobering story of the murder of a soldier shortly upon his return from his honorable service.  It presents the events and circumstances leading up to the murder and presents information implicating those who may be indirectly responsible for the horrible death of this soldier.

I struggled with the decision of whether or not to read and review this book as my husband is in the Army and we are a very patriotic family.  We have been introduced to some problems with regard to the way things are sometimes done in the Army, but remain loyal to our Country and her Armed Forces.  That is not to say that we would close our eyes to the problems that exist, but that we choose to be positive about righting things.

That said, I obviously decided to read and review Cilla McCain's book.  I will admit that I read taking everything with a grain of salt.  Because of this, I was very appreciative of Cilla's presentation of the evidence from many perspectives.  This book was clearly well researched and the story is presented from each participants' individual points-of-view.  Therefore, for the most part, I felt that I was not being presented the author's interpretation of the facts and testimonies, but the direct histories.

That said, the book clearly presented an agenda.  As I finished the book, I understood that the primary purpose of the book was to bring to light the details and facts left out of the trial as well as articles and movies written on the murder.  Both the author, as well as the soldier's father, seem to hold the Army itself and their protocols and rhetoric at least partially responsible for the murder.  They seem to believe there is a conspiracy or cover-up involved.  I remain unsure, but I do agree that the information presented in this book is the kind of information that people should be able to have access to thereby allowing them to come to their own conclusions.  It is a weighty subject, but a worthwhile read to those interested in learning more about our soldiers and some of the worst horrors they may face.