Like many of her other books, Laura Lippman's latest book I'd Know You Anywhere is loosely based on a true crime. Many of the details are changed, and this is a work of fiction. However, the actual incident did involve the sexual abuse and murder of several victims with the exception of one. Ms Lippman creates a story involving the fictionalized victim, now an adult, and the man waiting on death row for the crimes he committed against her and others. Walter Bowman, the accused murderer, sends a letter to Elizabeth Benedict seeking contact with her after all these years. The first chapter ends with these gripping words snaring the reader in: " And then --just in case she(Elizabeth) didn't remember the full name of the man who had kidnapped her the summer she was fifteen, and held her hostage for six weeks, just in case she had forgotten the man who had killed at least two other girls and was suspected of killing many others, yet let her live, just in case all of this might have slipped her mind --he added helpfully: (Walter Bowman)."
Elizabeth Benedict is living a relatively well adjusted life with her loving and successful husband. He knows of her horrific experience, but their children do not. The Benedict's have just recently returned to the states after living aboard for several years when the letter arrives. The letter from Bowman unleashes a series of flashbacks to the 1980's. Ms Lippman introduces several characters sharing their perspectives on the details of the crimes. She gives vivid accounts of the personalities involved-- almost too detailed at times. But the story is certainly intriguing and keeps the reader guessing of the outcome which is cleverly done. This is a very grim storyline, but Ms. Lippman spares the reader from too many graphic details of the crimes.