The Scarlet Pen

Written by Jennifer Uhlarik

Narrated by Sara Farrington

Has Emma Draycott Been Hoodwinked by a Cunning Charmer?

Secret Service agent Clay Timmons arrives in Mount Pleasant, Ohio, in 1876 to track purchases made with fake currency. Every trail leads back to Stephen Dee Richards—and therefore, Emma Draycott.

Emma has a soft spot for underdogs like Stephen and soon agrees to marry him.

But within a week, he leaves to “make his fame and fortune.” The heartbroken Emma gives him a special fountain pen to write to her, and Stephen does with tales of grand adventures.

Clay is soon in hot pursuit of Richards, crisscrossing Nebraska and Iowa. Can Clay convince Miss Draycott she is engaged to a charlatan who is now being linked to several deaths out west before Stephen returns to seal their vows?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Recorded Books, Inc.
• Release date: Jul 12, 2022
• ISBN: 9781705066850

Reviews for The Scarlet Pen

[eamace · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A scarlet-barreled dip pen, a cut-glass inkwell that holds many secrets and money that seems to come out of nowhere…..With plenty of excitement and action, the author brings us another installment of the True Colors series. The lovely Emma Draycott has been swept off her feet by Stephen Richards, a man with many secrets. Clay Timmons works with the Secret Service, following the trail of counterfeit money. Hard to put down, this story takes us through several states, as things start to come together in the hunt for the perpetrators. Between murder, jail breaks and more these well developed characters work on trusting God for the outcome. Is it possible that love might be found in the midst of this?An ARC of this true crime story was received through Barbour Publishing and NetGalley. These impressions and comments are my own and were in no way solicited.

[anne_rightler-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The Scarlet Pen, by Jennifer Uhlarik, is part of the True Colors True Crime series, a group of fictional novels based on American crime. Having read most of the books in this series, I looked forward to reading The Scarlet Pen and was not disappointed. I was drawn into the story quickly as in the first few pages Emma and Stephen pledge their love for each other, and the tension of their romance begins. Set in the Midwest during the late 1870s, the book tells the horrifying story of a serial killer. Uhlarik is a wonderful storyteller as her writing is strong and descriptive. She has blended suspense, romance, and faith in the narrative to make a story that keeps the pages turning. Uhlarik created her characters to be believable, relatable, and people that I would like to have known as friends (well, the good guys anyway!) Emma, spunky and loyal. Stephen, a charmer with big dreams. And Clay, an honorable lawman with a haunting past and strong faith in God. As these three interact and sometimes clash, their story pulls on the reader’s emotions, shock, horror, sorrow, hope, and compassion. I enjoyed the book, and I look forward to reading more from this author.I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing. A favorable review was not required, and the opinions are my own. This review is part of a CelebrateLit blog tour.

[grammy57 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I have enjoyed all these true colors, true crime books, some more than others. This is one of my favorites. The characters were believable. The story flowed well. The story, though gruesome at times was not told in a gory manner. This book shows the importance of trusting God and not your feelings. It isn't preachy but does show what happens if you do or do not trust God.If you enjoy a good mystery/crime story that is clean and a non-preachy Christian book, this is for you. I had a hard time putting this book down and it had a satisfying ending. You won't be disappointed.

[harley0326 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Each one of these book in this series has given me insight into crimes committed from different time periods, Some of them I knew about but the majority of them were not known to me. I have enjoyed each one and am sad to know that this is the last book in the series. This story is set in 1876 and focuses on a man that is ruthless, calculating, uncaring and a heart that is cold as ice. I have tried to figure out why this man is so creepy but some people are just wired differently. Even though Stephen does some unthinkable crimes I was intrigued with him. How could he show a caring side then in a split second he was an evil man who thrived on killing? His temper seemed to rise if he was threatened by words. Those triggering hurtful words like liar, cheater and criminal brought him to seek revenge on those who dared utter anything that attacked his character.Poor sweet innocent Emma. You know the saying, “Love is blind” well that describes Emma. She refused to believe that her intended is a criminal. Why he is so sweet and caring around her yet can murder someone and actually enjoy it? Her father describes Emma as fierce and strong, yet when it came to Stephen her blinders were up. I did want to shake her several times and tell her to open her eyes. She prays and seeks God’s wisdom but for some reason she is ignoring any signs that God is showing her. I did wonder why she and Stephen were in such a rush to marry. Good thing her parents slowed that down and told her she needs to wait. Now I liked Clay and appreciated how dedicated he was to prove Stephen guilty but I was annoyed at the attraction both he and Emma felt for each other so quickly. I think temptation snuck in and both are trying to fight that off. I did cheer for Clay has he dug his heels in and followed every lead that led to where Stephen might be. I loved how the author let us go along as Clay pursued Stephen. As the story continues I began to understand why Clay felt an attraction toward Emma. The author slowly begins to set the stage for these two to share their feelings and Clay was a perfect gentleman throughout the story. Kudos for redeeming yourself Clay. I was a bit troubled with you but it all makes sense at the end of the story. There are moments in the story that may be sensitive to some readers. The author does describe the murders but I think she did it in a way that is not very detailed and spares readers from more intense facts that would be hard to read. The author includes scripture throughout the story which I found helpful in showing how the characters drew near to their faith in the troubling situations they faced.The ending is bittersweet and I was surprised at some of it. I liked how the question of God forgiving Stephen for his sins was handled. As the story closes we are faced with a question? Should God forgive even someone like Stephen and welcome him home to heaven? I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

[virginia51-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The books in the True Colors series are each stand alone novels and are all fantastic stories. They take a true story of a murderer from the past and tell a story with a romance. I loved Emma and Clay. There were times when I could not believe that Emma did not know that Stephen was not always a nice young man. It is not right that some murderers can be so charming sometimes. I really enjoyed how Clay came to be friends with Emma’s family and then with Emma. I also loved how the author portrayed Stephen. I received a copy of this book from Celebratelit for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

[alekee_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This is a fictional story that is based on true crimes, and that is scary. The author did a great job of following the facts to make this story good, and you get more information at the end of this read with the Author's Notes!I enjoyed how this story wove together, not only do we have the bad guy, a really bad guy, but we touch on the Pony Express and because counterfeit money, the Secret Service.The main criminal is beyond evil, and as the story progresses he seems to get worse, having no regard for human life.We are balanced out with some really good Godly individuals, that are played in both Emma's and Clay's lives, and we hope all we soon care about will be there in the end.Yes, this becomes a page turner of a read, you will need answers!I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Barbour, and was not required to give a positive review.

[lindz2012 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The last book in the True Colors series is called "The Scarlet Pen." What a story it told. Though at first, you might think about what is going on. Why would parents be concerned for their daughter and not allow her to marry her friend?We meet a young woman and her sweet talk lover Stephen. But will they end up getting married, or will Emma finally see what is going on with their beloved and find true love? We seem to follow Stephen's journey from his marriage proposal to a young woman to his eventful capture.There a young man on horseback comes to visit and do some business. As the twist and turns show up. Something happens to make Stephen and his friend jump town; Stephen tries to keep Emma at bay and in the dark. Clay seems to want to help and protect her. Emma seems to want to defend Stephen. Why is that?There seems to be a trail of banknotes that keep leading back to Stephen and connecting to Emma. Will Emma confront a man that may harm her and possibly kill her. Or will someone come and save her.Who is this serial killer? Why is he doing it? Clay seems to get hints and information and then loses Richards while he is on the run. Will they all make it out safe? Will Stephen get caught, or will he run free. I felt terrible for the family that brings Clay to face the past that happened to him and his family.The True Color series is a favorite of mine. The books are set in history and tell about true American crimes and have some fiction. These books are great for historical fiction fans and crime fans as well. This one has quite a few killings but not too much detail of the gruesome deaths. Enough to know how it happened. The stories transpire based on actual crimes in American history, but there is some friction that the author brings up in the book.

[hobbitprincess · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I enjoyed reading this Christian historical fiction romance/crime novel. It did seem to get a bit gruesome in places, which sort of set me on edge until I read the author's note at the end. That came as a surprise. It made me appreciate all the author had done to write this story.

[fcplcataloger · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A killer so vicious that he was labeled the Nebraska Butcher or Nebraska Fiend. A young woman who was fooled by his lies, and a Secret Service agent who feverishly tried to stop him. These are the three main characters in The Scarlet Pen, and oh, what a story it has turned out to be! Author Jennifer Jennifer Uhlarik has used the true facts of a killing spree that occurred in the late 1870s, and added fictional detail to create an intriguing and chilling historical fiction tale. Stephen Dee Richards was the true historical figure who was both charming and very disturbed, and Emma Draycott and Clay Timmons make up their romantic triangle. The Scarlet Pen refers to the special pen that Emma gave Stephen when he left Mt. Pleasant, Ohio for Nebraska, and the letters written with it are certainly an intriguing element.This is the twelfth book in the True Colors Crime series and it is a stunning installment. Some of the murder scenes have graphic detail but they are balanced by the many moments that illustrate deep faith, and total trust, in God. Uhlarik sprinkles Bible scripture throughout The Scarlet Pen, and she uses a conversation between Emma and Clay to emphasize that Richard's actions, as evil as they were, still couldn't deny him a place in Heaven...all because of God's forgiveness and grace!I received a copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and NetGalley. There was no obligation for a positive review.

[eccl-3 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The Scarlet Pen by Jennifer Uhlarik is the twelve book in Barbour Publishing’s True Color Series. This is a series of stand alone stories written by different authors that are based on strange crimes that have taken place in our history. This story takes place in 1876 and is based in Mount Pleasant, Ohio.Emma and Stephen have been friends since childhood and have just recently started dating. They have become engaged and he has to prove to her father he can support her. He leaves town saying he is working with others to find a way to support her but instead goes on a very long, very terrible crime streak. Emma struggles with believing he could be the one secret service agents are looking for.This is a great story that is well written and easy to follow and imagine. The story does contain a lot of violence. The story is filled with suspense and has lots of twists and turns. This is one of those stories I found very difficult to put down as the action never stops.I received a complimentary copy of this story from Celebrate Lit, NetGalley and Barbour Publishing. This is my honest review.