Reviews

Readers respond

John Quam

Editor in Chief
Howler Magazine

A deeply personal and unflinching account of how easily justice can be derailed, and how truth, no matter how buried, can still rise.

This gripping true crime memoir, told from Harry’s point of view and masterfully shaped by journalist Karl Kahler, dives into the 2020 murder of Dr. María Luisa Cedeño at La Mansion Inn — and the ensuing storm that led to Harry’s wrongful arrest and imprisonment. It’s part murder mystery, part courtroom drama, and part soul-baring account of what happens when justice derails.

The story unfolds with clarity and momentum. Kahler keeps the pacing tight, even when the book delves into legal testimony, forensic debates, and behind-the-scenes investigations. From the start, it’s clear this book isn’t about proving a theory — it’s about revealing the truth, piece by piece.

Harry is a compelling narrator: honest, vulnerable, and deeply human. He doesn’t try to paint himself as flawless. He lays bare his health struggles, his past decisions, and the heartbreak of being falsely accused. What struck me most was how the justice system and public opinion turned so quickly based on speculation, assumptions, and a hunger for someone to blame.

This book provides what the media never did — context, nuance, and most importantly, facts. It also gives a voice to the victim, Dr. Cedeño, whose life and legacy are treated with care and dignity. It doesn’t reduce her to a headline; it reminds us she was a real person, with plans, purpose, and people who loved her.

The Murder in Room 3 is more than a true crime book. It’s a clear-eyed, sometimes maddening, and ultimately vindicating look at what happens when a system fails. It’s also a powerful reminder of how quickly the court of public opinion can bury the truth.

Alexa Sánchez

Costa Rica

Thank you for the memory of María Luisa Cedeño.

I remember the news of the murder of Dr. María Luisa Cedeño, who worked as an anesthesiologist in Costa Rica. Now with this book we can understand what happened — the innocents and the one who was actually guilty. Thank you for the memory of María Luisa Cedeño.
 

Colinsito

Amazon Reviewer

Far beyond reasonable doubt.

I am happy to read Harry’s account of the story. Although it was reasonably clear all through the trial to find Harry not guilty, it also cleared up assumptions many of us might have had about the victim. Very sad reflection on the country that touts itself as a beacon of democracy. I am relieved that Harry is able to find some peace in his remaining years.
 

Arcelio Hernandez Mussio

Costa Rican Attorney
Amazon Reviewer

Compelling

As a Costa Rican attorney with 25 years of experience across various legal fields, including criminal law, I found Bodaan’s analysis of Dr. María Luisa Cedeño’s shocking murder to be comprehensive. This heinous crime sparked outrage in Costa Rica and internationally. While the book contains minor technical inaccuracies regarding sentencing, the engaging writing style makes it a captivating read. I concur with Bodaan’s assessment that returning for a new trial would risk renewed pretrial detention. For a 74-year-old man, potentially innocent, with the option of a comfortable life in Holland safe from extradition, I respect his decision to remain there. Courts, particularly under media pressure, are fallible. Bodaan has the right to share his perspective, and I recommend this book. Having served as a certified translator on the case, contributing to a guide on dental marks and their interpretation, I won’t delve into that aspect. However, it seems clear that a reasonable person would hesitate to find Bodaan guilty of such horrific crimes. I lament the flaws in our justice system that led to his prolonged pretrial detention and hope he finds peace.
 

Carlos G.

Amazon Reviewer

Excellent book

Very good book. It exposes what has basically been a public lynching of Harry Bodaan. Like many others, I had already formed an opinion about the case based on what the media presented to me and the investigators’ opinions about what they believe happened. The prosecution’s case was based on a single piece of evidence against Bodaan: teeth marks on the body. These were not conclusive. According to investigators, the three suspects had the victim pinned down, beating her, biting her, and raping her while she fought like a cat on her back, and there is only evidence of blood, fingerprints, DNA, and scratches on only one of the suspects? The OIJ conducted an exhaustive collection of evidence throughout the hotel, using trained dogs and luminol. I think they did an excellent job of collecting evidence, and a Costa Rican court concluded that Bodaan was innocent and that Teodoro Herrera was guilty based on the amount of evidence against him. For those who say the book should not have been written, then no one could ever write a book about any murder. Read the book and draw your own conclusions. All the evidence, testimony, and proof in the case have been presented to the defense as the law requires.
 

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