In 1990, the brutal murder of 16 year old Lisa Pruett shocked her Shaker Heights
community. For author James Renner, the mysterious events that took place that night reveal an overlooked suspect and intriguing insight into the social dynamics of the Cleveland suburb.
Inspiration Behind the Ink:
As Renner recounts, the inspiration behind his latest book, Little, Crazy Children, traces
back to a pivotal moment during his college years at Kent State University. It was the year 2000 when fate intervened, guiding him towards a copy of the alt-weekly newspaper, Scene. The cover story, a chilling account of Lisa’s demise, would not only serve as his introduction to long-form journalism but also introduced the concept of a book that would take over twenty years to develop.
“I fell in love with the style immediately,” Renner reminisces, reflecting on the profound impact of that fateful article. “But more than that, I realized I disagreed with the writer’s conclusions in the case.”
Driven by a desire to unearth the truth buried beneath layers of speculation and
conjecture, Renner embarked on a journey that would span years, culminating in a relentless pursuit of justice. It was during the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic that he found himself revisiting Lisa’s case, determined to shed light on the shadows of doubt that lingered over the investigation.
Little, Crazy Children was not merely a book; it was a testament to the enduring power of torytelling to unravel the deepest mysteries of the human experience. “So the book was 23 years in the making,” Renner acknowledges.
Connecting with Readers:
For Renner, the key to connecting with readers lay in exposing the intricacies of
journalistic endeavor, inviting readers to witness the inner workings of a true crime investigation. Renner also hosts the true crime podcast The Philosophy of Crime.
“In my true crime work, I like to expose the process of journalism,” Renner explains. “It’s
a piece of the mystery that doesn’t often get shared in other books.” By illuminating the
complexities of reporting on real-life events, Renner endeavors to forge a deeper connection with his audience, inviting them to become active participants in the unraveling of each enigma.
Buckeye Book Fair Experience:
For Renner, the Buckeye Book Fair represents more than just a literary festival; it’s a
homecoming of kindred spirits bound by a shared love of storytelling. “I love the Buckeye Book Fair because it’s like a reunion for local writers in Ohio,” he reflects. Amidst the bustling crowds and array of literature, Renner enjoys the company of fellow authors, exchanging tales of triumphs and tribulations in an ever-evolving industry. It’s a gathering fueled by passion and the belief in the transformative power of words.
Books Save Lives:
As the theme “Books Save Lives” takes center stage, Renner reflects on the profound
impact of literature on his own life journey. “The book that probably changed me the most is a little book called ‘Happiness,’ by neuroscientist turned monk, Matthieu Riccard,” Renner reveals. Through the teachings of mindfulness and meditation, Riccard’s words became a beacon of hope in a world fraught with uncertainty and doubt. They provided Renner with the tools to navigate life’s challenges, empowering him to persevere in the face of adversity. “And it’s made it easier to live in this weird world full of accidents and pitfalls,” Renner explains.
In conclusion, James Renner’s dedication to uncovering the truth behind Lisa Pruett’s murder highlights the power of storytelling to illuminate the darkest corners of human experience. His latest book, Little, Crazy Children, is the result of over two decades of committed research and a relentless pursuit of justice. Renner’s connection with his readers, his passion for journalism, and his belief in the transformative power of literature are beautifully exemplified in his work and his participation in the Buckeye Book Fair. Renner’s journey also underscores the profound impact of literature, as reflected in his admiration for Matthieu Ricard’s Happiness. Just as Ricard’s teachings provided Renner with tools to navigate life’s challenges, Little, Crazy Children invites readers to explore the complexities of true crime and the resilience required to seek the truth. This connection between literature and life highlights the enduring influence of books on our understanding and perseverance in an unpredictable world.
Buckeye Book Fair 