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jhbandcats's review against another edition
challenging
dark
informative
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
4.5
I had never heard of the Bender family before encountering this book. I suppose I should have focused on their being brutal murderers but instead I kept noticing how filthy they were. This has nothing to do with the murders - it was just their way of life - but it made an impression on me.
I was equally appalled at the crowds of gawkers who showed up to get mementos of the crimes. Everything within the cabin and stable was stolen by excited murder-tourists. Some even dismantled the cabin to take home bits of wood. Others jumped in the graves to see if the people recovering bodies had forgotten anything.
In addition to the information on the murders, the book gives an in-depth look at prairie life in the second half of the 19th C. The location of the nascent railroad could literally put a town on the map. The desolate areas in between towns had few spots offering food or lodging. In an area known for its outlaws, a glimmer of a lantern was welcome, and travelers were tired enough and trusting enough that they let down their guard.
I appreciate learning about this period and this area of the country. The author is mostly straightforward in telling the story of these people and this time. There’s slight literary license - fog in an alley - *was* there fog in an alley? Had the author looked at the weather reports for that area on that day? But there’s so much other solid research that I’m quibbling.
I’m looking forward to the author writing more.
I was equally appalled at the crowds of gawkers who showed up to get mementos of the crimes. Everything within the cabin and stable was stolen by excited murder-tourists. Some even dismantled the cabin to take home bits of wood. Others jumped in the graves to see if the people recovering bodies had forgotten anything.
In addition to the information on the murders, the book gives an in-depth look at prairie life in the second half of the 19th C. The location of the nascent railroad could literally put a town on the map. The desolate areas in between towns had few spots offering food or lodging. In an area known for its outlaws, a glimmer of a lantern was welcome, and travelers were tired enough and trusting enough that they let down their guard.
I appreciate learning about this period and this area of the country. The author is mostly straightforward in telling the story of these people and this time. There’s slight literary license - fog in an alley - *was* there fog in an alley? Had the author looked at the weather reports for that area on that day? But there’s so much other solid research that I’m quibbling.
I’m looking forward to the author writing more.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment, Blood, Child death, Colonisation, Death, Gore, Grief, Murder, Pregnancy, and Violence
duchessofreadin's review
4.0
The history of the Bender's has been the talk of lore, myth, and loose facts for more than 100 years. The crimes that were uncovered on the Bender farm not only sparked a massive manhunt, but it showed a darker side to humanity, that anyone could be taken advantage of on the prairie.
In Hell's Half-Acre, Susan Jonusas takes us through the story of the family, the crimes that were committed, and the search that went on for decades for the family that became known as the first serial killer family in America.
Kate Bender was the most well-known of the family, but it was because was the more outgoing, the one who was the more likeable of the family in and around the community, but her easy going ways did not still the rumors that began to swirl about her before the crimes were uncovered. It was her spiritualism side that began the darker rumors, sparking stories and fear among some who had gone through séances in her home, or were being hounded to allow her to conduct a séance to reach a newly departed family member. There were stories of people feeling afraid in the cabin, and more than one fled from the cabin after feeling that something was not right. Fleeing might have just saved their lives.
As the crimes were uncovered, the horror spilled throughout the community. It was not uncommon for people to head west and disappear, but the large number of those who were disappearing around the small area in Kansas started to cause consternation. As more and more bodies were uncovered, anger grew, and a party went off in search of the Bender's. Unfortunately, they had a head start, and were able to disappear into the outlaw gang territories, evading justice.
As I read through this book, it was hard for me to put down. I absolutely LOVED it. There are sections that were harder to read, but the story of the Bender's has been one that has captivated readers time and time again. With their escape, evasion of justice, and the sheer number of crimes (not to mention one was a child), anger and fascination with the family has endured.
For true crime lovers, this is a must read, can't stop reading, oh I have a book hangover volume. Take my word for it - get a copy now.
In Hell's Half-Acre, Susan Jonusas takes us through the story of the family, the crimes that were committed, and the search that went on for decades for the family that became known as the first serial killer family in America.
Kate Bender was the most well-known of the family, but it was because was the more outgoing, the one who was the more likeable of the family in and around the community, but her easy going ways did not still the rumors that began to swirl about her before the crimes were uncovered. It was her spiritualism side that began the darker rumors, sparking stories and fear among some who had gone through séances in her home, or were being hounded to allow her to conduct a séance to reach a newly departed family member. There were stories of people feeling afraid in the cabin, and more than one fled from the cabin after feeling that something was not right. Fleeing might have just saved their lives.
As the crimes were uncovered, the horror spilled throughout the community. It was not uncommon for people to head west and disappear, but the large number of those who were disappearing around the small area in Kansas started to cause consternation. As more and more bodies were uncovered, anger grew, and a party went off in search of the Bender's. Unfortunately, they had a head start, and were able to disappear into the outlaw gang territories, evading justice.
As I read through this book, it was hard for me to put down. I absolutely LOVED it. There are sections that were harder to read, but the story of the Bender's has been one that has captivated readers time and time again. With their escape, evasion of justice, and the sheer number of crimes (not to mention one was a child), anger and fascination with the family has endured.
For true crime lovers, this is a must read, can't stop reading, oh I have a book hangover volume. Take my word for it - get a copy now.
racheleileen25's review
dark
emotional
informative
sad
slow-paced
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder and Violence
Moderate: Gore and War
slevos's review against another edition
This is super gruesome and I was having issues with getting the audiobook to stop glitching.
articulatedream's review
dark
informative
tense
slow-paced
An in-depth look at the history of the first serial killer family in America, The Benders. How they came to Oklahoma, how they operated, and the events after they fled the state.
trashley_dawn's review against another edition
dark
emotional
informative
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
3.0
clk07's review
I could not bring myself to finish this book. I am listening through audio and gave it two good hours to get to the point, but nope. It’s just a bunch of rambling and history on the settlement of Kansas. Do not waste your time!