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True Crime Explicit #8
The Farm from Hell: The True Story of Belle Gunness Indiana’s Lady Bluebeard Men Butcher
Belle Gunness—victim turned murderer or stone-cold killer? You decide!
From poverty to lucky in love, Belle found her happy ending with a man named Mads… or so everyone thought. But when the wealthy Mads died a mysterious death, Belle collected the life insurance policy and remarried… only for her new husband to drop dead. With things going from strange to sinister, more men mysteriously die or go missing around Belle.
The hair-raising details of this shocking tale will haunt you from start to finish.
With mysteries surrounding this case that may never be solved, it’s up to you to decide Belle’s true fate, the real number of victims left in her wake, and the horrors the walls of that homestead saw.
From poverty to lucky in love, Belle found her happy ending with a man named Mads… or so everyone thought. But when the wealthy Mads died a mysterious death, Belle collected the life insurance policy and remarried… only for her new husband to drop dead. With things going from strange to sinister, more men mysteriously die or go missing around Belle.
The hair-raising details of this shocking tale will haunt you from start to finish.
With mysteries surrounding this case that may never be solved, it’s up to you to decide Belle’s true fate, the real number of victims left in her wake, and the horrors the walls of that homestead saw.
- GenresNonfictionTrue Crime
117 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 4, 2023
269 people are currently reading
121 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
May 13, 2024
Stuff like this always makes me gasp when reading it.
I was baffled in reading this in finding out she may have faked her own death? She may have killed up to forty people? It's absolutely wild to me how serial killers just can kill people as they do. Her slayings were brutal and if you want to check her case out, give this one a read.
" She has forever become a symbol of La Porte’s history, immortalized by her evil deeds, not only for her crimes, but for the mystery she left behind. What really happened to Belle Gunness on April 28... "
I was baffled in reading this in finding out she may have faked her own death? She may have killed up to forty people? It's absolutely wild to me how serial killers just can kill people as they do. Her slayings were brutal and if you want to check her case out, give this one a read.
" She has forever become a symbol of La Porte’s history, immortalized by her evil deeds, not only for her crimes, but for the mystery she left behind. What really happened to Belle Gunness on April 28... "
February 28, 2023
I received this free copy of this book, from LIBRARYTHING's early reviewers, for an honest review.
This historical non-fiction and true crime book "The Farm from Hell: The True Story of Belle Gunness's Indiana's Lady Bluebeard Men Butcher" (True Crime Explicit Book 8) authored by "Genoveva Ortiz" and "True Crime" (authors) was already written, however, and published in 1955 by Fawcett Publications, Inc., as "The Truth About Beautiful Gunness, (It was 175 pages.) by the author "Lillian de la Torre Bueno McCue" (née Bueno). It was republished in 20147 and 2018 by Editions "mysteriouspress.com", with 176 and 205 pages.
Her pen name was "Lillian de la Torre" (March 15, 1902 – September 13, 1993).
Having done research on the internet, Lillian de la Torre, the first who originally wrote about Belle Guness, was an American writer specializing in historical detective stories and plays. She was nominated in the best crime category by the "Mystery Writers of America" in 1956, for this book which is the subject of my review today: "The Truth About Belle Gunness".
"Genoveva Ortiz" and "True Crime" (authors of eleven books) rewrote it and published it on February 4, 2023 at Kindle Edition.
This version of the story of this proven criminal is much shorter (only 117 pages) than in the original 1955 work (175 pages), and describes the facts much less well.
Beautiful Gunness, born Brynhild Paulsdatter Storset by the paternal name, was born in 1859 in the depths of Norway, in a fishing village, and in extreme poverty - her father is a cattle breeder and a stonemason to provide for the needs of his eight children -
Forced to work very early, she had to take care of the cows, the milking, as well as the making of the cheeses, alone.
Raped at the age of 17, she loses the child due to beatings by a man, who dies mysteriously afterwards. It is from this moment that his character will change radically.
At the age of 22, she decided to join her older sister in the US, and settled there permanently.
His whole existence is summed up in a single obsession: to become rich, at any cost!
To do this, she does not hesitate to be married, at 24, by a man who will also die strangely! Having become rich through her late husband's life insurance, she sets off in search of a second husband...whose end will join that of the first, eight months later!
Doubts remain about her ability to give birth? Still, we see her decked out with four brats.
With each of her murders, a fire ravages, curiously, the farm... so that she can earn insurance compensation.
Widowed for the second time, she puts ads in the Norwegian-language newspaper, to welcome the next one who will help her on the farm. These are dozens of men who will disappear! He was estimated between 13 and 42 murders!
A thrilling, macabre and appalling portrait of the one, named in the US, the black widow, or Mistress of the Murder Farm! The epilogue is "tasty" if I may say so! A headless body is discovered, as well as 13 bodies, at least...
The enigma remains, to this day! Belle has disappeared!
I advise you to read the book published in 1955, much more prolific and lively. However, the research work is to be commended.
This historical non-fiction and true crime book "The Farm from Hell: The True Story of Belle Gunness's Indiana's Lady Bluebeard Men Butcher" (True Crime Explicit Book 8) authored by "Genoveva Ortiz" and "True Crime" (authors) was already written, however, and published in 1955 by Fawcett Publications, Inc., as "The Truth About Beautiful Gunness, (It was 175 pages.) by the author "Lillian de la Torre Bueno McCue" (née Bueno). It was republished in 20147 and 2018 by Editions "mysteriouspress.com", with 176 and 205 pages.
Her pen name was "Lillian de la Torre" (March 15, 1902 – September 13, 1993).
Having done research on the internet, Lillian de la Torre, the first who originally wrote about Belle Guness, was an American writer specializing in historical detective stories and plays. She was nominated in the best crime category by the "Mystery Writers of America" in 1956, for this book which is the subject of my review today: "The Truth About Belle Gunness".
"Genoveva Ortiz" and "True Crime" (authors of eleven books) rewrote it and published it on February 4, 2023 at Kindle Edition.
This version of the story of this proven criminal is much shorter (only 117 pages) than in the original 1955 work (175 pages), and describes the facts much less well.
Beautiful Gunness, born Brynhild Paulsdatter Storset by the paternal name, was born in 1859 in the depths of Norway, in a fishing village, and in extreme poverty - her father is a cattle breeder and a stonemason to provide for the needs of his eight children -
Forced to work very early, she had to take care of the cows, the milking, as well as the making of the cheeses, alone.
Raped at the age of 17, she loses the child due to beatings by a man, who dies mysteriously afterwards. It is from this moment that his character will change radically.
At the age of 22, she decided to join her older sister in the US, and settled there permanently.
His whole existence is summed up in a single obsession: to become rich, at any cost!
To do this, she does not hesitate to be married, at 24, by a man who will also die strangely! Having become rich through her late husband's life insurance, she sets off in search of a second husband...whose end will join that of the first, eight months later!
Doubts remain about her ability to give birth? Still, we see her decked out with four brats.
With each of her murders, a fire ravages, curiously, the farm... so that she can earn insurance compensation.
Widowed for the second time, she puts ads in the Norwegian-language newspaper, to welcome the next one who will help her on the farm. These are dozens of men who will disappear! He was estimated between 13 and 42 murders!
A thrilling, macabre and appalling portrait of the one, named in the US, the black widow, or Mistress of the Murder Farm! The epilogue is "tasty" if I may say so! A headless body is discovered, as well as 13 bodies, at least...
The enigma remains, to this day! Belle has disappeared!
I advise you to read the book published in 1955, much more prolific and lively. However, the research work is to be commended.
February 11, 2023
The Farm from Hell was an enjoyable read, well structured, with a nice flow and pacing. It held my interest and offered the facts and background of Belle Gunness's life in a detailed and informative manner without any sensationalized tone. Don’t expect an in-depth analysis, but it was a solid, straightforward, well-researched true crime read. I recommend it for anyone looking for a quick bit of true crime or who wants to know more about this ignoble bit of history.
Note: This review is based on an ARC copy of the book.
Note: This review is based on an ARC copy of the book.
April 9, 2023
It took me a little while to get around to starting this book, but once I started, I couldn't stop. Usually for me non-fiction books take a little while to read, but this one was done in one sitting.
Nonfiction books also are typically hard to comprehend and have a lot of unnecessary details but one of my favorite parts about this book was that it was easy to read and follow along with the story.
Very interesting case and one that I am surprised I did not hear about before!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Nonfiction books also are typically hard to comprehend and have a lot of unnecessary details but one of my favorite parts about this book was that it was easy to read and follow along with the story.
Very interesting case and one that I am surprised I did not hear about before!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 26, 2025
"Crimes were so horrific that they elevated her to near-mythical status."
This book is classified as True Crime. This book is about Belle Gunness, and how their entire life went from childhood to house burning down. Note, I did not say birth and death... No one has a definitive answer on when she was born and people are questioning if she actually died in the house fire. She was known to be malicious even as a child, and grew up to be a Gold digger.
I gave this book five stars. Something that stuck out to me is how the author used modern verbiage alongside explaining the situation.
This book is classified as True Crime. This book is about Belle Gunness, and how their entire life went from childhood to house burning down. Note, I did not say birth and death... No one has a definitive answer on when she was born and people are questioning if she actually died in the house fire. She was known to be malicious even as a child, and grew up to be a Gold digger.
I gave this book five stars. Something that stuck out to me is how the author used modern verbiage alongside explaining the situation.
February 10, 2023
A mini biography with some unknowns represented by educated guesses, this work is a good choice for true crime readers who don't want to commit to or have time for a 400+ page non-fiction book. It's informative and acts as a starting point for more research. More info was included than you can find at most online sites, altjough still considered "novella" length. Definitely highlights a disturbing case study. For true crime fans.
Booksprout Review Copy
Booksprout Review Copy
March 5, 2023
Ballads, plays and books have been written about Hell's Belle, but this true crime book is arguably the pick of them all when it comes to telling her story succinctly. The narrative of the Norwegian-American serial killer who is believed to have murdered at least 14 people is told in a matchless style. But what did happen to Belle Gunness? This story will leave you asking for more.
June 7, 2025
the real body collector
I’ve read about the body collector in a previous book in this series and I find Belle Gunness the REAL body collector. I read HELL’S PRINCESS before reading this series. It had pictures of the real crime scene. It’s unfathomable how someone could do this but I guess greed causes you to do evil things.
I’ve read about the body collector in a previous book in this series and I find Belle Gunness the REAL body collector. I read HELL’S PRINCESS before reading this series. It had pictures of the real crime scene. It’s unfathomable how someone could do this but I guess greed causes you to do evil things.
Read
March 5, 2023This was very informative and enjoyable. There is just enough to help a reader to decide if they want to dig deeper, if possible. Well written and laid out. I highly recommend this book.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 3, 2023
I received this book as an ARC. I was intrigued by the story of Belle Gunness having grown up in the Chicago area. While the material was interesting, I found the writing style somewhat sloppy and incomplete. That said, I would consider reading other books in the series.
November 30, 2023
The Farm From Hell
This was an absolute chilling account of Belle a woman who killed her hired help for their cash and belongings.I cannot wait to read the rest of the books in the series.Great work.
This was an absolute chilling account of Belle a woman who killed her hired help for their cash and belongings.I cannot wait to read the rest of the books in the series.Great work.
April 7, 2025
This tale of darkness pulled me right into the thick of things. I was shocked by what Belle was able to get away with, even when things looked incredibly suspicious. The ending of this one was tragic and mysterious. It made it very unique to the previous stories in this series.
April 23, 2025
True crime
I love true crime. This story was fascinating but not a lot of details, more rumors and speculations. Although they did find several bodies in and around her home, there is no doubt she killed them. For a short read, it's worth it.
I love true crime. This story was fascinating but not a lot of details, more rumors and speculations. Although they did find several bodies in and around her home, there is no doubt she killed them. For a short read, it's worth it.
July 7, 2025
hmmmm
I've just finished book 8 of this series. This one by far the weirdest book. Not a lot of details, in left wondering alot. I have so many questions.Maybe I will look into her some more.
I've just finished book 8 of this series. This one by far the weirdest book. Not a lot of details, in left wondering alot. I have so many questions.Maybe I will look into her some more.
February 19, 2023
A quick read about a serial killer. Not my usual type of book, but it was okay.
LibraryThing ARC.
LibraryThing ARC.
March 13, 2023
This was an interesting read. Belle Gunness—victim turned murderer or stone-cold killer? You decide!
Am voluntarily leaving my review.
Am voluntarily leaving my review.
May 9, 2023
The Farm From Hell is one of those stories that’s too crazy NOT to be real. How Belle Gunness got away with all of the murders for so long is baffling and terrifying. She is the poster child for women serial killers. Genoveva Ortiz and True Crime Seven have produced another great book that I couldn’t put down.
August 27, 2023
This book is about the true story of Belle Gunness, who would marry men for their money and then shortly after marrying them she would murder them.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews