Crystal Death: North America's Most Dangerous Drug

by Nate Hendley

A hard-hitting look at the most dangerous illegal drug in North America. A fact-based account featuring up to the minute interviews and life stories from users, dealers and doctors, with a Canadian perspective on the problem and its potential solutions. An important book for teachers, parents and anyone interested in, or living close to, this devastating drug. Includes advice on how to talk effectively to your children and students about methamphetamine - and how not to!

Genres: Nonfiction

132 pages, Paperback

First published May 16, 2011

About the author

My name is Nate Hendley and I am a Toronto-based journalist, writer, and speaker.

My latest book, Atrocity on the Atlantic is a full account of the torpoedo attack on Canadian hospital ship, Llandovery Castle, in the First World War. Sinking hospital ships violated international treaties, so the sub commander had his deck gun shell lifeboats containing survivors to kill any witnesses to his war crime. One lifeboat with two-dozen survivors escaped to bear witness.

The sinking was condemned by the public, press, and politicians, around the world. In 1921, the attack was prosecuted at the Leipzig War Crimes Trials (the little-known attempt to bring German war criminals to justice after the Great War). In its ruling, the Leipzig court set a legal precedent that guided subsequent war crime prosecutions, including the Nuremberg Trial.

Sadly, for all the impact it had, the Llandovery Castle tragedy soon faded from memory.

As published by Dundurn Press, my book details the attack, profiles medical staff on board the ship, and discusses the long wake of a forgotten war crime that continues to influence international law.

My last book, The Beatle Bandit, was about Matthew Kerry Smith, a troubled young man who robbed a Toronto-area bank in 1964 disguised in a Halloween mask and a "Beatles" wig. A bank patron tried to intervene and was killed in a gunfight with Smith. This murderous heist fueled a nationwide debate about guns, capital punishment, and the death penalty.

As published by Dundurn Press, The Beatle Bandit won the Crime Writers of Canada Award of Excellence for Non-Fiction 2022. It was also nominated for the Toronto Heritage Book Awards 2022.

I have written several other books, primarily in the true-crime genre. Previous books have focused on organized crime, Bonnie and Clyde, gang bosses Al Capone and Dutch Schultz, wrongful murder convictions, and cons and hoaxes, among other topics.

For more information about my books and background, visit my website at http://www.natehendley.ca

I host a blog, which can be viewed at https://crimestory.wordpress.com/

I am a member of the Canadian Freelance Guild (CFG) and the Crime Writers of Canada (CWC).

I live next-door to Jeanne, world's greatest girlfriend.

I do public presentations based on my books. For more information, contact me at: nhendley@sympatico.ca.

Reviews

[Christopher Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Though I have never been addicted to anything (except perhaps caffeine) I consider myself to be a fairly well-read person with a working knowledge on the normal vices out there (gambling, nicotine addiction, alcoholism) but I was floored at the books portrayal of just how dangerous and destructive Crystal Meth is. It is in another league altogether, and the well-researched material in this book clearly conveys the drug's power to ruin almost every life it touches. I congratulate those few that are able to climb out of Meth's horrible influence, all the more reason this book's message shouldn't be ignored by anyone. "Crystal Death" should be required reading in schools.

[Pat Brethour · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very interesting, informational read. It truly was an eye opener for me.
I would strongly recommend this book, for those who need to understand/learn more about the what, how and why their loved ones are using this substance.

[Connor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Don’t do meth

[Jacqui · Rating 4 out of 5]

Memorable Quotes

"I don’t really have cravings, but I don’t want to put myself in a position where I would have to find out. I just play it safe..."

"I would say, ‘Don’t do it’. It’s not a pretty lifestyle. Basically you’re killing yourself—you’re killing your soul, you’re killing your family—everything. It’s just not worth it."

"Facing the Dragon: How a Desperate Act Pulled One Addict Out of Methamphetamine Hell."

"Every dollar spent on prevention saves six to seven dollars later on treatment costs."

"...only five percent of meth addicts are able to successfully give up the drug."

"I’ve read newspaper articles that said 96 percent of people who use crystal meth no more than two times will be addicted. There’s not a shred of scientific evidence to back that up..."

"Meth addiction is best treated with a long inpatient stay, plus five years of follow-up..."

[Francine · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was hard to find a correct tag for this book. It is scary, only because I worked with teens who got themselves involved in Meth and I guess I never knew just how bad it could be. This book slams you in the face with it and gives those of us naive enough about drugs the street names used for them and the symptoms of what can happen. To be honest if I was even thinking of using meth, which I never would, this book would scared the bejesus out of me. This should be in schools, in rehabs, and available to teens and parents. It is not subtle and nor should it be. This is a horrible disease and crisis in our world today and something needs to be done. I hope this book helps. Wonderful work, Mr. Hendley! I pray it reaches the right ears.

[Danie Cutter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Received through First Reads as a copy for review, will post shortly.
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A very readable, hard hitting book. The input from previous users gives a validity to the facts that are presented as just that. There is very little preaching here and no talking down to anyone. What could have become an academic essay is not, all the information discussed is easily accessible to any reader and while it contains what is effectively a conclusion and future recommendation, again they are pitched so as to resonate with all.

[Linda Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book appears to be intended as a source book for those who need to learn more about the what, how and why their loved ones are using this substance.
It does not appear that the book was meant to be read for entertainment but more for informational purposes.
"Great Source book for Loved Ones of Addicts"

I received an ebook copy of this book from the Early Reviewers Giveaway on LibraryThing dot com.

I gave this book 5.0 out of 5 stars ★★★★★

[Greg Davies · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have heard about this drug but know little about it, but I was unprepared for the shock of learning more. The lady on the front cover has only been using for a short time and the ravages are there for all to see. The stats and info used are horrific, it also explains the myth of meth in popular culture. I am enjoying it. Dark, but well woth it.

[Emily (Heinlen) Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't think I would enjoy this book, but it was very well researched and thought out. It contains not only factual information about meth, arrests and users, but also contains information about meth in popular culture. Definitely a nice introduction book to anyone who wants to know more about meth. Easy to read. Quick book. Nice reference.

[Meredith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Given to mother (psych nurse). Here's what she had to say:

I work in the field, but was able to learn a lot from the book, but was easy enough for someone who was not from the field to be able to understand and follow. Great reference and way to start a conversation with your kids.

[Holly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sent a copy for review.

A very good resource on the topic of Crystal Meth. It was an easy, short read that was full of facts but also has an interesting story. Well written.