The Devil You Know: the crime they said "can't happen here"

by Judith A. Yates

Bradley "Brad" Maddux was an innocent, 12–year-old boy who loved his family, racing his dirt bike, and doing errands for neighbors in his hometown of Westport, Indiana. He was the all-American kid who played baseball and had a paper route. He never touched drugs or cigarettes, did not enjoy alcohol. "Brad" says one of his best friends "was an angel." But one night the devil crossed Brad's path, in the guise of a trusted family member, and the small town where Brad lived and played was dropped to its knees when the truth came to light.

Genres: True Crime, Nonfiction

296 pages, Paperback

First published May 11, 2013

Reviews

[Tasha Diekan · Rating 1 out of 5]

As a friend and classmate of Brad's, this was extremely hard to read. It took me right back to those horrifying feelings and emotions that we all went through. I will say, I feel honored to have been part of his story and I hope Brad and his mom are resting in peace. As for my review of the 'book', I feel it's poorly written. It jumps all over the place and gives inaccurate info. With that said, I will continue to think of and remember my friend.

[Mary Gardner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome book! It really get across to the reader that even crimes against children can and do happen in Small Town, U.S.A. Highly recommend it!

[Naomi · Rating 2 out of 5]

Full of unbelievably tedious detail, and some unsettling hints that the author doesn't understand the difference between "gay" and "child molester."

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

One of the strangest feelings to read a true crime book about an area you know well, including police officers and people you’ve known of or interacted with as you’ve grown up!
The book was very well written, though at times it read like a text book and got a little preachy. I found it very choppy in parts. I appreciated the amount of research and explanation that was included and I especially admired the respect that was given to the victim and his family! One thing I wish had been explained a little more—Indiana law on what percentage of a sentence must be served in this type of case where a plea deal has been made.

[Melissa · Rating 1 out of 5]

I really do not know how to rate this book. It was one of the hardest books to read in my life. It gave me such an emotional response since I knew or knew of everyone in the book. As a book reviewer I noticed it was choppy in places, but as someone who grew up in Westport I forgot about that. It brought back memories of those days full force. So much pain. To be honest I wish I hadn't read it because I felt I was prying, although I know they wanted the story told. I struggled to write a review, but I can't. Not a real one. I doubt I ever will. Too many people I are still in pain...I can't find the words. Rest in peace Brad (and Patti). I hope those who are left with the horrific memories have found peace and if they haven't they soon will.