Tongues of Deception

by H.H. Reed, Ryan H. Reed (editor)

Whether John was insane or a cold-blooded killer, one thing was for sure – his unnatural ability to captivate his followers led to a crime that shocked the nation. John had been descending a staircase into madness for the last three years. It was time for him to show how monstrous he could be. Tongues of Deception chronicles one of the most heinous crimes in American history. Inspired by genealogical research into my ancestry.
Tongues of Deception is a 45,000-word Creative Nonfiction based on a true crime.

167 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 23, 2023

Reviews

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

John H. Mills was my 4th cousin. Reading about this story has been so eye opening. My grandfather who was born in Tomahawk, never talked about this story. Harry has done excellent research on the family and has written a great book. The topic alone is nightmare fuel, if you think about it for too long. It sounds like a movie. Which makes perfect sense since this is being adapted to film.

This book is about a real-life event, which makes it even scarier. Well done, Harry.

[Brenda Spears · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tongues of Deception

Loved the book , phenomenal research of a true mountian murder ! Very well written,keeps you interested highly recommend !

[Carolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t usually write book reviews — they remind me too much of being back in school. I’m a prolific reader and have read thousands of books over the years, yet only a few have ever moved me enough to post a review on Goodreads.

Tongues of Deception is one of those rare exceptions. It’s an exceptionally well-written novel — a fictionalized account of a true story, based on truths the author uncovered through genealogical research. Families don’t often want their darkest secrets brought to light, but for the sake of future generations, I believe it’s vital that such truths be documented.

I promise, once you start reading this book, you won’t put it down until the very end.

[Rhonda Maalouf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sad history of eastern Kentucky

I enjoy reading accounts of true crime. This story takes place in eastern Kentucky close to where my parents grew up. I like the authors style of writing. The first chapters paint an almost idyllic family life for the main character of the book. It's when the family loses their precious daughter that things take a turn and gradually spiral out of control. I thoroughly enjoyed reading about this sad event in Kentucky history. Thank you author Harry Reed for constructing so vivid a recounting of the events.

[Melissa Grimmett · Rating 4 out of 5]

interesting

I read this book because I heard it was written by someone local to me in Ohio and I have an interest in that part of Kentucky due to family ties in the general vicinity. It was an easy read and held my heart interest. I think it’s fascinating what can happen when a crowd mentality takes over. I think that’s what happened here.

[Jan Stanley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn’t put it down! ….except when I was searching the internet! I absolutely LOVE historical fiction and I am constantly online looking up details, searching for photos and looking at Find a Grave while I read. Mr. Reed did a great job telling the story of this 1933 cult murder in Kentucky.

[Wes Hall · Rating 4 out of 5]

How I grew up in Martin County and never heard of the Cult of Unknown Tongues. So wild.