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True Crime Case Histories - Volume 4: 12 Disturbing True Crime Stories
12 True Crime Stories of Murder & Mayhem
Fourth Book of the True Crime Case Histories Series (2020)
If you’ve read the previous volumes of the True Crime Case Histories series, you know that I like to start with a brief word of warning. The stories included in this book are truly depraved and shocking. They are not for the squeamish. Many true crime television shows and news articles often leave out the gruesome details, simply because they may be too much for the average viewer or reader. With my books, I try not to leave out the details no matter how vicious they may have been. My intention is not to shock, but to provide a clear and accurate description of some of the most evil minds of the world. Though the stories are brief, I do my best to include enough detail so that the reader can get a better look into the demented mind of the killer.
This volume features twelve of the most incomprehensible stories of the last sixty years. Trying to understand the motivation behind murders like these can be an exercise in futility. But one thing is for sure, — the stories in this volume will keep you turning pages.
Volume 4 features: longer stories, more photos, three bonus chapters, and an online appendix with additional photos, videos, and documents.
In this book you’ll learn about a story that has haunted me since I was a little kid growing up in southwest Washington. I lived a normal American life where I could ride my bike around my small town from dusk till dawn without a care in the world. When I was twelve years old, a boy in my neighborhood just a year older than myself disappeared and was later found murdered. At the time I didn’t know many of the details, but after researching the story all these years later and realizing that monsters like Tommy Ragan exist.
Fourth Book of the True Crime Case Histories Series (2020)
If you’ve read the previous volumes of the True Crime Case Histories series, you know that I like to start with a brief word of warning. The stories included in this book are truly depraved and shocking. They are not for the squeamish. Many true crime television shows and news articles often leave out the gruesome details, simply because they may be too much for the average viewer or reader. With my books, I try not to leave out the details no matter how vicious they may have been. My intention is not to shock, but to provide a clear and accurate description of some of the most evil minds of the world. Though the stories are brief, I do my best to include enough detail so that the reader can get a better look into the demented mind of the killer.
This volume features twelve of the most incomprehensible stories of the last sixty years. Trying to understand the motivation behind murders like these can be an exercise in futility. But one thing is for sure, — the stories in this volume will keep you turning pages.
Volume 4 features: longer stories, more photos, three bonus chapters, and an online appendix with additional photos, videos, and documents.
In this book you’ll learn about a story that has haunted me since I was a little kid growing up in southwest Washington. I lived a normal American life where I could ride my bike around my small town from dusk till dawn without a care in the world. When I was twelve years old, a boy in my neighborhood just a year older than myself disappeared and was later found murdered. At the time I didn’t know many of the details, but after researching the story all these years later and realizing that monsters like Tommy Ragan exist.
Paperback
First published June 7, 2020
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467 people want to read
About the author
Jason Neal
120 books153 followersFor news and special offers, join Jason's mailing list at:
http://truecrimecasehistories.com
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http://jasonnealbooks.com
Jason Neal is a Best-Selling American True Crime Author living in Hawaii with his wife, who is also an author writing Women's Fiction as G.T. London. Jason started his writing career in 1989 as a music industry publisher and wrote his first true crime collection in 2019.
As a boy growing up in the 80s just south of Seattle, Jason became fascinated with true crime stories after hearing the news of the Green River Killer so close to his home. Over the coming years, he would read everything he could get his hands on about true crime and serial killers.
As he approached 50, Jason began to assemble stories of the crimes that have fascinated him most throughout his life. He’s especially fascinated by cases solved by sheer luck, amazing police work, and groundbreaking technology like early DNA cases and, more recently, reverse genealogy.
http://truecrimecasehistories.com
or
http://jasonnealbooks.com
Jason Neal is a Best-Selling American True Crime Author living in Hawaii with his wife, who is also an author writing Women's Fiction as G.T. London. Jason started his writing career in 1989 as a music industry publisher and wrote his first true crime collection in 2019.
As a boy growing up in the 80s just south of Seattle, Jason became fascinated with true crime stories after hearing the news of the Green River Killer so close to his home. Over the coming years, he would read everything he could get his hands on about true crime and serial killers.
As he approached 50, Jason began to assemble stories of the crimes that have fascinated him most throughout his life. He’s especially fascinated by cases solved by sheer luck, amazing police work, and groundbreaking technology like early DNA cases and, more recently, reverse genealogy.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
June 12, 2020
This is a great book, filled with criminal behavior. Some of it is very tough to read. This is my first book by this author and I just downloaded the first three volumes. Excellent reportage and fine writing, building stories that are complete and well written. Also, this volume was loaded with pictures of perpetrators as well as their victims, something that is all too often lacking.
June 11, 2020
You can’t make this stuff up! A triple murderer and rapist goes free, the youngest serial killer ever and there’s even a guy in New Orleans who was truly affected by Katrina. There are so many crazy stories in this book that if this was a fiction book I don’t think it would be as wild and unpredictable. These stories truly capture your attention I didn’t want to put it down it is so good. Not to mention you get a free book and a free audiobook with two bonus chapters thrown in. I think I can now officially say Jason Neil is my favorite true crime writer. It seems he always goes the extra mile to make sure you’re not reading stories you have read before and to be honest I did read the one about the Katrina murder, but I live in New Orleans so that’s why. The rest were new to me and that is a rare thing. Just so you know Jason Neil you’re the best and I’m not saying that because of the free audiobook and the free book although I did totally appreciate both of them. I highly recommend this to any real true crime fan and I can honestly promise you will not be disappointed. Now I’m going to end this review and start my anticipation of the next book.😔
December 16, 2021
In diesem Buch bekommt der Leser 12 True Crime Fälle aus aller Welt geboten. Diese lassen sich angenehm lesen, da der Schreibstil flüssig ist. Das Buch ist mit Bildern ausgestattet, so bekommt man ein Bild von den Opfern und den Tätern.
Außerdem sind die Fälle teilweise sehr schockierend und man bekommt einen Einblick in die Psyche der Menschen.
Im insgesamten bekommt das Buch 4 von 5 Sterne, es war spannend über die verschiedenen Fälle zu lesen.
Außerdem sind die Fälle teilweise sehr schockierend und man bekommt einen Einblick in die Psyche der Menschen.
Im insgesamten bekommt das Buch 4 von 5 Sterne, es war spannend über die verschiedenen Fälle zu lesen.
September 29, 2024
Wanted to read this because I was 12 when Bruce Kim was murdered (see story #2 in this volume). I remember being so scared and not understanding any of it. Much of the news at the time was what is now referred to as ‘satanic panic’.
Time passed, years passed, and I had forgotten about it until…
A recent front page newspaper article told of Tommy Ragan trying to get released from prison. Anyway, I searched for some information and found it in this book.
Time passed, years passed, and I had forgotten about it until…
A recent front page newspaper article told of Tommy Ragan trying to get released from prison. Anyway, I searched for some information and found it in this book.
July 31, 2024
These are some of the most told crimes in the book 4, 5, 6. I've only read the "4" out of the 5 and 6 collaborative book. However, I didn't feel like the author brought anything new to these gruesome stories. And a lacking of the victims voices.
July 24, 2022
Pretty interesting collection of not really well known true crime cases!
September 7, 2020
3.5 stars.
May 21, 2024
Unfortunately one simple error killed this book for me - a pentagram is NOT a five pointed star pointing downwards. A pentagram is a five pointed star, a pentacle is a five pointed star within a circle. An INVERTED PENTAGRAM is a five pointed star pointing downwards. Yeah that might seem like a small detail to some but this is why pagans, Wiccans and witches along with goths and those in the alt community are vilified, called baby killers and even murdered. So no, I wasn’t letting this one slide. A shame as I got to this second story and was enjoying the flow of the writing.
July 7, 2021
Interesting Collection
I enjoyed reading this collection of True Crime cases. At times, the details are a bit tough to swallow, but I appreciate the author not holding back. These ARE horrific crimes, and they should be presented as such. The details included are not done in a fashion to make them come across as more dramatic. They are presented matter of factly so the reader gets the full picture of the crime that took place. I liked that about the book.
Each chapter gives a complete narration of a murderer. Some are more involved than others. Each is as long as needed to give the complete story. The book is well written and edited. I recommend it for fans of True Crime stories who can deal with clinical details of some gruesome crime scenes. Personally, I feel a sense of moral obligation to the victims and their families to try to understand and learn something from these crimes. Not providing details would make that more difficult.
I will very likely read more collections from Jason Neal. Thank you for sharing these stories world.
I enjoyed reading this collection of True Crime cases. At times, the details are a bit tough to swallow, but I appreciate the author not holding back. These ARE horrific crimes, and they should be presented as such. The details included are not done in a fashion to make them come across as more dramatic. They are presented matter of factly so the reader gets the full picture of the crime that took place. I liked that about the book.
Each chapter gives a complete narration of a murderer. Some are more involved than others. Each is as long as needed to give the complete story. The book is well written and edited. I recommend it for fans of True Crime stories who can deal with clinical details of some gruesome crime scenes. Personally, I feel a sense of moral obligation to the victims and their families to try to understand and learn something from these crimes. Not providing details would make that more difficult.
I will very likely read more collections from Jason Neal. Thank you for sharing these stories world.
July 6, 2020
For those interested in the true crime genre, this is quite a good author. Definitely a good read. I recommend it to all true crime enthusiasts.
August 17, 2020
Interesting read.
August 10, 2020
I read this book via an Amazon KU [KINDLE Unlimited] download.
Although I've written two Christian fiction books, and even though over 65% of the books I've reviewed so far this year have been for nonfiction Christian books, I can't stop reading/reviewing True Crime books. After all, I happen to be an Amazon TOP CONTRIBUTOR for books belonging to this genre. [see the badge next to my name in my Amazon profile, listing all the books I've reviewed.]
Even with my involvement with Christian books, I still get quite enthralled with what would drive an individual to commit the genuinely debauched and appalling acts that the book's author, Jason Neal, covers in this book's pages.
The author's decisive intention of not leaving out any of the horrific and repugnant details of each of the individual crimes the book covers, adds to give readers a more vibrant and precise insight to these murderous individual's depraved and malicious minds.
The stories might be brief; however, the informative nature of the book should keep readers so engrossed that they can't help but to continue turning the book's pages.
For wanting to engage his reader’s mind as he informs them to the depravity that exists in the minds of some of the world’s most heinous criminals, I’ve given Mr. Neal 5 STARS for his endeavor here.
Although I've written two Christian fiction books, and even though over 65% of the books I've reviewed so far this year have been for nonfiction Christian books, I can't stop reading/reviewing True Crime books. After all, I happen to be an Amazon TOP CONTRIBUTOR for books belonging to this genre. [see the badge next to my name in my Amazon profile, listing all the books I've reviewed.]
Even with my involvement with Christian books, I still get quite enthralled with what would drive an individual to commit the genuinely debauched and appalling acts that the book's author, Jason Neal, covers in this book's pages.
The author's decisive intention of not leaving out any of the horrific and repugnant details of each of the individual crimes the book covers, adds to give readers a more vibrant and precise insight to these murderous individual's depraved and malicious minds.
The stories might be brief; however, the informative nature of the book should keep readers so engrossed that they can't help but to continue turning the book's pages.
For wanting to engage his reader’s mind as he informs them to the depravity that exists in the minds of some of the world’s most heinous criminals, I’ve given Mr. Neal 5 STARS for his endeavor here.
June 10, 2021
Very disturbing
The people in this world ..ugh. I read this book and am just amazed at the stories that I've never heard of or have seen on i.d. Channel. It's so hard to understand the damaged brains that some people possess. In response to the authors request for the gruesome tales being toned down. I don't think That's a good idea as people should be more aware of the risks and indicators that lead to these crimes. Though sometimes there are none. As well as what fate they could prevent by being more aware. I meet strangers constantly in my vacation state. I notice how gullible they are. You know them for 2 minutes and they say things like, " hey want to take a ride to my friends home i nS.C , she lives in the woods and she's a millionare, on it'll be fun! I reply: you don't even know me , I could be a whackjob. Or..you could be a serial killer. The crimes are gory and brutal and my heart hurts for what the victims endured . I think we owe it to them to say a prayer and acknowledge their pain and terror. May they r.i.p.
The people in this world ..ugh. I read this book and am just amazed at the stories that I've never heard of or have seen on i.d. Channel. It's so hard to understand the damaged brains that some people possess. In response to the authors request for the gruesome tales being toned down. I don't think That's a good idea as people should be more aware of the risks and indicators that lead to these crimes. Though sometimes there are none. As well as what fate they could prevent by being more aware. I meet strangers constantly in my vacation state. I notice how gullible they are. You know them for 2 minutes and they say things like, " hey want to take a ride to my friends home i nS.C , she lives in the woods and she's a millionare, on it'll be fun! I reply: you don't even know me , I could be a whackjob. Or..you could be a serial killer. The crimes are gory and brutal and my heart hurts for what the victims endured . I think we owe it to them to say a prayer and acknowledge their pain and terror. May they r.i.p.
June 10, 2020
Not for the faint hearted
Jason Neal is a relatively new true crime author. He does not sugarcoat his stories. If you're more of a "Murder She Wrote" person, you should proceed with caution.
The stories in Volume 4 are indeed disturbing. Just when you think you've seen it all, you're gobsmacked with a story so bizarre you wonder how depraved can a human get. I suppose all killers believe they are too clever for words, but their sins find them out.
If you are interested in reading about a deceitful wife, a journalist who creates his own news (but they all do that now), a father who marries his daughter, a death row inmate who is released from prison and continues to kill, controlling parents who push their daughter too far, or a pair of stripper killers, get your hands on this book.
33
Jason Neal is a relatively new true crime author. He does not sugarcoat his stories. If you're more of a "Murder She Wrote" person, you should proceed with caution.
The stories in Volume 4 are indeed disturbing. Just when you think you've seen it all, you're gobsmacked with a story so bizarre you wonder how depraved can a human get. I suppose all killers believe they are too clever for words, but their sins find them out.
If you are interested in reading about a deceitful wife, a journalist who creates his own news (but they all do that now), a father who marries his daughter, a death row inmate who is released from prison and continues to kill, controlling parents who push their daughter too far, or a pair of stripper killers, get your hands on this book.
33
June 13, 2020
Neal Has Outdone Himself
Wow Jason Neal really has managed to up his game in the true crime anthology field. Mr Neal finds very interesting crime stories to combine together to give readers a range of types of murders / killers. Some of the vignettes I was familiar with, yet Jason was able to provide details I had not previously read about.
The author's stem warning in the Introduction really lays out what people to be aware of before they delve into these murderous tales. I don't like Unsolved murder mysteries, but the one that Mr included in this 4th Volume of True Crime Case Histories was quite intriguing. The Bonus stories at the end of this book are from the author's other three Volumes. It's a great way to sample a story from the other works in the series.
Wow Jason Neal really has managed to up his game in the true crime anthology field. Mr Neal finds very interesting crime stories to combine together to give readers a range of types of murders / killers. Some of the vignettes I was familiar with, yet Jason was able to provide details I had not previously read about.
The author's stem warning in the Introduction really lays out what people to be aware of before they delve into these murderous tales. I don't like Unsolved murder mysteries, but the one that Mr included in this 4th Volume of True Crime Case Histories was quite intriguing. The Bonus stories at the end of this book are from the author's other three Volumes. It's a great way to sample a story from the other works in the series.
July 13, 2021
this one was even better than the previous volumes. They were longer, more detailed, and included photos of the people involved. He also covers less well-known cases instead of cases that are covered way too much. some of the stuff in here was so messed up, I felt so nauseous in parts and had to pause for a minute or two before I could continue reading. i don’t think i enjoyed reading it is quite the right words for this as some of these were truly horrific, but it was interesting in a very morbid kind of way.
April 4, 2022
DON’T READ BEFORE BED!
I made the mistake of reading most of this book right before bed. I’m no stranger to this series or this author, so I should have known better. These stories will stick with you long after the book is over. There’s a lot of detail in such short stories, but I like that. You get a crash course in crime stories, but the shorter length doesn’t skimp on detail.
I made the mistake of reading most of this book right before bed. I’m no stranger to this series or this author, so I should have known better. These stories will stick with you long after the book is over. There’s a lot of detail in such short stories, but I like that. You get a crash course in crime stories, but the shorter length doesn’t skimp on detail.
October 10, 2020
I thought it was really good. Especially how vain and how far that Asian girl that bought the coffee moved around to avoid the camera. Then put the all that poison in. So, much that that one sink sent her into spasms like that. Pray that a monster of a person would not fall into your lives unless properly asking for help.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 11, 2021
This one gets a five
I'm really happy that I stumbled upon this author. I enjoy reading quick read true crime anthologies and the cases presented in this book were fascinating. If you like Robert Keller or Les MacDonald, you'll probably be into this series. The color photos are much appreciated. On to book five!
I'm really happy that I stumbled upon this author. I enjoy reading quick read true crime anthologies and the cases presented in this book were fascinating. If you like Robert Keller or Les MacDonald, you'll probably be into this series. The color photos are much appreciated. On to book five!
January 20, 2022
Not for "true" true crime readers
Not worth buying. The disclaimer that the details may be too much...I find more disturbing details on Google than I did here. Also, the Hurricane Katrina story didn't have an ending. I only read 2 stories in this book and definitely will not read the rest, or other books.
Not worth buying. The disclaimer that the details may be too much...I find more disturbing details on Google than I did here. Also, the Hurricane Katrina story didn't have an ending. I only read 2 stories in this book and definitely will not read the rest, or other books.
July 15, 2020
Okay
The books had do many stories from the previous volumes that the last three stories were what I read in the previous book. Had I known I would have read this first and not bother with the first three books
The books had do many stories from the previous volumes that the last three stories were what I read in the previous book. Had I known I would have read this first and not bother with the first three books
November 4, 2020
Brutal Criminals Should be Dealt with Just Like Their Victums
After reading the brutality of these criminals, I believe that they should be promptly executed without the current decades of appeals.
After reading the brutality of these criminals, I believe that they should be promptly executed without the current decades of appeals.
February 17, 2021
Yikes!
Stories of some not-so-nice people who also are disgusting humans. Enjoyed very much; however, it was very difficult to keep track of which I have read and not read. Maybe you could put some identity on the cover of each book ( i.e. Volume 1, Volume 2, etc.)I
Stories of some not-so-nice people who also are disgusting humans. Enjoyed very much; however, it was very difficult to keep track of which I have read and not read. Maybe you could put some identity on the cover of each book ( i.e. Volume 1, Volume 2, etc.)I
June 14, 2021
For a fan of true crime television, I was intrigued but this author does not have a great writing style and is a little clunky. He chose interesting cases but I think I’ll stick to my tv dramas or true crime programs.
June 22, 2021
The things you learn about
If you enjoy True Crime these books are for you they have all kinds of storie. Very interesting and educational what to look for when you run into strangers to stay safe
If you enjoy True Crime these books are for you they have all kinds of storie. Very interesting and educational what to look for when you run into strangers to stay safe
June 23, 2022
Well this book was well written and disturbing. It is amazing to see what pain and suffering, to put it mildly other people can commit to other people. There are just so many evil people out there but it is nice to see that eventually they are caught.
April 9, 2023
Good book
I like that Mr. Neal covers stories that are overlooked. It amazes me that people can do horrible things to each other, and I like the way Neal researchers the stories and then shares them.
I like that Mr. Neal covers stories that are overlooked. It amazes me that people can do horrible things to each other, and I like the way Neal researchers the stories and then shares them.
December 25, 2023
Extremely intriguing. These are stories we don’t ( or I should say I don’t) normally hear or read about.
Great writing style. I don’t want to give spoilers. I do recommend this book to true crime readers.
Great writing style. I don’t want to give spoilers. I do recommend this book to true crime readers.
November 22, 2020
Imho
I personally think that the stories need more details. As it is good, it doesn't feel complete. Will try another.
I personally think that the stories need more details. As it is good, it doesn't feel complete. Will try another.
June 3, 2021
Another fascinating book on murders
Easy, quick read, true stories of people who murder for various reasons. Mr Neal has written several of these books, all of which are interesting
Easy, quick read, true stories of people who murder for various reasons. Mr Neal has written several of these books, all of which are interesting
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews