DEPRAVED OBSESSION: The Gripping True Story of Law Enforcement’s Hunt for a Sadistic Serial Killer

by Rodney Sadler

What drove the inconspicuous sociopath to become a ruthless killer?
During his nearly fifteen-year reign of terror, Ronald Lloyd Bailey’s depraved obsession with sexual sadism held communities across southeast Michigan in a shroud of fear. From the early 1970’s to the mid-1980’s, the former patient at one of Michigan’s foremost psychiatric hospitals, abducted as many as fifteen teens and over time became a sadistic serial killer.In this shocking, fast-paced account, retired police officer and true crime author Rod Sadler examines law enforcement's dedicated efforts in connecting the dots to stop an unknown killer, and he poignantly chronicles the determination of the victims' families to triumph over tragedy.

Sadler also examines Bailey’s insanity defense that centered on the alleged abuse he endured at the hands of his psychiatrist. In doing so, the bestselling author of KILLING WOMEN asks and answers the What drove the inconspicuous sociopath to become a ruthless killer?

Genres: Nonfiction

412 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 6, 2025

Reviews

[Amys Bookshelf Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rod Sadler writes about a child killer


This book, DEPRAVED OBSESSION, the reader learns about the horrific crimes against Kenny Myers and Shawn Moore. In just reading the dedication, you know why the author wrote this book. I've read his other books, and it is not to celebritize the killer, but share the information on the crimes, and bring them to light. I've spoken with this author before on my podcast, and he writes the stories so that if there are other crimes, witnesses or some inking of something that triggers someone's memory, it could help not just the current cases, if they are still open, but other cases in the future. Some serial killers often mimic others, until they find their own way of killing. This is a gripping and detailed exploration of the case of Ronald Bailey. Sadler captures the emotional toll on the family of the victims, a process that will stay with them forever, and also the pursuit of justice. Being evil doesn't mean you're the devil, but it can come a very, very close second. Bailey was evil, pure and simple. The truth of the story is that it is heart breaking, and brings a light to complex criminal investigations, and the strength of the persons in this story, some who would never know each other, but for this horrendous crime. It's a very thought provoking story. This book was written very well. Bailey was a sadist, sociopath and a deviant, and the light should be shed on what he did, not on him. DEPRAVED OBSESSION is a definite recommendation by Amy's Bookshelf Reviews. I read this book to give my unbiased and honest review. I look forward to reading many more titles by this author. Amy's Bookshelf Reviews recommends that anyone who reads this book, to also write a review.

[Kathleen Riggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title: A Chilling and Meticulous True Crime Account
Depraved Obsession by Rod Sadler is a gripping, well-researched exploration of serial killer Ronald Lloyd Bailey’s disturbing crimes in Michigan. Sadler, a retired police officer, expertly details the investigation, psychological depth, and legal complexities of the case.
The book focuses on Ronald Bailey, a seemingly ordinary man hiding monstrous secrets. Sadler unpacks Bailey’s crimes and twisted psychology while guiding readers through the relentless efforts of detectives to uncover the truth. It’s equal parts heartbreaking and compelling, especially when Sadler dives into Bailey’s disturbing past and the controversial insanity defence. What makes this book stand out is its respect for the victims and the insight into how real detectives work under pressure, long before modern forensic tools made their jobs easier. If you’re drawn to true crime that values justice, careful storytelling, and emotional honesty, this book stands out as Unsettling Powerful and Haunting addition to the true crime genre and deeply human. Thanks to WildBlue Press and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Kimijo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hunting a Sociopath delves into the chilling story of Ronald Lloyd Bailey, a sadistic serial killer whose reign of terror in southeast Michigan lasted nearly fifteen years. Retired police officer Rod Sadler chronicles the relentless law enforcement efforts to catch Bailey, the courage of victims’ families, and the shocking details behind Bailey’s insanity defense, exploring what drove an inconspicuous sociopath to commit horrific crimes.

[Valerity (Val) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really good read about a sick killer claiming victims in Michigan and likely elsewhere too back in the 70s and 80s. The killer, Ronald Lloyd Bailey, started out abducting and sexually assaulting boys while he was fairly young himself and eventually moved on to murder too. Thoughtfully written with sensitivity towards victim’s families.

[Jennifer Varilone · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a slow read for me. It was my first non-fiction true crime read so it was a little hard for me to get into. It was very good and interesting to learn about a little history of where I grew up and live currently.

[Dave Wehr · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well researched story of the Oakland County Child Murders.

[Martha Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

excellent true crime writer!

Very detailed and factual. Planning to read his other books. Goes in depth on the psychology of the criminal in question.

[Marie C. Sims · Rating 3 out of 5]

A rather long book but it presents a good read of a killer who almost remained under the radar. I only gave 3 stars bc this book could've given all the necessary info in a shorter form.