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Prescription: Murder! Volume 2: Authentic Cases From the Files of Alan Hynd
This is the second volume of classic true murder stories from the files and pen of world renowned true crime writer Alan Hynd (1903 - 1974). So get ready for another deliciously dark sampling of some of the most fascinating true murder cases of the first half of the 20th Century. These stories, the SECOND of three short collections, are unified by a single theme: they all involve physicians. And not for the autopsy, but as perpetrators or accused perpetrators. You may never see your family care giver again in the same light.
Told in the characteristic wry, anecdotal reportorial style that made Alan Hynd famous in his day (two wartime best sellers in 1943, contributions to The Reader's Digest, Colliers, Coronet, The Saturday Evening Post, True, Liberty, The American Mercury and almost every true detective magazine in print) these tales will have you cringing one minute, laughing the next, and gasping in shock a moment later. Truly, no one could make up classics like these. Take for example, the case of the man who used rattlesnakes to speed the demise of a fading relationship, a case where non-barking dogs pointed out a killer, and the Great Swope poison case, where a man's in-laws just couldn't wait for their inheritance. As a bonus, consider "Pretty: Louie Amberg, the Brooklyn, N.Y., psychopath of the 1920s and '30s, as well as an unusual couple in Southern California kept the neighbors up at night --- and gossiping.
Pulp non-fiction? Maybe.
True crime is always more macabre than any novelist could imagine. So sit back and enjoy these forays into some of the darkest aspects of human nature.
(With illustrations)
Told in the characteristic wry, anecdotal reportorial style that made Alan Hynd famous in his day (two wartime best sellers in 1943, contributions to The Reader's Digest, Colliers, Coronet, The Saturday Evening Post, True, Liberty, The American Mercury and almost every true detective magazine in print) these tales will have you cringing one minute, laughing the next, and gasping in shock a moment later. Truly, no one could make up classics like these. Take for example, the case of the man who used rattlesnakes to speed the demise of a fading relationship, a case where non-barking dogs pointed out a killer, and the Great Swope poison case, where a man's in-laws just couldn't wait for their inheritance. As a bonus, consider "Pretty: Louie Amberg, the Brooklyn, N.Y., psychopath of the 1920s and '30s, as well as an unusual couple in Southern California kept the neighbors up at night --- and gossiping.
Pulp non-fiction? Maybe.
True crime is always more macabre than any novelist could imagine. So sit back and enjoy these forays into some of the darkest aspects of human nature.
(With illustrations)
109 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 6, 2014
113 people are currently reading
419 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
September 5, 2015
A perfect follow up to the first volume! Pulp noir true crime stories at its best!
March 22, 2019
If you like true stories about murder and mayhem in the 1920s, this series of books by Hynd is for you! Definitely a quick read!
October 14, 2017
A Comedy Of Murders
The book was interesting to read. Some of the murders were atrocious, but, the way the book summarized it seemed funny. It was an enjoyment.
The book was interesting to read. Some of the murders were atrocious, but, the way the book summarized it seemed funny. It was an enjoyment.
August 5, 2019
Another great read
Continuing with the TV series like "episodes", Hynd sucks readers into more entertaining short stories. Now on to part 3!
Continuing with the TV series like "episodes", Hynd sucks readers into more entertaining short stories. Now on to part 3!
December 11, 2019
Amusing, fast read.
July 3, 2020
Very interesting true crime stories.
February 23, 2017
Some of the stories are interesting, but I don't enjoy the style of writing. The author - in my opinion - is trying too hard to make the material more entertaining. It ended up coming off as hokey and annoying to me. I read about 2/3 and quit.
February 13, 2017
Interesting book
Odd things that folks will do to get rid of folks. I didn't know here were so many ways to poison anyone and almost get away with it.
Odd things that folks will do to get rid of folks. I didn't know here were so many ways to poison anyone and almost get away with it.
January 11, 2017
Prescription: Murder! Volume 2 is a collection of true crime short stories that occurred in the late 1800s to early 1900s. The first three are about doctors who committed murder. The first two killed their wives while the third attempted to take out the majority of his wife’s extended family. The fourth story is about a masochist who married several women and killed some of them for insurance money. The final story is about the mobster Pretty Louis Amberg. The stories are extremely engaging. A must-read for anyone who enjoys true crime.
April 20, 2015
This book contains several fascinating true crime stories. The writing style is relaxed and friendly, like friends swapping stories over a couple of drinks.
These murderers appear to be nerveless, in one instance murdering three people and attempting to kill seven more --- in the same house. And then there's the Pretty story. . . .
This book had only a few errors which didn't seem to impact the stories. If you enjoy true crime stories, you'll want to read this book
These murderers appear to be nerveless, in one instance murdering three people and attempting to kill seven more --- in the same house. And then there's the Pretty story. . . .
This book had only a few errors which didn't seem to impact the stories. If you enjoy true crime stories, you'll want to read this book
June 24, 2015
This book was what I would term ok. interesting in places, but some of the stories were too drawn out. The writer has a quirky way when writing, and some parts which were actually quite horrific were made humerous by the way it was told, for instance when a family were being poisoned by custard, the line was 'This was definitely custard's last stand'.
Not an author whose books I would especially look for.
Not an author whose books I would especially look for.
January 1, 2016
I found this collection through Book Bub. It's several short stories that tell a tale of murder. These are older murders and some of the slang used was not current but fit each story well.
If you enjoy true crime, you'll like this book. There are 3 volumes, and I'm sure I'll read the others. One thing I really liked was the follow up of some of those involved that described their place in history. Quick, interesting read. A few typos but not enough to take away from the stories.
If you enjoy true crime, you'll like this book. There are 3 volumes, and I'm sure I'll read the others. One thing I really liked was the follow up of some of those involved that described their place in history. Quick, interesting read. A few typos but not enough to take away from the stories.
June 5, 2015
Gangsters and bad guys...
Mr. Hynd's depiction of the real criminals of days gone by give me hope that all is not lost. Today's murderous monsters are neither worse nor more plentiful than those of yesteryear, we just hear the details in a more timely manner. Loved this collection of real life Noir.
Mr. Hynd's depiction of the real criminals of days gone by give me hope that all is not lost. Today's murderous monsters are neither worse nor more plentiful than those of yesteryear, we just hear the details in a more timely manner. Loved this collection of real life Noir.
March 12, 2016
THESE STORIES READ LIKE A FICTION MOVIE BUT THEY ALL REALLY HAPPENED. AMAZING! IT SHOWS THAT THE CRIMINAL MIND HAS NOT CHANGED DOWN THROUGH TIME, THEY’RE ONLY MORE OF THEM NOW. TRUTH IS STRANGER THAN FICTION AND MORE HORRIBLE. THIS MADE ME KEEP WONDERING, WHY WOULD ANYONE DO THAT. READING THIS WILL NOT RESTORE YOUR FAITH IN MANKIND. ;[
July 4, 2015
Another interesting installment of Alan Hynd's true crime cases. I was especially fascinated by the story of "Pretty" Louie Amberg, a gangster from Prohibition-era Brooklyn who I had never heard of. Great quick and entertaining read.
May 24, 2015
Too Short
Fascinating true crime stories focused on physicians who kill. Well written, but there are too few stories. There are a couple of bonus stories not about doctors, but the book is still too short.
Fascinating true crime stories focused on physicians who kill. Well written, but there are too few stories. There are a couple of bonus stories not about doctors, but the book is still too short.
May 29, 2015
Another interesting installment of Alan Hynd's true crime cases. I was especially fascinated by the story of "Pretty" Louie Amberg, a gangster from Prohibition-era Brooklyn who I had never heard of. Great quick and entertaining read.
January 1, 2016
Bait and switch
Great true life stories but too few were actually about doctors which was disappointing. Narrated in detective style which added to the genre but inconsistent at times - good read but could have had more
Great true life stories but too few were actually about doctors which was disappointing. Narrated in detective style which added to the genre but inconsistent at times - good read but could have had more
April 16, 2016
Not my style
I don't like the 1900s era type stories. I can't get into the old English style writings. If you like Sherlock stole stories then this book is for you. Just wasn't my taste.
I don't like the 1900s era type stories. I can't get into the old English style writings. If you like Sherlock stole stories then this book is for you. Just wasn't my taste.
July 2, 2015
I am not a big fan of murder plots from 1930
June 16, 2015
Love the macbre
Good for those who love a humorous review of murder during a time of change. Amazingly quick read. Not for the sensitive reader.
Good for those who love a humorous review of murder during a time of change. Amazingly quick read. Not for the sensitive reader.
July 4, 2015
I enjoyed this. Truth is stranger than fiction!
September 5, 2015
Interesting true crime
Love the concept, but detest the typos! Great pulp noir style and short story format. Perfect for quick reading or killing time.
Love the concept, but detest the typos! Great pulp noir style and short story format. Perfect for quick reading or killing time.
January 4, 2016
Just OK!!
In all honesty I found this book quite boring, I almost didn't finish it. However, I did so I could do the review as requested.
I would not recommend this book.
In all honesty I found this book quite boring, I almost didn't finish it. However, I did so I could do the review as requested.
I would not recommend this book.
January 8, 2016
Ok
Book was okay. I know they wanted the language to be authentic, but a lot of the slang used has no relevance now and made it confusing to follow.
Book was okay. I know they wanted the language to be authentic, but a lot of the slang used has no relevance now and made it confusing to follow.
January 14, 2016
Interesting read
A good and interesting read that really does delve into some great cases of this heinous crime. Well worth a read! Recommended to all who has an interest in law.
A good and interesting read that really does delve into some great cases of this heinous crime. Well worth a read! Recommended to all who has an interest in law.
January 23, 2016
Great read
Well researched and written. The story like style and added humor made this book a great read. I recommend this for and enjoying evening over your favourite snack.
.
Well researched and written. The story like style and added humor made this book a great read. I recommend this for and enjoying evening over your favourite snack.
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April 21, 2016
Rather a humorous writing style, and enjoyable, but nothing particularly earth shattering or great. I'm not a bit fan of short works, but for this type of piece it works.
August 30, 2019
Murder 2
Another lackluster book about bizarre action by some strange people. It is a quick read and will let you know what some strange people will do to get what they want.
Another lackluster book about bizarre action by some strange people. It is a quick read and will let you know what some strange people will do to get what they want.
May 1, 2017
A good read.
Interesting stories I had not come across before and a good book for anyone who is tired of the same old murder stories.
Interesting stories I had not come across before and a good book for anyone who is tired of the same old murder stories.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews