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The Man Who Cooked Children: The Disturbing Crimes of Nathaniel Bar-Jonah
He didn’t hide in the shadows.
He smiled. He grilled. He served his neighbours meat they never questioned.
To the people of Great Falls, Nathaniel Bar-Jonah was just another friendly face. He attended church, hosted barbecues, and was a neighbour you could trust. But inside his freezer were secrets far darker than anyone imagined.
Children disappeared. Rumours spread. And when the truth began to thaw, investigators uncovered something unspeakable – recipes that didn’t name the meat, bones buried in the yard, and stories of a man consumed with control who indulged every urge.
He didn’t just live among them. He fed them the unthinkable.
The Man Who Cooked Children is a chilling descent into the mind of a suspected cannibal, child killer, and master manipulator. A tale of horror disguised as hospitality, and a community that didn’t see the danger until it was too late.
Contains disturbing content, graphic violence, and accounts of child abuse.
He smiled. He grilled. He served his neighbours meat they never questioned.
To the people of Great Falls, Nathaniel Bar-Jonah was just another friendly face. He attended church, hosted barbecues, and was a neighbour you could trust. But inside his freezer were secrets far darker than anyone imagined.
Children disappeared. Rumours spread. And when the truth began to thaw, investigators uncovered something unspeakable – recipes that didn’t name the meat, bones buried in the yard, and stories of a man consumed with control who indulged every urge.
He didn’t just live among them. He fed them the unthinkable.
The Man Who Cooked Children is a chilling descent into the mind of a suspected cannibal, child killer, and master manipulator. A tale of horror disguised as hospitality, and a community that didn’t see the danger until it was too late.
Contains disturbing content, graphic violence, and accounts of child abuse.
- GenresTrue Crime
132 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 13, 2025
187 people are currently reading
39 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
October 13, 2025
A super true crime read about a serial killer who started life as David Brown, a very overweight man who became a cook. Once his penchant for molesting and torturing children became known he later changed his name to Nathaniel Bar-Jonah, hoping for a fresh start and a clean record. Not a well-known killer, he was one of the most twisted, using his massive bulk to squash the life out of many of his victims. He was very manipulative, fooling authorities into believing that he was “cured” of his habits. It led to him being released back into society, only to go on to commit his worst depravities.
October 14, 2025
This is beyond evil or understanding.
Ryan found this and I just was blown away as it was so close to where we grew up. Amazing stories he just was born to tell. I have no idea that applies to this spawn of Satan. Profiles , he doesn't fit the mold. He must have been quite the unique study had they learned more. Ryan hit this one way out of the park in his unique style. It's so bizarre and creepy, perverted all in one dark soul.
I wrote the best and longest review ever on this last night and praised Ryan for a super portrayal. I prayed for the children who were so unlucky to be targeted. I gagged thinking of those at the cookouts. After all that I didn't hit submit or I bounced of my page and just couldn't get it back. I'm turning vegan and sticking to short reviews. As always thank you Ryan for sharing your talent and finding the creepiest people ever. Maybe you should've hunted serial killers for a living. Best wishes .
Ryan found this and I just was blown away as it was so close to where we grew up. Amazing stories he just was born to tell. I have no idea that applies to this spawn of Satan. Profiles , he doesn't fit the mold. He must have been quite the unique study had they learned more. Ryan hit this one way out of the park in his unique style. It's so bizarre and creepy, perverted all in one dark soul.
I wrote the best and longest review ever on this last night and praised Ryan for a super portrayal. I prayed for the children who were so unlucky to be targeted. I gagged thinking of those at the cookouts. After all that I didn't hit submit or I bounced of my page and just couldn't get it back. I'm turning vegan and sticking to short reviews. As always thank you Ryan for sharing your talent and finding the creepiest people ever. Maybe you should've hunted serial killers for a living. Best wishes .
October 14, 2025
Wow.... Ryan does it again!
Taking you along for the journey into the mind of a killer/cannibal.
Ryan's work never ceases to amaze with the in-depth dive into the lives and psychology of killers. The Man Who Cooked Children is no exception. From beginning to end I was enthralled (and yes, quite disturbed) by the telling of this little known killler/cannibal (in honesty, I had to take mental well being breaks between "OMG" moments).
Nathaniel Bar-Jonah is an example of a flawed system that allowed this man to continue his horrific horrors when he could and should have been stopped long before his escalation.
Not all blame falls to the system, though. With the abusive home environment along with health issues that possibly caused a brain injury, it does lead back to the age-old question of if it's nature or nurture that creates monsters?
Taking you along for the journey into the mind of a killer/cannibal.
Ryan's work never ceases to amaze with the in-depth dive into the lives and psychology of killers. The Man Who Cooked Children is no exception. From beginning to end I was enthralled (and yes, quite disturbed) by the telling of this little known killler/cannibal (in honesty, I had to take mental well being breaks between "OMG" moments).
Nathaniel Bar-Jonah is an example of a flawed system that allowed this man to continue his horrific horrors when he could and should have been stopped long before his escalation.
Not all blame falls to the system, though. With the abusive home environment along with health issues that possibly caused a brain injury, it does lead back to the age-old question of if it's nature or nurture that creates monsters?
October 17, 2025
Once again, Mr. Green creates a well-researched story about a demented serial killer with extreme mental and emotional deficiencies. Oh yeah, he’s psychotic. It takes an incredible talent to compile a huge amount of research and turn it into a factually true crime story that is easy-flowing, perfectly detailed, providing the reader to feel as if they were present during this killer’s life. This book is a cringeworthy, very sad story. What makes someone so deranged? Fortunately, the author provides education and science, leading to the hows and whys of what led to this person to exist and have such psychotic, manipulative and sadistic behavior. Hard to believe this type of killer is most likely not the only one in society. Scary. I received a complimentary ARC, but I am voluntarily offering my personal opinion.
October 14, 2025
Child Eater
The first book in a while that Ryan’s penned where I could just keep reading but for my own sanity I had to stop after certain sections to avoid being sucked into Nathaniel’s world. This is one case I’ve never heard about that needed a little more of a spotlight on it. It’s also another case with TBI, parental abuse or just born with it that can all be contributing factors in his psychosis but we’ll never know
The first book in a while that Ryan’s penned where I could just keep reading but for my own sanity I had to stop after certain sections to avoid being sucked into Nathaniel’s world. This is one case I’ve never heard about that needed a little more of a spotlight on it. It’s also another case with TBI, parental abuse or just born with it that can all be contributing factors in his psychosis but we’ll never know
October 14, 2025
Unbelievable but true. A thoroughly well researched and written book about a man who was quite remarkable for all the wrong reasons. The story takes you through the failings of the state, police and criminal justice system and makes you think hard about the nature versus nurture debate. Excellent book and real page turner. If you like a true crime story then purchase this book because you won’t be disappointed.
November 10, 2025
I felt that this book focused more about Nathaniel living out his sick fantasies on child rape and killing and less on him cooking his victims. Nevertheless, this book was still disturbing. I'll never understand the disgusting fascination of people that indulge in child rape, ever.
November 27, 2025
My ADHD-kept me from reading the blurb, so when I first started reading this book, I did not realize it was nonfiction. I just assumed the author had a sick and twisted imagination. About ten pages in, I started to think, "Hmm, the author's name sounds familiar." That's when I remembered another book Ryan Green wrote called "Torture Mom." When I realized this was a true crime novel and that Nathaniel Bar-Jonah actually existed, I was floored. This sick bastard hunted small children (7-12 years old), manipulated them, sexually assaulted them, all before taking their lives. The fat f*$% used his 400-pound body to suffocate these poor children. He eventually escalated to cannibalizing his victims, going so far as to feed them to his neighbors. I can't imagine what it must have been like for the victims' parents. Their babies were not allowed the dignity of a proper burial because this whack job ate them. Many of his crimes took place in a time that did not necessarily understand that males can be victims of sexual assault. Because Nathaniel's depravity began early in life, most of the adults around him did not suspect anything was off. This naivety allowed him to commit some heinous acts around his neighborhood. There were a couple of exceptions, though. I applaud the parents who recognized how odd it was for a sixteen-year-old boy to want to play with small children. He tried to lure their ten-year-old twin boys into the woods. Had the parents not intervened and stopped this "playdate," God only knows what would have happened to their sons. I'm giving this book five stars because Mr. Ryan was able to tell a very disturbing story while still being respectful to this sicko's victims. There were a couple of plot holes, but this was not due to poor writing or inadequate research. It is simply not possible to know what this nutcase was doing at all times. Nothing worse than a perverted psychopath who goes after innocent children, and I'm glad Mr. Ryan did not offer this depraved fool mercy or compassion. Well-written book, but it made me want to puke a few times. I kept having to put it down to compose myself.
December 12, 2025
Neighborhood nightmare…
Meeting the new neighbors will never be quite the same after reading this terrifying true tale. Sure, we may harbor optimistic hopefulness that they will turn out to be good neighbors and maybe even potential friends all while speculating with our long-established neighbors about the newcomer’s occupation, hobbies, affiliations, and so forth. We may even indulge in a bit of harmless gossip, but nothing could possibly prepare you for the outrageous and mortifying truth that Nathaniel Bar-Jonah’s neighbors had to come to terms with once his unique appetites and perverse proclivities became public knowledge. Once again, Ryan Green focuses his well-honed talent on carefully and fully peeling back the tainted layers of one of humanity’s most devilish spawn, a person who unsuccessfully attempted his first murder at the tender age of seven. Things only got worse from there. Torture, degradation, rape, and murder were merely appetizers for this man’s voracious hunger. The main course defies belief. I will warn you that some parts of this book make for very difficult reading due to the extraordinary nature of the subject matter. I admire and appreciate this author’s willingness to slog through mountains of historical data and distill it down to a highly readable account of a person’s life while incorporating carefully considered psychological insights that shed a bit of light on how and why an individual might deviate so far from societal norms. While we may never know definitively what actually creates such a criminal oddity, Mr. Green’s detailed examination of such individuals never fails to mesmerize, horrify, and yes, educate his readership in the twisted machinations of the most debauched of criminal minds. Nathaniel Bar-Jonah may not be a name you recognize, but you will most assuredly never forget it after reading this book.
Meeting the new neighbors will never be quite the same after reading this terrifying true tale. Sure, we may harbor optimistic hopefulness that they will turn out to be good neighbors and maybe even potential friends all while speculating with our long-established neighbors about the newcomer’s occupation, hobbies, affiliations, and so forth. We may even indulge in a bit of harmless gossip, but nothing could possibly prepare you for the outrageous and mortifying truth that Nathaniel Bar-Jonah’s neighbors had to come to terms with once his unique appetites and perverse proclivities became public knowledge. Once again, Ryan Green focuses his well-honed talent on carefully and fully peeling back the tainted layers of one of humanity’s most devilish spawn, a person who unsuccessfully attempted his first murder at the tender age of seven. Things only got worse from there. Torture, degradation, rape, and murder were merely appetizers for this man’s voracious hunger. The main course defies belief. I will warn you that some parts of this book make for very difficult reading due to the extraordinary nature of the subject matter. I admire and appreciate this author’s willingness to slog through mountains of historical data and distill it down to a highly readable account of a person’s life while incorporating carefully considered psychological insights that shed a bit of light on how and why an individual might deviate so far from societal norms. While we may never know definitively what actually creates such a criminal oddity, Mr. Green’s detailed examination of such individuals never fails to mesmerize, horrify, and yes, educate his readership in the twisted machinations of the most debauched of criminal minds. Nathaniel Bar-Jonah may not be a name you recognize, but you will most assuredly never forget it after reading this book.
October 17, 2025
I've read thousands of pages of true crime from my undergraduate and graduate school years, majoring in criminal science, to the detective magazines read as a teen and the many books borrowed from the public library to the hundreds purchased in ebook, paperback, and hardcover form. But none have reached the level of depravity and horror as that of Ryan Green's newest release about Nathaniel Bar-Jonah.
I had no idea what to expect, which is how I like to approach books, movies, and TV shows. Still, absolutely nothing prepared me for what Mr. Green wrote about. Shocking is too mild a word. I was shocked when I first saw the unfiltered pictures of Ed Gein's last victim, Mrs. Worden, hanging dressed out like a deer, or the enhanced pictures of Jack the Ripper's victims.
The grotesqueness of Bar-Jonah was unimaginable. His sadistic manner of treating the young children, whom he assaulted, killed, and sometimes cannibalized, was beyond comprehension. His cruelty and cunning made the lives of his victims horrific and their surviving families completely traumatic. The author's use of literary license to create this compelling and completely despicable caricature of a human being will keep the reader astonished by his abhorrent acts to the most defenseless. Hopefully, none of us or our children will ever encounter such a sick individual.
I had no idea what to expect, which is how I like to approach books, movies, and TV shows. Still, absolutely nothing prepared me for what Mr. Green wrote about. Shocking is too mild a word. I was shocked when I first saw the unfiltered pictures of Ed Gein's last victim, Mrs. Worden, hanging dressed out like a deer, or the enhanced pictures of Jack the Ripper's victims.
The grotesqueness of Bar-Jonah was unimaginable. His sadistic manner of treating the young children, whom he assaulted, killed, and sometimes cannibalized, was beyond comprehension. His cruelty and cunning made the lives of his victims horrific and their surviving families completely traumatic. The author's use of literary license to create this compelling and completely despicable caricature of a human being will keep the reader astonished by his abhorrent acts to the most defenseless. Hopefully, none of us or our children will ever encounter such a sick individual.
November 29, 2025
Once again, author Ryan Green has taken an obscure (to me) case and turned it into a highly readable and disturbing tale of a true monster. Nathaniel Bar-Jonah committed crimes for years, assaulting and killing young children in truly horrific ways. But, his story is so gruesome that these crimes seem unbelievable.
In addition to his torture and killing, this monster also held numerous cookouts for his neighbors, passing off meat from his victims as venison. In this way, he caused his friends and neighbors to become participants in his crimes. This book is one of the most disturbing true crime books I have read in a long time, mostly due to the outlandish ways in which he killed and his complete lack of remorse. The one scene where he used his obese body to kill a young boy was one of the more disturbing things I have ever read.
The fact that these crimes occurred before there was a national registry for sex offenders makes this story even sadder. This cruel, inhuman monster committed crimes in many states, but none of the crimes followed him when he moved from place to place. This caused him to claim many more victims than you would think possible.
Well-researched and presented in a easy to follow way, this is one true crime book I won't soon forget. The narrator did his usual perfect job and his performance really brought this tale to life.
In addition to his torture and killing, this monster also held numerous cookouts for his neighbors, passing off meat from his victims as venison. In this way, he caused his friends and neighbors to become participants in his crimes. This book is one of the most disturbing true crime books I have read in a long time, mostly due to the outlandish ways in which he killed and his complete lack of remorse. The one scene where he used his obese body to kill a young boy was one of the more disturbing things I have ever read.
The fact that these crimes occurred before there was a national registry for sex offenders makes this story even sadder. This cruel, inhuman monster committed crimes in many states, but none of the crimes followed him when he moved from place to place. This caused him to claim many more victims than you would think possible.
Well-researched and presented in a easy to follow way, this is one true crime book I won't soon forget. The narrator did his usual perfect job and his performance really brought this tale to life.
October 16, 2025
Nathaniel Bar-Jonah by Ryan Green
Ryan Green has a real gift for bringing true crime to life, and Nathaniel Bar-Jonah is no exception. I was completely absorbed from start to finish. The writing is vivid and well-paced, blending fact with carefully crafted narrative that makes the story flow like a novel while never losing sight of the grim reality.
What I especially appreciated was how Ryan Green explored not only Bar-Jonah’s horrifying crimes but also his unsettling childhood and the circumstances that shaped him. The psychological depth adds another layer to the story, and it never felt sensationalised it’s disturbing, yes, but handled with care and respect for the victims.
I really enjoyed this book, even though the subject matter is dark and unsettling. For fans of true crime who want a detailed yet highly readable account, this is another excellent addition to Ryan Green’s collection. Thanks to Ryan Green for giving me a free advance copy of the book to preview and I am leaving this review voluntarily
Ryan Green has a real gift for bringing true crime to life, and Nathaniel Bar-Jonah is no exception. I was completely absorbed from start to finish. The writing is vivid and well-paced, blending fact with carefully crafted narrative that makes the story flow like a novel while never losing sight of the grim reality.
What I especially appreciated was how Ryan Green explored not only Bar-Jonah’s horrifying crimes but also his unsettling childhood and the circumstances that shaped him. The psychological depth adds another layer to the story, and it never felt sensationalised it’s disturbing, yes, but handled with care and respect for the victims.
I really enjoyed this book, even though the subject matter is dark and unsettling. For fans of true crime who want a detailed yet highly readable account, this is another excellent addition to Ryan Green’s collection. Thanks to Ryan Green for giving me a free advance copy of the book to preview and I am leaving this review voluntarily
October 14, 2025
Twisted, sick, disgusting, putrid & vile - And, I mean that in a completely complimentary way! At first, I wondered what it said about ME, as a person, that I was addicted to every single page of this nauseating perversion of deeds. Then, I realized that my enjoyment of the book didn't reflect negatively on ME. It didn't say anything derogatory about MY character. But rather, it reflected very highly on the author's unique and incredible ability and brilliant talent as a writer to so vividly describe the actions of this true crime monster of a man and draw me so deeply into his story of atrocities.
*I received a complimentary ARC of this book in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.
*I received a complimentary ARC of this book in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.
October 15, 2025
By all accounts, Nathanial Bar-Jonah had a trying childhood. As a baby, he seemed to be in constant pain and hunger. He had fluid on the brain. Not much could appease him. When I read about the suffering he went through as a baby, I felt a lot of compassion for him. When I read about the sort of person he became as a school child, an adolescent and an adult, I no longer felt any compassion for him. He willfuly tortured, raped and killed children, with not one shred of conscience. He even fed them to his unsuspecting neighbours. Had he not been caught, I'm sure he would have just continued down his slaughterous path. This book almost reads like a horror story. Nathaniel is one of the more rare types of serial killers. Read it if you dare.
November 23, 2025
This is a disturbing true story about a serial killer/rapist, Nathaniel Bar-Jonah, who finally ends up in jail after torturing and killing way too many people. Told in an honest, forthright and graphic way that captures the interest of the reader. The author researched his topic well as the killer's childhood, family of origin and early experiences shaped him into a psychopath. A few trigger warnings in case you are skittish. The subject of rape, killing and cannibalism are all addressed and part of this graphic novel. If you are okay with those topics, it is an interesting short read. Great true crime novel!
October 27, 2025
This book is definitely not for everyone. The author takes a deep, disturbing look into the life of a real monster — a cannibal, child killer, and sadist who managed to keep getting away with horrific crimes for years. It’s shocking, detailed, and at times almost too much to read.
The story is written really well, but the content is dark and graphic, so major trigger warning for violence, abuse, and gore. If you can handle heavy true crime, it’s a chilling but fascinating read that will leave you both horrified and speechless.
The story is written really well, but the content is dark and graphic, so major trigger warning for violence, abuse, and gore. If you can handle heavy true crime, it’s a chilling but fascinating read that will leave you both horrified and speechless.
November 4, 2025
How does one think about such heinous acts of debauchery perpetrated on the most vulnerable of us ... children. A normal brain cannot fathom what it takes to even contemplate such repulsive acts. As always, Ryan Green brings us the cut and dried facts. But one cannot help but cringe and bring a hand to mouth in horror in reading the account of such a personification of evil.
I received a copy of this book via the author and I leave my opinion of the tale voluntarily
I received a copy of this book via the author and I leave my opinion of the tale voluntarily
November 28, 2025
This was an interesting case. The author dove into the life of Nathaniel Bar-Jonah, trying to find the why as well as how he managed to get away with things. Well-detailed as to the crimes and his home life. It was a quick read and informative.
This is my unsolicited review.
This is my unsolicited review.
October 16, 2025
His books are so good I get so excited when he releases another one the criminals in his stories are just mind blowing crazy and sad part is it is true crime the things people do crazy
November 19, 2025
good book
It was an interesting read. Sad read but interesting. Why I’m so fascinated by people I despise Im not sure but Ryan Green does a perfect job of explaining the character.
It was an interesting read. Sad read but interesting. Why I’m so fascinated by people I despise Im not sure but Ryan Green does a perfect job of explaining the character.
December 28, 2025
Great read!
Ryan Green is the best true crime author! Captivating and never a dull moment. He presents the facts and honors the victims.
Ryan Green is the best true crime author! Captivating and never a dull moment. He presents the facts and honors the victims.
January 8, 2026
Another great book here. These serial killers just get worse with every book. There was some rambling going on, otherwise, it would have been 5 stars.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews