Death for Dinner: The Benders of (Old) Kansas

by Phyllis de la Garza

This edition has a new afterword that includes information regarding Katie and John Bender long after they fled Kansas in the 1870s.

258 pages, Hardcover

First published January 11, 2003

Reviews

[Richard Lapidus · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the story of the "Bloody" Bender family of early Kansas, and the "guests" who came to their farm/store/tavern for dinner, and didn't live long enough to have their dessert. I enjoyed the way the author told this story, almost like a novel. The first edition of this book was in hard cover from a different publisher, and is highly sought by book collectors and history buffs alike. This paperback edition from Silk Label Publishing, has outstanding new material. The author has discovered where the "key" Bender spent her last years, and where she is buried. This is discussed in an added chapter in this new edition by Silk Label Books. This book gets my highest recommendation!

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

And you thought you knew everything about the "Bloody Benders". It's doubtful.

One of the best books on the subject I've ever read. It goes into great detail of the crime scene and details of the victims lives. Great research had been done by the author.

There is a couple extra chapters on the John and Katie Bender of Gleenwood Springs, Colorado whom also ran a restaurant 10 years after the Kansas incident.

YOU be the judge.

[Robyn Kiser · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve read a few other books about the Benders, fascinating piece of history. This was my favorite so far, it provided impeccable research and was still an amazingly enjoyable easy read. For anyone delving into this history this would be an excellent starting point, for those seasoned this is a must read.

[Karina · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've never been much for non-fiction, but this was an interesting read. I enjoyed learning some of the history of my home state, Kansas. It just boggles my mind how nothing really is known about what happened to "The Bloody Benders".

[Vincent D. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting, quick read about a family of murderers I had never heard of. Also, throughly researched! Deducted one star cause the notes (instead of at the foot of the page) where all in the back so each little number I had to flip back and forth. Making reading it take twice as long.

[Natalie Niemeyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting and informative— brilliant