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Prophet of Death: The Mormon Blood-Atonement Killings
Based on trial transcripts and interviews with Lundgren's associates, this work describes how the Mormon priest ritually sacrificed two of his best friends and their three children
450 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1991
18 people are currently reading
668 people want to read
About the author
Pete Earley
26 books115 followersPete Earley is a storyteller who has penned 13 books including the New York Times bestseller The Hot House and the 2007 Pulitzer Prize finalist Crazy: A Father’s Search Through America’s Mental Health Madness.
After a 14-year career in journalism, including six years at The Washington Post, Pete became a full-time author with a commitment to expose the stories that entertain and surprise.
His honest reporting and compelling writing helped him garner success as one of few authors with ”the power to introduce new ideas and give them currency,” according to Washingtonian magazine.
When Pete’s life was turned upside down by the events recounted in his book Crazy, he joined the National Alliance of Mental Illness to advocate for strong mental health reform on the public stage.
After a 14-year career in journalism, including six years at The Washington Post, Pete became a full-time author with a commitment to expose the stories that entertain and surprise.
His honest reporting and compelling writing helped him garner success as one of few authors with ”the power to introduce new ideas and give them currency,” according to Washingtonian magazine.
When Pete’s life was turned upside down by the events recounted in his book Crazy, he joined the National Alliance of Mental Illness to advocate for strong mental health reform on the public stage.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
June 22, 2018
A true story about a nutcase Mormon preacher who led his followers into committing murder. Very eerie, and very sad. It is amazing how easily led some folks are, and how demented some leaders are. As I said, a nutcase - a MAJOR nutcase.
June 20, 2012
Sweet, merciful crap... I started this book nearly a year ago, finished about two thirds of it and promptly put it down. I finally picked it back up a few weeks ago and slowly worked my way through the remaining thicket of mind-numbing information. I will not say, however, that this was a bad book, per se, just that I found it extraordinarily difficult to finish; and not in an intellectually challenging way. This read required both endurance and deep breathing, but unlike other activities that require the same, it was probably not worth the effort.
Prophet of Death is exhaustively researched and thus (due to the nature of the details) makes for an exhausting experience. The book concerns Jeffrey Lundgren and his 'followers.' Lundgren was a radical, violent, abusive, utterly mad, coprophiliac (yes) cult leader of the Mormon offshoot variety. There is little correlation between mainstream Mormonism and the brand Jeffrey "created," save for his use of Mormon "holy books" in his teachings. The story is relatively standard in that a "charismatic and intelligent" demagogue convinces a group of desperate people to obey his every wish and whim. And Lundgren, in his self-proclaimed role of Prophet and 'God on earth,' employs every conceivable method of exploitation against his family, followers and friends. Ultimately, Jeffrey plans and executes a mass-murder, killing a family of five in the name of god and burying them in a pit in a barn.
The problem I had with this book was the sheer volume of inexcusable examples of colossal human stupidity one had to wade through, page after page after page. There seemed an endless, surging torrent of cumulative idiocy -- how could people be so incredibly dense? So... fucking hopeless. And it's a relatively lengthy account, so it's a real test of patience. Though, if you can stomach endless accounts of moronic actions by the easily manipulable, this may be the book for you.
And, in case you were wondering, this book was written in 1991 and it's final pages left Jeffrey to his musings while on Death row. He the lord would free him from prison to continue bringing about Christ's return to earth. Jeffrey Lundgren has since been executed (on October 24, 2006) after his well of appeals ran dry.
Prophet of Death is exhaustively researched and thus (due to the nature of the details) makes for an exhausting experience. The book concerns Jeffrey Lundgren and his 'followers.' Lundgren was a radical, violent, abusive, utterly mad, coprophiliac (yes) cult leader of the Mormon offshoot variety. There is little correlation between mainstream Mormonism and the brand Jeffrey "created," save for his use of Mormon "holy books" in his teachings. The story is relatively standard in that a "charismatic and intelligent" demagogue convinces a group of desperate people to obey his every wish and whim. And Lundgren, in his self-proclaimed role of Prophet and 'God on earth,' employs every conceivable method of exploitation against his family, followers and friends. Ultimately, Jeffrey plans and executes a mass-murder, killing a family of five in the name of god and burying them in a pit in a barn.
The problem I had with this book was the sheer volume of inexcusable examples of colossal human stupidity one had to wade through, page after page after page. There seemed an endless, surging torrent of cumulative idiocy -- how could people be so incredibly dense? So... fucking hopeless. And it's a relatively lengthy account, so it's a real test of patience. Though, if you can stomach endless accounts of moronic actions by the easily manipulable, this may be the book for you.
And, in case you were wondering, this book was written in 1991 and it's final pages left Jeffrey to his musings while on Death row. He the lord would free him from prison to continue bringing about Christ's return to earth. Jeffrey Lundgren has since been executed (on October 24, 2006) after his well of appeals ran dry.
August 22, 2007
This book documents the "Mormon Blood Atonement" killing that took place in Kirtland, Ohio during the 80's. Kirtland, of course, is the sight of the original Mormon Temple built by Smith and Sidney Rigdon.
I should say that I read Jon Krakauer's "Under the Banner of Heaven", which deals with the same subject, so I may compare the two during the review.
The MOST interesting part of this book is that it takes you inside the Reorganized Latter Day Saints, a "splinter" faction of Mormonism that stayed behind in the Mid West when the Mormons trekked to Utah with Brigham Young. The RLDS (as it's called) is headquartered in Missouri. It's prophet was(at the time of this book) a lineal descent of Joe Smith. The chruch is also notable because it rejected polygamy (one of the main doctrinal reasons it split from the larger church.
Jeffrey Lundgren is the "prophet" at the heart of this book. He is one sick twist. I'm not going to get into it here, but this book is an NC-17 type of story. Do not read this if you are faint of heart!
Early has a news-papery writing style that fits the subject matter. His sourcing for the tale is outstanding. He managed to interview most, if not all, of the major players.
Unlike Krakauer, Early doesn't cut away from the action to full chapters about the history of Mormonism. His focus is tight on the story. As a result, you do get a fuller picture of Jeffrey Lundgren, but I believe that Early let the RLDS off the hook. Lundgren worked as a tour guide for the RLDS in Kirtland for several years as he assembled together his cult. The back drop to the story is the split in the RLDS between church "liberals", who voted in the '80's to allow women to be ordained in the church, and fundamentalists (like Jeffrey) who wanted to keep things old school.
I believe all of Jeffrey's followers were RLDS members who would describe themselves as "fundamentalist".
I'd have to say this book is just a touch "much" for most people. Fans of true crime or Mormon extremism will be tickled, however, I really can't emphasis enough how dirty this book gets, so you have been warned!
I should say that I read Jon Krakauer's "Under the Banner of Heaven", which deals with the same subject, so I may compare the two during the review.
The MOST interesting part of this book is that it takes you inside the Reorganized Latter Day Saints, a "splinter" faction of Mormonism that stayed behind in the Mid West when the Mormons trekked to Utah with Brigham Young. The RLDS (as it's called) is headquartered in Missouri. It's prophet was(at the time of this book) a lineal descent of Joe Smith. The chruch is also notable because it rejected polygamy (one of the main doctrinal reasons it split from the larger church.
Jeffrey Lundgren is the "prophet" at the heart of this book. He is one sick twist. I'm not going to get into it here, but this book is an NC-17 type of story. Do not read this if you are faint of heart!
Early has a news-papery writing style that fits the subject matter. His sourcing for the tale is outstanding. He managed to interview most, if not all, of the major players.
Unlike Krakauer, Early doesn't cut away from the action to full chapters about the history of Mormonism. His focus is tight on the story. As a result, you do get a fuller picture of Jeffrey Lundgren, but I believe that Early let the RLDS off the hook. Lundgren worked as a tour guide for the RLDS in Kirtland for several years as he assembled together his cult. The back drop to the story is the split in the RLDS between church "liberals", who voted in the '80's to allow women to be ordained in the church, and fundamentalists (like Jeffrey) who wanted to keep things old school.
I believe all of Jeffrey's followers were RLDS members who would describe themselves as "fundamentalist".
I'd have to say this book is just a touch "much" for most people. Fans of true crime or Mormon extremism will be tickled, however, I really can't emphasis enough how dirty this book gets, so you have been warned!
October 24, 2009
On on Monday, November 14, 2005 I wrote about this book:
Wow I have just finished reading this book and really thought this to be one of the better true crime books.
Very interesting story about how pople because of religion, can do things they normally would never do.
Wow I have just finished reading this book and really thought this to be one of the better true crime books.
Very interesting story about how pople because of religion, can do things they normally would never do.
July 28, 2008
Yet another book that proves that a person doesn't have to be smart to get into college. This is the true story of a loser with low self-esteem who hooks up with other losers with low-self esteem and convinces them that he is the new profit and they should give him all their money. The perpetrator, Jeff Lundgren, reminded me of the stories I've read about Charles Manson.
Yes, hes was kind of a Mormon Manson.
Early is a very thorough researcher, and used a combination of trial transcripts and personal interviews with the Lundgren gang, their families, and law enforcement officials to re-construct the story of yet another religious zealot who uses brainwashing to prey on the weak and feeble to make himself feel better.
Why do I think Lundgren wanted to boost his self-steem? You'll understand once you read about his "special" taste in sex acts. I am not sure loser is a strong enough word for this dude.
This was a spell-binding read, though, and despite some pretty gross scenes, I finished it in two days. Definitely a must for fans of quality true crime.
Yes, hes was kind of a Mormon Manson.
Early is a very thorough researcher, and used a combination of trial transcripts and personal interviews with the Lundgren gang, their families, and law enforcement officials to re-construct the story of yet another religious zealot who uses brainwashing to prey on the weak and feeble to make himself feel better.
Why do I think Lundgren wanted to boost his self-steem? You'll understand once you read about his "special" taste in sex acts. I am not sure loser is a strong enough word for this dude.
This was a spell-binding read, though, and despite some pretty gross scenes, I finished it in two days. Definitely a must for fans of quality true crime.
February 18, 2017
Based on exclusive interview material and trial transcripts, Pete Early brings it altogether.
Presenting the lies, yet finding the possible truth, it results in the most heartbreaking story I have ever read.
Likened to Adolph Hitler, for his ability to get people to follow him, Jeffrey Don Lundgren succeeded in the beginning of his mission.
Sadly, as we all know, there are many broken minds struggling to understand the mystery that is God.
A caution: Prepare yourselves, things Lundgren did to his wife are more than disgusting...yet followers of raunchy reality shows might sadly find delight in his quirky pleasures; perhaps even experiment for their on gratification.
Pete Early did a fine job in relating this horrible tale and staying within reason.
Given today's standards, I imagine the media brought out the worst; focused on getting high ratings.
ng
Presenting the lies, yet finding the possible truth, it results in the most heartbreaking story I have ever read.
Likened to Adolph Hitler, for his ability to get people to follow him, Jeffrey Don Lundgren succeeded in the beginning of his mission.
Sadly, as we all know, there are many broken minds struggling to understand the mystery that is God.
A caution: Prepare yourselves, things Lundgren did to his wife are more than disgusting...yet followers of raunchy reality shows might sadly find delight in his quirky pleasures; perhaps even experiment for their on gratification.
Pete Early did a fine job in relating this horrible tale and staying within reason.
Given today's standards, I imagine the media brought out the worst; focused on getting high ratings.
ng
March 20, 2018
WOW WHADDA ROLLERCOASTER.
I have never heard of this guy before, but he is NUTS. I love reading about cults and extreme personalities generally, and man, this book has got it. So you've got Jeffrey Lundgren, a self-proclaimed prophet (HAHAAA) and his following of dipshits (seriously, I have never read about stupider people in my life). So far, so... normal as far as cults go. They kill a family, mostly because Lundgren was irritated by them and wanted their money, and scare the rest of the group. But it's the little things, like how he got obsessed with Highlander (yes, the movie), and started incorporating it into his cult's... theology, that stand out. That and the coprophilia.
I have never heard of this guy before, but he is NUTS. I love reading about cults and extreme personalities generally, and man, this book has got it. So you've got Jeffrey Lundgren, a self-proclaimed prophet (HAHAAA) and his following of dipshits (seriously, I have never read about stupider people in my life). So far, so... normal as far as cults go. They kill a family, mostly because Lundgren was irritated by them and wanted their money, and scare the rest of the group. But it's the little things, like how he got obsessed with Highlander (yes, the movie), and started incorporating it into his cult's... theology, that stand out. That and the coprophilia.
July 6, 2017
I just don't get how humans can be so fucking stupid. Not just individuals but couples as well. This is a sad book but fascinating in how lost religious fanatics can be. You grow up believing this because you know nothing else or you cling to being accepted ANYWHERE at any cost. The whole Mormon thing baffles me anyway so this is just more insanity that has branched off from a crazy cult to begin with.
July 13, 2008
Jeff Lundgren is one sick bastard. The book is an interesting look into the mental delusions of a man who distorted and twisted "the scriptures" to fit his purposes.
March 20, 2012
This was ok, it kept me interested but there were SO many different names and places
July 12, 2017
Incredibly detailed. Earley has done his homework. It was so detailed that at times it lost my interest. But it was a great book.
July 29, 2021
Interesting look into the thinking of a self proclaimed prophet who manipulated his followers into helping him murder 5 people.
April 18, 2021
I watched a documentary about this story, so I was excited to read the book and learn more... I wanted to like it. I really did. But this was simply not an enjoyable read. While well-researched, working through the steady drone of this man’s life was just... mind numbing. Each story of how he deceived another follower sounded just like the last story... Truly can’t imagine how people could have fallen for this joker’s BS.
Anyway, I made it halfway through the book and just couldn’t bear to waste any more time on it.
Anyway, I made it halfway through the book and just couldn’t bear to waste any more time on it.
March 24, 2022
Very well written, interesting, disgusting book. If it was fiction, no one would believe how gullible and stupid so many people were. The “prophet” and his wife were evil to the core. I now want to read a sweet innocent book to clear my mind.
March 7, 2019
The author definitely did not lack in detail when writing this ...I enjoyed the brief lessons in the Mormon religion as well as on the movie Highlander.... Early didn’t waste too much time on the trial,that part can go on forever in true crime books sometimes...instead he combined the trial info/transcripts into the story, so much appreciated! I’ve read my share of books on cults and grew up in a town consisting of mostly Mormons...none who thought they were prophets (that I know of)...But i was highly aware of brainwashing and the typical abuse this religion sometimes creates ... a nice handful of the stuff in this I was NOT expecting . What a disturbing situation all together. Well researched.
May 9, 2011
This is my first Pete Earley book. He is really a good writer. I loved seeing what words he chose. This book is something else-it is about Jeffrey and Alice Lundren of Kirkwood, Ohio killing of five in the Avery family including three children. It was so yukky and explicit. It was interesting to see how these people evolved. There was not much on the trials. After reading this book, I feel that I need to exorcise it out of me.
November 4, 2012
Bone chilling; hard to imagine this is not fiction. The writer does a great job of providing details and insights into the various characters. It reminded me of Truman Capotes "In Cold Blood" , but even more eerie, given the education and "good" backgrounds of many of the characters. I wish a movie would be made of it, so the public is better educated about the dangers lurking in religious cults.
May 5, 2009
It's an interesting look at a psychopath's life; for some reason, I find this fascinating. Anyway, the book sucks you in with an easy-to-read plot that keeps the pages turning. It's not the cat's meow, but a quick and easy read for those who are sick and twisted, like me. I would not recommend this book for ages 15 and younger.
Read
July 31, 2011Very good book, very disturbing. I had never heard of the RLDS before - I had only heard of the FLDS that is in the news so often lately because of polygamy. Interesting glimpse into the psyche of a cult leader & his followers
December 25, 2015
Well written, engrossing story
This story was totally engrossing. The author did a great job building to the murders and laying out the events that ultimately led to the tragic conclusion.
This story was totally engrossing. The author did a great job building to the murders and laying out the events that ultimately led to the tragic conclusion.
June 2, 2014
Really interesting insight to the minds of cult leaders and members.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews