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Blood of Innocents: The True Story of Multiple Murder in West Memphis, Arkansas
Recounts the true story of the deaths of three eight-year-old boys who were horribly slain after a night of torture and mutilation, and the three teenagers from the same community as the victims who were finally brought to justice.
416 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1995
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
February 27, 2011
This book is extremely biased against the accused killers. It was written while the trial was going on, so the controversy surrounding the case isn't touched upon. Devil's Knot: The True Story of the West Memphis Three is a much better source of information. It was written after the trials, and talks in detail about the coerced confession, the lack of evidence, and witnesses who recanted their statements after the trial, among other things.
April 10, 2008
I would give this negative 5 stars if I could.
Wildly biased and poorly written. Check out Devil's Knot for a truer, clearer, and unbiased account.
Wildly biased and poorly written. Check out Devil's Knot for a truer, clearer, and unbiased account.
March 28, 2011
About 15 years ago, I saw the first documentary (Paradise Lost) as an HBO special, delving into the apparent problems with this case surrounding the investigation of the accused (and ultimately convicted) and also the follow up to it, several years later. I recently ran across this book in a used book store. In a weird way, throughout both the documentaries and while reading this book, I felt a certain kinship shared with Damien Echols (from the perspective of my late teenage years) that has always made this case, for me, more interesting but frightening at the same time. It's made me wonder from time to time, how he and the others were coping, how the appeal process was working out, and would their situation change? Periodically I peruse the "west memphis 3" web site to read updates on this case (www.wm3.org). This book seemed to be more matter-of-fact, leaving you unsure of your feelings by the end as to whether justice had been served, however peculiar the scenery was or the roads taken on the race to achieve it, or was this a modern day and literal "witch hunt", you just witnessed, not unlike Arthur Miller's "Crucible". What I can't understand was how a jury could render a verdict without obviously noting that "reasonable doubt" issue so boldly staring them in the face. It makes me want to see those documentaries all over again.
September 20, 2018
I remember reading this YEARS ago. I don't really remember a lot of details but I do remember all the "theories" surrounding this and I actually wasn't convinced that these boys actually did what they were accused of. I mean, I wear black t-shirts and listen to heavy metal and some death metal. But that doesn't mean I worship the devil and murder children. Recently, something popped up on TV about it when they were referencing another crime and reignited my interest.
May 24, 2012
This book doesn't have all the facts. It was poorly written, worse than your average newspaper article. Devil's Knot is a much more accurate telling of the story. It is obvious what the writer thinks about the accused young men. So much was left out of this book. This case is notorious for reasonable doubt, yet the author left out so many facts, it is hard to tell it is the same case. Very disappointing. Looks like someone is just trying to make a little money off this tragedy instead of get to the truth. I would not recommend anyone wasting their time on this piece of trash writing.
May 10, 2010
Biased, biased, biased. I guess you could say the author's bias and my own just don't mesh very well.
March 16, 2011
A very biased look at the story of the West Memphis Three.
March 10, 2019
Like Devil's Knot, this is a book about the West Memphis murders. It was written before Echols, Baldwin, and Misskelley were offered an Alford plea, and it is much less certain about their innocence. I would call it agnostic, really. Reel, Perrusquia, and Sullivan don't have a theory; they are just telling the story of the case. (Which is itself a loaded undertaking, but I don't think they have an axe to grind.) Although Leveritt includes a lot of information in Devil's Knot that Reel, Perrusquia, and Sullivan don't have, they present some details she leaves out, including unfortunate details that point towards Echols, Baldwin, and Misskelley's possible guilt. There are things she paints as ridiculous about the police investigation that they provide real explanations of--explanations that have to have been available to Leveritt as well.
But there's a lot they agree on. Reel, Perrusquia, and Sullivan do emphasize that the police investigation was a mess and that the prosecutors didn't present evidence beyond a reasonable doubt in court. They may not be sure about guilt or innocence, but they make it clear that Echols, Baldwin, and Misskelley did not get fair trials. I got less angry reading this book than I did Leveritt--who is trumpeting MISCARRIAGE OF JUSTICE on almost every page about the trials--but the calmer assessment comes down to the same thing.
This was a better book than I was expecting (based on its paperback original publication and its lurid and badly designed cover, which I know isn't fair). Four stars.
But there's a lot they agree on. Reel, Perrusquia, and Sullivan do emphasize that the police investigation was a mess and that the prosecutors didn't present evidence beyond a reasonable doubt in court. They may not be sure about guilt or innocence, but they make it clear that Echols, Baldwin, and Misskelley did not get fair trials. I got less angry reading this book than I did Leveritt--who is trumpeting MISCARRIAGE OF JUSTICE on almost every page about the trials--but the calmer assessment comes down to the same thing.
This was a better book than I was expecting (based on its paperback original publication and its lurid and badly designed cover, which I know isn't fair). Four stars.
January 23, 2016
Yikes. This is one of the scariest cases in legal jurisprudence, reminding us that although the jury CAN rely on things like fiber evidence and DNA testing in deciding guilt or innocence, they can also, just as legally, convict you because they don't like your haircut or your taste in music.
July 5, 2018
I actually just recently found out about this case after falling down a rabbit hole about the Dixie Chicks conspiracy, because one of the singers spoke out on behalf of the teens in 2001 or so. After realizing this was actually a huge deal, I'm surprised I hadn't heard of it before. I ended up watching all three Paradise Lost documentaries in one weekend.
Reading this book after watching all three movies is interesting. Not only because I know how the story "ends" if you will, but also just the time shock, which is only further proven by statements such as, "Under Arkansas law, Luminol test results are not admissible in court because they are considered unreliable, suggestive, and highly prejudicial." A lot of reviews on Goodreads rate this book as 1 Star because they found it biased. Upon finishing the book, I don't see any bias at all. I feel that this book was far more in depth that the "Paradise Lost" documentaries, and it had accounts from many more people, which only went to show how confusing this case was and how insubstantial the evidence, or lack thereof, was.
For a true crime novel, I actually found this one more enjoyable to read than most. Of course, it's strange reading a book that is 20 years old about a case that has already been revisited and resolved, but regardless I'm glad I got this additional point of view on the case. Since I'm prone to falling down rabbit holes, I will also be trying to find interviews on YouTube and will be watching the film "The Devil's Knot" soon enough, and hopefully I'll find a way to watch "West of Memphis" soon, too.
Reading this book after watching all three movies is interesting. Not only because I know how the story "ends" if you will, but also just the time shock, which is only further proven by statements such as, "Under Arkansas law, Luminol test results are not admissible in court because they are considered unreliable, suggestive, and highly prejudicial." A lot of reviews on Goodreads rate this book as 1 Star because they found it biased. Upon finishing the book, I don't see any bias at all. I feel that this book was far more in depth that the "Paradise Lost" documentaries, and it had accounts from many more people, which only went to show how confusing this case was and how insubstantial the evidence, or lack thereof, was.
For a true crime novel, I actually found this one more enjoyable to read than most. Of course, it's strange reading a book that is 20 years old about a case that has already been revisited and resolved, but regardless I'm glad I got this additional point of view on the case. Since I'm prone to falling down rabbit holes, I will also be trying to find interviews on YouTube and will be watching the film "The Devil's Knot" soon enough, and hopefully I'll find a way to watch "West of Memphis" soon, too.
January 1, 2014
A lot of pages of nothing...but that's not really the writers fault is it?
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April 26, 2010I am currently reading this book and I have alot of knowledge of the case, and i really don't like what I am reading
December 10, 2013
Great book.
Read
July 1, 2020When I finished The Blood of innocents I came away from it sure that the WM3 were not guilty.
I like this book because it just gives you the story (with all the crazy delusions and hate-filled so-called evidence fueling the investigation/witch-hunt) and when you´re half way through, all the declarations about the guilt of the WM3 just start to sound silly. There are almost detailed descriptions about Damien looking this way or that at the trial and that since he did, the gossip and lies that were presented as evidence have more merit. He wears black, he chanted once and he is "different". Wow, hardcore police work and prosecuting there guys!
The occult angle of the investigation is very interesting, probably the most interesting thing about the book (and also what made me most angry). We still hear distant accounts about the satanic panic that happened in that time period and here we have details of a one man´s quest to prove that it´s all real. Even the writers of the book who are trying to prove that WM3 are guilty (this book officially tows the official line and is not unbiased) seem to feel embarrassed when writing about that stuff. Having been an investigator who did nothing but follow up on that must have been a very bitter experience afterwards. At least I hope it was.
I guess there´s no need to tell you by now but this book made me into a supporter of the WM3, I was always looking them up online to see if they had been freed yet...
It´s not really fair how the murder of the three little boys isn´t at the forefront thanks to the people who handled the case. Their killer/s is still not caught.
I like this book because it just gives you the story (with all the crazy delusions and hate-filled so-called evidence fueling the investigation/witch-hunt) and when you´re half way through, all the declarations about the guilt of the WM3 just start to sound silly. There are almost detailed descriptions about Damien looking this way or that at the trial and that since he did, the gossip and lies that were presented as evidence have more merit. He wears black, he chanted once and he is "different". Wow, hardcore police work and prosecuting there guys!
The occult angle of the investigation is very interesting, probably the most interesting thing about the book (and also what made me most angry). We still hear distant accounts about the satanic panic that happened in that time period and here we have details of a one man´s quest to prove that it´s all real. Even the writers of the book who are trying to prove that WM3 are guilty (this book officially tows the official line and is not unbiased) seem to feel embarrassed when writing about that stuff. Having been an investigator who did nothing but follow up on that must have been a very bitter experience afterwards. At least I hope it was.
I guess there´s no need to tell you by now but this book made me into a supporter of the WM3, I was always looking them up online to see if they had been freed yet...
It´s not really fair how the murder of the three little boys isn´t at the forefront thanks to the people who handled the case. Their killer/s is still not caught.
June 20, 2024
Don't be misled by the one star reviews and the cheap cover art. This is rock solid journalism that's content to present the facts of the investigation and keep any and all of its biases in check, which is as it should be. That's why it's probably still the best publication on the case to date. Contrary to what you'll hear from the one star fan crowd it's not at all biased against the defendants and makes it easy for everyone to see where the very obvious blind spots in prosecution's case were, no matter whether you think Echols & Co. are innocent or guilty. It also gives you a very good sense of ramped-up hysteria surrounding the case.
September 10, 2022
This book is pretty null and void now since we know the WM3 are innocent. It just tells the prosecutions version and presents it as fact. Wonder what the authors stance is now? I know that the author of Precious Angels (regarding the Darlie Routier case) publicly stated her opinion had changed since writing her book.
September 12, 2017
It was biased toward the young men being guilty, but I'm not entirely sure.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 28, 2018
It was very sad
July 17, 2019
Incredibly biased. The authors include some factual information about the case, but don't let this be your only source about the West Memphis 3.
January 19, 2021
It was fun reading a book from the perspective and belief that these teenagers without a doubt murderers these young boys. It was written in 1995.
Do your research before deciding to read this
Do your research before deciding to read this
March 6, 2014
in many ways this is a horrific book..not only does it deal with the sadistic killing of three young boys but in confronts the real possibility that the court case and convictions that followed were a sham.
at the time of writing the accused are free under a strange deceleration that they can maintain their innocence whilst the state can retain their credibility by claiming there was enough evidence for a conviction...that said given that witnesses have since been discredited and the lack of murder weapons DNA links,lost evidence which may have pointed to a different perpetrator plus a crime scene that didn't follow true protocol you wonder how the convictions ever stuck and how a jury were hoodwinked.
even given the possibility police had the right people the evidence even at trial has difficulty supporting this.
the book itself is matter of fact and pretty much on the fence in its reporting and deals with facts from the trail plus the testimonies of others...other fingers are pointed but I understand now that although the book points out one stepdad as being under scrutiny since these events another has been presented as a possibility..all of this however is conjecture and ultimately evidence of wrongdoing by others isn't backed up by sufficient evidence neither.
the book paints a muddy picture of a police department out of their depth but in fairness trying to do their best to reassure a community..I understand there are better books and documentary films on this case but as someone new to reading about it(though having heard of the case ) I found this more than readable.
at the time of writing the accused are free under a strange deceleration that they can maintain their innocence whilst the state can retain their credibility by claiming there was enough evidence for a conviction...that said given that witnesses have since been discredited and the lack of murder weapons DNA links,lost evidence which may have pointed to a different perpetrator plus a crime scene that didn't follow true protocol you wonder how the convictions ever stuck and how a jury were hoodwinked.
even given the possibility police had the right people the evidence even at trial has difficulty supporting this.
the book itself is matter of fact and pretty much on the fence in its reporting and deals with facts from the trail plus the testimonies of others...other fingers are pointed but I understand now that although the book points out one stepdad as being under scrutiny since these events another has been presented as a possibility..all of this however is conjecture and ultimately evidence of wrongdoing by others isn't backed up by sufficient evidence neither.
the book paints a muddy picture of a police department out of their depth but in fairness trying to do their best to reassure a community..I understand there are better books and documentary films on this case but as someone new to reading about it(though having heard of the case ) I found this more than readable.
August 25, 2019
There are not adequate words to express how bad this piece of trash is. First, let me say, that I know bad books are just as hard to write as good ones, but I don't believe this one was. It's chocked full of errors. Even the opening prologue or whatever is wrong. I literally quit counting at about 300 errors. Of course, it was written near the time of the trials, which are also full of errors so I suppose I could excuse them for writing it. But I can't.
This is total exploitation of a situation to gain money or whatever. It's sensationalism at its worst. It's bad press, bad publishing, and written badly too. There is nothing good about it. I almost didn't finish it and well, I always finish what I start reading.
In hindsight, it's ridiculous. Totally ridiculous. That anyone would believe this mess is tragic. And some probably do. And that is profoundly insightful when I think about it, how ignorant people can be and how biased.
It doesn't deserve one star. It doesn't deserve to be printed and here. But this is the USA and we don't censor books and I am here to tell you, that's okay. Because I have a God given American right to say this is the biggest piece of crap I have ever read. THE END.
This is total exploitation of a situation to gain money or whatever. It's sensationalism at its worst. It's bad press, bad publishing, and written badly too. There is nothing good about it. I almost didn't finish it and well, I always finish what I start reading.
In hindsight, it's ridiculous. Totally ridiculous. That anyone would believe this mess is tragic. And some probably do. And that is profoundly insightful when I think about it, how ignorant people can be and how biased.
It doesn't deserve one star. It doesn't deserve to be printed and here. But this is the USA and we don't censor books and I am here to tell you, that's okay. Because I have a God given American right to say this is the biggest piece of crap I have ever read. THE END.
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July 16, 2012This book horrified me. It is not recent and they wrote it in such a way that you ended the book believing these boys were heartless child killers. After i was finished i started doing some research online and found all these groups dedicated to freeing these boys, because they were wrongly accused. New forensics have proven they were innocent and that one of the kids step dads was the killer. They have been released. Its amazing to read the book now and cross it to interviews of the family members and the wrongly convicted. To imagine what it would be like to live thinking you could be executed any day for something you never did, to lose half your life to a cell for no reason at all.
July 6, 2014
This book is the reason that I don't read True Crime novels very often.
Regardless of what I think of the WM3 and who killed Stevie, Chris and Michael, this book is poorly written and almost painful to read. It was written during the trials, and quite obviously it was written quickly, to try and make a few dollars off this now-famous case.
In several places, the author makes things up simply to fill in the holes in the story, as if this were fiction and not a real life event.
If you want to learn more about the West Memphis Three and the Robin Hood Murders, read Mara Leveritt's Devil's Knot or research it online.
Regardless of what I think of the WM3 and who killed Stevie, Chris and Michael, this book is poorly written and almost painful to read. It was written during the trials, and quite obviously it was written quickly, to try and make a few dollars off this now-famous case.
In several places, the author makes things up simply to fill in the holes in the story, as if this were fiction and not a real life event.
If you want to learn more about the West Memphis Three and the Robin Hood Murders, read Mara Leveritt's Devil's Knot or research it online.
February 12, 2011
I would have had a very hard time if I were on the jury of this case. They just had so little evidence. I think the whole thing was decided on emotion rather than fact. The only thing they had was Misskelley's confession and even that was suspect. The police made many mistakes. I don't like to see criminals get off on technicalities, but I'm kind of surprised they didn't in this case.
August 11, 2011
Great read. I dont believe it was completely unbiased though. The book never mentioned Miskelly recanting his confession immediately after making it. Or did this not happen? Im am not sure on wether Echols, Baldwin, or Miskelly commited the murder. What I am sure of is that there was not near enough evidence to prove these boys commited the murder (beyond a shadow of adoubt).
November 23, 2008
The first book published on the West Memphis Three, but certainly not the best. Just ok; Devil's Knot is much much better.
April 10, 2009
Three Cub scout friends, together, ride their bikes into the woods and before dawn all three are found dead!
Good book if you like true crime.
Good book if you like true crime.
January 30, 2013
I'm still not sure if they're guilty or innocent. Definitely a good read though.
June 25, 2015
Not well written, but worthwhile to read for anyone who has followed this case. (Will see if Devil's Knot is a better telling of the story.)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews