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Frozen Tears: The Fort Leonard Wood MP Murders

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In January 1977, four teenagers were kidnapped and attacked on Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. Only one survived. This true crime book is written by Missouri State Highway Patrol Trooper J.B. King, the first law enforcement officer on the scene. He recounts the events from the moment of the crime until the conviction of Military Police Game Warden Johnny Lee Thornton.

281 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 19, 2019

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167 people want to read

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J.B. King

14 books5 followers

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5 stars
60 (21%)
4 stars
83 (29%)
3 stars
87 (30%)
2 stars
26 (9%)
1 star
25 (8%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
Profile Image for BAM doesn’t answer to her real name.
2,040 reviews457 followers
Want to read
December 25, 2022
I JUST heard a podcast about this horrific crime! The podcast is called small town murder for those of you who are into those. Anyway from what I understand this book, because it's actually written by one of the investigators? or something? that it's a bit dry and factual some may not be interested, but it's crime and victims deserve to be remembered.
2 reviews5 followers
October 15, 2019
I have read Author J.B. KING's Book: FROZEN TEARS – The Fort Leonard Wood MP Murders, and here are my thoughts on this excellent account of those tragic events…and what was to follow..
• I have to say...that I was impressed by your ability to draw us into each event as it was unfolding, by describing the situation, weather, terrain, environment, and surroundings… in great detail.
• You peaked our interest in what was going on, to the point that, by the end of each chapter...our curiosity ultimately left us wanting to know more about the cases in this book.
Now, for most of my friend’s and the people around here, they know that ” I AM NOT A PERSON WHO IS EASILY IMPRESSED”, and you can bet your bottom dollar that, I will damn sure tell you exactly what I think about a subject, or the issue at hand.
In this instance, I found your book to be factual, and highly accurate according to case history, and my own personal knowledge of some of the cases that you included within “FROZEN TEARS – The Fort Leonard Wood MP Murders.”
My honest opinion of this book, and how I feel about how the content was presented, is as follows:
• It is a very interesting and easy read
• The chapters flow very well, are very easy to follow, and describe in great detail, each event as it happened.
• Your descriptions of events, and of how each individual responded are “Spot On”
• It is my opinion, that you, Sandra Miller Linhart, and your team of investigators, have put together a factual and accurate representation of what really occurred in the late night and early morning hours of January 12th and 13th of 1977, and the days to follow.
• Your book demonstrated the skills, endurance, fortitude and the resourcefulness, as well as intellectual and problem-solving capabilities that were required of Law Enforcement Officers during that period in time.
• There was no 911 system in place at that time, and radios had limitations (Dead Spots and Frequency Availability) that had to be overcome, and the weather and road conditions themselves were a challenge
In a nut shell…this book has left me with absolutely “NO QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS CASE”, and you all should feel very proud about the product that you and your team have put together over the past 32 months.
You have done a pretty damn good job on the production of this book...WELL DONE !

“I AM VERY IMPRESSED”…Thank You for this gift, that has answered so many questions that I have had for the past 42 years.

YOUR BOOK RATED A SCORE OF: 98 Out of 100…Docked you 2 points for not getting the parts that I and 2LT Tracy BORUM played in the WILLIAMS case, into the book...(We were the first Law Enforcement Officers to arrive at the crime scene, along with CID Agent George Matthews), I did the initial identification of Williams, by...(NO SPOILERS HERE)...

“MAYBE ON THE REPRINT…HINT…HINT”
Profile Image for Ronnie Cramer.
1,031 reviews34 followers
May 16, 2020
Made up primarily of comments, reminiscences, and documents related to the crimes of Johnny Lee Thornton. This material gives the work an authentic flavor, but it also makes it quite repetitive. The information presented is interesting, but often comes across more like the raw material that goes into the writing of a book.
2 reviews5 followers
July 7, 2020
I have read Author J.B. KING's Book: FROZEN TEARS – The Fort Leonard Wood MP Murders, and here are my thoughts on this excellent account of those tragic events…and what was to follow..
• I have to say...that I was impressed by your ability to draw us into each event as it was unfolding, by describing the situation, weather, terrain, environment, and surroundings… in great detail.
• You peaked our interest in what was going on, to the point that, by the end of each chapter...our curiosity ultimately left us wanting to know more about the cases in this book.
Now, for most of my friend’s and the people around here, they know that ” I AM NOT A PERSON WHO IS EASILY IMPRESSED”, and you can bet your bottom dollar that, I will damn sure tell you exactly what I think about a subject, or the issue at hand.
In this instance, I found your book to be factual, and highly accurate according to case history, and my own personal knowledge of some of the cases that you included within “FROZEN TEARS – The Fort Leonard Wood MP Murders.”
My honest opinion of this book, and how I feel about how the content was presented, is as follows:
• It is a very interesting and easy read
• The chapters flow very well, are very easy to follow, and describe in great detail, each event as it happened.
• Your descriptions of events, and of how each individual responded are “Spot On”
• It is my opinion, that you, Sandra Miller Linhart, and your team of investigators, have put together a factual and accurate representation of what really occurred in the late night and early morning hours of January 12th and 13th of 1977, and the days to follow.
• Your book demonstrated the skills, endurance, fortitude and the resourcefulness, as well as intellectual and problem-solving capabilities that were required of Law Enforcement Officers during that period in time.
• There was no 911 system in place at that time, and radios had limitations (Dead Spots and Frequency Availability) that had to be overcome, and the weather and road conditions themselves were a challenge
In a nut shell…this book has left me with absolutely “NO QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS CASE”, and you all should feel very proud about the product that you and your team have put together over the past 32 months.
You have done a pretty damn good job on the production of this book...WELL DONE !

“I AM VERY IMPRESSED”…Thank You for this gift that has answered so many questions that I have had for the past 42 years.

YOUR BOOK RATED A SCORE OF: 98 Out of 100…Docked you 2 points for not getting the part that I played in the WILLIAMS case into the book...

“MAYBE ON THE REPRINT…HINT…HINT”

NOW…how about that "Tales From The Blue Vol 2?"
“ GET TOO IT OLD MAN “…
Profile Image for ♥ Marlene♥ .
1,697 reviews146 followers
May 9, 2020
This was another kindle unlimted book I have read over the last 2 weeks.
Before I picked this one to read I had already heard about this gruesome story. I think I'd read it somewhere online years ago and I was shocked by it so when I discovered this book I cold not wait to read.

Well read I did but to be honest it is not great book. I love facts but this was a lot of facts but that was also not the problem but the repetition of them was.

Still glad I did read it. Definitely not bad book after all.
1 review
July 14, 2020
Excellent true crime writing

I find myself reading a substantial amount of true crime, most of it provided by Amazon, but almost never write reviews of any genre. I am making an exception of this one due to its excellence. Every facet of this terrible occurrence seems to have been covered. Facts are extremely well-documented. Lurid details are handled tactfully. Civilian & military issues are raised & explained clearly. If only this book could set the standard for the category.
Profile Image for Fred Fanning.
Author 46 books53 followers
July 12, 2020
As a former soldier that received his initial training at Fort Leonard Wood in 1975-1976, I was very interested in reading this book. I found the book had an impressive record of the incident and statements made by those involved. I had heard a rumor years ago that this had happened, but the book laid out a completely different crime. I am glad I read the book and didn't rely on rumor. The book is interesting and was a page-turner for me. The book reads like a police report or an in-depth television crime show. I really enjoyed it and think all others will too.
Profile Image for Tony.
103 reviews
March 30, 2020
The story centers around a Military Policeman (MP) at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri who killed three teenagers in January 1977. The only reason he was apprehended, tried and convicted was because a fourth victim survived.

Most of the teenagers were students at, or graduates of, Plato School District in Plato, Missouri.

I attended kindergarten and first grade at that school in 1973 - 1975. I'd moved out of the area by 1977 but I went to school with some of the victims.

Many of my relatives had jobs at Fort Leonard Wood. My grandmother was a telephone switchboard operator there. A couple of my uncles and my stepdad went through there (Ft Wood is an Army Basic Training facility). I used to go to church there. I've flown through the airport there. When the author talks about various parts of the Army post, I know some of these places.

So I have a personal connection to this story. It was good to finally hear the details of what happened to find out "the rest of the story."

Parts of this book are repetitious. This is because it isn't a single, narrative so much as a collection of personal recollections of people involved in the case, along with official reports and courtroom testimony. Some of these people recall the same things, in the various parts. So, while it seems like it could use some editing, keep in mind the format. The author isn't trying to tell a page-turning story. The author is trying to present all the facts, from all the people involved, keeping the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth in mind.
3 reviews
April 11, 2020
Very excellent recounting of what has essentially become a fireside folktale in the Fort Wood area. Growing up I'd vaguely heard tales about this event, and was warned about what to do if you were ever pulled over by an MP. This book definitely does an excellent job of filling people in on the events that the book is about. However, if you're looking for a book that has the guts and gore of some other 'true crime' books, this isn't it. It lays down the facts of the crime very succinctly, and builds upon that with accounts from the law enforcement officials who worked on the case and courtroom testimony. Overall, a good book and a must read of you live in Missouri.
Profile Image for Roger.
65 reviews1 follower
March 9, 2021
The most amateurishly written book I have ever "tried" reading! Someone mentioned "repetitious" in their review. "Repetitious" is a gross under statement. In the 50 or so pages I managed to muddle through, it was like taking "one step forward, three steps back" as the author stumbled clumsily from page to page............and then, as I say, began repeating everything he wrote just a few pages back only many of the facts (if they can be called, "facts") and circumstances changed even though I "think" he (the author) was trying to re-explain the events that he just got through explaining. (If you find my explanation confusing that is exactly the impression I got when trying to read what this author was trying to explain. (and this guy "the writer" is a Missouri State Patrolman????) I would hate to have to be his superior and read his reports and try to figure out exactly what this guy is trying to say!!!

Bottom line: This book was a crime in and of itself. How anyone could possibly give this a good review is beyond me. I am learning that one cannot rely on other people's reviews at all. I deleted this book (Kindle) after reading about 50 pages.
Profile Image for Jen Cahill.
46 reviews
January 9, 2022
Excellent effort by author to write a comprehensive account of a military murder

As a veteran myself who was once a victim of an Army crime on an Army installation, I would like to commend Mr. King and Ms. Kinhart's efforts, as civilians, to tell this disturbing crime and tragedy. The military is very secretive about their criminal investigations and they can get away with it. Getting information can be next to impossible, so even though this case seems to have a lot of missing pieces, for the author to have been able to obtain this much information was a surprise to me.
I really wish more had been documented in this case, but being as it was the 70s and occurred on an Army base, it doesn't surprise me.
Very good book and I would recommend it.
Profile Image for Deborah.
274 reviews2 followers
September 13, 2020
Thoroughly interesting details of the investigation and trial of the MP in Fort Leonard Wood who in 1977 murdered three people and attempted to murder a fourth. I was a civilian clerk working in Fort Leonard Wood at the time. All of us in the car pool in which I rode to and from work were from the Texas County area so our car pool used the "back gate" to enter and leave the fort. There were about 12 to 14 of us in the car pool van so it is doubtful that the murderer would have wanted to tackle so many at once, but it was still frightful. If the young woman whom the MP attempted to murder had not succeeded in getting away, who knows how many more victims he would have claimed.
3 reviews
June 4, 2022
I live in the Fort Leonard Wood area. This book is a must read for anyone new to this area or is not originally from here. The effects of this heinous crime and the tragic loss are still felt today. As someone earlier stated that it is repetitive because you will read different accounts of the same events that occurred. If you’re searching for sordid descriptions of the crimes that happened you will be disappointed. However, it’s written with a lot of consideration to the surviving family members. If you truly want to know how a crime like this can effect a small town and the law enforcement community of small towns, this is an excellent book.
Profile Image for Annie Sanchez.
3 reviews
February 21, 2021
This book was excellently well written. It kept my attention the entire book. If the writer can draw me in as my FAVORITE horror genius authors have the gift to do, well then,,,, I’m IN!

To me, there is nothing better to fall asleep to than being drawn into another world. Your senses all alert. Your blankets feel like a safety net.......but then again, are they really? You are possibly glancing toward the mound of warmth from your partner, seeking reassurance. Then you find your ears pick up an almost inaudible sound, triggering your eyes toward a corner or closet door......

Annie
26 reviews1 follower
March 2, 2021
Too much excess information.

I t was an interesting story and well told. The information was presented in a concise way but there was a lot of repetition to wade through in order to present clearly all of the facts. Once I finished the book and came to the end I was reminded of reading textbooks full of notes, legal documentation, letters and addendums I'd used in school. I think this story could have been told by a simpler style as most true crime stories are written. I think the story itself was interesting and give that 3 stars. The rest was pure fluff.
Profile Image for Michelle.
Author 2 books3 followers
September 16, 2020
Would make a heck of a movie

Indeed a fascinating story that raises all kinds of questions. Some of the most interesting angles of the case come late in the book, such as the jurisdictional exceptions which influenced the charges filed, the “coaching” during hypnosis, and the effect the crime had on the community many years later, verging on urban legend. Giving four stars instead of five as the story could benefit from some editing into a smoother narrative.
Profile Image for Dorothy Ray.
15 reviews
November 11, 2020
Interesting read!

Very compelling reading. I picked out to read because my son did boot camp at Fort Leonard Wood. The book reads very fact love me no warmth but I think that is the way the writer had planned. I understand not wanting to delve into the lives of the victims but it was like reading strictly police files so it dragged a bit! I would have liked to have read a more comprehensive history of the victims!
38 reviews
March 29, 2021
Excellent in a unique manner

This is written by a law enforcement officer whom was somewhat involved in case and is largely a rendition of pertinent reports and documents that represent the investigation of the case as well as trial along with a lot of supplemental material. It is not written in the style of a typical true crime author. Regardless it is insightful and, I thought, well done.
Profile Image for Trinity Pankratz.
16 reviews
January 1, 2025
This book is amazing! I just moved to the area where the crime in the book took place and it was a really good read! The author did an amazing job of collecting information and actual interviews to put in about the case. If you want a book about a front to back informational crime that happened in a small town, this is the book for you! This book contains actual quotes from people that took place in the trail of the crime. It’s like reading a true crime podcast.
Profile Image for Jean.
93 reviews1 follower
April 28, 2025
Couldn't put it down!
The research? Meticulous!
The details? On point.
The story was told in a way that left nothing to be desired. Everything was completely understandable. And if you questioned a detail, you had the clarification soon after.
The changes this case (1977) brought about, made for better MP's and safety in the future.
My heart goes out to the survivor and the families of the other victims.
1 review
December 28, 2020
I liked learning of the story, however the style of using interviews that repeated the story from different people's perspectives was redundant and I found myself having a hard time enjoying this read.
I would have preferred a shorter book that didn't repeat so much of the story continually.
It is something we should all know about and look at mental stability of all people in authority.
Profile Image for Barbara.
85 reviews1 follower
October 6, 2023
Good Read for Local Folks

The book was fairly well written and it’s a harrowing tale but I think it has a limited audience appeal, specifically limited to those who live in the Ft. Leonard Wood area or those who are familiar with Ft. Wood. Might have had a wider appeal if it were a “fiction based on fact” novel instead of a documentary.
Profile Image for Robi A.
235 reviews3 followers
July 18, 2020
Horrible Military Murders

Well documented look at 1977 murders on military base by a Military Police. Truly the most complete story written by a fellow cop who actually worked at the same time as the murderer.
570 reviews3 followers
January 3, 2021
A very dry read

I know this book has good ratings and the author states at the beginning that he won an award for this book but to me it was very dry and lacked something. It was more like reading a text book or court file to me.
Profile Image for Marylou.
18 reviews
December 5, 2020
I personally know this author, and was living on Fort Leonard Wood when this happened. The account of the murders makes it all very real again.
1 review
December 13, 2020
Very little in depth accounting of the story behind the murders. Mostly reprints of official documents. Boring.
Profile Image for George J. Rogers.
6 reviews
January 7, 2021
Although interesting, there was too much redundancy. The author seemed to keep going over and over the same things.
Profile Image for Military Writers Society of America (MWSA).
805 reviews74 followers
Read
April 17, 2020
MWSA Review

A book that captures one of the most terrible crimes ever at Fort Leonard Wood. A true story that is horrid in its very nature. The author uses plenty of court legal documents and records to show the evidence and share the details of the trial. The authors leave little doubt as to what happened and as to the guilt of the killer. A historic piece of military police working to solve a crime.

The fact that the author J.B. King was there and was a part of this investigation gives the book a hard-hitting edge to this true story. A well done book and a great read. Gripping and spellbinding account of murder and rape—and justice!

Review by Bill McDonald (April 2020)
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