Evil Families: A History of Bad Blood

by Martin Knight

Is it true that the apple never falls far from the tree? Throughout history, you see examples where criminality seems to run in the family. From the Ptolemaic dynasty that terrorized Greek Egypt to the modern mafia, familial ties often dictate your relationship to violence, cruelty and the law.Evil Families examines just this, using case studies from across history. These include the Qing Dynasty of Ancient China, the cannibalistic Beane family in 15th century Scotland, the Stafflebacks of Kansas and the Messina brothers of London's West End. This book is about murder, madness, lust and ruthless ambition, as well as those devastating cases where family members gang up and cause harm other relatives.Everyone strives to protect their own family, but what cruelties are concealed by these bonds of blood?

Genres: True Crime, Crime, Nonfiction

264 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 6, 2019

Reviews

[Josephine Jarman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sadly the premise of this via the blurb did not meet the reality. This is a hard subject matter with disturbing stories. The stories were matter of fact but it was only the last chapter that tied things up. For me it needed greater explanation in each story, it was like the author wanted to sit in the fench and just give their what if at the end which took away the power of this for me. The narrator did a good job considering the subject matter but was very monotone and it felt flat in places. I think if the blurb was rewritten to reflect this is a collection of dark crimes committed within various families this would have a wider audience who rated the book higher. The basic are kinda there it just needed a good edit and the author to commit to the blurb, not be just a collection of dark disturbing stories told in a matter of fact sing song matter. Thank you to netgallery, publisher , author and narrator and i hope to see future volumes or versions more clearer,.

[Javaneh · Rating 1 out of 5]

I wanted to like this book but it’s just not good. It started out promising but I found several issues with each chapter. There were a few historical antidotes that were either just wrong or out of order. Most of the stories of evil families were glossed over and quickly written so as to spend an exhaustive amount of time on gangs in the UK, USA, and Central America. I also found the use of images of dead bodies from cartel murders entirely unnecessary. Besides the simplistic writing style, my biggest issue with this book is the last chapter. There is a quote from The Human Zoo that essentially states wild animals don’t do “unnatural” things like self harm, masturbate, have homosexual sex, murder, kill their off-roading, etc., but people do. That’s just not true. A few pages later the author equates anxiety to a choice and when people decide not to control that they become sociopaths and psychopaths. I was hoping for a juicy true crime book about evil families and instead got a quick but immaculate read.

[Nicholas Cumby · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s okay. Not exactly what I was expecting but still had some cool info. I think the last chapter is the big save for tying it together better. I feel this book is more of a precursor to investigating some of these stories themselves as most of the mentioned cases are rather big.

[Jose · Rating 1 out of 5]

Interesting yet shocking and disturbing read, I feel though a lot of the information was sourced off the net, also I did not care for the psychobabbletalk. I also got the impression that sometimes the author made light of some things but then goes on to say something along the lines of crime does not pay which is very true, don't know if the book is just another glorification of crime or what the intentions were.

[Hazel · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very interesting but shocking and disturbing look at evil and depraved families from Ancient Rome to more recent times.

It is clear that the author has done an awful lot of research and it must have taken ages to write; it is full of facts and information from some crimes I haven't heard of before, and I have read and watched a lot of true crime, and new information from crimes I have some knowledge of which was very interesting and enlightening. It never ceases to amaze me how evil some people can be to their fellow human beings.

I applaud the narrator for her professionalism whilst reading some of the most heinous crimes over the years however, it was a bit monotone and without any feeling at all which detracted from the book somewhat but I definitely recommend the audiobook as I would imagine the physical book would be very dry. I listened to it in the car in short bursts so this kept my interest.

Overall, an interesting book for people who enjoy reading about true crime but beware, there are some horrendous stories. Many thanks to the author, Arcturus Publishing and NetGalley for enabling me to listen to and share my thoughts of this disturbing but enlightening book.

[Lexa K · Rating 3 out of 5]

An insight into the depraved minds and actions of evil families, some dating back centuries, and some more modern in their horrific nature.

Featuring the likes of The Borgias, Ma Barker, Fred and Rose West, and the Barbie and Ken killers alongside different tales of scottish cannibals, religious cults and drug cartels. This book is pretty gruesome. However, there were so many different families that I did find it hard to keep up as many families featured in this book just seemed to be brushed over, and it quickly moved onto the next.

I listened to the audio version of this book, and the narrator, Maya Grant, was easy to follow and had an easy to listen tone to her voice.

I would have liked perhaps less filler and more in-depth details about more specific families, but all in all, it was a decent and informative book.

Thank you to the publisher for allowing me to receive an advance copy of this book via Netgalley.

[Laura Newsholme · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a well constructed and interesting look at some of the most 'evil' families in history, from the early Roman Emperors, to the Borgias, to killer couples such as Fred and Rose West through to the Mafia and the Central American drug cartels. I found the chapters entertaining and although by definition, there wasn't a great deal of depth to each examination, it certainly works as a jumping off point. I also appreciated the discussions around human nature and psychology, along with the impact of overcrowding in cities and lack of impulse control. Overall, this was an enjoyable read and I would recommend it.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review.

[Jose · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting yet shocking and disturbing read, I feel though a lot of the information was sourced off the net, also I did not care for the psychobabbletalk. I also got the impression that sometimes the author made light of some things but then goes on to say something along the lines of crime does not pay which is very true, don't know if the book is just another glorification of crime or what the intentions were.

[Patricia · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was such a struggle for me to get through for the fact it was just so meh. I don’t know what I was expecting but this wasn’t it. I felt there wasn’t enough to some of the stories and they were rushed through while others rambled on to an exhausted level. I’ll just add it to my donate book box.

[Amanda · Rating 1 out of 5]

Some of this information is straight up wrong. Silvia Likens, for example. Her parents weren't separated (they literally went to work together) and she wasn’t placed in that house to "straighten her out." Referring to Canada as a state (wtf...) and Paul Bernardo was an "all American boy" when he was Canadian.

Just a little extra research would have told the author SO much.

[Alanna Fowler · Rating 3 out of 5]

I often say I wish books like this would move on faster but these were just fact after fact after fact and I needed the horrors to slow down. It is interesting.
Thank you NetGalley for letting me listen and review

[Mellissa Bushby · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an interesting albeit shocking foray into the minds of some very sick and depraved people. There were a few instances where I felt a little ill at what the human race is capable of, and believe me when I tell you I am under no illusion as to how dreadful they are.

No frills here, and no punches pulled. And it's a shocker. Worth a read for anyone interested in true crime.

3.5 stars.

[Jennifer Serna · Rating 2 out of 5]

Good at times but overall a pretty dull read

[Jose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting yet shocking and disturbing read, I feel though a lot of the information was sourced off the net, also I did not care for the psychobabbletalk. I also got the impression that sometimes the author made light of some things but then goes on to say something along the lines of crime does not pay which is very true, don't know if the book is just another glorification of crime or what the intentions were.

[Lisa Elkins]

Now I know the crimes & criminals some of my favorite shows have been based on.

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was so good, chilling but very good. I haven't heard or read of such cruel and disgusting killers.

[Anthony Rognsvoog · Rating 2 out of 5]

There were some very interesting stories in the book, but it was organized poorly, noted poorly, and without a clear focus.