What do you think?
Rate this book
Bogeyman: He Was Every Parent's Nightmare
Bogeyman describes in dramatic detail and with heartrending poignancy the efforts of tenacious Texas lawmen to solve the cold case murders of three little girls and hold serial child killer David Elliot Penton accountable for his horrific crimes.
From the book: “For years he’d stalked elementary schools and playground looking for young girls from low-income neighborhoods to abduct, rape and murder. He thought of them as ‘throwaway kids’—hardly missed, and soon forgotten, except by those who loved them. He was every parent’s worst nightmare. The bogeyman they warned their children about . . . the fiend who lurked outside bedroom windows.”
From the book: “For years he’d stalked elementary schools and playground looking for young girls from low-income neighborhoods to abduct, rape and murder. He thought of them as ‘throwaway kids’—hardly missed, and soon forgotten, except by those who loved them. He was every parent’s worst nightmare. The bogeyman they warned their children about . . . the fiend who lurked outside bedroom windows.”
250 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 4, 2014
491 people are currently reading
2262 people want to read
About the author
Steve Jackson
19 books208 followers“He writes with both muscle and heart”—New York Times bestselling author Gregg Olsen
New York Times bestselling author and award-winning journalist Steve Jackson has written ten non-fiction books in true crime, history and biography genres; he has also written fourteen crime fiction thrillers for the long-running and Times bestselling "Butch Karp Series" in collaboration with former New York assistant district attorney Robert K. Tanenbaum.
He is currently in the process of writing three more contracted non-fiction books: ALL SECURE (Hachette), FINDING ANASTASIA (Potomac) and SAVING ANNIE (WildBlue Press), as well as working on a sequel to his bestseller NO STONE UNTURNED. He is also finishing a novel, ISLAND OF WOMEN. The publishers of his previous books include: HarperCollins, Simon & Schuster, Pinnacle, Atrium, De Capo, and WildBlue Press.
Steve is also the co-owner of indie publisher WildBlue Press (wildbluepress.com) with partner Michael Cordova. As of July 2018, WildBlue Press will have published more than 75 books by fifty authors in true crime, crime fiction, romance, history, current events, memoir and business genres after less than four years in business. Many of these books have become award-winning bestsellers, and several have been optioned for film and television productions.
The company is rapidly expanding both the number of authors and titles, and will be moving into other genres in the Summer and Fall of 2018.
His first non-fiction book, MONSTER, a true crime, was published in October 1998 and within two weeks became a New York Times bestseller. In 2003, his World War II dramatic narrative, LUCKY LADY, received The Colorado Book Award, best biography/history, from the Colorado Center for the Book; Lucky Lady was also the runner-up that year for the Admiral Samuel Morrison Naval History Award.
In June 2013, Jackson joined forensic investigative team NecroSearch International (the group featured in NO STONE UNTURNED) searching for the remains of the Grand Duke Mikhail Romanov in Perm, Russia as part of his research for an upcoming dramatic narrative history FINDING ANASTASIA.
Honored with NecroSearch membership in 2014, he and the team returned to Russia to continue the search in 2015, 2016, 2017 and will return to conclude their search in June 2018.
Born in 1955, Jackson grew up in Hawaii and Colorado. He graduated in 1979 from Colorado State University with a BA in Journalism.
A newspaper journalist for 25 years, he worked in locales as varied as Montana, Hawaii, Guam, Micronesia, Indonesia, Indiana, Washington D.C., Florida, Oregon and Colorado. During his career with newspapers, he received numerous national and regional awards for feature writing and investigative reporting.
Outside of writing, his interests include backpacking, fly fishing, skiing, guitar, reading, softball, music, wine, beer and spending time with his family and friends.
New York Times bestselling author and award-winning journalist Steve Jackson has written ten non-fiction books in true crime, history and biography genres; he has also written fourteen crime fiction thrillers for the long-running and Times bestselling "Butch Karp Series" in collaboration with former New York assistant district attorney Robert K. Tanenbaum.
He is currently in the process of writing three more contracted non-fiction books: ALL SECURE (Hachette), FINDING ANASTASIA (Potomac) and SAVING ANNIE (WildBlue Press), as well as working on a sequel to his bestseller NO STONE UNTURNED. He is also finishing a novel, ISLAND OF WOMEN. The publishers of his previous books include: HarperCollins, Simon & Schuster, Pinnacle, Atrium, De Capo, and WildBlue Press.
Steve is also the co-owner of indie publisher WildBlue Press (wildbluepress.com) with partner Michael Cordova. As of July 2018, WildBlue Press will have published more than 75 books by fifty authors in true crime, crime fiction, romance, history, current events, memoir and business genres after less than four years in business. Many of these books have become award-winning bestsellers, and several have been optioned for film and television productions.
The company is rapidly expanding both the number of authors and titles, and will be moving into other genres in the Summer and Fall of 2018.
His first non-fiction book, MONSTER, a true crime, was published in October 1998 and within two weeks became a New York Times bestseller. In 2003, his World War II dramatic narrative, LUCKY LADY, received The Colorado Book Award, best biography/history, from the Colorado Center for the Book; Lucky Lady was also the runner-up that year for the Admiral Samuel Morrison Naval History Award.
In June 2013, Jackson joined forensic investigative team NecroSearch International (the group featured in NO STONE UNTURNED) searching for the remains of the Grand Duke Mikhail Romanov in Perm, Russia as part of his research for an upcoming dramatic narrative history FINDING ANASTASIA.
Honored with NecroSearch membership in 2014, he and the team returned to Russia to continue the search in 2015, 2016, 2017 and will return to conclude their search in June 2018.
Born in 1955, Jackson grew up in Hawaii and Colorado. He graduated in 1979 from Colorado State University with a BA in Journalism.
A newspaper journalist for 25 years, he worked in locales as varied as Montana, Hawaii, Guam, Micronesia, Indonesia, Indiana, Washington D.C., Florida, Oregon and Colorado. During his career with newspapers, he received numerous national and regional awards for feature writing and investigative reporting.
Outside of writing, his interests include backpacking, fly fishing, skiing, guitar, reading, softball, music, wine, beer and spending time with his family and friends.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 120 reviews
October 8, 2014
Shiny pebbles thrown 1 at a time into the pond determines how many children the bogeyman has abducted. Parents can only ponder/imagine the atrocities he has done to them.
Throwaway kids; African American, Asian, or Hispanic girls. These 2 things highlight what some pedophiles are all about.
I've worked with 1,000's of theses mostly male teen/adult (correctional, public). Females are rare. They end up more into drugs/prostitution. Blame it on well the same thing " it happened to me." OK . Is there a mental illness involved usually. I won't get into that. Another mechanism used to put the blame elsewhere.
Unfortunately there is always someone lurking around the corner to take his/her place.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well CSI intent on detail written book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make great CSI movie, PP presentation (Criminology) or mini TV series (A & E, History channel). 1 you won't want to put down. There is no doubt in my mind this is a very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free (Story Cartel ) book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
Throwaway kids; African American, Asian, or Hispanic girls. These 2 things highlight what some pedophiles are all about.
I've worked with 1,000's of theses mostly male teen/adult (correctional, public). Females are rare. They end up more into drugs/prostitution. Blame it on well the same thing " it happened to me." OK . Is there a mental illness involved usually. I won't get into that. Another mechanism used to put the blame elsewhere.
Unfortunately there is always someone lurking around the corner to take his/her place.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well CSI intent on detail written book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make great CSI movie, PP presentation (Criminology) or mini TV series (A & E, History channel). 1 you won't want to put down. There is no doubt in my mind this is a very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free (Story Cartel ) book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
October 12, 2014
I received this book via StoryCartel to give an honest review.
The title called out to me. I wanted to get my hands on this book to see what this book was about I didn't even read the blurb when I selected this book. Then I went to Goodreads to add it to my books I am reading, and I read the blurb. This is a story that takes place in the 80's and you can tell that the officers have their work cut out for them. It is not easy to capture someone so sick and twisted back then as you could almost do it now.
Let me say I no longer want my kiddos outside playing in the yard without me right there.
This story is of the serial killer David Penton who I do not know anything about. This is an account of his crimes by a detective who found the cold case of one of his young victims and never gave up trying to put Penton away. I have to say that this is a detective that every missing, kidnapped, killed person's family would want to try to get answers for them. Penton is a sick and twisted man, and while reading the book yes I could tell he was evil, but it didn't truly hit until the end when I got to the pictures of those little girls. The youngest being three, my heart broke. This author while writing about the crimes didn't go into the detail of what Penton did to his victims but you could grasp what he did and I am very surprised he did not get the death penalty.
You get a feel from the officers that were the first to learn of the crime that happened that it took a toll on them, and their family. And we always think about the victims family and how they are torn apart but we never think of the officers it affects. And this story touches on that along with the victims families, and those that were witnesses.
The author did a great job with researching all of this and getting facts, and pulling you into a story of a great detective Gary Sweet and how he never once gave up.
I think if I could give this book more than 5 stars than I would. Not because of the crimes committed but for the fact that we learned about someone so evil that it brings to light that we need to hug our children a bit tighter. It is a book that will tug on your heart strings, but will want you to read it to the very end to find out if the girls ever get justice.
December 1, 2025
I couldn't finish this one either. I just felt like the writing was too discombobulated.
October 13, 2014
BOGEYMAN: He was every Parent’s Nightmare, by author Steve Jackson, is a well-researched, well-written, true crime, non-fiction book. Author Steve Jackson covers two decades of Detectives who committed themselves, and their lives, to proving the guilt of David Penton as the abductor, abuser, and killer of several young girls in, and near, a small town in Texas.
David Penton went on his crime spree during the 1980’s; a time when there were no such things as Amber Alerts, Cell Phone, DNA Testing, or Internet. After years of gathering evidence, the Detectives and Lawyers felt they had enough evidence to convict Penton. Unfortunately, the case never went to trial. Penton agreed to a ‘plea bargain'; he pled guilty to the murder of three girls in exchange for a sentence to life without parole. This ‘plea bargain’ eliminated the threat of the death penalty.
Author Steve Jackson writes about the distress the Detectives, and their families, went through and the heart-breaking throes of torment the families of the victims went through.
I am not a reader of non-fiction, but BOGEYMAN reminded me of a time when my own daughters were growing up and the fear I felt for them each day. The book is also a reminder to all that the evil, that is Penton and others like him, lives on.
I highly recommend this book to all.
A PDF copy of BOGEYMAN was provided to me by Story Cartel in exchange for an honest review.
http://mauldinfamily1.wordpress.com/2...
September 27, 2014
As you know, I don't read very much nonfiction. This book makes me want to change that.
Before reading this, I hadn't heard anything about David Penton, who is the titular Bogeyman. I feel like now I know almost too much. I don't want to get melodramatic, but he's one of those people who is just pure evil.
You should know that bad things happen throughout the course of the book but that Steve Jackson doesn't really go into detail. I mean, you know what happens, but it's not gone into in lurid detail.
It's obvious that Steve Jackson did a great deal of research into this, and that he talked to a lot of people. While it seems that we hear about things mainly from the police officers' perspective, we also hear from the victims' parents and from a few people who had seen Penton and were nearly abducted but got away. (Unfortunately, there aren't many of them; he was able to take almost every child he came across.)
This book is not for the easily disturbed, but I found it fascinating. Also, given all the smears that police officers are facing now, it was nice to read about these officers who went through so much to find this man who was preying on and killing children. There were a lot of repercussions for them---mainly emotionally, although some marriages suffered as well---and they just would not stop until he was found, apprehended, tried and jailed.
Highly recommended.
Before reading this, I hadn't heard anything about David Penton, who is the titular Bogeyman. I feel like now I know almost too much. I don't want to get melodramatic, but he's one of those people who is just pure evil.
You should know that bad things happen throughout the course of the book but that Steve Jackson doesn't really go into detail. I mean, you know what happens, but it's not gone into in lurid detail.
It's obvious that Steve Jackson did a great deal of research into this, and that he talked to a lot of people. While it seems that we hear about things mainly from the police officers' perspective, we also hear from the victims' parents and from a few people who had seen Penton and were nearly abducted but got away. (Unfortunately, there aren't many of them; he was able to take almost every child he came across.)
This book is not for the easily disturbed, but I found it fascinating. Also, given all the smears that police officers are facing now, it was nice to read about these officers who went through so much to find this man who was preying on and killing children. There were a lot of repercussions for them---mainly emotionally, although some marriages suffered as well---and they just would not stop until he was found, apprehended, tried and jailed.
Highly recommended.
October 20, 2014
This is one of the best written books on true crime that I have read. Not only is the story fascinatingly disturbing, but, Steve Jackson has a writing style that kept me "in" the story. He included facts about the cases, yet, not to the point of me wanting to speed-read through those parts. Steve Jackson is now on my list of great True Crime authors; and, I hope he writes more in this genre. I will read them all.
October 1, 2014
Interesting
what a sick man. I still can't believe that someone can harm and torture children. so many lives destroyed because of this animal. what could even make someone think of something like that. thank goodness for the hard working detectives that kept him locked up.
what a sick man. I still can't believe that someone can harm and torture children. so many lives destroyed because of this animal. what could even make someone think of something like that. thank goodness for the hard working detectives that kept him locked up.
March 23, 2024
Heartbreaking
I knew this would be a difficult one to read, and it was, particularly since I've walked in the same shoes as the detectives in this tragic story. Thank you, Mr. Jackson for showing the sacrifices of these cops with great respect and compassion. I'll read everything you write!
I knew this would be a difficult one to read, and it was, particularly since I've walked in the same shoes as the detectives in this tragic story. Thank you, Mr. Jackson for showing the sacrifices of these cops with great respect and compassion. I'll read everything you write!
February 17, 2015
Full review can be found on my blog here The Crime Cove
This book tore me up. And I'm not that easy to tear up. Yet...tore up in a good way. Let me explain...
The dedication demonstrated by the police departments to take down this serial rapist of little girls (a real life bogeyman) was incredibly moving to read about. I guess I never really though hard enough about the impact investigating these types of violent crimes would have on our officers and their families. Its profoundly brought to light in this book and I believe I'm forever changed in how I will view those men and women who tirelessly work to protect us regular folk.
The serial rapist, David Penton, is a monster. And so heinous were his deeds, I believe if not for the superb talent of this author to expertly pen this story the kindest way he could, I'm not sure I could have continued. This crime is appalling, as is the case whenever children are hurt, so it may not be for the faint of heart. Just wanted to give you a heads-up. That said, I'm rating it at 5 stars and I'd give more if I could. Its superbly written, so compelling it kept me up all night reading, and simply a very powerful lesson can be learned from it.
So impassioned was the writing, I may or may not have cried a few tears at this part when the detective who cracked the case finally has his moment with Penton...
"Sweet stopped him by holding up his hand. "You misunderstand," he said, his tone matter-of-fact. "We didn't come here to talk to you about whether or not you did it; we know you did it. We just wanted to meet you before we bring you back to Texas and kill you."
All the feelings I experienced at that one moment were overwhelming - pride, relief, appreciation, and much much more. Highly recommend to any true crime fan.
This book tore me up. And I'm not that easy to tear up. Yet...tore up in a good way. Let me explain...
The dedication demonstrated by the police departments to take down this serial rapist of little girls (a real life bogeyman) was incredibly moving to read about. I guess I never really though hard enough about the impact investigating these types of violent crimes would have on our officers and their families. Its profoundly brought to light in this book and I believe I'm forever changed in how I will view those men and women who tirelessly work to protect us regular folk.
The serial rapist, David Penton, is a monster. And so heinous were his deeds, I believe if not for the superb talent of this author to expertly pen this story the kindest way he could, I'm not sure I could have continued. This crime is appalling, as is the case whenever children are hurt, so it may not be for the faint of heart. Just wanted to give you a heads-up. That said, I'm rating it at 5 stars and I'd give more if I could. Its superbly written, so compelling it kept me up all night reading, and simply a very powerful lesson can be learned from it.
So impassioned was the writing, I may or may not have cried a few tears at this part when the detective who cracked the case finally has his moment with Penton...
"Sweet stopped him by holding up his hand. "You misunderstand," he said, his tone matter-of-fact. "We didn't come here to talk to you about whether or not you did it; we know you did it. We just wanted to meet you before we bring you back to Texas and kill you."
All the feelings I experienced at that one moment were overwhelming - pride, relief, appreciation, and much much more. Highly recommend to any true crime fan.
September 23, 2014
Given To Me For An Honest Review
Steve Jackson has done a fabulous job in writing his book "Bogeyman: He was Every Parent's Nightmare". During the 1980's little girls were being kidnapped and when found they were killed. The cases were unsolved and the case files were boxed and put away. This story tells about the tragedies of these children and the effects on their families. But, the real story is that of the detectives and police officers who worked hours, days, weeks, months and years to solve the cases. Some of the officers lost their marriages because of it. These cases seemed to take over their lives. Do they find the "Bogeyman" Well, among the twists and turns I kept on page turning to find out. What I read was unbelievable. This book is a NEED to read. Once you start to read you'll be on the edge of your seat and won't be able to stop reading until you get to the end. I gave this book 5 stars but it really deserves 10+. I highly recommend this book to everyone. I look forward to more from Steve Jackson.
Steve Jackson has done a fabulous job in writing his book "Bogeyman: He was Every Parent's Nightmare". During the 1980's little girls were being kidnapped and when found they were killed. The cases were unsolved and the case files were boxed and put away. This story tells about the tragedies of these children and the effects on their families. But, the real story is that of the detectives and police officers who worked hours, days, weeks, months and years to solve the cases. Some of the officers lost their marriages because of it. These cases seemed to take over their lives. Do they find the "Bogeyman" Well, among the twists and turns I kept on page turning to find out. What I read was unbelievable. This book is a NEED to read. Once you start to read you'll be on the edge of your seat and won't be able to stop reading until you get to the end. I gave this book 5 stars but it really deserves 10+. I highly recommend this book to everyone. I look forward to more from Steve Jackson.
September 9, 2014
I received this book for a fair review.
Overview: This book shows us how Detectives Sweet, Bradshaw, Meeks, and Phillips joined forces to bring the killer of Christi Meeks, Christie Porter, and Roxann Reyes to justice.
Likes: Mr. Jackson did a great job of focusing more on the victims, their families, and the police with their families, and the police with their families instead of on the murderer. Some things just should take precedence.
Dislikes: I don’t understand Mrs. Penton’s thinking. She ignored any allegations against her son. Worse, she actively refused to see anything wrong with his thinking or actions. That and the fact that he still lives bothers me.
Conclusion: Much as this book shows true evil, we should focus on the true good. It just happens to be where our true hope lies. That’s where I prefer my focus to be anyway.
Overview: This book shows us how Detectives Sweet, Bradshaw, Meeks, and Phillips joined forces to bring the killer of Christi Meeks, Christie Porter, and Roxann Reyes to justice.
Likes: Mr. Jackson did a great job of focusing more on the victims, their families, and the police with their families, and the police with their families instead of on the murderer. Some things just should take precedence.
Dislikes: I don’t understand Mrs. Penton’s thinking. She ignored any allegations against her son. Worse, she actively refused to see anything wrong with his thinking or actions. That and the fact that he still lives bothers me.
Conclusion: Much as this book shows true evil, we should focus on the true good. It just happens to be where our true hope lies. That’s where I prefer my focus to be anyway.
June 8, 2015
"Bogeyman" by Steve Jackson was a great true crime book that I would recommend to anyone.I had the audible version and I have to admit at times I had tears in my eyes. This so called Bogeyman preyed upon our most innocent members of society our children.He changed the families lives forever. It took a toll on the detective's lives as well. Thanks to an informant and a detective that just refused to give up, the monster was finally caught. You can go to WildBluePress.com, Amazon.com or audible.com to purchase the book. It's well worth it! Steve Jackson Thank you for writing this book! You did an excellent job.
September 25, 2014
Bogeyman is a very scary but very real true-crime story that tracks the actions of a terrible demon all over the country. Great writing and a compelling story line. You should read it!
September 16, 2014
This book left me emotionally drained. Difficult to put down. Had no idea how many personal scars it puts on those officers who sought justice. God bless them.
September 16, 2014
Very good
great true crime read. love how it shows the toll these type of cases can take on law enforcement. these detectives were amazing.
great true crime read. love how it shows the toll these type of cases can take on law enforcement. these detectives were amazing.
September 19, 2014
True murder
This was a very sad book about child molestation and murder.The man who did this was a coward and was convicted in 4 cases but probably committed man y more.
This was a very sad book about child molestation and murder.The man who did this was a coward and was convicted in 4 cases but probably committed man y more.
June 28, 2017
Bogeyman tells the story of the almost 20 year search for a man who kidnaps, rapes, and murders young girls. It seems redundant to tell you its dark and disturbing after that statement, but it is made darker by sparing no details of the crimes or the frustrations of law enforcement. Like Monster also by Jackson (a superior example of his true crime work), he focuses on how difficult some types of offenders can be to catch - even more so to prosecute. I didn't think this was as well written as Jackson's other work, but that may also have to do with the broad subject matter - more than 3 states, 20 years work of detectives, lots of suspects, timeline jumps between current day and the past, etc. It is a lot to follow and process. In summary, good true crime about a serial killer I'd never heard of but don't read unless you're prepared for the darkness.
June 11, 2019
I always struggle when I read true crimes that involve children. This story was scary, and so very sad. The author did the best, I felt could be done, in giving the facts, and telling a difficult story to tell. It's so hard to understand the level of evil out there. I read this book in one day. I couldn't put it down!
March 22, 2018
I can’t remember if I have ever finished a true crime book but I couldn’t put this one down. This book gave me the creeps and fascinated me at the same time. The book follows the horrible investigation into Child serial killer David Penton, and tells the story of the lives he ruined along the way.
June 4, 2015
I read this book after finishing Jackson’s “Monster” (which was also incredible). I love Ann Rule, but I must say these two books are the best true crime stories I’ve ever read. As a mother and grandmother, “Bogeyman” struck a personal chord with me. It truly is every parent’s worst nightmare. David Penton is every parent’s worst nightmare. He is pure evil. Had it not been for the commitment, dedication, loyalty, passion and faith of Det. Gary Sweet, he might have never been caught. And that is a fear that is incomprehensible.
This book reminds you that the ripple effect created by murder extends far beyond the killer and the victim. It extends to the victim’s family, and to the detectives and officers who work the case, and on to their families, and then out into the public in general. One detective, Bruce Bradshaw, was never able to get over ‘The Call’, informing him that 5-year-old Christi Lynn Meeks was missing. Sadly, that call would change his life, and that of his family, forever. There were several devoted detectives who ensured that David Penton will never walk free. Their faith in God, and their faith in each other, is truly admirable. Det. Gary Sweet felt it was divine intervention that started him on the path to uncovering one of the most heinous killers ever. He never gave up, even when he felt he was fighting the good fight alone. With the help of Detectives Mike Bradshaw, Don Phillips and Billy Meeks, they managed to get a walking nightmare off the streets. I commend them and thank them for that.
After reading this book I can say for sure that Christi Lynn Meeks, aged 5; Roxann Reyes, aged 4; Christie Proctor, aged 9; Nydra Ross, aged 9 will never be forgotten by me. Nor will their parents and families. Nor will the detectives who work so tirelessly in order to protect the rest of us. The detective’s families are to be commended for it is they, too, who make sacrifices in order for their husbands, dads, sons, or brothers to be able to protect us.
This book left a lasting impression on me. It makes me feel not quite so bad about being what my 11 year old granddaughter says is “overprotective.” David Penton is one of many reasons I am overprotective. Unlike my granddaughter, I am old enough to know that evil exists, and that bad things happen to good people all the time. She’ll just have to live with me being overprotective.
This book reminds you that the ripple effect created by murder extends far beyond the killer and the victim. It extends to the victim’s family, and to the detectives and officers who work the case, and on to their families, and then out into the public in general. One detective, Bruce Bradshaw, was never able to get over ‘The Call’, informing him that 5-year-old Christi Lynn Meeks was missing. Sadly, that call would change his life, and that of his family, forever. There were several devoted detectives who ensured that David Penton will never walk free. Their faith in God, and their faith in each other, is truly admirable. Det. Gary Sweet felt it was divine intervention that started him on the path to uncovering one of the most heinous killers ever. He never gave up, even when he felt he was fighting the good fight alone. With the help of Detectives Mike Bradshaw, Don Phillips and Billy Meeks, they managed to get a walking nightmare off the streets. I commend them and thank them for that.
After reading this book I can say for sure that Christi Lynn Meeks, aged 5; Roxann Reyes, aged 4; Christie Proctor, aged 9; Nydra Ross, aged 9 will never be forgotten by me. Nor will their parents and families. Nor will the detectives who work so tirelessly in order to protect the rest of us. The detective’s families are to be commended for it is they, too, who make sacrifices in order for their husbands, dads, sons, or brothers to be able to protect us.
This book left a lasting impression on me. It makes me feel not quite so bad about being what my 11 year old granddaughter says is “overprotective.” David Penton is one of many reasons I am overprotective. Unlike my granddaughter, I am old enough to know that evil exists, and that bad things happen to good people all the time. She’ll just have to live with me being overprotective.
September 20, 2014
Well let me just say this. The Bogeyman had me reading for hours, even though I had to put it down a few times, not that I didn't like it quite the contrary this book had me rattled and it made me think . What these poor detectives did to catch this evil evil man.
This story starts out in the 80s The Bogeyman is terrorizing the small town in Texas stalking elementary school and parks looking for young girls to take, rape and murder. The Texas lawmen that won't give up on these what they called throwaway kids. These detectives work tireless to find out who this man is and to stop him. What I loved is that these detectives did not give up and wanted to get closer of these cold files .
This is a very intense book, first off I still have trouble believing that there are animals . not people but animals out there that would ever harm a child. My heart was breaking when I was reading. I mean no child is a throw away child. As I was reading I wanted to go and hunt the bastard down myself. The things he did were just horrible. The author takes us to the pits of hell while he was writing those stories,but starts to bring us back with the detectives that are on the case. These men are hard working and want to help give those families closure. The one detective that really popped out to me was Detective Gary Sweet. He worked tirelessly as the cases took a toll on everyone and their families. Theses detectives go beyond the call of duty to find closure for these beautiful girls.
This is an emotional well written book. You will go through hell and back. Have tissues ready as you read. I will guarantee that for a fact you will ugly cry. This book did give me a book hangover
So if you like a true crime novel that is well written check it out ,
April 10, 2015
This is clearly really well researched and I like the way it's told too for the most part. It's the silly mistakes that cost it 5 stars from me.
(And I just looked up my review of Monster and I pretty much said the same there word-for-word. Again, the mistakes cost it that extra star). So that's pretty disappointing.
Right at the beginning he refers to Molly Robertson although a later photo credit was attributed to Molly Richarson-think he meant Richardson but either way it's wrong. He used fisherman when it should've been fishermen; when referring to an informant he mentioned "When the Sunnycalb described"....huh ?? He used affect and not effect, then there were apostrophes misplaced. He also referred to Katherine, Penton's wife being pregnant with their son Michael when the mother was his second wife !! Then he mentions 1986, the year after Shannon disappeared when it WAS the year she was snatched. Slapdash editing like this needs to be sorted.
I have to say that some of the police personnel featured really did a great job in keeping these cases "alive" and ensuring the murderer stood trial for them aside from one but it stands to reason he's guilty of that one as well, and it wasn't for want of the detective involved that it's not as yet been prosecuted.
Let's hope the third book is properly proofread and edited !! If I buy another and it isn't it will be the last I buy by this author.
(And I just looked up my review of Monster and I pretty much said the same there word-for-word. Again, the mistakes cost it that extra star). So that's pretty disappointing.
Right at the beginning he refers to Molly Robertson although a later photo credit was attributed to Molly Richarson-think he meant Richardson but either way it's wrong. He used fisherman when it should've been fishermen; when referring to an informant he mentioned "When the Sunnycalb described"....huh ?? He used affect and not effect, then there were apostrophes misplaced. He also referred to Katherine, Penton's wife being pregnant with their son Michael when the mother was his second wife !! Then he mentions 1986, the year after Shannon disappeared when it WAS the year she was snatched. Slapdash editing like this needs to be sorted.
I have to say that some of the police personnel featured really did a great job in keeping these cases "alive" and ensuring the murderer stood trial for them aside from one but it stands to reason he's guilty of that one as well, and it wasn't for want of the detective involved that it's not as yet been prosecuted.
Let's hope the third book is properly proofread and edited !! If I buy another and it isn't it will be the last I buy by this author.
November 16, 2014
Thank God this monster is off the streets
Well written tale about the long search (by a group of Texas lawmen) for justice for several innocent little girls terrorized and murdered by a soul-less monster. Steve Jackson writes with the same attention to detail as Ann Rule. However, he manages to avoid injecting his subjective personal opinions into his stories far better than Ann. Love her though I do, Ann has gotten pretty bad in later years about over-telling us readers -over and over- which characters we should "like" and "believe" in her stories; whereas Jackson tends to give readers credit for being able to figure that out for ourselves. I prefer the later approach -- as sometimes I think authors tend to be a little one-sided in their approach. David Penton's horrendous story doesn't lend itself much to misinterpretation though -- he is indeed a sadistic monster who assaulted and murdered little children without remorse. Thank God for the relentless efforts of all the lawman who tracked this killer down and put him in prison forever. He is indeed the bogeyman who haunt the dreams of children and parents alike. Good book; tragic tale.
Well written tale about the long search (by a group of Texas lawmen) for justice for several innocent little girls terrorized and murdered by a soul-less monster. Steve Jackson writes with the same attention to detail as Ann Rule. However, he manages to avoid injecting his subjective personal opinions into his stories far better than Ann. Love her though I do, Ann has gotten pretty bad in later years about over-telling us readers -over and over- which characters we should "like" and "believe" in her stories; whereas Jackson tends to give readers credit for being able to figure that out for ourselves. I prefer the later approach -- as sometimes I think authors tend to be a little one-sided in their approach. David Penton's horrendous story doesn't lend itself much to misinterpretation though -- he is indeed a sadistic monster who assaulted and murdered little children without remorse. Thank God for the relentless efforts of all the lawman who tracked this killer down and put him in prison forever. He is indeed the bogeyman who haunt the dreams of children and parents alike. Good book; tragic tale.
Read
June 26, 2016In Some true stories the author allows you to forget this is true, Steve Jackson did not do that.
This made the story more horrific as you felt you entered into the pain and anguish not only of the parents' whose children had been abducted, but also of the police who had been unable over many years to solve this case. One detective lost his family because his life was taken over by the need to find the killer of these girls. Others only held on due to their Christian Faith.
Many lives were destroyed by this evil person, not only those of little girls who would never grow up, but of their friends, brothers', sisters and the extended family.
We do not have the death penalty in Britain, but I was sorry that this person was not put to death and felt the anger of parents and detectives who saw him getting life sentences because he pled guilty, although he said later that he only did this because there was circumstancal evidence against him and he had not done the murders.
One very evil person eventually caught by dedicated officers.
This made the story more horrific as you felt you entered into the pain and anguish not only of the parents' whose children had been abducted, but also of the police who had been unable over many years to solve this case. One detective lost his family because his life was taken over by the need to find the killer of these girls. Others only held on due to their Christian Faith.
Many lives were destroyed by this evil person, not only those of little girls who would never grow up, but of their friends, brothers', sisters and the extended family.
We do not have the death penalty in Britain, but I was sorry that this person was not put to death and felt the anger of parents and detectives who saw him getting life sentences because he pled guilty, although he said later that he only did this because there was circumstancal evidence against him and he had not done the murders.
One very evil person eventually caught by dedicated officers.
September 15, 2014
I almost never read non fiction. I made an exception with this book. I can honestly say this "true story" disturbed me more then any fictional murder mystery I have ever read. It is the story of a psychotic madman-one who enjoys abducting young girls, abusing then killing them. Thankfully the author did not go into details. This is mostly the story of the police officers who would not give up until this murderer was caught and behind bars for life. Some of the officers lives were ruined because they could not get it out of their heads. There are good police officers out there-those that will pursue a "cold case" until it is solved and the families given some kind of closure.Bogeyman: He Was Every Parent's Nightmare
March 11, 2015
Great story
This was a extremely easy read for me,usually true crime is not something I read because a lot of it is about the trial. This was about solving the murders of 3 girls in Texas. The detectives and the victims were brought to life in this book I couldn't put it down! I only paid 99 cents for it , and didn't expect to get drawn into it. This starts before DNA testing gets going .if you like true crime or a good detective novel this is a must read I got it off digital spot which also has free books,( which I mostly read)not trying to give them a free plug but it's where I got it. Will check out more true crime in the future .I have read about gacy and another killer that was years ago, so this was my first time in over 20 years reading any true crime.
This was a extremely easy read for me,usually true crime is not something I read because a lot of it is about the trial. This was about solving the murders of 3 girls in Texas. The detectives and the victims were brought to life in this book I couldn't put it down! I only paid 99 cents for it , and didn't expect to get drawn into it. This starts before DNA testing gets going .if you like true crime or a good detective novel this is a must read I got it off digital spot which also has free books,( which I mostly read)not trying to give them a free plug but it's where I got it. Will check out more true crime in the future .I have read about gacy and another killer that was years ago, so this was my first time in over 20 years reading any true crime.
July 5, 2015
Repetitive writing, sometimes almost to the point of being patronizing. Jackson will devote paragraphs to reiterating the same piece of information revealed in a previous chapter repeatedly. It gets very annoying in back half of the book when investigators are just making the rounds reinterviewing witnesses to prepare the case for the DA. The same information is presented three or four times.
Jackson also tends to be overly heavy handed in making sure the reader knows that he thinks that the suspect is one hell of a shitty person. I don't need that kind of peanut gallery commentary from the author in my non-fiction.
Jackson also tends to be overly heavy handed in making sure the reader knows that he thinks that the suspect is one hell of a shitty person. I don't need that kind of peanut gallery commentary from the author in my non-fiction.
March 14, 2015
Good true crime book that covers the murder of several little girls in the Texas area in the 80's. Because of their skin color (Asian, black, Hispanic )this monster called them "throw away" and claimed no one would bother much with finding them. The book is very disturbing but not graphic about what this monster did to them. The main storyline is about the detectives who never gave up and finally nailed this creep. I would have liked photos of the detectives, victims etc to relate more to the characters in the book. Overall if you like true crime I think you will enjoy this
January 14, 2016
A very good read on a very disturbing case. I would like to have known a little more about the offender and his background, but it's likely that what the author gave us explained everything. He may have felt that more information would not have added anything to our understanding. There were some supremely satisfying moments in here -- when we see the offender cornered and terrified, for instance -- that make this an unusually pleasant read, especially considering that you can't usually call the recreational murder of small children pleasant to read about. Be sure to read this one.
March 6, 2015
Powerful, and heartbreaking
It was well written. It made you feel what was happening, and how the families, and detectives felt! Parts made me angry, then horrified, and I cried a time or two. To even imagine what those poor little girls went through at the hands of this Monster!!! Thank you, to all the dedicated law enforcement who never gave up on finding the Bogeyman and putting him away. Steve thank you for a well written book, and telling this story.
It was well written. It made you feel what was happening, and how the families, and detectives felt! Parts made me angry, then horrified, and I cried a time or two. To even imagine what those poor little girls went through at the hands of this Monster!!! Thank you, to all the dedicated law enforcement who never gave up on finding the Bogeyman and putting him away. Steve thank you for a well written book, and telling this story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 120 reviews