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True Crime Explicit #5
The House from Hell: The True Story of Gertrude Baniszewski One of America’s Most Notorious Torture Mom
If you’re looking for a story of a true monster, then Gertrude Wright, The Torture Mother, should be next on your to-read list!
If you’ve never heard of this woman, then are you even a true crime fan? Yes, you are, because you’re here and interested! Gertrude Wright’s descent into madness involved torture, mutilation in an unexpected way, and gruesome treatment of Sylvia Likens, a teenaged girl under her care.
This story isn’t for the faint of heart—instead, it’s a case of the worst of humanity and the evils one woman can inflict on a child who sees her as a mother figure.
Dubbed “The single worst crime perpetuated against an individual in Indiana's history" this story will stick with you long after you’ve read the final page. Dive right in… if you dare.
If you’ve never heard of this woman, then are you even a true crime fan? Yes, you are, because you’re here and interested! Gertrude Wright’s descent into madness involved torture, mutilation in an unexpected way, and gruesome treatment of Sylvia Likens, a teenaged girl under her care.
This story isn’t for the faint of heart—instead, it’s a case of the worst of humanity and the evils one woman can inflict on a child who sees her as a mother figure.
Dubbed “The single worst crime perpetuated against an individual in Indiana's history" this story will stick with you long after you’ve read the final page. Dive right in… if you dare.
183 pages, Paperback
Published February 16, 2022
1930 people are currently reading
776 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews
May 28, 2022
3.75 stars
It was the 1960s in Indiana. Gertrude Baniszewski was a single mother of seven who took in two teenaged sisters while their parents were travelling around the US for work. Unfortunately for the sisters, Sylvia and Jenny (particularly Sylvia), no one realized how abusive Gertrude was, and it was ramped up to infinity as she took a dislike to Sylvia. Not only did Gertrude torture Sylvia, but she encouraged and coaxed others, including her children and their friends, to do so, as well.
This book is fairly short and written in a simple style to make it easy for anyone (regardless of reading level) to be able to read; this is explained in the introduction. This may have led to the very straightforward way of telling the story, all the horrible torture and all. It’s hard for me to rate this book because of all the violence and awful torture Sylvia was put through before she finally died. I read a lot of horror and true crime and other dark things, but this was tough to read – and it really happened! The book is part of a true crime series, and I would be willing to read others, even though it was hard to read the details in this one.
It was the 1960s in Indiana. Gertrude Baniszewski was a single mother of seven who took in two teenaged sisters while their parents were travelling around the US for work. Unfortunately for the sisters, Sylvia and Jenny (particularly Sylvia), no one realized how abusive Gertrude was, and it was ramped up to infinity as she took a dislike to Sylvia. Not only did Gertrude torture Sylvia, but she encouraged and coaxed others, including her children and their friends, to do so, as well.
This book is fairly short and written in a simple style to make it easy for anyone (regardless of reading level) to be able to read; this is explained in the introduction. This may have led to the very straightforward way of telling the story, all the horrible torture and all. It’s hard for me to rate this book because of all the violence and awful torture Sylvia was put through before she finally died. I read a lot of horror and true crime and other dark things, but this was tough to read – and it really happened! The book is part of a true crime series, and I would be willing to read others, even though it was hard to read the details in this one.
June 3, 2022
Disturbing and grim this true crime opens the doors to the House from Hell. Following the torture of one girl and all the young minds under the care, or “caregiver” as she called herself Gertrude Van Fossan. The writer and editors behind this simple written, fast-paced documentary read did raise shock-value, but I feel the court proceedings and after life of all “The poor girls” tormentors were rushed. With their lives not being any where close to the horrific events, I still would have enjoyed their sufferings displayed within the pages as well.
I won a copy of this eBook from LibraryThing. I can also recommend
Jack Ketchum’s “The Girl Next Store” which is fiction, but has a lot of similarities. And after a little research I discovered this case is where Ketchum got his idea for his book.
I won a copy of this eBook from LibraryThing. I can also recommend
Jack Ketchum’s “The Girl Next Store” which is fiction, but has a lot of similarities. And after a little research I discovered this case is where Ketchum got his idea for his book.
March 22, 2025
This was an absolutely tragic story! Following the case of Sylvia, a young woman who passed away after being tortured, while in the care of Gertrude.
In parts, this story was hard to read. The things that Sylvia experienced and endured were horrific.
I experienced so many emotions during this short read, ranging from upset, disgust, and rage.
There were so many red flags highlighted during the short time period, so many witnesses, and no one spoke up. The author even questions this several times throughout the story. I think this could lead to some interesting psychological debates.
I will definitely be looking into some other works from this series.
In parts, this story was hard to read. The things that Sylvia experienced and endured were horrific.
I experienced so many emotions during this short read, ranging from upset, disgust, and rage.
There were so many red flags highlighted during the short time period, so many witnesses, and no one spoke up. The author even questions this several times throughout the story. I think this could lead to some interesting psychological debates.
I will definitely be looking into some other works from this series.
December 3, 2022
Wow. Sometimes I wonder why I pick up books like this. The books that cover the heartbreaking, terrifying subjects. My heart truly hearts fora all the victims of monsters like this. As a mother myself, I cannot even IMAGINE inflicting any sort of pain on kids / teens.. or anyone for that matter. Gertrude Baniszewski is a true monster.
The writing in this book was... hit or miss. At times, it felt like some of the sentences didn't make sense or just weren't necessary. The book could have used another round of editing too.
BUT it's novella length and quick to get through. The book was mostly engaging due to the subject matter.
If you aren't into true crime or can't stomah books about child abuse, do NOT read this.
The writing in this book was... hit or miss. At times, it felt like some of the sentences didn't make sense or just weren't necessary. The book could have used another round of editing too.
BUT it's novella length and quick to get through. The book was mostly engaging due to the subject matter.
If you aren't into true crime or can't stomah books about child abuse, do NOT read this.
January 10, 2023
It saddens me to see the bystanders, neighbours, police, friends and witnesses do nothing but watch the young girl suffer, with nothing to cling to but despair and agony. They had so many chances to save her, but instead, decided to back away and ignore.
Read
January 26, 2023I've seen the movie based off the true story of what happened to this poor girl. And the movie alone was a huge trigger for me. I read this see if it was a true story that was exaggerated... not a chance. The book was short. Factual. Some parts hard to read. 10/10 will never read it again.
December 10, 2023
Wow..I only gave it 5 stars because this books stands up to its title! Beware it is a horrible living situation!
March 10, 2022
The House from Hell: The True Story of Gertrude Baniszewski One of America’s Most Notorious Torture Mom by Genova Ortiz is the latest book to be published about the Sylvia Likens murder case that happened in Indianapolis, Indiana, in 1965.
The book provides a straightforward account of two sisters who were left in the care of a woman who focused intense hatred toward the older one, Sylvia. Their parents were carnies who traveled around and wanted to leave their children with caretakers while they were gone.
Sylvia became the focus of an intense scheme of torture not only by the caretaker but also her children and neighborhood teens. No detail of her torture is left untold in this book, which is number five in a series titled True Crime Explicit.
A teenager in Indianapolis at the time, I followed the story and the trial in the newspaper, yet I learned new information about the killer’s own troubled youth as well as details so gruesome in the abuse of Sylvia.
Author Kate Millet wrote a book called The Basement about the Sylvia Likens case that neither my school library nor the Indianapolis Public Library could keep on the shelf. The books just “disappeared.” The House from Hell will likely face the same destiny.
I would like to thank the author and True Crime Seven for providing me with an ARC in return for an objective review.
The book provides a straightforward account of two sisters who were left in the care of a woman who focused intense hatred toward the older one, Sylvia. Their parents were carnies who traveled around and wanted to leave their children with caretakers while they were gone.
Sylvia became the focus of an intense scheme of torture not only by the caretaker but also her children and neighborhood teens. No detail of her torture is left untold in this book, which is number five in a series titled True Crime Explicit.
A teenager in Indianapolis at the time, I followed the story and the trial in the newspaper, yet I learned new information about the killer’s own troubled youth as well as details so gruesome in the abuse of Sylvia.
Author Kate Millet wrote a book called The Basement about the Sylvia Likens case that neither my school library nor the Indianapolis Public Library could keep on the shelf. The books just “disappeared.” The House from Hell will likely face the same destiny.
I would like to thank the author and True Crime Seven for providing me with an ARC in return for an objective review.
October 13, 2023
Not super insightful or well written in my opinion, but did give more details on one of the most gruesome cases I’ve ever heard of.
March 12, 2022
This is a very interesting read about a very horrible event. An event that occurred over a very long time. And the worst part of the crime could have been prevented numerous times by numerous individuals, if they would have taken the time to truly look and to speak up and stand up.
The book focuses on the worst abuse of one teen-age girl over the course of a few months, but the environment that made her abuse and resulting death so possible was many years in the making. And a good many "good people" have some of the victim's blood on their hands, even if they were not part of the crimes leading to her death.
If you are interested in knowing just how awful regular, normal, good people can be; or just what evil can happen when good people do nothing or very little, this is a book for you. And if we want a better world then we cannot shy away from knowing and understanding the worst in the world and us.
*I did receive a free copy of this work to ready and chose to review or not as I see fit.
The book focuses on the worst abuse of one teen-age girl over the course of a few months, but the environment that made her abuse and resulting death so possible was many years in the making. And a good many "good people" have some of the victim's blood on their hands, even if they were not part of the crimes leading to her death.
If you are interested in knowing just how awful regular, normal, good people can be; or just what evil can happen when good people do nothing or very little, this is a book for you. And if we want a better world then we cannot shy away from knowing and understanding the worst in the world and us.
*I did receive a free copy of this work to ready and chose to review or not as I see fit.
May 13, 2024
Gertrude was an absolute monster and a piece of trash.
This case was very interesting to me and of course along with very interesting comes very sad. Sylvia Likens deserved so much better!
Gertrude tortured her and recruited her own teenage children to torture her as well. No one deserves to go through anything like this. In the end Gertrude caught lung cancer and passed away from that. I hope it was painful, and I hope she suffered. She put Sylvia through so much and in a sick way Gertrude deserved to suffer from the cancer that ended up killing her. I had never heard of this case before and True Crime Seven created a quick/detailed read on this whole case.
"The days were a frenzy. Almost overnight, Sylvia had gone from having two or three tormentors to an entire gang of them. Sometimes up to ten of the neighborhood children, would toy with her, kick her around, punch her in the face, put out cigarettes on her skin."
This case was very interesting to me and of course along with very interesting comes very sad. Sylvia Likens deserved so much better!
Gertrude tortured her and recruited her own teenage children to torture her as well. No one deserves to go through anything like this. In the end Gertrude caught lung cancer and passed away from that. I hope it was painful, and I hope she suffered. She put Sylvia through so much and in a sick way Gertrude deserved to suffer from the cancer that ended up killing her. I had never heard of this case before and True Crime Seven created a quick/detailed read on this whole case.
"The days were a frenzy. Almost overnight, Sylvia had gone from having two or three tormentors to an entire gang of them. Sometimes up to ten of the neighborhood children, would toy with her, kick her around, punch her in the face, put out cigarettes on her skin."
October 2, 2024
I've heard of a version of this story, seen a tv movie or something about this. It's always horrified me, that anyone can be that cruel to a child. But alas, it happens every day. Anyway I read this book quickly, as it was intended to be read. It was good, if you can call a book like this 'good'. My heart will always break for Sylvia, and I will forever hope she has been resting in peace. She died 2 years before I was even born. I'm so sorry this happened to her and her sister and I don't blame her sister for not doing more to help her like a lot of folks did and do. She was a young child, she was disabled, she was terrified that what was being done to her sister would be done to her. I hope she has found some happiness in her life...the end of this book does give updates on everyone and so many monsters in this story did not pay for what they did. Not...never mind. Read the book. Maybe it'll help us notice our neighbours, our neighbourhood children, and reach out if we think they need help.
March 17, 2022
The House from Hell: The True Story of Gertrude Baniszewski was the first of the True Crime Seven books that I’ve read. There’s nothing easy about this book. It’s a tough read because of the horrific nature of the material. However, Genoveva Ortiz and True Crime Seven presented the story without unnecessary gore or exploitation of the victim. To say that this Sylvia Liken’s story is disturbing barely touches the surface. The heartbreaking torture and abuse that she endured is inexcusable. Worse, is the depiction of others who not only saw what Gertrude put the child through, but also helped to participate in. Through such stories as these, may our culture be awakened to the pain and suffering of our neighbors and make those witnesses willing to speak up on behalf of those who cannot. I received an ARC of this book and was not obligated to provide a review. All opinions are my own.
July 14, 2024
ABSOLUTELY UNBELIEVABLE !
I still am in shock after completing this story. I have never felt such anger while reading a book in all my days of living and I am 81 years young, so that's a lot! I believe in an "eye for an eye" and this Gertrude 'monster' should have a punishment consisting of herself experiencing exactly every single one of the same tortures she did to the victim, only doubling the strength of them and definitely extending the length of time involved in each of these sick crimes. I just can't imagine a person doing such cruel things to another! How can one human mind even think up such stomach-wrenching ideas?
I doubt I will be able to sleep tonight...
I still am in shock after completing this story. I have never felt such anger while reading a book in all my days of living and I am 81 years young, so that's a lot! I believe in an "eye for an eye" and this Gertrude 'monster' should have a punishment consisting of herself experiencing exactly every single one of the same tortures she did to the victim, only doubling the strength of them and definitely extending the length of time involved in each of these sick crimes. I just can't imagine a person doing such cruel things to another! How can one human mind even think up such stomach-wrenching ideas?
I doubt I will be able to sleep tonight...
January 30, 2025
What an atrocious story! The style of writing was not my favorite, kind of splotchy at times. Very simplistic dialogue and lacking of details. This is a true crime story from the 1960’s when Sylvia Likens and her sister were left in the care of Gertrude Wright Baniszewski while their parents traveled for work. Sylvia for some reason became the house scapegoat: her torture was horrific, ghastly, and unspeakable.
This has been called the single most important crime story for its time. People fought for a spot in the courthouse during the trial. It has been featured in Time magazine.
In 2016, a child advocacy center in Lebanon, Indiana was renamed Sylvia’s Child Advocacy Center. This center was formed to assist child victims of abuse and neglect.
This is such an important story.
This has been called the single most important crime story for its time. People fought for a spot in the courthouse during the trial. It has been featured in Time magazine.
In 2016, a child advocacy center in Lebanon, Indiana was renamed Sylvia’s Child Advocacy Center. This center was formed to assist child victims of abuse and neglect.
This is such an important story.
March 13, 2022
I have read numerous books about the sad case of Sylvia Likens and the horrendous abuse doled out to her by Gertrude Baniszewski, her family and neighbors. This book was written so matter-of-factly that it really makes you think. That this kind of thing was going on and so many people were involved, but nothing was ever done to stop it is mind-blowing.
I really believe that this way of writing about the situation makes you think so much more. It makes you wonder how some people think this is just a part of life.
I was sent this e-book for Early Review on librarything.com
I really believe that this way of writing about the situation makes you think so much more. It makes you wonder how some people think this is just a part of life.
I was sent this e-book for Early Review on librarything.com
March 25, 2022
There is no real reason for this to be a book. An article in a magazine or newspaper yes, but not a "book". If I paid the $8 Amazon wants for this a paperback I would be pissed.
It wasn't well written. Sometimes missing full blown words that would have made a sentence. You get the gist though. Easy read. I will say reading the things that were done to this poor girl made my mouth hang open. Interesting enough to read in an hour or so. 25% of the book is references & an excerpt from the 1st book in the series.
It wasn't well written. Sometimes missing full blown words that would have made a sentence. You get the gist though. Easy read. I will say reading the things that were done to this poor girl made my mouth hang open. Interesting enough to read in an hour or so. 25% of the book is references & an excerpt from the 1st book in the series.
February 14, 2023
heartbreaking
I did like the way this book was written but I wish the author would have included more about what happened with certain other outcomes. There was no mention of what happened with the baby in utero of the daughter at the time or how the parents were told /found out about what happened. No mention of them during trial or anything. Only thing mentioned about them in the end was what happened post trial. Also no mention of how the other daughter ended up where she did when all was said and done.
I did like the way this book was written but I wish the author would have included more about what happened with certain other outcomes. There was no mention of what happened with the baby in utero of the daughter at the time or how the parents were told /found out about what happened. No mention of them during trial or anything. Only thing mentioned about them in the end was what happened post trial. Also no mention of how the other daughter ended up where she did when all was said and done.
February 19, 2023
This is the most disturbing book I’ve ever read. This is a very short book,so I didn’t think it would go into as much details. I was wrong.
Gertrude was a very disturbing woman. How can a woman with such a awful childhood, go and make another girl feel that way? Her mother was always jealous of her,didn’t show her love. Why would she want Sylvia to feel the same?
How can two loving parents who barely knew Gertrude, leave their two precious girls with this monster? And where were the other children,who participated parents?
This poor girl.
Gertrude was a very disturbing woman. How can a woman with such a awful childhood, go and make another girl feel that way? Her mother was always jealous of her,didn’t show her love. Why would she want Sylvia to feel the same?
How can two loving parents who barely knew Gertrude, leave their two precious girls with this monster? And where were the other children,who participated parents?
This poor girl.
April 27, 2025
"What causes regular, mild-mannered people to turn into animals?"
This book is classified as True Crime. This book is about Gertrude Baniszewski, and how their entire life went from being born during the great depression to her and her children's death. She was compared to the big, bad German man from World War two due to a lot of her actions. She hated females, and had one specific that she tortured and brought male children in to help torture her. She had a massive following of children that loved her and would do anything for her as well.
This book is classified as True Crime. This book is about Gertrude Baniszewski, and how their entire life went from being born during the great depression to her and her children's death. She was compared to the big, bad German man from World War two due to a lot of her actions. She hated females, and had one specific that she tortured and brought male children in to help torture her. She had a massive following of children that loved her and would do anything for her as well.
March 15, 2022
Learned something new
I'm pretty familiar with this case already, so when I decided used to read this version, I was looking for more details about Gertrude and how she could have committed such horrible atrocities against this poor little girl. Once again, Team Seven did not disappoint. While it in no way excuses what she did to Sylvia, Gertrude's upbringing gives a bit of insight into how she turned out like she did.
I'm pretty familiar with this case already, so when I decided used to read this version, I was looking for more details about Gertrude and how she could have committed such horrible atrocities against this poor little girl. Once again, Team Seven did not disappoint. While it in no way excuses what she did to Sylvia, Gertrude's upbringing gives a bit of insight into how she turned out like she did.
March 24, 2022
The House from Hell: The True Story of Gertrude Baniszewski One of America’s Most Notorious Torture Mom is the fifth volume from the True Crime Explicit series. I have known about the Sylvia Likens case and the book does a good job telling about the torture and horror she lived through before she met her demise. At times, the book could be a little repetitive but it was good to read.
The House from Hell: The True Story of Gertrude Baniszewski One of America’s Most Notorious Torture Mom will be getting three stars from me. I recommend it for readers who enjoy reading about true crime. I look forward to reading the other books from the True Crime Explicit series.
I received a digital copy of The House from Hell: The True Story of Gertrude Baniszewski One of America’s Most Notorious Torture Mom from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review.
The House from Hell: The True Story of Gertrude Baniszewski One of America’s Most Notorious Torture Mom will be getting three stars from me. I recommend it for readers who enjoy reading about true crime. I look forward to reading the other books from the True Crime Explicit series.
I received a digital copy of The House from Hell: The True Story of Gertrude Baniszewski One of America’s Most Notorious Torture Mom from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review.
April 30, 2022
Hurried but Did the Job
Reading a book like this is always hard and involves so many emotions. I read the book in less than an hour. At times I felt that the author left too much out; however, after completing the book, I realize it is more like reading a transcript of what happened. Yes, more should have been included about why the school system or welfare system didn't help. Why were so many who knew not held accountable?
Reading a book like this is always hard and involves so many emotions. I read the book in less than an hour. At times I felt that the author left too much out; however, after completing the book, I realize it is more like reading a transcript of what happened. Yes, more should have been included about why the school system or welfare system didn't help. Why were so many who knew not held accountable?
October 19, 2023
This book actually makes me want to check my own neighbors activities a little more deeply. I thank God that I have no children who might need to be looked after while I am away from home. No parent is perfect, but this woman is a perfect example of evil! I am still having a hard time getting to sleep because the imagery of what was done to this poor child is so disturbing. You shouldn't read this right before you go to sleep.
January 18, 2024
Not for the faint of heart
I love true crime books but this one was a little difficult at times. My heart just broke the further I went along. If true crime is your genre then this book is for you. If you’re looking for a book that is going to make you experience every emotion then this book is for you. To read what these children went through is absolutely heartbreaking. This book is definitely not for the faint of heart.
I love true crime books but this one was a little difficult at times. My heart just broke the further I went along. If true crime is your genre then this book is for you. If you’re looking for a book that is going to make you experience every emotion then this book is for you. To read what these children went through is absolutely heartbreaking. This book is definitely not for the faint of heart.
Read
April 12, 2024This book had no fluff and got straight to the facts!
Anyways, Gertie, she needed a straight jacket and fucking therapy.
Paula needed to get locked into a psych ward
and all the rest of them deserve to burn in hell❤️
Sylvia Likens will never be forgotten from my mind, as she did nothing to deserve the disgusting actions from people who were supposed to be watching after her.
The amount of times she could’ve been saved from this is astonishing.
Anyways, Gertie, she needed a straight jacket and fucking therapy.
Paula needed to get locked into a psych ward
and all the rest of them deserve to burn in hell❤️
Sylvia Likens will never be forgotten from my mind, as she did nothing to deserve the disgusting actions from people who were supposed to be watching after her.
The amount of times she could’ve been saved from this is astonishing.
July 3, 2024
I liked the way this book was written and the fact it didn’t draw out or embellish the story. It was very factual and I plan on reading more by this team. I have read countless articles, books and watched documentaries and movies about this story and none of them ever match up completely. I think the day and time of the events just weren’t documented as stuff is today. It’s such a gruesome tale but I’m always drawn to it. I think I just want to understand the understandable with it.
March 8, 2025
Wow. The warning in the beginning of this book did not do it justice. This was my fifth book in the series but the first to really make me cringe...multiple times. I was simply amazed by everything Gertrude was able to get away with and for so long. It was unbelievable, saddening, and sickening. This one was DARK, and the outcome for all involved did not seem nearly harsh enough for all they had done to poor Sylvia.
March 18, 2025
This true crime story is absolutely harrowing. Though it’s not a long book, it was a difficult read, evoking a range of intense emotions. It recounts the tragic case of Sylvia Likens, who, along with her sister, was left in the care of Gertrude Baniszewski. Gertrude not only subjected Sylvia to horrific torture but also encouraged her own children—and even the neighborhood kids—to participate in the abuse.It’s a deeply disturbing and heartbreaking account of cruelty.
May 18, 2025
very brutal
How in the world could anyone torture a child like this woman did? Her own children were even in on this torture. How can anyone adult believe Gertrude’s lies? Many other adults saw Sylvia’s bruises and how bad it was. Why didn’t they report this to the police?? So many questions came to mind after reading this. Sylvia’s death could’ve been prevented so many times in story. I’m glad that they all got what they deserved in the end.
How in the world could anyone torture a child like this woman did? Her own children were even in on this torture. How can anyone adult believe Gertrude’s lies? Many other adults saw Sylvia’s bruises and how bad it was. Why didn’t they report this to the police?? So many questions came to mind after reading this. Sylvia’s death could’ve been prevented so many times in story. I’m glad that they all got what they deserved in the end.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews