"Grooming the community was every bit as important as preparing a victim, because people will make accommodations for someone they like.”

I appreciate the way Katherine explained her format with this book in the beginning with the authors note and thought it was eye opening into more of the credibility for her and Tracy.

Again, I don’t believe these sort of books deserve a rating; especially of this category. I thought this was well written, facts stated and liked how some details were given an explanation as to on record and as they changed (if they did). As a Mother myself, I feel deeply for each of these parents of the victims and for those who won’t ever know. How deep this went beyond the murders and into the trafficking ring was hard to read at times but overall, this was insightful to such a tragic event.

Instagram post for this will be up shortly.

An interesting take on one of the most disturbing cases in true crime history. I've read a few books on the Candy Man case but nothing else has taken a focus on the teens he had helping him out with his crimes. Also if you don't have much knowledge on the case it isn't a requirement to go into this book, very good for newcomers as well.

An absolute pleasure to read and a solid book! If you are into criminology and serial killers this is the book you must read! So much information is provided and it just captivated me!

Thanks, I hated it.

This book is anxiety-inducing, heart-wrenching, and horrifying. But it's also an insightful and valuable window into the complex story of a young man turned killer's apprentice. It's understandable that many people are still divided on Henley - a victim, perpetrator, or somehow both.

Heart wrenching and tragic case :( I honestly have a hard time eating this one cause …. It’s real. And a murderer. And. :( but it was well written
Thanks for the arc

Emotional Heart Wrenching

Dean Corl was a homosexual loner who had no friends other than the many male children who clambered around him for handouts of free candy and a chance to shoot a few games of pool and listen to the stereo at Corll's apartment. When young boys began to disappear at an alarming rate from the poor and lower middle-class section of Houston known as The Heights, the police did not appear to be concerned and at best, were indifferent.
Many of the boys who disappeared were running away either due from abusive households, or drugs, and some were just thrown on the streets by family members. Corll brainwashed, abused, and bribed two teenaged boys, David Brooks, and Wayne Henley, for a period of 3 years whilst promising money and material goods each time they procured other teenage boys for his amusement and murderous fantasies.
The deaths of 27 boys would have gone long undiscovered had Corll not been shot in the head by Henley, who only then contacted the police and told of the horrors he had witnessed.
This book is professionally written and told the story from the victims, their families, the neighbourhood, and the perpetrators. Sadly, the book is emotional heart wrenching, with the details of torture and death of so many young boys taking far too early. Thanks to NetGalley and to the publishers of this book for giving me a free advance copy of the book to preview and I am leaving this review voluntarily.