Thank you to my friends at @minotaur_books and @macmillan.audio for the gifted copies.  

 

I love true crime.  And given that I devoured @amy.harmon.author ‘s The Unknown Beloved last year (a romance set amongst the unfolding horror in 1930’s Cleveland) , this new spotlight on the Mad Butcher peeked my interest.  

 

The Untouchables introduced most of us to renowned lawman Elliot Ness.  Legend tells us of his vigor and roughness.  Two fisted justice.  A man larger than life.  

 

But as legends often go, Ness’ tends to be inauthentic and exaggerated.   

 

In American Demon, Stashower aims to clarify those falsehoods while also taking a look at one of America’s most devious, albeit little known, serial killers.  

Given the title, I went into this read expecting a primary focus on the Mad Butcher.  However, Ness doesn’t just take part in this story, he is the headliner.  While the end game is that battle of wits between the sadistic serial killer and Ness, most of the buildup is devoted to Ness’ life and career.  

Once I adjusted to the actuality of the premise, I was able to enjoy this disturbing look into history and crime.   

 

🎧As I usually do, I partnered the physical and audio copies of this book.  Will Damron’s gritty and dark tone captured the sinister nature of this read in the audiobook.