The Kentucky Cannibal: The True Story of an Outlaw, Murderer and Man-Eater (True Crime)

I didn’t like the fact it wasn’t as extensive as I thought

The Commonwealth of Kentucky has contributed such legendary historical figures as Judge Roy Bean, Jim Bowie, Kit Carson, and Abraham Lincoln. Less venerable figures include contemporary serial killers Donald Harvey and Charles Manson but also a truly contemptible frontiersman, the subject of this book, Boone Helm. The heinous acts of this man earned him an absolutely grisly but tragically appropriate moniker, the Kentucky Cannibal.The harsh reality of the American frontier, in truth, had little in common with the highly glamorized depictions favored by Hollywood. Hardships and misfortune plagued the settlers who had to be made of grit and sheer determination to survive. The lawless, the vicious, and the greedy were only part of the peril that confronted the intrepid frontiersmen. (Think less Little House on the Prairie and more Bone Tomahawk). It is against this rugged backdrop that a boy grew into a man of extreme violence and perverse proclivities. The life and misdeeds of Boone Helm are thoroughly explored in this book and the author, Ryan Green, provides his customary blend of meticulously researched background with his astute psychological insight to provide an exceptional and riveting account of one of America’s most reprehensible contributions to history. I highly recommend this book to anyone with an interest in true crime, historically accurate westerns, and students of criminology and behavioral sciences.I was provided with an advance copy of this book by the author but I also chose to purchase a copy and I am voluntarily offering my honest and unbiased review.

Knowing Ryan Green's penchant for history and true crime, I s'pose this book was inevitable. I didn't expect to like it, as crimes from over a century ago seem not only out-of-date, but somehow not as compelling. Not so with this one. This time Green takes us into the North American West during the genocide and expansion of the 1800s, and we see it thru the eyes of a true cannibal. Once again, it makes sense that these crimes occurred, given the abuse and neglect of a horrific childhood, and given the position taken by the federal gov't at that time. When you see your gov't committing wholesale slaughter, seems obvious that some citizen will take that as a green light to begin slaughtering also. Moves at a quick pace (unexpected in a historical telling) and arrives at a satisfactory ending. Green has done it again.

I love true crime that reads like a story! However, did he kill Dutch Fred twice?? Once at the beginning of the book and then again at the end? Maybe I missed something…

Boone Helm was born to hard working parents, one of eleven children. He was a big chi?I'd and at the age of thirteen he was fighting and beating grown men. The Sheriff served a warrant for Boone to go to court to face charges. He rode his horse into the courtroom demanding to know what judge dated sign a warrant for him and the judge let him go free. Boone began traveling West having heard all about the gold rush. He was not good at planning and if he was hungry he was likely to butcher his unlucky companion show down. I was riveted by this story, but, I was so terrified by Boone Helm. Ryan Green brought the character to life with his words! He lived by his own rules and nothing stood in his way!

I have read several books by Mr. Green and I am always amazed by the way that he can immerse me in the story lines. I feel like I'm right there, watching things play out as his narrative is so realistic!Mr. Green knows more about the darker side of American history than I do, but I wasn't taught about these people in school! I have to say that he must spend a lot of time researching the ghastly people that he writes about!!!Keep writing, Ryan, and I'll keep reading!!!!!I would definitely recommend this author to my friends and family members!!!

This was an interesting surprise in that I haven’t read much involving the Old West but funny how the more things change, the more they stay the same. It was a touch confusing to me at times keeping track on all the supplemental characters interacting with Boone, the main character, but just used my search future on Kindle when unsure of how each person ties into the story. Overall a satisfying read on the serial killer’s psyche, morale, and eating habits (hmm) with an honestgood effort by the author.

This book was so informative and an easy read! I can't wait to read his other books!

I have now read a number of Ryan's books and can officially say Ryan is one of my favorite authors.I'm so glad i came across his books.They are always a great read and are so good that you can never put the book down and end up finishing the book in one sitting, even if it means that you stay up until 3am!!Top marks to a brilliant author.

Once again this author has done his research and, mixing in a nice amount of poetic license, pulled another great book from his hat. Just the right amount of gruesome detail and a bit of comedy makes for a thoroughy enjoable read about a rather nasty cowboy and his unsavoury habits. My advice is to get all of this authors' books, each and every one just as enjoyable as this.

So Ryan Green has done it again! This is another example of how well Mr Green manages to fully research lesser known criminals. Yes, there's more abuse, and yup, it's gruesome. (no details spared, right?) but at the same time, it isn't gratuitous. And as always the style of writing is very readable. Can't wait for the next book.....!

Great read, wow was this man really human ?.

Another winner from Ryan Green