I knew about this author based on another book he wrote after this, one called "A Dark and Bloody Ground" that actually involved one of my family members, believe me, a well guarded family secret there I tell you. This is a serious, intelligent author who has found his niche. This book and the other delve into cults of violence especially in semi-rural regions like southern Illinois here and Harlan County, Kentucky, both regions having exceptionally high murder rates. These are chilling books which are part history, sociological examination, folklore and religious beliefs and flat out ethnographic studies of these particular regions. The author is respectful of the people he is examining, both inhabitants, victims and perpetrators of these sordid crimes. These books aren't as lyrical as James Lee Burke or as dark as James Ellroy, but they are disturbing and steady looks into the mindset of violence, hopelessness and despair. The novels examine the human condition and just how things can go awry. Powerful stories and writing, mythic tragedies.
One of the best true crime books I've ever read. How did I never come across this book before? It was published in 1989 and I only found the title by happenstance recently while reading an essay on true crime and female readers by Laura Browder. The deep historical and cultural background of "Little Egypt" (southern Illinois) and the portrait of the incredibly insular atmosphere in which the story of a father's crimes against his family takes place are a real stand-out in this book. The story of the Cavaness family unfolds from the 1940s through the 1980s and you would hardly know that anything else is happening in the world in that period. Sure, there's WWII, a mention or two of Vietnam, and the drug culture of the 60s and 70s, but the area and the people inhabiting it are so isolated from the rest of the world that St. Louis, not DC, might as well be their capital. This is an excellent book that gives us far more than the picture of a family that, despite its relative prosperity, was doomed to violent fragmentation almost from its beginning.
Do You like book Murder In Little Egypt (2002)?
Nearly finished. Wow what a treasure I discovered at one of my true crime books.Very very well written. Update: This is how to write a great true crime book. I do not understand why this author is not more famous although I did know him from a great book The Hillside Stranglers. Just learned he died in 1998 so no more books by this author. I still have to get a copy of The Power to Hurt.I did not read the description of this book so I did not know what would happen. He kept me on my toes from page 1 till the end.Highly recommend to everyone.
—♥ Marlene♥
Riveting true crime story of an Illinois doctor who murdered two of his sons. I thought it was very interesting. When I finished the book, I had to google some of the family because I was curious as to how their lives turned out. I was disappointed to learn that his oldest surviving son Kevin, had died of cancer, and that Kevin's mother had also passed away last summer at age 85. It's heartbreaking to know what the family went through, especially when you consider how many of the townfolk rallied around the evil doctor instead of supporting a hurting and devastated family.
—Tami
I'm from southern Illinois albeit not this exact location in the book. however, I think the author takes poetic license on the descriptions of the people, not everyone there is ignorant or uneducated or even adored the Dr. The violence the author refers to is mostly from a bygone era very long ago and is not typical of the area in the 80's. I think he added alot to enhance the story and make the people there more colorful...having said that, its a chilling story and an easy read. Just take some of the descriptions with a grain of salt....
—Sandra Rich
