Cheap Rites of Burial (Book) (Tom Jackman) Price

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Customer Reviews of Rites of Burial

If you want to know ALL the DETAILS, this is for you
I picked this book up in a bargain bin. As I started to read it, I was quite shocked by the graphic details and disturbing pictures in this book. Other reviewers have said this book is insensitive and biased. Although I understand this point, I disagree. If you truly want to examine the depravity of serial murderers, you have to know the details of their crimes to be able to understand the things of which these people are capable. In addition, other reviewers have charged the authors with being homophobic. I did not find this to be the case. Rather, the authors did expose how the homophobia of the KC police dept. affected their investigations and their handling of the victims and Berdella.

Unfortunately, the victims' families are undoubtedly hurt by the openly graphic nature of this book. However, the pictures in this book provide faces to these men IN pain and agony, which reinforces to the reader that they are PEOPLE, not just names. Of all the books I have read on serial killers, this one portrays serial killers as the TRULY sick, evil, emotionless, empty, disgusting, depraved, sub-human beings they are. It does not elavate them to the sensationalist, almost cult-hero iconistic status as do many books, movies, etc...

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empathy for victims' families
I read Mike Sheldon's review and was very touched. I just finished reading the book and I feel that the victims and their families have experienced unbelievable atrocities. I wish I could reach out to the families and offer my heartfelt sorrow for their loss. I would caution readers of the very graphic photographs and the horrific details described in the book. I felt physically ill while reading the accounts of each crime. I read many true crime novels but none were quite this grotesque.

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As time goes by...
My first review of this book was given 3 years ago and I would still have to say that the graphic photo's displayed in this book are incredible personal and hurtful to any of the loved one's involved. I just happened to be in a local drug store one day and came across this book. My brother was one of the victims. I have always been fascinated with true crime books and I don't in the least view myself as being naive, but as I was viewing the book, I came across some horrific photo's of my brother and the other victims. I've never seen a book quite like this. The author could've placed a warning on the cover and notified the families. The only good thing that came out of this tragedy are all the e-mails I've received from readers offering their condolences and prayers. I thank all of you for showing me that the world is full of caring people. Hopefully, as I finish my book of the life of my big brother Robert Sheldon, we will open the hearts of many and possibly prevent the young readers from getting involved in the evil lifestyle that surrounds people like R. Berdella.