Customer Reviews

The Bluegrass Conspiracy: An Inside Story of Power, Greed, Drugs and Murder

5 star:		(20)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Sally Denton has written a book that this Kentuckian would have never thought possible! By examining what starts out as a simple rogue Lexington cop, she (through the work of a Kentucky State Trooper) follows a trail that leads to an exposure of absolute corruption. What one would think is a simple drug peddling ring turns out to have significant connections with South American governments, Quadaffi, major players in the Kentucky government, and a potential presidential candidate. This book in intriguing from the first sentence to the final page. I highly recommend it to anyone.

This book tells the detailed story of how a handful of Lexington socialites organized a crime ring that became a (maybe *the*) major smuggler of cocaine and other drugs into the Eastern United States. Complete with cover-up and contract murders, the author pieces together an intricate story that, before it's over, includes state and federal government officials as well as organized-crime syndicates from all over the country. Also recounted in the book is the life of Ralph Ross, the Kentucky State Policeman and electronic-surveillance expert, whose single-minded perseverance finally brought about the end of the smuggling ring.

It's informative as well as it is entertaining, and I recommend it to all true-crime fans, mafia buffs, conspiracy theorists, and Kentuckians.

FYI -- Ralph Ross, the tenacious KSP officer who is a central figure in this book, died of cancer on August 24th, 2002. He was 70. The _Lexington Herald-Leader_ ran a story about his death that, some 12 years after "The Bluegrass Conspiracy" was published, is less than objective about Ross. Incidentally, this title was so controversial following its initial publication in 1990 that it was pulled from publication and has only recently been given a new printing. Ross was pardoned by then-Governor Wallace Wilkinson in 1991.

I'm sorry I won't get to meet him after all -- at least not on this side.

A few years before "Drew" bit the dust he arrested me for "knowingly receiving a stolen typewriter" when I was running for the US Congress. Result: 1-5. That event changed my life. Sally Denton cuts the coke with a sharp knife. She did a lot more than scratch the surface. A movie should be made from this.

One of the best books I have read to date. A definite must read for any Kentuckian or just anyone interested in a good true crime story. You'll be suprised at just how much money and violence was being spread around Lexington from the late 70's through the 80's.

A Kentucky blue blood, ex-military, ex-cop with a partner manages an organized crime ring called "The Company." After a successfully drug smuggling operation for approximately 20 years a Lexingtonian turns up dead, in his possession a large sum of cocaine and several thousand dollars in cash. Also in his possession a black book with several names of prominent Kentucky figures abroad, and CIA telephone numbers most citizens are ordinarily unable to obtain. A very well connected individual throughout the eastern United States, Las Vegas, and South America. Murder is not out of the question for these folks to commit, in order to proceed in their corrupt business endeavors. All the above information told in page one.

A very good read, the story will have you turning the pages quickly as possible. Sally Denton does a wonderful job conveying this shocking report. Various high rollers and Kentuckians apparently thought themselves to be above the law. This book is nicely written and is a very easy read. Not to say it's lacking in detail but just the opposite, Denton has immensely researched the backgrounds of each subject portrayed. However the end just doesn't wrap up all your questions about a few individuals. A very good book if the ending gave more detail to particular entities would definitely be a five star, but for that reason give a strong four stars...no make it five stars it's really good.

This book is a really good read, but must be read twice due to the intracacies involved, i.e. names, places etc. I recommend you keep a pencil and pad nearby and make a chart for convenience sake. However, sadly, this same thing is probably taking place in locations as well, Florida, Louisiana, Texas, etc. I do think some things were obvious at the time and failed, or ignored, to be followed up, but I guess that's the name of the game. I would strongly suggest it as good reading for anyone interested in this sort of thing.

Having known some of the people in the book, it is an interesting and scary read. I was lucky enough to be living in Las Vegas when the book was published and I was able to go to a book signing by Sally. We had a very interesting conversation about some of the "stars"...
The more you read the book, the more you learn. Interesting enough,
Bill Canaan was just released from prison a couple of weeks ago and his whereabouts are unknown.
An old family friend passed away a few months and I felt like I was in the book..four of the "stars" of the book were present at the funeral home.
Drew was a very complicated person. The day he got his Lexington police uniform, he went to see my Aunt to show off his uniform. He was so proud.
Read the book several times. It's better every time.

Sally Denton's writing is superb. The truth is always more interesting than fiction. This story includes so much. If you enjoy books on; conspiracy, drugs, guns, murder, the mafia, Vegas, the list goes on, this book is going to entertain you. For the more political minded citizen(s), this book is going to scare you.

A wonderful story. Sometimes the writing is not great, with run-on sentances and gramitical errors; however, the story is compelling enough to bypass the small mishaps. At times a little confusing because numerous characters are introduced in short periods of time. Overall a pretty good book, one I will read again.