Customer Reviews

Cries in the Desert (St. Martin's True Crime Library)

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(11)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Well done. Moves at a good clip. Includes many details/info that were left out in the other book. Written by a professional journalist who knows what he's doing and it shows. Am glad this writer left out tiresome banter between DA Yontz and teen reporter Frances Baird, etc., am also relieved we don't have to read about all the "evidence" that the first judge threw out and prosecutor moaned about (when he should have simply been better prepared).
What also makes this a better version is that this writer stays with the victims and perpetrators--as he should, because that's the only story that matters, BECAUSE THAT IS THE STORY. Also, told in chronological order, and that matters a lot here.

Am I saying this is the definitive on this sadist David Parker Ray? Of course not, that's why I gave it four instead of five stars. Someone out there, maybe like Mailer, a writer with time and a good budget ought to dig up the WHOLE DAMN STORY, ALL OF IT, ETC. Until then CRIES IN THE DESERT will have to do & comes fairly close. A good true crime tale. Too bad Ray and his sadistic cohorts weren't put through all that they put their victims through. This is a nightmare tale about a truly sick white trash bunch.

The book contains some factual errors. The cover notes that the events began in the FALL of 1999. Actually the events began in March 1999 - the Spring. One of the "photographs" is alleged to be an x-ray depiction of the "Toy Box". It may be an artists rendering but is not accurate as to how the interior of the Toy Box appeared.

However, John Glatt does a very good job in regard to the background of the individuals involved inthe crimes committed in this case. His coverage of the trials wold have been more in depth and accurate had he been at the actual trials in New Mexico.

The only postscript I would add is that the New Mexico Court of Appeals denied the appeals filed by David Ray's attorney in March / April of 2002. David Parler Ray died in prison on May 29, 2002 from conditions related to heart disease.

David Ray Parker along with his girlfriend Cindy Hendy get their "kicks" from abducting unwilling women and holding them captive for three days. During those days, the unimaginable happens. David Ray has a Toybox of Terror that is filled with sexual aids, a gynecology chair and a video camera. After he has had his way with them he drugs them and leaves them in the middle of nowhere. It is appalling to think of what these women went through. This guy is sick and demented, unfortunately he's smart too.

This chronicle of "Sex" Torturer David Ray and the crimes of his daughter, his girlfriend and and another "friend" was a fast, page turning read. The narrative flows easily with many descriptions of how the "gang" of evil nobodies were successfull for years in their twisted fetish and how authorities finally put the criminals in prison. Even with the disturbing content of the crimes described in the book it keeps the readers interest and provides a few surprise elements as well. Highly Recommended. UPDATE: as of the writing of my review the girlfriend and other friend of Ray still sit in the New Mexico prison system. His daughter is on probation. Ray himself died 8 months after sentencing - having served a total of only 3 years of his 238 year sentence at the age of 62.

I thought it was an excellent primer for beginning to understand this type of criminal mind. Particularly in light of the unspeakable horrors we see in the news daily,about sexual predator abductions.

An excellent telling of a very upsetting story. As disturbing as it may be to follow these events, Glatt managed to keep me turning the pages to find out more. For those who like the true crime genre, a must-read.

I work with high profile, violent offenders. It's hard for me to find books that I feel I've learned something from. This book gave me some insight into criminal thinking that I have never had before. Plus, it was in great shape & a very reasonable price!

I read this book in 24 hours, and although, it is true that there are many people mentioned and at times I had to back track a little to see if I missed something, it was worth it. It wasn't so distracting that I would quit it all together, and believe me there are many books out there much, much worse. All and all I thought it was fast paced and easy to read. It is amazing to me that I'd never heard of this before, as huge as it was. And It never ceases to amaze me the atrocities that people can do to other people. It is a scary, scary, story and for the people who survived David Parker Ray, I hope you may somehow find peace.

I didn't think this book was that great. I had to force myself to finish it. It does not delve very deep into the lives of the players, just skims across the surface. Also, there are so mnay people mentioned in this book, it is hard to keep them all straight!

This is one messed up story, and the fact it is true, and people like this live among us is scary. Not for the faint of heart, and if you love true crime, I would recommend this.