Customer Reviews

Ma Duncan

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I found the book to be an easy and enjoyable read. Many years ago I saw old newspapers which mentioned the trial of Ma Duncan. After seeing this I've often wondered what acctually happened. Now I know.
Captain Barrett does a wonderful job of bringing the people to life and giving the reader insight into each of the characters involved. A very thorough account about the killers, detectives and Ma Duncan, herself. Captain Barrett masterfully guides the reader into what motivates all of the players and describes, in detail, what drives them to become involved in this horrendous murder.
A very well researched book; one that I also had trouble putting down after starting.

Once I read the back cover, I knew this wasn't going to be ANYTHING like that made for TV movie with Rick Schroder and Judith Light. Sure enough, the things this mother did to screw with men's lives and keep her son at arm's length are unbelievable. Sometimes the truth really is stranger than fiction! I wish there were more details regarding the prosecution's cross examination. I'll bet that would be a book in itself, showcasing all the scams this woman has pulled off.

Wow. Great book! I was spellbound and could hardly stop reading until I finished the book. What a horrible, evil woman Ma Duncan was to have had her daughter-in-law and own grandchild murdered out of insane jealously! True crime at its most despicable.

Once I picked this book up, I could not put it down. Elizabeth Duncan had to have been insane. She and Frank and many others are to blame for this poor womens murder. I can't believe Frank was able to go on with his life knowing his mother not only had sex with him but murdered his own wife. I hope there will be a part two. I would love to know where Frank is and if he is still an attorney. I would also like to know how Olga's family is and how Ma Duncan's other Children turned out. To Jim Barrett, great book, your a great teacher. Thanks

I remember, as a child, hearing snippets of the Ma Duncan story from family friends who were members of the Ventura County D.A.'s office around that time. When I found out Jim Barrett had written a book about it, I could not wait to read it! From the moment I started the book, I did not put it down until I had finished!

A facinating true story of a mother totally obsessed with jealousy over her own son. The last woman to be executed in California and feel the sensation as you are right there with Ma and her hired killers in the gas chamber, their last expressions. Great physcholical profiles of the hired killers and the woman who hired them. I often wondered what makes someone so cold about killing another and this book gives you some insight into that issue. The law in the 50's was certainly not what it is today, hopefully! Unbelievable how she masterminded this brutal crime, just a little old lady she was. If you like true crime stories, this is it! Could not put the book down to the very last page. Where is that meek son of hers today, I wondered. I don't like him very much!

I'm not sure how I came to trip over this book but really a rivoting story. The writing is above average but it is the real life story that is really compelling. Very fast reading. I wonder what ever became of the man in the middle Frank Duncan?

I remember when this crime happened here in Southern CA. It hit me hard because I was pregnant, at the time, with my 2nd daughter. Now to read the complete story in such depth and detail almost 50 years later was a fascinating experience. Yet, this isn't just a dry crime report. Barrett has captured the essence of the characters and made them come to life. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and have recommended it to everyone I know who loves a good true crime.

Patricia Fry

www.matilijapress.com

True crime lovers will love this story about a diabolical woman who murders her daughter-in-law to keep her son. The detail is excellent, the book is easy to read, and very well written. The author captures Ma Duncan and really makes you see what an evil, crazy women she is. A must read for all!

This book is a must read with so much to the story. It is a true story and nothing was fabricated in there.It was a great read I could not put the book down.It went in to details through interviews and court transcripts of the actual events leading up to this horrible Murder to the Trial and after.
I would like to comment on the poster below. The posters name is Steven E. Kroll and I would not pay attention to his post.I don't believe him. After reading the book things that he is saying is quite absurd.
I do not believe he was at the trial. It was standing room only and I certainly did not read that teenagers were given seats. And this poster would be in his 70's now and how sharp is his memory about this standing room only trial 56 years ago?? I will also add that we see his memory is not very sharp as he is comparing this to the Sam Sheppard crime. Sam Sheppard's son has been fighting to clear his Dad's name and through his fight, they have found evidence that Sam sheppard was not guilty. I have not heard anything about new evidence that Ma Duncin is innocent nor have we heard that her son has been looking or fighting to find evidence to clear her name through the years. He knew she was guilty.

The poster went in to a rant with his made up post, because he is against the death penalty.

Read the book it is a true story and you can't put this book down.