Customer Reviews

Murder in Old Kentucky

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Murder In Old Kentucky: True Crimes From The Bluegrass by Keven McQueen is an interesting collection of memorable stories taken from historical homicides which took place in the Commonwealth between the years 1826 and 1937. Included is the murder of the famous Beauchamp-Sharp, the "Ashland Tragedy", and the Lucretia Mundy poisoning. Exceptionally well written, Murder In Old Kentucky is very highly recommended to true crime buffs, students of criminology, and anyone interested in the darker side of Kentucky history.

In one of the old TV "Avenger" episodes, John Steed was about to be shot by a firing squad. Steed helped the nervous commander of the squad with some trifle, saying in his prim British manner, "It is important to do these things well."

Keven McQueen has told his stories well. With his keen eye for detail and an incisive sense of humor, he has taken old stories from the dry, dusty pages of newspapers and made them highly interesting. He writes well.

As a great-grandchild of a near-victim in Keven's book and a writer of such stories myself, I am qualified to say that "Murder in Old Kentucky" is an fascinating, entertaining and accurate portrayal of historical Kentucky and even the rest of eastern United States.The Courage Place

Kentucky literature is very popular in our area and Mr. McQueen's books are both well researched and entertaining. I work at a public library and his books are checked out as quickly as we can display them.

Next time someone is waxing poetic about just how grand things were in the "good old days," you might just want to pass along a copy of this wonderful book. Haunting stories told of crimes that could have been taken from today's headlines, but shared in the more lyrical journalistic writing of the 19th century. Seen through the veneer of time and the wit and wisdom of McQueen's own lyrical writing style, these true crime tales are a refreshing read. Here's hoping for continued research and more writing.

THIS IS A VERY INTERESTING BOOK FILLED WITH NEAT STORIES THAT WILL KEEP THE READER ENTERTAINED FOR HOURS AND HOURS! I ENJOYED IT VERY MUCH AND THINK IT WILL BE FUN TO GO BACK AND READ STORIES OVER AND OVER AGAIN! IT WOULD ALSO MAKE A GREAT GIFT!

Have you ever been reading along only to start laughing so hard that you actually dropped the book? Well, I just did. The author who gave me that unique literary experience is Keven McQueen and the book is Murder in Old Kentucky.

The book chronicles eighteen true crime stories from Kentucky's bloody past, and as the author points out and then proves, "most tragedies are entwined with moments of comedy." I loved it! When the book isn't hilarious, it's plain interesting and the quality of the writing is absolutely exceptional, making this author a standout in the genre.

A tiny sampling:

"....Richard Shuck soon lived up to his reputation for not being terribly bright. Later that afternoon, he rode to Owenton, where he could not have drawn more attention to himself if he had walked around on stilts and worn a crimson sandwich board reading 'I am a murderer.' Indeed, his actions are an encyclopedia of things one should not do after committing a homicide...."

"The hanging went without a hitch -- so to speak...."

Enjoy!

I intend to purchase every book this author ever writes. I could not put this book down until completed. McQueen writes about murders that this KY native and avid reader of true crimes had never even heard of before. His book in not only informative but also entertaining to read. I was frequently laughing out loud at his dry sense of humor. This book shows that the "good old days" are nothing more than a prevarication, and that wife beating, child rape, abduction and murder are nothing new to society. This is a must read for any true crime fanatic. This is not one of those books you buy, read once and throw to the side. I will read this book again just to enjoy his use of language. His writing style is unique, witty, cynical, comical and truly enjoyable.

For those who believe the good old days were much better and less dangerous than modern times let them read this book to obtain a fresh perspective! Mr. McQueen offers us a view into a little, if at all, known piece of Kentucky history. The violence that raged in the Bluegrass during the 17th century seems unbelievable! In today's world children are stalked and murdered by sexual predators, spouses are murdered in cold calculated ways, family members are beset upon by greedy and murderous relatives, press members are slated for eradication by those who do not like what they have to say, peaceful college towns are shattered by unexpected acts of violence, and vigilante justice sometimes rears it's frightening and ugly head. All this and more are in this chilling book of true crime. All this and more was happening in the good old days!

Wickedly written and interspersed with the wry humor with which Mr. McQueen is so adept, Murder in Old Kentucky: True Crime Stories from the Bluegrass was a book I had trouble putting down! This is a must read for anyone who enjoys true crime.

I've been following the works of this author for some time now. I must say that every single book has a prized place on my shelf, and this is no exception. As a fan of true crime collections, I certainly didn't expect to read a book filled with interesting and, at times, hilarious chapters about crimes of which even I had never heard. His use of language is absolutely stunning, and his somewhat dry sense of humor will have you giggling when you least expect it. Read it first to learn about these terrible yet interesting crimes, then read it again just to enjoy the brilliant use of language. Keven McQueen writes as if he truly loves his craft, and surely he must. It is evident in every well-written paragraph.