Prophet's Prey: My Seven-Year Investigation into Warren Jeffs and the Fundamentalist Church of Latter-Day Saints [Hardcover]

Sam Brower (Author), Jon Krakauer (Introduction)

Book Description

Release date: August 30, 2011

"A remarkable man on many levels, Sam Brower is the real deal. Readers are apt to find his firsthand account of bringing Warren Jeffs to justice both extremely disturbing and absolutely riveting."-Jon Krakauer, from the foreword

From the private investigator who cracked open the case that led to the arrest of Warren Jeffs, the maniacal prophet of the polygamous Fundamentalist Church of Latter Day Saints (FLDS), comes the page-turning, horrifying story of how a rogue sect used sex, money, and power disguised under a favßade of religion to further criminal activities and a madman's vision.

Despite considerable press coverage and a lengthy trial, the full story has remained largely untold. Only one man can reveal the whole, astounding truth: Sam Brower, the private investigator who devoted years of his life to breaking open the secret practices of the FLDS and bringing Warren Jeffs and his inner circle to justice. In Prophet's Prey, Brower implicates Jeffs in his own words, bringing to light the contents of Jeffs's personal priesthood journal, discovered in a hidden underground vault, and revealing to readers the shocking inside world of FLDS members, whose trust he earned and who showed him the staggering truth of their lives.

Prophet's Prey offers the gripping, behind-the-scenes account of a bizarre world from the only man who knows the full story.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"An excruciatingly detailed, nightmarish saga demonstrating the sometimes inexplicable power of human evil."—Kirkus Reviews "Sam Brower is one of a few individuals not born into the FLDS who possesses a comprehensive knowledge of its inside workings. It is because of individuals like Sam that former FLDS members and I have the hope of the criminal activities being publicly exposed, thereby allowing future FLDS generations to one day claim the protection of freedom."—Carolyn Jessop, author of the New York Times bestseller Escape "I can’t say enough about Sam Brower's knowledge involving the inner workings of the FLDS and its leader . . . His diligence and tenacity was a major factor in putting Warren Jeffs behind bars."—Brent Jeffs, author of Lost Boy --This text refers to the Kindle Edition edition.

About the Author

Raised in the Mormon Church (mainstream LDS), private detective Sam Brower is the investigator who pushed forward the long and hard legal battles against the radical FLDS and Warren Jeffs. He lives in Cedar City, Utah.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 336 pages
• Publisher: Bloomsbury USA; First Edition edition (August 30, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 160819275X
• ISBN-13: 978-1608192755
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.2 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (91 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #334,988 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

71 of 73 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars True, but incredibly shocking August 31, 2011

By tachi1 TOP 1000 REVIEWERVINE™ VOICE

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Vine™ Review (What's this?)

The fact that the Warren Jeffs trial had just captured my attention as well as the news that he had refused to eat in jail and was in critical condition as I read this book made the experience that much more relevant and interesting. I vaguely remembered the raid in which so many children had been removed from the compound only to be returned later. Until the trial started, I had completely forgotten about the FLDS. Well, now I know more than I would have wanted to know.

I'm not sure what is more shocking:
* the incredible and totalitarian atrocities that went on right here in the United States in the 21st century;
* the inability and/or unwillingness of government at all levels to put a stop to them;
* the willingness of the victims to submit to so much irrational torment and control;
* the passive indifference of many (not all) of the neighboring communities;
* the fact that the taxpayer subsidized the entire operation in the form of welfare, government subsidies, government contracts, etc. (Known in the community as "bleeding the beast.")
* the total obliviousness of the general population (of which I am a part);
* or the fact that it is STILL going on.

To say that reading this book is a shocking revelation is an understatement. There is so much injustice and cruelty involved that it is revolting. I wouldn't know where to start listing the many ways in which I find this travesty offensive. I am all admiration for Sam Brower for his dogged determination to bring this monster down and expose his hypocrisy and crimes. As the book shows, it wasn't easy, but he persisted. If just reading about it is disturbing, I can't imagine living it.

He has written a testament for historians to refer to because; if these facts weren't written down now by an eyewitness listing names, dates, places, no one in the future would believe it was anything more than a sick fantasy.

The only fault I can find with the book from the perspective of the reader is that the story is not told in a linear manner. As if it wasn't confusing enough to deal with the shocking and revolting events; the many people with same and inter-related last names; the various localities and different communities; and same or similar crimes committed over and over--the fact that the author went back and forth in time kept me in a total state of confusion as to the progression of events. As happy as I am for the fact that Warren Jeffs was ultimately arrested (and convicted after the book's publication), I'm still unclear on the exact sequence of events that led to it.

Other than that almost minor complaint, I am all admiration for the work Mr. Brower undertook and, as a citizen; I thank him for all he did to bring this monster to justice. I will try to keep informed as to what transpires in the ongoing history of the community of believers he still leads and hope, without much optimism, that common sense prevails.

62 of 65 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A real-life Private Investigator catches a creep August 3, 2011

By Undercover Nerd

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

I got interested in Warren Jeffs and the FLDS years ago when I first read "Under the Banner of Heaven" by Jon Krakauer. I have been following the Jeffs trial so I snagged this for my Kindle and tore through the whole thing in one day.
Sam Brower, the author is PI who tracked Jeffs down (because of his own sense of justice in regards to the way children were treated by Jeffs) and uncovered a lot of damning evidence against him. The story is briskly paced, very exciting, and provides a good look into the way Private Investigators carry out their work. There is a fair amount of unsavory detail regarding the FLDS practices, particularly with the multiple child brides and intimidation tactics used by the group leaders, so beware that that's included but it is necessary to explain just why Jeffs deserves to be punished. A fascinating, thrilling true story and a great companion to Krakauer's earlier book.

24 of 27 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent insight into the mystery of the FLDS August 25, 2011

By Colene M. White VINE™ VOICE

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Vine™ Review (What's this?)

Sam Brower's detailed investigation into the fundamentalist Mormon group called FLDS and its "prophet" is very compelling and shocking. To realize the depth of depravity of the people, enacted in the name of faith in God, is almost overwhelming. Sam Brower, who is himself a Mormon, pursues Warren Jeffs tirelessly, often putting himself in danger, as he attempts to bring this sick man to justice.

It is heartening to learn that Jeffs is finally captured and convicted of sexual abuse of children; and astounding to learn all that happened in order to bring him to justice. There are far too many people involved in the FLDS and willing to do the worst, including offering up their own children, at the order of their "prophet."

A good read if you are interested in the well-kept secrets of polygamy and the horrors that it hides.