In this gripping account, Schechter (Hells Princess) charts the descent of farmer Andrew Kehoe into madnessthorough research matches the assured prose. True crime buffs will want to take a look. Publishers Weekly
The minute-by-minute account of the event and the firsthand reports create a strong sense of place and time and bring this chilling story to lifea vivid narrative thats sure to please those interested in historical true crime tales. Library Journal
Exhaustively researched but written in an accessible style, Schechter balances true crime, an immigration story, and a look at our fascination with true crimes, to spellbinding effect. Amazon Book Review
A shocking but little-remembered tragedy unfolded at a primary school in Michigan one day in 1927leaving 38 children and six adults dead. With careful research and captivating scenes, Schechter probes how echoes of the massacre reverberate even today. Newsweek
Schechter delves into Kehoes life, along with the circumstances leading up to the bloodbath he wrought, and discusses other major news events of the time period that eclipsed coverage of the bombing. In his usual way, Schechter engrosses the reader without being sensationalist, and fans of his previous work would do well to pick this up. Booklist
Maniac is a fascinating book by an author who shows real mastery of the true-crime genre. The story Schechter recounts is a difficult one to read, but the authors intelligence and sensitivity make it one thats well worth your time. NPR
Rather than simply telling the story of what happened in Bath, Schechter looks much more deeply into the situation, what similarities we would see in our world today (tabloid stories, murderabilia collectors, and people from nearby towns coming just to look at the devastation) as well as what was going on in the world in May of 1927 that may have had a large effect on the news coverage the Bath disaster did (and did not) receiveSchechter also looks closely at modern-day school shootings and what these events do and do not have in common with this almost century old precedent. Additionally, he examines some of the crimes referred to as the crime of the century in pop culture, and how these crimes measure up to Kehoes disastrous work in BathFar from focusing exclusively on the crime itself and the sadist who committed it, Schechter also brings the reader heart-warming stories of heroes and survivors in a beautiful and honorable way. The Nerd Daily
Reading the story chronologically is as nerve-wracking as a page-turning thrillerSchechter doesnt spend too much time attempting to psychoanalyze Kehoe; hes more focused on our cultural response to such a monster in our midst. The American Conservative
Schechter forensically recreates the family history and gradual unravelling of mass murderer Andrew KehoeFor true crime lovers, this author has done his research. A Lee Woodruff Book Marks selection
A concise, harrowing work of social historyMr. Schechter does a worthy job with this dire saga, telling it in short, punchy chapters and placing it in a larger historical context. The Wall Street Journal
Schechter pulls details from every conceivable news account, using them to present the victims as dimensional human beings. Readers experience that terrible day as many townspeople didManiac is both a comprehensive historical account of an American tragedy and a fitting reminder about the conditions that can create human time bombs. Psychology Today
