The Indiana Torture Slaying: Sylvia Likens' Ordeal and Death

Rating:
Summary: Judy Book
Review: ...As a true crime book, this one has it all (depravity, torture and merciful death along with many details that take the reader right into the midst of the story) and then some. The writer's sympathy and moral outrage are clearly expressed, though not in a heavy-handed way. To convey his outrage, all the author needs to do is state the stark facts of the case. I recommend this to any fans of true crime. Order soon, as the reprint is a limited print run.

Rating:
Summary: The Indiana Torture Slaying: Sylvia Likens' Ordeal and Death
Review: I have read this book on several occasions and have found it to be one that was both bold and accurate in an account of a crime that should not have happen. I would recommend this book to those wishing to try an understand "how" crimes of this nature could actually occur and "why" they occur. I have researched this drama for years and found only one thing that I did question. I thought the note that was written by Sylvia to her parents was signed "Your daughter, Sylvia Likens". This book, says the note was unsigned. I have found it the best book written on this case.

Rating:
Summary: HORRIFYING
Review: I'am from Indianapolis, In. and went to school with Stephanie and Paula. My mom had Paula babysit us on ocassions when we lived in Beech Grove, on the corner of Emerson and Alton street. It's terrible to think that someone you knew and even went to their house, was a cold blooded killer. I don't understand why a movie hasn't been made about this torture! My sister also dated (murderer)Steven Judy, who was also a cold blooded killer. Nothing on him either, book or movie. I have the first edition book and would like to get the second. Curious to know what the killer gang is doing today. I know Gertrude is dead. Best book I ever read, held my full attention.

Rating:
Summary: A Great Book For a Horrible Story
Review: The death of Sylvia Likens is the most depressing story I have ever heard in my life. The poor girl was tortured to death and no one would help her. It makes me wonder what the hell they did to God.

Poor Sylvia Likens was the daughter of Betty and Lester Likens. She was the "odd" child because she was born in between two sets of twins. Her parents had decided to travel with a carnival, so they left Sylvia and her sister Jenny in the hands of "Mrs. Wright", which was the most horrible thing any parent could do to any child.

This story reminded me some of White Orleander. Though that book was not nearly as troublesome as this one, it carried a similar story line: mother ends up in jail, child is forced to live with other people and is mistreated.

I loved this book. It is the best book ever written on a true story. It really was a great book for such a horrible and tragic story.

If you liked White Orleander but thought it wasn't gruesome enough for you, this book will definitely satisfy your cravings.

Rating:
Summary: Judy Book
Review: The reader from Indianapolis may be interested to know that there has been a book written about Steven Judy called "Burn Judy Burn." Pretty good but hard to find. Some former child actor optioned it but it was never made into a movie. I have friend whose brother-in-law spent the night in the same Indianapolis apartment as the Goodbar Killer when he was on the lam from New York. Brush With Murder, would make a good book. This book on the Likens case is easier to follow that The Basement. The mother was paroled from prison about a decade ago. I think she may have died since then.