New York Times Bestseller: The “fascinating” true story of John Dale Cavaness, a much-admired Illinois doctor—and the cold-blooded killer of his own son (The Washington Post). Fusing the narrative power of an award-winning novelist and the detailed research of an experienced investigator, author Darcy O’Brien unfolds the story of Dr. John Dale Cavaness, the southern Illinois physician and surgeon … southern Illinois physician and surgeon charged with the murder of his son Sean in December 1984. Outraged by the arrest of the skilled medical practitioner who selflessly attended to their needs, the people of Little Egypt, as the natives call their region, rose to his defense.
But during the subsequent trial, a radically different, disquieting portrait of Dr. Cavaness would emerge. Throughout the three decades that he enjoyed the admiration and respect of his community, Cavaness was privately terrorizing his family, abusing his employees, and making disastrous financial investments. As more and more grisly details of the Cavaness case come to stark Midwestern light in O’Brien’s chilling account, so too does the hidden gothic underside of rural America and its heritage of violence and blood.
“A meticulous account . . . An implicit indictment of a culture that condones and encourages violent behavior in men.” —The New York Times Book Review
“A fascinating story, and Darcy O’Brien does a great job of structuring it for suspense.” —The Washington Post
“Riveting.”—Publishers Weekly
“A terrifying story of family violence and the community that honored the perpetrator.” —Kirkus Reviews
“Stunning material . . . Handled with justice and fastidiousness by a natural storyteller.” —Seamus Heaney, winner of the Nobel Prize
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This was a good book. I could not believe the things a father did to his children. And how the town stood behind him no matter what he did. Scary that one man could have the power to do what he did.
Truly horrifying!
The antagonist in this true crime story is Dr. Dale Cavaness, a doctor in the lower region of Illinois known as Little Egypt. Dr. Cavaness is a horrific person with a sociopathic personality; who is cruel and destructive to his family, brutal to his employees. and to say the least is a very unwise businessman. All the while …
I had heard of this town through old movies. About gangsters and crime, but this story of a sicko father who was and intelligent Doctor, is beyond my understanding
Dr. Dale Cavanass was a liar and a psychopath who mistreated his family even before murdering his two sons. It’s a story that’s tough to believe is true and that is the best thing to be said. It’s like watching a trail wreck. Well written and easy to read.
I had never heard of Little Egypt! I found that background interesting and essential to the true crime account. It was a page turner and quite a fascinating read.
I’m not sure people would be shocked today as when this psychopath killed his own sons for personal gain but gives great insight into the criminal mind and the loyalty patients give to their doctor
Very interesting. The author really allowed the reader to understand the people involved in this true story.
Pretty good. Reveals the danger of being too trusting.
Well researched and well written. Captured the regional culture. Fascinating story of a egomaniac.
Very draggy book. I stopped reading it.
Well researched and written. One of the better true crime books in print. Fascinating story.
Interesting true crime
Well written, easy to read and an absolute page Turner. Horrible happenings but the book was so well written I didnt want to stop reading.
Scary to think there are people like this…the Midwest is usually assumed to be safe
Basically a biography of a serial killer. Revered doctor, husband, father and businessman, he had a dark side that his family knew only too well.
A medical doctor killing off his family for money. So strange that most people would think it was fiction if you didn’t tell them.
Very interesting characters
I am from southern IL (“Little Egypt”), but I had never read about this infamous murder that took place about 2 hours from my home. This book gripped me from the beginning and still haunts me. It is an older book, but if you have never read it, you will find yourself bound to your seat until you finish it. A real page-turner. It is especially …
An informative and fascinating documentary about the background and locale, not merely a true crime story.
I unbelievable the way people treat their kids, and what they are capable of.