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kira20's review
4.0
I'd consider myself to have a pretty strong constitution when it comes to murder. However, Albert Fish is something else. An interesting look at what is "insane" but a bit grisly for me.
readhikerepeat's review
3.0
The debate about insanity in criminal defenses has been raging for years, but did you know that it was raging almost 100 years ago? I didn’t – I thought that this type of defense was a relatively newer concept and was surprised to learn that I was wrong. Angel Killer: A True Story of Cannibalism, Crime Fighting, and Insanity in New York City by Deborah Blum (a Kindle single) is about Albert Fish, a man who kidnapped, murdered, and ate children during the 1920’s. He was an unassuming, grandfatherly-like man who easily gained the trust of the people he encountered and it was only after his arrest that those closest to him disclosed some of his strange habits that should have indicated some type of disturbance.
The book is short – only 39 pages – and summarizes some of Fish’s kidnappings and murders and his subsequent trial. For the most part, the book only offers an overhead look at the man and his crimes, but there are some heartbreaking and gruesome details that are not for the faint of heart. What really struck me, though, were the book’s implications, so while it only skims the surface, it will leave you with much to think about. For example, the debate over what determines not guilty by reason of insanity.
For the full review, visit The Book Wheel.
The book is short – only 39 pages – and summarizes some of Fish’s kidnappings and murders and his subsequent trial. For the most part, the book only offers an overhead look at the man and his crimes, but there are some heartbreaking and gruesome details that are not for the faint of heart. What really struck me, though, were the book’s implications, so while it only skims the surface, it will leave you with much to think about. For example, the debate over what determines not guilty by reason of insanity.
For the full review, visit The Book Wheel.
kitty_kat21's review
3.0
Originally posted here
Issue number 18 of the Atavist magazine. Very short, this is an intriguing look at a cannibalistic child killer, Albert Fish in 1920s New York. No details of his crimes are dressed up and the facts are presented clinically which chilled me to the bone. The crimes described are so dark and I can't come to terms with the fact that those crimes actually happened. What a horrible way to die. Fish was a sick, disturbed individual.
Blum examines how the killer was caught and his subsequent trial. It was interesting to read how the insanity defence unfolded and what the legal attitudes of the time were towards madness. Learning about the role early forensic science played in the case was also illuminating.
Because this was kindle single was so short and fascinating, I found myself wanting more elaboration and more details of the case but it was still a great way to pass half an hour. Recommended for a reader who wants a quick article-style read.
mfred's review
4.0
The true story of the arrest of the child killing cannibal Albert Fish. Really compelling, interesting stuff. Blum manages to build suspense without delving too grossly into the horrific details of the crimes
anrobe's review
4.0
Quick read - somewhere between a longform essay and a novella. Easy and quick to read. Liked the length and felt that it explored quite a bit about this case and the history of the insanity defense. Very disturbing content but if you can stomach the content, it's a fascinating look into a very disturbing case!
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