Bad Boy: The Murderous Life of Kenneth Allen McDuff

Disturbing. I'd watched a documentary about the "broomstick killer" and was curious about what made him tick. The book reveals what was behind the creep's actions. And that was really nothing, just a vicious, vacant man devoid of any pity or feelings. Written in a factual, chilling manner. Me thinks I learned a bit too much about this mad man.

Writer Gary M. Lavergne introduces his readers to Kenneth Allen McDuff, a Texas rough-neck who commit a horrendous triple murder/rape of three teenagers in 1966 and received the Death Penalty for his actions. Unfortunately, the State of Texas, by 1989, felt that it was better to relieve the overburdened correctional facilities than to keep a triple murdered behind bars. McDuff walked out a free man in 1989. But as we all well know, a leopard doesn't change his spots; and neither did McDuff. It took little time before he began killing again; this time he managed to commit five brutal murders before being stopped. He became a rarity by receiving a second death sentence after walking away scot-free from his first. This book offers detailed insight into a failed justice system, the mind of a vicious killer, and the pain and suffering of those left behind.

Gary Lavergne graphically details the account of the murderous monster, Kenneth McDuff. The book is a page turner. The writer brings takes the reader so into the mind of McDuff, it is almost scary to read the next page. The book is excellent. If you read true crime, you must read "A Bad Boy from Rosebud".

This book about one of the country's worst serial killers is very well written and exceptionally well documented. The middle part of the book reminded me of Norman Mailer's The Executioner's Song, which is no small compliment! Author Gary Lavergne's other book, The Sniper in the Tower, is an all-time great book in the true crime genre. I eagerly look forward to his next book. (This book has lots of photos throughout the pages of the book as ALL works of non-fiction should have, but so many don't.)

The author has researched and produced a story that is incredable to apprehend. He has enabled the reader to relive the escapades of sadistic killer and have it backed up by outstanding law enforcement personel. An activity that changed the criminal system of Texas.