The False Prophet: Conspriacy, Extortion, and Murder in the Name of God

Taylor was a devout Mormon, raised in a devout home. He was hard working as a stock broker. All seemed well until he took a self-help course, a later day version of est, where he was screamed at, told he was nothing, and, most important, told that there was no right or wrong. Almost overnight he morphed into someone who hid from customers rather than be bothered with them, and he plunged into heavy drug use, including meth. Eventually he pretended to have mental problems so he could be paid disability. He and his ragtag group decided they would murder people for money. And by the way, the murders are described in terrible detail. This is a truly fascinating tale, well written and absorbing.

This extensively-researched true crime story reads like a novel. The players come alive to a disturbing extent. I hope Ms. Booth continues with her crime writing efforts.

Taylor Helzer was a devout Mormon who lost his moral compass after diving into the teachings of a "self-help" program and heavy drug use. Charismatic since a child, he managed to manipulate his brother and a lonely woman into sharing his belief that he was a prophet who would save the world from the Apocalypse. His plan was to kidnap the top leaders of the church and force them to write letters to Mormons declaring him the new leader. Author and journalist Claire Booth gives an excellent narrative of the shocking events of the summer of 2000, when the Helzer gang brutally murdered five innocent Bay Area residents -- including the daughter of blues musician Elvin Bishop -- in an effort to extort money he hoped would finance his plan. Booth gives us insight into the real nature and history of all the people involved -- the victims, their families, law enforcement, the killers -- and shows us how Helzer transformed into the false prophet.