Truthful And well written

books:


	• In Broad Daylight: A Murder in Skidmore, Missouri Harry N. MacLean St. Martin's True Crime, 2006 - 416 pages average customer review:based on 28 reviews view larger image
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highly recommended

In Broad Daylight

It is a book that compells you to dig deeper into the legal system in Skidmore, MO and surrounding areas during the late 70s and early 1980s. Generally speaking this book is one of the best true crime books I have read up to this point. THe way in which it is written makes me wonder if there was any motive for Ken McElroy to act in such a way towards his victims and if there was any real reason as to why the townsfolk retaliated towards him in such a manner and did not get charged for it.

Vigilante Justice

I picked up a well-worn paperback copy of In Broad Daylight at a used bookstore. I would not have purchased the book had it not won the Edgar Award as the best true crime book of 1988. Finding in Broad Daylight was a lucky break because it's a page turner that really makes you think.

One of the most interesting aspects of reading this book is learning the story of Ken McElroy. Ken was an absolutely horrible human being by Harry MacLean's account. And yet, he was interesting. Though illiterate, McElroy somehow knew just how far he could push the law - if not his fellow citizens. McElroy's life story makes In Broad Daylight difficult to put down.

McElroy's ability to evade justice will also draw readers into this book. You will feel outraged as McElroy's escapes charge after charge - even though the police are well aware of his crimes. I'm still not sure how McElroy got away with it all.

In Broad Daylight will also make you think. Is vigilante justice ever justified? Would the law have ever caught up with McElroy? Was getting rid of McElroy worth the harm it did to his children and family? Of course, there are no answers to these questions. But the fact that you will ask them makes In Broad Daylight "deeper" than most true-crime books.

There are a few drawbacks to this book. I would have liked an updated version. What happened to all of the characters? I would especially like to know what became of McElroy's children. Also, is there any new evidence? Does this author have any new theories as to what happened - and why?

On the whole, however, In Broad Daylight is an entertaining book that will make you think.

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In Broad Daylight

This is a very compelling story. It's uncanny to think how Ken McElroy could get away with so much. I think small town living is different and Ken McElroy knew just that. What he didn't know was the bond that small town people have. This book also made me question the "laws of Missouri" especially since I live in Missouri. Was mind boggling how he got away with so much. Whenever I hear "Skidmore, Missouri," I'll always think of this book! Great read!

a true, gripping story

This book is an excellent account of the events that led up to the McElroy shooting, and, it also shows a true flavor of how small towns operate, and how people behave. This combination of factors make this book a must read. This newer version also has an epilogue from 2006, so the town of Skidmore, MO is revisited.

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Truthful And well written

This is a very intriging book. I was raised in this little town and the author Harry MacLean has captured all. McElroy was all described. My husband has read the book twice!

reviews: page 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

FOR TEN YEARS, HE TERRORIZED THEM WITHOUT MERCY?

Ken McElroy robbed, raped, burned, shot, and maimed the citizens of Skidmore, Missouri, without conscience or remorse. Again and again, the law had failed to stop him.

UNTIL THEY TOOK JUSTICE INTO THEIR OWN HANDS.
On July 10, 1981, Ken was shot to death on the main street of this small farming community. Forty-five people watched. No indictments were ever issued, no trial held?and the town of Skidmore protected the killers with silence. With this powerful, true-life account, Edgar Award?winning author Harry N. MacLean reveals what drove a community of everyday American citizens to commit murder?
IN BROAD DAYLIGHT

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