Maniac: The Bath School Disaster and the Birth of the Modern Mass Killer

by Harold Schechter
Published by Little A Genres: Crime, History, True Crime
Format: ARC, eBook
four-stars

May 18, 1927

Bath Michigan’s School disaster/mass murder remains the deadliest of its kind in the history of the United States.

The heartbreak, the tears, the pain, the tragedy. One man, Andrew P. Kehoe detonated a series of explosives and killed thirty-eight children, and six adults. At least 58 people were injured as well. Kehoe had studied engineering at Michigan State University. But he was mainly a farmer and treasurer of the township school board who seethed with rage, was paranoid, and narcissistic. He made serval trips to obtain dynamite but at the time dynamite was often used on farms, so his actions were not deemed unusual and did not raise any red flags.

On the day of the explosion, he murdered his wife, set fire to his property, killing animals, and left a stenciled message on his fence which read “Criminals are made, not born” and loaded his truck with explosives, and drove to the school. Where he was not finished inflicting carnage.

Can you even imagine what everyone on the scene experienced and witnessed?

The “Mad Butcher of Bath” is not the only killer discussed in this book. Other cases and murderers are mentioned. History of the area is discussed as well.

Extensively researched, well written, and heartbreaking, this is a gripping read for True Crime fans. It is educational and has statements and quotes from those who were there that day.

Thank you to Little A and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.

four-stars

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