Wicked Western Kentucky

By Richard Parker,

Book cover of Wicked Western Kentucky

Book description

Western Kentucky has always had a dark side, despite being the Birthplace of Bluegrass Music. Mary James Trotter, an arrested moonshine-selling grandma, remarked to a judge that she simply had to sell a little liquor now and then to take care of my four grandchildren. Rod Ferrell led a bloodsucking…

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Why read it?

1 author picked Wicked Western Kentucky as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

Eastern Kentucky’s long history of violence is well documented, so it is time the other end of the state is also represented.

Parker’s book examines the frontier serial killers the Harpe Brothers, feuds, moonshiners, and the Night Riders who terrorized farmers in the Black Patch tobacco wars—domestic terrorists not unlike the KKK. In modern times, we have the chilling story of Rod Ferrell and his murderous vampire cult.

My favorite story is “Murder Mansion,” about a 1948 Bowling Green crime with outlandish twists and turns. 

From Keven's list on Kentucky weirdness.

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