Title: Obeying Evil: The Mockingbird Hill Massacre through the Eyes of a Killer
Author: Ryan Green
Narrator: Steve White
Link: https://www.audible.com/pd/Obeying-Evil-Audiobook/B0759SRTBF
Summary
Obeying Evil presents the shocking true story of Ronald Gene Simmons and the most disturbing family killing spree in the United States. Over the course of a week in 1987, he murdered 14 members of his own family, a former co-worker, and a stranger.
In 1979, Simmons retired as an Air Force Master Sergeant following 20 years of service. The instability that followed his military days exacerbated his desire for control over his family. Simmons used intimidation, humiliation, and violence to assert dominance over all but one of his family members. He allowed a softer side to surface for his favorite daughter, Shelia, whom he forced into an incestuous relationship, and eventually fathered her child.
His need for total control led to isolation within his family and an inability to hold down a job. His frustration grew to untold levels when Sheila left the family home and married another man. With his plans in ruin and his grip softening, Simmons surprisingly supported his family’s desire for a big Christmas celebration. The stage was set for a heartwarming reunion, but he had laid a very different set of plans.
Obeying Evil portrays the Mockingbird Hill Massacre from the perspective of Ronald Gene Simmons. It’s a shocking true story about dominance, intimidation, and extreme violence.
If you are especially sensitive to accounts of the suffering of children, it might be advisable not to listen any further.
If, however, you seek to understand the darker side of human nature by coming face to face with it, then this audiobook is written for you.
My Review
5/5 Stars
This book gives a very good look into the life of a twisted individual. While I’ve studied a lot of true crime, I’ve never heard of Arkansas’ most dangerous serial killer, Ronald Gene Simmons, before this book. After listening, I think I’ve learned enough to know just how disturbing all his crimes actually were. The author’s prose throughout left some intriguing questions as well as one at the end in which he poses the idea that it is easier to believe this killer was a highly intelligent psychopath rather than believing than a sane person could be capable of doing everything he did.
Excellent true crime book, and the narrator did a splendid job as well.
This book was given to me for free at my request and I provided this voluntary review.
Author Kayla Krantz 