Brendan’s Alternate Tagline for Madman:
Florida Man gonna Florida, man.
Quick synopsis:
The 1949 rampage of killer John Calvin Russell.
Fact for Non-History People:
John was actually known by a different name that I will not be using here, but when you read it, don’t use it in polite company.
Fact for History Nerds:
The two states you need to worry most about being murdered by a serial killer are Alaska and Lousiana. Florida isn’t even the top 10!
My Take on Madman:
Apparently, “Florida Man” is not a recent development. Author M. F. Gross proves it with his absolutely wild Madman. This true crime story covers the crimes of John Calvin “Rastus” Russell in 1949. What did he do? Might be easier to ask what he didn’t do.
Seriously, I don’t want to give away too much here. Gross just tells the story because it needs no embellishment. I found myself multiple times saying, “Wait, what?” The twists and turns of the horrific crime truly start to make you wonder if this is a movie script.
Gross makes a lot of great choices as the author. For one thing, Gross lets the story tell itself, except when he knows he needs to clarify things. There are such strange questions which come up and it is here where Gross will break from the action to let you know that he has the same questions you do. Sometimes, he has to guess and make some conjectures. For those readers who demand no fiction in your non-fiction (that’s me!), Gross makes sure to clarify what he knows and what he doesn’t. It makes it feel like you are in this together.
I will warn readers, Gross pulls no punches. The crimes are detailed, but not in a gratuitous way. The brutality is important in trying to understand how Russell could seem to be a Jekyll and Hyde type depending on the circumstances. This is just straightforward, riveting true crime.
I mean, come on. When has Florida ever let us down?
(This book was provided as a review copy by the author.)
Verdict:
A wild ride. Buy it here!
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