House of Horrors: The Shocking True Story of Anthony Sowell, the Cleveland Strangler

This is such a fascinating case. The book was very compelling to read. Some stuff is repeated a little but it didn't bother me. I very much enjoyed reading this.

This book really fascinated me. As one reviewer bluntly stated "drugs!!!" I certainly have to agree. As a recovered alcoholic/addict for 11 years and not a psychiatrist, my lowly opinion is Sowell was eaten up with resentment and his brain by drugs. Most people cannot fathom the intense soul sickness of addiction which is the root of addiction. From the stories of his childhood to his time in the marines, he sought no help and became a drug addict and further poisoned his mind and soul. Intense hatred toward women, and according to stories of seeing his nieces stripped and beaten was a terrible set up to develop a very deep seated and twisted mother of resentment. In that house? how did he live with those bodies? yes, alcohol, drugs, and more drugs. I suppose becoming nose blind could happen through I don't know how. But as a recovered person I do know how deeply long term drug use can dull the natural senses and make that which is abnormal seem normal. None of this is an excuse as he could have sought help. But I do greatly appreciate the time taken in this book to treat the drug addicted victims as actual human beings. I know clean and sober women living productive lives as contributing members of society, one of which did live in East Cleveland and walked those same streets. We will never know if any of them women would have ever recovered because that chance was taken from them. I give 5 stars for a well written book which treated the victims like human beings.

I admit I did not even want to read this book. However, it was highly recommended by a family member, so I gave it a try. My reluctance came from knowing a family who hoped their missing mother/sister/niece/daughter was one of the women whose body was found at this house. The ruined lives of those people would have been somewhat healed if they could find closure over their loved one's mysterious disappearance. They, however, did not find that horrible comfort once the DNA samples were matched to those who perished there. I did not want to read a book that didn't mention the issue of the many missing women and their issues. However, I am forever grateful to the author for making a point to do an excellent account of this aspect of the story.This compelling account delves into the lives of all of those involved and does their stories justice. Further, excellent attention is paid to issues regarding unprocessed "rape kits" and apparent lack of concern for the missing women by the authorities. This is a far reaching tragedy of which the horrendous murders of eleven women is only a fraction of the tragic whole.My only disparaging remark would be to point out the cover graphics, which represents a sensationalized marketing ploy that does not do the book justice, for it is a far better work than one would think from its cover.

Robert Sberna writes a clear, sharp narrative of the horrific events that occurred in a low income, drug-scarred Cleveland neighborhood between 2007-09. What sets this book apart from other true crime stories is the Sberna's wisdom in letting facts speak for themselves without rendering any judgments himself. I particularly appreciated the compassionate manner he treats the victims, with photos and brief biographies of each. Although the victims faced the challenges posed by drug addiction, he does not belabor the point. Sberna also relates the upbringing of Anthony Sowell and the horrors he faced as an abused child, again letting facts speak for themselves.Sberna also informs readers of the successes and far too many failures on the part of law enforcement to stop Sowell. Only after the crimes were committed did law enforcement make significant changes to the way police departments handle evidence in rape cases and respond to missing person complaints. I found myself wondering how complaints against Sowell would have been handled had the crimes occurred in an upscale neighborhood.There is one statement that stayed with me and I think best sums up this book: "Abused children grow up too." (Anthony Sowell).

Was very well written account of this serial killer’s crimes and trial. It is horrifying how long he operated. My heart goes out to the friends and families of the poor murdered women and the survivors who have to heal from what happened to them.

The Cleveland Strangler, whose name is Anthony Sowell, is one of the more recent serial killers whose crimes created debate about how police respond to claims of rape and assault when drug addicts, prostitutes, or even the poor are involved. How can a killer continue to murder even after multiple women have come forward and reported being attacked by the same man and the odor around his house has reached unbearable levels? Author Robert Sberna covers every aspect of the case and gives ample time to the stories of Sowell, his victims and their families. Also included is the correspondence between the author and the killer himself. If you have an interest in true crime you should purchase this book. It's well written and well researched.

It's not the worst but tap the breaks on the great reviews. Did you know that crack came out in the 80s, is a big problem and causes people to spiral down? If you did then about 25% of this book is going to put you to sleep. There are a few chapters on Anthony, the cimes and the psychological exam that are good but unfortunately that is less than half the book. The other 60% or so goes overboard making sure to paint the vics in some kind of positive light and giving us a lesson on drugs in America. It also has a negative spin towards the police and hints many times they looked the other way due to race. This story could have been great but ended up below average. Keep looking this one is not worth the price or time.

A well written and thorough account of a criminal mind.

Loved this book. Started by reading Nobody’s Women but gave up and moved onto this. I like that it doesn’t assume the reader is from the USA or that they have knowledge of local issues.

Good book worth a read