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United States of True Crime: Alabama: The Most Chilling Cases In All 50 States
United States of True Crime is an anthology series with books devoted to the most disturbing cases in each of the 50 states. This book focuses on ten of the most chilling crimes in Alabama history.
True crime junkies may recognize some of the highly publicized cases, but I’ve made sure to include lesser-known, equally unsettling crimes.
The cases included in this book:
Audrey Marie Hilley: Black widow who murdered her husband then attempted to poison her own daughter. She was able to evade capture by posing as her fictional twin sister.
Daniel Lee Siebert: Spree killer that butchered his girlfriend, her two sons who were both under age six, and his friends.
Michael McLendon: To date, McLendon’s massacre in 2019 was the bloodiest in the state of Alabama. He murdered his friends, family, and even his family dogs.
Richard Hawes: A family annihilator in 1888 whose crimes sparked a statewide riot.
Sixteenth Street Church Bombings: Racially motivated attack by KKK members that left four young Black girls dead and is now viewed as a turning point for the Civil Rights Movement.
Amy Bishop: Harvard educated professor who became infamous after she went on a shooting rampage that left three coworkers dead. However, the attack was not her first time killing. When she was a teenager, she shot her brother under suspicious circumstances.
Joseph Dewey Akin: Code blue junkie nurse who was convicted of intentionally overdosing a patient in his care and is suspected in the deaths of seventeen of his former patients.
Thomas Whisenhant: Murderer with a pattern of desecrating the bodies of his victims.
Scottsboro Boys: One of the most notorious court cases of the 20th century where two white women falsely accused nine Black boys of rape.
Gerald Patrick Lewis: Serial killer whose heinous crimes include slaying a woman who was eight months pregnant and removing the fetus from her body.
If you’re a true crime enthusiast who enjoys reading about some of the most depraved monsters in our country, you will love United States of True Crime.
True crime junkies may recognize some of the highly publicized cases, but I’ve made sure to include lesser-known, equally unsettling crimes.
The cases included in this book:
Audrey Marie Hilley: Black widow who murdered her husband then attempted to poison her own daughter. She was able to evade capture by posing as her fictional twin sister.
Daniel Lee Siebert: Spree killer that butchered his girlfriend, her two sons who were both under age six, and his friends.
Michael McLendon: To date, McLendon’s massacre in 2019 was the bloodiest in the state of Alabama. He murdered his friends, family, and even his family dogs.
Richard Hawes: A family annihilator in 1888 whose crimes sparked a statewide riot.
Sixteenth Street Church Bombings: Racially motivated attack by KKK members that left four young Black girls dead and is now viewed as a turning point for the Civil Rights Movement.
Amy Bishop: Harvard educated professor who became infamous after she went on a shooting rampage that left three coworkers dead. However, the attack was not her first time killing. When she was a teenager, she shot her brother under suspicious circumstances.
Joseph Dewey Akin: Code blue junkie nurse who was convicted of intentionally overdosing a patient in his care and is suspected in the deaths of seventeen of his former patients.
Thomas Whisenhant: Murderer with a pattern of desecrating the bodies of his victims.
Scottsboro Boys: One of the most notorious court cases of the 20th century where two white women falsely accused nine Black boys of rape.
Gerald Patrick Lewis: Serial killer whose heinous crimes include slaying a woman who was eight months pregnant and removing the fetus from her body.
If you’re a true crime enthusiast who enjoys reading about some of the most depraved monsters in our country, you will love United States of True Crime.
113 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 24, 2021
156 people are currently reading
124 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
September 21, 2025
Where geography and true crime meet. This author is in the process of releasing books on true crime cases that shocked the state (by State). Some will be mainstream, others more obscure. But all, interesting. Alabama’s one was the first cab off the rank.
The narrative is factual. A couple of paraphrased parts to help read between the lines. The cases are not being investigated or analysed by the author, the focus is retelling the information. It’d be like ‘a brief history of…’. Curious readers might start here, note down some cases that intrigued them and look them up later. A photo or two were included for each crime or crime spree. What I noticed in these cases was that the serial killers were more calculated/still functioning in their job (employment) up until a certain point, whereas those on the run were more inclined to mass murder, killing to get away from A to B.
The narrative is factual. A couple of paraphrased parts to help read between the lines. The cases are not being investigated or analysed by the author, the focus is retelling the information. It’d be like ‘a brief history of…’. Curious readers might start here, note down some cases that intrigued them and look them up later. A photo or two were included for each crime or crime spree. What I noticed in these cases was that the serial killers were more calculated/still functioning in their job (employment) up until a certain point, whereas those on the run were more inclined to mass murder, killing to get away from A to B.
October 5, 2025
I like that the author used crimes that are less known and talked about, I've been trying to find books that aren't just about the widely spread killers and crimes. I don't think I have actually heard about any of the crimes in this book, but if I had it was maybe once or twice and I don't remember it.
March 25, 2025
THE UNITED STATES OF TRUE CRIME by Ashley Hudson is a biased look at interesting crimes or alleged crimes in each state. The volume I listened to on audiobook included the first five states alphabetically—Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas and California.
Hudson adds her own opinions and thoughts, often unproven including Natalie Woods’s estranged sister’s “investigation” blaming Robert Wagner for Natalie’s “murder” which was investigated multiple times and ruled a drowning. Hudson also blames a battered wife for staying with her husband in at least one case. Of preteen murderers, she blames “evil” rather than considering contributing factors such as abuse, mental illness and/or environmental aspects. Hudson’s biased research seemed to focus on the most single-minded conclusion in each case. The book would have been more interesting and accurate had she delved into aspects that didn’t diminish the severity or culpability, but added context and mitigation. For example, with untreated paranoid schizophrenia, auditory hallucinations and ideas of reference can be factors in decision making.
I do not recommend this book.
Hudson adds her own opinions and thoughts, often unproven including Natalie Woods’s estranged sister’s “investigation” blaming Robert Wagner for Natalie’s “murder” which was investigated multiple times and ruled a drowning. Hudson also blames a battered wife for staying with her husband in at least one case. Of preteen murderers, she blames “evil” rather than considering contributing factors such as abuse, mental illness and/or environmental aspects. Hudson’s biased research seemed to focus on the most single-minded conclusion in each case. The book would have been more interesting and accurate had she delved into aspects that didn’t diminish the severity or culpability, but added context and mitigation. For example, with untreated paranoid schizophrenia, auditory hallucinations and ideas of reference can be factors in decision making.
I do not recommend this book.
February 19, 2022
United States of true crime Alabama
Awesome series. Can't wait for the next book. I will recommend these books to people. Keep writing them please. Awesome
Awesome series. Can't wait for the next book. I will recommend these books to people. Keep writing them please. Awesome
January 4, 2024
4 stars out of 5
or 4 "Roll Tides"
or 4 "War Eagles"
And a "True Crime Snob" seal of approval.
I am typically highly selective when it comes to reading true crime. With a background in Criminal Justice, I'm very aware of the ethical aspects of "crime as entertainment".
Selectivity, or my professorial snobbery, attempts for a responsible and empathetic approach when delving into the narratives of real-life tragedies and victims' experiences. True crime often falls prey to sensationalism, victim-blaming, and misinformation, emphasizing the importance of choosing content that maintains accuracy and balance.
In the case of "United States of True Crime: Alabama," I selected this book because of my allegiance with the University of Alabama's Criminal Justice program and Phil's family history in the state.
This book offers a quick and captivating read, with each case being well-researched without overwhelming readers with unnecessary details. These chapters could easily serve as springboards for more in-depth projects while providing satisfying answers. Notably, the book covers both familiar and lesser-known cases.
This anthology presents a chilling selection of cases from Alabama's history, spanning from Audrey Marie Hilley's black widow crimes to the racially motivated Scottsboro Boys case. The ten cases provide an interesting overview of the state's dark past.
For true crime enthusiasts seeking a balanced and informative perspective that avoids sensationalism, this anthology is a good start.
I eagerly anticipate future books, states, in this series.
or 4 "Roll Tides"
or 4 "War Eagles"
And a "True Crime Snob" seal of approval.
I am typically highly selective when it comes to reading true crime. With a background in Criminal Justice, I'm very aware of the ethical aspects of "crime as entertainment".
Selectivity, or my professorial snobbery, attempts for a responsible and empathetic approach when delving into the narratives of real-life tragedies and victims' experiences. True crime often falls prey to sensationalism, victim-blaming, and misinformation, emphasizing the importance of choosing content that maintains accuracy and balance.
In the case of "United States of True Crime: Alabama," I selected this book because of my allegiance with the University of Alabama's Criminal Justice program and Phil's family history in the state.
This book offers a quick and captivating read, with each case being well-researched without overwhelming readers with unnecessary details. These chapters could easily serve as springboards for more in-depth projects while providing satisfying answers. Notably, the book covers both familiar and lesser-known cases.
This anthology presents a chilling selection of cases from Alabama's history, spanning from Audrey Marie Hilley's black widow crimes to the racially motivated Scottsboro Boys case. The ten cases provide an interesting overview of the state's dark past.
For true crime enthusiasts seeking a balanced and informative perspective that avoids sensationalism, this anthology is a good start.
I eagerly anticipate future books, states, in this series.
February 16, 2022
So we’ll written. I couldn’t put it down even though the stories were shocking. I look forward to reading the others in the series.
February 15, 2022
interesting stories. most are just sad but she makes them sound like it was right now. Great story telling and very interesting
May 12, 2022
The audio was off. Too many times where the narrator seemed to be right on the mic and then relax a bit. A bit of noise here and there.
Great idea for a series. It’ll be popular, I’m sure. I do wish, however, instead of doing about 10? 15? Cases maybe stick to like 3 of the most compelling. It seems they went through them too quickly.
Great idea for a series. It’ll be popular, I’m sure. I do wish, however, instead of doing about 10? 15? Cases maybe stick to like 3 of the most compelling. It seems they went through them too quickly.
January 23, 2022
Did it again
Once again a very interesting read Can't wait for the next book hoping soon they'll do Florida that's gonna be a good one too. With all the weird stuff we have going on down here.
Once again a very interesting read Can't wait for the next book hoping soon they'll do Florida that's gonna be a good one too. With all the weird stuff we have going on down here.
January 18, 2022
Not just a list of killers
Book covers some serial killers in a very readable way. This book also covers other killings in a societal format.
Book covers some serial killers in a very readable way. This book also covers other killings in a societal format.
January 29, 2023
DNF - Made it to 75%. Couldn't be bothered to read the rest of it.
March 31, 2022
In this short anthology, Ashley Hudson records some of Alabama's notorious crimes. From racially motivated crimes such as the 16th Street Baptist Church bombing to modern day serial murders and mass shootings, she offers a variety of the worst Alabama has to offer.
This is not the best true crime book I've ever read. Her writing is passive and relies heavily on quotes. The different cases read more like a newspaper report without the clean journalistic style a professional reporter would use. The crimes are not sensationalized or gratuitous, but the lack of descriptive writing makes the collection less stories and more reports of what happened, who did it, and what punishment they received. We find out very little about the victims other than their names and occupations and relationship to the perpetrator, if any.
That being said, the author does include both historical crimes and modern-day murders. Some are well known and well-documented while others may not be known outside the state of Alabama. While it is not compelling reading, it is interesting enough and without glaring errors. It may not be the best true crime collection, but it is far from the worst.
On a side note, as a native Alabamian, I was a bit surprised at what was included and what was excluded. There were a few cases that did not make into the book that I felt deserved more attention than some of the ones that did. The killer couple Alvin and Judith Ann Neelley springs to mind. I was also surprised that some of the murders covered were committed by non-native Alabamians. While the crimes they committed did occur in the state of Alabama, the killers themselves were not part of the state, its culture, or its people. This may or may not affect how other readers perceive the crimes, but I expected the anthology to be more about crimes committed by Alabamians rather than just committed in the state of Alabama.
This is not the best true crime book I've ever read. Her writing is passive and relies heavily on quotes. The different cases read more like a newspaper report without the clean journalistic style a professional reporter would use. The crimes are not sensationalized or gratuitous, but the lack of descriptive writing makes the collection less stories and more reports of what happened, who did it, and what punishment they received. We find out very little about the victims other than their names and occupations and relationship to the perpetrator, if any.
That being said, the author does include both historical crimes and modern-day murders. Some are well known and well-documented while others may not be known outside the state of Alabama. While it is not compelling reading, it is interesting enough and without glaring errors. It may not be the best true crime collection, but it is far from the worst.
On a side note, as a native Alabamian, I was a bit surprised at what was included and what was excluded. There were a few cases that did not make into the book that I felt deserved more attention than some of the ones that did. The killer couple Alvin and Judith Ann Neelley springs to mind. I was also surprised that some of the murders covered were committed by non-native Alabamians. While the crimes they committed did occur in the state of Alabama, the killers themselves were not part of the state, its culture, or its people. This may or may not affect how other readers perceive the crimes, but I expected the anthology to be more about crimes committed by Alabamians rather than just committed in the state of Alabama.
February 5, 2024
An interesting collection of true crime stories based in Alabama. The author gives a good trigger warning in the beginning of the book. I did not like that there was a mention of mental health and how if people got mental health care, they wouldn't have committed these violent crimes. It buys into the stereotype that people with mental health disorders are more violent than others, which isn't true. More often than not, they are more harmful to themselves than others. And just because someone has a mental health issue, doesn't mean they are violent. That being said, there are some rare instances where people cannot control their behaviors or are aware of them and I think ALL of that should be presented because otherwise, we are falling into the stereotype of blaming mental illness.
December 25, 2025
This one was underwhelming.. and kind of boring. It was pretty straight forward but felt a bit boring.
I did listen vs read so I always feel like the narrator can make or break a rating. The audio felt like she maybe read it in her kitchen .. and there was a few mispronounced things- maybe something readers outside of Alabama might not catch!
I did listen vs read so I always feel like the narrator can make or break a rating. The audio felt like she maybe read it in her kitchen .. and there was a few mispronounced things- maybe something readers outside of Alabama might not catch!
March 14, 2022
True crime stories
I learned a lot that I did not know, these are true crime stories some may find them very interesting some may find them to be very disturbing. But if you like to read true crime these are a good read and not boring.
I learned a lot that I did not know, these are true crime stories some may find them very interesting some may find them to be very disturbing. But if you like to read true crime these are a good read and not boring.
May 31, 2022
this is an excellent series. I now know a good fall back when I need a true crime fix. I love the layout of these and how it is researched and presented in a way that you like the narrator/researcher and are invested in the stories.
December 28, 2023
This was such a interesting book and it had cases In it that I have never heard of before which I really appreciated. The story’s were sad and emotional and heartbreaking. Can’t wait to read the next book In the series xx
May 19, 2025
I couldn’t even bring myself to finish this book. I really wanted to like it, but I just couldn’t get into it. It was not written to keep you engaged, and was rather boring. There was no depth to the writing. I don’t recommend.
February 18, 2022
Overall a decent, quick read. Solid 3 stars, but I knocked one off for typos.
March 8, 2022
Good book…
Well written and a great read for lovers of true crime. Some of these crimes I’d never even heard of and I grew up in Alabama.
Well written and a great read for lovers of true crime. Some of these crimes I’d never even heard of and I grew up in Alabama.
June 18, 2022
Gotta have more
Gotta read another and another. Makes me anxious to read about the state I live in. Gott get em all.
Gotta read another and another. Makes me anxious to read about the state I live in. Gott get em all.
November 14, 2022
Interesting, some things I had never heard of before. Something about the writing was distracting though and I got lost a couple times when there were a ton of names.
September 15, 2023
Good book
The book was interesting as I could remember some of them. I would recommend this book to all as it provides insight into the minds of the killers.
The book was interesting as I could remember some of them. I would recommend this book to all as it provides insight into the minds of the killers.
December 7, 2023
The audiobook was super pleasant.
January 24, 2024
Awesome read
Gives you details without being drawn out and boring. Like reading about multiple cases. Can’t wait to read the next one!
Gives you details without being drawn out and boring. Like reading about multiple cases. Can’t wait to read the next one!
October 2, 2024
Very informative. If you enjoy quick true crime stories, this is right up your alley 🎳 📚
Read
March 26, 2025Such a sad state of affairs in this first edition of the state-by-state (in alphabetical order) tour of true crime. There's a lot of racial injustice and hate crimes in this volume.
May 3, 2022
Very interesting and multifaceted cases covered and a very nice way of telling them!
July 6, 2023
Alabama the “We Dare Defend Our Rights State”, known for its southern hospitality and historically known as the birthplace of the Civil Rights Movement.
While this is my first book by Ashley Hudson, it will not be my last. This author does a great job of picking some interesting and diverse True Crime events in Alabama’s history. The events cover the state historically as well as some crimes that are not well known.
The author did an excellent job researching and presenting the facts in a manner that kept my attention. I look forward to reading about the history and true crimes of other states within this series.
While this is my first book by Ashley Hudson, it will not be my last. This author does a great job of picking some interesting and diverse True Crime events in Alabama’s history. The events cover the state historically as well as some crimes that are not well known.
The author did an excellent job researching and presenting the facts in a manner that kept my attention. I look forward to reading about the history and true crimes of other states within this series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews