When Evil Rules: Vengeance and Murder on Cape Cod

by Michele R. McPhee

The Cape Cod beach town of Falmouth seemed like a lovely place to visit. But those who lived there year-round knew its other, darker side… Local businessman and infamous bully Melvin Reine had started setting the homes of his so-called enemies on fire. Few of his victims—or even the police—ever dared to implicate him. Because those who did would pay the price…Mysterious events kept creeping up in Falmouth. The disappearance of Melvin's wife, a dead man found in a cranberry bog, a teenager slated to testify against Melvin who boarded a ferry, never to be seen again—was Melvin somehow responsible? Only one police officer, John Busby, had the guts to press him for answers. One day he found himself on the wrong end of a sawed-off shotgun…but managed to survive the attack. This is the shocking true story about what can happen to an all-American town WHEN EVIL RULES.

Genres: True Crime, Nonfiction

224 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2009

Reviews

[Jenniferp · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is one of the most poorly written books I have ever read. It was disjointed and disorganized. In one section, the author goes off on a ten-page tangent about several other famous murders.

I'm very disappointed, as the subject matter itself could have been turned into a fascinating read by a competent writer.

[Susan · Rating 2 out of 5]

I rarely read true crime books, but the events in this one took place in my hometown (I remember them well ) and it adds details to a lot of what happened in the book The Year We Disappeared by John and Cylin Busby. While I was facinated by the Busby's book, I wasn't all that taken with this one. Perhaps someone new to the events taking place would find them interesting, but for me it was sort of the same-old, same-old. There was no new information in the book. My main gripe, though, was the quality of the writing. McPhee has worked for Fox news, the Boston Herald and WTKK radio and it shows. This is tabloid journalism at it's peak, luridly written for maximum sensation. While that's bad enough, she also makes alot of minor mistakes with place names, and often calls people one name here, another name there. Maybe she needs a better fact-checker. And, to me, the most egregious part of it is that she takes a scrawny, weaselly bad guy, and while claiming to deplore his actions, in actuality glamorizes him with the sobriquet "the Falmouth fox". Give me a break!

[Amy · Rating 1 out of 5]

I could only force myself to read half of this book. It just did not flow or grab my attention, which is saying a lot since the subject matter is a true and interesting account. I do not usually give up on a book, but my time is too valuable.

[Sarah Jensen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Review: When Evil Rules: A True Story of Vengeance and Murder on Cape Cod by Michele R. McPhee
(A Woman’s Perspective on True Crime, Justice, and Gendered Violence)

Michele R. McPhee’s When Evil Rules is a gripping, meticulously researched account of the 2006 murder of Christa Worthington in Truro, Massachusetts—a case that exposed the dark underbelly of a picturesque Cape Cod community. Written with the precision of an investigative journalist and the narrative tension of a thriller, McPhee’s work stands out in the true crime genre for its unflinching examination of misogyny, class divides, and systemic failures in the pursuit of justice.

Key Themes and Strengths
Gendered Violence and the Erasure of Women’s Stories
McPhee centers Christa Worthington not just as a victim, but as a complex woman—a single mother, a writer, and an outsider in a tight-knit community. The book interrogates how societal biases (against single mothers, independent women, and those who defy small-town norms) shaped both the crime and its investigation. McPhee’s portrayal challenges the true crime trope of reducing female victims to passive figures, instead highlighting how systemic misogyny can obstruct justice.

The Illusion of Safety in Affluent Communities
The book dismantles the myth that wealth and privilege shield women from violence. Truro’s idyllic veneer cracks under McPhee’s scrutiny, revealing a town rife with secrets, class tensions, and a justice system slow to act when the victim is seen as an “outsider.” This resonates with broader feminist critiques of how marginalized women—especially those who are economically vulnerable or socially isolated—are failed by institutions.

Investigative Rigor and Ethical Storytelling
McPhee avoids sensationalism, instead focusing on the painstaking process of uncovering the truth. Her interviews with law enforcement, forensic experts, and locals provide a nuanced perspective on how prejudice and incompetence delayed the case for years. The book serves as a case study in how investigative journalism can hold power to account—a crucial tool in advocating for victims of gendered violence.

The Role of Community Complicity
McPhee exposes how small-town dynamics—gossip, silence, and the protection of “respectable” men—allowed a murderer to evade justice. The parallels to modern movements like #MeToo are unmistakable, emphasizing how communities often prioritize reputation over accountability.

Narrative as a Form of Justice
By meticulously reconstructing Worthington’s life and death, McPhee reclaims her story from true crime’s tendency to fetishize violence. The book becomes an act of witness, challenging readers to see Worthington as more than a headline.

Critique
While McPhee’s reporting is thorough, the book could delve deeper into the racial and socioeconomic dimensions of the case, particularly given Cape Cod’s history as a predominantly white, affluent enclave. Additionally, some readers may find the detailed procedural aspects slow-paced compared to more plot-driven true crime narratives.

Conclusion
When Evil Rules transcends the true crime genre by interrogating not just who killed Christa Worthington, but why her case was mishandled—and what it reveals about violence against women in America. McPhee’s work is a testament to the power of feminist journalism: unrelenting, compassionate, and committed to truth.

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5)
A necessary, incisive work that reframes true crime as a lens for examining systemic misogyny and the fight for justice.

[Janellyn51 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well, this wasn't masterful writing, it was pretty repetitious. I bought this on the recommendation of a customer where l work. My sister and brother both ha 've lived in Falmouth for years. I lived on the Cape too, but in Hyannis and Provincetown. In my head I wasn't going to know any of the players, but then as it turns out, Frederick Mycock, Melvin and Shirley's lawyer was my landlord in 1971! I always thought Rick was a nice guy, I rented a room in his house. Now I'm thinking, we'll, Mattie one of our roommates was the first person I'd ever met who had been shot! Anyway....Rick has defended some unsavory characters!
There are several Cape murders mentioned. I didn't even realize right off that one of them is related to my employer. The other Cape murders are mentioned because it would be the same inept D A responsible for prosecuting the killers.
It is reprehensible what that lunatic Falmouth Fox was allowed to get away with. For my money, the whole police force ought to have been taken halfway to the Vineyard and thrown overboard. It is completely true what Shirley's sister says, I don't have the book with me to quote, but, the townsfolk are a breed apart from the foofy tourists, and all manner of whacked stuff goes on in the off season.
Anyway, I hope they have things under better control now. I'll have to ask my sister if that Mustafah clown is still a selectmen. It's a pretty pretty town, with a scummy underbelly, don't doubt that for a minute. I really wish they'd find poor Wanda, and Busby would get some justice.

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

I decided to read a true murder book. This one is about a murder from several years ago that happened in the Cape Cod area, In a tiny little town named Falmouth. A man there that had a bad reputation and scared many people , committed quite a few murders and fires and etc pretty much ran the town and got away with everything.
He fell for the teenage babysitter, so one day his wife just disappeared. They never found her body. It took many years to solve what happened because even the police weren’t doing their job. Crooked town. People disappeared or were found murdered and no one talked or they claimed they knew nothing. One of the reliable police offices was almost murdered and his family harassed. He lived to try to fight against the fraud and crimes going on, but he had serious problems from being shot in the face.
Interesting.

[Marina Carlson · Rating 1 out of 5]

This story is fascinating and bonkers and tragic. This “author” does no one justice, though. She sensationalizes the story and includes completely unnecessary graphic details to make it more salacious, inserts her own right wing political views into a story that is completely apolitical, and generally is a garbage writer who should not be allowed to claim herself an investigative journalist. I’ve been researching this case for a few *weeks* and could have written a better account. I feel sad for the victims and their families that this was ever put on shelves - it’s disrespectful and they deserve better.

[Stacy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this book interesting; although I’ve vacationed in Cape Cod, I hadn’t heard anything about the Falmouth Fox. My complaint against this book, which is otherwise well-written, is the tendency of the author to complain that Massachusetts’ corrections policies were too liberal and that the “ACLU liberal lawyers” favored criminals over law-abiding citizens. The writing can focus on stereotypes, also: discussing the Cape Verdean immigrants as “tight-knit” and “not calling the police was common.”

It’s a shame, because bits like that detract from the otherwise compelling story of a man who was feared by almost everyone in town, and ignored the judicial system for decades.

[Kimberly McGuire · Rating 3 out of 5]

A story of arson, murder, missing people and police corruption in a small cape cod town. I think I was so intrigued because it is my local town and remember some of the stories within the book. There is a part of the book that really has not much to do with the actual story which got me bored but then it goes back to continue the story. I’d say over 3 stars as it kept my interest and was a short read.

[Megan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Writing tends to jump back and forth on time periods for being a journalistic piece. Also tends to spiral off onto smaller, almost insignificant characters (Busby not included). The story of Melvin Reine in itself is interesting, the layout of the book however wasn't the best planned out,

[Diane Sainsbury · Rating 3 out of 5]

Way too dragged out. The writer went off topic so many times with non-related and irrelevant stories. The story itself was fascinating in that it was incredible how corrupt the police departments were in letting Melvin Reine off the hook for so many years.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Never knew the terror one man caused in my adopted home town. Well researched.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Other than the conservative bias, good book

[Sue M. Urban · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very Interesting!

What a story! Murder, corruption, lies and just crazy people!! So sad to read a police force so corrupt!!
Good read!! Many twists and turns.

[Donna Humble]

A look at small town politics working to shield criminals no matter what. I found it to be interesting and also aggravating that justice was never really served.

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this was a well written book. It was interesting and unnerving to read how one man managed to control an entire town. He was a bully when he was young and was allowed to get away with things, which continued throughout his life. The things he did were terrible, though he wasn't convicted of almost any of them. I'm not sure whether or not he went crazy or just pretended to, but as long as he stays in the mental hospital, he will never have to answer for his crimes.
It was interesting to read how soft the state of Massachusetts is on crime.

[Suzapalooza · Rating 1 out of 5]

Ugh - could I have given a fraction of a star? Grisly subject matter about a monster murderer, arsonist and crime boss in Falmouth. Skeptical when a true crime book contains a plethora of conversations- how could she know? But the worst is the organization of the book. She tells us all the atrocities in the first chapter and then goes into each of them again in painful detail. Stopped reading when she went into other unrelated murders on the Cape and Islands. Why was that relevant? Only read 1/2 for book group

[Heather Rauch · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wasn't expecting the book to be written like a news report or documentary, but now that I know the author is a crime reporter it makes sense. The content was fascinating, but the delivery fell short. Information was repeated multiple times and she couldn't decide if the boys were 4/5 or 6/7 when their mother disappeared. The story was awkwardly fractured, but thorough. If I didn't live on Cape Cod I may not have stuck with it. I would love to see David Grann take on this story.

[Kieran McKenzie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Having grown up in Falmouth, Cape Cod, I was quite familiar with the events depicted in this book. Although there were a couple of nuances, the writing was quite poor. I remember thinking, 'Did this really get by the Editor?' Improper grammar, fragmented/disjointed sentences and an apparent attempt at staying objective combined to make this a tiresome read.

[Tanya · Rating 2 out of 5]

The only good chapters where 12-14, I couldn't finish this book. The author could have organized the chapters better and there were reparative writings as well. You will one thing in one chApter and a couple chapters later the writer would announce it again, it seems the forgot what she wrote done sometimes.

[Tracey Schriver · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have always enjoyed true crime but this was all over the place. The book was filled with tales of other crimes that happened in the area, it was only 200 pages you would think more facts about this family that terrorized this town could have been written about.

[Robyn Dones · Rating 2 out of 5]

Read in 2009

[Kristen Doherty · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can't believe this guy had so much control over a town and got away with murder not once but many times.

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fascinating, although writing is disjointed.

[Thomas · Rating 1 out of 5]

Too disjointed. Felt like a series of short stories rather than a cohesive narrative.

[Karen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Skip it! Too little material, badly organized, repetitive.