Public Enemies: The Host of America's Most Wanted Targets the Nation's Most Notorious Criminals

by John Walsh

The host of America's Most Wanted offers a gripping, inside look at his popular crime-busting TV show and discusses a variety of landmark, high-profile cases--including those of sexual predator Kyle Bell, accused terrorist Kathleen Soliah, and rapist-murderer Rafael Resendez-Ramirez-and the dramatic, behind-the-scenes stories of each case.

Genres: True Crime, Crime, Nonfiction

310 pages, Hardcover

First published July 31, 2001

Reviews

[Thee_ron_clark · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked this book up used a couple years ago and have been procrastinating on reading it since then. About a week ago, I felt it was finally time to give it a whirl.

As I moved through the first couple pages, I thought that the entirity of this book might revolve around comparisons of kidnappings and crimes to the death of the author's son. I felt that I might be left complaining about it when I was through. I was wrong. Although the author's son is mentioned a number of times, I do not feel it was overdone. In fact, I felt that the mentions were placed in appropriate areas more oftne than not.

This book revolves around several criminal cases covered by America's Most Wanted. Most of the stories were new and fresh to me because they had a large amount of publicity while I was out of country and not really following the news in America.

The case of Kathleen Soliah was the only one I had any familiarity with and that was due to recent news involving the SLA.

I found most of this book to be thought-provoking and emotionally-drawing. I felt the author did a great job of putting the reader in the victims' shoes.

This book might not be well-liked by everyone. Be aware that your views on criminal justice are liberal, you might be offended ar some of John Walsh's complaints about the justice system in America like criminals being sentenced to jail for four years being released in less than one year as being completely ridiculous.

Walsh also attacks the media in a number of areas. Honestly, if the major media outlets failed to assist with some of these cases I feel they deserve the complaints they received in this book and more.

Perhaps this novel will be best enjoyed by those among us who feel people who victimize others should receive consequences and possibly be removed from society where they can no longer harm others. Those who feel the American justice system is still too hard on criminals might be offended by this.

[Carolanne wollin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some stories were good others dragged out.

[Ronda · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book profiles various cases that have been on America's Most Wanted through the years. Among the stories are the cases of the Yosemite Murders where 3 women (2 young adults) on vacation were abducted and killed, also the case of missing fugitive Kathy Soliah who was involved with the SLA in the early 70's and who was brought to justice some 24 years later with the help of AMW, The case though that really got me out of all of these short stories was the case of Jenna North who was abducted and killed by neigbor Kyke Bell as she walked home from a friends house. her body is believed to be at the bottom of a river but has never been recovered. Kyke Bell will spend the rest of his miserable life behind bars.

An added foot note: At the back of this book are 3 other unsolved cases with rewards offered through the Carrington/Sund Foundation. One caught my eye because it is the case of a 12 year old named Courtney Sconce who's body was found in the Feather River in Sutter County 11/8/2000. Since I happen to live in Sutter County and have no recollection of this case I will be doing some further reading on this

[Lyndsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a true crime addict. I adore John Walsh and all that he does to help find and put away criminals. Great book!

[Tbone · Rating 5 out of 5]

To Mike, James, Jon, read this book and dont be a ferry

[Christopher · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a very interesting book. Some if the case I remember watching them on AMW. I liked the added detail on the cases presented in the book.

[Rita · Rating 3 out of 5]

OK book. Probably wouldn't read again.

[Shanlie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Haunting. That said...fascinating. Walsh's voice is evident, his passion, drive, his need to help & push for justice. But what is most evident-is his empathy. His gentle respect for victims both living and not living-is telling. The power behind America's Most Wanted is in creating/producing. The collaboration within...among fellow crime fighters really holds your heart. But beware: you will not walk down the street alone anymore. You will be followed by the evil that lurks in the shadows..which is both good (to be aware) yet terrifying just the same.

[Carrie · Rating 2 out of 5]

John Walsh provided good background information on the cases he covered in this book, I thought. The only thing about this book that irritated me was how often he went on and on about how great America's Most Wanted is. I know AMW is a good show and that John Walsh and AMW have helped families of missing children and have helped to capture fugitives, but I could've done without John Walsh tooting his own horn and that of AMW's on every other page of this book.

[Caroline · Rating 4 out of 5]

John Walsh is one of my heroes. He took the most awful thing that could happen to a parent and made so much good come out of that. He has helped save hundreds of children and put a whole lot of criminals in jail! We need more people like him.

I've read this book before but will no doubt read it again. As he said, it's sad that people remember the names of the killers and crooks but not the names of the victims. We can all learn from this book (and the others he has written).

[Debra · Rating 3 out of 5]

The author profiles a number of cases and how "America's Most Wanted" participated in the case. He is happy when they help and frustrated at all the evil and vicious things people do to other people. This is how John Walsh avenges the murder of his son, Adam.

[J · Rating 5 out of 5]

John Walsh's continued push to gain justice for as many victims as possible. Don't read this at night and expect to get a good night's sleep.

[Amy Lawson]

Well written and holds your interest. Great job!

[Antonio · Rating 3 out of 5]

Its was Intristing.