Chicago Journalist Michael Lenehan's 2009 Book Review of MOST EVIL: Avenger, Zodiac and the Further Serial Murders of Dr. George Hill Hodel
May 7, 2015
Los Angeles, California
In November, 2009, journalist Michael Lenehan wrote an extensive review of my book, MOST EVIL: Avenger, Zodiac and the Further Serial Murders of Dr. George Hill Hodel (Dutton)
I found it to be not only exceedingly well written, but it was one of the most accurate, intelligent and concise summaries of my overall investigation ever published. After reviewing his background I can see why:
About Michael Lenehan (from his webpage)
Michael Lenehan is a Chicago-based writer and editor who for many years was the chief editorial executive at the Chicago Reader. He has written for the Atlantic Monthly, where he was a contributing editor in the 1980s and 90s, and for Chicago Magazine and the New York Times Book Review,among others. His Atlantic article “Four Ways to Walk a Dog” was a finalist for the National Magazine Award. His Reader article “The Essence of Beeing,” which won the Westinghouse Science Writing Award from the American Association for the Advancement of Science, was made into a fine hand-printed book by Sherwin Beach Press. Ramblers is his first book with a print run of more than 200.
Clearly, we need more old-school five-W journalists like Mike who actually read the material, and conduct extensive background investigations and in-person interviews before presenting their material to the public.
Kudos to you Mike.
Click on below link to read Lenehan’s complete article as it appeared in the CHICAGO READER on November 5, 2009.
MostEvil book review by Michael Lenehan
Michael Lenehan
Outstanding article. What I don’t get, even though it has been explained to me, is how shame or embarrassment is brought to a police department if one of today’s detectives uses evidence gathered by a concerned citizen and clears a cold case.
Hi John A: Yes, I’ve covered it in BDA, MOST EVIL and BDA II. Ego, Territoriality, and a multitude of other reasons. Sadly, this occurred even when I was on the job, not just me, but it was/is common throughout LE. Not sharing information and even hiding “leads” within the same Department. (Robbery/Homicide Division vs. Divisional Homicide Units.) Sad statement on what the public thinks/expects that LE is “working together.” Very little change over the decades. Best, Steve
I apologize if this is coming thru again..had mail issues yesterday wasn’t sure if you received–resending:
It is my belief/opinion that your father had nothing to do with Elizabeth Short. It is also my opinion that there was no cover up. There are the wordings of Capt. Ed Jokisch to allegedly refute cover up claims. The only cover up, in my opinion, would have been the incest trial. And Morgans opinion of one, a cover up, –is only his opinion. I know Tamar is not doing well and I wish her the best under the circumstances and Fauna seems to be helping her along–my thoughts go out to the entire family. I’ve read the DA files in their entirety. I was wondering if you would be interested in a public debate on the DA files and the information contained within? Just the facts of the files only? It would be respectful, professional and informational. According to the files, your father was dismissed along with 300 potentials.George was not the only one bugged and he fit the M.O. at the time because they were looking for anyone who committed a perverted or sexual crime–George, unfortunately, fell into that category because of his incest trial. You have the same files as I do and I am relaying info from them. I want to get a better understanding. Does the debate/public discussion on the DA files and Grand Jury report sound like something you would be interested in? Similar to a round table discussion? Please let me know. I enjoy your books and look forward to any new findings you may publish. I wish you continued success. Thanks for your time.
Vincent 5-17-15
Vincent: Thank you for your email and well wishes for Tamar and the family.
In response to your question regarding would I be interested in having a public debate just limited to the DA Files? The answer is no, simply because you cannot “cherry-pick” parts of the investigation in an attempt to “make a point or make a case.” Kind of like presenting the OJ case by just limiting it to “the gloves don’t fit, you must acquit.” Or like some other “Dahlia experts” have done who say, “The photos are not Elizabeth Short” so everything else must be disregarded and ignored.” My investigation has to be viewed holistically, which includes BDA, MOST EVIL, BDA II and all the evidence contained in my separate blogs over the past twelve-years. I have chosen not to get into separate debates with the various theorists and rather present my evidence and allow the reading public (much like a seated jury) to come to their own conclusion and individually decide for “guilt or innocence.” Regards, Steve
Vincent
About the cover up
FAQ 1.18 gives interesting info
Also we must consider the fact that the police refuses to investigate the human blood recently detected at the Hollywood house.
Francois H. Yes, FAQ 1.18 gives a summary of all the LAPD missing evidence. Thanks for the reference.
Link to 1.18 is here: http://stevehodeloldsite.staging.authorbyteshosting.com/wp-content/themes/hodel-s/faq/FAQ01.pdf
Francois:
I’m familiar with the provided FAQ’s and alleged “missing evidence” It may or may not be “missing”. It’s alleged evidence related to Mrs. French and was dismissed and eliminated at the time. They had a suspect named for French, Kern and Elizabeth…and were going to move on “that” suspect. Out of respect for the Author, I don’t want use this site as a forum for debate. The DA files ,in their entirety, and other supplemental information, show all facts–interesting info. If you can access them, in full, they will provide for thought provoking reading– Including investigative notes by Walter Morgan, to Lieutenant Frank Jemison on the Jeanne French murder and ES. As for “human blood” at the “Hollywood house”,..I’m not aware of exactly what you’re referring to? Feel free to explain.
Vincent 5-20-15
Vincent: Exactly so. I want to reserve this comment section strictly for the specific posts at hand, rather than have it come a “chat board” for debating separate issues. If you haven’t read BDA II (2014 edition with five new chapters) then you should check it out. It covers much new information including the soil analysis results that are “human specific” from the Sowden/Franklin House.