Cheryl W. (wordweaver) reviewed on 5/6/2007 + 6 more book reviews

Combining true life crime with members from the old time circus sideshow freaks, this book retells the story of the murder of Grady Stiles Jr., billed as Lobster Boy. Descended from a notorious carny family, Grady Stiles Jr. led an unusual life. Trading on the deformity that gave his hands and feet the appearance of lobster clasws, he achieved fame and fortune as "Lobster Boy", promoting himslef and other carnival acts.

But beneath his grotesque sideshow persona lurked a violent man who secretly abused his family for years. Until his wife and stepson decided to do something about it-by entering into a conspiracy to kill. On November 29, 1992, as the wheelchair bound Siles sate watching TV in his Gibsonton, Florida trailer home someone stole in and shot him multiple times in the back of the head.

In one of the most sensational murder trials ever to make national news, a trial complete with star witnesses from the carny world, controversial evidence and courtroom antics, members of his own family are tried for his sensational murder.

Was Grady a disabled man or a monster? Was there any other way out for the family that lived with him? These are just some of the questions explored in this book.

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