num_pages: 208
description: On a cold wet night in November 1974, twenty-two-year old Ronald DeFeo woke from a disturbed sleep, got out of bed zombie-like, and took down his .35 caliber rifle.  He then went from room to room in his suburban home and methodically killed his entire family.Within minutes, his father, mother, eleven-and nine-year-old brothers, and thirteen- and eighteen-year-old sisters lay dead in their own blood.  DeFeo telephoned the police, and calmly reported finding his family murdered upon returning home from work.Forty hours later, DeFeo confessed to the killings.  He was convinced of second-degree murder and sentenced to six consecutive terms of twenty-five years each--a total of 150 years in prison. Though he knows he did the shooting, he still does not know why. No paranormal events in American history have gripped the public imagination more than the so-called “Amityville episodes.” These incidents, which occurred over several decades, include a mysterious family massacre, a credible case of spirit possession, and unexplained voices and visitations. It should surprise nobody that these “horrors” have spawned several best-selling books and no fewer than nine movies. No one has followed the Amityville story longer than famed author/investigator Dr. Hans Holzer. This veteran researcher of the supernatural has written three books, including two novels, about these ghastly events and their terrifying aftermath. For the first time, these three related works are collected in a single volume. The books are: ·         Murder in Amityville, anonfiction examination of the case that brought this quiet suburban town and its most infamous house to the world’s attention. This captivating book explains the seemingly inexplicable DeFeo family murders through a combination of historical background, insightful analysis, court transcripts and exclusive interviews, including prison conversations with the perpetrator.·         The Amityville Curse, a supernatural thriller that ventures into the eerie realm of an age-old horror that refuses to be buried. This riveting novel describes what happens when seven friends dare to tempt the spirits.·         The Secret of Amityville conjures up a tale of anguished ghostly spirits who continue to wreak savage revenge on all those who desecrate their holy ground. Though fictional, this scintillating story is based on local folklore, fact, and expert supposition. Whether you accept the Amityville supernatural claims or merely yearn for a spellbinding read, The Amityville Curse  will keep you awake—and alert all night. 
language: English
title: The Amityville Curse: Fact & Fiction
titlecomplete: The Amityville Curse: Fact & Fiction
genres: Fiction, True Crime, Paranormal, Ghosts, Horror
ratings_count: 167
publisher: Leisure Books