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Kids who Kill: Joshua Phillips: True Crime Press Series 1, Book 1 Paperback – September 12, 2018

by Kathryn McMaster (Author)
4.1 out of 5 stars 314 ratings
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"We taught our girls to pray every day. What we didn't know was that the devil himself had moved in right across the street."

Maddie Clifton is dead. Her killer is a young teenage neighbor, Joshua Phillips, who beats her with a baseball bat and stabs her multiple times. He then stuffs her body under his waterbed that he sleeps on for a week. With a lingering smell coming from the decomposing body, Joshua's mother finally makes the gruesome discovery.

How is it possible Josh can hide her body under his bed for that length of time without either of his parents noticing the distinct smell of decomposing flesh?

Who is the real Joshua Phillips? There is a dark side to this young teenager that shocks the community to the core. He is a burglar, a thief, a destroyer of property, a possible sexual deviant and a murderer.

He pleads that Maddie's murder was a terrible mistake. But was it? There is a lot more to this macabre murder.

The Kids who Kill series is written by the bestselling author and researcher, Kathryn McMaster. This nonfiction true crime series covers murder cases of young killers. If you enjoy books by Anne Rule, Jack Rosewood and Kathryn Casey you will enjoy this author's books.

Kathryn McMaster specializes in true crime and unsolved murder cases while digging deep to explore the dark side of the human mind.
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  1. Book 1 of 5
    Kids who Kill
  2. Print length
    216 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Publication date
    September 12, 2018
  5. Dimensions
    5.5 x 0.54 x 8.5 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    8894122840
  7. ISBN-13
    978-8894122848
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Editorial Reviews

Review


"I loved the book. I like Ms. McMaster's writing style. The story, although startling, is quite a statement on police procedure, family ignorance, and smelly teenage boy's bedrooms." - Dorica Beland.

"This book follows the story of a hard-hitting and difficult to fathom crime in an honest, empathetic and eye opening way. Thoroughly compelling and difficult to put down." - Lynette Ekins.

"Masterpiece of true crime narrative." - David Hall

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ True Crime Press
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ September 12, 2018
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 216 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 8894122840
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-8894122848
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 10.2 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.5 x 0.54 x 8.5 inches
  • Book 1 of 5 ‏ : ‎ Kids who Kill
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.1 out of 5 stars 314 ratings

About the author

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Kathryn McMaster

Kathryn McMaster

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Kathryn McMaster is the bestselling author of 9 true crime books. She eats, breathes, and dreams true crime cases. While her friends were reading Nancy Drew, Kathryn was pouring over her father's true crime books late at night, reading them under the sheets with the aid of a torch.

Her debut novel, "Who Killed Little Johnny Gill?" was a huge success, and has sold more than 6,000 copies to date. It covers the murder of a young boy during Victorian England that is so heinous it is thought, initially, to be the work of Jack the Ripper.

While her first two books are written as fact-fiction, she now writes nonfiction true crime covering murder cases that are of interest and unique in some way.

Her true crime books are well-researched, unbiased and based on court records, interviews and newspaper articles.

Kathryn McMaster’s books are further enhanced by her in-depth knowledge and training in Psychology, Criminal Profiling and Forensic Science (Criminal Investigation) which she occasionally draws on to analyze a crime in the afterword.

She has long had a fascination with crime and the criminal mind, looking at the ‘why’ rather than the ‘how’, and exploring the dark side of the human psyche.

If you enjoy true crime books by Ann Rule, Kathryn Casey, or Jack Rosewood, you will enjoy these.

Look out for her books:

1) Who Killed Little Johnny Gill?

2) Blackmail, Sex and Lies

3) Kids who Kill: Joshua Phillips, Book 1

4) Kids who Kill: Eric Smith, Book 2

5) Kids who Kill: Cristian Fernandez, Book 3

6) Kids who Kill: Sandy Charles, Book 4 (true crime new release, February 2019)

7) Kids who Kill: Kelly Ellard & Warren Glowatski, Book 5 (true crime new release, March 2019)

8) Kids who Kill: Austin Sigg (true crime new release, November 2019)

9) Couples who Kill: Miranda and Elytte Barbour, Book 1 (true crime new release, April 2019)

Customer reviews

4.1 out of 5 stars
314 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this true crime book well-documented and engaging, providing a balanced view of the crime from multiple perspectives. The writing style receives positive feedback for being very well done, with one customer noting how participants speak in their own words.

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18 customers mention "Story quality"15 positive3 negative

Customers appreciate the true crime book's well-documented approach, providing a balanced examination of the crime from multiple perspectives.

"...Strongly recommend this historical read." Read more

"...Ms. McMaster's impeccable research allows the reader to examine this crime in detail; participants speak in their own words, and you will learn and..." Read more

"...I was especially impressed by the reports of the trial, which made me feel like I was in the courtroom during the proceedings...." Read more

"Well documented sad story. I felt that the author succeeded in her attempt to present the story truthfully with only a little bit of bias." Read more

12 customers mention "Readability"12 positive0 negative

Customers find the book to be a fascinating and well-done read.

"...the rest of the book was very well done. I thought about the case for several days afterwards...." Read more

"...view this true crime series as sensational, but rather a truly remarkable study of the workings of the mind of someone who could perform such an..." Read more

"Reading about this is so interesting , yet upsetting. Yes, this boy would've been a serial killer. He seemed beyond evil in his actions...." Read more

"...If you are a reader of true crime, this series is a worthy addition to your library." Read more

4 customers mention "Writing style"4 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the writing style of the book, with one customer noting that participants speak in their own words.

"...allows the reader to examine this crime in detail; participants speak in their own words, and you will learn and understand more about the American..." Read more

"...The book is written mostly in present tense. Although not my usual preference, it seems to fit with the nature of the narrative. "..." Read more

"This book was veryy well written it takes you right into the judicial system. It makes you see the story from both sides...." Read more

"A well written book. ⭐⭐⭐⭐" Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great start to a new series!
    Reviewed in the United States on December 1, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    I didn’t know what to expect when I first started reading this book, but I was quickly drawn in lot the story. It’s an absolutely horrific crime, but the author did an excellent job of not sensationalizing the story and providing the facts in a fairly non-biased way.

    I did find a few punctuation errors and contacted the author directly to let her know. She immediately responded to my email and thanked me for the catches. She then fixed the issues and emailed me back. This is something that few other authors do: taking the time to respond to feedback from readers. I think this speaks volumes about her professionalism.

    Other than the lawyer dialogue that I did not like (lawyers sometimes talk a lot without saying much), the rest of the book was very well done. I thought about the case for several days afterwards. When a book holds my attention like that, it deserves 5 stars in my opinion. I will definitely be reading future books in the series.
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  • BJS
    4.0 out of 5 stars Good Read; Recommend
    Reviewed in the United States on April 26, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    Remembered this tragedy. well, but the author brings all the characters and details into sharp focus. Strongly recommend this historical read.
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  • Kindle Customer
    3.0 out of 5 stars While the book is incredible
    Reviewed in the United States on December 14, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    I find myself at odds with both families. After a child is murdered it seems both families fall apart. The victims family seems to think all that matters is the life that was lost. In doing that children still in the home are neglected and like it not their parents behavior tells them they aren't worthy of a normal family life. If the goal was all the children first as it should be the living children would rise above the loss of a sibling. From early on raising my children it's the one common theme I'd see in story after story. I swore if this nightmare ever happened to one of mine I would not allow it to destroy those still living. Shame on parents who so callously disregard the living for the dead. As to the parents of the child who murdered I have no compassion for what they suffer. Time and and again the victim and the victims family get nanoseconds of thought from them and the race is on to prove their child deserves a life because they love the child. Accountability is ignored in favor of how to use the system to get what they want. I agree with the judge who said what Josh did earned him a life behind bars. Who he was isn't normal and all caged animals will eventually settle into life as is. But unlike human animals real animals once set free of the cage are capable of relishing life. Josh isn't the rules exconvicts have to live with and the consequences of the law he broke will have him at his breaking point. While he has won a look at his sentence in 2024 it's my hope and prayers that he is caged for the rest of his life. He hasn't admitted and got help for the sick person he is. He only admitted what he really did to work the system.
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  • Debbie Sheuring
    5.0 out of 5 stars Concise, balanced examination of an unbelievable crime
    Reviewed in the United States on October 12, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    I've read all of Ms. McMaster's books, and this latest, the first in a series of children who commit murder, doesn't disappoint. I remember this crime well; living in the area, watching the news, you become invested in the lives of total strangers. What a shock when little Maddie's found, and her young teenaged neighbor is charged with the crime.! Ms. McMaster's impeccable research allows the reader to examine this crime in detail; participants speak in their own words, and you will learn and understand more about the American legal system. The feelings of the family members - both dealing with unimaginable loss- is presented in a non-emotional, direct way that allows the reader to see both sides. The question of whether life in prison is too harsh a sentence for someone at 14 is presented. Is that truly throwing away a young life, or in some ways is that a benefit to a young person who is already seeking a life out of control? This is a case that could happen to any of us, victim or perpetrator, in today's society. I look forward to the next books in the series.
    3 people found this helpful
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  • LoveLit
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent True Crime
    Reviewed in the United States on October 12, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    Joshua Philips, Kids Who Kill is a shocking true crime story that kept me riveted all the way through. The facts of the story were almost impossible to believe as McMaster revealed them. But as she examines the events from every angle, we begin to get a picture of the mind of a young person who could kill. Not what I expected.
    What made it relevant for me was McMaster’s treatment. Without bias, she related the facts and emotion of the story from all sides—not only from the standpoint of the crime committed, but how it affected the investigators, families and friends of both the victim and the accused.
    I was especially impressed by the reports of the trial, which made me feel like I was in the courtroom during the proceedings. I don’t view this true crime series as sensational, but rather a truly remarkable study of the workings of the mind of someone who could perform such an act.
    Very well done. I give it five stars
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  • Nancy J.
    4.0 out of 5 stars Well documented story about a real crime
    Reviewed in the United States on November 6, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    Well documented sad story. I felt that the author succeeded in her attempt to present the story truthfully with only a little bit of bias.
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Helen
    5.0 out of 5 stars An interesting read
    Reviewed in Italy on October 17, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    Despite the subject matter, I found this a very interesting read. The author has taken the facts and laid them out in this book so that the reader can make up their own mind. She takes on the role of neutral spectator and presents the events in the present tense, as if they were happening now.
    As well as talking about the murder and the murderer, she also gives both mothers' stories after the awful events, and shows how their lives have changed since.
    The book isn't about whether Joshua is guilty or innocent - he committed the crime. Instead, it concentrates on how the police and courts carried out their investigations and trials, and whether his sentence was justified or not. The reader is left to decide for themselves, and I'm sure the book will evoke different reactions in every reader. There are more books in the series, which I look forward to reading!
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  • Squeaky Joe
    5.0 out of 5 stars Will thrill true-crime readers everywhere
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 12, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    True-crime investigation charting the shocking child murder of Maddie Clifton. When police discovered a 14-year-old boy had hidden the body of his childhood friend under his bed for a week without anyone noticing, they had a lot of questions. How was he able to continue his everyday life as if nothing had happened? Why did his parents not realise there was something wrong when the corpse started to smell? And what was it that drove a child to kill his 8-year-old friend?

    This is the first in indie author Kathryn McMaster’s new series ‘Kids Who Kill’. Like her previous books ('Who Killed Little Johnny Gill' and 'Blackmail, Sex and Lies'), Ms McMaster shows off her talent for research and investigation. Using court documents, testimonies and police reports, she brings to life this horrendous murder and its effect on the individuals and families involved. The book drew me in with its fascinating and absorbing account and the author’s clever use of language that gives a feeling of immediacy and participation. It’s also worth noting that the nature of the crime demands a level of detail that some readers may find hard to bear.

    With the next two books in this series already listed for pre-order, Kathryn McMaster has created an intriguing and captivating series that will thrill true-crime readers everywhere.
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  • Philip Turnbull
    5.0 out of 5 stars great book
    Reviewed in Canada on January 1, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    a great book in a great series
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  • Christina Darby
    4.0 out of 5 stars Heartbreaking
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 3, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    A compelling but sometimes difficult to read account. Difficult because of the utterly tragic events recounted. Every fact is here however and I appreciated the elements from the killer's family's point of view. Every true crime fan will have an interest in this book even if it does leave an empty depressing feeling.
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  • SH
    5.0 out of 5 stars Sensitively written
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 16, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    I do not usually read non fiction books, but I saw this advertised on pre order, and being someone who occasionally watches those true crime programmes, I was intrigued. This book is sensitively written, without ignoring the facts. Eight year old Maddie was murdered by her 14 year old friend Josh. It was so sad so heart wrenching, this little girl's body lay hidden for seven days under the bed of a frightened boy who had acted like a monster. I'm not giving away any more here than is in the book description, but there is more to the book than this, about tests carried out on the 14 year old's brain and police proceedure. I usually say how much I enjoyed reading books, enjoy is not the right word here. I'm not sure why, but I couldn't stop reading it.
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