Hell's Half Acre

The Untold Story of the Benders, a Serial Killer Family on the American Frontier

By: Susan Jonusas

Narrated by: Lee Osorio

One of NPR's "Books We Love"
New York Times Book Review's "The Best True Crime of 2022"

"Rich in historical perspective and graced by novelistic touches, grips the reader from first to last.”—Wall Street Journal

A suspense filled tale of murder on the American frontier—shedding new light on a family of serial killers in Kansas, whose horrifying crimes gripped the attention of a nation still reeling from war.

In 1873 the people of Labette County, Kansas made a grisly discovery. Buried by a trailside cabin beneath an orchard of young apple trees were the remains of countless bodies. Below the cabin itself was a cellar stained with blood. The Benders, the family of four who once resided on the property were nowhere to be found. The discovery sent the local community and national newspapers into a frenzy that continued for decades, sparking an epic manhunt for the Benders.

The idea that a family of seemingly respectable homesteaders—one among the thousands relocating farther west in search of land and opportunity after the Civil War—were capable of operating "a human slaughter pen" appalled and fascinated the nation. But who the Benders really were, why they committed such a vicious killing spree and whether justice ever caught up to them is a mystery that remains unsolved to this day. Set against the backdrop of postbellum America, Hell’s Half-Acre explores the environment capable of allowing such horrors to take place. Drawing on extensive original archival material, Susan Jonusas introduces us to a fascinating cast of characters, many of whom have been previously missing from the story. Among them are the families of the victims, the hapless detectives who lost the trail, and the fugitives that helped the murderers escape.

Hell’s Half-Acre is a journey into the turbulent heart of nineteenth century America, a place where modernity stalks across the landscape, violently displacing existing populations and building new ones. It is a world where folklore can quickly become fact and an entire family of criminals can slip through a community’s fingers, only to reappear in the most unexpected of places.

©2022 Susan Jonusas (P)2022 Penguin Audio

A lot local history, not a lot about the Benders

I was hoping this story would focus more on the Benders- possibly dive in their history before their crimes and more about what happened to them, but whether by lack of research or lack of its existence, it just isn’t there. A bit disappointing.

I want a Time Machine..

I want a Time Machine to go back and see where the family actually ended up! A great comprehensive story that does elaborate a bit much at times. However! I couldn’t pull myself away from this book until it was finished…thank you for the dedication to this topic!

Flashes Out a Well Known Frontier Story

While I had some basic knowledge of the story of the "Bloody Benders" this book flashes out the other parties involved. You can tell that the author did a lot of hard work to get the details into the investigation accurate. This case has no real closier and in a way neither does this book which is allows the reader to fill in the blanks for the most plausible ending to whatever happened to the Benders.

Fascinating book for true crime lovers

If you enjoyed THE MAN FROM THE TRAIN, then this book, with crimes that occurred in 19th Century Kansas, will be right up your alley.

Murder Most Foul.. Enduring Through Time

The history of the Bender's has been the talk of lore, myth, and loose facts for more than 100 years. The crimes that were uncovered on the Bender farm not only sparked a massive manhunt, but it showed a darker side to humanity, that anyone could be taken advantage of on the prairie.

In Hell's Half-Acre, Susan Jonusas takes us through the story of the family, the crimes that were committed, and the search that went on for decades for the family that became known as the first serial killer family in America.

Kate Bender was the most well-known of the family, but it was because was the more outgoing, the one who was the more likeable of the family in and around the community, but her easy going ways did not still the rumors that began to swirl about her before the crimes were uncovered. It was her spiritualism side that began the darker rumors, sparking stories and fear among some who had gone through séances in her home, or were being hounded to allow her to conduct a séance to reach a newly departed family member. There were stories of people feeling afraid in the cabin, and more than one fled from the cabin after feeling that something was not right. Fleeing might have just saved their lives.

As the crimes were uncovered, the horror spilled throughout the community. It was not uncommon for people to head west and disappear, but the large number of those who were disappearing around the small area in Kansas started to cause consternation. As more and more bodies were uncovered, anger grew, and a party went off in search of the Bender's. Unfortunately, they had a head start, and were able to disappear into the outlaw gang territories, evading justice.

As I read through this book, it was hard for me to put down. I absolutely LOVED it. There are sections that were harder to read, but the story of the Bender's has been one that has captivated readers time and time again. With their escape, evasion of justice, and the sheer number of crimes (not to mention one was a child), anger and fascination with the family has endured.

For true crime lovers, this is a must read, can't stop reading, oh I have a book hangover volume. Take my word for it - get a copy now.

Bender. Family for life

Enjoyed it very much. Definitely would recommend to the true crime nut. Gonna try to hit the museum next time
Out that way.

Leaves one wanting

I was excited to listen to this one but ended up disappointed. I wish there was more detail on the Benders and what they did instead of how the politics of the time shaped what happened and the outcome.

Excellent

A wonderfully written piece about a macabre and horrible bit of prairie history. It's a must read/listen.

Meanders a bit

This was new to me and as such quite an amazing tale. Did not like the outcome and wonder if I would have read it had I realized how unsatisfying it would be. The narrator got a bit too lethargical along the way though overall he was good.

interesting stuff

was a very interesting book. the bender family gives you a real house of 1,000 corpses vibe. the author really writes it in a way that it builds a picture in your mind.