Ma Duncan

by Jim Barrett

Elizabeth Ann Duncan was a future daughter-in-law’s worst nightmare. Filled with deep-rooted instability, jealousy and obsession toward her son Frank, an obsession that far surpassed normal motherly... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1571973842
• ISBN13: 9781571973849
• Release Date: January 2004
• Publisher: Pentland Press (NC)
• Length: 297 Pages
• Weight: 1.20 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 6.0" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

Back cover

Once I read the back cover, I knew this wasn't going to be ANYTHING like that made for TV movie with Rick Schroder and Judith Light. Sure enough, the things this mother did to screw with men's lives and keep her son at arm's length are unbelievable. Sometimes the truth really is stranger than fiction! I wish there were more details regarding the prosecution's cross examination. I'll bet that would be a book in itself, showcasing all the scams this woman has pulled off.

NOT Mommy Dearest!!!!!

I remember, as a child, hearing snippets of the Ma Duncan story from family friends who were members of the Ventura County D.A.'s office around that time. When I found out Jim Barrett had written a book about it, I could not wait to read it! From the moment I started the book, I did not put it down until I had finished!

Outstanding crime novel

I found the book to be an easy and enjoyable read. Many years ago I saw old newspapers which mentioned the trial of Ma Duncan. After seeing this I've often wondered what acctually happened. Now I know. Captain Barrett does a wonderful job of bringing the people to life and giving the reader insight into each of the characters involved. A very thorough account about the killers, detectives and Ma Duncan, herself. Captain Barrett masterfully guides the reader into what motivates all of the players and describes, in detail, what drives them to become involved in this horrendous murder.A very well researched book; one that I also had trouble putting down after starting.

Our judicial system has hopefully changed!

A facinating true story of a mother totally obsessed with jealousy over her own son. The last woman to be executed in California and feel the sensation as you are right there with Ma and her hired killers in the gas chamber, their last expressions. Great physcholical profiles of the hired killers and the woman who hired them. I often wondered what makes someone so cold about killing another and this book gives you some insight into that issue. The law in the 50's was certainly not what it is today, hopefully! Unbelievable how she masterminded this brutal crime, just a little old lady she was. If you like true crime stories, this is it! Could not put the book down to the very last page. Where is that meek son of hers today, I wondered. I don't like him very much!

Lurid Tale about a Heinous True Crime

Wow. Great book! I was spellbound and could hardly stop reading until I finished the book. What a horrible, evil woman Ma Duncan was to have had her daughter-in-law and own grandchild murdered out of insane jealously! True crime at its most despicable.