Young Blood: Murder in the Woods Paperback – September 17, 2014

This is an extremely well written and compelling true story of a murder committed in the late 80s in Florida by two high school aged boys, for what seem like incredibly inconsequential reasons. The book is not long, but is an excellent and well researched read, it delves deeply into the details of the murder and the reasoning of the, then very young, protagonists. The profile of Beau, who is still in prison to this day, is fascinating. The author visited him many times in prison and the writing describing their discussions, and how Beau has changed over time, is some of the best in the book. Overall the story is a sad one and there is little redemption for anyone involved, but it is intriguing dive into why someone might commit a murder like this so young, and how they, as well as their friends and family, view it after so much time has passed. Highly recommended.

This story is so well told. I read this on a long flight, and I didn’t want to put it down. I don’t want to spoil any of the plot, but one of my favorite parts was the part about the big brother watching over his younger brother—such a subtle but perfect detail. This is a great read for anyone who likes true crime and true stories (or anyone for that matter!)

Short, succinct, no particular effort to embellish with unnecessary pages. Straight and to the point.As for Beau, a cowardly killer, not even having the guts to face his victim but shooting him twice in the back and attempting to murder Dan Yockey, along with Josh, this weasel should be dead instead of habituating to prison life.The judges and liberals in this country who treat murderers with the same rights as victims, have created an absurd system of law, that masquerades as Justice.When you kill someone, with planning, and intent, over a meaningless act like going out with your girlfriend, your civil rights should immediately cease. The liberal mind set that considers you as human as your victim is a totally frustrating mystery to me. The rationale that the convicted killer uses to minimize the horrific act of depriving another of their very life, is awesome in its vulgarity.The judges who suspend sentences, allow for parole of killers who have served a quarter or less of their time due to 'overcrowding' should be among the next victims of another or the same killer.The time for Vigilantes to carry out the retribution on a killer that the system will not, is long past due.I swear if I were a trained operative with killing skills, and could do so undetected, there would be a great many men and women now, not walking the earth or languishing in prison with 'nice size mirrors'.

This book reads like long form journalism. It is very much just the facts and has a very impartial feel to it. Reminded me of listening to the first season of Serial, although this crime and the guilt of the boys ultimately convicted is not in doubt. I wanted it to be fleshed out with more of stories about who these boys were. There was just enough there to make you want to know more about everyone involved. Not quite enough to make me totally satisfied in the story. A large part of this is just the limitations of who the writer could get to talk to him given the writer takes no liberties with the facts and statements he has to work with. I was definitely drawn in and really recommended it to anyone.

A fascinating examination of how seemingly trivial high school dynamics in the right crucible can lead to murder. Even though from the outset you know a murder is going to happen, there are (real-life) twists and surprises that keep you hooked. Through detailed research and interviews, Wachtler gets inside the minds of very familiar high school characters: the burnouts, the superstars, the good sons and the devoted mothers. I couldn’t put it down.

This is a fascinating report of a murder involving teenagers who started down a dangerous road and did not not know when to get off. The result was a useless murder that did not achieve the effect that this teenager (Beau) was seeking. The author is apparently a well-experienced reporter as is evidenced by the thoroughness of the book. Don't expect a literary work; this is merely crime reporting at its best. I was saddened at the end by the wastefulness of it all since the murderer is still imprisoned, remorseful and left with a broken life whenever he is released.

My husband attended Countryside and was friends with one of the gentleman in this book. He asked me to get it for him and read it over the course of two days. He loved the details provided and was bummed the victim's parents didn't want to be interviewed. Thank you for telling this story!

What a waste ! 4 young teen boys. One has a grudge against another because of a girl . 2 of the boys lure the other 2 out into the woods ( they only planned on taking the one, but the other came along for the ride, not knowing what would happen ).This is a very short book, so I can't tell much more or you'll know the whole story without reading the book. Let's just say the writing was good, it was a very senseless crime and in different ways, 4 lives were ruined that day by one stupid idea.I always wonder about these young teens who commit such horrible acts of violence. How do they feel when they turn 30, then 40, then 50, knowing what a STUPID thing they did when they were young ? Anyhow, good quick read if you enjoy true crime books .

Fascinating, well written book. I literally couldn't put it down. The story is well plotted, going from the night of the murder to current days, shading light on the troubled character of Beau - a young man growing up in prison. Beau is the bad guy, but we learn to know him as a remorseful grown man. This, by the end of the book, brings forth the question of the reader's identification.I highly recommend this book. It is not my usual genre of reading, but this book made me want to read more of his kind. Looking forward to Watchler's next book.

A well written book. Came across it and took me a while to start reading it. But from the moment I'd started, I was barely able to put it down. Tossed me back and fourth with the thought of empathy, and who deserves my empathy.