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He Hid in Plain Sight—Until the Bodies Started to Surface
A Serial Killer’s Trail of Horror—and the Brave Effort to End It
What drove the inconspicuous sociopath to become a ruthless killer?
During his nearly fifteen-year reign of terror, Ronald Lloyd Bailey’s depraved obsession with sexual sadism held communities across southeast Michigan in a shroud of fear. From the early 1970’s to the mid-1980’s, the former patient at one of Michigan’s foremost psychiatric hospitals, abducted as many as fifteen teens and over time became a sadistic serial killer.
In this shocking, fast-paced account, retired police officer and true crime author Rod Sadler examines law enforcement's dedicated efforts in connecting the dots to stop an unknown killer, and he poignantly chronicles the determination of the victims' families to triumph over tragedy.
Sadler also examines Bailey’s insanity defense that centered on the alleged abuse he endured at the hands of his psychiatrist. In doing so, the bestselling author of KILLING WOMEN asks and answers the question: What drove the inconspicuous sociopath to become a ruthless killer?
From eCurrent Article by Kurt Anthony Krug
Retired Cop’s Book About 40-Year-Old Case Still Hits Home
"Sadler conducted extensive research and interviewed the majority of the key people involved, including Ray Cassar, one of Bailey’s attorneys, whom he said was instrumental.
“Rod did a very good job with the book,” said Cassar. “He interviewed many people and put together a balanced outsider’s view.”
It took Sadler three years to research and write this book. "
Outstanding Reviews for DEPRAVED OBSESSION
"DEPRAVED OBSESSION is a haunting, meticulously researched journey into the mind of a predator and the heroic determination of law enforcement to stop him. Rod Sadler captures both the chilling details of a Midwestern community gripped by fear and the heartbreaking ripple effects of violence that span generations. This book is a must-read for true crime fans who seek not just horror, but humanity.” -Melissa Moore, Executive Producer of Happy Face and NYT Bestselling Author
“This work not only spotlights the massive investigation that brought a monster to justice and removed him from our streets, but it also helps to keep Shawn and Kenny's memories alive some 40 years on. May they rest in peace.” - Dave Ostrem, former Green Oak Twp. Police Officer
“Rod Sadler’s book, Depraved Obsession, takes the reader on a journey of emotion and heartbreak as he re-tells the story that gripped southern Michigan in 1985. His ability to walk the reader through the journey is a must-read for not only true crime enthusiasts but also those who work in the field of law enforcement. This is Mr. Sadler’s best book yet!” - D/Sgt. Larry D. Rothman, Special Investigative Section – Cold Case Unit, Michigan State Police
"...What makes this book stand out is its respect for the victims and the insight into how real detectives work under pressure, long before modern forensic tools made their jobs easier. If you’re drawn to true crime that values justice, careful storytelling, and emotional honesty, this book stands out as Unsettling Powerful and Haunting addition to the true crime genre and deeply human...." - Kathleen Riggs, Goodreads
About Rod Sadler
As a decorated police officer, Rod Sadler’s ability to document Michigan serial killer cases comes from a unique law enforcement perspective. For his entire thirty years in law enforcement, Sadler fostered relationships with many of the key people involved in the investigation, prosecution and even the defense of the serial killers. Those people include acquaintances of the killer, police officers, detectives, prosecuting attorneys, judges and the killer’s own attorney.
