Deceived: An Investigative Memoir of the Zion Society Cult

De: Michael R. King, Bonnie V. King

Narrado por: Virtual Voice

“You want to read this book. It is chilling and compelling at the same time.” – Dr. Phil McGraw.
“I can think of no more important book at this moment in our history than Profiling Evil: An Investigative Memoir of the Zion Society Cult. Mike King has made a superb and vitally important contribution by exposing the abuse of women and children in that heinous cult. And this still happens far too often in the multitude of harmful groups around the world. If you want to understand coercive influence and control, then read this book.” -Janja Lalich, Ph.D., Professor
“This book has it all – intellectually scintillating deep dives into the investigation for the true crime buffs, relatable character portrayals of people who joined the cult looking for love and community, and heartwarming stories of hope and redemption after trauma. Mike is an expert author, having penned several books in his illustrious career, and this latest volume is one you won’t be able to put down. It is a book you’ll want to tell your friends about; a book that will leave a lasting impression with you long after you’ve finished it.” Dr. Judy Ho, Clinical and Forensic Neuropsychologist, Associate Professor at Pepperdine University, Author of Stop Self-Sabotage.
I've known Mike King for many years, at least long enough to become a close friend. He is an example of what law enforcement is truly about. He was involved in the solution of a great problem that took place in Ogden, Utah many years ago. I won't try to tell you about the book as the story goes far beyond any description. I will say that the book contains intimate details of the solution to one of the most bizarre cases I've ever heard of. As a result of his research and absolute dedication to his profession, Mike has very effectively told this story. As I began to read it, I became aware that my friend is a great storyteller. As you read this book, the scripture to keep in mind is Mark 9:42 which says: “And whosoever shall offend one of these little ones that believe in me, it is better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he were cast into the sea.”-Wilford Brimley, actor (1934-1920)
“Deceived” is a memoir of Detective Mike King’s investigation and ultimate take-down of a deviant polygamous cult called the Zion Society. For over a decade, gossip swirled around the secretive group of religious zealots who were buying up homes to take over a developing neighborhood in northern Utah. This true crime story examines the cult’s leader, a well-known landscaper in the city who had proclaimed himself to be a prophet of God. But he was no man of God. Leaning on hoaxes & deceptions, these extremists were stockpiling weapons as part of their doomsday beliefs. His polygamist doctrine attracted over a hundred followers who soon accepted his ideologies that led to some of the most repugnant crimes against women and children ever seen in the state. The hidden atrocities of the cult may never have been discovered if not for the courage of one of its members. Thirty years later, victims reconnected with each other and with the lead investigator to address the shortcomings of the criminal justice system regarding child victims. With global experts, the author explores why people join cults, how cult leaders keep them engaged and what it takes to investigate crimes against children.

interesting but the AI narrator...

I could tell the narrator was AI ("virtual voice") right away and it was a bit annoying. No emotion with occasional incorrect pronunciation and weird cadence. The information was interesting, however. Worth a free listen for a few hours.

Interesting and well written.

I lived in Ogden during this time frame as a teenager and had no idea that this had happened. I’m astounded that I somehow grew up and was a young adult without any knowledge of the Zion Society. Thank you for putting this out there. I do remember the beautiful flower gardens referenced in the book. I appreciate Mike’s work and now his YouTube channel where I came to learn about this book. The AI reading is the book was good except for a few pronunciation issues. Anyone who didn’t grow up in Utah would be unlikely to know the difference. A great listen if you enjoy true crime books.

Good listen

Very interesting read. The end gave me chills- so sorry that the system failed them the way it did though. Not a huge fan of the AI, which is nothing against the book itself. It just doesn't convey the right emotions or literary pauses.

Interesting

Found the story to be interesting but hated the AI narration. I prefer actual people with some emotion reading a story

Amazing story. all the survivors of this arw heroes.

just have to say that I thought an AI reading would be awful but it was pretty good. I recommend this book. Mike King is also a hero.