Today, Manhattan Beach residents drive past Strand Cleaners unaware of the property’s grim past. One would hardly suspect that it was once the infamous McMartin preschool, which was the subject of the most expensive trial in United States history and the story of the book, “They Must Be Monsters: A Modern Day Witch Hunt.”
The true crime story, which is a grand total of 381 pages, keeps readers on their toes with realistic depictions of the scandal. Authors David LeRoy and Derric Haddad manage to weave a string of wild testimonies and conflicting perspectives into a fascinating narrative. The nonfiction reads like fiction, making it almost impossible to believe that it is based on a true event.
LeRoy and Haddad tell the story of Virginia McMartin, who gave the family-run McMartin Preschool to her daughter and grandson, Peggy and Ray Buckey. The school garnered national attention in 1983 after administrators and teachers were accused of molesting children and forcing them to participate in Satanic rituals. A media frenzy ensued, and locals painted the McMartin teachers as monsters, giving the title its meaning. By the end of the trial, the charges against the accused were dropped due to inconsistent testimonies.
The book also features a framework story, chronicling the case of student Michael Ruby, sparked by the growing fear in the community as a result of the McMartin trial. Ruby attended Mira Costa at the time and worked at the nearby Manhattan Ranch Preschool. He was charged with molesting children, but the charges were dropped.
LeRoy and Haddad write with a level of depth that extends beyond the trial, and they craft the story in a way that mimics the Salem Witch Trials. By detailing the rumors, the reader envisions how formerly beloved residents were classified as monsters by community members, despite not having any legitimate evidence. The use of Salem undertones allows the authors to add a creative aspect to the story, focusing on the psychology behind the crime.
The two authors also manage to simultaneously show the contrast between the community and the accused, expertly portraying the whirlwind of emotions of the accused. Through extensive interviews of Peggy Buckey, the reader feels her exasperation and sympathizes with her depression, loneliness and fear as she is placed upon a modern-day scaffold. This aspect draws readers in and successfully depicts perspectives from each person involved.
Furthermore, the authors manage to keep the readers invested in every page by entertaining the reader with the stories of outlandish testimonies. Some include detailed accusations that Ray Buckey levitated in his classroom, and Peggy Buckey drilled holes into perfectly healthy students. One child even stated that Chuck Norris was present at one of the satanic rituals. By presenting the wild tales of children’s testimonies, the reader cannot help but become invested in the book, similar to how the trial captured America’s interest when it occurred in 1983.
Overall, Haddad and LeRoy successfully keep the reader on the edge of their seat from start to finish, uncovering the truth of the case piece by piece. They emphasize the fear that plagued Manhattan Beach residents and parents everywhere, including the fear of simply leaving their children at preschool.
“They Must Be Monsters: A Modern Day Witch Hunt” was published on Aug. 12 and is available for purchase at bookstores and online nationwide.
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