Great book for any true crime lover that can handle a bit of gore. I found it interesting and a good read. I know this is an updated version and I did not read the previous one. But this was great. Good job by the author and well researched. Interesting read.

**Thank you to Net-Galley, Caitlin Rother, and Kensington Publishing for the e-ARC of this book!**

DNF @ 25%

the premise is interesting (a serial killer that turns himself in?) but he is so heinous and so blatantly evil and gross that I don't even want to know the the other things he did. I can guess. There is also little analysis aside from repeated mentions of the effects of head injuries. I do not feel the need to read about a man brutalizing women if there is no major hypothesizing to be done.

(Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for the eARC in exchange for a review. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own)

Publication date: 25 February 2025
Publisher: Kensington Publishing

Wow, this book was so interesting and I was hooked whenever I read it at night before sleep. Everyone avoids true crime before they sleep but I can read all the gory details and still sleep well.

Body Parts by Caitlin Rother is a chilling true crime story that definitely delivers on the "chilling" part. Wayne Adam Ford is a truly disturbing character and Rother does a good job of exploring the darkness within him, though sometimes I felt like I was wading a little too deep into the muck. The investigation and trial were fascinating and the book is meticulously researched which is both a pro and a con. On the one hand, the detail is impressive; on the other, at times it felt a bit overwhelming because there were so many transcripts and testimonies which we didn't need to read to that full extent. The updated section about identifying Ford's first victim after 25 years was a compelling addition and what made me request for the ARC. My biggest issue? While the book is undoubtedly gripping, it sometimes felt a little too sensationalised, like it was leaning a tad too hard on the "shock value" of the crimes. Also, although the first victim was identified she wasn't written about much in the book itself, I do not recall reading her name even. I had to look it up and read about her. In a way, I didn't feel that that aspect of the blurb was accomplished and it felt more like a bait. Overall, a solid true crime read but be prepared for some seriously unsettling content.

Also, I learned that he is still alive on death row. I wonder what is he doing right now within his four walls.

I am grateful to have received a free advanced reader copy of this book, and am leaving a review voluntarily. This seems to be a well researched, very informative recount of the events surrounding Wayne Adam Ford's crimes, confessions, investigation, and trial. I found it to be a bit bland in presentation of the information, however, I am well versed in these fields and, therefore, am desensitized to the information. For this reason, I was less eager to read this book than I have been with other works of fiction and nonfiction that I had read lately. Nonetheless, I very much appreciated the detail of information provided.

Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for the eARC.

This book was really eye opening to me. There were so many details given to the reader about Wayne and his victim(s). I have mixed feelings.

“Something About Wayne.”

History dictates serial killers don’t stop until they are caught, locked up for other crimes or dead…. So what made Wayne Adam Ford, an American serial killer walk into the Humboldt County Sheriff Department on November 2, 1998, with his brother, confessing to hurting people. When doubted by law enforcement officers, he pulled out a woman’s severed breast from his coat pocket.

Body Parts by Caitlin Rother, is a well researched look at who Wayne was, and the case surrounding the death of his four victims.

Originally published in 2009 this rerelease promises updated shocking details about the identity of Wayne’s first victim. I won’t be able to clarify if there is new information within the book as I have not read the first published edition. In fact, until I saw this book, I hadn’t heard of Wayne Adam Ford.

I feel this book gives the reader an in-depth look at who Wayne was and who his victims were. It takes you inside the police interviews and the court case. Some may say this section of the book dragged a bit, but one has to remember it took seven years after Wayne turned himself in, to bring this case to court.

Without a doubt, like all serial killers, Wayne Ford is a master manipulator. Yes he turned himself in, but then in my opinion he played a game with law enforcement, controlling the narrative and I honestly believe more than four young women died at Wayne’s hands.

I lost some respect for the author after the authors notes and acknowledgements.
There are some ethical questions about profiting from true crime and I don't feel they were considered here at all.

The book is extremely data heavy and there are a lot of people to keep track of. Given that it seems the author had little to no contact with the victims families and none were interviewed for this I think that perhaps some cousins etc could maybe have been left out and the story still told.

I read this as an ARC and it is billed as having new information about the first victim. The copy i read contained no information about identifying the first victim and doesn't actually mention her name or how they found out who she was, at all.

Further more the synopsis suggests that Wayne murdered as result of a severe head injury- something that was never corroborated either in the case or the book. In fact this was directly contradicted by both his partner at the time of the injury and himself- he gave other motives for his actions. This is a huge disservice to people with traumatic brain injuries.

The court section was very dry and I think a bit too long.

I felt very much that throughout the book Wayne Ford was painted as a sympathetic Lennie type unassuming giant that didn't know his own strength and was mentally not responsible for his actions (Of Mice and Men) Instead of the murdering sexual sadist he is and the liar he was proved to be during an outburst in court during the sentencing portion.

I do like that the cover has been updated.

1.5 stars because the synopsis is misleading and the new info wasn't there.

Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free, electronic ARC of this novel received in exchange for an honest review.
Expected publication date: Feb. 25, 2025
“Body Parts: A Serial Killer’s Deadly Compulsions” by journalist-turned-author Caitlin Rother, is a compelling look at the twisted mind and crimes of serial killer Wayne Adam Ford. This edition has been released with new details of Wayne Adam Ford’s first victim, details that only came to light twenty-five years later.
Wayne Ford is one of the more underrepresented Pacific Northwest serial killers. At a time when that geographic area was almost inundated with the morose and the gory, Ford likely got lost among killers such as Ted Bundy and Gary Ridgway. However, his story is just as tragic and the damage to his victims just as gruesome.
Rother presents Ford’s life in chronological order, starting with his childhood and family life and ending with his apprehension and trial. In between, of course, Rother provides details on Ford’s victims and their families. Written this way, everything one wants to know about Ford (well, everything that he is willing to share) is depicted through Rother’s careful research using trial notes, police reports and conversations with those in Wayne’s social circle (such as it was).
Why is Ford so remarkable that he warrants his own story? Unlike most serial killers of the time, Ford did not wait to be caught. He walked into the police station, after some coercion from his brother, and admitted to officers that he had done “bad things” and no longer wanted to “hurt people”. Oh, he also had a severed breast in his coat pocket. (“Body Parts” is aptly named as all of Ford’s victims- and presumed victims- were raped, strangled and dismembered, left in or near bodies of water.)
I was particularly interested in Ford’s upbringing, although both of his parents continue to tell different stories about how functional (or dysfunctional) Wayne’s childhood was. It was clear early on, however you look at it, that Ford was a very unstable individual. As the detailed court proceedings reveal, his sanity (or lack thereof) was on trial as well, as his lawyers debated an insanity defense (which was not successful).
After four rapes and murders (and many more supposed ones), Ford was sentenced to death, although he still sits on death row. Rother was detailed in her presentation of the case while managing to be respectful of the victims’ and their families. Ford is an interesting case, seeming to be either extremely pathetic or extremely manipulative depending on the circumstances, and I was fascinated with the psychological components and Rother’s attention to detail.
“Body Parts” is the perfect true crime story for fans who are interested in the development of a serial killer. Rother doesn’t spare the details, so there is a high amount of gore and violence, but her story flows and speaks to Rother’s versatility as a journalist, non-fiction and mystery writer.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing a free ebook copy in exchange for an honest review.

I see this book was written years ago and this is a new edition that is being rereleased 2/25/25.

I was really intrigued to read this book being a true crime junkie and intrigued even more so because I couldn't recall if I’ve ever heard of Wayne Adam Ford previously. As I was reading I realized I have and a lot of it came back to me!

This is a very well written, detailed, and fascinating read about serial killer Wayne Adam Ford. This book definitely had more details than I had heard before. I flew through reading this book, but I can see how for some people maybe this book isn’t super fast paced because of all the details and to be fair some of the trial stuff can get a little dull. Overall I really enjoyed the book but also let me say that as with all true crime that it is also absolutely horrific and not always the easiest to read about. I was so sad once I’d finished reading it.

I definitely recommend this one to fellow true crime junkies!

This has to be the weirdest true crime book I’ve ever read. It was so matter of fact and direct. It had no life to it.

4 stars

Thank you, NetGalley and Kensington Publishing, for this eARC for review. All opinions are my own.

This is a haunting, tragic, and fascinating true crime story. Wayne Adam Ford could present himself as a nice, likable guy, but behind closed doors, he was a totally different person. He eventually reached a 'breaking point', and that's where his heinous acts began. This is a very detailed account of his early life, mental health disorders, victim's histories, police interviews, and his trial. Some parts dragged a little but also added to the full picture.

I hadn't heard of the serial killer discussed in this book before, so I found this title informative. Be warned, however, that it is extremely graphic, even by true crime standards.

**Review of *The Body Parts* – 3 Stars**

*The Body Parts* tells the disturbing true story of serial killer Wayne Adam Ford, who shocked the nation when he walked into a police station carrying a severed body part in his pocket. The book delves into his crimes, his troubled past, and the psychological complexities that led to his gruesome acts.

True crime enthusiasts will appreciate the thoroughness of the research and the way the book pieces together the events leading up to Ford’s confession. The author presents a compelling narrative, shedding light on both the forensic and psychological aspects of the case. While it may not be the most fast-paced true crime book out there, it still offers valuable insight into one of the more unsettling cases in recent history. A solid read for those interested in the darker side of human nature.

In addition to its detailed account of the case, the book also provides a thoughtful exploration of the broader implications of criminal behavior and societal response. The author’s balanced approach invites readers to reflect on the factors that contribute to such extreme acts, while also considering the challenges faced by law enforcement in piecing together complex investigations. Overall, this book serves as a thought-provoking entry in the true crime genre, blending factual rigor with deeper psychological inquiry.

As a true crime junky this was right up my alley. Some should know ahead of time that some of it maybe too graphic for them to read if they have a weak stomach it does get graphic.

It's disturbing and well written. Keep in mind this is based on true events.

I am the biggest fan of Caitlin Rother and absolutely ate up Death on Ocean Boulevard (I am eagerly awaiting the next release that's been teased for months) - but this book reads like "old school" True Crime and it isn't for me. While I definitely see the angle that was chosen for this: a full understanding of his childhood and the factors that played into his killing - a full understanding of what he's admitted to - and a full understanding of the court system surrounding him; it didn't work for me. Perhaps the scope of this book was off (for me) in terms of what I like to know. I found myself dragging through the childhood/early adulthood chapters initially thinking everything I was being told was relevant and quickly realizing it was not, then I ate up the middle section although I lost the timeline often and struggled to figure out how long the gaps were. And lastly I did not enjoy the courtroom drama because it's just straight not for me.
I am absolutely a Caitlin Rother fan and new releases will be an auto-read/buy for me. But this was not for me.

I came in with very little background knowledge regarding these cases, and I'm not sure if that was good or not.
Rother has clearly done a lot of research and has done a great job organizing and presenting the information. The book is split into sections that delve into Wayne Ford's background, the victims, the confession, and the trial itself. Ford's crimes are violent and deplorable. This is not a book to read if you are at all sensitive to that, as readers do leave with a fairly detailed understanding of what happened to each victim.
This was a really slow read. I felt like it was significantly longer than the 291 pages NetGalley's reader said it was. Goodreads has the pages at 384, which makes me wonder if the digital reader underestimates the pages or if the ARC wasn't the full copy of the text?
Ultimately, I think some information could have been shortened or perhaps even entirely removed - such as the paragraph long sections during the trial portion that are just quotes with nothing extra added? I understand the serious nature of the content, but the presentation was dry and with so many players it was at times hard to follow.
Thanks to NetGalley and Citadel for the advanced review copy!

This book just seems to have improved with time over the years, and with the updates in this edition. It has kept a place in my memory all these years, for its shocking details. I first read it in 2009. I’m glad to see that they were able to identify his first victim at last, who was dismembered.

Caitlin Rother’s gripping true crime classic returns with shocking new revelations, shedding light on the identity of Wayne Adam Ford’s first victim—25 years after her death. Body Parts meticulously unpacks the disturbing case of the Humboldt County serial killer, from his chilling confession to the forensic breakthroughs that continue to unravel his crimes.

Rother’s investigative depth and access to key figures, including Ford’s own family, make this an intimate yet haunting read. With its extensive updates and psychological insight, this book is a must-read for true crime enthusiasts seeking a chilling, deeply researched account of a killer’s twisted mind.

Firstly, this was such a fascinating read. I was both horrified and absorbed completely.

Secondly, despite this claiming to have 'new and updated information' about the first victim, that evidently wasn't present in the copy I read (from NetGalley). I had to look up further information, so I'd be curious as to what this was supposed to include. I'm glad she now has a name.

Overall, though, this was a great true crime novel. It's such a controversial case because it follows a serial killer who did horrendous things but also turned himself in. There were so many elements to this case that really made me think.

The research for this book has clearly been extensive and as a consequence we get a clear narrative, despite the confusion of the perpetrator. There are plenty of transcripts and testimonies included to authenticate what is being told, and the author lays out the facts while allowing us to relate to every person that figures in this story.

On that, it can veer into tedious at times as we get background info on almost all of the sheriffs, detectives and lawyers involved in the case (however briefly) which can make it drag a little. I don't know that these small biographies really added much for me personally, but it did add a fullness to the book I suppose.

Roughly half the book details the trial proceedings, so this may bog down some readers. Personally, I found the grey areas of the case quite fascinating, since the arguments of the lawyers were rather black and white.

At the end of the day, Wayne Adam Ford was a brutal killer and his crimes are not pretty to read about. Yet his apparent remorse over his crimes adds exploration of an element not often considered with serial killers - conscience.

I really enjoyed this read, and I'd love to check out a finished paperback copy to read the extra materials this book claimed to have.

With thanks to NetGalley for an e-ARC

Before starting this book I’d never heard of Wayne Adam Ford, his crimes or victims. I appreciate that we get background for not only Ford but his victims as well. Ford is such an odd character to me, he did these horrendous crimes that gave the jurors nightmares, but turned himself in because he didn’t want to hurt anyone else. It’s hard for my mind to grasp those contrasting behaviors, in one man.

I thought we were going to get an update on the identity of “torso girl” since she was identified through DNA in 2023. I looked it up and her name was Kerry Ann Cummings.

I did find a few typos and I thought some of the details on the lawyers, judges, and deputies was excessive so for those reasons it’s a 4 ⭐️ read for me. I would recommend this book to my sister.

A big thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for a copy of this ARC, in return for an honest review! ✝️🩵