The Blood Covenant

The youngest of Ervil LeBaron's thirteen wives and mother of two of his fifty-seven children relates the chilling tale of Ervil LeBaron and his polygamous sect, detailing the trail of murder that continues even after his death

What will amaze readers most about this plodding, first-person narrative is not its description of strange doings of a Mexico-based radical Mormon cult, but rather Chynoweth's almost brainwashed-bland tone as she discusses her experiences with Ervil LeBaron (to whom she was married), a polygamist and religious fanatic who allegedly commissioned many murders "in the name of the church." Perhaps Chynoweth, currently in hiding in the United States, and journalist Shapiro stick to this "just the facts" tone to avoid sensationalism, but the story, while imbued with insider credibility, lacks true insight or dramatic tension. Not recommended.
- Lauren Bielski, New York
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.