Madness at the Horn
The author has written this book to honor the memory of Johnny
Dudko with the hope that “insights may be obtained here that can enrich anyone’s
life.” That last is a tall order in view of the horrific tragedy that befell
young Johnny. Yet Mr. Shive has, for my
part, accomplished this.
The narrative flows smoothly and naturally. The character descriptions
are vivid. The community culture is easily
recognized. From the beginning of the story, the reader feels part of the neighborhood.
The catastrophe that changed Port Jervis, NY, and altered the
direction of the Dudko family is painstakingly laid out. The brutal murder of a young boy will not be
forgotten, should not be ignored.
The police investigation of Johnny Dudko’s murder left
questions that Shive attempts to answer. Could the tragedy have been averted? Was the mentally unstable murderer given too much
freedom? These questions are discussed squarely
and without prejudice.
The drama of Johnny’s last day unfolds slowly as one might
try to put himself in each scene. At the end of the day, readers will share the
grief of the Dudko family. They will
also be part of the process of recovery. This is chiefly due to the wise and
caring comfort of the Dudko’s church family.
It is this part of the story that the author recalls personally as a
church friend of Johnny.
Some tragedies are better left undisturbed. Some may consider this to be one. Yet there
is insight to be gained after these many years.
Although the killer, Donald Kurtz, had a sister-in-law who showed him
grace, he did not have close family ties.
The Dudko’s were as united and close-knit as a family could be. The
value of a larger body of companions is clearly demonstrated in the reaction of
the local church.
Crime stories are a familiar genre of literature. Many times,
the emphasis is on the evil details of the event. Madness at the Horn is a chronicle
of compassion that overflows to the victims but does not ignore the emptiness
of soul that affected the criminal.
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