BLUEGRASS CONSPIRACY

Rating:
Summary: Gripping?wow
Review: A Kentucky blue blood, ex-military, ex-cop with a partner manages an organized crime ring called "The Company." After a successfully drug smuggling operation for approximately 20 years a Lexingtonian turns up dead, in his possession a large sum of cocaine and several thousand dollars in cash. Also in his possession a black book with several names of prominent Kentucky figures abroad, and CIA telephone numbers most citizens are ordinarily unable to obtain. A very well connected individual throughout the eastern United States, Las Vegas, and South America. Murder is not out of the question for these folks to commit, in order to proceed in their corrupt business endeavors. All the above information told in page one.

A very good read, the story will have you turning the pages quickly as possible. Sally Denton does a wonderful job conveying this shocking report. Various high rollers and Kentuckians apparently thought themselves to be above the law. This book is nicely written and is a very easy read. Not to say it's lacking in detail but just the opposite, Denton has immensely researched the backgrounds of each subject portrayed. However the end just doesn't wrap up all your questions about a few individuals. A very good book if the ending gave more detail to particular entities would definitely be a five star, but for that reason give a strong four stars...no make it five stars it's really good.

Rating:
Summary: Gripping¿wow
Review: A Kentucky blue blood, ex-military, ex-cop with a partner manages an organized crime ring called "The Company." After a successfully drug smuggling operation for approximately 20 years a Lexingtonian turns up dead, in his possession a large sum of cocaine and several thousand dollars in cash. Also in his possession a black book with several names of prominent Kentucky figures abroad, and CIA telephone numbers most citizens are ordinarily unable to obtain. A very well connected individual throughout the eastern United States, Las Vegas, and South America. Murder is not out of the question for these folks to commit, in order to proceed in their corrupt business endeavors. All the above information told in page one.

A very good read, the story will have you turning the pages quickly as possible. Sally Denton does a wonderful job conveying this shocking report. Various high rollers and Kentuckians apparently thought themselves to be above the law. This book is nicely written and is a very easy read. Not to say it's lacking in detail but just the opposite, Denton has immensely researched the backgrounds of each subject portrayed. However the end just doesn't wrap up all your questions about a few individuals. A very good book if the ending gave more detail to particular entities would definitely be a five star, but for that reason give a strong four stars...no make it five stars it's really good.

Rating:
Summary: A Few Words about Ralph Ross
Review: For those needing a bit more closure than listed previously, after the events listed in this book, Ralph Ross moved to Lawrenceburg, KY and settled into a job as a PI. I had many chances to meet him in my teenage years after reading about him at his favorite location, the now closed Anderson Grill. He truly was a great man and seemed to enjoy helping people. I recall when I learned of his passing, I was inquiring as to his room at Heritage Hall (a local retirement home) when I was given the sad news.

His associate through the latter part of the Conspiracy ordeal, Don Powers is however still living in Anderson County as well, though is much more of a reclusive person.

Rating:
Summary: An addendum to my review -- Ralph Ross dies
Review: FYI -- Ralph Ross, the tenacious KSP officer who is a central figure in this book, died of cancer on August 24th, 2002. He was 70. The _Lexington Herald-Leader_ ran a story about his death that, some 12 years after "The Bluegrass Conspiracy" was published, is less than objective about Ross. Incidentally, this title was so controversial following its initial publication in 1990 that it was pulled from publication and has only recently been given a new printing. Ross was pardoned by then-Governor Wallace Wilkinson in 1991.

I'm sorry I won't get to meet him after all -- at least not on this side.

Rating:
Summary: Couldn't put it down -- for a second time!
Review: I read this book a few years back and found it fascinating. I decided to pick it up again two nights ago, and just finished my second reading. It's even better on the second go-round. Fans of true-crime/organized crime tales will find this book enthralling. I just hope I get to meet Ralph Ross sometime -- what a dedicated public servant!

Rating:
Summary: A really good read.
Review: One of the best books I have read to date. A definite must read for any Kentuckian or just anyone interested in a good true crime story. You'll be suprised at just how much money and violence was being spread around Lexington from the late 70's through the 80's.

Rating:
Summary: KY isn't what you think it is
Review: Sally Denton's writing is superb. The truth is always more interesting than fiction. This story includes so much. If you enjoy books on; conspiracy, drugs, guns, murder, the mafia, Vegas, the list goes on, this book is going to entertain you. For the more political minded citizen(s), this book is going to scare you.

Rating:
Summary: A really good read.
Review: This book is a really good read, but must be read twice due to the intracacies involved, i.e. names, places etc. I recommend you keep a pencil and pad nearby and make a chart for convenience sake. However, sadly, this same thing is probably taking place in locations as well, Florida, Louisiana, Texas, etc. I do think some things were obvious at the time and failed, or ignored, to be followed up, but I guess that's the name of the game. I would strongly suggest it as good reading for anyone interested in this sort of thing.

Rating:
Summary: A must read for mafia buffs and native Kentuckians.
Review: This book tells the detailed story of how a handful of Lexington socialites organized a crime ring that became a (maybe *the*) major smuggler of cocaine and other drugs into the Eastern United States. Complete with cover-up and contract murders, the author pieces together an intricate story that, before it's over, includes state and federal government officials as well as organized-crime syndicates from all over the country. Also recounted in the book is the life of Ralph Ross, the Kentucky State Policeman and electronic-surveillance expert, whose single-minded perseverance finally brought about the end of the smuggling ring.

It's informative as well as it is entertaining, and I recommend it to all true-crime fans, mafia buffs, conspiracy theorists, and Kentuckians.

Rating:
Summary: A must read for all Kentuckians
Review: We have a lot more than just championship basketball, the most exciting two minutes in sports and beautiful horsefarms. What an amazing book!