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Title: Cemetery John

Subtitle: The Undiscovered Mastermind Behind the Lindbergh Kidnapping

Author: Robert Zorn

Narrator: Sean Runnette

Format: Unabridged

Length: 10 hrs and 20 mins

Language: English

Release date: 07-30-12

Publisher: Tantor Audio

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 63 votes

Genres: Nonfiction, True Crime

Publisher's Summary:

Audie Award Nominee, Nonfiction, 2013

Audie Award Nominee, Nonfiction, 2013

For 75 years, the kidnapping and murder of Charles Lindbergh's infant son has gone unsolved. Evidence, opinion, and logic have discredited the notion that Bruno Richard Hauptmann - electrocuted in 1936 - acted alone. In this meticulous and authoritative account of the crime, the trial, and the times of the Lindbergh kidnapping, Robert Zorn clears away decades of ungrounded speculation surrounding the case. Inspired by his father's relationship with the actual accomplices - including the mastermind - he presents the clearest ever picture of a criminal partnership, which would shake every class and culture of American society.

Using personal possessions and documents, never-before-seen photographs, new forensic evidence, and extensive research, Robert Zorn has written a shocking and captivating account of the crime and the original "Trial of the Century".

From the ecstatic riots that followed the Spirit of St. Louis on either side of the Atlantic, to the tragic night that would shake America's sense of security, to the horror of the New Jersey morgue where Lindbergh insisted on verifying the identity of his son, Zorn's skillful treatment meets this larger-than-life story and gives it definitive shape - revealing the true story behind the crime for the first time.

Members Reviews:

Great listen!!

Would you consider the audio edition of Cemetery John to be better than the print version?

No

Have you listened to any of Sean Runnettes other performances before? How does this one compare?

no

Any additional comments?

This is a very interesting book that carefully weaves the life of the great airman, his family and the questionable characters highlighted. Detailed and thorough investigation and a captivating performance.

Very well depicted point of view.

Perfectly narrated by the tone of speech and the speed of clearly spoken words.

Well written interesting and informative writing. Some of the descriptive writing was outside of the scope of information. For example; The Jefferson Library... I found myself waiting to get back to the information he was there for. But as I have been reading other books on this history, the clarity of facts even makes the other readings more understandable. Probably because it is more factual than a story. Very good! It is even better than what I expected.

Very enjoyable

I really enjoyed listening to Cemetery John. The content and reader kept me captivated. The book did become a bit redundant but it did not seem to bother me to continue on to the end! Loved the story about the author and his dad too!

Great book and believable theory.

Would you listen to Cemetery John again? Why?

No, once was plenty.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Really hard to say.

Which scene was your favorite?

There were many, but one is when they trace and find large portion of ransom bills.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No. Wanted to absorb everything.

Any additional comments?

Not know too much about the kidnapping, I'm sure from all the facts this has to be what happened. Great book and narrator!

Great theory about the Linbergh kidnapping!

I was concerned that being a historical book it would be dull, but it was a really well thought out story with some extremely interesting insight into the Linbergh kidnapping.

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Title: Through the Window: The Terrifying True Story of Cross-Country Killer Tommy Lynn Sells

Author: Diane Fanning

Narrator: Thomas M. Hatting

Format: Unabridged

Length: 7 hrs and 56 mins

Language: English

Release date: 07-05-12

Publisher: Daine Fanning

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 63 votes

Genres: Nonfiction, True Crime

Publisher's Summary:

Ten-year-old Krystal Surles watched as her best friend was murdered before the intruder slashed her throat with a 12-inch boning knife. Despite the odds, she survived and led authorities to 35-year-old Tommy Lynn Sells, a former truck driver, carnival worker, and drifter.

Through the Window includes his confession to the murder of 10-year-old Joel Kirkpatrick, playing a pivotal role in obtaining justice for wrongfully convicted Julie Rea.

Lock your windows and plunge into the dark mind of a serial killer as you follow his two-decade long, cross country trail of murder.

About the author: Diane Fanning is the author of the Edgar Award finalist Written in Blood: A True Story of Murder and a Deadly 16-Year-Old Secret That Tore a Family Apart. Her other works of true crime include the best seller Mommy's Little Girl, A Poisoned Passion, The Pastor's Wife, and Gone Forever. She is also the author of the Lucinda Pierce Mysteries: The Trophy Exchange, Punish the Deed, Mistaken Identity, Twisted Reason, and False Front. She has been featured on 48 Hours, 20/20, Court TV, the Today show and the Discovery Channel, and has been interviewed on dozens of radio stations coast to coast. Her books are sold throughout the English-speaking world, including the UK and Australia, and there are more than half a million copies in print. Before becoming a writer, Fanning worked in advertising, and she earned more than 70 Addy Awards.

Members Reviews:

Very Good Book About a Very Bad Dude

This was one of the better True Crime books I've listened to in a while, and I thought it was Fanning's best work as well. The facts of the case are truly horrifying, and Tommy Lynn Sells' casual, almost nonchalant evil is hard to accept, but the book is all the more compelling for it. Fanning does a good job adding some backstory to each of the victims, and she recreates the monstrous details of the crimes without sensationalizing them. It's a bit difficult to keep track of all of the characters, in part because this guy took so many lives and affected so many more. You can't tell his story without telling all of theirs, and all the names do get a little lost in the crowd of ruined lives. Perhaps the author could have done a little better job adding context or recurring memory markers of some kind so listeners who aren't keeping score on a notepad can keep up with the catalog of horrors. But that's nit-picking ----- this was well-researched, -written and -narrated account that lovers of True Crime should enjoy immensely.

Lock all your doors and windows

How can one man cause so much pain to so many people. I was fasinated by the story and the many opportunities law enforcement had to stop him. Just remember you never truly know someone.

i am slogging through it...

Would you try another book from Diane Fanning and/or Thomas M. Hatting?

i have had others by fanning, they were not this bad! definitely not up to ann rule standards, however. as for the narrator, i never want to be subjected to him again. he reads in this artificially soft, slow kind of voice that seems like he is reading to a kindergarten class. it just doesnt mesh with the subject matter. or anything else i can think of. possibly children's books.as for the author, i think this book is pretty fatally badly written. such statements as "and then he murdered her.

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Title: Game Over

Subtitle: Jerry Sandusky, Penn State, and the Culture of Silence

Author: Bill Moushey, Robert Dvorchak

Narrator: Malcolm Hillgartner

Format: Unabridged

Length: 7 hrs and 31 mins

Language: English

Release date: 04-17-12

Publisher: HarperAudio

Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 22 votes

Genres: Nonfiction, True Crime

Publisher's Summary:

The shocking details chronicling how a beloved coach and esteemed university became enmeshed in one of the worst scandals in U.S. sports history....

It's a scandal that began in a place called Happy Valley. But it's not as happy as it once was, as the child-sex-abuse charges against a longtime coach and the conspiracy of silence surrounding the allegations have rocked America and Division 1 college sports.

The shocking stories started to pour out after the November 6, 2011, arrest of Jerry Sandusky, a former coach under the Penn State football legend Joe Paterno. Sandusky had been Paterno's top lieutenant for thirty-two years. He was also the founder of a charity, The Second Mile, that devoted itself to helping disadvantaged youth. It turns out Paterno was told about an incident involving an underage boy showering with Sandusky in the football locker room, but reported the incident to school officials rather than the police.

The numerous boys in Sandusky's program who have come forward told a grand jury lurid stories of a sexual predator who stalked and abused them, sometimes even in the showers of Penn State's football complex. In Game Over, journalists Bill Moushey and Bob Dvorchak investigate claims of a startling cover-up within the Penn State hierarchy that attempted to protect its football legacy, quite possibly at the expense of disenfranchised children.

Game Over is filled with the shocking details of how a culture built around one deified coach with a glorious vision to have "success with honor" fails to act in the best interests of the most vulnerable. University president Graham Spanier has been consumed in this firestorm along with Joe Paterno himself in what spiraled downward into the worst scandal in the history of college sports.

Members Reviews:

Heartbreaking

What made the experience of listening to Game Over the most enjoyable?

I felt very emotional. So many people knew but it was all covered up

Which character as performed by Malcolm Hillgartner was your favorite?

N/A

Whats the most interesting tidbit youve picked up from this book?

The entire breath and timeline

Any additional comments?

The sexual descriptions were a little to graphic

Unsettling but Accurate

What does Malcolm Hillgartner bring to the story that you wouldnt experience if you just read the book?

He does a good job with voices and really gives different characters distinctive qualities.

Any additional comments?

This book is very well written. It gives a very accurate account of the Sandusky case. Of course Sandusky committed unspeakable acts, some of which are described in detail, and to listen can be very unsettling. However, if you want to know the full story, or understand the importance of reporting suspicions like this, it's a must read. It reminds us that monsters do exist and continue to strike if they are enabled to do so. It also touches on the importance of transparency for state institutions.

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Title: Betrayal

Subtitle: Whitey Bulger and the FBI Agent Who Fought to Bring Him Down

Author: Robert Fitzpatrick, Jon Land

Narrator: Michael Prichard

Format: Unabridged

Length: 9 hrs and 1 min

Language: English

Release date: 03-26-12

Publisher: Tantor Audio

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 13 votes

Genres: Nonfiction, True Crime

Publisher's Summary:

The Jack Nicholson film The Departed didn't tell half of their story. A poor kid from the slums, Robert Fitzpatrick grew up to become a stellar FBI agent and challenge the country's deadliest gangsters. Relentless in his desire to catch, prosecute, and convict Whitey Bulger, Fitzpatrick fought the nation's most determined cop-gangster battle since Melvin Purvis hunted, confronted, and killed John Dillinger.

In his crusade to bring Bulger to justice, Fitzpatrick faced not only Whitey but also corrupt FBI agents, along with political cronies and enablers from Boston to Washington who, in one way or another, blocked his efforts at every step. Even when Fitzpatrick discovered the very organization to which he had sworn allegiance was his biggest obstacle, the agent continued to pursue Whitey and his gang... knowing that they were prepared to murder anyone who got in their way.

Critic Reviews:

"An essential [listen] for those interested in the history of crime investigation and techniques used in modern-day law enforcement." (

Library Journal)

Members Reviews:

The dangers of government power.

Very interesting and informative, but it puts unnecessary burdens on the reader. The burdens are too many digressions on the author's personal upbringing and background, which too often distract from the exciting thrust of the main events. It also suffers from a constant emphasis and praise of the author's exploits in other cases. He even quotes from some of his job performance appraisals and puts them in an appendix. Why resort to this for validation of his work with the FBI? It smacks of Insecurity and lack of self-esteem.

His efforts to put things on the right track also made me uneasy. He knew at some point that internal corruption of agents - as well as career building at the highest levels - were getting people killed, but never went outside the FBI to report it to the Inspector General or other responsible federal agency. This failure seems to make him one of the enablers of FBI corruption.

Perhaps the most important part of the book is the detailed insights it provides into government bureaucracy and the dangers of government power. Anyone who wants concrete examples of the dangers of government power foreseen by the framers of the Constitution should read this book. The FBI has a lot of power. which is the very source of the corruption amply displayed in this book.

A great read.

I found this book to be informative and well done.

It is for me a classic tale of virtue versus corruption. You have on one hand a man who is trying to do his best to honestly serve his chosen career as a FBI agent while being challenged by those who believe that self service should always come first.

I am unfamiliar with the ghost writer.... Mr. Jon Land.... but intend on searching for other works by him.

The fact that Mr Fitzpatrick continued to fight the proverbial good fight LONG after he retired speaks volumes of his integrity and high expectations. It is amazing that he was so willing to testify when he had nothing to gain but "vindication". I surely can understand why he sought out this vindication.

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Title: Missing Beauty

Author: Teresa Carpenter

Narrator: L. J. Ganser

Format: Unabridged

Length: 21 hrs and 16 mins

Language: English

Release date: 02-08-12

Publisher: Teresa Carpenter c/o ICM

Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 45 votes

Genres: Nonfiction, True Crime

Publisher's Summary:

Originally published in 1989, this true-crime thriller brilliantly reconstructs one of the most extensive murder investigations in recent years: the disappearance of Robin Benedict, a beautiful commercial artist and moonlighting prostitute, and her relationship with the suspect, the eminent Dr. William Douglas.

Members Reviews:

Excellent

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I have already recommended it. I think the story is wonderfully written and performed. This is a case I hadn't heard of and was surprised at how much interest it held.

What other book might you compare Missing Beauty to and why?

I am not sure I have a comparison. I am a big fan of Dateline & 48 Hours Mystery and this was right up that alley.

Which scene was your favorite?

My favorites were any time the Doctor was interviewed or spoke. I could just feel his deceipt.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

It was. There were also good stopping points, so I didn't feel like I had to.

Oh boy, I was ready for this to be over along time

What did you like best about Missing Beauty? What did you like least?

It was wordy and the real developement of the characters did not add to the finish. tiresome really.

Did the narration match the pace of the story?

too wordy, many details over and over. and over

Was Missing Beauty worth the listening time?

not really. I listen to a lot of books,have for years and I consered not finsinging this book everytime I got in the car.

Juicy and salacious... A guilty pleasure of a book

I listened to this book over a year ago and never wrote a review, but I was reading the mixed reviews and thought I should chime in.

I didn't think it to be too long or too detailed. All the little details were important for fleshing out the story. Several times I shook my head at what a pathetic loser the professor was. Especially all the money he embezzled and the embarrassing love letters to the prostitute. The guy had a combination of exemplary book smarts and zero street smarts. And I think his wife knew a lot more than they let on.

Great suspense, nice and long. And interesting detective work. Thumb up.

TOO MUCH!

I'm a huge fan of true crime titles and generally enjoy the back stories of those involved. In this book, there is just way too much. Too many characters, too much unrelated detail, too much verbiage... Too much. I gave up after the first of the three downloadable sections because I got bored waiting for the story to actually start.

Oh the upside, L.J. Ganser does a fine job with the narration, and Teresa Carpenter can write.

Former professor kills a hooker

What made the experience of listening to Missing Beauty the most enjoyable?

I thought it was one of the most in depth murder stories I had ever listened to, or read.

What was the most compelling aspect of this narrative?

It touched all the bases, and didn't leave you with any questions. I liked that the most.

What does L. J. Ganser bring to the story that you wouldnt experience if you just read the book?

I thought it was well read, & I enjoyed the reading.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

No, but I enjoyed it. I didn't want stop listening.

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Title: The Modern Scholar: Crime Scene Investigation, Part II

Subtitle: Philosophy, Practice, and Science

Author: Robert C. Shaler

Narrator: Robert C. Shaler

Format: Original Recording

Length: 8 hrs and 26 mins

Language: English

Release date: 01-20-12

Publisher: Recorded Books

Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 10 votes

Genres: Nonfiction, True Crime

Publisher's Summary:

Esteemed Pennsylvania State University professor Robert C. Shaler continues his in-depth look at all aspects of crime scene investigation in part two of this compelling lecture series. Popularized in the media by highly rated police procedurals, crime scene investigation is an often misunderstood field of endeavor. Here, Professor Shaler breaks down the intricacies of how investigations are conducted in the real world, examining such aspects as bloodstain analysis, shooting scenes, and forensic bugs.

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Title: Wildcatters

Subtitle: The True Story of How Conspiracy, Greed, and the IRS Almost Destroyed a Legendary Texas Oil Family

Author: Charles Moncrief

Narrator: Scott Pollak

Format: Unabridged

Length: 6 hrs and 37 mins

Language: English

Release date: 01-13-12

Publisher: Regnery Publishing

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 54 votes

Genres: Nonfiction, True Crime

Publisher's Summary:

Wildcatters is the amazing story of greed, corruption, and scandal in the framing of one of the most famous oil families in Texas and the subsequent IRS raid of unprecedental proprtions. This book will confirm your suspicions of the IRS yet provides a glimmer of hope in our criminal justice system.

Members Reviews:

Makes Me Want to Hear the Other Side

this story is full of legal terms and a myriad of different names. It is difficult to keep track of all of them. The writer makes every effort to make himself and his father seem like the purest of the pure. he works so hard to make them seem flawless that it turned me against them a little bit. He uses words like "tax and spend" liberal to describe one of the Senators and he refers to a situation where doors had to be locked to keep the Eskimos from bothering people. I did not find him likeable and would really like to hear the other side of the story.

Fascinating story!

If you could sum up Wildcatters in three words, what would they be?

Amazing this happened!

Which character ??? as performed by Scott Pollak ??? was your favorite?

The narrator's performace was wonderful. I can't imagine having to keep that many characters in my head and keeping track of all of them while telling the story. Brilliant!

If you could give Wildcatters a new subtitle, what would it be?

How corruption in our government can take anyone down

Any additional comments?

This is clearly an interesting read, I think I will buy the book so that I can flip back and remember who is who. There are many characters and trying to keep up with them all in an audio book was difficult. However, the story is great and the fact that something that immoral and corrupt can happen to such an innocent family by our own government is appalling! That tells me nobody is safe. Just lie low and stay under the radar and never say never. Bad things CAN and DO happen to truly good, smart, hard working, outstanding people. Makes no difference if you keep your nose clean or play by the rules. Very informative and quite an eye-opener!

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Title: Portrait of a Monster

Subtitle: Joran van der Sloot, a Murder in Peru, and the Natalee Holloway Mystery

Author: Lisa Pulitzer, Cole Thompson

Narrator: Cassandra Campbell

Format: Unabridged

Length: 11 hrs and 45 mins

Language: English

Release date: 08-05-11

Publisher: Dreamscape Media, LLC

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 73 votes

Genres: Nonfiction, True Crime

Publisher's Summary:

In May 2005, Natalee Holloway disappeared from a high school trip to Aruba. A 22-year-old Dutchman, Joran van der Sloot, was arrested in connection with the murder, only to be released after questioning. He admitted to being present for Holloway's death - but later recanted his statement. In 2010, on the five-year anniversary of Holloway's disappearance, a young business student in Peru named Stephany Flores Ramirez disappeared, only to be found dead three days later in a hotel room - registered to Joran van der Sloot. He was arrested, and confessed, but later claimed it was coerced. With unprecedented access to investigative files from law enforcement in multiple countries, Portrait of a Monster offers a chilling portrait of the alleged killer within an international manhunt.

Members Reviews:

Riveting from beginningto end!

Although i believed I was well informed about both the Natalie Holloway and Stephanie Flores caes, this book brought to light the true nature of the man responsible for the loss of te both of these young women. Well written and narrated, without additional drama or sensationalism, this was a non-stop "page turner" that once I began listening to, I had to finish. A must for all true crime enthusiasts!

A little repetitive

As I timeshare owner in Aruba, my interest was piqued by this title. I learned a few new things about the Natalee case and many new things about the Peru case. I did determine that Joran (pronounced urine) is pretty much a pathological liar and I'm pretty dumbfounded about the news organizations (and others) who kept paying him to tell them lies. I have been to many of the places described in Aruba and may have actually passed him by. That's pretty frighteneing. This was pretty much a three-star book and quite repetitious at times. I think I've gotten my fill of Joran. The narration was good. If you are a fan of true detective stories or are familiar with the settings in this book, then you will probably "enjoy" it.

Great listen

Would you listen to Portrait of a Monster again? Why?

No, but it was good the first time.

depressing story. parents were too lenient especially his father.

Riveting story, sad that it is non-fiction

Riveting story, sad that it is non-fiction. I don't know if the full truth will every come out. Great book, and excellent narration.

Excellent descriptions

Loved the narration and knowing this part of the world, I thing that the writers were very accurate and truthful in their descriptions of places. Enjoyed all the details.

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Titolo: Amanda Knox e il delitto di Perugia [Amanda Knox and the Crime of Perugia]

Sottotitolo: Misteri Italiani

Autore: Jacopo Pezzan, Giacomo Brunoro

Narratore: Mauro Ferreri, Max Duprè, Yacine May, Nino Carollo, Rita Zanchetta

Formato: Abridged

Durata: 1 hr and 14 mins

Lingua: Italiano

Data di pubblicazione: 03-07-11

Editore: LA CASE

Categoria: Nonfiction, True Crime

Riepilogo Editore:

Il 5 dicembre 2009 Amanda Knox e Raffale Sollecito sono stati condannati per il brutale omicidio di Meredith Kercher. Nel dicembre dell'anno successivo si e' aperto il processo di appello. Nonostante la prima sentenza l'opinione pubblica italiana ed internazionale si e' divisa nettamente: in molti infatti pensano che Amanda e Raffaele siano vittime di un macroscopico errore giudiziario. Le immagini dei due fidanzatini hanno fatto il giro del mondo, rimbalzando dal web alla tv, alimentando un vero e proprio fenomeno mediatico.Ma come sono andate veramente le cose? Si e' trattato davvero di un gioco erotico finito male come sostengono gli inquirenti? Cosa ha spinto due giovani studenti universitari che avevano tutto dalla vita a restare invischiati in questa brutta storia fatta di droga e sesso, finita poi con un macabro omicidio?

Pezzan e Brunoro sono partiti da un'attenta analisi dei rilievi tenico-scientifici per disegnare un'analisi equilibrata dei fatti, evidenziando le incoerenze di una vicenda che continua a lasciare ancora troppe domande in sospeso.

Please note: This audiobook is in Italian.

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Title: The Man Who Loved Books Too Much

Subtitle: The True Story of a Thief, a Detective, and a World of Literary Obsession

Author: Allison Hoover Bartlett

Narrator: Judith Brackley

Format: Unabridged

Length: 6 hrs and 7 mins

Language: English

Release date: 02-05-10

Publisher: Tantor Audio

Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 242 votes

Genres: Nonfiction, True Crime

Publisher's Summary:

John Charles Gilkey is an obsessed, unrepentant book thief who has stolen hundreds of thousands of dollars' worth of rare books from book fairs, stores, and libraries around the country. Ken Sanders is the self-appointed "bibliodick" (book dealer with a penchant for detective work) driven to catch him. Journalist Allison Hoover Bartlett befriended both eccentric characters and found herself caught in the middle of efforts to recover hidden treasure.

With a mixture of suspense, insight, and humor, she not only reveals exactly how Gilkey pulled off his dirtiest crimes and how Sanders ultimately caught him, but also explores the romance of books, the lure to collect them, and the temptation to steal them. Immersing the listener in a rich, wide world of literary obsession, Bartlett looks at the history of book passion, collection, and theft through the ages, to examine the craving that makes some people willing to stop at nothing to possess the books they love.

Editorial Reviews:

Who knew book collecting could be so provocative? Yet in journalist Allison Hoover Bartletts hands, that rarefied world and the eccentric characters who populate it represents one of lust and obsession, and of crime and punishment. In The Man Who Loved Books Too Much, Bartlett, who first reported the true-crime tale for San Francisco magazine, introduces us to two rabid collectors, each a funhouse-mirror image of the other. Theres John Gilkey, the remorseless thief who swiped hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of rare books not for profit (he seldom unloaded from his robust collection), but for love. And theres Ken Sanders nicknamed Bibliodick by friends the bookstore owner and dealer who relentlessly (and, in the end, successfully) pursues him.

Helping the six-hour narrative flow along and flow it does, effortlessly weaving in a history of book collecting (and book thieving) with all the gumshoe action is narrator Judith Brackleys smooth delivery. Measured, steady, patient, her voice contains the quiet rhythms of an NPR reporter or a Sunday school teacher. But this isnt to say Brackleys interpretation doesnt veer toward buoyant effervescence from time to time. Indeed, describing Gilkeys bold crime sprees elicits an especially enthusiastic cadence you can almost imagine the authors jaw dropping when she heard the amazing anecdotes for the first time.

Though Bartlett makes a noble attempt to delve into the psychology of her characters, she doesnt make many inroads, instead just circling around the same question over and over again namely, just what it is about books, of all things, that seem to turn normal people mad. The most delicious moments, in fact, may come when Bartlett inserts herself into the story; as Gilkey begins confiding more and more about his crimes, the objective journalist becomes entangled in the narrative, wondering what actions, if any, she should take. As read by Brackley, these confessional moments are when the book really comes alive, drawing you in as if its Bartlett herself speaking right into your ear.