Get New Releases Audiobooks in Nonfiction, True Crime

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Title: On the Trail of the JFK Assassins

Subtitle: A Groundbreaking Look at America's Most Infamous Conspiracy

Author: Dick Russell

Narrator: Sean Runnette

Format: Unabridged

Length: 15 hrs and 31 mins

Language: English

Release date: 02-03-13

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 21 votes

Genres: Nonfiction, True Crime

Publisher's Summary:

Using newly declassified information, Dick Russell builds on three decades of painstaking research in On the Trail of the JFK Assassins, offering one of the most comprehensive and authoritative examinations of the assassination of our 35th president. Included are new revelations, such as the theory that Lee Harvey Oswald was subjected to mind control, Russells personal encounters inside the KGB headquarters, and new information gleaned from an interview with Oswalds widow. Russell here comes closer than ever to answering the ultimate question: Who killed JFK?

Editorial Reviews:

Dick Russell has compiled an important addition to the body of work seeking to makes sense of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, in 1963. Russell firmly takes the side of conspiracy theory but his journalistic approach will be of interest even to staunch skeptics. Russell discusses his personal history with the reporting on JFK, presents his own previous work, and the work of other investigations in an organized fashion. He builds on this base with newly declassified and researched material. For this audiobook Sean Runnette evokes, intentionally or not, the voice of news anchor Dan Rather with his equal-parts conversational and authoritative manner of delivering serious information.

Members Reviews:

Revealing

Explicit detail. Very thought provoking. Troubling in some ways if such conspiracies can be facilitated for such a long period of time such that history is actually permanently rewritten with a lie! 1984 ish in basis.

Brave

Dick Russell had the courage and where with all to be able to interview people still alive that we're in someway involved in the JFK Assassination. The result is fascinating. I am wondering how he is now reacting to the information relating to LBJ, Hoover, Bush and so many others . Yet I see he is now working with Jessie Ventura and helping him write books. He does a wonderful job in research and scholarship. I feel it's an important book to add to the whole research relating to the assasination study.

Dont waste your money

What would have made On the Trail of the JFK Assassins better?

A decent non fiction book does not need all the back ground information which you get with this effort

What will your next listen be?

I have no idea

Who might you have cast as narrator instead of Sean Runnette?

No he was alright

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Title: The Great Pearl Heist

Subtitle: London's Greatest Thief and Scotland Yard's Hunt for the World's Most Valuable Necklace

Author: Molly Caldwell Crosby

Narrator: Michael Page

Format: Unabridged

Length: 6 hrs and 46 mins

Language: English

Release date: 11-27-12

Publisher: Brilliance Audio

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 88 votes

Genres: Nonfiction, True Crime

Publisher's Summary:

In the summer of 1913, under the cover of Londons perpetual smoggy dusk, two brilliant minds are pitted against each other - a celebrated gentleman thief and a talented Scotland Yard detective - in the greatest jewel heist of the new century. An exquisite strand of pale pink pearls, worth more than the Hope Diamond, has been bought by a Hatton Garden broker. Word of the Mona Lisa of Pearls spreads around the world, captivating jewelers as well as thieves. In transit to London from Paris, the necklace vanishes without a trace. Joseph Grizzard, the King of Fences, is the charming leader of a vast gang of thieves in Londons East End. Grizzard grew up on the streets of Whitechapel during the terror of Jack the Ripper to rise to the top of the criminal world. Wealthy, married, and a father, Grizzard still cannot resist the sport of crime, and the pearl necklace proves an irresistible challenge. Inspector Alfred Ward patrols the citys dark, befogged streets before joining the brand-new division of the Metropolitan Police known as detectives. Ward earns his stripes catching some of the great murderers of Victorian London and, at the height of his career, is asked to turn his forensic talents to finding the missing pearls and the thief who stole them. In the spirit of The Great Train Robbery and the tales of Sherlock Holmes, this is the true story of a psychological cat-and-mouse game set against the backdrop of Londons golden Edwardian era. Thoroughly researched, compellingly colorful, The Great Pearl Heist is a gripping narrative account of this little-known, yet extraordinary crime.

Members Reviews:

Entertaining Read

I never knew nothing about this subject matter before I listened to this audiobook, but the cops and robbers / detectives and criminals storyline kept my interest the entire time. The fact this is a true story is why it's interesting and why it's not super action packed all the time. The book has plenty of tension and suspense and never gets boring, credit the author and reader for getting me to listen to a book about a pearl necklace.

detective work in the pre-digital era

Interesting story about the planning, execution and finding the bad guys involved in the heist. However, there were so many individuals involved in the crime and the detective work, that I lost track of the good guys vs. the bad guys. Nonetheless, the book solidly illuminated how crimes were planned, carried out and solved in the early 20th century.

ripping yarn

The official outline of this book's content is accurate, so there is no point in my reiterating any of the material there. But I would add that the book held my interest throughout with unexpected twists and turns in the committing of the crime and the ups and downs of the police investigation. Additional interest and context are provided by lively portrayals of the main characters as well as vivid depictions of Edwardian London, the jewelry trade and the market for pearls, early policing, and society across the rich-poor spectrum. It is very well written, and Michael Page's voice, accent, pace, and general presentation are perfect for this book.

Great find!

This one should be a movie! Clever cops, handsome robbers, evolving forensic science, LOTS of money in the mix! A fantastic story delightful told.

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Title: A Descent into Hell

Subtitle: The True Story of an Altar Boy, a Cheerleader, and a Twisted Texas Murder

Author: Kathryn Casey

Narrator: Gillian Vance

Format: Unabridged

Length: 11 hrs and 53 mins

Language: English

Release date: 11-14-12

Publisher: Kathryn Casey

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 137 votes

Genres: Nonfiction, True Crime

Publisher's Summary:

Bright, attractive, and both from good families, University of Texas college student Colton Pitonyak and vibrant redhead Jennifer Cave had the world at their beckoning. Cave, an ex-cheerleader, had just landed an exciting new job, while a big-money scholarship to UT's prestigious business school lured Pitonyak to Austin. Yet the former altar boy had a dark, unpredictable streak, one that ensnared him in the perilous underworld of drugs and guns. When Jennifer failed to show up for work on August 18, 2005, her mother became frightened. Sharon Cave's search led to Colton's West Campus apartment, where Jennifer's family discovered a scene worthy of the grisliest horror movie. Meanwhile, Colton Pitonyak was nowhere to be found.

A Descent into Hell is the gripping, true story of one of the most brutal slayings in UT history - and the wild "Bonnie and Clyde-like" flight from justice of a cold-blooded young killer and his would-be girlfriend, who claimed that her unquestioning allegiance to Pitonyak was "just the way I roll".

Members Reviews:

Not my cup of tea.

I don't think I'll listen to any other Casey titles. The main story feels stretched out, repeating information several times. I didn't like the other stories with it. The title makes it seem like one story, but the added stories seem like they're thrown in as filler. Couldn't hold my attention. I wouldn't recommend this to anyone.

Excellent use of a credit

If you could sum up A Descent into Hell in three words, what would they be?

I could not stop listening. I am not sure if it was unbelief or making sure everything ended neatly, but what a crazy ride.

What did you like best about this story?

The fact that everything is still on the internet. The story is fresh and new.

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

yes

Interesting

Where does A Descent into Hell rank among all the audiobooks youve listened to so far?

This is one of my favourite audio books so far. Kathryn Casey did thorough research and bought the people involved in the awful events of the book to life. You get to know the family of Jennifer Cave as well as Jennifer herself and the events leading up to the crime.

What was one of the most memorable moments of A Descent into Hell?

The way that Jennifer's mother knew something was wrong and how they found her was engrossing because it was true and so shocking. My favourite part of the book was what Jennifer's mother said to Laura Hall in court - finally someone telling her the truth.

What about Gillian Vances performance did you like?

The performance was spot-on and kept me involved in the story. Gillian Vance reads with a great rhythm that kept me engaged.

Any additional comments?

I admired Jennifer's mother and family so much after hearing their story and hope they've been able to find some peace.

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Title: Gangsters of Harlem

Subtitle: The Gritty Underworld of New York City's Most Famous Neighborhood

Author: Ron Chepesiuk

Narrator: J. D. Jackson

Format: Unabridged

Length: 9 hrs and 47 mins

Language: English

Release date: 10-08-12

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 18 votes

Genres: Nonfiction, True Crime

Publisher's Summary:

Author Ron Chepesiuk chronicles the little known history of organized crime in Harlem.

African American organized crime has had as significant an impact on its constituent community as Italian, Jewish, and Irish organized crime has had on theirs. Gangsters are every bit as colorful, intriguing, and powerful as Al Capone and Lucky Luciano, and have a fascinating history in gambling, prostitution, and drug dealing. In the late 1800s, Harlem became a highly fashionable neighborhood.

Members Reviews:

weak --reader is terrible!

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

total waste of time and credit

What was most disappointing about Ron Chepesiuks story?

the writing was mediocre at best but the narration was really poor -- the reader couldnt pronounce some of the most basic historical crime names

was embarrassing to hear -- The narration clearly wasn't edited

How did the narrator detract from the book?

big time

Could you see Gangsters of Harlem being made into a movie or a TV series? Who should the stars be?

no

Any additional comments?

many better options

don't bother

This book wasnt for you, but who do you think might enjoy it more?

Dullsville. Very abreviate stories and no real conection to the characters is formed. The narrator mispronounces words. No sense of neigborhood culture emerges.

Excellent Book

I grew up in Harlem in the early 60's and have had a lot of contact with most of the characters via family members associated with them and seeing them on the streets.

It truly is sad what men like these men have done to the community they lived in, it is even worse what life choices the left for there children.

Many innocent people died due to their greed they never deserved any breaks.

excellent

a must read for any historian, screen writer, actor, playwright, especially New Yorker who grew up fdom 70's to the 90's.

True Crime Fans Will Eat This Up

I fell in love with the mobsters in Gangsters of Harlem just as many people have with the characters in The Wire or The Sopranos.

Despite their shady business, it was easydisturbingly soto become invested in these mobsters. One detail that's going to stick with me for a long time is Chepesiuk's description of the "Murder Stables," owned by Ignazio Lupo of the Morello Gang, where hundreds of his rivals were tortured and murdered in the early 1900s.

In a Wire-esque finale, Chepesiuk looks at the involvement of the NYPD with organized crime. If your cup of tea includes a dash of lethal bathtub gin, this is your hot toddy.

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Title: Dead Biker

Subtitle: Inside the Violent World of the Mexican Drug Cartels

Author: Jerry Langton

Narrator: Christian Rummel

Format: Unabridged

Length: 6 hrs and 27 mins

Language: English

Release date: 08-01-12

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 77 votes

Genres: Nonfiction, True Crime

Publisher's Summary:

Sometimes, you make bad choices.

Sometimes, bad choices are made for you.

Ned "Crash" Aiken thought he had made a clean break. He had turned on his biker brothers in the Sons of Satan and entered the FBI's witness protection program, only to end up in a different kind of prison, one of mediocre work and cheap apartments. He then fell in with the Russian mob, learning their brutal code first-hand and fleeing their organization when the stakes got too high. Between the FBI, the Sons, and the Russians, there are a lot of people who want to get their hands on the innocent-looking ex-drug trafficker.

Now he's in Mexico, trying to go straight and stay alive. But Mexico isn't like the United States. It isn't even like it used to be in its heyday as a playground for wealthy gringos to vacation or college kids to party on the cheap. Ned is no stranger to drugs, violence, and brutality, and what he sees in Mexico he can only try to ignore.

But even while Ned tries his best to mind his own business, he is forced back into the underworld against his will. He finds himself at the mercy of a cartel and its notorious leader, and now the game is just about survival. But how can you play the game when there are no rules?

From the author of the best-selling Gangland, a searing read about the Mexican cartels, Dead Biker is a disturbing story about immense power and indiscriminate brutality, and lives held hostage in more ways than one.

Members Reviews:

Very Good Story

This is one of those books that you can not stop listening to. That's right I would drive in circles just so I could finish a chapter!!!!

Could not stop listening!!!

What did you love best about Dead Biker?

everything to be honest. The narration was amazing.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Dead Biker?

When "Ned" founds a youtube clip that was meant for him to find.

What does Christian Rummel bring to the story that you wouldnt experience if you just read the book?

He really really really makes this book come to life. He is now my favored Narrator by far. It was like he was living the book where normally you can feel the narrator "reading" the book but not Christian Rummel, great reading mate!

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

Yes i did, it took me on a rollercaoster ride with my reaction not allowing me to really picket which side of the fence i was on in regards to "Ned" as a person.

It has its sad moments for sure and funny times but when its said and done its a very eye opening experience

Any additional comments?

Highly recommend!

Great story, great characters!

Would you listen to Dead Biker again? Why?

No. I seldom listen to books twice.

What did you like best about this story?

Just about everything.

What does Christian Rummel bring to the story that you wouldnt experience if you just read the book?

Absolutely great narration.

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

Unbelievable adventure.

Any additional comments?

Loved every bit of it from start to finish. The best audio book I have ever listened to.

Why is this in "Non-Fiction - True Crime"???????

Good story, great storytelling.

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Title: The Pastor's Wife

Subtitle: The True Story of a Minister and the Shocking Death that Divided a Family (St. Martin's True Crime Library)

Author: Diane Fanning

Narrator: Julie Williams

Format: Unabridged

Length: 8 hrs and 22 mins

Language: English

Release date: 07-18-12

Publisher: Diane Fanning

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 42 votes

Genres: Nonfiction, True Crime

Publisher's Summary:

Beneath a veneer of respectability and religion, Mary Winkler's soul festered as she struggled to be obedient and loving to her husband and her God. Her suppressed anguish exploded in a shotgun blast that took the life of her husband, preacher Matthew Winkler.

Mary packed up her three young daughters and fled to the beach, leaving an endless trail of questions in her wake. Would anyone ever make sense of the tragedy in Selmer, Tennessee?

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, Gone Forever, and Through the Window. She is also the author of the Lucinda Pierce Mysteries. 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:

Satisfies your curiosity about this murder.

Any additional comments?

I had read available stories that were in the news about this when it happened and like a lot of people I suppose, I had the uncomfortable feeling there had to be more to it than what I was reading. I couldnt understand how she got off so easy.

Actually, this question still bothers me slightly.

The author did a very good job, by my standards, though. She presented what information she was able to gather in her research and, what is important to me, she did not try to FILL IN where there was no satisfactory documentation on why things happened as they did. It left me still wanting to know, but realizing that in real life, we usually have to accept that some questions will remain, for extreme events such as a murder.

In any case, I WAS much more satisfied after listening to the book than before, that most of my questions were answered. Most of them were tracked right back to the wife who shot her husband - some might say she was half batty but not batty enough to be guilty of capital murder, others might say she was an example of battered wife syndrome or PTSD. To me it looked like some of both. But this woman was not easy to figure out, not by a long shot. I do not think she was just coy, or pulled a fast one, I think she was damaged goods due to one cause or the other.

Quite a fascinating study, however. For you true-crime lovers, go ahead, you will like it.

Extremely pleasant voice to listen to. Good story

Where does The Pastor's Wife rank among all the audiobooks youve listened to so far?

First one I've heard on audible.

What did you like best about this story?

Not sure. I guess anything with mystery intrigues me.

Which scene was your favorite?

No favorite

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

Nothing specific

Any additional comments?

I loved the performer's voice. It was so easy to listen to. I've actually returned audio books to the library because I cannot stand listening to the person reading!!! This one is really good and I'd like to listen to more of her books.

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Title: Above the Law

Author: Ross Coulthart, Duncan McNab

Narrator: Michael Carman

Format: Unabridged

Length: 10 hrs and 46 mins

Language: English

Release date: 06-28-12

Publisher: Bolinda Publishing Pty Ltd

Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 25 votes

Genres: Nonfiction, True Crime

Publisher's Summary:

The worlds most successful criminal empire is now being operated on a massive scale by outlaw motorcycle gangs - an empire that is growing in power, reach, and ruthlessness by the day. Their international empire is both sophisticated and brutal. It is also both strategic and opportunistic - where they cannot dominate, they broker alliances. Above the Law investigates how it all started: the turf wars that were fought, the deals that were done, and how the sea of cash that was earned is now being legitimised.

It also reveals how law enforcement at an international level is losing the battle against the gangs. Using exclusive insider sources on four continents, this is the first contemporary account of one of the biggest criminal stories of our time. Listen to it and be afraid. A companion and follow-up to the internationally-lauded Dead Man Running.

Critic Reviews:

"Timely.... A good read, full of accounts of murder, mayhem and dirty dealing. The book is a fascinating look at an important, growing part of Australias underworld." (Sydney Morning Herald)

Members Reviews:

Insightful

Nice to see such a comprehensive world wide view of some of the criminal cases involving members of some motorcycle cubs. Even if it does focus a little on a certain club.

Good sound history

For those interested in a more broader perspective on how and why bike clubs were started, grew and continue this is definitely a must listen

There are many ingrained consistencies that Ring true here and although we do not all agree on many of the associated activities it gives you a much broader perspective into the lives and ways of many men

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Title: A Poisoned Passion

Subtitle: A Young Mother, her War Hero Husband, and the Marriage that Ended in Murder (St. Martin's True Crime Library)

Author: Diane Fanning

Narrator: Shelby Lewis

Format: Unabridged

Length: 8 hrs and 35 mins

Language: English

Release date: 05-11-12

Publisher: Diane Fanning

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 33 votes

Genres: Nonfiction, True Crime

Publisher's Summary:

Michael Severance survived five tours of duty with the Air Force in the war torn Middle East. But he could not survive five months of marriage to Wendi Davidson.

Wendi, a young veterinarian in the isolated city of San Angelo, Texas, decided the solution to her problem was to give her husband a lethal injection.

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 bestseller Mommy's Little Girl, The Pastor's Wife, Gone Forever, and Through the Window. 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.

Critic Reviews:

"It's the naiveté of the people who plot the 'perfect murder' who keep you in the business of writing fascinating books about their mistakes and keep people like me rushing to the bookstores to read the books." (Michael Stone, M.D., forensic psychiatrist, Columbia University)

Members Reviews:

Fanning picks another loser narrator.

I must say I have no idea whether POISONED is a good story or not. The sing-song narrator, Shelby Lewis, seems to have taken singing lessons instead of speaking proper tone to fit the story. Tried several times to listen but couldn't get past the narrator. Pay attention, Fanning, to whom you're hiring. Listen to this narrator and you'll instantly understand my comments.

A Poisoned Passion

What made the experience of listening to A Poisoned Passion the most enjoyable?

The narrator did a good job. I read true crime books a lot and this wasn't one of my top 10 but I definatly enjoyed the read.

What did you like best about this story?

Diane Fanning is one of my favorite authors. She does a great job of delivering the facts of the case in True Crime books.

What does Shelby Lewis bring to the story that you wouldnt experience if you just read the book?

Shelby Lewis did a good job narrating the book. I am able to listen on my one hour commute to and from work.

Great Listen

This story started out slow and boring. Turns into a real edge of your seat story as the story develops. Narrator gets better as the story progresses.

Great read.

Some people complained about the narrator in previous reviews. I so disagree. She was easy to listen to. Amazing storyline. This woman/husband killer leaves you angry. Author takes you through the family history, crime and incarceration of this woman. I would recommend reading this book.

Great narrater!

Very good listen! I thought the narrater was excellent! The husband killer Wendy Davidson should rot in jail but sadly will be out soon.

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Title: Baby Be Mine

Subtitle: The Shocking True Story of a Woman Who Murdered a Pregnant Mother to Steal Her Child

Author: Diane Fanning

Narrator: Shelley M. Johnson

Format: Unabridged

Length: 7 hrs and 12 mins

Language: English

Release date: 04-27-12

Publisher: Diane Fanning

Ratings: 3 of 5 out of 13 votes

Genres: Nonfiction, True Crime

Publisher's Summary:

Lisa Montgomery presented her husband, Kevin, with their newborn baby girl, while a state way, police were investigating the brutal murder of 23-year-old Bobbie Jo Stinnett. She'd been found lying in a pool of blood, and investigators soon realized that someone had strangled Bobbie Jo to death, then cut the fetus from her womb. When they found Bobbie Jo's baby in Lisa's arms, they knew who was responsible for this grisly murder.

Background information in this book includes other caesarean abduction cases; a history of crime in Northwest Missouri in general and Skidmore in particular with a glimpse at the infamous Ken McElroy; plus a look at the recent Stinnett family victims like Branson Perry, whose disappearance and suspected murder remains an unsolved case.

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 bestseller Mommy's Little Girl, A Poisoned Passion, The Pastor's Wife, Gone Forever, and Through the Window. 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:

THIS BOOK IS ALL OVER THE PLACE! NOT A FAVORITE!

I really like Diane Fanning's true crime books. She writes about little known, lesser sensationalized events which mostly occurred post Y2K. I was sick of listening to audio rehashes by Ann Rule of murders from the 1970s and 1980s. I'd read all of her print versions when they were first published decades ago. There is just so much of Ted Bundy that one can handle, especially after he went out like a wuss when he was finally executed for a fraction of his actual serial murders.

Fanning always does a great job with research and due diligence in her accounts, although she can be a bit heavy-handed with trial testimony or trying to educate an already savvy audience on forensics and/or psychological criminal profiling. The problem I have with this book is that she felt that she had to recount every murder in Missouri where this crime happened to Caesarian abduction cases in the country. Then she digresses acutely to the disappearance of a relative of the murder victim and goes into an in depth investigation into a very sick Internet child pornography, sexual abduction, cannibalism, and sexual mutilation case. I almost threw up when she recounted the suspect boasting about "boiling and eating scrotum". TMI!!! Ewwwwwwww! It was a whole 'nother book - one I wouldn't have purchased! What does any of that have to do with the Caesarian murder of a mother and the abduction of her newborn? That is grisly enough.

There's nothing wrong with providing a back story but Fanning could have gotten FIVE more complete books from her work on this one.

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Title: Written in Blood

Subtitle: A True Story of Murder and the Deadly 16-Year-Old Secret that Tore a Family Apart

Author: Diane Fanning

Narrator: Rob Granniss

Format: Unabridged

Length: 9 hrs and 27 mins

Language: English

Release date: 02-08-12

Publisher: Diane Fanning

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 65 votes

Genres: Nonfiction, True Crime

Publisher's Summary:

Michael Peterson was a decorated veteran of the Vietnam War, a candidate for mayor and a New York Times best-selling novelist. His wife, Kathleen, was the first woman ever admitted to the Duke University School of Engineering, a brilliant executive and a loving and fun-filled mother - the last woman who one would expect to become a victim in her own home.

When her body was found at the foot of a stairway in her Durham home, Michael Peterson said that she had fallen. When an autopsy proved his story to be a lie, the death of another woman 16 years earlier came under suspicion. He was the last person to see Liz Ratliff before she, too, was found dead at the bottom of the stairs in Germany. These two suspicious deaths painted a dark portrait of a once-respected man.

Members Reviews:

Fascinating, But Ridiculously Biased

It's one thing for a non-fiction author to have a point of view, but this author seems to have an axe to grind. She starts out really well, but about halfway through the author turns so biased and snarky it actually took me right out of the narrative. Part of what's so mind-blowing and fascinating about this story is how impossible it is to know whether Peterson is a multiple murderer or a tragic victim of coincidence and prosecutorial over-reach. I can't think of another case where BOTH sides have such strong circumstantial arguments and neither side has any real proof. So when the author starts sounding like a scornful opposition politican instead of a credible reporter of facts, all I could think of was "why the obvious agenda?" Worse, I kept wondering what REALLY happened, because it didn't feel like I was getting it straight. Ultimately, she didn't convince me of his guilt. If anything her obvious bias made me question her point of view more than it made me question Peterson's innocence.

With all that said, I still finished it. The narration was very good, and there was never a moment when I didn't want to know more. She has a lot of interesting facts and anecdotes, and this truly is one of the most fascinating true stories I've ever come across. But I think she torpedoes herself by making those facts feel like opinions and the fascinating story feel like a closing argument.

If you have never read about this amazing case (or if you have never seen the excellent multi-part documentary on the case called "The Staircase"), you might want to pick up this book despite all that. It's a great read, even if it isn't great factual reporting.

One of the better Dianne Fanning books

What did you love best about Written in Blood?

This is one of the better Dianne Fanning books I have listened to in a while. Story was well written and the narrative well formulated. The performance was also very good. On the critical side, It was quite biased in parts and I wish that there had been an updated section on the developments of this case in the last couple of years. However it presents a good detailed starting point for anyone interested in the case.

Red meat for true-crime junkies

Any additional comments?

This book was really interesting. It was very hard to put down between listens. The story was infuriating - how some slick operators manage to get away with terrible acts - but told in the very detailed, thorough way I like.