An enthrallling book

In 1967, a 19-year-old EMU student was last seen walking home to her apartment in Ypsilanti, Michigan. A few weeks later, her violated, naked body was found on an abandoned farm. Over the next few years, six more bodies were discovered, leading the police into a murder investigation that would taunt them with a maddening lack of evidence, suspects or the slightest clue as to who the killer might be.

Though I also have the paperback version, this review is based on the audiobook, which is superbly narrated by Pete Cross. First published in 1976, this is a fascinating account of a series of murders that terrorised Ypsilanti and Ann Arbor in the late sixties. The details of the crimes, particularly relating to the difficulties and frustrations of the police investigation, reveal a well-researched and skilfully told story of how one man almost escaped capture simply because he was exactly what the authorities did not expect – an intelligent, clean-cut all-American guy.

The story held my attention from start to finish and had me rooting for the cops through all their defeats and dead-ends. My only grumble in terms of the writing, is that the author chose to change the names of not only the victims and their families, but those of several witnesses and even the person responsible for the killings. While it may have seemed an understandable courtesy forty years ago, for anyone wishing to do further research now, it’s a bit irritating.

That aside, provided you have a strong stomach (there’s lots of gory detail), this is an enthralling book that’ll appeal to anyone who enjoys true crime.

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9 people found this helpful

One of the best true crime stories I have listened to.

I read / listen to many true crime stories. This has to be one of the best. It has been meticulously researched and extremely well presented. Five stars from me.

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7 people found this helpful

Truly excellent

Great narration, thoroughly enjoyed this true story. I recommend this audio book to my one who is into real crime.

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1 person found this helpful

Superb.

Great book and great narration. Loved it. Listening to it again, great for driving to ;) Thankyou.

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3 people found this helpful

compelling listening

choice of narrator excellent. considering the nature of the crime, story well compiled. A must audio book.

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2 people found this helpful

Linear

The story never once diverted from a linear direction. From the first murder up until sentencing, well maybe a brief discription of a victim's past was all. Performance was OK but the Dutch psychic sounded more like a Russian baddie from a Bond film.

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Intriguing yet mildly laborious at the end

Strong performance and a story that locks you in. That is, until the trial, when it gets mildly laborious and technical. Too much detail when you want the author to cut to the chase. There it loses its narrative fabric but gets back on track at the very end.

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5 people found this helpful

Why oh Why???

Why did I waste a credit on this rubbish? Why did the author give anonymity to a convicted murderer whose real name has long been in the public domain? Why was the book so long and yet lacked any depth? Why did he waste time writing it?

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Boring

Boring Boring didnt like the guy saying this is 100 percent true every 5 seconds too long also

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4 people found this helpful