Avery

Avery

The Case Against Steven Avery and What Making a Murderer Gets Wrong

By: Ken Kratz

Narrated by: Bradley Hayes

Length: 4 hrs and 50 mins

Unabridged Audiobook

Release date: 02-21-17

I have to say I did watching the Netflix show Making a Murder. They start with part two and then move to part one. I am now on part one still waiting to see how that turns out. When I saw that Mr. Kratz wrote this story and so all the bad reviews it pecked my interest. Until I started this audio I had not a clue about all the issues Mr. Kratz had along with the texting he did, I have no trouble believing he thought he was all that and a bag of chips. So with an open mind I set down to listen to this audio. What I found was there was nothing I didn’t already know, there are no bombshells, no turning points to make me feel any different from I did before I started listening. If anything I am surer that Brendan should never have gone to jail and his mother should be trading places with him for letting him be question without a lawyer. It is not up to me to judge whether Steven is guilty or not but I will get into that later.

These are my thoughts I think the police were sure Steven did it and I do believe some planting of evidence did happen. Making a Murder did not say the police killed Teresa they said the law made it look like Steve did it by planting the evidence. As I watch the show Steven’s lawyer did everything she could to show that the police didn’t plant it from buying a car just like Teresa and trying to place the blood they way they found it. Her ex who is also her roommate was one who has some explaining to do from what I have seen, the author never talked about that and how things were found and leaves a lot out. My biggest issues is why wasn’t the defense allowed to put doubt in the case by saying this person or that person could have done it. The judge said they could not bring up anything about another person that maybe could have done it thus no reasonable doubt was allowed again the author does not talk about this or the reasoning behind it. I believe the law thought Steven really did it and did some planting of evidence to make sure he went to jail for the rest of his life. Does this mean he didn’t do it, I don’t know but I just don’t see why he would have.

As far as Brendan he was led over and over again until they got what they wanted as they filled in the blanks for him. When he said he didn't know they filled in some and would say if that is how it happened, they lead him giving him the information until he said what they wanted him to. Being from a lower income, and with his mental issues I am not sure he knew he could have a lawyer or that he could ask for one. They needed him to point the finger because they really had no case. Giving a plead bargain of 15 years and his grandfathers calling I saw nothing wrong with what his grandfather said. He told him to stick to his guns, no, to take the bargain because he didn’t do anything wrong.

The narrator did a wonderful job giving the facts as he was given, laying it out and showing no emotion just laying out the facts the author wrote. I thought his performance was outstanding, there was no need for character voices so none was used. He gave the details without showing he was for one side or the other. There are no background noises, no repeating of wording, and no volume changes. If any breaks were taken I could not tell. He paused when needed to and times I had to remind myself that this was not the author but a narrator. I look forward to listening to more of his work.

As for the author I am sorry but you didn’t win any support from me. I thought after what you did with the texting and such you should have lost everything. Do I feel you deserved the hate mail No! But then I am not sure you received all you said. I have a hard time believing you with seeing how you acted on camera. I do hope you got your life in order but I can’t see you being anything but the cocky man you have show to be. As far as the meds I am not buying it, I do believe you have one heck of an ego and you took off running with it thinking you could do no wrong. I believe you knew what you did was wrong and you didn't care nor did you think about it. Are you sorry about that, hum yes I believe you are but had you gotten away with it I believe you would still be doing it today. Have you got the right man, I don’t know, but I do believe you and all that was behind you do. Your book gave me a lot of thought but you didn’t sale me the goods, and I am not buying into what you have laid out. Give me something new, give me some facts that I don’t already know. I have to say your book put more doubt in my mind than I already had. I do believe evidence was planted, I do believe the law enforcement had it out for Steven from the start that they didn’t look for anyone but him and I believe they needed Brendan to give them the right to do the search they wanted. My heart goes out to him and nothing you have said has changed my mind.

That poor women you sent the text to how could you knowing what she had already been through. I try very hard in my reviews to be fair as anyone who knows how I review, but you over stepped everything to give your ego a boost. I feel heartbroken that you with your position have given more to the ME TO movement and you should be more than ashamed of yourself. I found this story to be about you and not the facts and case at hand. I feel this was another ego boost you were after. I don’t believe I ever heard you say you were sorry for what you put that woman through. I think you are just sorry you got busted. You have totally lost any credit ability with me for this and for saying that we the people are so dumb that we feel the police killed Teresa. You gave no facts or reason that can’t be twisted the other way. I was hoping for so much more and truly wanted to believe that again our law enforcement wasn’t corrupted. Yes some of them in question did have something against Steven as you well know. I try very hard not to give a low review but for you I cannot. I did start listen to this audio with an open mind, but I am sorry you closed it by the end. I still don't know if Steven did it or not but there was the money issues and how they sure didn't want to pay that out, plus more issues the law had with him.

Buy Links

Audible

https://www.audible.com/pd/Avery-Audiobook/B01MYXBPNM?toast=review_success&pf_rd_p=7f957cad-af73-477e-ba71-04a9ff46fd27&pf_rd_r=NC3ZNVRVTJ2HTCYCTZ3K

Amazon

https://www.amazon.com/Avery-Against-Steven-Making-Murderer/dp/B01MTY76H9/ref=tmm_aud_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=

Summary

It's time to set the record straight about Steven Avery. The full record - including evidence never before revealed - makes his guilt clear.
The Netflix series Making a Murderer quickly became a huge hit, with over 19 million viewers in the US in the first 35 days. The series left many viewers with the opinion that Steven Avery - a man falsely imprisoned for almost 20 years on a rape charge - was railroaded into prison a second time by a corrupt police force and district attorney's office. Viewers were outraged, and hundreds of thousands demanded a pardon for Avery.
The chief villain of the series: Ken Kratz, the special prosecutor who headed the investigation and prosecution. Kratz's later misdeeds - prescription drug abuse and sexual harassment - cemented his guilt in the minds of the viewers.
This book tells what you don't know.
Making a Murderer raised convincing doubts about Avery's guilt. But now Ken Kratz puts those doubts to rest with Avery: The Case Against Steven Avery and What Making a Murderer Gets Wrong. In it, Kratz demonstrates how the Netflix series leaves out critical evidence, including bombshell facts known only to him. Avery systematically erases the uncertainties introduced by the series, confirming once and for all that Steven Avery is guilty of the murder of Teresa Halbach. What's more, Kratz even provides online access to detailed evidence so listeners can explore every aspect of the case - the largest criminal investigation in Wisconsin history.
Avery tells the full story of the investigation, filled with details and insights unknown to the public. Then Kratz candidly addresses the aftermath. He openly discusses his struggle with addiction and the disturbing behaviors he engaged in, which led him to lose everything: his job, his wife, his house, his car, and his reputation.
While our indignation at the injustice of Steven Avery's first imprisonment makes it easy to believe he was also falsely accused of Halbach's murder, Avery and the evidence it presents - examined thoroughly and dispassionately - prove that in this case, the system worked as it should.

"Please...Don't Kill Me"

"Please...Don't Kill Me"

The True Story of the Milo Murder

By: William C. Dear, Carlton Stowers

Narrated by: J. Scott Bennett

Length: 8 hrs and 41 mins

Unabridged Audiobook

Release date: 04-18-18

Language: English

Publisher: Crossroad Press

If it had not been for one Texas private eye this case would not have been solved, he never gave up even when the family/company wouldn’t pay him. The wife said I will pay, but he was willing to move on to find justice for one man and wife who wanted justice at no cost. This is an amazing true story of a family that had it all, all the money they could spend, some didn’t have to work but some were not happy about being cut out. I am thinking are you crazy, give me all the money I can spend and let me set on my butt and you do all the hard work I could be very happy. The family had jobs in the company but the older son wanted all control without having to ask for permission. Dean took a company that was doing very well and made this family billionaires. Someone was hasn’t happy someone wanted him dead, the story starts from the start when he was found dead and the police could not get any answers. That is until Dean’s wife turned to Bill who took this investigation to a new level.

What you will find between these pages is true facts that will shock you. A mother and son who didn’t like being cut out but are they willing to kill to get back what they believe is theirs. Wait the brother had a meeting setup for the day after Dean was killed everyone thought they would work out their difference. True there was a lawsuit for the family to gain some control back, but they were working it out. There is talking of an affair maybe in with a man, there is even some talk about drugs, and so much more. You really do not know what to believe, Bill takes it slow and easy working each stage finding answers which only lead to more questions. I think half the state was mixed up in his death, one door opens and then a twist is throw in with new characters that may or may not have anything to do with this killing.

Mr. Bennett’s narration is outstanding as he brings to life the story with strong emotions, confusion, power, control, anger, loss, heartache. He builds each character giving us their strengths and weakness taking us inside a story to see the true characters as you would have never seen them had you read this story. His female and male voices are wonderful you always know who is talking and just what they are feeling. His tones are right on the money bring so much emotion that you feel the wife’s pain as well as the uneasiness of the family. You will find no background noises, no volume changes just a very clean clear audio that really pulls you in. It sounds like he took no breaks and this was read at one setting. What really makes this an outstanding audio is how the narrator really brings it to life, you have no trouble getting lost in his pleasant voice which makes it very easy to picture the scenes in your mind. Mr. Bennett really gives character to the characters as he puts his self in their place. He gives the facts and lets you make of them what you will. I found myself asking questions, and then he would turn around and answer them. I was so pulled into this story when I got home I set for a little while in the car not wanting to put it down. You will have no trouble picturing the scenes as first one family member and then another would give no help. It is always a pleasure listening to anything this narrator publishes, I know it will always be delivered with powerful feeling and emotions, I will always be pulled in and taken away into the story that is delivered with such passion that I become part of the story. I truly enjoy his narration and can’t wait to listen to more of his work.

The author gives you a very complex true story that will hold you spellbound with so many twists and turns that will keep your mind spinning. So much detail is given but I came to expect that from this author with all he was willing to do, some of it very strange if not downright weird. Mr. Dear had me in the palm of his hand from the first page to the last. It was a story I listened to at one setting, filled with every emotion you can think of. I really can’t wait to listen to more of his audios, true crime at its best with facts and a plot that is so vivid you are so invested you won’t be able to put it down. One of the best written true crimes books I have listened to.

Buy Links

Audible

https://www.audible.com/pd/Nonfiction/PleaseDont-Kill-Me-Audiobook/B07C7NFJ87?ref=a_a_library_c4_libItem_15_B07C7NFJ87&pf_rd_p=ae76b2bb-e63d-4a67-b357-dab3dee05ca1&pf_rd_r=FPGKM7ME8FZPGTTZFCDT&

Amazon

https://www.amazon.com/Please-Dont-Kill-Me-Murder-ebook/dp/B079QDXDCK/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=

Summary

"I don't care who you hire, or what the company has to pay him…so long as he's the best there is."
This anguished cry from the wife of murder victim Dean Milo would draw private investigator Bill Dear into one of the most frustrating, and ultimately triumphant, cases of his career.
Dean Milo was a phenomenally successful businessman who built a tiny family business into a $50-million-a-year corporation. Along the way, he established a lengthy list of enemies that began with his immediate family and stretched throughout the social and business community. His fast-track ride to the top came to a violent halt on August 11, 1980, when Milo was found dead in his luxurious Ohio home, shot twice in the head. A blank telegram form lay nearby.
Four months after his death, the investigation remained a confusing collection of non sequiturs. Clues pointed toward Milo's involvement with the Mafia, the drug world, and the gay community. His own family refused to cooperate with the authorities. And time was ticking by.
In desperation, Maggie Milo turned to Texas private eye, Bill Dear. This is the gripping story of the remarkable collaboration between Dear and the police detectives of Akron, Ohio, that led to 11 convictions, an Ohio record. It is also a tale of the human weakness, desperation, and overwhelming greed that led to a sudden death.

Joel Rifkin: The Horrifying & True Story of Joel the Ripper

Joel Rifkin: The Horrifying & True Story of Joel the Ripper

The Serial Killer Books, Book 4

By: Jack Rosewood, Rebecca Lo

Narrated by: Kevin Kollins

Series: The Serial Killer Series, Book 4

Length: 3 hrs and 34 mins

Unabridged Audiobook

There are a lot of interesting facts as the author goes through Joel as a serial killer and his defense of doing it because of adoption. He gives you facts based on killers who are adopted and one of the defenses he used in this case but as you will find in Joel’s case beside being bullied from his peers he had a very loving home. He also gives other defenses he used for his reason to kill.

The narrator really bought this audio to life. He gave emotion when he needed to but for the most part he just does it in his normal voice much like someone doing the news which is the way it should be. There are no background noises, no repeating of words, no volume changes just a clean clear audio that I totally enjoyed. If any breaks were taken I could not tell, he gave the right pause for the words to sink. He lays it out and lets the listener judge what their emotion will be.

I usually really enjoy this author’s true crime but here he goes into the names of the adopted people who have killed but gives little information. After a while it becomes overwhelming and your mind goes off on its own. It is interesting to see how many adopted people have killed but just not enough information is given to hold your attention. The first part of this book is outstanding and I totally enjoyed it.

Buy Links

Audible

https://www.audible.com/pd/Nonfiction/Joel-Rifkin-The-Horrifying-True-Story-of-Joel-the-Ripper-Audiobook/B07BYWCSCB?ref=a_a_library_c4_libItem_17_B07BYWCSCB&pf_rd_p=ae76b2bb-e63d-4a67-b357-dab3dee05ca1&pf_rd_r=1HJP846FTGSXFRWPK7QS&

Amazon

https://www.amazon.com/Joel-Rifkin-Horrifying-Ripper-Serial/dp/B07BYQL4ZD/ref=tmm_aud_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=

B&N

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/joel-rifkin-jack-rosewood/1128144402;jsessionid=61300CFC6DA3C46719185A76573530AB.prodny_store02-atgap04?ean=9781986277037#

Summary

Joel Rifkin trolled the streets on Manhattan and Long Island under the cover of night, searching for a way to ease the intense urges he couldn’t deny. Prostitutes were his targets, and though some he allowed to live, there were many who were much less fortunate.

Dismembered bodies were soon discovered, but nobody could identify who was responsible for such despicable acts of murder and horror. Until, one night while Rifkin was disposing of his 17th victim, he was finally caught.

One of the most famous serial killers, Rifkin has shared some of his thoughts and feelings about the crimes he committed, yet he too still questions why he felt the way he did. He is perhaps one of the most interesting American serial killers to date, and his true crime stories are among the most disturbing.

There have been few New York murders committed by serial killers, including Rifkin and the Long Island Serial Killer. Rifkin was at one time considered a suspect in the case of the Long Island Serial Killer, and this true crime book discusses his opinions of who the killer could actually be.

If you are passionate about true crime serial killers, then you will absolutely enjoy this book. Of all the serial killer books out there, this one delves into the controversy surrounding the death penalty, and discusses whether monsters like Rifkin should be executed or allowed to live their days out in prison, when they stripped that opportunity from the innocent victims they slayed.

Homicide & True Crime Stories of 2017

Homicide & True Crime Stories of 2017

Annual True Crime Anthology

By: Rebecca Lo, Jack Rosewood

Narrated by: Kevin Kollins

Length: 6 hrs and 52 mins

Unabridged Audiobook

Release date: 01-10-18

This is a summary of the most horrible crimes for the year 2017. Some I knew about other I did not and still some I learned a little more then I knew. It is a great collection of some of the most dangerous criminals of the year some very shocking and horrible acts that is more than a person can bare. My heart goes out to the families that were left behind and the victims that were killed. It was so easy for me to picture the ugly scenes in my mind, at times my mouth hung open. Getting in the mind of a killer is never easy, we will never know their reasoning or their thoughts to bring them to their actions. Mr. White did a wonderful job on the narration. He did a few character voices which were really good but most of the book is about facts and there is no need for the different voices. He has a very pleasant voice that really adds to the detail of this audio. He gave the facts as they are but with interest like he really enjoyed learning the facts as much as I did. There are no repeats of words, nor any background noise, there are no volume changes. The music fits the story when it is used it isn’t over powering and blends very well. I thought his performance was great and he added a lot to the story with his tones and emotions. I look forward to listening to more of his work. The author always gives me a very good listen with facts as they are. He makes his audios interesting as he shows you the twists and turns of a real criminal. If you are a true crime junky like me this is one of the books you do not want to miss. It is interesting, holds your attention, the author lays it out from month to month as he gives you the true facts, the outcome and lets you decided if you feel the verdict was right

Buy Links

Audible

https://www.audible.com/pd/Nonfiction/Homicide-True-Crime-Stories-of-2017-Audiobook/B078TMPF5F/ref=a_listener__cco_1_4_t?

Amazon

https://www.amazon.com/True-Crime-2017-Homicide-Anthology-ebook/dp/B078168JM1/ref=cm_cr_if_orig_subj?_encoding=UTF8&linkCode=xm2&tag=audiblecom0f-20

Summary

Every year, we look back in horror at the sheer evil mankind is capable of, and 2017 was no different.

Across the world, but particularly in the United States, startlingly horrific crimes have almost become commonplace, causing us to double-lock our doors at night and look over our shoulders, wondering if we're safe, no matter how crowded or well-lit our location is.

In this true crime release, we've compiled some of the most gripping and gruesome crime stories of 2017. Some of the horrible stories you will hear about includes: 

• A Florida serial killer stalked a close-knit suburb of Tampa, killing Seminole Heights residents seemingly at random.
• A member of a neo-Nazi organization used his vehicle to kill a protestor in Charlottesville, Virginia, more than 50 years after the world defeated Hitler's racist rise to power.
• A couple was sentenced to death for brutalizing a 10-year-old girl for years, beating her, depriving her of food, forcing her to walk on the hot pavement of a sizzling summer in Arizona, only to let her die in an airtight box overnight, her punishment for eating a Popsicle without asking after sweltering in 115-degree heat.
• Two young girls were smart enough to record pictures and audio of a man suspected in their deaths, evidence that will hopefully soon solve their murders.
• A blood-soaked man carried his mother's decapitated head into a grocery store, attacking a clerk and stabbing him as well before being apprehended from police.
• The UK was rocked by terrorist bombings that turned joyous moments deadly in an instant.
• The death of Charles Manson gave us an opportunity to look back at the bloody mayhem inspired by a murderous man with a messiah complex.

Keep the lights on, Dear Listener, and welcome to 2017's most horrifying true stories.