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Killing Time With John Wayne Gacy: Defending America's Most Evil Serial Killer on Death Row
John Wayne Gacy raped, tortured, and murdered 33 boys and young men, burying most of them in the crawlspace under his Chicago home. Karen Conti was in high school at the time watching the bodies being removed on the television news.
Fourteen years pass. Through a twist of fate, Conti, now a young and inexperienced attorney, is called upon to handle Gacy’s final death row appeals. The serial killer soon becomes her most famous, difficult, and haunting client.
Thirty years after Gacy’s execution, Conti looks back through the eyes of a seasoned professional on the legal and media circus that ensued—and her countless hours of detailed conversation with the killer clown. We hear for the first time about Gacy’s gruesome “Body Book.” Were there more victims? Conspirators involved in the murders? What secrets were buried with him?
If one were to ask Conti, “How could you represent such a monster?” she would respond, “What you really want to know is, ‘What was he like?’” This book answers that question.
“This addictively readable book about Karen Conti’s representation of John Wayne Gacy, perhaps the most prolific serial killer ever to be put to death in this country, answers some of the law’s most fascinating questions."
—Scott Turow, #1 New York Times bestselling author
“For those interested in the legal This book offers a fascinating glimpse into the challenges and ethical dilemmas faced by criminal defense attorneys!”
—Robert Shapiro, a member of the “Dream Team” of O. J. Simpson’s attorneys
“Killing Time is a testament to the human spirit’s resilience."
—Sister Helen Prejean, author of the best-selling book, Dead Man Walking
“While many have exploited the story of John Wayne Gacy with varying degrees of success, Killing Time with John Wayne Gacy is a completely refreshing take. "—Tracy Ullman, Executive Producer of the Peacock Original docuseries John Wayne Devil in Disguise
“It is so well done and packed full of very credible information not only on Gacy but Conti’s career and snippets of other cases. This book is a must-read for anyone who enjoys true crime with a twist." —Ann Wolbert Burgess, Professor at Boston College, one of the original trailblazing “Mindhunter” FBI criminal profilers
Fourteen years pass. Through a twist of fate, Conti, now a young and inexperienced attorney, is called upon to handle Gacy’s final death row appeals. The serial killer soon becomes her most famous, difficult, and haunting client.
Thirty years after Gacy’s execution, Conti looks back through the eyes of a seasoned professional on the legal and media circus that ensued—and her countless hours of detailed conversation with the killer clown. We hear for the first time about Gacy’s gruesome “Body Book.” Were there more victims? Conspirators involved in the murders? What secrets were buried with him?
If one were to ask Conti, “How could you represent such a monster?” she would respond, “What you really want to know is, ‘What was he like?’” This book answers that question.
“This addictively readable book about Karen Conti’s representation of John Wayne Gacy, perhaps the most prolific serial killer ever to be put to death in this country, answers some of the law’s most fascinating questions."
—Scott Turow, #1 New York Times bestselling author
“For those interested in the legal This book offers a fascinating glimpse into the challenges and ethical dilemmas faced by criminal defense attorneys!”
—Robert Shapiro, a member of the “Dream Team” of O. J. Simpson’s attorneys
“Killing Time is a testament to the human spirit’s resilience."
—Sister Helen Prejean, author of the best-selling book, Dead Man Walking
“While many have exploited the story of John Wayne Gacy with varying degrees of success, Killing Time with John Wayne Gacy is a completely refreshing take. "—Tracy Ullman, Executive Producer of the Peacock Original docuseries John Wayne Devil in Disguise
“It is so well done and packed full of very credible information not only on Gacy but Conti’s career and snippets of other cases. This book is a must-read for anyone who enjoys true crime with a twist." —Ann Wolbert Burgess, Professor at Boston College, one of the original trailblazing “Mindhunter” FBI criminal profilers
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Published April 9, 2024
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About the author
Karen Conti
1 book6 followersKaren Conti is one of Chicago’s most prominent lawyers and legal analysts. She is a dynamic speaker, writer, and media personality with over 30 years of experience in national and local radio and television.
Karen has produced and hosted award-winning radio shows, entertaining, edifying and empowering people for almost three decades. Her dynamic talk show, “Legally Speaking” won several Achievement in Radio awards, including Best Public Affairs Show and Best Afternoon Drive Time. Karen has the unique skill to simplify complex legal issues as well as make them engaging, while being unbiased and factual.
She is currently the host of “The Karen Conti Show” on Chicago’s 50,000-watt station, WGN, where she comments on current events, social issues as well as the law. For over twenty-five years, she has served as the designated legal analyst on the local Fox affiliate where she not only appears on-air to give legal commentary, but pitches show topics and writes the interview text. She has appeared regularly on national media programs such as MSNBC, CNN News, Fox News, The Today Show, Good Morning America, Nancy Grace, The O’Reilly Factor, Court TV, the Montel Williams Show, and the Leeza Gibbons Show. Topics range from high-profile criminal cases, police brutality, the death penalty, family law, business issues, consumer lawsuits, and Supreme Court happenings. She writes and lectures on many issues including the death penalty, women in business, law and the media. She is frequently published in the Chicagoland newspapers, and for seven years has written a column “This Day in Legal History” for the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin, which is circulated throughout the State of Illinois.
As an aggressive and driven litigator and trial lawyer for 36 years, Karen has handled numerous high-profile and noteworthy cases across the country including a U.S. Supreme Court appeal and several well-known Chicago-area criminal cases including the death row appeals for serial killer John Wayne Gacy. Her experience spans almost all areas of law including criminal, appellate, family law, and business litigation. She is licensed to practice law in Illinois and California. She is a certified mediator and collaborative lawyer.
Karen has a rich academic background lending further credibility to her reputation. She has served as a law professor for over 25 years at DePaul University and University of Illinois law schools.
Karen has won numerous recognitions such as One of the 100 Women Making a Difference in Chicago and Leading Lawyer, selected as one of the top lawyers in the nation. Besides producing and writing radio and television show segments, Karen’s creative talents include writing humorous speeches and musical parodies for political figures and other media personalities. She is an avid athlete, having run marathons, taking 2nd place in a state bodybuilding competition, and winning the “Most Fit Lawyer” competition in Chicago. She is a world traveler, voracious reader, and news junky.
Karen has produced and hosted award-winning radio shows, entertaining, edifying and empowering people for almost three decades. Her dynamic talk show, “Legally Speaking” won several Achievement in Radio awards, including Best Public Affairs Show and Best Afternoon Drive Time. Karen has the unique skill to simplify complex legal issues as well as make them engaging, while being unbiased and factual.
She is currently the host of “The Karen Conti Show” on Chicago’s 50,000-watt station, WGN, where she comments on current events, social issues as well as the law. For over twenty-five years, she has served as the designated legal analyst on the local Fox affiliate where she not only appears on-air to give legal commentary, but pitches show topics and writes the interview text. She has appeared regularly on national media programs such as MSNBC, CNN News, Fox News, The Today Show, Good Morning America, Nancy Grace, The O’Reilly Factor, Court TV, the Montel Williams Show, and the Leeza Gibbons Show. Topics range from high-profile criminal cases, police brutality, the death penalty, family law, business issues, consumer lawsuits, and Supreme Court happenings. She writes and lectures on many issues including the death penalty, women in business, law and the media. She is frequently published in the Chicagoland newspapers, and for seven years has written a column “This Day in Legal History” for the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin, which is circulated throughout the State of Illinois.
As an aggressive and driven litigator and trial lawyer for 36 years, Karen has handled numerous high-profile and noteworthy cases across the country including a U.S. Supreme Court appeal and several well-known Chicago-area criminal cases including the death row appeals for serial killer John Wayne Gacy. Her experience spans almost all areas of law including criminal, appellate, family law, and business litigation. She is licensed to practice law in Illinois and California. She is a certified mediator and collaborative lawyer.
Karen has a rich academic background lending further credibility to her reputation. She has served as a law professor for over 25 years at DePaul University and University of Illinois law schools.
Karen has won numerous recognitions such as One of the 100 Women Making a Difference in Chicago and Leading Lawyer, selected as one of the top lawyers in the nation. Besides producing and writing radio and television show segments, Karen’s creative talents include writing humorous speeches and musical parodies for political figures and other media personalities. She is an avid athlete, having run marathons, taking 2nd place in a state bodybuilding competition, and winning the “Most Fit Lawyer” competition in Chicago. She is a world traveler, voracious reader, and news junky.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
June 19, 2024
Unique glimpse into the world of criminal defense lawyering with an emphasis on the death penalty. It's so much more though, providing perspective on the life and work of a young female attorney. This book is very different than the many true crime works I've read. Recommended reading.
May 19, 2024
There was not enough information on the case for me. The author focuses more on her life and experience, so if you are interested in that you may enjoy it more.
March 21, 2024
Conti provides a firsthand account of her work to get one of America’s most notorious serial killers off death row. Conti and her husband joined Gacy’s defense team to not only stay his execution but to get his death sentence commuted to life in prison without parole. I didn’t enjoy reading about a serial killer, but I did find Conti’s story interesting. I didn’t know much about Gacy, except that he killed many people and buried his victims in his crawl space. Conti did an excellent job of describing the legal proceedings so anyone could understand what was happening. She made it clear she didn’t believe in the death penalty because she believes living in prison is a greater punishment. You may or may not agree with her on that but an argument can be made for her viewpoint. Her descriptions of the prison painted a terrifying picture. While you won’t walk away with any solid explanations about why Gacy murdered all his victims, you may, like me, finish the book more convinced that evil is very real and we can’t really know what is going inside a person.
February 14, 2025
A real page turner at times. A few forgettable moments, but largely very interesting and good.
John Wayne Gacy has been a long time favorite serial killer/true crime case of mine, just something so unique and fascinating about the case. It's actually my second favorite case. My #1 favorite case being Joseph DeAngelo aka The original night stalker.
Karen Conti was one of many many lawyers for Gacy, at the end of his life.
This book isn't just about Gacy, but Karen Conti, the justice system, and more.
We don''t get a total look into Gacy in prison, but close enough. I really appreciated the fact that Conti talks about the prison conditions and the fact that not just Gacy but inmates in general are obsessed with junk food. This right wing narrative that we "Coddle prisoners" is absolutely absurd and laughable and I always love to hear these stories about these right wings ending up in prison and once they are out of prison they go on about the rights of inmates and how "prison isn't Disney land" YA, NO SH*T.
Conti asked Gacy about TV and he points out everybody has access to a TV in their cells. Which isn't 100% true - because they need to afford it. Have to rely on donations, etc. But in general that's true. But here is the thing.....all these right wing and victims advocates complain "Oh they got TV. Our children are dead." First off, WHAT ABOUT THE INNOCENT PEOPLE? Secondly, WHAT ABOUT THE WARDEN AND THE PRISON GUARDS?! Nobody ever thinks about the prison guards and warden who have to PUT UP WITH THEIR BULLSH*T!!!!! I've literally seen interviews with prison wardens admitting "We have sex, we have drugs, alcohol and I'll prohibit it when they are caught, but it does help us keep some control." This "we are coddling prisoners" narrative "They got TV. They got candy bars. They get ice cream." .....WHAT DO YOU THINK WOULD HAPPEN IF THEY DIDN'T HAVE THAT?! Let's just say the prison warden said to all the prisoners "We're taking away your TV, your music, your candy, your soda." THERE WOULD BE A MASSIVE PRISON RIOT, straight up.
I know of a case where a Mafia gangster had his art supplies taken away from him. The prison guard had it in for him and took them away to show that he could. A power move. So what happened? The gangster brutally stabbed the guard to death. Then a rival gang member felt like his street cred was in danger. So he brutally murdered another guard, to show he was just as dangerous as the other guy. So two prison guards were murdered in a single day, because one of them decided to pull a power move. When he didn't even have a right to take the art supplies.
Apparently people just ASSUME inmates are left to their own devices, with no prison guards or warden around. 100%, if we took away their art supplies, their TV, their music, their candy bars, their cigerettes, their f**king ice cream, there would be massive prison riots and dead prison guards. I swear, Americans are incredibly f**king stupid. I love America, but I sure as f**k hate it's dumb ignorant citizens.
Conti also states another fact, NOBODY IN PRISONS LIKES EXECUTIONS. Not the wardens, in fact the majority of prison wardens are against the death penalty. Not the prison guard, and not the inmates. Of course she mentions one of the aggregious executions. The execution of a literally brain damaged inmate who shot him self, destroying his frontal lobes. He infamously got a piece of Pecan pie and he simply decided to put it aside and when asked why, he said "for later." He had no idea he was gonna be executed. To quote Christopher Hitchens.
"[Bill Clinton] personally flew down to Arkansas to personally supervise the execution of a lobotomized black defendant, inmate. Ricky Rectar by name. Who couldn't even understand the charges against him. He had blown his brain away. He was gone...uh...he didn't know he had been sentenced to death. He didn't understand when they came to give him his last meal what was happening and Clinton made it absolutely clear he was changing the subject 'your not gonna get me on law and order. Your not gonna think I'm 'soft'. Your not gonna WIlly Horton me. And the two things that sicken me are one, that he did this, in cold blood to this guy and two that noone in my profession and no one in the liberal wing of politics thought this was a test of character or of intention."
"the suggestion that it had, of a relationship in the president's mind; then governor's mind. Of a sick relationship between sex and death. That he would change the subject away from the illicit Flowers love nest [affaire] to the lethal chamber."
"This is a guy who, any other week would of been, would of received clemency from the governor, because there was no one in the prison, thought he should be executed and this is a tough prison. The prison chaplain resigned on this. The wardens have been quoted as saying "we shouldn't of done this to this guy. It was like KILLING A CHILD.'."
Then of course we got Cameron Todd WIllingham, who was proven to be totally innocent. Even the prosecutor admitted the evidence to convict him was utterly refuted. Govenor Rick Perry along with the prosecutor basically said "He beat his wife....SO WHO CARES?!" and had him executed anyway. Conti doesn't mention Willingham''s case though. But near the end of the book she does mention the fact that the supreme court ruled that it was legal to execute an INNOCENT person. Which would explain Todd Willingham. Because once again, they're excuse was "He beat his wife. He told her to "Go to f**king hell" while he was on the gurney getting the lethal injection; this was not a good guy." YA, BUT DID HE SET THE FIRE?! DID HE KILL HIS TWO KIDS?! NO, HE DIDN'T. NOT A SHRED OF EVIDENCE SHOWS HE DID THAT! "but he was mean to his wife" and that is enough apparently, and it isn't illegal, which is shocking. Rick Perry after this ran for president and lost badly aganst Obama, but during his campaign he was asked "you've executed more people then anyone else. Do you loose sleep at night, at the thought that any one of them might of been innocent." HE HAD JUST EXECUTED AN INNOCENT MAN; factually proven innocent and his answer "No, I've never struggled with that issue" and gave a short pro death penalty speech and the crowd disgustingly cheered him on. YA! WE LOVE EXECUTING PEOPLE; GUILTY OR INNOCENT!!!!!!
At the end of the book, Conti gives all her reasons for being against the death penalty, which I of course 100% agree with and already had these same exact reasons for being against the death penalty. One of them being "Isn't it an easier way out? Why not let them just rot in prison for the rest of their life?" I remember when Joseph DeAngelo was finally arrested, at 72. I actually saw a comment online going "He should be given the death penalty" and I am going "HE WAS JUST CAUGHT! HE'S 72! He's been allowed to roam free for 42 years. Now he's finally, FINALLY F**KING CAUGHT and you want him executed?! HOW IS THAT JUSTICE?! If I was personally one of the victims effected by this, I would feel CHEATED if he suddenly just collapsed and died from a heart attack or was executed by the state within 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 years. I'd want him to spend as much time in prison as humanely possible."
At the end of the book we photos, of Gacy, of Conti, her parents, at the prison in 1993/1994. We also get recent photos of her. We get photos of her with Gacy as well.
It details Gacy's last moments pretty well, which are stretched through out portions of the book.
We get the moment where they [Conti and her husband] visit the prison one last time to say goodbye to their client and it does paint a rather sad, almost surreal moment. With Gacy hanging out with family and friends. Even gives them a small banquet, of his last meal. Gacy even told Conti to eat some of it while he continued to talk to his friends and neighbors.
Conti also talks about "What about the victims" and how many just assume she must be this super callous cold person - that's why she is able to "defend such a monster" I personally have more of an issue with her defending scumbags like Charles Keating during the whole S and L crisis of the late 80s and early 90's then I do with her defending Gacy. Why?! Because Gacy has no power, he has no influence. He doesn't have billions of dollars. Politicians at his beck and call. Gacy was rotting in a prison cell and had to sell off his house, lost all of his money from his business, lost his business, and had to resort to paintings and a phone number you could call to "hear how he's really innocent" to make chump change. Even Karen Conti her self agrees, because she said although she did it because she was a lawyer, she did feel some guilt for defending such scumbags and defending the "under dog" including Gacy was a way to make up for that. I would feel the same way.
To quote a segment from a talk show, with my favorite criminologist. James Fox.
James Fox: Whether Manson wants his guitar, or Gacy wants his art. We're really talking minutia here. Because none of us here -
Son of sam victim/wife: NO, did the crime -
James Fox: None of us here would trade places, will you?! It's not so great in prison, no matter what they get.
Son of Sam victim/wife: They're still alive! My daughter is dead. *points to the other family members on stage* these people are dead.
Son of Sam victim/husband: You say it aint so good in prison?
James Fox: It's not good in prison. None of us would trade places, would you?
Son of Sam victim/husband: That man over there, visits Berkowitz in prison, right? The mans in prison with carpet floors and a colored TV. He has a gym. He weight lifts. Do you have a gym?
James Fox: I can live free and these people can't and they should never live free.
First off, why do inmates exercise and lift weights? BECAUSE IT'S PRISON. Your stuck in a small prison cell for 20-24 hours a day. That obviously effects your BODY.
Later on in the episode ...
James Fox: I'm a full supporter of victims rights and have written about victims and survivors but when ever there is a clash, that's when we have to look at the facts. The criminal is still the one under a sentence. Who's facing jeopardy in the court room. Let's have all the victims rights we can, so long as we don't have to TAKE AWAY from the offenders rights.
I personally may come off cold and callous when ever I attack victims and I admit, I do "attack victims" when it comes to the issue of "No notoriety", but the facts are the facts and scapegoating is scapegoating and exaggerating is exaggerating and society shouldn't have to SUFFER due to the victims being OFFENDED that the killer is now a "mini celebrity" or part of history.
To quote another talk show, about Dahmer victims.
Victim's "advocate": Annie, we love you, but we hate the book. Don't you think it gives the wrong impression of a wonderful city, pull of wonderful intelligent people -
Talk show host: Wait, but Jeanetta, YOU CAN NOT IGNORE THE FACT that this henious terror, crime spree EXISTED.
Later on talking about how normal Dahmer looked and how normal his apartment looked, but all around body parts scattered about:
Author and journalist: In the closet, in the freezer...this is very hard, because I'm sitting here with one of the victims and I know the pain of having this dredged up over and over, is not easy to talk about...
Victim's family: THEN WHY TALK ABOUT IT, ANNIE?! WHY TALK ABOUT IT? If you know this, why talk about it?
Author and journalist: Because I wanted there to be at least one recollection. I saw the headlines on the tabloids. I saw the first books that came out. Which were grossly inaccurate. I'm sure you know that. So I wanted there to be - if there's gonna be at least one book done, why not have a book done that is an accurate account. With accurate details. With research.
Victim's family: Why you have to sit here and talk about it today?
Author and journalist: Well, I think it's important to talk about it. If we don't talk about it, it's doomed to happen again and again.
The Dahmer victims are notorious for this. Because of the Dahmer victims the apartment Dahmer lived at was torn down. Displacing and moving hundreds of residents. One old man refused to move out of the apartment. He had been there for like 14 years and his thing was "That had nothing to do with me. Why you kicking me out? I had nothing to do with it. I don't want to leave". He was in his apartment right up to the second of the demolition. They had to call the police and have him escorted out of his home. WHY?! BECAUSE THE VICTIMS WANTED IT.
WHAT ABOUT THEIR RIGHTS?!
The chocolate factory Dahmer worked at. The Dahmer victims tried to close that down as well. But the owner refused. Eventually the Dahmer victims got the state to pass a bunch of BS regulation laws TARGETTING the chocolate factory. Forcing the chocolate factory to shut down and move out of state. Laying off thousands of workers. WHY?! BECAUSE THE VICTIMS WANTED IT.
WHAT ABOUT THEIR RIGHTS?!
This entire NOTION that "because the victims want it" is insane to me. There is a reason why we don't let emotionally biased people dictator OUR LAWS our justice system. Why here?!
And I've been ranting and raving against the No notoriety movement over and over agian in my reviews for books, but I never brought this fact up.
Let me quote the founders.
A journalist attempts to call them out on their BS. Pull back the curtains, defume the smoke screen. I should also add that journalism has great decreased in the past two decades to an obscene degree. Journalist have greatly abandoned basic journalism 101 and this includes the No notoriety movement coming in and violating basic journalism.
Journalist: during the editing process an editor said 'Well, this DOESN'T MAKE SENSE' we don't mention the names of these people in here. I think there is a NATURAL JOURNALISTIC instinct [based on basic journalistic practices; Who, why, what, and where] to be specific and to be descriptive and I think that a lot of the people in news rooms haven't gone through what you guys have gone through [why should this matter?! The news should be impartial.]. They haven't experienced that trauma. We don't know what it's like to see the image or the name of the person that killed your kid, over and over again and I think that's one of the reasons why there may be, you know, a a certain cognitive dissonance. Because it's a lack of familiarity [news should not be emotionally biased!!! News should be FAST, ACCURATE, CONCISE, AND TRUE; now a good journalist gets all four of them, how many did you get?!]. On a journalist level there is also this real desire to get as much information as possible about these things, as fast as possible and dig and dig and dig [Again, just basic journalism]. And I actually wanted to ask you guys, if I may. When there are shootings like the one in Canada. When there are these shootings. How do you guys consume the news now? I mean, do you guys not, do you try and sort of not read about the descriptions of these gunmen? Do you just sort of turn it off? What triggers it?
Founder of No notoriety: Well, well...see, I'm a little concerned with the perspective. Our perspective HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH OUR FEELINGS. IT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH ME HAVING TO SEE THAT 'THING' THAT KILLED MY SON - I sat in the court room with him, for 6 months. And um - it's NOT ABOUT THAT.
BULL F**KING SH*T!!!!!!! I CALL TOTAL F**KING BULLSH*T ON THAT!!!!!! THAT IS AN OUT RIGHT LIE, A BLATANT LIE and I'll f**king PROVE IT.
Here are two interviews before and after that interview and another where he gave a speech.
Founder of No notoriety: Range my phone and said 'Tom, there was a shooting. We were at the theater. I tried to wake him up but they pulled me away.' and I said 'WHERE'S ALEX?!' and she said 'They made me leave him. They made me leave him.' and then we spent - trying to find, you know calling hospitals at 4:45 in the morning Hawaii time. So we turn on the television. We could find out nothing other then seeing that 'thing's' face and what that 'thing' did. There wasn't anything about any victims. There was nothing. I couldn't even leave the televison on because I was gonna break it.
Should point out the fact that this quote out right proves the founders are media illiterate and have no f**king IDEA how journalism works or how police investigators do their job. I find it hilarious that they expect a news journalist to know ALL THE FACTS, know who was shot and killed. Who was injured within seconds. 72 people were injured, shot. 12 were shot and killed. The killer, James Holmes was caught IMMEDIATELY. Identified immediately. THE BODIES WEREN'T EVEN COLD YET. Alex's parents didn't know where he was, his gf who was WITH HIM, AT THE TIME - DIDN''T KNOW WHERE HE WAS....but a JOURNALIST who is still trying to piece together what the hell is happening is suppose to know? These people sound like CONSPIRACY THEORISTS!!! How long did it take for the investigators to identify the bodies?! And it is NOT the news media's job to report the names of the deceased to their families. That is HIGHLY SENSITIVE INFORMATION. That is the job of the police department, the coroner, etc. Who can give FACTUALLY ACCURATE information. But instead these idiots think the media should just willy nilly report "HAHAHA, uh, apparently Joe Blow is dead." Two hours later "oh, sh*t! Turns out we bad. Joe Blow is not dead. Joe Blow is alive and well. Hahahaha. SORRY. We BAD.' THAT'S WHAT YOU WANT?! And I should also point out that I had a very similar experience to this. Where my loved one was dead for 8 hours. I tried to call them on my cell phone. Had a panic attack, and then a relative said the coronor called amd said "I need to identify the body" and that is how they found out they were dead and they told me. Now why the hospital NEVER EVER CALLED. OR THE WORKPLACE never called us. That does in fact piss me off. Now a journalist in a mass casualty not being able to report who died. That is acceptable, reasonable, and it is NOT THERE JOB. That is up to the coronor, the investigators, etc. NOT the journalist. When it came to my loved one, IT IS THE JOB OF THE COMPANY TO TELL ME, IT IS THE JOB OF THE HOSPITAL TO TELL ME.
Read the rest of the review in my comments second. Too long.
John Wayne Gacy has been a long time favorite serial killer/true crime case of mine, just something so unique and fascinating about the case. It's actually my second favorite case. My #1 favorite case being Joseph DeAngelo aka The original night stalker.
Karen Conti was one of many many lawyers for Gacy, at the end of his life.
This book isn't just about Gacy, but Karen Conti, the justice system, and more.
We don''t get a total look into Gacy in prison, but close enough. I really appreciated the fact that Conti talks about the prison conditions and the fact that not just Gacy but inmates in general are obsessed with junk food. This right wing narrative that we "Coddle prisoners" is absolutely absurd and laughable and I always love to hear these stories about these right wings ending up in prison and once they are out of prison they go on about the rights of inmates and how "prison isn't Disney land" YA, NO SH*T.
Conti asked Gacy about TV and he points out everybody has access to a TV in their cells. Which isn't 100% true - because they need to afford it. Have to rely on donations, etc. But in general that's true. But here is the thing.....all these right wing and victims advocates complain "Oh they got TV. Our children are dead." First off, WHAT ABOUT THE INNOCENT PEOPLE? Secondly, WHAT ABOUT THE WARDEN AND THE PRISON GUARDS?! Nobody ever thinks about the prison guards and warden who have to PUT UP WITH THEIR BULLSH*T!!!!! I've literally seen interviews with prison wardens admitting "We have sex, we have drugs, alcohol and I'll prohibit it when they are caught, but it does help us keep some control." This "we are coddling prisoners" narrative "They got TV. They got candy bars. They get ice cream." .....WHAT DO YOU THINK WOULD HAPPEN IF THEY DIDN'T HAVE THAT?! Let's just say the prison warden said to all the prisoners "We're taking away your TV, your music, your candy, your soda." THERE WOULD BE A MASSIVE PRISON RIOT, straight up.
I know of a case where a Mafia gangster had his art supplies taken away from him. The prison guard had it in for him and took them away to show that he could. A power move. So what happened? The gangster brutally stabbed the guard to death. Then a rival gang member felt like his street cred was in danger. So he brutally murdered another guard, to show he was just as dangerous as the other guy. So two prison guards were murdered in a single day, because one of them decided to pull a power move. When he didn't even have a right to take the art supplies.
Apparently people just ASSUME inmates are left to their own devices, with no prison guards or warden around. 100%, if we took away their art supplies, their TV, their music, their candy bars, their cigerettes, their f**king ice cream, there would be massive prison riots and dead prison guards. I swear, Americans are incredibly f**king stupid. I love America, but I sure as f**k hate it's dumb ignorant citizens.
Conti also states another fact, NOBODY IN PRISONS LIKES EXECUTIONS. Not the wardens, in fact the majority of prison wardens are against the death penalty. Not the prison guard, and not the inmates. Of course she mentions one of the aggregious executions. The execution of a literally brain damaged inmate who shot him self, destroying his frontal lobes. He infamously got a piece of Pecan pie and he simply decided to put it aside and when asked why, he said "for later." He had no idea he was gonna be executed. To quote Christopher Hitchens.
"[Bill Clinton] personally flew down to Arkansas to personally supervise the execution of a lobotomized black defendant, inmate. Ricky Rectar by name. Who couldn't even understand the charges against him. He had blown his brain away. He was gone...uh...he didn't know he had been sentenced to death. He didn't understand when they came to give him his last meal what was happening and Clinton made it absolutely clear he was changing the subject 'your not gonna get me on law and order. Your not gonna think I'm 'soft'. Your not gonna WIlly Horton me. And the two things that sicken me are one, that he did this, in cold blood to this guy and two that noone in my profession and no one in the liberal wing of politics thought this was a test of character or of intention."
"the suggestion that it had, of a relationship in the president's mind; then governor's mind. Of a sick relationship between sex and death. That he would change the subject away from the illicit Flowers love nest [affaire] to the lethal chamber."
"This is a guy who, any other week would of been, would of received clemency from the governor, because there was no one in the prison, thought he should be executed and this is a tough prison. The prison chaplain resigned on this. The wardens have been quoted as saying "we shouldn't of done this to this guy. It was like KILLING A CHILD.'."
Then of course we got Cameron Todd WIllingham, who was proven to be totally innocent. Even the prosecutor admitted the evidence to convict him was utterly refuted. Govenor Rick Perry along with the prosecutor basically said "He beat his wife....SO WHO CARES?!" and had him executed anyway. Conti doesn't mention Willingham''s case though. But near the end of the book she does mention the fact that the supreme court ruled that it was legal to execute an INNOCENT person. Which would explain Todd Willingham. Because once again, they're excuse was "He beat his wife. He told her to "Go to f**king hell" while he was on the gurney getting the lethal injection; this was not a good guy." YA, BUT DID HE SET THE FIRE?! DID HE KILL HIS TWO KIDS?! NO, HE DIDN'T. NOT A SHRED OF EVIDENCE SHOWS HE DID THAT! "but he was mean to his wife" and that is enough apparently, and it isn't illegal, which is shocking. Rick Perry after this ran for president and lost badly aganst Obama, but during his campaign he was asked "you've executed more people then anyone else. Do you loose sleep at night, at the thought that any one of them might of been innocent." HE HAD JUST EXECUTED AN INNOCENT MAN; factually proven innocent and his answer "No, I've never struggled with that issue" and gave a short pro death penalty speech and the crowd disgustingly cheered him on. YA! WE LOVE EXECUTING PEOPLE; GUILTY OR INNOCENT!!!!!!
At the end of the book, Conti gives all her reasons for being against the death penalty, which I of course 100% agree with and already had these same exact reasons for being against the death penalty. One of them being "Isn't it an easier way out? Why not let them just rot in prison for the rest of their life?" I remember when Joseph DeAngelo was finally arrested, at 72. I actually saw a comment online going "He should be given the death penalty" and I am going "HE WAS JUST CAUGHT! HE'S 72! He's been allowed to roam free for 42 years. Now he's finally, FINALLY F**KING CAUGHT and you want him executed?! HOW IS THAT JUSTICE?! If I was personally one of the victims effected by this, I would feel CHEATED if he suddenly just collapsed and died from a heart attack or was executed by the state within 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 years. I'd want him to spend as much time in prison as humanely possible."
At the end of the book we photos, of Gacy, of Conti, her parents, at the prison in 1993/1994. We also get recent photos of her. We get photos of her with Gacy as well.
It details Gacy's last moments pretty well, which are stretched through out portions of the book.
We get the moment where they [Conti and her husband] visit the prison one last time to say goodbye to their client and it does paint a rather sad, almost surreal moment. With Gacy hanging out with family and friends. Even gives them a small banquet, of his last meal. Gacy even told Conti to eat some of it while he continued to talk to his friends and neighbors.
Conti also talks about "What about the victims" and how many just assume she must be this super callous cold person - that's why she is able to "defend such a monster" I personally have more of an issue with her defending scumbags like Charles Keating during the whole S and L crisis of the late 80s and early 90's then I do with her defending Gacy. Why?! Because Gacy has no power, he has no influence. He doesn't have billions of dollars. Politicians at his beck and call. Gacy was rotting in a prison cell and had to sell off his house, lost all of his money from his business, lost his business, and had to resort to paintings and a phone number you could call to "hear how he's really innocent" to make chump change. Even Karen Conti her self agrees, because she said although she did it because she was a lawyer, she did feel some guilt for defending such scumbags and defending the "under dog" including Gacy was a way to make up for that. I would feel the same way.
To quote a segment from a talk show, with my favorite criminologist. James Fox.
James Fox: Whether Manson wants his guitar, or Gacy wants his art. We're really talking minutia here. Because none of us here -
Son of sam victim/wife: NO, did the crime -
James Fox: None of us here would trade places, will you?! It's not so great in prison, no matter what they get.
Son of Sam victim/wife: They're still alive! My daughter is dead. *points to the other family members on stage* these people are dead.
Son of Sam victim/husband: You say it aint so good in prison?
James Fox: It's not good in prison. None of us would trade places, would you?
Son of Sam victim/husband: That man over there, visits Berkowitz in prison, right? The mans in prison with carpet floors and a colored TV. He has a gym. He weight lifts. Do you have a gym?
James Fox: I can live free and these people can't and they should never live free.
First off, why do inmates exercise and lift weights? BECAUSE IT'S PRISON. Your stuck in a small prison cell for 20-24 hours a day. That obviously effects your BODY.
Later on in the episode ...
James Fox: I'm a full supporter of victims rights and have written about victims and survivors but when ever there is a clash, that's when we have to look at the facts. The criminal is still the one under a sentence. Who's facing jeopardy in the court room. Let's have all the victims rights we can, so long as we don't have to TAKE AWAY from the offenders rights.
I personally may come off cold and callous when ever I attack victims and I admit, I do "attack victims" when it comes to the issue of "No notoriety", but the facts are the facts and scapegoating is scapegoating and exaggerating is exaggerating and society shouldn't have to SUFFER due to the victims being OFFENDED that the killer is now a "mini celebrity" or part of history.
To quote another talk show, about Dahmer victims.
Victim's "advocate": Annie, we love you, but we hate the book. Don't you think it gives the wrong impression of a wonderful city, pull of wonderful intelligent people -
Talk show host: Wait, but Jeanetta, YOU CAN NOT IGNORE THE FACT that this henious terror, crime spree EXISTED.
Later on talking about how normal Dahmer looked and how normal his apartment looked, but all around body parts scattered about:
Author and journalist: In the closet, in the freezer...this is very hard, because I'm sitting here with one of the victims and I know the pain of having this dredged up over and over, is not easy to talk about...
Victim's family: THEN WHY TALK ABOUT IT, ANNIE?! WHY TALK ABOUT IT? If you know this, why talk about it?
Author and journalist: Because I wanted there to be at least one recollection. I saw the headlines on the tabloids. I saw the first books that came out. Which were grossly inaccurate. I'm sure you know that. So I wanted there to be - if there's gonna be at least one book done, why not have a book done that is an accurate account. With accurate details. With research.
Victim's family: Why you have to sit here and talk about it today?
Author and journalist: Well, I think it's important to talk about it. If we don't talk about it, it's doomed to happen again and again.
The Dahmer victims are notorious for this. Because of the Dahmer victims the apartment Dahmer lived at was torn down. Displacing and moving hundreds of residents. One old man refused to move out of the apartment. He had been there for like 14 years and his thing was "That had nothing to do with me. Why you kicking me out? I had nothing to do with it. I don't want to leave". He was in his apartment right up to the second of the demolition. They had to call the police and have him escorted out of his home. WHY?! BECAUSE THE VICTIMS WANTED IT.
WHAT ABOUT THEIR RIGHTS?!
The chocolate factory Dahmer worked at. The Dahmer victims tried to close that down as well. But the owner refused. Eventually the Dahmer victims got the state to pass a bunch of BS regulation laws TARGETTING the chocolate factory. Forcing the chocolate factory to shut down and move out of state. Laying off thousands of workers. WHY?! BECAUSE THE VICTIMS WANTED IT.
WHAT ABOUT THEIR RIGHTS?!
This entire NOTION that "because the victims want it" is insane to me. There is a reason why we don't let emotionally biased people dictator OUR LAWS our justice system. Why here?!
And I've been ranting and raving against the No notoriety movement over and over agian in my reviews for books, but I never brought this fact up.
Let me quote the founders.
A journalist attempts to call them out on their BS. Pull back the curtains, defume the smoke screen. I should also add that journalism has great decreased in the past two decades to an obscene degree. Journalist have greatly abandoned basic journalism 101 and this includes the No notoriety movement coming in and violating basic journalism.
Journalist: during the editing process an editor said 'Well, this DOESN'T MAKE SENSE' we don't mention the names of these people in here. I think there is a NATURAL JOURNALISTIC instinct [based on basic journalistic practices; Who, why, what, and where] to be specific and to be descriptive and I think that a lot of the people in news rooms haven't gone through what you guys have gone through [why should this matter?! The news should be impartial.]. They haven't experienced that trauma. We don't know what it's like to see the image or the name of the person that killed your kid, over and over again and I think that's one of the reasons why there may be, you know, a a certain cognitive dissonance. Because it's a lack of familiarity [news should not be emotionally biased!!! News should be FAST, ACCURATE, CONCISE, AND TRUE; now a good journalist gets all four of them, how many did you get?!]. On a journalist level there is also this real desire to get as much information as possible about these things, as fast as possible and dig and dig and dig [Again, just basic journalism]. And I actually wanted to ask you guys, if I may. When there are shootings like the one in Canada. When there are these shootings. How do you guys consume the news now? I mean, do you guys not, do you try and sort of not read about the descriptions of these gunmen? Do you just sort of turn it off? What triggers it?
Founder of No notoriety: Well, well...see, I'm a little concerned with the perspective. Our perspective HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH OUR FEELINGS. IT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH ME HAVING TO SEE THAT 'THING' THAT KILLED MY SON - I sat in the court room with him, for 6 months. And um - it's NOT ABOUT THAT.
BULL F**KING SH*T!!!!!!! I CALL TOTAL F**KING BULLSH*T ON THAT!!!!!! THAT IS AN OUT RIGHT LIE, A BLATANT LIE and I'll f**king PROVE IT.
Here are two interviews before and after that interview and another where he gave a speech.
Founder of No notoriety: Range my phone and said 'Tom, there was a shooting. We were at the theater. I tried to wake him up but they pulled me away.' and I said 'WHERE'S ALEX?!' and she said 'They made me leave him. They made me leave him.' and then we spent - trying to find, you know calling hospitals at 4:45 in the morning Hawaii time. So we turn on the television. We could find out nothing other then seeing that 'thing's' face and what that 'thing' did. There wasn't anything about any victims. There was nothing. I couldn't even leave the televison on because I was gonna break it.
Should point out the fact that this quote out right proves the founders are media illiterate and have no f**king IDEA how journalism works or how police investigators do their job. I find it hilarious that they expect a news journalist to know ALL THE FACTS, know who was shot and killed. Who was injured within seconds. 72 people were injured, shot. 12 were shot and killed. The killer, James Holmes was caught IMMEDIATELY. Identified immediately. THE BODIES WEREN'T EVEN COLD YET. Alex's parents didn't know where he was, his gf who was WITH HIM, AT THE TIME - DIDN''T KNOW WHERE HE WAS....but a JOURNALIST who is still trying to piece together what the hell is happening is suppose to know? These people sound like CONSPIRACY THEORISTS!!! How long did it take for the investigators to identify the bodies?! And it is NOT the news media's job to report the names of the deceased to their families. That is HIGHLY SENSITIVE INFORMATION. That is the job of the police department, the coroner, etc. Who can give FACTUALLY ACCURATE information. But instead these idiots think the media should just willy nilly report "HAHAHA, uh, apparently Joe Blow is dead." Two hours later "oh, sh*t! Turns out we bad. Joe Blow is not dead. Joe Blow is alive and well. Hahahaha. SORRY. We BAD.' THAT'S WHAT YOU WANT?! And I should also point out that I had a very similar experience to this. Where my loved one was dead for 8 hours. I tried to call them on my cell phone. Had a panic attack, and then a relative said the coronor called amd said "I need to identify the body" and that is how they found out they were dead and they told me. Now why the hospital NEVER EVER CALLED. OR THE WORKPLACE never called us. That does in fact piss me off. Now a journalist in a mass casualty not being able to report who died. That is acceptable, reasonable, and it is NOT THERE JOB. That is up to the coronor, the investigators, etc. NOT the journalist. When it came to my loved one, IT IS THE JOB OF THE COMPANY TO TELL ME, IT IS THE JOB OF THE HOSPITAL TO TELL ME.
Read the rest of the review in my comments second. Too long.
April 30, 2024
As a Chicagoan, I remember John Wayne Gacy’s crimes well.
I am also a listener of Karen Conti, back to the days where she and Greg hosted “Legally Speaking” on WGN prior to Greg’s death.
I had been looking forward to reading this book and I was not disappointed.
Karen writes like she speaks.
It was an interesting narrative on both the death penalty and John Wayne Gacy. She did an amazing job describing how she came to know Gacy, and dare I say, showed his human side and his sense of humor. All that said, she did not mince words in describing exactly how evil Gacy was.
She also managed to explain, in laymen’s terms, the legal aspects of the death penalty.
Very interesting read.
I am also a listener of Karen Conti, back to the days where she and Greg hosted “Legally Speaking” on WGN prior to Greg’s death.
I had been looking forward to reading this book and I was not disappointed.
Karen writes like she speaks.
It was an interesting narrative on both the death penalty and John Wayne Gacy. She did an amazing job describing how she came to know Gacy, and dare I say, showed his human side and his sense of humor. All that said, she did not mince words in describing exactly how evil Gacy was.
She also managed to explain, in laymen’s terms, the legal aspects of the death penalty.
Very interesting read.
May 13, 2024
It was a solid book, doesn’t focus too much on the horror of the murders and gives interesting insight into having worked on the case. Not life changing but def interesting and informative.
July 16, 2024
Karen makes me want to turn back time and go to law school. I’ll happily read any book she publishes.
August 11, 2024
I was curious to see if I would find anything out that I didn’t already know about the life of JWG, and I definitely didn’t think I’d “enjoy” this as much as I did. In no way, do I condone what he did and the lives he’s ruined but when we as people can listen and learn from this mentally unstable individuals, it’s really quite interesting to hear them just be normal or justifying or not justifying their actions. Worth a listen if you are into true crime.
March 26, 2024
This was an engaging book that I couldn't put down. It gave captivating details about the process and what goes on behind the scenes when trying to defend a serial killer on death row. The author presented a point of view on the death penalty that provided me insights and a new perspective to consider. This is a must read.
July 15, 2024
There was not enough substance to tell a full story, so every time she visited the prison there were unnecessary descriptions of a six hour drive across Illinois. Too many random tangents that had nothing to do with the book.
The book lost a star for the random tangent about how Jeffrey MacDonald was innocent. Anyone who thinks that shouldn’t be able to represent someone in traffic court.
The book lost a star for the random tangent about how Jeffrey MacDonald was innocent. Anyone who thinks that shouldn’t be able to represent someone in traffic court.
April 20, 2024
Found guilty of murdering 33 people, John Wayne Gacy became one of America's most hated men. He remained a much-talked-about serial killer to date, from the day he was arrested until the night of his state-sanctioned death. But who was he really? What was his childhood like? Did he have any family or friends? Most importantly, was there anything human about him? In this nonfiction book, criminal lawyer Karen Conti delves into the life of John Wayne Gacy. Karen was Mr. Gacy’s lawyer, along with her partner.
This book captures Karen's experiences in a male-dominated profession, her marriage, her childhood, and, most importantly, her client, John Wayne Gacy. Karen also unequivocally expresses her stance on the death penalty, the victims of Gacy's crimes, and the discrimination that lawyers face when they choose to represent a criminal in court.
The well-done writing captures the life of a criminal lawyer, spelling out the pains and rewards of being an being an attorney-at-law. The photo gallery in the book includes a picture of Mr. Gacy when he was young and Karen posing in one of the photos with a box beside her. The content of the box is quite disturbing.
This book is a great read for aspiring lawyers, as it offers insights into courtroom proceedings. True crime fans will also find it very appropriate.
This book captures Karen's experiences in a male-dominated profession, her marriage, her childhood, and, most importantly, her client, John Wayne Gacy. Karen also unequivocally expresses her stance on the death penalty, the victims of Gacy's crimes, and the discrimination that lawyers face when they choose to represent a criminal in court.
The well-done writing captures the life of a criminal lawyer, spelling out the pains and rewards of being an being an attorney-at-law. The photo gallery in the book includes a picture of Mr. Gacy when he was young and Karen posing in one of the photos with a box beside her. The content of the box is quite disturbing.
This book is a great read for aspiring lawyers, as it offers insights into courtroom proceedings. True crime fans will also find it very appropriate.
June 4, 2024
Rounding up on a 3.5. This was not at all what I expected. If you are just looking for a tell all about the murders this isn't it but if you are know a lot about the Gacy case already this is an interesting perspective. Karen Conti and her husband ended up apart of the legal team attempting to save Gacy's life at the end and get his sentence changed to life. As someone who has always been strongly against the death penalty I have a lot of respect for Conti and how hard she's worked against it. Even though she directly says in the book she didn't want this story to read as a persuasive essay against DP it kind of does. I don't mean that in a bad way necessarily, this is just an odd look at humanizing not only Gacy but a lot of death row inmates in a way a lot of people may not have previously. She ended up developing an almost friendship with the serial killer and it's kind of crazy to read so much of how Gacy was in casual moments.
That being said I feel like this had a little much fluff at times. I enjoyed getting to know so much more about other aspects of Conti's career beyond Gacy but especially the beginning was a little jumpy and wordy for the sake of it. There were a few times throughout the book where it felt she was getting a little ranty and it didn't read very well.
That being said I feel like this had a little much fluff at times. I enjoyed getting to know so much more about other aspects of Conti's career beyond Gacy but especially the beginning was a little jumpy and wordy for the sake of it. There were a few times throughout the book where it felt she was getting a little ranty and it didn't read very well.
November 16, 2025
Killing Time with John Wayne Gacy is an unsettling, fascinating, and surprisingly human look inside one of the most infamous criminal cases in American history. Karen Conti, as Gacy’s death row attorney, offers a rare perspective-one that balances professional insight with the uncomfortable moral and emotional weight of defending a man like Gacy.
What makes this book so compelling is Conti’s honesty. She doesn’t sensationalize the crimes or try to excuse them; instead, she invites readers into the uneasy space between duty, justice, and revulsion. Her reflections on the legal system, the ethics of defense work, and the way this case affected her personally give the narrative a depth that true crime often lacks.
At times, the pacing slows when the legal details take center stage, but even then, it’s grounded by Conti’s clear-eyed writing and empathy. The book is less about Gacy himself and more about what it means to confront evil and what it costs to do your job when that evil looks you in the eye.
It’s intelligent, sobering, and deeply thought-provoking. For readers who appreciate true crime that digs beneath the surface to ask why and how rather than simply what happened, this one stands out.
What makes this book so compelling is Conti’s honesty. She doesn’t sensationalize the crimes or try to excuse them; instead, she invites readers into the uneasy space between duty, justice, and revulsion. Her reflections on the legal system, the ethics of defense work, and the way this case affected her personally give the narrative a depth that true crime often lacks.
At times, the pacing slows when the legal details take center stage, but even then, it’s grounded by Conti’s clear-eyed writing and empathy. The book is less about Gacy himself and more about what it means to confront evil and what it costs to do your job when that evil looks you in the eye.
It’s intelligent, sobering, and deeply thought-provoking. For readers who appreciate true crime that digs beneath the surface to ask why and how rather than simply what happened, this one stands out.
March 26, 2024
I have always loved a spine-tingling movie about crime sprees. Imagine getting a front-row seat to the trial of a notorious serial killer. Instead of the courtroom drama, you witness the psychological battle between lawyer and client. "Killing Time with John Wayne Gacy" isn't your typical true crime read. Author Karen Conti, the lawyer assigned to Gacy's final appeals, takes you on a journey that's as unsettling as attention-grabbing.
Conti doesn't just recount the gruesome details. She sheds light on the complex legal battle and the emotional toll of defending the seemingly harmless "Killer Clown." The book dives deep, exploring what could have turned Gacy into a monster. It's a chilling look into the human psyche, leaving you pondering the question: how can someone so ordinary commit such evil acts? I was glued to the legal maneuvers in the book and all that happens behind the scenes.
If you're looking for a true crime story beyond the blood and gore, "Killing Time with John Wayne Gacy" will stay long after you turn the last page.
Conti doesn't just recount the gruesome details. She sheds light on the complex legal battle and the emotional toll of defending the seemingly harmless "Killer Clown." The book dives deep, exploring what could have turned Gacy into a monster. It's a chilling look into the human psyche, leaving you pondering the question: how can someone so ordinary commit such evil acts? I was glued to the legal maneuvers in the book and all that happens behind the scenes.
If you're looking for a true crime story beyond the blood and gore, "Killing Time with John Wayne Gacy" will stay long after you turn the last page.
September 13, 2024
When I started this book I really liked it, and I was ready to give it a 5 star, review however I got further into the book and thought I could only place a 4 star review. When I had almost finished the book I dropped to 3 stars and at least 2 stars.
I like the way the author is penning her book, and how she gives information about John Wayne Gacy that was actually very interesting. When that is said she explains how she’s not trying to change people’s mind about capital punishment. But as I read it, she definitely is trying to have a say in changing people’s minds as she keeps rambling on and on about the unfairness of the death penalty etc. she even gets into the economy of capital punishment vs life incarnation.
Actually I don’t have any say in capital punishment or not, as where I live it’s not an option, however I don’t like when an author is trying to place their opinions on the public. And sadly that is what I’m getting from this book.
It’s very clear how Gacy has charmed this author.
I like the way the author is penning her book, and how she gives information about John Wayne Gacy that was actually very interesting. When that is said she explains how she’s not trying to change people’s mind about capital punishment. But as I read it, she definitely is trying to have a say in changing people’s minds as she keeps rambling on and on about the unfairness of the death penalty etc. she even gets into the economy of capital punishment vs life incarnation.
Actually I don’t have any say in capital punishment or not, as where I live it’s not an option, however I don’t like when an author is trying to place their opinions on the public. And sadly that is what I’m getting from this book.
It’s very clear how Gacy has charmed this author.
January 24, 2025
This is now the second book on Gacy I have finished, both of which were written from those involved with his defense. On the surface, I could understand why anyone would be upset with anything having to do with someone involved in defending a monster like Gacy. In this book, Conti makes no excuses for Gacy and clearly condems his actions. This story combines her belief in the legal system, and everyone being entitled to a proper defense, and her disagreement with the death penalty.
As with any book about serial killers, I find it nearly impossible to say, "I really enjoyed this book" primarily because the entire story involves unforgivable and horrific acts. The information presented in this book was done so with respect for the victims and the authors beliefs. I found insight into her personal interactions with Gacy as well as the process of handling a death penalty case, neither of which I will have any experience with. For readers of true crime, and even memoirs, this will be a book worth reading.
As with any book about serial killers, I find it nearly impossible to say, "I really enjoyed this book" primarily because the entire story involves unforgivable and horrific acts. The information presented in this book was done so with respect for the victims and the authors beliefs. I found insight into her personal interactions with Gacy as well as the process of handling a death penalty case, neither of which I will have any experience with. For readers of true crime, and even memoirs, this will be a book worth reading.
July 31, 2024
As a Chicago suburbanite who was a young child when in 1978, Gacy was my gateway into true crime before it was a thing. I’ve read and watched just about everything there is on Gacy. Most rehash the same info, often needlessly adding more drama and even downright changing the facts. THIS book is different. It’s a great perspective from a compassionate person who happens to be a lawyer. I personally don’t agree with Conti’s position on the death penalty, but I respect her opinion and her very thought provoking reasons for her opposition. Her insight into John Gacy’s charm and personality answers the nagging question of how so many people were drawn to him. How he became so well respected. And how he became a serial murderer without anyone knowing.
Excellent book and ranked high with Buried Dreams by Tim Cahill. One of the only other books I’ve ever read non stop and felt was factual and not embellished.
Excellent book and ranked high with Buried Dreams by Tim Cahill. One of the only other books I’ve ever read non stop and felt was factual and not embellished.
September 30, 2024
First, I met Mrs.Conti at a Convention in Savannah about - you guessed it, John Wayne Gacy. She was absolutely lovely. She spoke for an hour telling her story and answering questions. She said she hadn't prepared anything but you would never guess! Her public speaking skills are extraordinary and I think that shines through in her book.
Every other chapter pulls the thread from two different sides of the blanket, meeting neatly in the middle. Conti's personal experience is balanced with Gacy info and legal info. Karen's professionalism and dedication to her cause shine though the pages. I particularly like the feel good stories too(not Gacy related).
With an emphasis on human nature and human rights, "Killing Time with John Wayne Gacy" is a great way to kill some time while learning about the realities of Capital Punishment and Death Row.
Every other chapter pulls the thread from two different sides of the blanket, meeting neatly in the middle. Conti's personal experience is balanced with Gacy info and legal info. Karen's professionalism and dedication to her cause shine though the pages. I particularly like the feel good stories too(not Gacy related).
With an emphasis on human nature and human rights, "Killing Time with John Wayne Gacy" is a great way to kill some time while learning about the realities of Capital Punishment and Death Row.
December 2, 2024
I really never thought I’d be smiling to myself sharing an insider joke with John Wayne Gacy, but thanks to the authors mastery of words and innate humor (her dad was a stand up comedian after all) I am. I’m glad there are lawyers like this in the world to represent all people, bc at the end of the day, we are all humans and can connect on that level at the very least. Conti was not only smart but compassionate and empathetic while also being a bad ass. This woman has thick skin and probably puts up with a lot more than I could ever. I listened to the audio version and really enjoyed her narration of it. This book was definitely not pro Gacy but it was a bit anti capital punishment and also gave a look into the death row system.
April 1, 2024
Karen Conti brings you inside a prison with multiple violent killers and shows you that they are more than killers, they are people too. This book gives you a good overview of the inner workings of attorneys and the legal system associated with death row. Additionally, Karen shows you what John Wayne Gacy was like as a person.
An interesting fast paced book filled with detailed information about John Wayne Gacy's case, his life and ultimately, his death. If you are interested in becoming a death row attorney, interested in reading about an infamous killer, or just interested in learning about people on death row, this book is for you.
An interesting fast paced book filled with detailed information about John Wayne Gacy's case, his life and ultimately, his death. If you are interested in becoming a death row attorney, interested in reading about an infamous killer, or just interested in learning about people on death row, this book is for you.
May 13, 2024
This was an interesting read for me. I am pro capital punishment, but I'm never against reading or hearing about the opinions of others.
It's hard to give 5-stars when there were grammatical errors especially when the author made sure to point out Gacy's erros when she said on page 40, "but uneducated, mattering his sentences with aint's and other grammatical errors." Just one example was on page 34, "one officer led is one officer through a hallway." There were plenty more, but I didn't want to take time to write them out.
The author seemed to brag a lot about herself, which I didn't much like.
She didn't change my mind about capital punishment, but she got her point across.
It's hard to give 5-stars when there were grammatical errors especially when the author made sure to point out Gacy's erros when she said on page 40, "but uneducated, mattering his sentences with aint's and other grammatical errors." Just one example was on page 34, "one officer led is one officer through a hallway." There were plenty more, but I didn't want to take time to write them out.
The author seemed to brag a lot about herself, which I didn't much like.
She didn't change my mind about capital punishment, but she got her point across.
May 14, 2024
A surprisingly easy and light read. While there are many details, I heard an interview with the author (on Last Podcast on the Left) and she more or less told all her stories there. All the same, it's a good book. Plainly written.
I bought the book because of the interview. Conti is very well-spoken. Having read her book, and having some insight into her life, I now understand why that's the case. She worked in radio for years, and has been interviewed as a legal expert extensively.
Enjoyable book. Not too ghoulish. The descriptions of visiting death row and talking with Gacy are obvious highlights. Conti also talks about her legal career and argues against the death penalty.
I bought the book because of the interview. Conti is very well-spoken. Having read her book, and having some insight into her life, I now understand why that's the case. She worked in radio for years, and has been interviewed as a legal expert extensively.
Enjoyable book. Not too ghoulish. The descriptions of visiting death row and talking with Gacy are obvious highlights. Conti also talks about her legal career and argues against the death penalty.
February 2, 2025
Very good book…
Originally why I had purchased this book was I was curious for more information on the accomplice situation in the case and though I didn’t get as much as I would have liked from that angle I felt this was still a very good book.
It’s able to show that criminals are humans even if they are very abhorrent and deplorable people.
I am honestly so shocked this author has experienced a lot of anger from the public for doing their job in this field… I felt I got more of a picture of the personality Gacy entailed while also being able to gain more empathy for the people who have to defend people such as Gacy.
Originally why I had purchased this book was I was curious for more information on the accomplice situation in the case and though I didn’t get as much as I would have liked from that angle I felt this was still a very good book.
It’s able to show that criminals are humans even if they are very abhorrent and deplorable people.
I am honestly so shocked this author has experienced a lot of anger from the public for doing their job in this field… I felt I got more of a picture of the personality Gacy entailed while also being able to gain more empathy for the people who have to defend people such as Gacy.
October 25, 2025
Abolish the death penalty (it doesn’t mean you love killers)
It really is just any old funny guy
The way you treat your children matters
The justice system is shit and will always be
Sandra day O’Connor was a sexist asshole
People hate to see a woman in a position of power
I liked the way this was written. This is a story that hits close to home for me (my dad grew up a few blocks away from JW’s house) Loved seeing a lawyer’s side that really got to know John before his death date. I love the passion and courage this woman had through all the hate she was and still is getting.
It really is just any old funny guy
The way you treat your children matters
The justice system is shit and will always be
Sandra day O’Connor was a sexist asshole
People hate to see a woman in a position of power
I liked the way this was written. This is a story that hits close to home for me (my dad grew up a few blocks away from JW’s house) Loved seeing a lawyer’s side that really got to know John before his death date. I love the passion and courage this woman had through all the hate she was and still is getting.
May 24, 2024
i had to get this book my daughter has every book on gacy and this is diffrent because it is someone who knew him at the end and explains what he was like and how they became friends my daughter found out more about gacy she didnt know from this book i did enjoy it and it was very well written as she said alot of people were mad at her for trying to help gacy but thats their problem she was just doing her job
October 11, 2024
This was really good and so much I had no idea about! The fact that there are still likely people buried and it hasn't been searched properly is quite troublesome.
She was brave for taking on the case and dealing with the lifetime of threats and hate over it. I do appreciate her points that life in prison is a better sentence than the death penalty for the many reasons she listed in the book.
This was very informative and well told.
She was brave for taking on the case and dealing with the lifetime of threats and hate over it. I do appreciate her points that life in prison is a better sentence than the death penalty for the many reasons she listed in the book.
This was very informative and well told.
July 27, 2025
It was a complete chore for me to finish this book. I hated every single second of it, but I have a hard fast rule to give a book the benefit of the doubt until the end. It was more like she got off on tangents instead of presenting the case. I also didn't care to read about her life rather I thought I was going to read about the life of the man she was representing. This book needs to go the way Ms. Conti's client did.
December 9, 2025
Serial killer John Wayne Gacy's final death-penalty lawyer recounts her time with him — his humanity, his humor, his on-and-off confessions. She repeatedly says the book is not written to be an anti-death penalty treatise, but she spends an inordinate amount of time recounting why we shouldn't have a death penalty. Probably because her time with Gacy was limited, the narrative goes down various rabbit trails about her life, other prisoners, and of course, the death penalty itself.
February 26, 2024
Looking for an insightful view on what lawyers’ face in the courtrooms and dealing with some of the worst the world has to offer? Then pick up Karen Conti’s book Killing Time with John Wayne Gacy. She gives unprecedent insight into her experiences and reasons why she chooses to be the lawyer she is while representing one of the world’s worst criminals of the time.
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