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Into the Madness: A Killer’s Game, a Woman’s Obsession, a Dark Conspiracy
On July 4, 2022, a shooter climbed onto a rooftop in Highland Park, Illinois, and opened fire on a Fourth of July parade below, killing seven people and wounding dozens more. Prosecutors charged Robert “Bobby” Crimo III with the mass shooting. But this attack was part of something even more insidious. Bobby had created an elaborate game—complete with cryptic videos, a book of numbers, and an eerie online presence—designed to seed a conspiracy theory about the massacre.
Into the Madness is a deep dive into the events leading up to the mass shooting and the story of a woman who became a confidant to Crimo and the final player in his game. Drawing from dozens of interviews and more than 48 hours of recorded calls with Bobby, investigative journalist Trevor Aaronson tells a story that will challenge everything you think you know about mass shootings, conspiracy theories, and the fragile boundary between reality and illusion.
The series explores the rise of nihilistic violence, the role of technology in fostering extremism, and America’s collective descent into conspiracy thinking. Into the Madness will leave you questioning where the truth ends—and the madness begins.
Into the Madness is an Audible Original, produced by Trevor Aaronson and Western Sound.
This program contains graphic descriptions of violence and death, as well as recordings of a man accused of committing mass murder. Listener discretion is advised.
Into the Madness is a deep dive into the events leading up to the mass shooting and the story of a woman who became a confidant to Crimo and the final player in his game. Drawing from dozens of interviews and more than 48 hours of recorded calls with Bobby, investigative journalist Trevor Aaronson tells a story that will challenge everything you think you know about mass shootings, conspiracy theories, and the fragile boundary between reality and illusion.
The series explores the rise of nihilistic violence, the role of technology in fostering extremism, and America’s collective descent into conspiracy thinking. Into the Madness will leave you questioning where the truth ends—and the madness begins.
Into the Madness is an Audible Original, produced by Trevor Aaronson and Western Sound.
This program contains graphic descriptions of violence and death, as well as recordings of a man accused of committing mass murder. Listener discretion is advised.
5 pages, Audible Audio
Published February 20, 2025
16 people are currently reading
54 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
March 31, 2025
So, this audiobook is about a mass shooting, but actually concentrates more on the exponential rise in conspiracy theories.
It's not surprising to me that some people believe these things. The current US President complained about "fake news", but subscribes to some of them himself - who can forget the claim of Haitian immigrants eating people's pets in Springfield, Ohio!!
Conspiracies are usually more interesting than facts after all...
It's not surprising to me that some people believe these things. The current US President complained about "fake news", but subscribes to some of them himself - who can forget the claim of Haitian immigrants eating people's pets in Springfield, Ohio!!
Conspiracies are usually more interesting than facts after all...
March 2, 2025
Why? Why? Why?
Why has a segment of our society become obsessed and hypnotized by conspiracy theories?
At first I thought I was listening to a work of fiction. It is not fiction. It is an audio documentary about a deranged white male young adult who plotted and carried out a mass shooting in Highland Park, Illinois,a suburb of Chicago on the Fourth of July celebration and the woman who loved him and was slavishly convinced of his innocence.
The story was and narrated by investigative journalist Trevor Aaronson.
Robert "Bobby" Crimo III was an anti social teenager whose right wing father had an affection for guns. Back in the day, like in the 1940-1950s, these men would adhere to the societal pressure of getting married, having a family and being the financial provider. Now that women of marriageable age have jobs and can support themselves they don’t want the shackles of marriage. So the traditional men, starting from high school, don’t know where they fit so they turn to the internet.
On the internet they can find like-minded right wing losers with whom they can find belonging. Enter into this scenario that the loser/loners crave being the star of their ultimate goal: garnering public exposure of their efforts to rid the United States of anyone who is not is white.
Bobby is increasingly sucked into a world of conspiracy theorists.
So Bobby plots an attack in small town America. He wants to wake everybody up. The best way to do it is to explode a bomb at the 4th of July celebration at which all of the town turns out. Of course, every right winger has ready access to guns do sufficiently armed he assassinates 7 people and wounds dozens of others.
He is caught and is confined in jail, awaiting trial. It is a slam dunk case for the prosecution because in addition to rock solid evidence, Bobby confesses.
Despite overwhelming evidence, Jaime, Bobby’s fan-girl, is slavishly adhering to the belief that Bobby is innocent. She devotes an inordinate amount of time researching the crime to prive Bobby’s innocence. Her actions ate those typical of a lovestruck teenager but it turns out that despite her youthful sounding voice and actions she is actually in her 40s, 20 years older than Bobbie. While Bobby is in jail awaiting trial, he regularly calls Jaime in order for her to blast his message to social media.
Trevor and Jaime work together to discover the truth although they have different goals. Jaime believes in Bobby’s innocence. Trevor believe that Bobby is guilty.
I was both fascinated and repulsed.
Why has a segment of our society become obsessed and hypnotized by conspiracy theories?
At first I thought I was listening to a work of fiction. It is not fiction. It is an audio documentary about a deranged white male young adult who plotted and carried out a mass shooting in Highland Park, Illinois,a suburb of Chicago on the Fourth of July celebration and the woman who loved him and was slavishly convinced of his innocence.
The story was and narrated by investigative journalist Trevor Aaronson.
Robert "Bobby" Crimo III was an anti social teenager whose right wing father had an affection for guns. Back in the day, like in the 1940-1950s, these men would adhere to the societal pressure of getting married, having a family and being the financial provider. Now that women of marriageable age have jobs and can support themselves they don’t want the shackles of marriage. So the traditional men, starting from high school, don’t know where they fit so they turn to the internet.
On the internet they can find like-minded right wing losers with whom they can find belonging. Enter into this scenario that the loser/loners crave being the star of their ultimate goal: garnering public exposure of their efforts to rid the United States of anyone who is not is white.
Bobby is increasingly sucked into a world of conspiracy theorists.
So Bobby plots an attack in small town America. He wants to wake everybody up. The best way to do it is to explode a bomb at the 4th of July celebration at which all of the town turns out. Of course, every right winger has ready access to guns do sufficiently armed he assassinates 7 people and wounds dozens of others.
He is caught and is confined in jail, awaiting trial. It is a slam dunk case for the prosecution because in addition to rock solid evidence, Bobby confesses.
Despite overwhelming evidence, Jaime, Bobby’s fan-girl, is slavishly adhering to the belief that Bobby is innocent. She devotes an inordinate amount of time researching the crime to prive Bobby’s innocence. Her actions ate those typical of a lovestruck teenager but it turns out that despite her youthful sounding voice and actions she is actually in her 40s, 20 years older than Bobbie. While Bobby is in jail awaiting trial, he regularly calls Jaime in order for her to blast his message to social media.
Trevor and Jaime work together to discover the truth although they have different goals. Jaime believes in Bobby’s innocence. Trevor believe that Bobby is guilty.
I was both fascinated and repulsed.
June 3, 2025
Into the Madness
Audio Version
Overall Grade: C+
Information: B
Writing/Organization: C+
Narration: C
Best Aspect: A story I knew very little about so it was interesting to learn.
Worst Aspect: The audio format with phone calls was not the most enjoyable.
Recommend: Yes.
Audio Version
Overall Grade: C+
Information: B
Writing/Organization: C+
Narration: C
Best Aspect: A story I knew very little about so it was interesting to learn.
Worst Aspect: The audio format with phone calls was not the most enjoyable.
Recommend: Yes.
March 20, 2025
An interesting look at how some people are so easily manipulated and controlled by individuals and conspiracies. The mental gymnastics that people use to justify their beliefs is astounding. However, whilst I understand the purpose of this text, I am deeply saddened by the lack of meaningful mentions of the many victims of this horrific crime. Those killed or injured are not even named (just as they aren’t on the Wikipedia page dedicated to this tragedy). Far too often, we focus on the perpetrators and ignore the countless victims. In my humble opinion, for us to change in society, this focus also needs to change.
April 17, 2025
This is a quick overview of the Highland Park shooting, and the conspiracy theories that surround it.
Bobby is a manipulative little twerp that ruined countless lives, and that fact that people are buying into it as a set up and playing his “game” is absolutely bonkers to me.
I don’t know where Jamie/James ended up after all this, but I truly HOPE she (and her children) got the behavioral health treatment they very obviously need.
Bobby is a manipulative little twerp that ruined countless lives, and that fact that people are buying into it as a set up and playing his “game” is absolutely bonkers to me.
I don’t know where Jamie/James ended up after all this, but I truly HOPE she (and her children) got the behavioral health treatment they very obviously need.
March 26, 2025
DNF. It felt that Jamie was desperate to find a reason other than the motives ascribed to judge the appalling actions of an individual. Not invested enough to see through to the end and not much said about the atrocity itself and the victims.
March 18, 2025
Rating 4/5⭐️
Into The Madness: A Killers Game, A Woman's Obsession, A Dark Conspiracy is a non-fiction book based on the mass shooting on 7/4/2022 in Illinois where Bobby Crimo was charged with the crime, but he had even more things at play.
The author does a great job exploring the differing narratives and the events leads up to the shooting. It is a deep dive into the story of a woman who ended up being the final player in this shooter's game and became quite obsessed with him.
This was an audible original and the narration was excellent. This does contain graphic violence and the records of the man accused of this crime
Into The Madness: A Killers Game, A Woman's Obsession, A Dark Conspiracy is a non-fiction book based on the mass shooting on 7/4/2022 in Illinois where Bobby Crimo was charged with the crime, but he had even more things at play.
The author does a great job exploring the differing narratives and the events leads up to the shooting. It is a deep dive into the story of a woman who ended up being the final player in this shooter's game and became quite obsessed with him.
This was an audible original and the narration was excellent. This does contain graphic violence and the records of the man accused of this crime
April 27, 2025
great book about a true story. really interesting to have those jail calls and other interviews incorporated into the audible book. would recommend!
March 10, 2025
Much more of a long podcast than an audiobook. And much more about the delusions and conspiracy theories of a mentally ill woman who became obsessed with the case than it is about the shooter or the shooting.
April 15, 2025
This was a chilling, eye-opening deep dive into the unsettling intersection of paranoia, power, and the lengths people will go to in pursuit of control. The themes were haunting—conspiracy, manipulation, and the ever-blurring line between truth and fiction. It painted a picture of a world where fear becomes a weapon and trust is a fragile, easily shattered thing. The setting felt eerily real, not just because of its factual basis but because it tapped into something deeply relevant and disturbing.
The writing had a sharp, investigative edge, balancing meticulous research with a gripping, almost cinematic storytelling style. Every detail unfolded with precision, making it impossible to stop listening. The pacing was relentless, pulling me deeper into a story that felt stranger than fiction yet terrifyingly real. As an audiobook, it was even more immersive—the urgency of the narration made it feel like a story that demanded to be heard. It wasn’t just informative; it was an experience, one that left a lingering sense of unease long after the final chapter.
Read more here: https://annietheinkdrinker.wordpress....
The writing had a sharp, investigative edge, balancing meticulous research with a gripping, almost cinematic storytelling style. Every detail unfolded with precision, making it impossible to stop listening. The pacing was relentless, pulling me deeper into a story that felt stranger than fiction yet terrifyingly real. As an audiobook, it was even more immersive—the urgency of the narration made it feel like a story that demanded to be heard. It wasn’t just informative; it was an experience, one that left a lingering sense of unease long after the final chapter.
Read more here: https://annietheinkdrinker.wordpress....
May 25, 2025
a hauntingly introspective journey that masterfully intertwines philosophical allegory with psychological suspense. Echoing the shadows on the wall from Plato’s cave, it confronts the listener with a discomforting truth: we often don't realize the walls of our own cages until it's far too late. The metaphor of the bird—singing unaware of its confinement—is a subtle yet piercing reminder of how easily we mistake illusion for freedom.
At its core, the audiobook delves into the seductive nature of conspiracy theories—not as fringe beliefs, but as emotional sanctuaries. They offer clarity in chaos, villains in ambiguity, and above all, a sense of control. But this comfort comes at a cost. Each theory is a rung downward in a descent not into knowledge, but into curated delusion. Into the Madness doesn’t just tell a story—it holds a mirror to our willingness to trade truth for narrative.
An unsettling, thought-provoking experience, this audiobook lingers long after the final word
At its core, the audiobook delves into the seductive nature of conspiracy theories—not as fringe beliefs, but as emotional sanctuaries. They offer clarity in chaos, villains in ambiguity, and above all, a sense of control. But this comfort comes at a cost. Each theory is a rung downward in a descent not into knowledge, but into curated delusion. Into the Madness doesn’t just tell a story—it holds a mirror to our willingness to trade truth for narrative.
An unsettling, thought-provoking experience, this audiobook lingers long after the final word
June 7, 2025
This was definitely interesting as I didn’t know much of anything about the Highland Park shooting. Unfortunately too much time and space is devoted to James/Jamie and her conspiracy theories that the shooter was coerced and/or framed into the crime. There were so many histrionic phone calls and interviews with her. I mean this with all love, I truly hope she gets some help.
This is essentially a series of interviews/podcast more than a book so please know that going in. The author made some really interesting points about the omnipresent role of conspiracy theories and how American society has changed but it felt like two different books squashed into one. Also, this definitely reignited my own inner struggle regarding true crime and whether we are giving perpetrators a voice and a platform rather than their victims.
If this sounds remotely interesting to you, feel free to listen but don’t expect any great answers or information about the purported topic.
This is essentially a series of interviews/podcast more than a book so please know that going in. The author made some really interesting points about the omnipresent role of conspiracy theories and how American society has changed but it felt like two different books squashed into one. Also, this definitely reignited my own inner struggle regarding true crime and whether we are giving perpetrators a voice and a platform rather than their victims.
If this sounds remotely interesting to you, feel free to listen but don’t expect any great answers or information about the purported topic.
March 30, 2025
I could easily see this being a 3 star. The problem with this for me is the focus is on the obsessed Jaime. She and Bobby's mother have Fox McNews syndrome and believe wild crackpot theories instead of reality. Why am I surprised? At least 40% of the US believes that science is crap and whatever they believe is reality. Screw personal responsibility. Anyway, I digress. Yes, you learn a lot about the mentally deranged Bobby Crimo III but the author even states at the end the story became about Jaime and he is obsessed with her as much as she is obsessed with Bobby. A forty something obsessed with a teen? Creepy as Bobby is. Where are her kids? She did not mention or see to notice she had any. Creepy, disturbing, makes me fear for the future. Electronic brain-rot is real.
April 30, 2025
This was an interesting documentary. I actually don’t remember this event, but definitely makes you think about that the FBI could possibly be involved in that us normal citizens have no idea about. I feel like I was still left with a lot of questions. Why did he do this? Was he conned into doing this for somebody else? Why was he being so vague to Jamie when she would ask him questions? Was he really just playing a game the whole time? Just so much still not answered and left wondering why. I also don’t understand why Jamie was helping Bobby so much when she was getting absolutely nothing out of it. But still a very interesting documentary. I have listened to several others by Trevor and enjoyed them. I like how he does his documentary on podcasts and interviews.
May 9, 2025
I learned a number of things from this short book, such as websites devoted to gore that shouldn't have surprised me but did, and the rise of conspiracy theories which did not surprise me at all. Jamie was an interesting case, absolutely looking for meaning in the meaningless and completely manipulated by someone who just went along with her and fed into her conspiracy theories when it was obvious he had her on the hook.
This work also gave the perspective of how the news may report information without context or restraint in order to make stories more inflammatory. Honestly, it was a little hard to listen to this woman be so thoroughly taken in by this loser.
This work also gave the perspective of how the news may report information without context or restraint in order to make stories more inflammatory. Honestly, it was a little hard to listen to this woman be so thoroughly taken in by this loser.
April 12, 2025
Finished in a day because I couldn’t stop listening. Makes me really want to delve more into the causes behind such horrible events, which I’ve found myself trying to understand more. Hopefully science can find some more solutions to help prevent them. The title is worth listening to, especially if you enjoy Audible Originals. It had a few frustrating moments, which I think any good story will, but it didn’t take away from anything. Will be adding to my recommendations for others.
July 7, 2025
This podcast-style audiobook explores the Highland Park shooting. Instead of focusing on victims or the event itself, it follows a woman’s decent into conspiracy theories—fueled by emotional manipulation and a toxic relationship with the shooter.
While I was immersed in the story, I found the listen unsettling. I think it raises good questions about control and misinformation. That said, I wish it gave a more factual recounting of the tragedy and focused more on the victims (thanks “Bright Young Women” for forever changing my opinion on media about tragic events).
This is an intriguing listen if you’re curious about conspiracy thinking and want a look into a “case study” of sorts!
While I was immersed in the story, I found the listen unsettling. I think it raises good questions about control and misinformation. That said, I wish it gave a more factual recounting of the tragedy and focused more on the victims (thanks “Bright Young Women” for forever changing my opinion on media about tragic events).
This is an intriguing listen if you’re curious about conspiracy thinking and want a look into a “case study” of sorts!
August 4, 2025
Hybristophilia
Learned a new word today - hybristophilia is the phenomenon characterized by sexual interest in and attraction to those who commit crimes.
I barely remember the Robert "Bobby" Crimo mass shooting. Which is good when we forget about the killer and remember the victims.
Trevor Aaronson investigation is very interesting but I'm not all on board with all the conspiracy theories.
The 'ultimate fan', Jaime, is quite the shock!!
Learned a new word today - hybristophilia is the phenomenon characterized by sexual interest in and attraction to those who commit crimes.
I barely remember the Robert "Bobby" Crimo mass shooting. Which is good when we forget about the killer and remember the victims.
Trevor Aaronson investigation is very interesting but I'm not all on board with all the conspiracy theories.
The 'ultimate fan', Jaime, is quite the shock!!
December 26, 2025
I found the Easter egg / alternate reality game aspects of Bobby’s life and crime fascinating. I can only give 3 stars though because the author displays extreme political bias throughout and makes sweeping generalizations and conclusions about “conspiracy theories “ in the United States. The author is definitely a normie. I did find the Jamie character to be semi interesting as well and would be interested to learn more about women attracted by violent crime.
March 13, 2025
It's a shame more isn't written and spoken about the victims and less about the shooters. Maybe they wouldn't want to seek fame by killing others. This was all about Jaime and her obsession with Bobby. Very little about Bobby and the horrific crime he committed. Didn't like the format or much else about it.
April 9, 2025
I found this book on audible as a freebie, and I was familiar with the crime that the book initially focuses on. The book really though is more about a woman who becomes uncomfortably obsessed with the murderer. The audiobook feels more like a podcast of conversations in people’s own voices, and I’m convinced the title of the book is actually more about her than the actual murderer.
May 7, 2025
True crime? Yes. Against us.
MKUltra, mind control, subliminal messaging. Conspiracy? I don’t think so. There’s too many of us that see these things happening. Is nihilism necessary? No. But, we (as a people, everywhere) need to be a little more John Nash, a little more Bobby, a little more… descended (Into the Madness).
Wake up.
MKUltra, mind control, subliminal messaging. Conspiracy? I don’t think so. There’s too many of us that see these things happening. Is nihilism necessary? No. But, we (as a people, everywhere) need to be a little more John Nash, a little more Bobby, a little more… descended (Into the Madness).
Wake up.
March 3, 2025
What an interesting case. I can appreciate that the author was going based off mostly facts and not getting sucked in one way or the other.
Also can we talk about how Jamie was about double his age and talking about kit how she had a connection with Bobby when he was like 16? Freaking gross
Also can we talk about how Jamie was about double his age and talking about kit how she had a connection with Bobby when he was like 16? Freaking gross
March 11, 2025
Trevor does a great job exploring the narratives surrounding this mass shooter. This provided a good discussion about ARGs, conspiracies, online communities, and how easy it can be to get caught in these things. I enjoyed how this was presented and that the story wasn't limited on one path.
March 15, 2025
Idk this one’s hard for me to rate. I wouldn’t even call it a book as it’s definitely more of a long form podcast. A nonfiction true crimes podcast. Not horrible, not the best. Good audio clips. Very political, and investigates a mass shooting. Wouldn’t necessarily recommend it.
March 25, 2025
A short (4 1/2 hours) audio with a big story. A mass murderer and the people in his orbit. There are people that live and breathe conspiracy theories who continue to stand with/behind the shooter. Worth a listen.
May 26, 2025
This was a good look behind the scenes. Put a lot of thought into how we see what we want to see and that finding clarity is not always easy.
I think I would have liked it more if it wasn’t written for an audiobook, is that makes sense. This is more interview-like and less narrative.
I think I would have liked it more if it wasn’t written for an audiobook, is that makes sense. This is more interview-like and less narrative.
February 28, 2025
I personally did not enjoyed it it seemed rushed quickly put together with quick interviews to try to do something in time and it just wasn’t for me
April 24, 2025
An awful example of how mass delusions enabled by crazy internet conspiracy theories led to a mass shooting at a 4th of July celebration in Highland Park, Illinois.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews