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Dig Me a Grave: The Inside Story of the Serial Killer Who Seduced the South
Of the hundreds of murder cases that noted South Carolina attorney Dick Harpootlian has prosecuted, one in particular haunts him. Donald "Pee Wee" Gaskins was a serial killer and rapist, a master manipulator who claimed to have killed over 100 people and is known to have murdered over a dozen. Yet it was on Death Row that he pulled off his most audacious murder—killing another inmate with a military grade explosive.
As personable as he was ruthless, Pee Wee defied easy categories. He killed to avenge minor slights as well as for pleasure, using any convenient method. Evidence suggested he forced at least one victim to dig his own grave, stand in it, and be shot.
Pee Wee murdered acquaintances, friends, family members, and strangers. Yet within his community he was well-liked—a family man who took neighborhood kids to the beach and hosted cookouts. Ice-cold within but outwardly charming, he joked with judges, reporters, and Harpootlian himself, but didn't hesitate to hatch a plot to kidnap the prosecutor's daughter in order to extort an escape.
Dig Me a Grave is a haunting look at a prolific, remorseless killer, as well as a provocative exploration of justice and the death penalty.
As personable as he was ruthless, Pee Wee defied easy categories. He killed to avenge minor slights as well as for pleasure, using any convenient method. Evidence suggested he forced at least one victim to dig his own grave, stand in it, and be shot.
Pee Wee murdered acquaintances, friends, family members, and strangers. Yet within his community he was well-liked—a family man who took neighborhood kids to the beach and hosted cookouts. Ice-cold within but outwardly charming, he joked with judges, reporters, and Harpootlian himself, but didn't hesitate to hatch a plot to kidnap the prosecutor's daughter in order to extort an escape.
Dig Me a Grave is a haunting look at a prolific, remorseless killer, as well as a provocative exploration of justice and the death penalty.
Audible Audio
Published December 16, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Pee Wee Gaskins was a real piece of work....jeez.
I have been wanting to read about Pee Wee for quite some time, so I was pleasantly surprised to come across this review copy on netgalley. I love that the story is written by the Prosecutor of Gaskins case. I think it's a one of a kind perspective that only someone who lived it first hand can really portray. I think it provided a decent glimpse into who he was, the crimes he committed and then the eventual sentencing and execution.
I still may read another book about Pee Wee,perhaps one that is more focused on his crimes and is more in depth. But this was a great place to start.
I have been wanting to read about Pee Wee for quite some time, so I was pleasantly surprised to come across this review copy on netgalley. I love that the story is written by the Prosecutor of Gaskins case. I think it's a one of a kind perspective that only someone who lived it first hand can really portray. I think it provided a decent glimpse into who he was, the crimes he committed and then the eventual sentencing and execution.
I still may read another book about Pee Wee,perhaps one that is more focused on his crimes and is more in depth. But this was a great place to start.
January 17, 2026
The story of serial killer Pee Wee Gaskins as told by the man who prosecuted him..Dick Harpootlian. Dick is also the narrator of the audiobook.
I live in SC but this was before my time and it was very interesting to hear about Pee Wee.
Nobody knows how many people Pee Wee killed but this man was a terrible man. He killed children, mothers, men, basically anyone!! He even killed someone in jail!!! There was also some legal things going on with the death penalty during his time in jail, The story was good but I found it a little disjointed at times.
I live in SC but this was before my time and it was very interesting to hear about Pee Wee.
Nobody knows how many people Pee Wee killed but this man was a terrible man. He killed children, mothers, men, basically anyone!! He even killed someone in jail!!! There was also some legal things going on with the death penalty during his time in jail, The story was good but I found it a little disjointed at times.
December 22, 2025
I am no fan of Dick Harpootlian as a person, but he is admittedly one of the best people to write about Pee Wee Gaskins.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews