The Trial of Patty Hearst: The Captive Mind

Trials of the Century Collection #3

by Celine Fitzmaurice

*A true story that divided America*

Was Patty Hearst guilty? What's your verdict?

A 90-minute standalone full-cast audio-drama. Available as an audiobook, it draws on the DNA of radio plays and documentary dramas.

Release date: Women’s Equality Day — 26 August 2026

Fifty years ago, newspaper heiress Patty Hearst entered a San Francisco courtroom accused of armed bank robbery, two years after her dramatic kidnapping by the radical Symbionese Liberation Army. By then, America had already watched one of the strangest public transformations of the decade unfold: a young woman seized by political extremists who later appeared in bank security photographs carrying a rifle alongside them.

Her trial was an inquisition: was she a victim, an accomplice, or something far harder to define?

This immersive courtroom production revisits one of the most psychologically complex legal dramas of the twentieth century.

Drawn from the original trial transcripts and contemporary reporting, this full-cast audio drama recreates the key courtroom exchanges between prosecution and defence as they wrestle with coercion, ideology, trauma, and personal responsibility. At the centre lies a question that felt startlingly modern even then: what happens when a captive appears to adopt the beliefs of their captors?

Among those who publicly supported Hearst was Truman Capote, who argued that her behaviour should be understood through the emerging psychological framework then popularly associated with Stockholm syndrome — a concept still new, contested, and imperfectly understood at the time.

Her trial became not merely a criminal proceeding, but a wider cultural argument about free will, influence, privilege, media spectacle, and the ways women are judged under extraordinary pressure.

The Trial of Patty Hearst: The Captive Mind is the third title in the Trials of the Century audiobook series, following The Trial of Leopold and Loeb and The Trial of Dr Crippen. The next title in the series is The Trial of Lizzie Borden.

Genres: True Crime, Audiobook, Nonfiction, History, Crime, Biography

66 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 17, 2026

Reviews

[GCR | Book Realm]

I received this audiobook through NetGalley.

The Trial of Patty Hearst: The Captive Mind is the third installment I’ve listened to in this quick true crime series, and I’m really enjoying the series.

This case was really interesting because both sides were compelling. Was Patty truly in it, or was there more going on? I kept going back and forth while listening, which made it even more engaging. It’s not a case that feels simple, and that is what makes it stand out.

I love documentaries, and the full cast narration gives this that same kind of courtroom-documentary feel. It really does make you feel like you’re sitting there listening to the testimony, trying to decide who you believe and where you stand.

The audio format works really well for this series. The full cast helps separate the different voices and perspectives, and the pacing keeps it simple and quick without feeling rushed.

Overall, this was another strong listen in the series. I’d recommend it to listeners who enjoy true crime, courtroom cases, historical trials, documentary-style storytelling, and full cast narration.

[Mamawattto4 Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Classic Crime and NetGalley for the audio ARC

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

As a true crime fan, I absolutely loved The Trial of Patty Hearst: The Captive Mind by Celine Fitzgerald. This audiobook is a dramatized version of the courtroom recordings from Patty Hearst’s trial, and it was such a fascinating listening experience.

The narration was excellent and really brought the courtroom proceedings to life. The dramatized format made it feel immersive and engaging, almost like I was sitting in the courtroom myself. Even though I was familiar with the case, hearing the testimony and arguments presented this way gave me a whole new perspective on the story.

If you’re interested in true crime, courtroom dramas, or historical cases that still spark debate today, I highly recommend this audiobook. It was informative, captivating, and one of those listens that stayed with me long after it ends.

[Stephanie Sides · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for an early listening copy of this audiobook. I have heard about the Party Hearst case growing up. This full cast audiobook felt like I was in the courtroom listening to the trial as it was happening in real time. I almost forgot that it was a dramatization of court transcripts from over 50 years ago.

[Netanella · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the third in the Trials of the Century series, which focus on retelling famous court cases of the 20th century via courtroom transcripts. The best option for these books, I believe, is the audiobook format, as individual voice actors take on the roles of the various people, including reporters, involved at the time.

This episode deals with with the famous Patty Hearst case. Heart was the granddaughter of famed newspaper mogul William Randolph Hearst, and in the 1970s she was kidnapped by a radical leftist college group, the SLA, and later was involved in one of their bank robberies. The courtroom drama was fascinating to listen to, and my only complaint was that it was so short. Very inspirational for further research, however.

[nyx · Rating 4 out of 5]

The case that split the public, that had the FBI launch one of the most massive, agent-intensive searches in its history, and involved three US presidents.

A complicated one, to say the least. The book does a good job to present both sides: Patty as a victim and Patty as a criminal. Because the truth is that she was both. Brainwashing and post-traumatic-stress-disorders were discussed in her defence, while the prosecution insisted on her full awareness and voluntary participation in the criminal acts.

Like the other two books in the series, the audiobook is presented as a dramatisation of the transcripts of the trial with a full cast of voice actors. Again very well done, with the right amount of information needed to have a complete view on the case.
The collection ‘Trials of the Century’ is definitely a hidden gem for true crime enjoyers.

— nyx ♡

[Emily | bookwhispererem · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Trial of Patty Hearst is a succinct, yet comprehensive full-cast dramatized narration of a trial that continues to fascinate many. Told through a full-cast narration, this immersive audiobook makes you feel as if you are present in the courtroom. It is clearly well-researched, with excellent pacing and the perfect amount of detail and information provided (there’s no unnecessary fluff, nor did I feel like aspects were left out). This is my first read as part of the Trials of a Century series, and I look forward to more! True crime podcast enthusiasts will enjoy this listen; at a little over an hour, it felt like listening to a podcast episode.

Thank you to Celine Fitzmaurice, Classic Crime, & NetGalley for the ARC! All opinions are my own.

[Sarah (heartfeltthrills) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Céline Fitzmaurice’s The Trial of Patty Hearst: The Captive Mind is a compelling and psychologically rich exploration of one of the most complex criminal cases in modern American history. As an audiobook, it adds an extra layer of immersion, drawing listeners into the courtroom drama and the unsettling questions surrounding coercion, identity, and free will.

I especially enjoy audiobooks with a full cast, and this one did not disappoint. It was incredibly engaging—more like a 90-minute production than a traditional audiobook, with the feel of a well-paced movie.

Fitzmaurice does an excellent job unpacking the legal strategies and cultural tensions that defined the trial, particularly the debate over whether Hearst was a willing participant or a victim of psychological manipulation. The narrative leans into the concept of “captivity” and how prolonged trauma can reshape perception and behavior, making it both thought-provoking and immersive.

The pacing works well for the format, though at times the legal depth can feel a bit dense. Still, the performance and structure keep it accessible and entertaining throughout.

I will definitely be looking up the rest of the stories in this series to enjoy. Overall, this is a solid 4-star listen that balances insight with entertainment.

Thank you to Classic Crime, Trials of the Century Audiobooks and NetGalley for for gifting me this ALC. As always, this review contains my candid thoughts and opinions.

[Tara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you, NetGalley for allowing me to read this arc. I did not know about Patty Hearst. I am a true crime junkie and this was right at my alley and I was so excited to read this

This audiobook had recordings from the trial and I thought that was so fascinating. I really enjoyed the feeling of being in that courtroom and learning more about this case which has sent me down a spiral. 😆 in a good way.

I truly do recommend this if you really like true life crime and no more about the case than what I did if you don’t know about the case it still is a really cool perspective to hear about it

[Tiffany Murphy · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a true crime fan, I have always been fascinated by the Patty Hearst story. So, when I saw this, I obviously had to list to it. This is a dramatized version of the courtroom proceedings and I was completely hooked all the way through. The story was told in such a way that I felt like I was in the courtroom witnessing everything as it happened. Even though it included a lot of information that has been presented before, it was done in a way that really made me think. If you enjoy history and true crime, this short read is perfect for you!

I received a copy of the audiobook for Netgalley. The content of my review was not affected in any way by this.

[Courtney (lostintheliterature) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another true crime dramatized audio production - this one focusing on Patty Hearst — a 19 year old, Californian heiress, who is caught on camera robbing a bank alongside others in 1975. It might seem straight forward, but Patty was kidnapped from her house one evening in 1974 by a far left group known as the SLA. No one was able to track down who took her or where she was until months later when a video was released with Patty claiming she was part of this group. During the trial the prosecution is trying to prove Patty was fully aware of what she was doing and made choices reflecting this awareness, while the defence is trying to prove she was captured and coerced into these things.
- Would recommend for those who enjoy true crime, historical crime, full cast audiobooks, and short stories
- 3.5 ⭐️ rounded up
Thank you NetGalley and Classic Crime for the chance to listen and review.

[Hillary · Rating 4 out of 5]

I haven’t heard of this case and experiencing the trial through a full cast audiobook was a great experience! The narration and sound effects felt very immersive as if you were sitting in that courtroom. Hearing this audiobook made me want to look into this case.

Thank you to NetGalley and Classic Crime for the advance audiobook!

[Amanda Iman · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5
This is the most modern of the Trial of the Century series so far. Which, for whatever reason, made it seem slightly less sensational than the previous trials included. It might be because no one I knew was alive for those trials, but I remember my mom and grandma talking about the Patty Hearst trial when I was growing up.

Once again, the audio production for this series is amazing. Hearing the chatter and reactions of the people in the courtroom is always a highlight. The voice acting in this volume was also great. In particular, the performance of the actor who played Patty Hearst was very moving.

One thing I found fascinating about this trial was while we still have so far to go with the acceptance of mental health issues, we've come SO far since the mid-70s. Listening to the victim blaming from the prosecution and dismissal of valid psychiatric testimony by the judge kept making me shake my head. But it also made me grateful that at least we've made some progress in the past 50 years.

I'm really looking forward to seeing what trial comes next in this series.

Thank you to NetGalley and Classic Crime/Trials of the Century Audiobooks for access to the audiobook ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[The Reading Raccoon · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Captive Mind is a true crime novel that uses facts and the actual courtroom transcripts of the 1976 Patty Hearst criminal trial. It’s not a long book (66 pages or a 90-minute audiobook), but it manages to give a lot of facts and background about the case. I highly recommend the audiobook because it has a full cast and added dramatization effects.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Narration notes: The audiobook of The Captive Mind was read by a full cast, including Sandra Parsons. The full cast works really well for the court transcripts.

Disclosure: An ALC (advanced listening copy) was provided by NetGalley and the publisher for review purposes. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Christel Nance · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a simple and quick listen. We get most of the basic information in a dramatic way. The cast was good, and it was entertaining.

I’d like to learn more about this case based on what I heard here.

I received this audio ARC from NetGalley for my honest review.

[Lisa · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

I always enjoy the dramatized adaptation, but I wonder if there could've been more said about the case. The therapists had different opinions too, so that's that. I guess I liked the others better because they were clearer when it came to the what really happened. However, this isn't something you can really criticize when it comes to true crime because sometimes we just don't know, right?
I had a really good time listening and that's all that matters.

[Tara Baja · Rating 4 out of 5]

Depending on what generation you were born in, if you heard the name Patty Hearst, you may think of a few different things. For one, her grandfather, William Randolph Hearst, was a super rich newspaper mogul, who also Orson Welles used as inspiration for his classic movie, Citizen Kane. Or maybe you may know Patty Hearst from her assent into crime, told in this very audiobook.

As for myself, a middle aged woman and history nerd, born at the tail end of Generation X, I know Patty Hearst from having the tiniest role in the John Waters 90's classic movie, Serial Mom. She had reminded us it's ok to where white shoes after Labor Day. Kathleen Turner's character vehemently disagreed.

To be completely honest, I wasn't familiar with Patty's story at all, and actually mistaken her for Sharon Tate, a true tragic tale. Yet, when I was given the opportunity to listen to the advanced listening copy of The Trial of Patty Hearst: The Captive Mind, Part 3 of The Trials of The Century Series, I was eager to listen to it! Remember, I'm a history nerd, but I suppose this was one of those stories that escaped my attention. Anyways, back to Tanya. I mean Patty.

So, as the story goes, in 1974, a female stranger knocked on her door and asked to use her phone but then this stranger and a man behind her, rushed into Patty's home and kept asking her where the safe was. Patty kept saying there wasn't one, so they thought it was a good idea to kidnap her! Unbeknownst to the 19 year old heiress, they were a part of the Symbionese Liberation Army.

Initially, they made her ask her family for a ransom to release her. Then time went by, and from my perspective, she got Stockholm Syndrome because she then joined their "gang". Now, an heiress involved in illegal activities? This definitely made the news, which is ironic because her grandfather, was probably rolling in his grave in embarrassment. He'd still probably try to cover things up. She's still a Hearst after all.

Or was she? Because by this point, she was considered a fugitive of the law. "Allegedly" Patty, who now went by Tanya, was a part of a bank robbery with the Symbionese Liberation Army. But she didn't actually participate in the robbery itself. She was just the driver. This would later on save her from a death sentence compare to her co-defendants.

Eventually, after almost 2 years, the FBI found and arrested her; despite her original disappearance and kidnapping. Kind of of topic but I personally think a 2 year search is pretty good because it's the FBI in the 70's. I can't even imagine the difference in resources they had then compared to now.

Now, while she was held in custody, there was talk before the trial that her family's money etc. would help her avoid prison time. Surprisingly, that didn't happen. What actually did happen to her? She got defense attorney F. Lee Bailey! His career was pretty famous by now. For example, he defended such men as the Boston Strangler, and was also the prosecutor for a case that loosely inspired the TV show and movie, The Fugitive. Later on, he defended O.J. Needless to say, his moral compass is kind of iffy.

At her trial, the prosecution suggested that Hearst had joined the Symbionese Liberation Army by her own volition. But later on, she changed her turn and testified that she had been raped and threatened with death while held captive. That didn't help her case at all because by 1976, she was convicted for the bank robbery and sentenced to 35 years in prison.

It was later reduced to seven yearsm. She already had 22 months of time served in Federal Prison. Eventually, her sentence was commuted by President Jimmy Carter, not sure what that means, and she was later pardoned by President Bill Clinton. She's the only person in America to have two Presidents to do so. Not to condone her actions, but that kinda makes her a baddie.

All in all, this audiobook was a pretty good little history lesson. Was it thee trial of the century? Does being pardoned make her less of an ex-con and reinstates her heiress title? Whether she's considered famous or infamous, everyone knows who Patty Hearst is. And now with this audiobook, we can all know what the true legacy of her life will be.

With all that said, I want to share my gratitude and appreciation to NetGalley, Classic Crime & Trials of The Century Audiobooks, for letting me listen to this advanced listen copy in reciprocity for my honest review. Again, I'm looking forward to the next book. I love a condensed history lesson! So much history, packed in such a short amount of time is sure to attract other true crime lovers and history nerds like myself.

[Kasandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first Captive Mind audiobook which is 3rd in the series.

The idea behind the story is to take most the courtroom transcripts and evidence and dramatize them in hour and a half long book. There’s a full cast and sound effects so it feels way more like an old time radio broadcast or podcast story but it is compelling. There is a narrator setting up the scenes as well

Pros:

* The book doesn’t go into any speculation or trying to prove or disprove anything. Theres no mention of theories at all in fact.

* there is a callout of some psychology issues and even misogyny that needs framed in a way that could explain why some things turned out certain ways.

* it’s short. The audiobook is only an hour and a half and would work well in a group listening or a good choice for someone who likes documentaries.

Cons:

* Some of the ending and after events were really short and didn’t have a lot of context. While I knew of this trial i forgot some things and I didn’t feel the ending after the trail went into proper detail. I think they really tried to keep the 90 minute play though that they didn’t offer better insights.

* is a story based on true event and labeled a dramatization offensive or crude to those real people behind the story? When does dramatization become sensationalize? This is quite a thought knowing the yellow journalism creator and overall terrible human William Randolph Hearst was her grandfather. In my opinion, recreating some of the events and focusing on evidence and the trial keeps it from trying to be scandalous or sensational. Some of the acting was a bit over the top and the use of sound effects were a bit off putting in some moments but I do watch crime documentaries and sometimes they recreate events to provide context (and also to have something to show on the screen to keep people’s interest). So I guess this is a personal opinion.

Overall compared to more robust crime books, biographies and even an autobiography by Hearst, I don’t think this hits enough content to be on par with other options. In the end, a short story can be accessible to new audiences and lead people to pick up more detailed media options. I personally wish some of the choices were toned down like sound affects but I do appreciate the book only showcases the single moment of crime and trail and doesn’t delve into more conspiracy theories it leaves the audience to think about whether the trail was fair and accurate. I also think the full cast was well done aids the storytelling.

I think this could be a good choice for a limited audience of people wanting the most high level content and don’t mind some moment of drama in the audiobook.

Would I listen to their other audiobooks? maybe? Due to their format I almost wish it was a podcast (although it’s wort noting there is an existing podcast unrelated to these books that seems a conspiracy theory addled). So there’s a chance I would, but getting a copy seems like a lot of effort when I listen to audiobooks at 1.75x- 2x speed and would be done with it within 45 minutes or so. But as someone who read and watches true crime I will probably keep an eye out for there audiobooks just to see what they do next.

Huge thank you to Netgalley and Trials of the Century Audiobooks for an advanced copy to listen to.

[Mo Chapter · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Thought-Provoking Courtroom Drama

I really enjoyed this production. As with the previous two titles in the Trials of the Century series, I came to it knowing very little about the case. In fact, the name Patty Hearst meant nothing to me beyond a vague awareness that she came from a wealthy American family. That allowed me to experience the courtroom drama with no preconceived ideas or expectations, simply listening as the evidence and arguments unfolded.

What struck me most about this case was just how psychologically complex it was. Unlike the previous productions, which gradually led me towards forming a fairly clear opinion, this one left me questioning everything. I found myself so unsure of where I stood that I listened to the entire production a second time, hoping it might help me reach a conclusion. If anything, it raised even more questions. Was Patty Hearst a victim acting purely to survive, or had something far more complicated happened? Even after listening twice, I still haven't settled on an answer, and I suspect that's exactly why this case continues to fascinate people fifty years later.

Rather than trying to provide every detail of the real trial, this ninety-minute production focuses on the key courtroom exchanges, allowing the listener to weigh the evidence and draw their own conclusions. I never felt that I was simply being told a story. Instead, I felt as though I had been placed in the courtroom, listening to the prosecution and defence present their arguments before being left to decide for myself. Once again, the full-cast performances are excellent. The dialogue flows naturally, the pacing keeps the tension building throughout, and the production captures both the legal proceedings and the emotional uncertainty surrounding the case. It never feels rushed, despite the relatively short running time, and I found myself completely absorbed from beginning to end.

Perhaps the biggest compliment I can give this audio drama is that it has stayed with me long after I finished listening. Even now, I find myself wondering whether I should spend some time researching the real case and learning more about what happened. With so many books waiting to be read, I'm not sure I'll ever find the time, but the fact that I'm still considering it says everything about how thought-provoking this production is.

It has also left me wondering how Patty Hearst's trial might be viewed if it took place today. With our greater understanding of trauma, coercion and the human mind's instinct to survive, would the arguments be presented differently? Would public opinion be the same? I don't know the answers, but the fact that I'm still asking those questions after listening is, for me, the mark of an exceptionally engaging production.

Having now listened to the first three productions in the Trials of the Century series, I'm continually impressed by how each one offers something different. They don't simply revisit famous historical cases; they encourage listeners to think, question and draw their own conclusions. The Trial of Patty Hearst: The Captive Mind is another fascinating addition to the series, and one that I suspect will stay with me for quite some time.

Thank you to Classic Crime and NetGalley for providing a digital audio edition enabling me to enjoy and review this audiobook.

[Aster Carlyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fifty years later and I still found myself sitting in the courtroom holding my breath, trying to decide my own verdict about Patty Hearst! Final Score: 5

What This Book Did Well
I only knew bits and pieces of the Patty Hearst story going in, and now I can completely see why it became infamous! The story alone is gripping, but the full-cast narration had me captivated from start to finish.

Audiobook Experience
This is the third book in the Trials of the Century series and they are all audio-dramas, not narrated non-fiction. Think a crime-show re-enactment with a full cast, sound effect, the whole production. I have listened to all three and they have definitely nailed this format!

I have mentioned this in my other reviews from this series, but I avoid graphic audiobooks like the plague because they are too overwhelming for me. This series has made me consider giving some graphic audiobooks another shot because of how well these are done! In all three I have never felt overwhelmed, instead the audio-drama added to my enjoyment.

The additions are small but impactful. For example - when something gets said in the trial that we wouldn’t blink an eye at today, there’s a sound effect of the courtroom crowd gasping. It’s a tiny touch that keeps reminding you that you’re in a very different moment in history.


Where It May Fall Short
I’m sure there are flaws here - but honestly I was so captivated by the story and storytelling that I didn’t note any.

As a note - since I only came in with broad strokes of the real case, I can’t speak to how it stacks up against every historical detail, but I didn’t pick up on any reason to doubt the accuracy.

Final Thoughts, Opinions & Recommendations
I’m definitely a dedicated fan to this series now! I don’t do much true crime anymore, but this series is one of my few exceptions. If you like true crime, court dramas, or just interested in history, I think you might find a lot to love here. It’s short and very bingeable, but still feels meaty.

My thanks to NetGalley & Classic Crime for the advanced complimentary copy. Publication date: 8/26/2026. All opinions are my own.

TL;DR
Would I Recommend it? Yes.
Would I Reread it? Possibly - I honestly still haven’t made up my own mind on this case, so another listen might help me decide.
Would I Continue the Series? YES! The next one is about Lizzie Borden and I’m so excited for that one! Finally a case I actually know about and I’m excited to hear how they bring that trial to life!

Star Score Breakdown
Personal Enjoyment: 5
Overall Execution: 5
Craft & Writing Quality: 5
Final Score: 5

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

First and foremost, a large thank you to NetGalley, Céline Fitzmaurice, and Classic Crime for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.

Always eager to discover new authors and with a longstanding interest in true crime, I turned to Céline Fitzmaurice’s immersive audiobook exploring the trial of Patty Hearst. Nearly fifty years after the case captivated the world, questions still linger over whether Hearst was a victim, a willing accomplice, or something far more psychologically complex. Fitzmaurice distills this remarkable story into a concise, compelling production that can be enjoyed in a single sitting, while never sacrificing the nuance that has kept the case alive for decades.

Presented as a full-cast courtroom drama, the audiobook draws heavily from trial transcripts and contemporary reporting to recreate the proceedings with impressive authenticity. Each participant brings the courtroom exchanges to life, allowing listeners to experience the competing arguments surrounding coercion, trauma, ideology, and personal responsibility. Rather than steering the audience toward a definitive conclusion, Fitzmaurice carefully presents the evidence from multiple perspectives, encouraging listeners to wrestle with the same difficult questions that confronted the jury.

The brisk pacing works especially well. Short chapters keep the narrative moving without glossing over the important legal and psychological arguments, making this an accessible introduction for newcomers while still offering enough substance for those already familiar with the Hearst case. The discussion surrounding what was then referred to as Stockholm syndrome adds another fascinating layer, highlighting how evolving understandings of trauma shaped both the trial and the public’s perception of Hearst.

Fitzmaurice has crafted a swift yet thoughtful examination of one of America’s most infamous celebrity trials. Whether one ultimately believes Patty Hearst was guilty, manipulated, or caught somewhere in between almost becomes secondary to the broader questions the case raises about free will, influence, privilege, and justice. Compact yet surprisingly rich in detail, this audiobook succeeds both as an engaging true crime narrative and as an invitation to continue exploring one of the twentieth century’s most debated legal dramas. I finished it eager to revisit the case from other perspectives, which may be the strongest endorsement of all.

Kudos, Madam Fitzmaurice, for keeping me intrigued throughout this audiobook.

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An ever-growing collection of others appears at: http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Things I should have done before listening to this book: Updated my knowledge about Patty Hearst. Not the description of the book. Not my shaky knowledge of something that happened when I was one year old. The trial and verdict, that is; the rest was honestly and literally before my time. This will be important later . . . not my age, but my shaky knowledge. Okay, maybe there is only one, but it feels huge, like it should be a list of its own. I have pop culture knowledge but no real solid learnin’. And this is something I think about randomly. At what point is pop culture knowledge enough, and what events of history deserve more? With my interest in human behavior and the ‘what makes someone tick,’ I think this is something that does deserve more from me. There’s a lot to unpack overall with the ideas of Stockholm syndrome, brainwashing, and mind control.

There’s not a ton to talk about with this book. I mean, it’s only 90 minutes total in listening time. It’s a cool setup, though. A full dramatization of a host of voices sharing key transcripts of the actual trial. There’s just enough brief ‘pop culture’ setup to the trial excerpts to give the basics. What happened when she was kidnapped. Who took responsibility for it and what they wanted. Just enough to find an audience but not enough to really know what happened. Very podcast vibe, and I feel like Dateline could have done more with the story in less time invested. But here’s the thing: it’s not the be all end all story of Patty Hearst. It’s a dramatization of parts of the trial. Not the whole trial, just a fraction of all that was shared. It’s a great launching point for those interested in learning more. It’s a great supplement for those that have a lot of knowledge. And it’s a great snippet for those who just like true crime.

Honestly, I’m all of those things to some degree. I can appreciate the book for exactly what it is while also wanting to add some additional reading to my ever-growing list of things I think I need to know more about. And hello true crime, I mean I do go to bed every night with some Dateline. The setup was unique and engaging. The story is very real. Honestly, it comes down to one word for me . . . More. But this isn’t the book for more; this is the book to set you up to seek more. And for that, it was brilliant.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by NetGalley. I was not compensated for this review and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I was not required to write a positive review.

Originally published at https://fizzypopcollection.com/book-r...

[Connie Marie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was way more like listening to a podcast than an actual audio book. There’s nothing wrong with that, but it didn’t feel like listening to a book, or more like I just threw on some true crime podcast that YouTube recommended, so it makes reviewing this like a book a little weird.

It didn’t help that this is just way too short. That is my biggest problem right now with this.

I knew some information about the case prior, it’s been a while since I looked into it, but this really didn’t provide anything knew. If you’re unfamiliar with the case, then this is a good introduction, but there really wasn’t enough depth given. We don’t really get anything about Patty as a person prior to her kidnapping, so it makes it difficult to really get invested. The most we learn is that she was A-political, came from a rich family, went to college and that’s about it. During the trial, we get people talking about how her behavior and speech after/during the crimes were indications on rather or not she was a willing participant in these, but we don’t know anything about Patty to make that decision for ourselves.

And that also extends to the group that kidnapped her. The most we get was that they were Marxist who committed violence in the name of class warfare. But like, we don’t know anything other than a brief toss out of their names. This book is meant to focus on Patty, but these people played such an important part in her life, and this book doesn’t look very deep into their motives to kidnap her, and why they might have forced her to participate or tricked her or just befriended her. Part of the original ransom request was for Patty’s family to donate a large amount of money and to provide food relief (amounting to a monetary amount they did not have), and we move on with a whole “they did it to look good to the people” thing the attorneys said. These people were fascinating, and the time Patty spent with them open up so many questions, but this book doesn’t seem to really want to look that far into it.

I really liked the different voices bringing the court transcripts to life. It felt like I was there at some parts – even making me roll my eyes at some of the dialogue. But there just wasn’t enough in this, to make me feel like it was anything other than one of those true crime podcast I listen to all the time. It was like being given the spark notes of the court case.

[Ana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been really enjoying this collection of audiobooks about all the famous trials and this one is no exception. I actually think it is quite brilliant to have a lighter topic as a break from the more gruesome cases. It’s a nice balance for the series. This still features heavy topics but it’s not about a murder so it’s not as intense maybe as the previous two.

I had heard the name Patty Hearst before and I have especially heard about her family due to their businesses. But I had no idea this had happened and how recent it was. It’s a very interesting case also given who the protagonist is and all the mental health conversations it started. I find it fascinating to know when certain topics started to become more well known by people since they’ve always been a thing I knew about. Very cool aspect of this particular trial.
The overlap of lawyers in big cases where the defendants were rich is also so cool to learn about. If we look at current cases, there is an overlap as well. But it’s cool to see the different names and who hired who. I like making those connections. And I assume when I do my own research about it, I’ll find commentary about class too. That’s not what this audiobook is about, though. This is focused on the trial.

The previous two trials left me wanting to do more research. I wanted to know more about what had happened but with this one, the feeling of needing to know more is even bigger. The trial part was super interesting but I also want to know about people’s reaction to what was happening. And I’ll probably read Patty’s book too though I feel it’ll make me feel quite annoyed at points. I have my own ideologies and my own understanding of mental health so…I made up my mind about what I think happened with Patty but I still want to know more of how her case started important conversations and how people reacted to them.

As usual, the production of the audiobook is brilliant. Again, if my bigger issue is wanting the audiobook to be ten times longer, then I don’t really have much to complain about. The narrators were fantastic and it’s just so easy to listen to this audiobook and to follow the story. I can’t wait for the next one.

Thank you to Classic Crime and NetGalley for providing me with an early copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

[Patricia N. · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Trial of Patty Hearst: The Captive Mind
by Céline Fitzmaurice with Full Cast (Narrators)

Rated: 4 Star rating

I just finished listening to the audiobook The Trial of Patty Hearst: The Captive Mind by Céline Fitzmaurice, and it was a really interesting listen. It is pretty short, lasting only about an hour and a half, but it adds a lot of drama into that time. Instead of just a regular narrator, it uses a full cast of actors to play lawyers, witnesses, and experts.

Because it uses real courtroom transcripts from back then, it feels more like a radio play or a documentary drama. The story is about the real 1976 trial of Patty Hearst, the rich newspaper heiress who was kidnapped by a radical group called the Symbionese Liberation Army, led by Donald DeFreeze One of the greatest details is that instead of demanding cash for ransom, they ordered her father, Randolph Hearst, to fund a massive program, giving millions of dollars in free food to California's poor. Her family actually tried to do it, but the distribution turned into a total mess, and they kept her anyway.

A couple of years later, she was put on trial for helping them rob a bank. Her defense team argued she was brainwashed and terrorized, with people like Truman Capote pointing to what we now call Stockholm syndrome.

On the other side, prosecutors showed pictures of her holding a gun during the robbery and played tapes of her, saying she joined them willingly.

The audiobook shows both sides without forcing you to pick one. It really makes you think about how fear can change a person and how much the media can influence a trial. It moves fast, but it is an interesting, easy to follow look at a crazy piece of history.

I was a young child, maybe about 7 or 8, and I remember listening to this story. It was so interesting to me that I still remember parts of it today. I definitely recommend giving it a listen.

Thank you, NetGalley, Trials of the Century Audiobooks, Céline Fitzmaurice, author, and FullCast narrator, for this audiobook review consideration. All review opinions are my own.

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This is a review of the audiobook.

[Robert Alexander Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐ A Short but Strong Look at a Complicated Case

The Patty Hearst case has always been one of those 1970s crimes that felt both famous and confusing to me. The Trial of Patty Hearst: The Captive Mind by Céline Fitzmaurice gave me a clearer understanding of the case, especially the trial, the psychology, and the larger question of whether someone can truly consent after being kidnapped, held captive, and psychologically broken down. I received this audiobook from Goodreads, and as someone who is interested in true crime and the strange, chaotic crimes of the 1960s and 1970s, I was especially curious about the SLA and what exactly they were trying to do.

For such a short audiobook, this had a surprising amount of information. This is the third book in the Trials of the Century series, and I had already listened to the second one, which I also enjoyed. I liked the way this one explained the case clearly without making it feel overwhelming. The audiobook does a good job showing why the Patty Hearst trial was so complicated, especially when it came to trauma, captivity, brainwashing, public opinion, and media judgment. I was also fascinated by the psychological side of the case and the limits of psychological science at the time, especially in how it could or could not be used in court. The role of F. Lee Bailey also stood out because this was such a major case in his career.

My only real issue is that I wanted more. The audiobook is short, and while it works well for what it is, there is clearly so much more to learn about Patty Hearst, the SLA, the trial, and the time period. I also wish I had a physical copy to read along with while listening. Still, this was a short but very strong audiobook that made a complicated case easier to understand. I would absolutely encourage true-crime listeners, history readers, and anyone interested in famous trials to give this one a listen.

Thank you to NetGalley, author Celine Fitzmaurice, and Classic Crime Trials of the Century Audiobooks for an ADC in exchange for an honest review.
#TheTrialofPattyHearst #NetGalley

[Ink · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Trial of Patty Hearst: The Captive Mind by Céline Fitzmaurice and narrated by the incredible cast from Trials of the Century Audiobooks had me utterly captivated

Heiress Patty Hearst was kidnapped in 1974 by the Symbionese Liberation Army (SLA) and was not found until 18 months later when instead of being the victim, she was believed to be part of the group. Thus began a trial which on the one hand saw her as a member of the SLA who was seen to have committed crimes with the group, or on the other hand, was coerced to join them through threats, assault and intimidation. A more common explanation is the sometimes contentious theory of "Stockholm syndrome" which is where the captive begins to identify with their captor in a positivie way in order to deal with the trauma. - It is not technically seen as a a unique psychological disorder as so many factors can contriubute to it and it has not been categorised due to the very small amount of cases.

While Patty Hearst was originally found guilty and sentenced to 35 years, this was later reduced to 7, finally resulting in a presidential pardon

The Trial of Patty Hearst is the third title in the Trials of the Century audiobook series ( Preeeded by The Trial of Leopold and Loeb and The Trial of Dr Crippen) and if you have not yet experienced any of these titles, I connot recommend them enough. True Crime is one thing, being in the courtroom as it plays out and reliving it is a whole different ballgame and Trials of the Century are premier league! There is no exaggeration when I stress that I have not been disappoitned by a single one of these audiobooks to date

The beauty of these audiobooks is not just the recreation of the trials and the crimes, but they are done so with the benefit of new evidence, practices and research, most of which were developed because of these very trials. Likewise, because of this method of recreation, histopry is brought alive and it is immersive, making it incredibly engaging

Thank you to Netgalley, the author and Classic Crime | Trials of the Century Audiobooks for this intriguing ALC - My review is left voluntarily and all opinions are my own

[Abby May · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was absolutely the perfect audiobook to listen to while I was working on some art. In fact, it brought me right back to my dog grooming days, when I would spend hours listening to true crime podcasts while I worked. Crime Junkie and All Crime No Cattle were two of my regulars, so this felt like slipping back into an old routine.
What I really enjoyed about this audiobook was that it didn't just give me the story of Patty Hearst and her trial, it also had me thinking about how much courtroom proceedings have changed over the past 5 decades, and, perhaps more interestingly, how much hasn't changed. One thing that particularly stood out to me was the discussion surrounding psychological and therapeutic testimony. Therapists and psychological experts have considerably more credibility and presence in courtrooms today than they did during the Hearst's trial, yet we're still capable of judging a woman's character based on things like her perceived sexuality or "promiscuity". That contrast was fascinating and frustrating.
It's interesting to look back at a case from the 1970's and recognize the ways our understanding of trauma, coercion, and psychology has evolved, while also seeing some of the same attitudes and biases that can still show up in how women are perceived in legal proceedings. I also appreciated that listening to this as an audiobook gave me the opportunity to really sit with those questions while I worked. It was engaging without requiring me to stop what I was doing every five minutes to makes sure I hadn't missed something, which made it a really good listen for a quick hour-ish of art.
Overall, this was exactly the kind of true crime listen I enjoy. It was interesting enough to keep my attention, but with enough historical and legal context to leave me thinking about the case beyond the basic question of "Okay, so, what happened?". This is totally a solid addition to my audiobook/true crime rotation. The cast was phenomenal, the audio was clear with no background noise, and the narrator had a very well spoken voice.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for the advanced reader copy!

The Trial of Patty Hearst: The Captive Mind was such an interesting listen! I was already somewhat familiar with the Patty Hearst case, but I had never really looked at it through the lens of the trial itself. Instead of retelling every detail of her kidnapping and everything that led up to it, this audiobook focuses on what happened inside the courtroom and I think that's what makes it so compelling.

I really appreciated how it presented both the prosecution's and the defense's arguments without feeling biased. It gave me a much better understanding of why each side believed they were right, where their strategies worked, and where they fell short. I was especially fascinated by the discussions surrounding brainwashing, coercive control, and whether Patty was acting of her own free will. Hearing those arguments laid out in court made me understand why this case remains so controversial.

I also found it surprising how some expert testimony and witness accounts were treated during the trial. Looking at the case through a modern lens, with everything we now understand about trauma and psychological manipulation, it's hard not to wonder whether the outcome would have been different today.

This bite sized history was incredibly easy to follow while still covering the most important aspects of the trial. It gave me a fresh perspective on a case I thought I already knew and painted a far more nuanced picture of Patty Hearst than I'd seen before.

The full cast narration was fantastic and made the courtroom feel incredibly immersive. It genuinely felt like sitting in on the proceedings, and each performance helped bring the testimony and legal arguments to life. If you're a fan of true crime, legal history, or courtroom dramas, I'd definitely recommend giving this one a listen. I'm already looking forward to exploring more of the Trials of the Century series.

[MoonlightCupOfCocoa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so much to Classic Crime for the advance review copy! As always all opinions shared here are 100% my own.

"The Trial of Patty Hearst: The Captive Mind" by Céline Fitzmaurice is yet another gripping entry in the Trials of the Century audiobooks series. For those unfamiliar with the series, these are 90-minute full-cast audiobooks in the style of radio plays or audiodramas covering interesting trials from the past century. Every entry is standalone so you can start in any order.

As with the others, this audiobook throws us right into the action. Newspaper heiress Patty Hearst, originally kidnapped by the Symbionese Liberation Army, only to appear to join them in several violent crimes including an armed bank robbery. But was she actually an accomplice or a victim? That's what her defense and the state argued about in the trial.

Even though this was a more modern trial than the previous entries (this takes place in the 70s), it was still old enough for me to never have heard of it. I was supposed to be doing some chores while listening to it but ended up just sitting there next to the speaker because I was too mesmerized by it.

The voice acting was top notch. I especially appreciated the detailed sound design throughout the whole recording. You feel like you're actually in that courtroom.

I highly recommend giving this trial, as well as all the others, a listen! Believe me, you will enjoy every minute of it. I really cannot wait to see what the series will feature next (and from the little I've seen behind the scenes, we're in for some epic surprises!!)

You can also find me on: Instagram (MoonlightCocoa) and Instagram (MoonlightCupOfStories)

[Pudsey Recommends · Rating 4 out of 5]

This instalment explores the famous case of Patty Hearst, granddaughter of newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst. In the 1970s, she was kidnapped by the radical left-wing Symbionese Liberation Army and later appeared carrying a rifle during one of the group’s bank robberies.

Before listening, I knew nothing about the case, so discovering it through this courtroom reconstruction was fascinating. At the centre of the trial was a deeply complicated question: was Hearst a victim acting under coercion, a willing accomplice, or something far harder to define?

I finished still genuinely undecided.

Drawn from original trial transcripts and contemporary reporting, this 90-minute full-cast production feels more like an immersive radio play than a conventional audiobook. The courtroom performances are compelling, and the excellent direction and sound design place us inside the proceedings as the prosecution and defence wrestle with coercion, trauma and personal responsibility.

The production also raises wider questions about privilege, gender and media spectacle. Was Hearst protected by her wealth and family name, or judged more harshly because she failed to behave as people expected a female victim to behave?

My only complaint is that it was so short. I would happily have listened for much longer, particularly as the psychological and moral complexities of the case began to emerge. However, it proved hugely inspirational for further research and sent me straight down another rabbit hole.

Another gripping instalment in the Trials of the Century series, introducing me to an extraordinary case while resisting any easy verdict.

Thank you to Classic Crime, Trials of the Century Audiobooks and NetGalley for the ALC.