The Casanova Killer: The Life of Serial Killer Paul John Knowles

by Jack Smith

Paul John Knowles, nicknamed the Casanova killer, went on a 4-month killing spree in 1974. He still remains one of the lesser known serial killers of his generation. Read about this psychopath who wanted fame before his life ended . Download FREE with Kindle Unlimited! November 7, 1974 As she entered her home in Milledgeville, Georgia, all Ellen Carr probably had on her mind was going to bed. She was a registered nurse who worked a night shift, and although the small family welcomed the money, the job was a demanding one. Inside, the house was unnaturally quiet. She found that odd. Her husband, forty-five-year-old businessman Carswell Carr and fifteen-year-old daughter Amanda usually greeted her when she came home from the hospital. That wasn’t the only sign that something was seriously amiss. As an investigator later put it, “The (place) looked as if it had been attacked by an animal.” Mirrors were smashed. Slashed furniture lay everywhere, some of it in pieces. Books from the bookshelves littered the floor. Had they been robbed? Where were Carswell and Mandy? Heart pounding, Mrs. Carr ran from room to room, calling out. Minutes later, she was back outside, screaming hysterically. Neighbors called the police to what was obviously the scene of a gruesome double homicide. Carswell Carr’s nude corpse was lying face down on the couple’s bed, hands bound behind his back and twenty-seven stab wounds, inflicted by scissors, all over his body. The medical examiner later determined that he had died of a heart attack, likely brought on by the torture. Down the hall, Amanda was also face down in her room, one nylon stocking tied tightly around her neck and the other shoved down her throat. To compound the horror, she appeared to have been raped after death. When Mrs. Carr regained her senses, she went through the house with the police and identified several things that were Carswell’s briefcase, shaving kit, credit cards, identification, and most of his clothing. While detectives searched for more clues, the murderer, wearing his victim’s clothes, was in an Atlanta bar, flirting with a lady reporter. He told her his name was Daryl Golden, but his real name was Paul John Knowles, and he was destined to be remembered as one of the most vicious and unpredictable serial killers of his generation. Read on your favorite devices such as Kindle, IPhone, IPad, Android cellular phone, tablet, laptop, or computer with Amazon's free reading Kindle App. Scroll back up and click the BUY NOW button at the top right side of this page for an immediate download!

Genres: True Crime, Nonfiction, History, Crime

113 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 21, 2015

About the author

Biographer and recorder of the history of serial killers

Reviews

[Katherine Vega · Rating 4 out of 5]

Como devoradora de true crime -a más truculento mejor- me he bebido este libro en una noche. Joder, con Paul John. Debe estar revolviéndose en su tumba porque no consiguió su objetivo: ser de los serial killers más famosos del mundo. Esa era su principal motivación al matar y se ha quedado como un asesino muy desconocido; es que ni siquiera se acerca a la fama de Bundy, Dahmer o Gacy.

Y sin embargo, su historia es tan corta como fascinante; es pura maldad aleatoria concentrada en unos pocos meses de ráfaga asesina. La verdad es que me he quedado con ganas de saber más y posiblemente investigue sobre él en el futuro.

[Linda Strong · Rating 4 out of 5]

Paul John Knowles, nicknamed the Casanova Killer, went on a killing spree in 1974. Men, Women, Children, Old, Young, Cops .... he was indiscriminate as he traveled from state to state seeking his victims.

He actually started his life of crime at the age of 7 by stealing bicycles. He was incorrigible and explode into murderous rages when things didn't go his way.By the time he was 17, he had been sent to the Florida School for Boys on 6 separate occasions on charges ranging from breaking and entering to grand larceny.

During this well-written documentary, the reader gets a glimpse of what was going through his mind. The reader will meet the woman who turned his life around and is considered to be the one who started him on his killing spree. You will also meet the journalist who is known as the 'one who got away'.

As a serial killer, he didn't fit into any one pattern. He sexually assaulted some of his victims ...but not all. He killed most .. but not all. What is known is that he wanted to be famously remembered after he died. He thought law enforcement was not near as smart as he was. He kept minutely detailed records of all his crimes for prosperity's sake.

This is a short version of the life and times of Paul John Knowles. I have to confess, I did go online to research as I had never heard of this man. The author did a terrific job of touching all the highlights without going into all the details of the killings.

If you like true crime, this one will not disappoint.

[Fishface · Rating 4 out of 5]

Here at last are the ugly details Sandy Fawkes left out of her memoir, "Killing Time." Jack Smith takes us through all of Knowles's known crimes in this book, and they were much more numerous and far more heinous than I expected. This one is well worth your time.

[sniksnak · Rating 2 out of 5]

Casanova Killer - Vicious and Egotistical

I was hoping Mr Smith would provide more information on the Casanova Killer. This little book is pretty much the Cliff’s Notes version of this dastardly cretin’s case.
I was a young 23 year old in 1974 when Knowles went on his murderous rampage, not discriminating who he slaughtered. I’ve read true crime since the 7th grade and have yet to come across a book that gives much more detail than Mr Smith does.
At any rate, as brief as the telling of his crimes are here, I know no more than I did in the 70s. With the book being only 113 pages on my Kindle, I don’t feel as though I wasted much of my time. My only wish is that there had been new insights on this monster’s behavior and motive.

[Jlsimon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting short book. Paul John Knowles was terrifying because he didn't have the motives we expect from serials. There was a sexual component, but it wasn't his primary motive. His need to make his mark so to speak was his drive. It's a sad story.

[Carolyn Injoy · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Casanova Killer, The Life of Serial Killer Paul John Knowles by Jack Smith is a true crime story that is frightening. I gave it three stars because it was documentary dry writing.

It took place in the 1970's, a time when serial killer activity spiked. He was a vicious & unpredictable killer. He killed men, women & children. "One prison official descried him as 'antisocial, profiting neither from experience nor punishment.'"

He gave his attorney an audiotape 'diary' describing his murders. He wanted the public to know about them so he could "become as famous as Bonnie & Clyde." He was linked to eighteen confirmed murders, although at one point he claimed thirty five.

I received a complimentary copy from Amazon. That did not influence my opinion for this review.

Link to purchase: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B012...

[Anastasiya M · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was one of the serial killers I knew about before picking this book up.

I think this has to be one of the more interesting serial killers because he didn't have a pattern nor a type as you'd expect with a serial killer so of course it was harder to create a profile on him due to the lack of consistency.

This book is well-researched, covering his story, yet not in extreme detail, from childhood up until his murder sprees. I just didn't enjoy the rigid and juvenile language used. Also, the amount of grammar and spelling mistakes was disappointing.

Read more here: https://sincerelyyoursannie.wordpress...

[Ronnie Cramer · Rating 3 out of 5]

At the start of this book, the author remarks that Knowles "is a footnote in the history of American serial killers. Until now. This book examines the life of Paul John Knowles in detail." Well, yes and no. There IS a fair amount of detail included, and this IS one of the few books devoted solely to Knowles; but it's only 63 pages long, and much of the material comes from KILLING TIME by Sandy Fawkes (a UK journalist who had a brief affair with Knowles) and Harold Schechter's SERIAL KILLER FILES; as acknowledged by the author. But it was all the information I needed and I enjoyed reading it.

[Bettye McKee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a short but well-written book about the so-called Casanova Killer, Paul John Knowles. I hadn't heard much about him, so I found this book very informative.

Knowles loved the attention he received and told others that he wanted to go out in a blaze of bullets like John Dillinger or Bonnie and Clyde. His victims included men, women, children, and the elderly. It seems that anyone who stood in his way was fair game.

I have enjoyed several books by this author. He sticks to the subject and includes the information that readers want to know.

[Tony Parsons · Rating 4 out of 5]

The life/times of American serial killer Paul John Knowles (aka Daryl Golden, Casanova Killer).

Warning: This book contains descriptive accounts of extremely graphic adult content, violence, &/or uncensored sexually explicit material which is only suitable for mature readers. It may be offensive or have potential adverse psychological effects on the reader. If you are especially sensitive to this type of material, it is strongly advised not to read any further.

A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A fairly well written serial killer book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. It could make great serial killer movie, PP presentation or better yet a mini TV series, or even a documentary (True Crime; American Crime Story; Crime Museum; Investigative Discovery).
It was just OK for me so I will rate it at 4/5 stars.

Thank you for the free author; Amazon Digital Services LLC.; book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)

[Dan · Rating 4 out of 5]

“…his real name was Paul John Knowles, and he was destined to be remembered as one of most vicious and unpredictable serial killers of his generation.”

(author’s error)

Extremely intelligent and very violent man who lived a life of crime. Obsessed with horoscopes, astrology, and tarot cards. Multiple prison-letter romances. Targets included gay men; PJ had excellent gaydar.

Looking like a cross between Robert Redford and Ryan O’Neal, Knowles was charming, seductive, and a great dancer.

At least 18 total victims: men, women, children; some estimate that his body count reached 35.

Escaped from jail in Jacksonville, Florida in July 1974 and captured in November 1974. He drove all over the country in the summer of 1974. Murder sprees in Texas, Florida, Georgia, Ohio, Virginia, Connecticut, and Mississippi.

Could be a bit sharper structurally, but very readable. Basically the book version of a true crime show.


“All he cared about was being famous and feared, although not necessarily in that order.”

[Kat Monday · Rating 4 out of 5]

Every year, I make it a goal to read one nonfiction book amongst all of the other nonsense I read. This was my pick for the year!

Paul John Knowles is one of the more interesting serial killers for a couple reasons. His body count is 18 confirmed, which is (disturbingly) impressive for only being active for about 4 months. He also didn't have a set routine, targeting anyone at any time, doing or saying anything, and using many kinds of weapon.

This book was well written, very fact based and with lots of references. It's especially good for the casual enjoyer (like myself) who maybe doesn't want to read a minute-by-minute history of his life since birth, but still finds it interesting and wants to know the facts of his murders and death.

[Paula Corregan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting book!

This book has fascinating accounts of the crimes committed by Paul John Knowles. It is a cautionary tale to warn people against opening their doors to strangers. I highly recommend it to other true crime readers.

[Tom Schulte · Rating 2 out of 5]

A short overview of the crimes and demise of Knowles. This is more like an extensive police report than it is a biography. Such reportage could be a podcast episode, but the thin offering here masquerades as an audiobook.

[Dianna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short, "just the facts" account

The author focuses on facts and briefly touches on one personal relationship with the killer. This is very little information regarding his childhood; briefly touching on his early criminal behaviors at aged 7.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting short history of a heinous killer

Paul John Knowles, known as the Casanova Killer, was the killer of eighteen but possibly as many as thirty-five victims. A truly, disgusting murderer who got what he deserved in the end.

[Anthony J. Pupo · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Casanova Killer

Couldn't put it down, incredible criminal saga , mysterious workings in the mind of a killer , atrocious being , cynical but clever , horrible deeds ,
Well written .

[Mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book

Paul John Knowles was a very sick man. He should have been stopped sooner but I guess it's the way things go. He didn't get the spotlight he desired so I'm sure he is turning over in his grave.

Samantha

[Ann Downs · Rating 5 out of 5]

I remember when this happened. He was killed a couple of hours drive from my house. It was all over the local news. It was good to refresh my memory of these events some 45 years after the fact.

[Mark Sawyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book immensely not only the writing but the research that went into it as well, that made it not only a great read but also informative.

[riley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was incredibly interesting and straight to the point (which I love).

[Karla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Never knew of this guy, learned a lot, well written

[Mark H Duprey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Evil man

He was evil to say the least! Getting shot in the police car was too easy! He deserved to be tried in all cases and be administered death.

[Deanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Jack Smith Book Done

I’m definitely enjoying the True Crime Books by Jack Smith. This won’t be the last of them I’ll be reading!

[Kingsley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Early in the book the author remarks that Knowles "is a footnote in the history of American serial killers. Until now. This book examines the life of Paul John Knowles in detail."

This struck me for two reasons:

1) At 80 minutes long "in detail" is hardly a word I would use to describe the book. It is a great overview, telling the core details of Knowles but it is hardly a detailed look at his life

2) As repeated several times in the book Knowles was wanting to get famous. He wanted to be a well known serial killer, not a footnote. So is the author actually helping to fulfill Knowles desires here?

Smith cover's Knowles life briefly, giving information on his early arrests, his kills and his short relationship with Sandy Fawkes. None of these are in great depth. It also discusses his beliefs and state of mind, based on the recordings and notes he left with his lawyer. Again, then the not in great detail.

This book provides a good entry level overview of Knowles and what he did. If you are looking for a really in depth look, with details on each individual murder and suspected murder (there are almost as many murders they suspect were his as there are confirmed ones) and a solid look into his psyche, then you should probably look elsewhere.


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John N Gully does well with the narration, although there isn't that much to work with here (as is the case with a lot of non-fiction). I've listened to other stuff he has done and he does solid work. Easy to listen to and enjoyable, he is clear and well paced.

[Audiothing · Rating 4 out of 5]

AUDIOBOOK REVIEW
My Review
At around 1/12 hours in length this is obviously not an in-depth study of these horrendous murders, nor does it delve deeply into the possible causes of psychopathy. What is though is an almost detached rendering of the basic facts. Facts which are quite shocking to read or to listen to. I'm surprised that I had no prior knowledge of this killer who, despite his terrible acts of violence, somehow escaped the notoriety of other serial killers.
I mostly read crime fiction and, whilst listening to this I realised I had to change my listening mode, I had to stop allowing this information to merely flow through my head, bypassing the deeper thought processes, it dawned on me: this stuff is real! A human being actually did this to another human being! Once this thought sinks in, well, that's when it becomes a little harrowing, especially so when this man, this fellow member of the human race, committed these crimes for his own pleasure. Best not to attempt to understand why.
I like the way this book is written, it gives us the bare facts, dig deeper if you will.
Narrator
Narrated by John N. Gully, and what a darned good job he made of it too. He has a pleasant, easy to listen to and clear voice and related this account of the crimes of Paul John Knowles in exactly the right manner.
It would have been easy to spoil the narration by using a news reporter or advertising voiceover style, I'm so pleased he avoided this through his use of a professional and dignified approach

[Teressa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to the Audible version of this book. I reviewed the audiobook at 3 stars and the narration at 5.


"Paul John Knowles"

Paul John Knowles aka the Casanova Killer was an interesting look at a sick-minded individual during the 1970's. The fact that on multiple occasions he'd said that he wanted to be famous and known as the Casanova is perhaps why he was lesser known than someone like Bundy. Who knows.

I think this was an okay book with excellent narration. I would have found the content way more interesting had there been some in depth research into his background such as his childhood, parents, education, etc. It felt generic. I'd rather learn what makes someone like this tick than to just hear a list of his actions.

As for the narration, John N. Gully did a great job. He has a wonderful voice and speaks clearly. I think the way he read this book was in a journalistic style that worked well. He was spot on and strengthened this book.

"This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of Audiobook Blast."

[Deborah Cottrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short book big story

I chose this rating first of all because I was aware of the his name,but didn't know about THE history of the killer. After reading this book I learn so much details hand why he became a serial killer. (No spoiler alert here). It was a easy read. Read in one setting and learn one more piece of history in this strange world of serials killers. Would recommend,good read.

[Jeff · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an interesting article, but at barely over an hour and a quarter, it's hardly a book. It touches on all the important points, but more research
and background could have been included to fill out the story. John N. Gully reads this short narrative competently.

NOTE: I received a free copy of this audiobook in exchange for this unbiased review.

[Kristen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m a massive true crime fan. So I was familiar with this case before picking up this book. Paul Knowles is one, I feel, doesn’t have enough information on him. I liked how this book followed a timeline for him. It was easy to follow and is a good book for someone just starting to learn about him.