Murder In Wisconsin: Most Evil Serial Killers In Wisconsin History

by Jack Rosewood, Dwayne Walker (Introduction)

While Wisconsin is now perhaps best known for its die-hard love of both the Green Bay Packers and its cheese, deep beneath the surface of Wisconsin history simmers a cesspool of nightmares that began before the term serial killer had been coined. The horror started when Ed Gein tried desperately to bring back his dead mother by first exhuming bodies, then by killing in order to harvest female body parts that he himself would wear.His story sparked a nation’s macabre fascination with American serial killers, though its bizarre tale of grave robbing and decorating with the dead meant that when other true crime stories surfaced from the state, no one was terribly surprised.Ed Gein was among the first to undergo criminal profiling – was he transgender, a woman trapped in a man’s body, or did he really just miss his mother? – but he would not be the last.Wisconsin’s infamous list of true crime serial killers includes the lonely Jeffrey Dahmer, who attempted science experiments in hopes of creating a sex slave to call his own, sex criminal David Spanbauer, who preferred raping little girls when he got the chance, and Walter Ellis, who preyed on prostitutes because he thought he would be able to get away with it. Turns out, he could, for more than a decade.Wisconsin is full of secrets, and very bad men. This biography of four prolific serial killers steps into the heart of the state’s madness, and is likely to make their nightmares yours, at least for a spine-tingling night or two, especially when you realize that what happens in the movies is sometimes horrifyingly real.

Genres: True Crime, Nonfiction, Crime

166 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 14, 2015

About the author

I live in one of the most beautiful places in Florida, Jupiter, with my wife, two kids and our golden retriever, Vincent. I've been a full time author for the last 15 years and I wouldn't trade it against anything in the world!

My father was a journalist and wrote about some of the worst crimes you could ever imagine, and that's where my big interest from serial killers and other horrible crimes comes from. Just to hear my father talk about the evil acts of Ted Bundy as we were out fishing as a kid are some of my best memories.

Reviews

[Robin Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve once again been fortunate to obtain an e-book copy of a true crime book written by this author, Jack Rosewood and the following is my honest opinion.

One would never expect that Wisconsin, “America’s Dairyland,” could also be the home of four of most vile serial killers known to this state? I find it ironic, according to Wikipedia, as to the origin for this state’s name, in that one leading theory holds that the name originated from the Miami word Meskonsing, meaning "it lies red," a reference to the setting of the Wisconsin River as it flows through the reddish sandstone of the Wisconsin Dells. But after writing this book, I have to wonder if it can also refer to the blood of the victims staining the landscape.

Instead of concentrating his efforts, and this time with the aid of fellow author Dwayne Walker writing the introduction, to give us one depraved serial killer, we’ve been given four. While the names of Ed Gein, David Spanbauer, and Walter Ellis might evoke horrific memories to those living in Wisconsin; Jeffrey Dahmer evokes these same memories across the United States.

Mr. Rosewood has given to the aficionados of the True Crime genre of books, a book which cuts to the chase regarding the story of four infamous serial killers from Wisconsin; their lives, crimes, and ultimate capture and trial, as well as what might have been the psychological reason for their depraved behavoir in a very readable and enjoyable manner.

I believe reading one of the books in this series, might get you wanting to read more; it’s happen to me; which is why I’ve given these two authors 5 STARS.

[Alisi ☆ wants to read too many books ☆ · Rating 3 out of 5]

SERIAL KILLERS! Yeah. Holy shit, Wisconsin. You've got problems. I thought Utah was bad.

Do you see these tears streaming down my face? They're there because I looked up the first serial killer discussed AND NOW I'LL NEVER BE CLEAN AGAIN. OMFG. I can't unsee that shit.

[Tony Parsons · Rating 5 out of 5]

Edward Theodore Gein, David Spanbauer, Jeffrey Dahmer, & Walter Ellis.
In my 10 yrs. as an ES crisis MSW I have only met 1 male who was diagnosed with borderline personality D/O. Woman yes, Maybe Jeffery was schizophrenic. Which is common diagnoses for males.

I am not sure of these 4 horrible individuals who was the worst.
Just think who might be lurking in your hometown neighborhood?

2 of my favorite beers: PBR & Leinenkugel.

Warning: This book contains extreme violence, graphic adult content or expletive language &/or sexually explicit content which is only suitable for mature readers. It may be offensive to some readers.

I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.

A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. Wow, another very well written true-crime 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. This could also make another great true-crime movie, college PP presentation or mini TV series. There is no doubt in my mind this is a very easy rating of 5 stars.

Thank you for the free Goodreads; Wiq Media; Making Connections; Author; PDF book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book covers not one, but four (actually five) different murderers, if you count the one that was wrongly convicted, got a HUGE settlement and THEN committed murder. I had not heard of three of them, but Jeffrey Dahmer is pretty much known by everyone and Ed Gein was as horrific as Dahmer. Maybe there is something in the Wisconsin air, or the harsh winters. To be fair, other states have their share of murderers but this book makes you wonder about Wisconsin. These guys were all someone's neighbor and coworker! (Think about that tomorrow at work). I was given a copy of this book for my honest opinion.

[Jeff · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a short book, so it's not surprising that the cases are not discussed in much depth. Unfortunately, the writing is a little awkward and some of
the concepts aren't up to current thinking.

Miles Taylor's performance is adequate, especially for this non-fiction book. He may have more talent than was exhibited here. He actually surprised me
with a good accent when he read a quote in a British accent. Bottom line: this is mediocre true crime.

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

[Veronica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this basic anthology of Wisconsin crime. It isn't easy to write about one serial killer but the author managed to talk about a few of them in depth. Often I find that some authors skim the surface to make a book but this book appears to be very well researched and well written. I am definitely interested in reading more by this author.

[Boom Baumgartner · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book reads like a book report. It lacks storytelling, has run-on sentences that are literally one paragraph long, and random editorializing. It also focuses on the murderers rather than the victims and their stories, which I generally find abhorrent.

[Stephanie Gentz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review

Overall, fantastic read. A few parts got repetitive and a little confusing. With further reading I was able to put the repetitive parts together where they made more sense.

[Em · Rating 5 out of 5]

The audiobook, Murder in Wisconsin: Most Evil Serial Killers in Wisconsin History by Jack Rosewood is an intriguing compilation of some of Wisconsin's most gruesome serial killers. The murderous biographies of 4 demented individuals are well researched and documented; the details of each crime laid out in painstaking, goosebumps-raising detail.

In addition to the four disturbing Wisconsin murder cases, Mr. Rosewood has added a bonus chapter which adds weight and accuracy to the term, serial killer. Chilling detailed research and documentation from many qualified professionals who have spent their careers profiling the characteristics that make a serial killer provide authenticity to the book, and give the reader an opportunity to look beyond the crimes and peer into the madness of the minds behind them. While discussing the complicated mental psychologies, dysfunctions, and disconnects, additional serial murder cases are brought to light in this bonus chapter, as well.

This bone-chilling 8 hour listening anthology is an excellent addition to my true crime story collection and one that has further sparked my interest in the psychology that lies behind these all too real and close to home stories. A must read!

[Ashley Rosa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great

[Hannah | Reading Under Covers · Rating 4 out of 5]

~ shivers ~

[Barb Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love me some true crime!

[Jill Mohnen Hartjes · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I found the subject matter in this book interesting, the writing itself tended to be a bit juvenile.

[Ellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I dislike the implication the author made that Wisconsin breeds this sort of abominable action, however there is no denying that Wisconsin has been home to some of the most horrifying crimes out there.

The author did a fine job making an in depth examination of the four killers and their crimes. It didn't feel as though things were glossed over, or worse yet, sensationalized to garner more readers. Overall, it was an enjoyable and informative read. What was really terrifying for me was the realization that some of these crimes took place right in my figurative backyard whilst growing up. It's probably a very good thing I made a point of not watching the news as a kid or I might just be more neurotic than I already am.

[April · Rating 3 out of 5]

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



This was your basic serial killer info book. It was supposed to be Wisconsin killers, but the author threw in a few extras on top, Bundy, BTK,

Son of Sam.

The narration was average for a non-fiction.

[Dan Meador · Rating 5 out of 5]

Evil and darkness

Serial killers coin the term evil and have dark spirits so eradicating disgusting and eccentric no one could possibly imagine the sadastic demeanor so gruesome no one would ever want to know the actual details or would you?

[Gabrielle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like the way that the author wrote, but there are a lot of inaccuracies in what he reports.

[Tania Winstead · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting read on Wisconsin killers. I really liked that the actual killers description of the crimes was added. I'm kinda sadistic that way. It was a good read. Kinda wished it was longer.

[Videoclimber(AKA)MTsLilSis · Rating 1 out of 5]

Only had a half a story then you had to push a box to continue and it didn't work. I don't like games, just wanted to read the book.