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Smooth Talker: Trail of Death
New From New York Times Bestselling True Crime Author Steve Jackson Three murders. Thirty years of dead ends. Until one rookie investigator began piecing it all together. One morning in July 1974, Anita Andrews, the owner and bartender at Fagiani’s Cocktail Lounge in Napa, California was found dead in her bar–raped, beaten, and stabbed to death in a bloody frenzy. She’d last been seen alive the night before talking to a drifter who sat at the end of the bar, playing cards and flirting with her. But the stranger, along with Anita’s Cadillac, had disappeared. Unable to locate a suspect, police investigators sadly watched the case grow cold over the years. "Jackson writes with muscle and heart.--New York Times bestselling author Gregg Olsen Meanwhile a month after Anita’s murder, young Michele Wallace, was driving down a road in the mountains near Crested Butte, Colorado, when she gave two stranded motorists, Chuck Matthews and a man named Roy, a ride. Dropping Matthews off at a bar in Gunnison, she agreed to take “Roy” to his truck. She was never seen alive again, nor could a massive search of the mountains locate her remains. The trail leading to her killer also ran into deadends. Fourteen years later, Charlotte Sauerwin, engaged to be married, met a smooth-talking man at a Laundromat in Livingston Parish, Louisiana. The next evening, her body was found in the woods; she’d been raped, tortured, and her throat slashed. The police suspected her fiance, Vince LeJeune, though he proclaimed his innocence to anyone who would listen. Meanwhile, the man from the Laundromat couldn’t be located. The three murders would remain unsolved, eating at the hearts, minds and lives of the women’s families, friends and communities. Then in the early 1990s, a rookie Gunnison County sheriff’s investigator named Kathy Young began looking into the Wallace case and identified a suspect named Roy Melanson, a serial rapist from Texas. It would lead her and other investigators looking into murders and rapes in other states to a serial killer who struck again and again with seeming impunity. SMOOTH TALKER is the story of Melanson, his depredations, and the intrepid police work that went into bringing him to justice not just in Colorado, but California and Louisiana.
186 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 7, 2016
127 people are currently reading
437 people want to read
About the author
Steve Jackson
19 books209 followers“He writes with both muscle and heart”—New York Times bestselling author Gregg Olsen
New York Times bestselling author and award-winning journalist Steve Jackson has written ten non-fiction books in true crime, history and biography genres; he has also written fourteen crime fiction thrillers for the long-running and Times bestselling "Butch Karp Series" in collaboration with former New York assistant district attorney Robert K. Tanenbaum.
He is currently in the process of writing three more contracted non-fiction books: ALL SECURE (Hachette), FINDING ANASTASIA (Potomac) and SAVING ANNIE (WildBlue Press), as well as working on a sequel to his bestseller NO STONE UNTURNED. He is also finishing a novel, ISLAND OF WOMEN. The publishers of his previous books include: HarperCollins, Simon & Schuster, Pinnacle, Atrium, De Capo, and WildBlue Press.
Steve is also the co-owner of indie publisher WildBlue Press (wildbluepress.com) with partner Michael Cordova. As of July 2018, WildBlue Press will have published more than 75 books by fifty authors in true crime, crime fiction, romance, history, current events, memoir and business genres after less than four years in business. Many of these books have become award-winning bestsellers, and several have been optioned for film and television productions.
The company is rapidly expanding both the number of authors and titles, and will be moving into other genres in the Summer and Fall of 2018.
His first non-fiction book, MONSTER, a true crime, was published in October 1998 and within two weeks became a New York Times bestseller. In 2003, his World War II dramatic narrative, LUCKY LADY, received The Colorado Book Award, best biography/history, from the Colorado Center for the Book; Lucky Lady was also the runner-up that year for the Admiral Samuel Morrison Naval History Award.
In June 2013, Jackson joined forensic investigative team NecroSearch International (the group featured in NO STONE UNTURNED) searching for the remains of the Grand Duke Mikhail Romanov in Perm, Russia as part of his research for an upcoming dramatic narrative history FINDING ANASTASIA.
Honored with NecroSearch membership in 2014, he and the team returned to Russia to continue the search in 2015, 2016, 2017 and will return to conclude their search in June 2018.
Born in 1955, Jackson grew up in Hawaii and Colorado. He graduated in 1979 from Colorado State University with a BA in Journalism.
A newspaper journalist for 25 years, he worked in locales as varied as Montana, Hawaii, Guam, Micronesia, Indonesia, Indiana, Washington D.C., Florida, Oregon and Colorado. During his career with newspapers, he received numerous national and regional awards for feature writing and investigative reporting.
Outside of writing, his interests include backpacking, fly fishing, skiing, guitar, reading, softball, music, wine, beer and spending time with his family and friends.
New York Times bestselling author and award-winning journalist Steve Jackson has written ten non-fiction books in true crime, history and biography genres; he has also written fourteen crime fiction thrillers for the long-running and Times bestselling "Butch Karp Series" in collaboration with former New York assistant district attorney Robert K. Tanenbaum.
He is currently in the process of writing three more contracted non-fiction books: ALL SECURE (Hachette), FINDING ANASTASIA (Potomac) and SAVING ANNIE (WildBlue Press), as well as working on a sequel to his bestseller NO STONE UNTURNED. He is also finishing a novel, ISLAND OF WOMEN. The publishers of his previous books include: HarperCollins, Simon & Schuster, Pinnacle, Atrium, De Capo, and WildBlue Press.
Steve is also the co-owner of indie publisher WildBlue Press (wildbluepress.com) with partner Michael Cordova. As of July 2018, WildBlue Press will have published more than 75 books by fifty authors in true crime, crime fiction, romance, history, current events, memoir and business genres after less than four years in business. Many of these books have become award-winning bestsellers, and several have been optioned for film and television productions.
The company is rapidly expanding both the number of authors and titles, and will be moving into other genres in the Summer and Fall of 2018.
His first non-fiction book, MONSTER, a true crime, was published in October 1998 and within two weeks became a New York Times bestseller. In 2003, his World War II dramatic narrative, LUCKY LADY, received The Colorado Book Award, best biography/history, from the Colorado Center for the Book; Lucky Lady was also the runner-up that year for the Admiral Samuel Morrison Naval History Award.
In June 2013, Jackson joined forensic investigative team NecroSearch International (the group featured in NO STONE UNTURNED) searching for the remains of the Grand Duke Mikhail Romanov in Perm, Russia as part of his research for an upcoming dramatic narrative history FINDING ANASTASIA.
Honored with NecroSearch membership in 2014, he and the team returned to Russia to continue the search in 2015, 2016, 2017 and will return to conclude their search in June 2018.
Born in 1955, Jackson grew up in Hawaii and Colorado. He graduated in 1979 from Colorado State University with a BA in Journalism.
A newspaper journalist for 25 years, he worked in locales as varied as Montana, Hawaii, Guam, Micronesia, Indonesia, Indiana, Washington D.C., Florida, Oregon and Colorado. During his career with newspapers, he received numerous national and regional awards for feature writing and investigative reporting.
Outside of writing, his interests include backpacking, fly fishing, skiing, guitar, reading, softball, music, wine, beer and spending time with his family and friends.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
February 13, 2022
Roy Melanson was someone who gave nothing to society apart from harm. A rapist, a burglar, a fraudster and a murderer. That is quite some CV.
This is a short true crime book. Factual and to the point. We pick up in July 1974 when he kills 51-year-old Anita Andrews in the bar she and her sister inherited from her father in Napa State Valley. His crimes are not confined to one area. He travels the country to make people’s lives a misery. He murders a wife, a daughter, a fiancée, a mother he does not care who they are. The rape and killings are horrendous.
He is in and out of jail because the police cannot seem to tie him for any murders. Incompetence on the part of the police? Possibly? No surprise though. How many times have we read this? After one rape he was let out on bail and just skipped the state to carry-on his violence against women. One of the main issues is that they cannot find a body of one of the murdered women.
One factor that is interesting is how technology catches up finally. DNA. Again, nothing new but just amazing how a murder from 1974 can be cleared up in 2009.
In my kindle edition there was no Chapter 10. I am not sure if this chapter was missed but it did seem to jump in Chapter 9. This is a good true crime book backed up with photos of the victims and the crime scenes. All very ghastly and sad. A lot of time and effort though has gone into the research as it is thorough. It just does not, for me anyway, jump out as being any different from other true crime books. I guess you would call it solid.
This is a short true crime book. Factual and to the point. We pick up in July 1974 when he kills 51-year-old Anita Andrews in the bar she and her sister inherited from her father in Napa State Valley. His crimes are not confined to one area. He travels the country to make people’s lives a misery. He murders a wife, a daughter, a fiancée, a mother he does not care who they are. The rape and killings are horrendous.
He is in and out of jail because the police cannot seem to tie him for any murders. Incompetence on the part of the police? Possibly? No surprise though. How many times have we read this? After one rape he was let out on bail and just skipped the state to carry-on his violence against women. One of the main issues is that they cannot find a body of one of the murdered women.
One factor that is interesting is how technology catches up finally. DNA. Again, nothing new but just amazing how a murder from 1974 can be cleared up in 2009.
In my kindle edition there was no Chapter 10. I am not sure if this chapter was missed but it did seem to jump in Chapter 9. This is a good true crime book backed up with photos of the victims and the crime scenes. All very ghastly and sad. A lot of time and effort though has gone into the research as it is thorough. It just does not, for me anyway, jump out as being any different from other true crime books. I guess you would call it solid.
April 21, 2016
This is a book about a smooth talking serial killer who is described as being slick. He was also lucky because he managed to get out of jail by getting his 3rd strike status overturned when he should have been locked up for good. Which allowed him to get out in only 12 years and continue his long career of swindling, raping and murdering women. Two of the murders he got away with for many years until they were cold cases, one was more than 30 years, when DNA finally brought him down along with a persistent cop. One thing was distracting all the way through though, and that was the many errors of common words, missing words, etc. Its not the worst offender in that regard, but does no one proofread or edit books anymore? Its becoming common in many of the books I've read the last few years. I have to take points off when it becomes a problem in the flow of a good story. With the cost of books these days, we should expect better.
June 23, 2021
Very well written story of a monster.
February 6, 2017
Just purchased this and another true crime book which is a so called shortie on amazon. I had not realised this is a short book as well. never a fan of the shorter true crime books but let's give it a try.
Began on June 3 2016 but apparently did not finish so picked up again yesterday which was December fifth 2016. To then then began another book but now, the third time I am nearly finished.
READING PROGRESS
05/12 marked as: to-read
06/03 marked as: currently-reading
07/08 marked as: to-read
12/06 marked as: currently-reading
12/28 marked as: to-read
01/31 marked as: currently-reading
02/02 marked as: read
lol
Well I finally read it all. It was a very good true crime book. I wondered why it was hard for me to stick with it and I still do not know because it was a good read.
3.8
Began on June 3 2016 but apparently did not finish so picked up again yesterday which was December fifth 2016. To then then began another book but now, the third time I am nearly finished.
READING PROGRESS
05/12 marked as: to-read
06/03 marked as: currently-reading
07/08 marked as: to-read
12/06 marked as: currently-reading
12/28 marked as: to-read
01/31 marked as: currently-reading
02/02 marked as: read
lol
Well I finally read it all. It was a very good true crime book. I wondered why it was hard for me to stick with it and I still do not know because it was a good read.
3.8
February 6, 2017
Fans of true crime, this one is not to be missed. A compulsive read and well written.
May 14, 2016
This audiobook was given by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review via Audiobook Boom
I absolutely adore Kevin Pierce's narration. He is pitch perfect always and especially in the true crime genre is a perfect narrator who provides a great listening experience. There is nothing else that needs to be said about the narration. It's simply spot on.
I had listened to the authors "No Stone Left Unturned" so I was familiar with one of the cases in this book. It was very interesting to have case tied in with others perpetrated by the same criminal. That perpetrators criminal movements were laid out well in this book. The author gives fantastic detail and ties in the cases together very well.
As a huge fan of true crime I found "Smooth Talker" to be a very well written portrayal of the string of crimes that is known to be done by the perpetrator. The descriptions of the victims and their lives at the time of the crimes and well as family and friends emotions and reactions gave soul to the story. The details of the crimes and criminal gives goose bumps and the complete soullessness of that man.
The only thing lacking for me was the beginning of the story. How and where did the criminal grow up? Did he have family? Etc. Those kinds of details build context around a killer that to me is one of the most fascinating aspects of the true crime genre. Perhaps those details are not know in this case. But that was the only thing to knock this book down to 4 stars for me. Other than that it was a great example of true crime writing.
I absolutely adore Kevin Pierce's narration. He is pitch perfect always and especially in the true crime genre is a perfect narrator who provides a great listening experience. There is nothing else that needs to be said about the narration. It's simply spot on.
I had listened to the authors "No Stone Left Unturned" so I was familiar with one of the cases in this book. It was very interesting to have case tied in with others perpetrated by the same criminal. That perpetrators criminal movements were laid out well in this book. The author gives fantastic detail and ties in the cases together very well.
As a huge fan of true crime I found "Smooth Talker" to be a very well written portrayal of the string of crimes that is known to be done by the perpetrator. The descriptions of the victims and their lives at the time of the crimes and well as family and friends emotions and reactions gave soul to the story. The details of the crimes and criminal gives goose bumps and the complete soullessness of that man.
The only thing lacking for me was the beginning of the story. How and where did the criminal grow up? Did he have family? Etc. Those kinds of details build context around a killer that to me is one of the most fascinating aspects of the true crime genre. Perhaps those details are not know in this case. But that was the only thing to knock this book down to 4 stars for me. Other than that it was a great example of true crime writing.
November 3, 2016
Author Writer Research & Skills Are Excellent!
January 14, 2017
I really enjoyed this book. First time author for me. Thank you net gallery for letting me read this great book and author. Great book and it is true crime with a few twists and turns
July 31, 2017
** Review of Audio Format **
Only Half of the Story
This book is somewhat incomplete...it deletes entirely any mention of Roy Melanson's early life, where he grew up, what he did, what kind of person he was, anything. Other than that, it is great and follow the timeline of when the murders were solved extremely well. Jackson also does an excellent job of bringing the victims and those left behind to life. I particularly liked his background and follow up on the LeJuene murder. It was so gratifying to hear about the truth coming out and her husband not being considered a suspect any longer. I feel he deserves a huge apology from that whole community and especially the police chief.
The narration by Kevin Pierce was wonderful as always and perfect for the material. He does non fiction and fiction alike beautifully and I get excited when I realize he is the narrator for the book I am listening to.
I received this audiobook for free through Audiobook Boom! in exchange for an honest review.
Only Half of the Story
This book is somewhat incomplete...it deletes entirely any mention of Roy Melanson's early life, where he grew up, what he did, what kind of person he was, anything. Other than that, it is great and follow the timeline of when the murders were solved extremely well. Jackson also does an excellent job of bringing the victims and those left behind to life. I particularly liked his background and follow up on the LeJuene murder. It was so gratifying to hear about the truth coming out and her husband not being considered a suspect any longer. I feel he deserves a huge apology from that whole community and especially the police chief.
The narration by Kevin Pierce was wonderful as always and perfect for the material. He does non fiction and fiction alike beautifully and I get excited when I realize he is the narrator for the book I am listening to.
I received this audiobook for free through Audiobook Boom! in exchange for an honest review.
April 6, 2023
Mystery Solved...Thankfully.
A not bad, not great recollection of the life and times of a serial killer. Mostly told in an emotionless, matter of fact manner, the book followed the events surrounding the killings performed by Roy Melanson. The work done by various investigators is detailed, as are the trials that led to incarcerations of the killer. Too much time is spent at the end of the book, however, concerning efforts made to reinterview or film Melsnson. Some editing would've been appreciated.
A not bad, not great recollection of the life and times of a serial killer. Mostly told in an emotionless, matter of fact manner, the book followed the events surrounding the killings performed by Roy Melanson. The work done by various investigators is detailed, as are the trials that led to incarcerations of the killer. Too much time is spent at the end of the book, however, concerning efforts made to reinterview or film Melsnson. Some editing would've been appreciated.
February 15, 2019
My only complaint would be that the captions on some of the photos reveal something well before it's revealed in the text. Also, if you've just read No Stone Unturned, there's some definite repeating of material, but it's necessary in this book to do it, so it's fine. Just maybe read something else between.
Read
May 22, 2020I am a huge Steve Jackson fan, but I have to say, this book really didn't do it for me. It is almost 200 pages and it is a story from ID ... but even that, usually his books are truly fast page turners. I found myself forcing myself to sit and finish it.
June 9, 2023
unputdownable!
There are a lot of moving parts to this story but it is written so concisely and so coherently that it never becomes confusing. Well written and easy to follow , it tells the stories of horrendous happenings with a great deal of compassion. Highly recommend !
There are a lot of moving parts to this story but it is written so concisely and so coherently that it never becomes confusing. Well written and easy to follow , it tells the stories of horrendous happenings with a great deal of compassion. Highly recommend !
February 28, 2017
True crime story. Very well written.
March 12, 2018
Well written account of a serial killer/rapist that most people don't even know. This book is fascinating, sad, and compelling. The evolution of forensics is on display in this accounting.
July 23, 2019
Great read
Another great read from Steven Jackson. This world is full of sickos that walk amongst us every day. Hold your loved ones close
Another great read from Steven Jackson. This world is full of sickos that walk amongst us every day. Hold your loved ones close
October 29, 2021
a powerful read, though it tended to drag a little in parts, but it truly opens your eyes on the inner workings of the psychopath, though you'll need to stick with it until the conclusion.
February 26, 2021
Most of us know someone who always says just the right words to get you to do things you don’t feel like doing, and who then manages to avoid blame and responsibility if things go wrong. Roy Melanson takes this to the extreme during his years as a serial rapist and killer.
Smooth Talker is a fascinating and disturbing account of Melanson’s crimes and the investigation that finally brought him down. Steve Jackson does an excellent job of giving the victim’s a voice here, telling their stories as well as Melanson’s, so we get to know who they were before Melanson stepped into their lives.
I listened to this on audio, which is narrated by Kevin Pierce. For me, he has the perfect style and tone for true crime.
A recommended read or listen for true crime fans.
*I received a free download from WildBlue Press.*
Smooth Talker is a fascinating and disturbing account of Melanson’s crimes and the investigation that finally brought him down. Steve Jackson does an excellent job of giving the victim’s a voice here, telling their stories as well as Melanson’s, so we get to know who they were before Melanson stepped into their lives.
I listened to this on audio, which is narrated by Kevin Pierce. For me, he has the perfect style and tone for true crime.
A recommended read or listen for true crime fans.
*I received a free download from WildBlue Press.*
April 13, 2016
How Many More?
How many more victims did Roy Melanson have.. we will never know. He conned and smooth talked almost everyone he came in contact with.
This book covers 3 women that he killed and after decades was finally convicted of.He is currently serving his first sentence and faces LWOP when it is over. Bad health will probably prevent him from serving many more years, then he can face his Maker. This book held my interest from the first page to the last. I am looking forward to reading Steve Jackson's related book, NO STONE UNTURNED. I will recommend this to all of my True Crime friends.
How many more victims did Roy Melanson have.. we will never know. He conned and smooth talked almost everyone he came in contact with.
This book covers 3 women that he killed and after decades was finally convicted of.He is currently serving his first sentence and faces LWOP when it is over. Bad health will probably prevent him from serving many more years, then he can face his Maker. This book held my interest from the first page to the last. I am looking forward to reading Steve Jackson's related book, NO STONE UNTURNED. I will recommend this to all of my True Crime friends.
April 25, 2016
Charmed to death
Steve Jackson has given us an outstanding account of the serial rapist, serial killer and master liar Roy Melanson. Apparently his victim selection was based purely on opportunity and owed nothing to age, race or gender. He was tried and sentenced for two murders and a third is considered solved and will be tried if it appears there is ever a chance that Melanson might get out of prison.
By the end of the book, I felt like I had been told the whole story. Readers will wonder how many other victims might lie undiscovered, but I was not left with unanswered questions.
Steve Jackson has given us an outstanding account of the serial rapist, serial killer and master liar Roy Melanson. Apparently his victim selection was based purely on opportunity and owed nothing to age, race or gender. He was tried and sentenced for two murders and a third is considered solved and will be tried if it appears there is ever a chance that Melanson might get out of prison.
By the end of the book, I felt like I had been told the whole story. Readers will wonder how many other victims might lie undiscovered, but I was not left with unanswered questions.
June 11, 2016
This book is based on a true story that took place in 1962, it covers raping, murdering, and robbing women.
It also probes the mind of a sociopath and is not for the faint of heart.
The book also describes how the families of some of the victims tried to cope and survive.
Thankfully DNA helped to bring Justice for the Families.
The Narrator, Kevin Pierce did well.
Note:
"This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of Audiobook Blast."
April 10, 2016
I thoroughly enjoyed the book. The murder of a loved one is never easy. This was a real page turner and made the hair on the back of my neck stand up. If you like true crime genre you will enjoy. I have read other books by Steve Jackson and he is a very detailed, in depth story teller. Roy Melanson could be your uncle, cousin, or neighbor. I am glad that he is in jail. He was a serial rapist and killer that had a gentle average joe persona. I highly recommend this book.
April 11, 2016
Roy Menanson was a smooth talking charmer who crisscrossed the country robbing, raping and murdering women. He served some time for various crimes including rape but was always released to continue on with his crime spree. The book also describes how the families of some of the victims tried to cope with their losses while waiting patiently for justice to be served for their loved ones. This is a real page turner and I highly recommend it.
April 14, 2016
This book was hard putting down. Steve Jackson has managed to write a very interesting book that tells the readers about the damages cases like this one has not only to the unfortunate but also to a lot of other people
This is the kind of book that makes you want to learn more about how and why these killings happen
Great book highly recommend
If you want a deeper review please visit my blog www.readingghost.blogspot.dk
This is the kind of book that makes you want to learn more about how and why these killings happen
Great book highly recommend
If you want a deeper review please visit my blog www.readingghost.blogspot.dk
April 15, 2016
Chilling
What a fantastic read! This book wasn't easy to put down once I started. Roy Melanson spent decades killing and raping women all over the country. He is what I call a sociopath. Many crimes he was convicted of, yet he managed to be released and continue to destroy lives. So sad to read about the families and how they coped with the horrors of the death of their loved ones. Excellent read!
What a fantastic read! This book wasn't easy to put down once I started. Roy Melanson spent decades killing and raping women all over the country. He is what I call a sociopath. Many crimes he was convicted of, yet he managed to be released and continue to destroy lives. So sad to read about the families and how they coped with the horrors of the death of their loved ones. Excellent read!
May 15, 2016
This is very well written true crime. It's thoroughly researched and I like the way Jackson introduces a point then goes back and fills in the background leading up to that point.
Kevin Pierce delivers his customary superb performance. He knows exactly how to read true crime aloud.
NOTE: I received a free copy of this audiobook in exchange for this unbiased review.
Kevin Pierce delivers his customary superb performance. He knows exactly how to read true crime aloud.
NOTE: I received a free copy of this audiobook in exchange for this unbiased review.
April 19, 2016
Another gripping true crime book from Steve Jackson, this time examining a series of cold cases linked to one perpetrator. Nice to see justice prevail after so many years. So engrossing that it was easy to overlook the many typos.
May 4, 2016
Good book, frightening story
The murderer is scary. I'm glad he's permanently locked up. The author did a terrific job describing the victims, making their lives real. The killer spread his own brand of terror all over the country. Total psychopath, lots of charm, no feeling.
The murderer is scary. I'm glad he's permanently locked up. The author did a terrific job describing the victims, making their lives real. The killer spread his own brand of terror all over the country. Total psychopath, lots of charm, no feeling.
May 12, 2016
"This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of Audiobook Blast."
This true crime drama follows hunt and trial of cold case many years later. DNA use is shown in its development.
The narration was well done.
This true crime drama follows hunt and trial of cold case many years later. DNA use is shown in its development.
The narration was well done.
June 3, 2016
True murder.
This man is the biggest monster in any true murder I have ever read. I don't think the total number of his victims will ever be known. The book was well written and in a good chronological order. Will read more by this author.
This man is the biggest monster in any true murder I have ever read. I don't think the total number of his victims will ever be known. The book was well written and in a good chronological order. Will read more by this author.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews