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Bloodlands Collection #1
The Pirate
In 1860, a sloop drifted into New York Harbor. Not a soul on board—just blood from cabin to deck. Looted coins led to Bowery thug Albert Hicks, the ax slayer who turned his shipmates into chum.
His crimes were absolutely fiendish. His execution was pure ballyhoo. It drew nearly ten thousand bloodthirsty sightseers to the city—including the enterprising showman P. T. Barnum. Refreshments were served as the most notorious and unrepentant mass murderer of the era made history as one of America’s first celebrity killers.
The Pirate is part of Bloodlands, a chilling collection of short page-turning historical narratives from bestselling true-crime master Harold Schechter. Spanning a century in our nation’s murderous past, Schechter resurrects nearly forgotten tales of madmen and thrill-killers that dominated the most sensational headlines of their day.
67 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 28, 2018
1301 people are currently reading
1855 people want to read
About the author
Harold Schechter
80 books1,396 followersAka Jon A. Harrald (joint pseudonym with Jonna Gormley Semeiks)
Harold Schechter is a true crime writer who specializes in serial killers. He attended the State University of New York in Buffalo, where he obtained a Ph.D. A resident of New York City, Schechter is professor of American literature and popular culture at Queens College of the City University of New York.
Among his nonfiction works are the historical true-crime classics Fatal, Fiend, Deviant, Deranged, and Depraved. He also authors a critically acclaimed mystery series featuring Edgar Allan Poe, which includes The Hum Bug and Nevermore and The Mask of Red Death.
Schechter is married to poet Kimiko Hahn. He has two daughters from a previous marriage: the writer Lauren Oliver and professor of philosophy Elizabeth Schechter.
Harold Schechter is a true crime writer who specializes in serial killers. He attended the State University of New York in Buffalo, where he obtained a Ph.D. A resident of New York City, Schechter is professor of American literature and popular culture at Queens College of the City University of New York.
Among his nonfiction works are the historical true-crime classics Fatal, Fiend, Deviant, Deranged, and Depraved. He also authors a critically acclaimed mystery series featuring Edgar Allan Poe, which includes The Hum Bug and Nevermore and The Mask of Red Death.
Schechter is married to poet Kimiko Hahn. He has two daughters from a previous marriage: the writer Lauren Oliver and professor of philosophy Elizabeth Schechter.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 366 reviews
November 1, 2022
Some fun facts about the intersection between piracy law and murder as profitable entertainment in 1800s New York City, but I felt that even an hour of this listen had too much filler. I was planning to finally crack open The Last Pirate of New York: A Ghost Ship, A Killer, and the Birth of a Gangster Nation, but now I'm wondering if I already know the key bits about P. T.Barnum and Hicks The Pirate. I'm still looking forward to reading Jewish Pirates of the Caribbean...
Free with audible membership, well-narrated by Steven Weber, and part of a larger collection.
Free with audible membership, well-narrated by Steven Weber, and part of a larger collection.
July 4, 2018
"all-you-can-eat-oysters raw on the half shell, for six cents"
In 1763, the first oyster restaurant opened in New York. Oyster cellars, serving every social class, were becoming deplete of oysters necessitating the need for oyster merchants. The New York Harbor oyster beds were empty. A charter sloop, the E.A. Johnson, would sail down to the Chesapeake. The hired crew consisted of ship captain George Hanford Burr, brothers Oliver and Smith Watts, 24 and 19 years old, respectively, and ship mate William Johnson, a physically imposing, smart, knowledgeable sailor. On March 20, 1860, Captain Burr wrote a letter to his wife. On March 21, the abandoned sloop was found adrift. Upon inspection, blood soaked planks and blood splatter was everywhere. No signs of life, however, Captain Burr's silver, to be used to purchase Chesapeake oysters, was missing...so was the yawl hanging over the boat's stern.
Through the use of newspaper clippings and court documents, American true crime writer Harold Schechter presents the story of Albert Hicks aka William Johnson, perhaps the last pirate in U.S. history to be executed for piracy. The populace was fascinated, including P.T. Barnum who was ready to add to his "curiosities".
"The Pirate" by Harold Schechter is a true crime read by an author specializing in serial killers. The life and times of 1860 New York, as presented by Schechter, enabled this reader "to feel transported", to witness the unfolding events. An excellent true crime read!
In 1763, the first oyster restaurant opened in New York. Oyster cellars, serving every social class, were becoming deplete of oysters necessitating the need for oyster merchants. The New York Harbor oyster beds were empty. A charter sloop, the E.A. Johnson, would sail down to the Chesapeake. The hired crew consisted of ship captain George Hanford Burr, brothers Oliver and Smith Watts, 24 and 19 years old, respectively, and ship mate William Johnson, a physically imposing, smart, knowledgeable sailor. On March 20, 1860, Captain Burr wrote a letter to his wife. On March 21, the abandoned sloop was found adrift. Upon inspection, blood soaked planks and blood splatter was everywhere. No signs of life, however, Captain Burr's silver, to be used to purchase Chesapeake oysters, was missing...so was the yawl hanging over the boat's stern.
Through the use of newspaper clippings and court documents, American true crime writer Harold Schechter presents the story of Albert Hicks aka William Johnson, perhaps the last pirate in U.S. history to be executed for piracy. The populace was fascinated, including P.T. Barnum who was ready to add to his "curiosities".
"The Pirate" by Harold Schechter is a true crime read by an author specializing in serial killers. The life and times of 1860 New York, as presented by Schechter, enabled this reader "to feel transported", to witness the unfolding events. An excellent true crime read!
May 14, 2024
چرا برخی کتابها را میخوانیم؛
ماجرای یک توجیه!
این مرور را هرکسی نباید بخواند. چیزی از کتاب لو نرفته و شرحی از موقعیتهای جنایی اثر نداده ام، اما خب هرکسی نباید این کتاب را بخواند. اسپویل آلرت را برای همین فعال کرده ام.
0- این جلد، پنجمین روایت از سری روایتهای مشاهیر مرگ است که از نشر خوب خوانده ام.
در مقام قیاس با 4 روایت پیشین، این جلد مشخصا ضعیفتر بود.
1- چرا باید متنوع کتاب خواند؟ باید توجیهی برایش داشت، بالاخره انسان است و "کارهای منطقیاش".
خیلی از ما، یک زندگی روزمره داریم، شغلی، تحصیلی چیزی. در این جهان خیلی تخصصی و خرد، به مسائل حرفهٔ خود میپردازیم. جهان کوچک اما پرجزئیاتی داریم. قبول دارید در بند این جهان بودن، تجربهٔ خیلی از اتفاقات جهان رو از ما سلب میکنه؟ پس بیایید ما که اینجا نشستیم و خیر سرمون کتاب میخوانیم، در کتابخوانی جسور و متهور باشیم. به در و دیوار بزنیم تا جای خودمان را در جهان پیدا کنیم. در مسائل اخلاقی مهم، مانند موقعیتِ ما در پروندههای جنایی!
2- شاید هیچکدام از ما هیچوقت بجز وقتی که تصادفی دست خودمان را با چاقوی آشپزخانه میبریم، مواجه دیگری با خون نداشته باشیم. از لحاظ آماری هم نگاه کنیم، وضعیت غالب این دور و زمانه، امنیت کامل است. اما همچنان خشونت هست و حتی یک موقعیت خشونتآمیز و آگاهی از آن، برای یک وجدان سالم یک موضعگیری را ضروری میکند. قضاوت صحیح کردنِ انسانها تقریبا ناممکن و شاید غیراخلاقی باشد (در مورد قاضی حرف نمیزنم در مورد خودمان حرف میزنم). اما موضعگیری بدون فرشتهوشیطان ساختن، حساب خیلی چیزها را برای ما مشخص میکند.
3- این دغدغه، موضعگیری و تلاش برای تفکر اخلاقی در مورد وضعیت از لحاظ اخلاقی بغرنج (مانند پروندههای جنایی) برای من حداقل از 4آبشخور حاصل شده است:
اول همین پرونده جناییهای نشر خوب. مخصوصا در مجلدی که در مورد قاتلآجری و تبعیض ساختاری علیه سیاهپوستان در آمریکا بود.
دوم کتاب "ساعت پنج عصر در خیابان گاندی" که ماجرای دو جوان تقریبا هم سنوسال من در همین تهران بود. جایی در همین حوالی و موقعیت در همان حوالی!
سوم کتاب "هفت نفری که با دار آویخته شدند" از آندرییف. این کتاب مشخصا ذهنم را روشن ساخت نسبت به این موضوع. چون در پایان کتاب قرار است هفت قاتل و جانی که از جرم خود پشیمان نیستند، اعدام شوند. در این اثر کلاژوار، آندرییف قاتل را با تصویر میکشد با تمام وجوه انسان بودنش و برای من تلنگری بود که آیا حکم اعدام بله؟ ادبیات است دیگر!
چهارم هم پروندههای جنایی پادکست چنلبی.
4- این مجلد هم در مورد یک پروندهٔ جنایی روی یک عرشه رخ میدهد. روایت ترسناک است اما به دلهرهآوری جلدهای پیشین این سری نبود.
اما به هرحال خواندن این کتابها و روایتها قلب را فسرده میکند و هرکسی نباید بخواند.
در نهایت توجیه اخلاقی میتوان بافت برای این کتاب.
ماجرای یک توجیه!
این مرور را هرکسی نباید بخواند. چیزی از کتاب لو نرفته و شرحی از موقعیتهای جنایی اثر نداده ام، اما خب هرکسی نباید این کتاب را بخواند. اسپویل آلرت را برای همین فعال کرده ام.
0- این جلد، پنجمین روایت از سری روایتهای مشاهیر مرگ است که از نشر خوب خوانده ام.
در مقام قیاس با 4 روایت پیشین، این جلد مشخصا ضعیفتر بود.
1- چرا باید متنوع کتاب خواند؟ باید توجیهی برایش داشت، بالاخره انسان است و "کارهای منطقیاش".
خیلی از ما، یک زندگی روزمره داریم، شغلی، تحصیلی چیزی. در این جهان خیلی تخصصی و خرد، به مسائل حرفهٔ خود میپردازیم. جهان کوچک اما پرجزئیاتی داریم. قبول دارید در بند این جهان بودن، تجربهٔ خیلی از اتفاقات جهان رو از ما سلب میکنه؟ پس بیایید ما که اینجا نشستیم و خیر سرمون کتاب میخوانیم، در کتابخوانی جسور و متهور باشیم. به در و دیوار بزنیم تا جای خودمان را در جهان پیدا کنیم. در مسائل اخلاقی مهم، مانند موقعیتِ ما در پروندههای جنایی!
2- شاید هیچکدام از ما هیچوقت بجز وقتی که تصادفی دست خودمان را با چاقوی آشپزخانه میبریم، مواجه دیگری با خون نداشته باشیم. از لحاظ آماری هم نگاه کنیم، وضعیت غالب این دور و زمانه، امنیت کامل است. اما همچنان خشونت هست و حتی یک موقعیت خشونتآمیز و آگاهی از آن، برای یک وجدان سالم یک موضعگیری را ضروری میکند. قضاوت صحیح کردنِ انسانها تقریبا ناممکن و شاید غیراخلاقی باشد (در مورد قاضی حرف نمیزنم در مورد خودمان حرف میزنم). اما موضعگیری بدون فرشتهوشیطان ساختن، حساب خیلی چیزها را برای ما مشخص میکند.
3- این دغدغه، موضعگیری و تلاش برای تفکر اخلاقی در مورد وضعیت از لحاظ اخلاقی بغرنج (مانند پروندههای جنایی) برای من حداقل از 4آبشخور حاصل شده است:
اول همین پرونده جناییهای نشر خوب. مخصوصا در مجلدی که در مورد قاتلآجری و تبعیض ساختاری علیه سیاهپوستان در آمریکا بود.
دوم کتاب "ساعت پنج عصر در خیابان گاندی" که ماجرای دو جوان تقریبا هم سنوسال من در همین تهران بود. جایی در همین حوالی و موقعیت در همان حوالی!
سوم کتاب "هفت نفری که با دار آویخته شدند" از آندرییف. این کتاب مشخصا ذهنم را روشن ساخت نسبت به این موضوع. چون در پایان کتاب قرار است هفت قاتل و جانی که از جرم خود پشیمان نیستند، اعدام شوند. در این اثر کلاژوار، آندرییف قاتل را با تصویر میکشد با تمام وجوه انسان بودنش و برای من تلنگری بود که آیا حکم اعدام بله؟ ادبیات است دیگر!
چهارم هم پروندههای جنایی پادکست چنلبی.
4- این مجلد هم در مورد یک پروندهٔ جنایی روی یک عرشه رخ میدهد. روایت ترسناک است اما به دلهرهآوری جلدهای پیشین این سری نبود.
اما به هرحال خواندن این کتابها و روایتها قلب را فسرده میکند و هرکسی نباید بخواند.
در نهایت توجیه اخلاقی میتوان بافت برای این کتاب.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 16, 2023
از مجموعه «مشاهیر مرگ»(Bloodlands Collection) نوشته شکتر که استاد ادبیات در امریکاست و تخصصش داستانهای جنایی مستند است. این مجموعه شش جلد کمحجم در قطع پالتویی است که در هرکدام به جنایت و قاتلانی مشهور در تاریخ امریکا میپردازد. تمامی اتفاقهایی که در هر کدام آورده شده مستند است و مرجع آن در انتهای کتاب آورده شده است. شکتر استادانه این فکتها را کنار هم چیده و به شکل داستانهایی جذاب درآورده است.
این داستان به قاتلی در امریکای سالهای ۱۸۶۰ پرداخته است. که پس از آخرین جنایتش، مشخص میشود سالها آدم میکشته.
برای من سیستم قضایی و فکر اقتصادی آن سالهای دور امریکا، جالب بود.
ترجمه بسیار عالی و چاپ کتاب هم بسیار شکیل و درجه یک است.
این داستان به قاتلی در امریکای سالهای ۱۸۶۰ پرداخته است. که پس از آخرین جنایتش، مشخص میشود سالها آدم میکشته.
برای من سیستم قضایی و فکر اقتصادی آن سالهای دور امریکا، جالب بود.
ترجمه بسیار عالی و چاپ کتاب هم بسیار شکیل و درجه یک است.
December 20, 2024
توی اولین جلد از این مجموعه، پروندهی "آلبرت هیکس" معروف به دزد دریایی بررسی میشه.
کاری که هیکس انجام میده، اون رو به بیرحمترین قاتل قرن نوزدهم تبدیل میکنه و دهها هزار نفر از مردم توی دادگاه و اجرای حکمش شرکت میکنند.
چیزی که توی این پرونده نظرم رو جلب کرد، بیرحمانه بودنِ عمل هیکس نبود بلکه نهایتِ خونسردی و بیاعتناییش به کاری بود که انجام داده بود.
هیکس تا لحظهی آخر به هیچوجه اظهار پشیمونی نکرد و حتی توی دادگاهش به نقل از نیویورک تایمز، آرومترین فرد حاضر در دادگاه بود.
علاوه بر این، مجسمهسازی که از هیکس یک مجسمهی مومی ساخت و توی موزهش به نمایش درآورد تا از این جنایتها سود ببره و استقبال زیاد مردم برای بازدید از این مجسمه هم برام واقعا عجیب بود.
کاری که هیکس انجام میده، اون رو به بیرحمترین قاتل قرن نوزدهم تبدیل میکنه و دهها هزار نفر از مردم توی دادگاه و اجرای حکمش شرکت میکنند.
چیزی که توی این پرونده نظرم رو جلب کرد، بیرحمانه بودنِ عمل هیکس نبود بلکه نهایتِ خونسردی و بیاعتناییش به کاری بود که انجام داده بود.
هیکس تا لحظهی آخر به هیچوجه اظهار پشیمونی نکرد و حتی توی دادگاهش به نقل از نیویورک تایمز، آرومترین فرد حاضر در دادگاه بود.
علاوه بر این، مجسمهسازی که از هیکس یک مجسمهی مومی ساخت و توی موزهش به نمایش درآورد تا از این جنایتها سود ببره و استقبال زیاد مردم برای بازدید از این مجسمه هم برام واقعا عجیب بود.
October 24, 2023
This was quite the interesting piece of history.
I like to listen to these on road trips because they are short and free. The narrator on this was fantastic (better at 1.2 speed).
This story was of Albert Hicks, a man who was said to murder 100’s of people. The story is one of in particular that took place on the high seas. This short non-fiction story provided a captivating account of Albert’s crime and how he was tried. There was an interesting tid bit about P. T. Barnum too.
Highly recommend these on audio when you’re trying to kill some time and want to be enlightened with some gruesome history you may not know about.
I like to listen to these on road trips because they are short and free. The narrator on this was fantastic (better at 1.2 speed).
This story was of Albert Hicks, a man who was said to murder 100’s of people. The story is one of in particular that took place on the high seas. This short non-fiction story provided a captivating account of Albert’s crime and how he was tried. There was an interesting tid bit about P. T. Barnum too.
Highly recommend these on audio when you’re trying to kill some time and want to be enlightened with some gruesome history you may not know about.
January 14, 2025
این کتاب در واقع روایتی بود از جنایت و قتلی وحشیانه در سال ۱۸۶۰ در آمریکا، که قاتلش بعدها طی بازجویی (که در کتاب هم آورده شده) ادعا کرد که هنگام ارتکاب جرم توسط شیطان تسخیر شده بود.
هرولد شکتر در این کتاب به وقایعنگاریِ جنایت و دستگیری و اعدام آلبرت دابلیو هیکس، از بزرگترین تبهکاران آمریکا پرداخته که در آخرین روزهای عمرش، به دزد دریایی هم معروف شده بود و در روز اعدامش، بیش از ۱۰ هزار نفر در محل اعدام حضور پیدا کردند.
خوندنش با دونستن اینکه چنین آدمی واقعاً وجود داشته و این اتفاقات همه حقیقت دارند، حقیقتاً که رعبآور بود و البته تجربهای جالب؛ ترغیب شدم که آثار بیشتری از این نویسنده و در کل ادبیات واقعگرایانه بخونم و به هرکسی که به پروندههای جنایی و آثاری از این قبیل علاقه داره پیشنهادش میکنم.
هرولد شکتر در این کتاب به وقایعنگاریِ جنایت و دستگیری و اعدام آلبرت دابلیو هیکس، از بزرگترین تبهکاران آمریکا پرداخته که در آخرین روزهای عمرش، به دزد دریایی هم معروف شده بود و در روز اعدامش، بیش از ۱۰ هزار نفر در محل اعدام حضور پیدا کردند.
خوندنش با دونستن اینکه چنین آدمی واقعاً وجود داشته و این اتفاقات همه حقیقت دارند، حقیقتاً که رعبآور بود و البته تجربهای جالب؛ ترغیب شدم که آثار بیشتری از این نویسنده و در کل ادبیات واقعگرایانه بخونم و به هرکسی که به پروندههای جنایی و آثاری از این قبیل علاقه داره پیشنهادش میکنم.
August 10, 2024
A fine tale starring an axe and it’s remorseless wielder aboard an oyster sloop.
The 1860’s setting on the New York docklands were were skillfully brought to life, as well as the feel of the people of it’s time. The crime scene was the high point, and the gory description of the severing of body parts, half eyes and the like.
The police chase, arrest and sentencing were fairly open shut, and a touch repetitive. There were some interesting comments regarding more severe punishments for crimes at sea, seeing as victims are far from protection. And I liked the condescending line that jurors who read the newspapers were not tainted, instead it make them qualified. The only people not reading about the crime were illiterate and what good were they? These aren’t my views, but they were delivered with a dose of humour.
Overall, some “good” pirating, some “good” gore, an average chase and settlement.
The 1860’s setting on the New York docklands were were skillfully brought to life, as well as the feel of the people of it’s time. The crime scene was the high point, and the gory description of the severing of body parts, half eyes and the like.
The police chase, arrest and sentencing were fairly open shut, and a touch repetitive. There were some interesting comments regarding more severe punishments for crimes at sea, seeing as victims are far from protection. And I liked the condescending line that jurors who read the newspapers were not tainted, instead it make them qualified. The only people not reading about the crime were illiterate and what good were they? These aren’t my views, but they were delivered with a dose of humour.
Overall, some “good” pirating, some “good” gore, an average chase and settlement.
November 7, 2024
Okay, this was pretty fascinating. I can't even imagine the depth of depravity it takes to kill so many people in cold blood over what was basically a few thousand bucks in today's time, a beaten-up old watch, and a homemade jacket. The way that Hicks reacted to his sentencing makes me wonder if it was full-blown psychopathy. I can tell this is going to be an intriguing little collection of true crime tales!
January 1, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3 Stars
Bloodlands collection
Bloodlands collection
December 8, 2018
Grisly murders at sea. A crew hacked to death and thrown into the ocean. A sloop drifting unmanned into New York harbor with blood all over the decks. One man rowing to shore and walking away....
In 1860, the killings by Albert Hicks drew a lot of attention. His execution was attended by thousands, including P.T. Barnum. Hicks had led a life of violence, killing and robbing all over the world as he worked on various ships. He was caught when he signed on as a mate on the E.A. Johnson to harvest oysters on the Chesapeake and killed the other 3 members of the crew for the money on board. Author Harold Schechter uses newspaper accounts and court records to piece together the story of Albert Hicks (aka William Johnson), a pirate who was executed in 1860 on Bledloe's Island (now Liberty Island).
I'm a big fan of history and historic true crime tales.....I listen to many, many podcasts on the topic. So I knew I would enjoy listening to The Pirate, the first of six bloody tales in the Bloodlands Collection from Audible/Amazon Originals. I listened to the audiobook version of this story, narrated by Steven Weber. The audio is just under 1.5 hours, so it's an easy listening length. Weber reads at a nice, steady pace and his voice is easily understandable even with my hearing loss.
I enjoyed this story. The author presents the facts about the crime, the life of the murderer and the aftermath of his arrest and conviction in an interesting manner. It is a lot like listening to a documentary....so if true crime or history isn't really your bag, you might want to pass this collection by.
Listening to stories about crimes committed far in the past helps me put our present world in perspective. Today's society hasn't suddenly become a world of danger after peaceful times in the past.....the "good old days'' were just as violent and scary as what we face today. There just wasn't insta-news in those days....stories took awhile to get around. Investigations were completely low tech back then -- no DNA analysis, very little forensic knowledge above the very basic....and killers very often got away with their grisly crimes for quite some time before they were caught. Hicks led a life of horrific violence....until he made a mistake and got caught literally red handed. His execution was a public event with the atmosphere of a circus performance. That's almost as grisly as his crimes....
The Bloodlands Collection gathers six true crime stories from the past. Ranging from the 1860's up to 1949, the crimes are varied, but all grisly. Not for the faint of heart. Interesting tales for those who enjoy true crime stories. The kindle book versions use Kindle-In-Motion animation....some of the illustrations, photos and text moves or has slight animations. Kinda cool. I chose the audible version and listened to the story.
I'm enjoying these collections of Amazon Original content. There are several different story collections...horror short stories, global warming tales, true crime, missing persons, etc. I haven't liked all of the selections, but I've had fun trying them. I like having a shorter story to listen to....something I can finish quickly rather than investing 10-15 hours in an entire novel-length audio book.
All in all, so far Bloodlands is my favorite collection. I love the combo of history and true crime narrative!
In 1860, the killings by Albert Hicks drew a lot of attention. His execution was attended by thousands, including P.T. Barnum. Hicks had led a life of violence, killing and robbing all over the world as he worked on various ships. He was caught when he signed on as a mate on the E.A. Johnson to harvest oysters on the Chesapeake and killed the other 3 members of the crew for the money on board. Author Harold Schechter uses newspaper accounts and court records to piece together the story of Albert Hicks (aka William Johnson), a pirate who was executed in 1860 on Bledloe's Island (now Liberty Island).
I'm a big fan of history and historic true crime tales.....I listen to many, many podcasts on the topic. So I knew I would enjoy listening to The Pirate, the first of six bloody tales in the Bloodlands Collection from Audible/Amazon Originals. I listened to the audiobook version of this story, narrated by Steven Weber. The audio is just under 1.5 hours, so it's an easy listening length. Weber reads at a nice, steady pace and his voice is easily understandable even with my hearing loss.
I enjoyed this story. The author presents the facts about the crime, the life of the murderer and the aftermath of his arrest and conviction in an interesting manner. It is a lot like listening to a documentary....so if true crime or history isn't really your bag, you might want to pass this collection by.
Listening to stories about crimes committed far in the past helps me put our present world in perspective. Today's society hasn't suddenly become a world of danger after peaceful times in the past.....the "good old days'' were just as violent and scary as what we face today. There just wasn't insta-news in those days....stories took awhile to get around. Investigations were completely low tech back then -- no DNA analysis, very little forensic knowledge above the very basic....and killers very often got away with their grisly crimes for quite some time before they were caught. Hicks led a life of horrific violence....until he made a mistake and got caught literally red handed. His execution was a public event with the atmosphere of a circus performance. That's almost as grisly as his crimes....
The Bloodlands Collection gathers six true crime stories from the past. Ranging from the 1860's up to 1949, the crimes are varied, but all grisly. Not for the faint of heart. Interesting tales for those who enjoy true crime stories. The kindle book versions use Kindle-In-Motion animation....some of the illustrations, photos and text moves or has slight animations. Kinda cool. I chose the audible version and listened to the story.
I'm enjoying these collections of Amazon Original content. There are several different story collections...horror short stories, global warming tales, true crime, missing persons, etc. I haven't liked all of the selections, but I've had fun trying them. I like having a shorter story to listen to....something I can finish quickly rather than investing 10-15 hours in an entire novel-length audio book.
All in all, so far Bloodlands is my favorite collection. I love the combo of history and true crime narrative!
December 30, 2018
Oh wow this was intense! And very informative!
What is it about sociopathic murderers that's so fascinating? Why are we as a society so prone to exalt such people to celebrity status?
What is it about sociopathic murderers that's so fascinating? Why are we as a society so prone to exalt such people to celebrity status?
November 24, 2022
Being the true account of Albert Hicks. Pirate. Serial killer. Possessed by a demon. Probably.
I categorized this under "history" and "pirates," but also the unexpected category of "horror." As in, "Oh, the horror!" Because... oh, the horror.
Super short listen on Audible. It wasn't what I expected, but I definitely felt entertained.
Also, P.T. Barnum was a douche canoe. That is all.
I'd rate this an R for the graphic descriptions of brutal murder, adult themes, and a disturbing hanging.
I categorized this under "history" and "pirates," but also the unexpected category of "horror." As in, "Oh, the horror!" Because... oh, the horror.
Super short listen on Audible. It wasn't what I expected, but I definitely felt entertained.
Also, P.T. Barnum was a douche canoe. That is all.
I'd rate this an R for the graphic descriptions of brutal murder, adult themes, and a disturbing hanging.
November 11, 2018
The Pirate is a history book with great information about this subject but especially on one particular act of piracy and murder. It tracks the rumors, known facts, and the gruesome story to the end! Very interesting!
August 24, 2021
Who doesnt love a good tale of a seemingly ghost like ship drifting into harbor with not a soul on board!?!? This sad story tells of the murders aboard the A.E. Johnson, and how the fiendish Albert Hicks was brought to justice.
October 13, 2020
3.5 stars. My favorite part of this book was the epilogue!
August 13, 2019
The first in Harold Schechter's Bloodlands series, The Pirate is a strange piece of true crime in that the crime and its perpetrator are far less interesting than what orbits the supposedly important story.
Albert W. Hicks attacked and killed the Captain and crew of the oyster sloop A.E. Johnson with an axe in order to steal the money aboard, which was meant to by oysters down in Virginia. It was a murder for money, it was brutal, and Hicks disposed of the bodies deep in the ocean. He also used that classic excuse of old timey (and some new timey) murderers: the devil made me do it. So the story has its attractions, but not enough to suck in most true crime aficionados.
What is interesting, however, is that the prosecutors, who had no dead bodies but still wanted to get the death penalty for Hicks, decided to shift the case to maritime law -- since the killings took place on the ocean and Hicks had stolen money -- and try Hicks for piracy. Piracy was a crime that needed no bodies as evidence and a crime that meant Hicks would hang if convicted. These prosecutorial machinations are the most fascinating part of Schechter's book and are a nice reminder that loopholes often work as much for the state as they do for the defendant, perhaps even more for the former than the latter.
And then there is the quirkiest of sideshows: the presence of P.T. Barnum. Barnum, you see, was always a man in search of getting bums in his tents, and how he uses Hicks, and how he makes Hicks almost immortal in the annals of Yankee true crime, are a hell of a lot of fun to read. But you'll get no more out of me. You'll have to read it or listen to it yourself.
Albert W. Hicks attacked and killed the Captain and crew of the oyster sloop A.E. Johnson with an axe in order to steal the money aboard, which was meant to by oysters down in Virginia. It was a murder for money, it was brutal, and Hicks disposed of the bodies deep in the ocean. He also used that classic excuse of old timey (and some new timey) murderers: the devil made me do it. So the story has its attractions, but not enough to suck in most true crime aficionados.
What is interesting, however, is that the prosecutors, who had no dead bodies but still wanted to get the death penalty for Hicks, decided to shift the case to maritime law -- since the killings took place on the ocean and Hicks had stolen money -- and try Hicks for piracy. Piracy was a crime that needed no bodies as evidence and a crime that meant Hicks would hang if convicted. These prosecutorial machinations are the most fascinating part of Schechter's book and are a nice reminder that loopholes often work as much for the state as they do for the defendant, perhaps even more for the former than the latter.
And then there is the quirkiest of sideshows: the presence of P.T. Barnum. Barnum, you see, was always a man in search of getting bums in his tents, and how he uses Hicks, and how he makes Hicks almost immortal in the annals of Yankee true crime, are a hell of a lot of fun to read. But you'll get no more out of me. You'll have to read it or listen to it yourself.
January 31, 2022
This wasn't quite as interesting as Rampage, probably because it's not as timely. This dealt with Albert Hicks, a murderer who killed 3 men on an oyster ship back in the late 1800s in New York. He was convicted of piracy rather than murder since it was easier to prove and carried the same penalty. I wasn't familiar with Albert Hicks, but it turns out he was mentioned in an episode of the original Twilight Zone so I'm surprised I didn't remember him. He was also interesting because PT Barnum had several interactions with him.
Overall this was interesting but nothing overly remarkable.
Overall this was interesting but nothing overly remarkable.
February 1, 2021
Short story about a pirate A.W Hicks. He boarded a ship as an extra hand to catch oysters. One. Night he killed his two shipmates and the captain. Hicks stole everything worth value and boarded the ships small life boat. He rowed to shore with his ill gotten gain, but was soon caught and hanged.
The book is only 78 pages long and it did manage to keep my attention. I would recommend this book for an exciting short read.
The book is only 78 pages long and it did manage to keep my attention. I would recommend this book for an exciting short read.
May 18, 2021
A tale of brutal murder on the high seas, succinctly told as always.
December 1, 2025
I don't tend to read nonfiction. It's just not something I've ever really been interested in, but it was a prompt for a reading challenge I participated in this year for November, and I wanted to step out of my comfort zone and read at least one. I initially had a different book picked to read but the last month of November rolled around, and I still hadn't read a nonfiction book so I'm glad a friend of mine recommended the Bloodlands collection. These are available on KU and them come with audiobooks as well and even better they are short quick reads. I found myself actually invested in the story and I actually learned somethings while reading this one. I stopped reading a couple times to talk with my husband about the events in this book. I like how this read more like a story and not someone just rattling off facts. I definitely want to read the other books in this series.
November 9, 2022
This book is the first in the Bloodlands series that tells old true crime mysteries from the past. This particular one is the story of Albert Hicks. He was one of the last people put to death for piracy. Over his lifetime he racked up many murders and stole from the masses. I read the "great on kindle" version which included some animated pictures in the beginning, along with a handful of pictures and documents to help give a more complete picture of what actually took place. I really enjoyed this short story and would love to read the rest in this series.
October 16, 2019
The story of pirate and mass murdered Albert Hicks, who murdered his 3 shipmates in 1860.
This was my first Audible Audiobook and I found it quite entertaining. It’s a short story read by Steven Weber who did an excellent job keeping the listeners attention. The murders are described in vivid detail and I was surprised at the interest that P.T. Barnum had in it. Albert Hicks became America’s first celebrity killer due to the amazing turn out at his hanging.
This was my first Audible Audiobook and I found it quite entertaining. It’s a short story read by Steven Weber who did an excellent job keeping the listeners attention. The murders are described in vivid detail and I was surprised at the interest that P.T. Barnum had in it. Albert Hicks became America’s first celebrity killer due to the amazing turn out at his hanging.
December 8, 2020
It's proof of the desensitized state of modern man that I found this boring.
May 2, 2019
Grisly, gory murders on the sea. If the confession that Hicks gave to the reporter is even half true, this man was probably one of the worst serial killers in history. (I don't know if any of the things he said he did were ever investigated) It's probably a good thing he was caught and executed for the murders of the three sailors on the oyster boat. I found it interesting that they felt they didn't have enough evidence to convict him of murder, so they decided to try him for piracy, which also carried the death penalty.
Creepy little story, and a reminder that there have always been monsters.
Creepy little story, and a reminder that there have always been monsters.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 14, 2018
A quick and fairly interesting true crime read about a 19th century murderer. This wasn’t bad at all, but perhaps not quite as riveting as it could’ve been. I really enjoyed reading this as an ebook, as I could click on the endnotes and quickly jump back to the text. The way I could zoom in on the pictures and the little “title card” page with the quickly moving pictures was a nice touch. I’m looking forward to reading the rest in this Amazon series for a little taste of American true crime and history.
December 24, 2018
(rating is due to the fact of which books i prefer more than the others!!) I love it when Amazon groups these books all together, would enjoy seeing why and how they decide to do this?? all these are by: Harold Schechter? that is a 1st, right?? don't they usually have book by different authors? i made a list of my most favorite and in which order!! (I apparently did not read them in order, just jumped around and listen/read what i wanted to, that is how i roll!!!) 1. Rampage, 2. Brick Slayer, 3. Panic, 4. Pied Piper, 5. Little Slaughterhouse, & 6. Pirate (auto and books Kindle Unlimited, Bloodlines) I definitely think you have to have both the listen and read ...'cause there are so many awesome must see stuff. I love the narrator. "Steve Weber". then when you read the books .. u get like these amazing visuals. so cool! i will say these are not always pleasant stories ...they are pretty harsh ...but I would imagine that was well known before you starting reading?? right??! i mean these are not romances ... but i wonder ... i guess i could read some of the reviews (have yet to do that. some reviewers get kind of weird about certain things??!) I really enjoyed it ...and glad i found these. i know i wanna see more from Harold soon enough!! way cool! I do wonder ... can you really lump killers or folks who commit similar crimes into one box??! i recall when i was in college my teacher said we all have similar thoughts or feelings ...but the ones who go about carrying out the evilness ...that is what makes us different. it makes you wonder what sends them over the edge or make them so mean?? hateful?? have they been hurt in their past? treat wrong when raised ...what is it?? can you just narrow it all down to 1,2, and 3 ..and these reasons make you so to carry out evil ways??! i wonder??!
November 3, 2018
"The Pirate" is another Audible book in the Bloodlands series by Harold Schechter. This one is about the pirate Albert Hicks, about whom I was blissfully unaware despite my love for maritime literature and tales of piracy. Albert Hicks was one nasty dude. "The Pirate" focuses on his final rampage, murdering the captain and crew of an oyster-seeking vessel on which he had assumed the position of mate. He also wreaked havoc, along with various compatriots, from California goldfields to Istanbul to the Congo River, pursuing gratification without remorse. The most interesting thing about this story to me was the hoopla surrounding his execution. It was held on Bledloe's Island (now Liberty Island) because he had been convicted of a federal crime and had to be executed on federal land. The execution was a carnival. Thousands of people paid for passage on boats to get a better view of the festivities. Hicks's final moments were witnessed by at least 10,000 people. A clairvoyant was present to attempt to communicate with Hicks's dying soul. There was a rumor that he had survived his hanging and was brought back to life. P. T. Barnum purchased his clothing in order to make a wax image of him for his museum.
The story is fascinating and includes the historical and cultural background one would expect from Schechter, a professor of American Studies and literature at Queens college. Narrator Steven Weber as excellent, as with all the tales in this series.
The story is fascinating and includes the historical and cultural background one would expect from Schechter, a professor of American Studies and literature at Queens college. Narrator Steven Weber as excellent, as with all the tales in this series.
September 10, 2020
This was a quick read and is the first in the Bloodlands series by Harold Schechter. I had never heard this story before but it was fascinating how even in the 1860s they were able to track and find the killer fairly quickly. The legwork put in was absolutely outstanding.
It is a mix of history, true crime and a bit on the macabre side.
The story is about Albert Hicks, who murdered the crew of a oyster sloop and stole what money and belongings they had. The bodies were never found, as he dumped them at sea, but they were still able to get a conviction and sentence him to death, but not for the murders! He was sentenced to death due to piracy, and one of the last people executed for that in the United States. He was executed in front of a crowd of 10 thousand witnesses anchored in the waters off of Bedloe's Island (now Liberty Island, where the Statue of Liberty resides). It was an absolutely fascinating story.
This is the first thing I have read by Schechter and I am looking forward to the rest of the Bloodlands series.
It is a mix of history, true crime and a bit on the macabre side.
The story is about Albert Hicks, who murdered the crew of a oyster sloop and stole what money and belongings they had. The bodies were never found, as he dumped them at sea, but they were still able to get a conviction and sentence him to death, but not for the murders! He was sentenced to death due to piracy, and one of the last people executed for that in the United States. He was executed in front of a crowd of 10 thousand witnesses anchored in the waters off of Bedloe's Island (now Liberty Island, where the Statue of Liberty resides). It was an absolutely fascinating story.
This is the first thing I have read by Schechter and I am looking forward to the rest of the Bloodlands series.
August 2, 2021
“the outfit was a considerable improvement over the threadbare suit [hicks] had been arrested in and had worn throughout most of his imprisonment. that suit, however, was no longer in his possession. it had been purchased by p.t. barnum.”
truly amazing how much serial killers/mass murderers haven’t changed throughout history. the excuses and explanations hicks offered are so similar to those given by contemporary killers.
this was a well-researched piece, but the discussions taking place in the periphery were so much more interesting than hicks’ actual crimes—namely, the idea that hicks and men like him were a product of the supposedly idyllic rural america of the 1800s, and the media circus surrounding many true crime cases then and today (p.t. barnum’s involvement with true crime deserves its own piece).
rating: 3/5 stars
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