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The Case of the Golden State Killer: Based on the Podcast with Additional Commentary, Photographs and Documents
By the creators of a complete chronicle of the Golden State serial killer investigation, including photographs and documents. In 1976, a serial rapist terrorized California’s Sacramento County, breaking into homes and leaving a trail of destruction behind him. As the masked predator expanded his turf, his evil urges drove him to murder. In Northern California, he was known as the East Area Rapist. In Southern California, he was called the Original Night Stalker. When his crimes were finally connected, he would become known as the Golden State Killer. By 1986, he had committed a staggering tally of crimes, including at least 12 murders. In season two of their popular podcast, Criminology, veteran podcaster Mike Morford and true crime researcher Mike Ferguson unmasked this killer in a story that spans more than forty years. Joined by the investigators who hunted him, the witnesses who saw him, and the survivors who lived to tell their stories, Criminology Season The Case of the Golden State Killer examines the story of the most prolific serial rapist and murderer in American history. Now, The Case of the Golden State Killer presents an even more complete chronicle of this true crime story. Based on the podcast, this digital volume features additional commentary, photographs and primary source documents.
440 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 29, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
December 25, 2018
The Case of the Golden State Killer is the second book in the Criminology series which focuses on different unsolved cases. The first book focused on the Zodiac killer and season two focuses on the Golden State Killer. Criminology is a popular true crime podcast hosted by veteran podcaster Mike Morford, and true crime researcher/blogger Mike Ferguson. I have not read Michelle McNamara's ‘I’ll be Gone in the Dark’, which covers the same case. But based on the reviews, both the books are a lot different.
Criminology Season Two: The Case of the Golden State Killer examines the story of the most notorious serial rapist and murderer in American history. Also known as the East Area Rapist/Original Night Stalker, he is responsible for at least 12 murders, 50 or more rapes and 100 home break-ins and burglaries from 1974 to 1986.
The book is a complete transcript of the Criminology podcast with all the 15 episodes but it also has additional commentary, photographs, original handwritten documents, and rare police investigation files. The book also contains some rare interviews & quotes of the investigators, the witnesses and also the survivors. The level of research that has gone into this book is really top notch. This book covers every possible crime committed by the killer in great detail; from the background of the victims to the events as they happened on the day of the crime. It also attempts to find a common link between the crimes committed under different aliases. Even minute details like; letters to editors, a chance encounter with a stranger or even a rare mistake by the killer, which can offer vital clues, are covered, which is really commendable.
Book #1 of the series on the Zodiac killer was one of the best true crime books I have read and this book falls a bit short of the benchmark it had set. It covers every crime in detail (almost 50 odd) and the killer’s MO is so similar you will feel like you are re-reading the same information over and over again. It’s not only repetitive but also disturbing. The authors could have instead focused on the subtle details missed by the readers. The much loved ‘conversation style’ of narration of the first book has been changed. The photos and exhibits are all bunched together at the end instead of going with the narrative flow. A chapter discussing various suspects, like in book #1 was missed.
The best part of the book is the chapter on the killer’s arrest. Thanks to some fine police work & DNA evidence, The Golden Gate killer was finally arrested on April 24th, 2018 at the age of 72. While, he still awaiting trial, the victims can finally expect some justice. The book covers not only how we was finally hunted down but also his whole background and his whereabouts during the crimes, which answers a lot of questions about the case.
Overall, If you like the true crime genre or are interested in knowing more about the Golden Gate Killer, this is one the book you should read. (3.5/5)
Many thanks to NetGalley, WildBlue Press and the authors Michael Morford & Michael Ferguson for the ARC.
Criminology Season Two: The Case of the Golden State Killer examines the story of the most notorious serial rapist and murderer in American history. Also known as the East Area Rapist/Original Night Stalker, he is responsible for at least 12 murders, 50 or more rapes and 100 home break-ins and burglaries from 1974 to 1986.
The book is a complete transcript of the Criminology podcast with all the 15 episodes but it also has additional commentary, photographs, original handwritten documents, and rare police investigation files. The book also contains some rare interviews & quotes of the investigators, the witnesses and also the survivors. The level of research that has gone into this book is really top notch. This book covers every possible crime committed by the killer in great detail; from the background of the victims to the events as they happened on the day of the crime. It also attempts to find a common link between the crimes committed under different aliases. Even minute details like; letters to editors, a chance encounter with a stranger or even a rare mistake by the killer, which can offer vital clues, are covered, which is really commendable.
Book #1 of the series on the Zodiac killer was one of the best true crime books I have read and this book falls a bit short of the benchmark it had set. It covers every crime in detail (almost 50 odd) and the killer’s MO is so similar you will feel like you are re-reading the same information over and over again. It’s not only repetitive but also disturbing. The authors could have instead focused on the subtle details missed by the readers. The much loved ‘conversation style’ of narration of the first book has been changed. The photos and exhibits are all bunched together at the end instead of going with the narrative flow. A chapter discussing various suspects, like in book #1 was missed.
The best part of the book is the chapter on the killer’s arrest. Thanks to some fine police work & DNA evidence, The Golden Gate killer was finally arrested on April 24th, 2018 at the age of 72. While, he still awaiting trial, the victims can finally expect some justice. The book covers not only how we was finally hunted down but also his whole background and his whereabouts during the crimes, which answers a lot of questions about the case.
Overall, If you like the true crime genre or are interested in knowing more about the Golden Gate Killer, this is one the book you should read. (3.5/5)
Many thanks to NetGalley, WildBlue Press and the authors Michael Morford & Michael Ferguson for the ARC.
September 1, 2018
This is another book based on a true crime podcast by the 2 Mikes. I recently read their first one and really enjoyed it, so it was a no-brainer to pick this one up also. This time it’s all about the Golden State Killer which has been all over the news, so I’d been looking forward to seeing what all they have on that. They didn’t disappoint. If you’ve been following the story, have read Michelle McNamara’s book, or are just looking for basic information, this is a good place to get information about this killer who terrified California for decades. He’s basically another psycho killer from decades ago, but far more prolific than the Zodiac.
I found lots of in-depth information on the prowling and rape cases from the mid-1970’s going forward and this guy just seemed to be everywhere. Prowling in different neighborhoods, checking things out all of the time, figuring out people’s habits and routines. I really don’t know how people got any sleep in those areas of California at that time, other than the fact that the police just were not sharing the information much with the public. And what was shared, had the gun shops and hardware stores selling out. What I hadn’t realized was how many hang-ups, sexually nasty, or just silent phone calls were also involved surrounding these events. Some coming even before anything had happened in an area, sometimes for a week or two, almost as a harbinger of things to come. But at the time, it wasn’t really added up, as there wasn’t great communication. The calls might come to the victim’s home, neighbors around them, or to a relative of the victim. They sometimes also came months after the crime, or even around the supposed anniversary of the crime, with the caller asking the victim if they remembered him, which I’d read about.
Lots of info about people having encounters with a prowler later suspected to be the guy and all of the crazy ways he acted and reacted. This is just one of the craziest cases ever when you add up all of the people and lives affected by it, from the burglaries, rapes, and murders. There are just none in memory more traumatizing. After he got bold enough to attack just women and women alone with kids, then he started attacking couples and couples with kids. Then he started killing, and in a violently brutal way, which the police had been hoping against, but predicting all along. So, thankfully technology provided a way to help capture him by narrowing down the DNA. I hope it can do so for many of the other unknown killers out there, like the Zodiac and perhaps reveal them to be just mere mortals instead of the scary beings they are currently when they are still unknown. I highly recommend this book, with the caveat that I hope the final product is cleaned up with proofreading.
Thanks to the dedication of police, and in part the obsession of McNamara to find this guy as she worked on writing about it and helping investigators to her dying day, her wish came true. He was captured several months ago after genetics was used to narrow it down, and he is in custody awaiting trial on multiple murder charges. Many are eager to learn more details during the trials about this secretive former cop and Navy vet, Joseph James DeAngelo. He was arrested on April 24th, 2018 at the age of 72.
My thanks for the advance electronic copy that was provided by NetGalley, authors Michael Morford & Michael Ferguson, and the publisher for my fair review.
#WildBlue Press
Pub: Aug. 29th, 2018
My Bookzone blog on Wordpress.com: https://wordpress.com/post/bookblog20...
I found lots of in-depth information on the prowling and rape cases from the mid-1970’s going forward and this guy just seemed to be everywhere. Prowling in different neighborhoods, checking things out all of the time, figuring out people’s habits and routines. I really don’t know how people got any sleep in those areas of California at that time, other than the fact that the police just were not sharing the information much with the public. And what was shared, had the gun shops and hardware stores selling out. What I hadn’t realized was how many hang-ups, sexually nasty, or just silent phone calls were also involved surrounding these events. Some coming even before anything had happened in an area, sometimes for a week or two, almost as a harbinger of things to come. But at the time, it wasn’t really added up, as there wasn’t great communication. The calls might come to the victim’s home, neighbors around them, or to a relative of the victim. They sometimes also came months after the crime, or even around the supposed anniversary of the crime, with the caller asking the victim if they remembered him, which I’d read about.
Lots of info about people having encounters with a prowler later suspected to be the guy and all of the crazy ways he acted and reacted. This is just one of the craziest cases ever when you add up all of the people and lives affected by it, from the burglaries, rapes, and murders. There are just none in memory more traumatizing. After he got bold enough to attack just women and women alone with kids, then he started attacking couples and couples with kids. Then he started killing, and in a violently brutal way, which the police had been hoping against, but predicting all along. So, thankfully technology provided a way to help capture him by narrowing down the DNA. I hope it can do so for many of the other unknown killers out there, like the Zodiac and perhaps reveal them to be just mere mortals instead of the scary beings they are currently when they are still unknown. I highly recommend this book, with the caveat that I hope the final product is cleaned up with proofreading.
Thanks to the dedication of police, and in part the obsession of McNamara to find this guy as she worked on writing about it and helping investigators to her dying day, her wish came true. He was captured several months ago after genetics was used to narrow it down, and he is in custody awaiting trial on multiple murder charges. Many are eager to learn more details during the trials about this secretive former cop and Navy vet, Joseph James DeAngelo. He was arrested on April 24th, 2018 at the age of 72.
My thanks for the advance electronic copy that was provided by NetGalley, authors Michael Morford & Michael Ferguson, and the publisher for my fair review.
#WildBlue Press
Pub: Aug. 29th, 2018
My Bookzone blog on Wordpress.com: https://wordpress.com/post/bookblog20...
September 18, 2018
The authors of this book are the hosts of an extremely popular podcast called Criminology, which delves in great depth into some major unsolved crimes. Their first season focussed on the Zodiac Killer and the second, which forms the basis for this book, on the Golden State Killer.
If you haven’t heard of the Golden State Killer, you wouldn’t be alone. Despite devouring many true crime books in my time, this was a new name to me. Reading this book, I was fascinated to discover how it was over twenty years after most of the crimes took place when DNA evidence tied together several different ‘strings’ of cimes; the rapes of the East Side Rapist in northern California and the Original Night Stalker killings of southern California among the most serious.
At times, chapters and sections in the book read almost like repetitions of each other, but that’s because the culprit developed an almost ironclad routine and rarely deviated from it over around fifty rapes… at least until he escalated to killing his victims.
Perhaps the most incredible thing about this account is that while the podcast series on the Golden State Killer was still running, and before this book was published, decades of investigation finally tied the DNA recovered from numerous crime scenes to a single man. Joseph James DeAngelo was identified as the culprit, arrested in April 2018 and is currently in prison awaiting trial for at least 12 murders and many other crimes, despite the statute of limitations having expired on the rapes he committed.
I could wish for a slightly better proofreading - there are quite a few errors in here like ‘blows reigning down on her’ which could easily have been picked up. But if you have an interest in this still-ongoing case, this book will give you some amazing insight into the degeneration of a serial killer, from robberies to stalking, rapes, and finally murder, through a detailed look at his crimes. Unfortunately, we will no doubt have to wait until after the trial and conviction of DeAngelo to discover all the details which are so far not public information. No doubt there will be many other books about the Golden State Killer in the years to come, but I doubt many of them will have so much comprehensive background, including transcripts of interviews with some of his victims.
Well worth a read, but I have to subtract a star for those disappointing proofreading issues. Four stars.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book for review through NetGalley.
If you haven’t heard of the Golden State Killer, you wouldn’t be alone. Despite devouring many true crime books in my time, this was a new name to me. Reading this book, I was fascinated to discover how it was over twenty years after most of the crimes took place when DNA evidence tied together several different ‘strings’ of cimes; the rapes of the East Side Rapist in northern California and the Original Night Stalker killings of southern California among the most serious.
At times, chapters and sections in the book read almost like repetitions of each other, but that’s because the culprit developed an almost ironclad routine and rarely deviated from it over around fifty rapes… at least until he escalated to killing his victims.
Perhaps the most incredible thing about this account is that while the podcast series on the Golden State Killer was still running, and before this book was published, decades of investigation finally tied the DNA recovered from numerous crime scenes to a single man. Joseph James DeAngelo was identified as the culprit, arrested in April 2018 and is currently in prison awaiting trial for at least 12 murders and many other crimes, despite the statute of limitations having expired on the rapes he committed.
I could wish for a slightly better proofreading - there are quite a few errors in here like ‘blows reigning down on her’ which could easily have been picked up. But if you have an interest in this still-ongoing case, this book will give you some amazing insight into the degeneration of a serial killer, from robberies to stalking, rapes, and finally murder, through a detailed look at his crimes. Unfortunately, we will no doubt have to wait until after the trial and conviction of DeAngelo to discover all the details which are so far not public information. No doubt there will be many other books about the Golden State Killer in the years to come, but I doubt many of them will have so much comprehensive background, including transcripts of interviews with some of his victims.
Well worth a read, but I have to subtract a star for those disappointing proofreading issues. Four stars.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book for review through NetGalley.
September 23, 2018
Note: I received a free eARC of this book from WildBlue Press, NetGalley, and the authors in exchange for an honest review. I'm an avid reader of true crime and have read prior works by the Criminology group. This was something I'm grateful I could get my hands on. Thanks to everyone that made an eARC possible.
Criminology is a popular podcast that focuses its seasons on different unsolved cases. The first season focused on the Zodiac killer and season two, which was then adapted into this book, delves into the Golden State Killer (also commonly known as the East Area Rapist, and by several other nicknames because this psycho committed a lot of different crimes in different areas). This book is set up more-so like a transcript of the popular podcast and offers readers a chance to explore the case without having to listen to the podcast. Podcasts are a format that I'm less familiar with, and so I've been excited that WildBlue Press has been willing to transform these oral interviews into a book. I'm convinced that I can read the book faster than I could listen to the podcasts.
What makes Criminology unique is the way in which they give victims voices. They invite those attacked by the GSK (Golden State Killer) to share their experiences. They have invited women that were raped to share their stories. They invite children whose parents were murdered to speak. And this is unique because you get to hear from those directly affected how their lives were changed. It adds a much-needed layer to the story, because understanding the crimes is one thing. Understanding how it still pains the victim is another.
The book also makes sure that even though it can be repetitive at times, they make sure every crime is discussed. One thing that is stated over and over again by women that were raped by the East Area Rapist is the following: He had a very small penis. You'll read this over and over again, and for a moment you might say "Okay, we get it, he had a small penis." Yet I think this repetition is perfect because (1) every victim should have the right to say their story, regardless of if there are repetitive parts (the EAR had a very clear MO) and (2) this sick bastard should have to know how many women continue to call his penis small. Rape is often about power, and if women can continue to take his power away by revealing his penis is pathetic, great.
Another really interesting thing about this book is that while the podcast was airing, DNA definitely linked a suspect to the crimes. Not even a suspect, we're convinced that we know the identity of the EAR/GSK: Joseph James DeAngelo. The book inserts a chapter discussing what is known about DeAngelo, and some of the information is quite shocking. For example, this man was once a police officer--so it really shows how demented a man is (the guy who is supposed to protect women) and even though the cases against him are still pending (the murders; the statute of limitation for the rapes has since run out--which sucks) it is pretty easy to say: I hope he never sees the light of day again.
The podcast was forcing this case back into the spotlight and there were many detectives that never gave this case up. This book is a great example of how continued work on unsolved cases can get results. And of course... DNA is still there, and will eventually track you down.
A great book that delves into everything you need to know about the EAR/GSK in an easy-to-follow timeline. Great writing (and therefore the podcast must be great to listen to) and a wonderful exploration of some truly disturbing crimes. A must-read if you're interested in serial killers, true crime, unsolved mysteries, or want to read an unsolved-case-turns-solved type of book. This book was high on my list of "to read" and I'm definitely not disappointed by it.
I hope WildBlue Press continues to bring Criminology to those that are less into podcasts and would rather curl up with a book.
Criminology is a popular podcast that focuses its seasons on different unsolved cases. The first season focused on the Zodiac killer and season two, which was then adapted into this book, delves into the Golden State Killer (also commonly known as the East Area Rapist, and by several other nicknames because this psycho committed a lot of different crimes in different areas). This book is set up more-so like a transcript of the popular podcast and offers readers a chance to explore the case without having to listen to the podcast. Podcasts are a format that I'm less familiar with, and so I've been excited that WildBlue Press has been willing to transform these oral interviews into a book. I'm convinced that I can read the book faster than I could listen to the podcasts.
What makes Criminology unique is the way in which they give victims voices. They invite those attacked by the GSK (Golden State Killer) to share their experiences. They have invited women that were raped to share their stories. They invite children whose parents were murdered to speak. And this is unique because you get to hear from those directly affected how their lives were changed. It adds a much-needed layer to the story, because understanding the crimes is one thing. Understanding how it still pains the victim is another.
The book also makes sure that even though it can be repetitive at times, they make sure every crime is discussed. One thing that is stated over and over again by women that were raped by the East Area Rapist is the following: He had a very small penis. You'll read this over and over again, and for a moment you might say "Okay, we get it, he had a small penis." Yet I think this repetition is perfect because (1) every victim should have the right to say their story, regardless of if there are repetitive parts (the EAR had a very clear MO) and (2) this sick bastard should have to know how many women continue to call his penis small. Rape is often about power, and if women can continue to take his power away by revealing his penis is pathetic, great.
Another really interesting thing about this book is that while the podcast was airing, DNA definitely linked a suspect to the crimes. Not even a suspect, we're convinced that we know the identity of the EAR/GSK: Joseph James DeAngelo. The book inserts a chapter discussing what is known about DeAngelo, and some of the information is quite shocking. For example, this man was once a police officer--so it really shows how demented a man is (the guy who is supposed to protect women) and even though the cases against him are still pending (the murders; the statute of limitation for the rapes has since run out--which sucks) it is pretty easy to say: I hope he never sees the light of day again.
The podcast was forcing this case back into the spotlight and there were many detectives that never gave this case up. This book is a great example of how continued work on unsolved cases can get results. And of course... DNA is still there, and will eventually track you down.
A great book that delves into everything you need to know about the EAR/GSK in an easy-to-follow timeline. Great writing (and therefore the podcast must be great to listen to) and a wonderful exploration of some truly disturbing crimes. A must-read if you're interested in serial killers, true crime, unsolved mysteries, or want to read an unsolved-case-turns-solved type of book. This book was high on my list of "to read" and I'm definitely not disappointed by it.
I hope WildBlue Press continues to bring Criminology to those that are less into podcasts and would rather curl up with a book.
December 31, 2018
The Case Of The Golden State Killer By Michael Morford & Michael Criminology The True Crime Podcast Presents: The East Side Rapist also known as The Original Night Stalker and The Golden State Killer from 1974-1986
First let me say this book broke my heart. The book was informative and put together well, with indepth interviews. I take my hat off to the woman that were brave enough to be interviewed for this podcast. This man was a true monster , how could one person have such a profound effect on so many lives? I had no idea that the ERA had raped teens as well as adult woman. It sickens me that he got away with 12 some say 13 senseless murders and over 50 vicious rapes and went on to live a uneventful life until DNA technology caught up with him on April 2018- his first words were "But I have a roast in the oven"as the swat team was all around his house, we will see what happens to him in court. The lives of his victims and there loved ones were changed forever. It was hard to believe he was a Police Officer taking the oath to Protect and Serve and a Vietnam Vet, he may have even meet some of his victims through his job. The thought of him being in the same house as precious children, using threats saying shut up or I'll kill your child. At the scene of one of the rapes he tied the child to the post of the bed while he raped this young boy's mother. There was a detectives that took his notes to a therapist that stated "This man wants to KILL" before he ever did she sure had her finger on the button. Thank God for DNA technology and them now being able to solve murders and other crimes through Genealogy Sites used by us to trace are Ancestry. They are solving more and more crimes from the past if there is still DNA swabs on hand. The podcast was a great way to give the victims, survivors and family members a voice.
Thanks to WildBlue Press keep up with the informative books
Thanks Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
#amazon
First let me say this book broke my heart. The book was informative and put together well, with indepth interviews. I take my hat off to the woman that were brave enough to be interviewed for this podcast. This man was a true monster , how could one person have such a profound effect on so many lives? I had no idea that the ERA had raped teens as well as adult woman. It sickens me that he got away with 12 some say 13 senseless murders and over 50 vicious rapes and went on to live a uneventful life until DNA technology caught up with him on April 2018- his first words were "But I have a roast in the oven"as the swat team was all around his house, we will see what happens to him in court. The lives of his victims and there loved ones were changed forever. It was hard to believe he was a Police Officer taking the oath to Protect and Serve and a Vietnam Vet, he may have even meet some of his victims through his job. The thought of him being in the same house as precious children, using threats saying shut up or I'll kill your child. At the scene of one of the rapes he tied the child to the post of the bed while he raped this young boy's mother. There was a detectives that took his notes to a therapist that stated "This man wants to KILL" before he ever did she sure had her finger on the button. Thank God for DNA technology and them now being able to solve murders and other crimes through Genealogy Sites used by us to trace are Ancestry. They are solving more and more crimes from the past if there is still DNA swabs on hand. The podcast was a great way to give the victims, survivors and family members a voice.
Thanks to WildBlue Press keep up with the informative books
Thanks Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
#amazon
October 31, 2018
*SOME DETAILS MAY BE CONSIDERED SPOILERS*
The East Area Rapist.
Original Night Stalker.
The Golden State Killer.
However, you know this man, it is sheer terror that he brought upon a 400 mile stretch of California over a 10-year period. Over this timeframe, he escalated from breaking and entering to murder. This killer evaded capture for 40 years!
This book captures the killer's routines, scripts, and planning that went into these chilling accounts. It also includes victims survival stories. It is heartbreaking, terrifying, tragic and horrific.
The book itself was well written, fast-moving. However a bit repetitive at times, but only because of the killers routine and covering different cases, the MO remained fairly consistent. I could picture the events in my head, and knowing that this really happened to someone, was horrifying.
As I read this book, I couldn't even fathom the fear that these people experienced. The way that the book explains that this perpetrator accessed these houses that were locked, some guarded by dogs, others that had guns in their nightstands. Yet, he was able to get in without issue and commit his crime. That was terrifying to me and made me wonder how many monsters like this are out there? How many monsters are out there preying on innocent people, that no matter the preparation, the criminal will get access and will commit their crime? It is a scary thought.
At the beginning of the book, the killer had yet to be caught. However, because of the advancement of technology and the use of DNA to identify perpetrators, he was arrested in April of 2018. His next court date is December 2018.
RIVETING. CAPTIVATING. HEARTBREAKING. DARK. CREEPY. INTENSE. TERRIFYING
The East Area Rapist.
Original Night Stalker.
The Golden State Killer.
However, you know this man, it is sheer terror that he brought upon a 400 mile stretch of California over a 10-year period. Over this timeframe, he escalated from breaking and entering to murder. This killer evaded capture for 40 years!
This book captures the killer's routines, scripts, and planning that went into these chilling accounts. It also includes victims survival stories. It is heartbreaking, terrifying, tragic and horrific.
The book itself was well written, fast-moving. However a bit repetitive at times, but only because of the killers routine and covering different cases, the MO remained fairly consistent. I could picture the events in my head, and knowing that this really happened to someone, was horrifying.
As I read this book, I couldn't even fathom the fear that these people experienced. The way that the book explains that this perpetrator accessed these houses that were locked, some guarded by dogs, others that had guns in their nightstands. Yet, he was able to get in without issue and commit his crime. That was terrifying to me and made me wonder how many monsters like this are out there? How many monsters are out there preying on innocent people, that no matter the preparation, the criminal will get access and will commit their crime? It is a scary thought.
At the beginning of the book, the killer had yet to be caught. However, because of the advancement of technology and the use of DNA to identify perpetrators, he was arrested in April of 2018. His next court date is December 2018.
RIVETING. CAPTIVATING. HEARTBREAKING. DARK. CREEPY. INTENSE. TERRIFYING
September 10, 2018
Having just read Michelle McNamara's "Ill be Gone in the Dark", these series of crimes and investigations related to the East Area Rapist/Golden State Killer were still digging deep into my mind. I lived that book, along with it's personal notes, for a week after closing the final pages.
This book, The Case of the Golden State Killer, is essentially from the podcast the two authors cast, which is vastly different from the former book. This book is similar in that it chronicles the entire timeline of what became the Golden State Killer's rampage on Northern California in the 1970's and 1980's. The book is made up of a lot of direct quotes of cops, victims, and survivors of the victims. Interesting, but not compelling.
What this book does include, is a small glimpse into the alleged murderer and rapist, discussing his life and the limited knowledge the authors have gleaned.
It's unfortunate that these authors have released their book after Ms. McNamara's book, as much of it, as one can imagine, is repetitive. Facts and timelines of murders and sexual assaults don't change. What is missing here, is the humanity of the crimes, and how it overwhelms the police and those investigating. It is unfortunate to have to compare the books, as they are written for different purposes, but with the same story.
If you love true crime, you will probably enjoy it. Just don't expect a lot of personal insight a la Ann Rule. It was initially a podcast that the authors put in book form once the murderer was arrested, some 40 years later.
Thank you to #NetGalley and the publisher for an e copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This book, The Case of the Golden State Killer, is essentially from the podcast the two authors cast, which is vastly different from the former book. This book is similar in that it chronicles the entire timeline of what became the Golden State Killer's rampage on Northern California in the 1970's and 1980's. The book is made up of a lot of direct quotes of cops, victims, and survivors of the victims. Interesting, but not compelling.
What this book does include, is a small glimpse into the alleged murderer and rapist, discussing his life and the limited knowledge the authors have gleaned.
It's unfortunate that these authors have released their book after Ms. McNamara's book, as much of it, as one can imagine, is repetitive. Facts and timelines of murders and sexual assaults don't change. What is missing here, is the humanity of the crimes, and how it overwhelms the police and those investigating. It is unfortunate to have to compare the books, as they are written for different purposes, but with the same story.
If you love true crime, you will probably enjoy it. Just don't expect a lot of personal insight a la Ann Rule. It was initially a podcast that the authors put in book form once the murderer was arrested, some 40 years later.
Thank you to #NetGalley and the publisher for an e copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
May 1, 2023
The solving of this case was long overdue
Michael Morford and Michael Ferguson writes about the rape and murders in The Case of the Golden State Killer. I am a fan of true crime stories. This is the second book written by these authors that I've read. They have a podcast, and after reading their work, I will definitely tune in to "Criminology True Crime Podcast." This is the story of a rapist and killer who was known by many names, Original Night Stalker, Visalia Ransacker, East Area Rapist, and then the Golden State Killer. It was only after there was DNA testing that linked many cases from around the Sacramento area, and then moving forward. The book details the investigations, how the cases were linked, and all of his crimes, as they didn't always include murder. The photographs and case documents can be disturbing, but also interesting. A note, that in 2018,Joseph James DeAngelo Jr. was charged with kidnapping and abductions, since the rapes from the 1970's statute of limitations had ended. He made a plea deal and plead guilty to several counts of murder and kidnapping, and was spared the death penalty. He got life without parole. This book was written very well. These authors write with dignity to the victims, and share aspects without too much emotion, which needs to be removed, but respect isn't removed from the writing. The Case of the Golden State Killer is a definite recommendation by Amy's Bookshelf Reviews. I read this book to give my unbiased and honest review. I look forward to reading many more titles by this author. Amy's Bookshelf Reviews recommends that anyone who reads this book, to also write a review.
Michael Morford and Michael Ferguson writes about the rape and murders in The Case of the Golden State Killer. I am a fan of true crime stories. This is the second book written by these authors that I've read. They have a podcast, and after reading their work, I will definitely tune in to "Criminology True Crime Podcast." This is the story of a rapist and killer who was known by many names, Original Night Stalker, Visalia Ransacker, East Area Rapist, and then the Golden State Killer. It was only after there was DNA testing that linked many cases from around the Sacramento area, and then moving forward. The book details the investigations, how the cases were linked, and all of his crimes, as they didn't always include murder. The photographs and case documents can be disturbing, but also interesting. A note, that in 2018,Joseph James DeAngelo Jr. was charged with kidnapping and abductions, since the rapes from the 1970's statute of limitations had ended. He made a plea deal and plead guilty to several counts of murder and kidnapping, and was spared the death penalty. He got life without parole. This book was written very well. These authors write with dignity to the victims, and share aspects without too much emotion, which needs to be removed, but respect isn't removed from the writing. The Case of the Golden State Killer is a definite recommendation by Amy's Bookshelf Reviews. I read this book to give my unbiased and honest review. I look forward to reading many more titles by this author. Amy's Bookshelf Reviews recommends that anyone who reads this book, to also write a review.
September 6, 2018
Thank you to Net Galley and WildBlue Press for an e-ARC of this title. I'll admit to being a fan of Mike Morford and Mike Ferguson. I love their podcasts. BUT, I'm an avid reader and I'm picky. If I didn't like this book I'd say so. Even more daunting for them: I have read, listened to just about everything relating to the #GoldenStateKiller. If there are errors, I spot them, and it's irritating to me. This book stands out among the best. I have 3 favorites, one of which is this one. You won't get sloppy journalism, half truths or speculation. What you will get are facts, dignity for the victims and a deep understanding of this case. If you are interested in true crime, or this case, do yourself a favor and read this book.
March 8, 2019
True crime is my genre and I am always fascinated how the killer is brought to justice. It took investigators 40 years to identify this particular rapist/killer due to not having DNA available back in the 1970s.
The book is written in the form of a podcast and takes place in California. The rapist is originally called the East Area Rapist and the also the Golden State Killer and it takes years to tie the two together. Many women were raped and many couples killed as the perpetrator moved around. Due to the very nature of the investigation, there is a lot of repetition which does not help the flow of the book. Overall it is interesting, but awful for the victims. Thanks to modern day DNA and the persistence of the investigators, this killer was finally identified.
The book is written in the form of a podcast and takes place in California. The rapist is originally called the East Area Rapist and the also the Golden State Killer and it takes years to tie the two together. Many women were raped and many couples killed as the perpetrator moved around. Due to the very nature of the investigation, there is a lot of repetition which does not help the flow of the book. Overall it is interesting, but awful for the victims. Thanks to modern day DNA and the persistence of the investigators, this killer was finally identified.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 28, 2018
In this books the authors talk about the Golden State Killer a rapist who terrorized California between 1974 and 1986. This is my first time reading a non-fiction and I enjoyed it. The story is interesting and it has an in-depth information with proofs, interviews and witnesses with detailed testimonies. If you are insterested in these case or want to know more about this killer you definitely need to read this book. I think from now on I’ll start reading more nonfiction books specially the ones about crime. Thanks to Wildblue Press for sending me this ebook in exchange for a honest review.
March 7, 2019
First, thanks to #NetGalley for the opportunity to read an e-galley of this book.
I enjoyed this book so much! I listen to the Criminology podcast, and have followed the stories of the Golden State Killer. It is so amazing that during the podcast, and writing this book, that D'Angelo was actually caught, and that his DNA matches the DNA that was collected at several of the crime scenes.
If you have any interest in True Crime or The Golden State Killer, this is a must-read!
#NetGalley #TheCaseoftheGoldenStateKiller
I enjoyed this book so much! I listen to the Criminology podcast, and have followed the stories of the Golden State Killer. It is so amazing that during the podcast, and writing this book, that D'Angelo was actually caught, and that his DNA matches the DNA that was collected at several of the crime scenes.
If you have any interest in True Crime or The Golden State Killer, this is a must-read!
#NetGalley #TheCaseoftheGoldenStateKiller
September 5, 2018
I can't get enough of these authors and their hunt and information on the most famous serial killers.
each story is filled with evidence, information and a desire to find the truth of who killed these individuals.
The bring forth information that most people might not have heard during the time or even know but with the case coming to a close and readers will be able to watch the trial will be one of the history books.
Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for the advance copy.
each story is filled with evidence, information and a desire to find the truth of who killed these individuals.
The bring forth information that most people might not have heard during the time or even know but with the case coming to a close and readers will be able to watch the trial will be one of the history books.
Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for the advance copy.
January 9, 2019
Interesting read
This book would be of interest to anyone who has ever followed this case. I read it because the alleged murderer was caught through DNA matching on a general “ancestry-type” site. It was also shocking to me that this man committed so many rapes and murders yet was able to elude the police.
This book would be of interest to anyone who has ever followed this case. I read it because the alleged murderer was caught through DNA matching on a general “ancestry-type” site. It was also shocking to me that this man committed so many rapes and murders yet was able to elude the police.
September 2, 2018
The author of this book did an amazing job of researching the facts of the recently arrested Golden State Killer. After reading this, I am anxious to listen to the podcast by the 2Mikes, as this case is so interesting.
March 20, 2019
This is a podcast put into book form therefore it is a casual conversation style transcript. However, I felt a bit more effort could have been put into the grammar/punctuation so that it reads easier.
April 7, 2019
Although the amount of work that went into the writing of this book and the investigative nature of following such a crime is great, I found this book to be redundant. It could have been shorter by a few chapeters.
May 3, 2019
a MUST read.
September 27, 2019
Unbelievable
Evil at its finest. Too bad technology couldn't keep him off the streets sooner. Hopefully he will be convicted And his victims will have justicew
Evil at its finest. Too bad technology couldn't keep him off the streets sooner. Hopefully he will be convicted And his victims will have justicew
September 12, 2018
I thought this book waz very interesting to realize how many people were killed because of this man.
I like true crime books. It was a very long book, but I read it all. Thanks net gallery for letting me read this Great and interesting book
I like true crime books. It was a very long book, but I read it all. Thanks net gallery for letting me read this Great and interesting book
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December 2, 2018I wish you could've seen my face when I saw this on Netgalley. As you know, I have been...we'll go with "very interested" in this case since I started listening to My Favorite Murder and then read I'll Be Gone in the Dark and THEN when he was caught.
I haven't listened to the Criminology podcast yet, so I don't know how similar that is to this book. On its own merits, though, this book is definitely a must-read. It's more detached than I'll Be Gone in the Dark, and there is new information in this. It also benefits from the fact that we now know who the Golden State Killer is. (Allegedly.)
A lot of the information is the same, granted, but this book has interviews with survivors and investigators (as did I'll Be Gone in the Dark) but it still is a completely different reading experience.
If you have true crime fans to buy presents for, pick this up. Recommended.
I haven't listened to the Criminology podcast yet, so I don't know how similar that is to this book. On its own merits, though, this book is definitely a must-read. It's more detached than I'll Be Gone in the Dark, and there is new information in this. It also benefits from the fact that we now know who the Golden State Killer is. (Allegedly.)
A lot of the information is the same, granted, but this book has interviews with survivors and investigators (as did I'll Be Gone in the Dark) but it still is a completely different reading experience.
If you have true crime fans to buy presents for, pick this up. Recommended.
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