Serial Killer's Apprentice: And Other True Stories of Cleveland's Most Intriguing Unsolved Crimes

by James Renner

Presenting the most notorious unsolved crimes in Northeast Ohio … Investigative reporter James Renner reopens cold cases and delves into dark secrets that have baffled Clevelanders for years, These stories venture into dark alleys and seedy strip clubs, as well as comfortable suburbs and cozy small towns, where some of the region’s most horrendous crimes have occurred. Renner’s unblinking eye for detail and unwavering search for the truth make this book a gripping read. “James Renner is genuine. He cares about these victims … When it comes to true crime, this is the kind of writer we need.” — Crime Shadow News

Genres: True Crime, Nonfiction, Crime, Audiobook, Collections

216 pages, Paperback

First published October 31, 2008

About the author

James Renner is an award-winning journalist and author of True Crime Addict, the definitive book on the Maura Murray disappearance. Renner is also a novelist, having written The Man from Primrose Lane and other works of scifi and fantasy. He currently hosts the podcast, The Philosophy of Crime.

In 2019, he founded The Porchlight Project a nonprofit that raises money for new DNA testing and genetic genealogy for Ohio cold cases. In May, 2020, James Zastawnik was arrested for the murder of Barbara Blatnik, thanks to the work of genealogists funded by the Porchlight Project.

Reviews

[Scott Rhee · Rating 4 out of 5]

One gets used to the bad news when you live in Cleveland, OH. When news about Cleveland makes it to the national level, it’s almost always bad.

With the exception of the Cavs championship win in 2016, almost all of the national news about Cleveland is about serial killers, police shootings, or kidnapped girls in basements. So, it’s probably not surprising to know that there are dozens of unsolved murders and sundry other crimes in the Cleveland area.

James Renner, a free-lance journalist and “true crime addict” (the title of his latest book), has been writing about Cleveland for years. Like most of us who live here, he doubtless has a love-hate relationship with the city.

Cleveland is a beautiful town, with a fascinating history, but it does have plenty of skeletons in the closet. There’s a strange history of violence and unsolved mysteries here.

Renner, in “The Serial Killer’s Apprentice”, has compiled some of the more recent and perplexing ones.

There’s the story of Beverly Jarosz, a stunningly attractive teenaged girl, who, in 1964, was found raped and murdered in her own bedroom in broad daylight. The creepy twist? For months prior to her death, she believed that she was going to die soon. There’s also the added problem of the suspects in her murder. During the time of her murder, there was a union strike at the local factory. All of the (predominately male) employees were supposedly at home then. The police literally had hundreds of men who were potential suspects...

There’s the story of Andrea Flenoury, a.k.a. Gemini, a beautiful petite black girl whose body was discovered in a river, wrapped in chains. She had been a popular stripper at a gentleman’s club nearby. Police believe that she may have been a victim of a serial killer who targeted young strippers...

There’s the story of Ted Conrad, a 20-year-old who robbed a Cleveland bank in 1969 and disappeared. At one point, the FBI considered the possibility that Conrad was also D.B. Cooper, the famous thief who, in 1971, hijacked a plane and parachuted out with $20,000 in cash, and then disappeared. Police believe that Conrad is still alive and still robbing banks...

And there’s plenty more where those came from, all of them horrible and creepy and guaranteed to send chills up your spine, especially if you live in Cleveland.

[Katherine Addison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Because I liked True Crime Addict so much, I ordered The Serial Killer's Apprentice from Amazon. It's a collection of Renner's true crime writing about unsolved cases in the Cleveland area. The stories range from weird to creepy to terrifying, and Renner's writing is engaging, both straightforward and thoughtful, throughout. Having the defects of their virtues, these are stories without closure; Renner doesn't pretend to have solved any of these cases, only turned the spotlight back on their loose ends and inconsistencies. If you like that kind of thing, as I do, this is a great book. If you don't, you'll find it frustrating.

[Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

i really enjoyed reading about all these cleveland-based crimes. some i'd heard of (mihaljevic obviously) but others were new. generally the stories were all well written and compelling, although i wish there were more details, particularly in the first few stories. i wouldn't mind a longer book. i really liked learning about the last case of the three murdered young girls. i'd never heard of this case before, probably because it was presumed to be solved, but i think renner presented a good case for the nephew being involved somehow, whether it was as an accomplice or the real killer.

[Lauren Stoolfire · Rating 4 out of 5]

This well researched collection of 13 unsolved crimes committed in the Cleveland area was fascinating to read as an Ohioan. Some of the more recent ones I can actually remember hearing about on the news. At times it was just plain disturbing to read about these horrifying cases happening so close...but I couldn't put it down. Renner's has a very clear voice and makes these real unsolved crimes as gripping and intense as any novel.

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book describes 13 true unsolved mysterious that have occurred in the Cleveland area. They range in everything from kidnapping, murder, bank robbery, and identity theft many of which a native Clevelander will recognize from news stories over the years. The cases that the author brings forward are captivating. As a native Clevelander however it is disturbing to read about all of these crimes taking place in my own backyard. The book makes you impatient with our justice system as well as disgusted by other human beings but I could not put it down. If you are from Cleveland and are interested in learning more then you can on the news about unsolved crimes, I highly recommend picking up this book.

[Calvin]

some nice light reading

[Quinn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm a fan of James Renner, so I'm interested in pretty much everything he writes. I agree with others who wish for an update, given new information on some of the crimes.

[Linda Garcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great & interesting book on some unsolved cases in Ohio.

[Peacegal · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a collection of shorter-form stories about a variety of cold cases in the Cleveland area--some have been solved, and some sadly remain a mystery.

[Sherrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chilling and Intriguing

I'm a huge fan of all things true crime from documentaries to podcasts and all things in between. I've had The Serial Killer's Apprentice on my TBR list for a while , searching for a copy at one of my local libraries, but was unable to find a copy in our library system. After hearing James Renner on True Crime Garage discussing the Amy Mihalajvic case I decided it was time for me to purchase my own copy of the book. My money was well spent, I was impressed with how well researched and well written the book was. Although the book discusses several cases rather than just one the book offers a wealth of details and in several instances information not previously released to the public. After reading this book I'm anxiously awaiting Renner's book on the disappearance of Maura Murray which I first heard about on the ID channel show, Disappeared. I would recommend this to those readers who enjoy true crime or non fiction. 5 well deserved stars for this immersive true crime anthology!

[Caitlin · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s sad to read. A couple of them have been solved since publication. A dead man with a fake name identified. Another victim was only a victim because he had the same name as an intended target.
One acquitted suspect, his life ruined by being made a suspect, died a few years ago. The author doesn’t think he did it, but that didn’t matter.
The others remain tragic mysteries.
Good news is there’s been a recent new lead in the Amy Mihaljevic case, which is the author’s main focus. Maybe someone will be arrested soon.
I don’t particularly like the author’s writing style. And the book is edited poorly. However, I appreciate the awareness raised by his work. He’s even started a group that funds DNA testing on cold cases, leading to at least one solve. I also really like his fictional novel The Man from Primrose Lane.
It’s shocking how many cold cases there are are just around Cleveland, or in Ohio. The US must be rife with unsolved crimes - more than Unsolved Mysteries ever managed to touch on.

[Betsy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The subject matter is gruesome but despite that, I have to give this book the top rating. The mysteries and investigations of these true unsolved crimes are intriguing, and the author does an outstanding job of presenting the facts without sensationalism. I am not going to lie, it was very difficult reading the couple of chapters that describe the investigations of unsolved murders of children, but I have to give kudos to the writer who presented the facts in a compassionate and respectful way. If you are into mysteries, true crime, police procedural, you should read this book.

[April Helms · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another compilation of Cleveland cold cases and mysteries, many of them new to me. The stories include the heist of $215,000 from a bank in 1969, the death of Joseph Kupchik and the murder of Beverly Jarosz. The stories are short and concise, and I like the addition of the phone numbers and e-mail addresses for those who may have information.

[Elaine · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wish these were more involved! I picked up this book because it has the kidnapping victims listed as one of the unsolved crimes and I wanted to see what everyone was thinking about this before the rescue. The other stories are just as compelling, though, and I wanted to know more! It is so hard to think of all those families out there with no closure for the open murder cases.

[Sandra Gest · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this quite awhile ago, then recently read it again. This author researches and involves himself with what he is writing about. This being an "unsolved" book is why it intrigued me. There are a couple murders in the Cleveland area that continue to haunt all of us. The book revives the haunting and hopefully the interest.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a huge fan of true crime books and this is one of the best I've read. So many authors write non fiction in a way that is about as stimulating to read as the original police reports. Renner takes these thirteen cases and composes a book as interesting and exciting as any novel.

[Rhina M. Finley · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my Coworkers let me read this. I can honestly say it gave me chills about the crimes that took place in my own area. I highly respect James as a author and researcher, because with his writings and research he unveils truth.

[Shelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being personally tied to one of these stories, I had to read it and found it to be a great book. So many people go missing and are never seen again- it is so sad. I hope the families find peace and the killers are brought to justice.

[Angus McKeogh · Rating 3 out of 5]

Entertaining but stretched too thin. Many cases are pored over in a short format; so it doesn't have the detail and fascination of his other work that I loved, True Crime Addict. But still a bunch of stuff that makes your head spin.

[Evelyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Twelve VERY interesting stories of unsolved crimes from the greater Cleveland area. Many of these stories were familiar to me, but I learned new details and theories. Well done!

[Bethany · Rating 4 out of 5]

really interesting book, easy read. good perspective by render. states facts clearly.

[Alicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had to skip the chapter about Amanda Berry and Gina Dejesus.

[D.M. Pulley · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing glimpse into true crime in Cleveland. James Renner paints a captivating picture that haunts you long after the final page. Worth reading!

[Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mr. Renner is coming to my library this week. This book is hard to put down.

[Bill reilly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Joseph Kupchik had gambling debts and either committed suicide or was tossed off the roof of a parking garage. Renner believes in the latter theory.
Sixteen-year-old Beverly Jarosz was a Catholic schoolgirl who was strangled and stabbed to death in 1964, most likely by someone she knew. It remains a mystery.
In 2005, Ray Gricar, a district attorney, vanished without a trace. His missing laptop was later found but the hard drive was unreadable due to water damage.
Andrea Flenoury was a former cheerleader turned stripper and hooker. Gemini was extremely popular and wound up dead, floating in a river.
Tony Daniels was the son of a Vietnamese immigrant. The boy became the leader of a drug and prostitution ring and his skull was found with a bullet hole.
Ted Conrad was a vault teller who managed to steal more than $200,000 in 1969. Inspiration came from The Thomas Crown Affair. Like DB Cooper, never found.
Ramona Kotrine was murdered by her husband Jeff. Much like the O.J. trial, the evidence was strong but crafty defense lawyers won the case. He is a free man.
Lisa Pruett was murdered and the lead suspect was a neighbor with severe mental issues. He was acquitted at trial and the case remains an open one.
Dan Ott was supposedly killed by a masked intruder after playing hero to his live-in girlfriend. A shotgun blast to the chest killed him and his partner showed little emotion. She showed up to his funeral with a man. Life goes on.
Joseph Chandler was a loner who was discovered dead from a self inflicted gunshot. An investigation for his estate has never revealed his true identity.
Amanda Berry and Georgina DeJesus went missing in 2003 and have never been found. A few psychics gave readings but, as usual, they are full of s***.
Amy Mihaljevic is Renner's obsession, having written an entire book on her unsolved case. Here he gives a list of suspects but the case is still open.
Robert Buell was executed for murder but denied any involvement. He was earlier convicted of rape but a cousin is also a prime suspect. Renner should expand this one into a full length book.

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

First, the book is decent, but the main reason it gets a 3-star rating is the creepy depictions of teenage murder victims Beverly Jarosz and Lisa Pruett as "nicely curved," because that is definitely an important, defining feature (rolls eyes).

Anyway, I bought this used, and obviously, it's a bit dated as some of the crimes have been resolved or new information has been made available:

Regarding Amy Mijaljevic, a man whose niece went to school with her has become a leading suspect in the case as of February 2021, when his ex called in a tip. He unusually did not come home on the night she disappeared, and his car/license plate was noted passing the scene as her body was being recovered several times.

James Renner does have a website about Lisa Pruett, and it seems a new suspect (who died in 2017) is being considered.

We all now know that Ariel Castro abducted Amanda Berry and Gina DeJesus, as well as Michelle Knight.

Thanks to familial DNA, we know that Joseph Newton Chandler III was actually Robert Ivan Nichols, even if we don't know the reasons for his identity theft.

Jeffrey Krotine passed away in 2014. Personal opinion, he was probably a shitty person and did a lot of stupid stuff after his wife's murder, but likely didn't do it.

A district attorney from a neighboring county who was friends with Ray Gricar received fairly credible information from a state inmate that his cell mate was involved with the man's murder. No one followed up on the tip.

Authorities discovered Daniel Ott was the victim of mistaken identity- a prolific car thief who shared his name testified against a Joseph Rosebrook, who decided to put a hit out on him in revenge.

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's hard to say you like a book, which is what 3 stars implies. It's more that it was interesting and descriptive enough that I didn't want to read it at night. Since most of the crimes are unsolved, they are already haunting enough.

Author James Renner lives his work and gets very involved with all the possible witnesses. I give him credit, a lot of people talk to him. He raises a lot of intriguing possibilities and always hopes something will jog somebody's memory, a police phone number is always provided.

My personal of interest case is the Beverly Jarosz, the 16 year old killed 50 years ago, one suburb over from where I grew up. I was a young child but the huge headlines stayed with me. Renner includes this case and gives it a good updating.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

The cases I found most intriguing in this book were:

- Joseph Newton Chandler
- Amanda Berry/Gina DeJesus

The Amanda Berry and Gina DeJesus part of the book was written before they were found--so it was interesting to see what theories people had, suspects, and general information about the case. When psychics were coming forward with their "visions" about how the girls died, it was heart-wrenching, because I can't imagine what it would be like as a family member to hear that. The families never gave up hope--they always believed the girls were alive the whole time, and they were!

[Fishface · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good book about a number of Ohio cases that had not been solved when it went to press. Googling for more detail on crimes I didn't know about did give me answers about some of them, but some I could not find anywhere. The last chapter, which gave the book its title, cast some serious doubt on a case that is supposedly cleared up. A worthwhile read, well worth your time.

[Zoe Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first found James Renner when I read his book Amy, where he completed a thorough and respectful investigation into Amy Majahlevich’s death as a child. Her killer is still unknown. This book was also very well done. Think of it as like an America’s Most Wanted episode. It highlights a number of unsolved cases in Ohio and theories behind perpetrators.