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Gorilla Killer: A True Story of Betrayal, Brutality and Butchery
On 20th February 1926, landlady Clara Newman (60) opened her door to a potential tenant who enquired into the availability of one of her rooms. Despite his grim and bulky appearance, he introduced himself politely, in a soft-spoken voice whilst clutching a Bible in one of his large hands. She invited him in. The moment he stepped into her home, he lunged forwards, wrapping his over-sized fingers around her throat and forced her to the ground. She couldn’t scream. He had learned the dangers of a scream. She slowly slipped into darkness. Given what would follow, it was probably a kindness.
The ‘Gorilla Killer’, Earle Nelson, roamed over 7,000 miles of North America undetected, whilst satisfying his deranged desires. During a span of almost two years, he choked the life out of more than twenty unsuspecting women, subjected their bodies to the most unspeakable acts, and seemingly enjoyed the process.
The concept of Serial Killers were largely unknown to the North American public in the 1920s but the local authorities and press were fast becoming aware of the devastating and horrific reality that unfolded before their eyes. Nelson would eventually become the first real ‘superstar criminal’ who everyone had heard of and talked about. Before Bundy and BTK, there was Earle Nelson.
Gorilla Killer is a chilling account of Earle Nelson, the first known American serial sex murderer. Ryan Green’s riveting narrative draws the reader into the real-live horror experienced by the victims and has all the elements of a classic thriller.
CAUTION: This book contains descriptive accounts of abuse and violence. If you are especially sensitive to this material, it might be advisable not to read any further
The ‘Gorilla Killer’, Earle Nelson, roamed over 7,000 miles of North America undetected, whilst satisfying his deranged desires. During a span of almost two years, he choked the life out of more than twenty unsuspecting women, subjected their bodies to the most unspeakable acts, and seemingly enjoyed the process.
The concept of Serial Killers were largely unknown to the North American public in the 1920s but the local authorities and press were fast becoming aware of the devastating and horrific reality that unfolded before their eyes. Nelson would eventually become the first real ‘superstar criminal’ who everyone had heard of and talked about. Before Bundy and BTK, there was Earle Nelson.
Gorilla Killer is a chilling account of Earle Nelson, the first known American serial sex murderer. Ryan Green’s riveting narrative draws the reader into the real-live horror experienced by the victims and has all the elements of a classic thriller.
CAUTION: This book contains descriptive accounts of abuse and violence. If you are especially sensitive to this material, it might be advisable not to read any further
120 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 6, 2020
509 people are currently reading
268 people want to read
About the author
Ryan Green
32 books480 followersRyan Green is a true crime author in his late thirties. He lives in Herefordshire, England with his wife, three children, and two dogs. Outside of writing and spending time with his family, Ryan enjoys walking, reading and windsurfing.
Ryan is fascinated with History, Psychology and True Crime. In 2015, he finally started researching and writing his own work and at the end of the year, he released his first book on Britain's most notorious serial killer, Harold Shipman.
He has since written several books on lesser-known subjects, and taken the unique approach of writing from the killer's perspective. He narrates some of the most chilling scenes you'll encounter in the True Crime genre.
"Ryan Green is an incredible storyteller...he doesn’t just tell the story, he allows you to be part of it." ~Blackbird
Ryan is fascinated with History, Psychology and True Crime. In 2015, he finally started researching and writing his own work and at the end of the year, he released his first book on Britain's most notorious serial killer, Harold Shipman.
He has since written several books on lesser-known subjects, and taken the unique approach of writing from the killer's perspective. He narrates some of the most chilling scenes you'll encounter in the True Crime genre.
"Ryan Green is an incredible storyteller...he doesn’t just tell the story, he allows you to be part of it." ~Blackbird
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
December 19, 2020
This is an example of reality being stranger than fiction... The way this story is written, I felt like I was immersed into what life was like 100 years ago ( mostly for a criminal). In the beginning, I almost felt sympathy for how this man was brought up as a child. Not only was he orphaned and passed around as a child, he also suffered major brain damage from being hit by a vehicle. Then he grows up.... Some of the things he done were horrific. He killed so many people that I ALMOST bored of reading all the murders. What interests me the most is how many times he escaped from jails and hospitals. I guess that's the difference between 100 years and current times
December 12, 2020
Strap Yourself In
OMG! Ryan Green really bought Earle Leonard Nelson to life - and how horrifying a true crime tale it is. Earle was a full fledged Monster. What he lacked in intelligence he made up in criminal cunning. Despite the abuse he suffered he was also shown compassion by family and many around him, even though he didn't deserve it once his true colors of blood read were revealed, still he continued to receive it.
Several years ago I read a brief summary about Nelson's crimes, but it was Ryan Green who recess the true brutality of Eagle's actions. The butchery and depravity He inflicted on his many victims was hard to stomach. Though horrific without the descriptive pictures painted by the author, the reader wouldn't have gotten the true view of the vileness that was actually perpetrated on these defenseless victims.
From the beginning was placed on the size of Nelson's hands and the tremendous strength He possessed. It became more terrible to learn how he used his brute force in the cruelest manners possible with no empathy for the frail, elderly, smaller women he targeted. Just rape and strangulation were not depraved enough for Earle. He had to go there...near decapitation and necrophilia. He didn't just want his poor victims helpless he wanted them lifeless. Then he had total control to play out all his horrid fantasies.
I mostly listened to this book, hearing about Nelson's traversing initially throughout California, then the West Coast committing his grizzly crimes was bad enough. But when he began moving to other cities / states I was so angry that despite so much publicity including various photos, names, and aliases he could not be caught. Then as I pulled into my dark backyard after work I hear to my horror that Nelson made it all the way to Buffalo. WAIT! WHAT?! Before he continued to Canada. I had to quit reading for awhile. That he stayed in and killed in Buffalo was a very unexpected shock.😮😲😱
This book exceeded my expectations by miles. If you are squeamish or faint of heart do not read this book. If you are a true crime aficionado READ IT! I highly recommend it and I guarantee you will not be disappointed - angry, disgusted certainly, but you'll see our worse serial killers had a nearly forgotten predecessor whose name is Earle Leonard Nelson. Thanks for a great and terrifying reading experience Ryan Green.
OMG! Ryan Green really bought Earle Leonard Nelson to life - and how horrifying a true crime tale it is. Earle was a full fledged Monster. What he lacked in intelligence he made up in criminal cunning. Despite the abuse he suffered he was also shown compassion by family and many around him, even though he didn't deserve it once his true colors of blood read were revealed, still he continued to receive it.
Several years ago I read a brief summary about Nelson's crimes, but it was Ryan Green who recess the true brutality of Eagle's actions. The butchery and depravity He inflicted on his many victims was hard to stomach. Though horrific without the descriptive pictures painted by the author, the reader wouldn't have gotten the true view of the vileness that was actually perpetrated on these defenseless victims.
From the beginning was placed on the size of Nelson's hands and the tremendous strength He possessed. It became more terrible to learn how he used his brute force in the cruelest manners possible with no empathy for the frail, elderly, smaller women he targeted. Just rape and strangulation were not depraved enough for Earle. He had to go there...near decapitation and necrophilia. He didn't just want his poor victims helpless he wanted them lifeless. Then he had total control to play out all his horrid fantasies.
I mostly listened to this book, hearing about Nelson's traversing initially throughout California, then the West Coast committing his grizzly crimes was bad enough. But when he began moving to other cities / states I was so angry that despite so much publicity including various photos, names, and aliases he could not be caught. Then as I pulled into my dark backyard after work I hear to my horror that Nelson made it all the way to Buffalo. WAIT! WHAT?! Before he continued to Canada. I had to quit reading for awhile. That he stayed in and killed in Buffalo was a very unexpected shock.😮😲😱
This book exceeded my expectations by miles. If you are squeamish or faint of heart do not read this book. If you are a true crime aficionado READ IT! I highly recommend it and I guarantee you will not be disappointed - angry, disgusted certainly, but you'll see our worse serial killers had a nearly forgotten predecessor whose name is Earle Leonard Nelson. Thanks for a great and terrifying reading experience Ryan Green.
April 2, 2022
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and I have voluntarily left this review.
I think one of the most fascinating parts about this true crime story is how many times he managed to escape over the course of his life. And the fact that he was locked up and kept escaping but because he didn't do anything on those times, they didn't really care about stopping him from escaping. It was well written and researched by the author and very well narrated.
I think one of the most fascinating parts about this true crime story is how many times he managed to escape over the course of his life. And the fact that he was locked up and kept escaping but because he didn't do anything on those times, they didn't really care about stopping him from escaping. It was well written and researched by the author and very well narrated.
December 21, 2022
Well told story of the horrific crimes of The Gorilla Killer. The author was very detailed and laid the crimes out in an easy to follow order. Although done with well intentions, I was a little skeptical about some of the emotions and feelings that victims were described to have moments before their deaths because we don’t actually know for certain what they were thinking or feeling since they sadly never had a chance to tell their story. However, as a true crime fanatic, I will for sure by reading more by Ryan Green!
December 8, 2020
Be careful of who you open your door to.
I was hooked from the very first paragraph. The author provides such a vivid picture of this beast of a man; from his low brow, broad head, solid muscly build; to his huge, hairy, ape like fingers and hands. I got shivers up and down my spine from just imagining what this animal like man looked like. I could feel his overpowering presence in every page.
The author has a sharp insight into what drives Earle Nelson and the trail of destruction and slaughter he leaves in his wake. Yes, he had a brutal childhood, and yes, he suffered from head injuries. These could partly explain why he is driven to rape, torture and murder women again and again and again.
But he also seems to have an animal cunning and inhuman cruelty. In spite of his gorilla like appearance, he is pretty good at acting like a humble, god fearing man; which seems to dupe even the most cautious of women.
He seems like a killing machine, a terminator, forging ahead with just one purpose in mind : to torture, destroy and kill. The descriptions of his crimes are very graphic and confronting. Warning, this book is not for the faint of heart.
This disgusting excuse for a human being was, in spite of thinking of himself as a man of god, unrepentant even to the moment the noose was put around his neck. Sometimes the name of god is used for evil purposes, unfortunately.
It took me just a few days to read this book. I just had to know what happened next, and when did he finally get caught ?
I highly recommend this book for lovers of true crime.
I was hooked from the very first paragraph. The author provides such a vivid picture of this beast of a man; from his low brow, broad head, solid muscly build; to his huge, hairy, ape like fingers and hands. I got shivers up and down my spine from just imagining what this animal like man looked like. I could feel his overpowering presence in every page.
The author has a sharp insight into what drives Earle Nelson and the trail of destruction and slaughter he leaves in his wake. Yes, he had a brutal childhood, and yes, he suffered from head injuries. These could partly explain why he is driven to rape, torture and murder women again and again and again.
But he also seems to have an animal cunning and inhuman cruelty. In spite of his gorilla like appearance, he is pretty good at acting like a humble, god fearing man; which seems to dupe even the most cautious of women.
He seems like a killing machine, a terminator, forging ahead with just one purpose in mind : to torture, destroy and kill. The descriptions of his crimes are very graphic and confronting. Warning, this book is not for the faint of heart.
This disgusting excuse for a human being was, in spite of thinking of himself as a man of god, unrepentant even to the moment the noose was put around his neck. Sometimes the name of god is used for evil purposes, unfortunately.
It took me just a few days to read this book. I just had to know what happened next, and when did he finally get caught ?
I highly recommend this book for lovers of true crime.
December 8, 2020
Ryan Green has done it again. In this book Gorilla Killer which is based on the True story of America’s First sexual serial killer Earl Nelson who kills at least 20 women starting in 1926’s. Earl goes by several different names. Earl went from City to City across America pretending to be a god-fearing man with his bible and passages ready for every unsuspecting landlady he could encounter with a room to rent. Earl murders, rapes, and commits necrophilia whist’s always thinking how much his victims look or remind Earl of his mum or Aunt.
When it gets too hot in America from police and witnesses Earl flees across the border into Canada where he is not known. After carnage starts there the police force combine and Earl is finally captured as he try’s to flee back to America after escaping from jail and jumping onto the top of the last carriage only to climb into it and be greeted by a carriage full of police and guns drawn. Surrendering was Earls only option.
Ryan Green has set the era wonderfully in this book and the pages pull you into the story so that you feel like you are their watching this terrible evil and murder’s that unfolds before your eyes. Do not miss this book and a piece of history of the first Sexual Serial Killer.
I am part of Ryan Green ARC Team and regarding the book these are all my own honest thoughts and feelings.
When it gets too hot in America from police and witnesses Earl flees across the border into Canada where he is not known. After carnage starts there the police force combine and Earl is finally captured as he try’s to flee back to America after escaping from jail and jumping onto the top of the last carriage only to climb into it and be greeted by a carriage full of police and guns drawn. Surrendering was Earls only option.
Ryan Green has set the era wonderfully in this book and the pages pull you into the story so that you feel like you are their watching this terrible evil and murder’s that unfolds before your eyes. Do not miss this book and a piece of history of the first Sexual Serial Killer.
I am part of Ryan Green ARC Team and regarding the book these are all my own honest thoughts and feelings.
March 16, 2021
The life & times of American Caucasian serial killer: Earle Leonard Nelson (neé Ferral; aka Gorilla Man, Gorilla Killer, Dark Strangler,
I do not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing free books from publishers & authors. Therefore, I am under no obligation to write a positive review, only an honest one.
Warning: This book contains descriptive accounts of extremely graphic adult content violence, murder, or expletive language &/or uncensored sexually explicit material (rape, minor/adult verbal, psychological, emotional, physical & sexual abuse, necrophile) which is only suitable for mature readers. It may be offensive or have potential adverse psychological effects on the reader. If you are especially sensitive to this type of material, it is strongly advised not to read any further.
An awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very professionally written serial killer book. They were quite easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a huge description list of unique characters, settings, facts etc. to keep track of. They all could also make another great serial killer movie, a classroom PP presentation, or better yet a mini-TV series or even a documentary (Crime Museum; True Crime; American Crime Story; Investigative Discovery.
There are no references, works cited, or endnotes so I will only rate it at 3/5 stars.
Thank you for the free author; Amazon Digital Services LLC.; book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
I do not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing free books from publishers & authors. Therefore, I am under no obligation to write a positive review, only an honest one.
Warning: This book contains descriptive accounts of extremely graphic adult content violence, murder, or expletive language &/or uncensored sexually explicit material (rape, minor/adult verbal, psychological, emotional, physical & sexual abuse, necrophile) which is only suitable for mature readers. It may be offensive or have potential adverse psychological effects on the reader. If you are especially sensitive to this type of material, it is strongly advised not to read any further.
An awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very professionally written serial killer book. They were quite easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a huge description list of unique characters, settings, facts etc. to keep track of. They all could also make another great serial killer movie, a classroom PP presentation, or better yet a mini-TV series or even a documentary (Crime Museum; True Crime; American Crime Story; Investigative Discovery.
There are no references, works cited, or endnotes so I will only rate it at 3/5 stars.
Thank you for the free author; Amazon Digital Services LLC.; book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
December 16, 2022
Earle Nelson had a wonderful start in life, born to a mother and father who both died shortly after his birth in 1897. The infant was covered in sores passed on by his syphilis infected mother.
Grandma Nelson took him in and raised the boy with a stern Pentecostal Christianity, with only the Bible for reading material, fire and brimstone was to be Earle's childhood education.
At ten, the beastly boy was struck by trolley car while riding a bicycle and remained in a coma for six days with an untreated hole in his head. Granny put him in the backyard and hosed him off with cold water.
Granny slipped in a bathtub and soon after shuffled off this mortal coil. Nelson found a job as a janitor at Catholic hospital and married a much older woman he had met there but the marriage did not last.
After attacking a little girl, the lunatic was sent to a nut house for treatment and was released after a four year stay. His treatment was not the cure as Earle went on a West Coast killing spree while reciting passages from his Bible. His M.O. was to visit women with rooms for rent, and after gaining entry, the man hearing messages from up above would strangle and rape the landladies.
After news of the Gorilla Man's true identity was uncovered, his trail of dead bodies continued in NY, Michigan and Illinois. Canada would be his final destination. The tenacious Canucks captured the killer a few miles from the U.S. border. Upon awaiting execution, Nelson recited the book of Revelation from memory.
Ryan Green has written another good read.
Grandma Nelson took him in and raised the boy with a stern Pentecostal Christianity, with only the Bible for reading material, fire and brimstone was to be Earle's childhood education.
At ten, the beastly boy was struck by trolley car while riding a bicycle and remained in a coma for six days with an untreated hole in his head. Granny put him in the backyard and hosed him off with cold water.
Granny slipped in a bathtub and soon after shuffled off this mortal coil. Nelson found a job as a janitor at Catholic hospital and married a much older woman he had met there but the marriage did not last.
After attacking a little girl, the lunatic was sent to a nut house for treatment and was released after a four year stay. His treatment was not the cure as Earle went on a West Coast killing spree while reciting passages from his Bible. His M.O. was to visit women with rooms for rent, and after gaining entry, the man hearing messages from up above would strangle and rape the landladies.
After news of the Gorilla Man's true identity was uncovered, his trail of dead bodies continued in NY, Michigan and Illinois. Canada would be his final destination. The tenacious Canucks captured the killer a few miles from the U.S. border. Upon awaiting execution, Nelson recited the book of Revelation from memory.
Ryan Green has written another good read.
February 3, 2021
This was another great true crime book by Ryan Green. Earle Nelson was probably one of the earliest serial killers in the United States and we will probably never know how many people he actually murdered.
His early childhood was horrible, with both his parents dying from venereal disease. It is probable that Earle's mental issues started due to syphilis contracted at birth. Even though his upbringing was horrific and you have to feel some sympathy for him, his crimes were beyond despicable.
Since Earle's murder spree was during the 1920's, sharing information and distributing crime reports was very different than it is today. In light of today's TV series, movies and books, Earle's crimes were not as bothersome as they would have been to the naive citizens in the Twenties.
I "enjoy" reading the author's take on true crime stories of the past. His style of adding his own embellishments to enhance the facts that he can find make the stories easier to read and add a fresh perspective IMHO. If you want a completely factual recitation of the crimes, you might not like this type of book. But, if you enjoy a well-written book and don't mind the gruesome details involved in the true crime genre, Ryan Green's books should be a perfect fit.
The narrator, Steve White, does a great job with his narration. His pacing is perfect and his performance adds a lot to the listener's enjoyment. I was given the chance to listen to this audiobook by the author and chose to review it.
His early childhood was horrible, with both his parents dying from venereal disease. It is probable that Earle's mental issues started due to syphilis contracted at birth. Even though his upbringing was horrific and you have to feel some sympathy for him, his crimes were beyond despicable.
Since Earle's murder spree was during the 1920's, sharing information and distributing crime reports was very different than it is today. In light of today's TV series, movies and books, Earle's crimes were not as bothersome as they would have been to the naive citizens in the Twenties.
I "enjoy" reading the author's take on true crime stories of the past. His style of adding his own embellishments to enhance the facts that he can find make the stories easier to read and add a fresh perspective IMHO. If you want a completely factual recitation of the crimes, you might not like this type of book. But, if you enjoy a well-written book and don't mind the gruesome details involved in the true crime genre, Ryan Green's books should be a perfect fit.
The narrator, Steve White, does a great job with his narration. His pacing is perfect and his performance adds a lot to the listener's enjoyment. I was given the chance to listen to this audiobook by the author and chose to review it.
January 5, 2021
Ryan Green does a good job of conveying the horror that Earl Nelson perpetrated on society and the method in the madness of this serial killer. Green's writing style is riveting but I can't help but feel that he leaves a lot of detail out of the narrative for fear of losing some of his readership. (Disclosure: I read true crime books to try to understand the mental illness behind the crime, not for the crimes themselves.) In that sense the book is disappointing although it's a worthy read.
Another negative about the book is that Green goes to great lengths to describe Earl Nelson as freakishly large but this is not so, judging from a photo of him being escorted by two policemen (https://murderpedia.org/male.N/n/nels...). So, the narrative lacks credibility in this sense which casts some doubt regarding other descriptions in the book.
In short, this book is an entertaining read but lacks detail and its factuality is a bit suspect.
Another negative about the book is that Green goes to great lengths to describe Earl Nelson as freakishly large but this is not so, judging from a photo of him being escorted by two policemen (https://murderpedia.org/male.N/n/nels...). So, the narrative lacks credibility in this sense which casts some doubt regarding other descriptions in the book.
In short, this book is an entertaining read but lacks detail and its factuality is a bit suspect.
January 2, 2021
First book of 2021
And what a way to get things started.
As is the case with a lot of Ryan Green’s stuff, Gorilla Killer is quick, but it’s blood soaked and brutal and an eye opening account of yet another incredibly deranged, psychotic individual that, thankfully, was part of the past.
I know there are still those that complain about Green’s lack of citations and source notes, or his insistence on keeping his works too short. I get it. It’s hard to ignore the importance of a list of sources. And I also understand that 120 pages isn’t enough to really get into the meat of the subject matter. Yet, in the grand scheme of things, I don’t think it’s that big of a deal. I’ll gladly trade these things for another vignette on an otherwise unknown or, (in this case) forgotten serial killer.
And what a way to get things started.
As is the case with a lot of Ryan Green’s stuff, Gorilla Killer is quick, but it’s blood soaked and brutal and an eye opening account of yet another incredibly deranged, psychotic individual that, thankfully, was part of the past.
I know there are still those that complain about Green’s lack of citations and source notes, or his insistence on keeping his works too short. I get it. It’s hard to ignore the importance of a list of sources. And I also understand that 120 pages isn’t enough to really get into the meat of the subject matter. Yet, in the grand scheme of things, I don’t think it’s that big of a deal. I’ll gladly trade these things for another vignette on an otherwise unknown or, (in this case) forgotten serial killer.
December 8, 2020
The First Serial Killer
It was the 1920's; it was a kinder society. No-one was aware of the killer that was being unleashed. Earle Nelson was a huge, hulking, ugly man who would've scared anyone. His soft voice, kind demeanor, and carrying a bible in his enormous hands gained his entry into boarding houses. A listed room for rent and an elderly woman caretaker was all he needed to carry out the most horrific, gruesome acts imaginable. Over a two year period, he killed at least 20 women. This was the best true crime novel, IMO, that Ryan Green has written thus far. I would highly recommend this book and of course Ryan Green.
It was the 1920's; it was a kinder society. No-one was aware of the killer that was being unleashed. Earle Nelson was a huge, hulking, ugly man who would've scared anyone. His soft voice, kind demeanor, and carrying a bible in his enormous hands gained his entry into boarding houses. A listed room for rent and an elderly woman caretaker was all he needed to carry out the most horrific, gruesome acts imaginable. Over a two year period, he killed at least 20 women. This was the best true crime novel, IMO, that Ryan Green has written thus far. I would highly recommend this book and of course Ryan Green.
July 3, 2022
Gorilla Killer: A True Story of Betrayal, Brutality and Butchery was a great read by Ryan Green. February 20,1926, landlady Clara Newman opened her door to a potential tenant who asked about the availability of one of her rooms. Although he was a large man, he seemed polite and soft spoken. The moment he stepped into her home, he lunged forward and wrapped his fingers around her throat and forced her to the ground. The Gorilla Killer, Earle Nelson, travelled over 7,000 miles around North America undetected. During a span of two years, he choked the life out of more than twenty women. This was a good true crime story and I can't wait to read more by the author.
December 13, 2020
This serial killer was freakish, intentional, and brave. How he got away so many times shows how society forgets women in a second once another news reel comes out. These were brutal killings and although the details were listed, many still were ignorant about their safety. It was a quick read, but full of ket information to understand the human behavior of Earle. Along with the dissolution of slavery and Jim Crow laws was a serial killer who received less investigation than the black community. It took Canada to catch him.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 6, 2021
Easy read
This is a nice little addition to the Earl Nelson story. There have been many works written that focus on Nelson and this one is a nice one to add to the list. You wouldn't find much new info on Nelson, and Green takes a lot of poetic license to fill in the blanks, but it's still a good, easy and fast read. I would recommend it to anyone unfamiliar with Nelson, or to anyone looking to refresh their memory. However, serious students of true crime might look to other works on Nelson for more detail.
This is a nice little addition to the Earl Nelson story. There have been many works written that focus on Nelson and this one is a nice one to add to the list. You wouldn't find much new info on Nelson, and Green takes a lot of poetic license to fill in the blanks, but it's still a good, easy and fast read. I would recommend it to anyone unfamiliar with Nelson, or to anyone looking to refresh their memory. However, serious students of true crime might look to other works on Nelson for more detail.
July 25, 2021
Stranger than fiction
Just wow! I believe any fiction author would be hard-pressed to create a protagonist so complex and deranged as Earle aka the “ Dark Strangler”.
That said, I have no doubt Earle’s severe head injuries caused him to suffer from a TBI ( traumatic brain injury) and most likely left him in a state of psychopathy suffering from Schizo Affective Disorder.
However mentally ill Earle may have been, there is no doubt Earle was well aware the crimes he committed were wrong in the eyes of man yet not in the eyes of G-d.
Fascinating read.
Just wow! I believe any fiction author would be hard-pressed to create a protagonist so complex and deranged as Earle aka the “ Dark Strangler”.
That said, I have no doubt Earle’s severe head injuries caused him to suffer from a TBI ( traumatic brain injury) and most likely left him in a state of psychopathy suffering from Schizo Affective Disorder.
However mentally ill Earle may have been, there is no doubt Earle was well aware the crimes he committed were wrong in the eyes of man yet not in the eyes of G-d.
Fascinating read.
July 19, 2023
Fascinating
Unbelievable how often one man would go on sprees raping and killing women. However, I would dispute the claim that he is the first sexual serial killer in the U. S. as the first known l also killed women as well as men. Some theories even suggest that same person could be Jack the Ripper. Unfortunately his name escapes me.
The story drags, but I suppose there is only so much you can do when the killer is after a type and performs each kill pretty much the same.
Unbelievable how often one man would go on sprees raping and killing women. However, I would dispute the claim that he is the first sexual serial killer in the U. S. as the first known l also killed women as well as men. Some theories even suggest that same person could be Jack the Ripper. Unfortunately his name escapes me.
The story drags, but I suppose there is only so much you can do when the killer is after a type and performs each kill pretty much the same.
December 20, 2020
NOT TO BE MISSED!
A true story that is, at times, beyond the comprehension of the readers sensibilities. Experly told as only Ryan Green can, this books immediately envelopes the reader with a web of horror that cannot be undone until the very last word has been read. i can hardly wait until Mr. Green's next masterpiece. Please do not miss put on this one or any of his other great works of storytelling.
A true story that is, at times, beyond the comprehension of the readers sensibilities. Experly told as only Ryan Green can, this books immediately envelopes the reader with a web of horror that cannot be undone until the very last word has been read. i can hardly wait until Mr. Green's next masterpiece. Please do not miss put on this one or any of his other great works of storytelling.
December 18, 2020
A Ryan Green true crime thriller NEVER disappoints, and this book was no exception. Each story in succession is so good, that it brings me back for the next. If you love true crime, then you've GOT to read Green!
*I received a complimentary ARC of this book in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.
*I received a complimentary ARC of this book in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.
January 16, 2022
Outstanding!
Ryan Green is a Master of Words. His writing style paints such vivid pictures in my mind along with his sense of humor that I literally cannot put my Kindle down until I've read the book from start to finish. This is the 3rd book of his that I've read in 2 days! Ryan Green has easily become my favorite writer.
Ryan Green is a Master of Words. His writing style paints such vivid pictures in my mind along with his sense of humor that I literally cannot put my Kindle down until I've read the book from start to finish. This is the 3rd book of his that I've read in 2 days! Ryan Green has easily become my favorite writer.
July 24, 2023
Earle Leonard Ferral's unfortunate childhood and actions as a grown man are the stuff of nightmares.
Ryan Green has outdone himself once again in the researching and writing of this horrific true story of murder in the roaring 20s.
From the start of this book, to the end of the last page, Ryan has went back in time and brings you along for the ride. A truly fantastic read.
Ryan Green has outdone himself once again in the researching and writing of this horrific true story of murder in the roaring 20s.
From the start of this book, to the end of the last page, Ryan has went back in time and brings you along for the ride. A truly fantastic read.
December 8, 2020
Interesting book
This book chronicles the life and crimes of Earle Nelson. Nelson was a serial killer who preyed on boarding house owners. The author has done extensive research on his subject. I highly recommend this book to other true crime readers.
This book chronicles the life and crimes of Earle Nelson. Nelson was a serial killer who preyed on boarding house owners. The author has done extensive research on his subject. I highly recommend this book to other true crime readers.
December 26, 2020
Gorilla Killer
This is the true crime story about the "Gorilla Killer", the first sex serial murderer in the United States. He killed more than 20 woman of different ages. His brutal murders and rapes were from around the U.S. and Canada.
Donna P.
This is the true crime story about the "Gorilla Killer", the first sex serial murderer in the United States. He killed more than 20 woman of different ages. His brutal murders and rapes were from around the U.S. and Canada.
Donna P.
January 11, 2021
I really enjoy reading books by Ryan Green. I think that he is a talented author and I must say that this is probably one of the most disturbing true crime books that I've read in a long time. I did feel sorry for Earle in the beginning stages of his life and understood that sometimes we aren't fortunate to have good parents/ guardians. I couldn't put this book down.
January 21, 2021
Okay, but fell a little short
I felt the book was a good read, my only let down was that there were no pictures of this "ape" man. After reading so much about his physical appearance the book left me feeling a little cheated.
I felt the book was a good read, my only let down was that there were no pictures of this "ape" man. After reading so much about his physical appearance the book left me feeling a little cheated.
February 13, 2021
Sick mind in a powerful body. A deadly combination
This is the third book of Ryan Green that I've read and have no complaints. Nothing fancy, well written with interesting subjects. Hard to believe at times the cruelty members of our species are capable of.
This is the third book of Ryan Green that I've read and have no complaints. Nothing fancy, well written with interesting subjects. Hard to believe at times the cruelty members of our species are capable of.
June 14, 2021
Fantastic author, fantastic book
Very interesting book about a little known murderer. Evil is too kind of a word to use in the description of this monster. Definitely a must have for the true crime enthusiast.
Very interesting book about a little known murderer. Evil is too kind of a word to use in the description of this monster. Definitely a must have for the true crime enthusiast.
January 2, 2022
So shocking.
I enjoyed this book. So interesting how much damage mental illness can do. Maybe all of this could have been prevented with common medicines we have today. Who knows…..I took away a star because I got lost for a bit at the beginning on what his age timeframe was.
I enjoyed this book. So interesting how much damage mental illness can do. Maybe all of this could have been prevented with common medicines we have today. Who knows…..I took away a star because I got lost for a bit at the beginning on what his age timeframe was.
April 10, 2022
Beyond Belief
It is so difficult to wrap one's mind around such deviant, evil behavior. It is a difficult read in the sense that the acts committed are true. I would recommend this to those who read true crime, but post a word of caution as some details are quite gruesome.
It is so difficult to wrap one's mind around such deviant, evil behavior. It is a difficult read in the sense that the acts committed are true. I would recommend this to those who read true crime, but post a word of caution as some details are quite gruesome.
June 1, 2023
The man read like the serial killer checklist from the 1970s. It is really interesting to see that play out in the environment of 1920s and while certain passages were hard to read this is a well done little true crime book.
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