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The Zodiac Revisited #1
The Zodiac Revisited, Volume 1: The Facts of the Case
Understand History's Most Enigmatic Serial Killer
In December of 1968, a serial killer began orchestrating a campaign of terror in the San Francisco Bay Area. Not satisfied with the simple act of murder, he taunted law enforcement and the public by writing letters to local newspapers. Through often cryptic and bizarre content—including four ciphers, three of which have never been solved—the psychopath played a twisted game. Reporters dubbed the man the "Cipher Killer," but the murderer chose a different name for himself: the Zodiac. Eventually, he would claim to have murdered thirty-seven. Law enforcement, however, could only account for five.
In 1971, authenticated communications with the Zodiac ceased. The elusive fugitive resurfaced briefly three years later, sending a small number of communiqués, before disappearing for good. What started out with shocking abruptness slowly dissolved into mysterious uncertainty. To this day, the Zodiac's true identity remains one of the twentieth century's greatest mysteries...
In Volume 1 of The Zodiac Revisited, Michael reviews the facts of the case, building a foundation for the analysis that follows in Volumes 2 and 3.
In December of 1968, a serial killer began orchestrating a campaign of terror in the San Francisco Bay Area. Not satisfied with the simple act of murder, he taunted law enforcement and the public by writing letters to local newspapers. Through often cryptic and bizarre content—including four ciphers, three of which have never been solved—the psychopath played a twisted game. Reporters dubbed the man the "Cipher Killer," but the murderer chose a different name for himself: the Zodiac. Eventually, he would claim to have murdered thirty-seven. Law enforcement, however, could only account for five.
In 1971, authenticated communications with the Zodiac ceased. The elusive fugitive resurfaced briefly three years later, sending a small number of communiqués, before disappearing for good. What started out with shocking abruptness slowly dissolved into mysterious uncertainty. To this day, the Zodiac's true identity remains one of the twentieth century's greatest mysteries...
In Volume 1 of The Zodiac Revisited, Michael reviews the facts of the case, building a foundation for the analysis that follows in Volumes 2 and 3.
274 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 17, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
February 11, 2021
Although this is a self-published book, everything about it is extremely professional. Many self-published authors don't work with editors, and it shows in their work. Cole credits his editor, Jennifer Huston, in the acknowledgments, and I'm sure she is a major reason that this book is so cohesive and polished.
I know a lot about the Z0diac Killer from other books, but I was curious to know if anything new had been uncovered since the publication of Robert Graysmith's books, which were the basis for the 2007 David Fincher film. I thought I'd have to wade through websites, but then I discovered Cole's books. I already knew a lot about the killer's murders in the San Francisco Bay Area, but Cole does a strong job describing those cases, and I needed to be reminded of the details before reading Cole's other volumes on Zodiac. In addition to writing about the SF Bay cases and the well-known Zodiac letters, Cole also writes about a possible connection to several murders in Southern California that pre-date Zodiac's first known murders in the San Francisco Bay Area, a possible connection that I can't remember reading about before.
This is a very well-written overview of the Zodiac story.
I know a lot about the Z0diac Killer from other books, but I was curious to know if anything new had been uncovered since the publication of Robert Graysmith's books, which were the basis for the 2007 David Fincher film. I thought I'd have to wade through websites, but then I discovered Cole's books. I already knew a lot about the killer's murders in the San Francisco Bay Area, but Cole does a strong job describing those cases, and I needed to be reminded of the details before reading Cole's other volumes on Zodiac. In addition to writing about the SF Bay cases and the well-known Zodiac letters, Cole also writes about a possible connection to several murders in Southern California that pre-date Zodiac's first known murders in the San Francisco Bay Area, a possible connection that I can't remember reading about before.
This is a very well-written overview of the Zodiac story.
May 14, 2021
When I was a young teen I had a pen pal who lived in San Francisco in the '60s. I was introduced to Zodiac through her reports on the murders and I remember being scared for her because it was so random. She was a teenager with a boyfriend so she fit the killer's preferred victims.
Then the Manson murders happened and definitely the bloom was off the rose of "California Dreamin' " for me.
Strange that I never read anything about Zodiac until I read Zodiac Revisited. From the things I remember my pen pal telling me, Mr Cole's book was spot on with his narrative. I saw the 2007 movie a few years ago but the details about the people who were murdered was only a sketch but frightening none the less.
Zodiac Revisited helped me learn tte backgrounds and provided information that was not known to the public.
It is a well planned, well researched first volume in a series with many illustrations, Zodiac's letters and cyphers so plenty of material and thorough analysis.
I knew the killer had stopped communication and activity in 1974 but there was speculation that he might have been The Night Stalker or the Golden State Killer. That would fit the time frame. Mr Cole mentioned some earlier murders that occurred in the early to mid '60s and that could also be possible. My pen pal said they thought Zodiac was a rogue member of the Manson family. Maybe, but that could be true of any of those murderers.
It's sad that this guy made so many people suffer and never was caught or punished for his crimes, I found myself in tears for these people whose lives were cut short and dreams never realized. If he was the Golden State killer as some thought he was caught when he was an old man. Whoever he was he is probably dead by now and I bet he found out pretty quick his plan for his victims was never going to happen except to himself.
Thank you to author Michael F Cole for giving me the opportunity to read this excellent book! Also, thank you to Book Sirens for offering the book and giving me the chance to offer my honest opinion here.
I cannot wait to read Volumes 2 and 3!
Then the Manson murders happened and definitely the bloom was off the rose of "California Dreamin' " for me.
Strange that I never read anything about Zodiac until I read Zodiac Revisited. From the things I remember my pen pal telling me, Mr Cole's book was spot on with his narrative. I saw the 2007 movie a few years ago but the details about the people who were murdered was only a sketch but frightening none the less.
Zodiac Revisited helped me learn tte backgrounds and provided information that was not known to the public.
It is a well planned, well researched first volume in a series with many illustrations, Zodiac's letters and cyphers so plenty of material and thorough analysis.
I knew the killer had stopped communication and activity in 1974 but there was speculation that he might have been The Night Stalker or the Golden State Killer. That would fit the time frame. Mr Cole mentioned some earlier murders that occurred in the early to mid '60s and that could also be possible. My pen pal said they thought Zodiac was a rogue member of the Manson family. Maybe, but that could be true of any of those murderers.
It's sad that this guy made so many people suffer and never was caught or punished for his crimes, I found myself in tears for these people whose lives were cut short and dreams never realized. If he was the Golden State killer as some thought he was caught when he was an old man. Whoever he was he is probably dead by now and I bet he found out pretty quick his plan for his victims was never going to happen except to himself.
Thank you to author Michael F Cole for giving me the opportunity to read this excellent book! Also, thank you to Book Sirens for offering the book and giving me the chance to offer my honest opinion here.
I cannot wait to read Volumes 2 and 3!
January 5, 2022
I am at heart, a reader. Mysteries are my favorite because I simply love trying to figure out who did it. There are times, however, when I am in the mood for a good true crime story. Sometimes, knowing who did what from the very beginning is interesting, and you’re able to focus in on the investigation and the question of “why” the crime was committed in the first place. Everyone has heard of Ted Bundy, John Wayne Gacy, and Jeffrey Dahmer. Their crimes, being so horrific, made them infamous, and they will forever live in the minds of everyone who has read a book or newspaper article about them, even now that they are no longer among the living. Then there are those few, like Jack the Ripper or the Zodiac Killer, who are still in the minds of those who read about them, because there is still no way of knowing for certain who they even are, or were, as the case may be.
In his book, “The Zodiac Revisited: The Facts of the Case,” Michael Cole has put together an interesting account of the facts involved in this well-known case. The Zodiac Killer, whomever he may be, began a reign of terror in 1968 that continued until he basically fell off the radar in 1971—with no person or law enforcement official being any closer to uncovering his real identity. Not getting the attention he thought he deserved through the murders he committed, this twisted mind spent a large part of his time communicating with the newspapers and police departments, trying to keep the attention focused on himself. Then, in 1971, he just simply up and disappeared.
Because so much of this story remains a mystery, and one that may never be solved, it is hard to separate the fact from the fiction. Mr. Cole’s telling of the facts, however—complete with copies of the letters to the newspapers, other photos, cards, etc., that the killer provided—is a very well-written, interesting, and detailed account of this moment in history. It is delivered so uniquely that it makes this reader want to go out and find the next two volumes in the set. In fact, all readers will want to continue finding out more about what exactly happened during this nightmarish time that petrified those living in the San Francisco Bay area while a killer walked their streets.
In his book, “The Zodiac Revisited: The Facts of the Case,” Michael Cole has put together an interesting account of the facts involved in this well-known case. The Zodiac Killer, whomever he may be, began a reign of terror in 1968 that continued until he basically fell off the radar in 1971—with no person or law enforcement official being any closer to uncovering his real identity. Not getting the attention he thought he deserved through the murders he committed, this twisted mind spent a large part of his time communicating with the newspapers and police departments, trying to keep the attention focused on himself. Then, in 1971, he just simply up and disappeared.
Because so much of this story remains a mystery, and one that may never be solved, it is hard to separate the fact from the fiction. Mr. Cole’s telling of the facts, however—complete with copies of the letters to the newspapers, other photos, cards, etc., that the killer provided—is a very well-written, interesting, and detailed account of this moment in history. It is delivered so uniquely that it makes this reader want to go out and find the next two volumes in the set. In fact, all readers will want to continue finding out more about what exactly happened during this nightmarish time that petrified those living in the San Francisco Bay area while a killer walked their streets.
April 3, 2021
This is a well-researched and in-depth book on the serial killer known as the Zodiac Killer, a killer who targeted amourous couples in the San Francisco Bay area during 1968-1969. He was last heard of in 1974, when he stopped sending coded letters to various newspapers.
This book is dedicated to the victims, who he was remains a mystery up to today. This book describes possible suspects and tells about the victims and what happened to them.
The books contains a lot of photo material (victims, letters).
I love series like MIndhunters, and Clint Eastwood's Dirty Harry, which drew upon the real life case of the Zodiac case, and tried to keep updated on new facts on the Zodiac cases/killer. (I believe one of the unresolved codes - the 340 code - was cracked last December by an international team.)
Well researched, great read, esp. for Zodiac killer enthusiasts!
** I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily **
This book is dedicated to the victims, who he was remains a mystery up to today. This book describes possible suspects and tells about the victims and what happened to them.
The books contains a lot of photo material (victims, letters).
I love series like MIndhunters, and Clint Eastwood's Dirty Harry, which drew upon the real life case of the Zodiac case, and tried to keep updated on new facts on the Zodiac cases/killer. (I believe one of the unresolved codes - the 340 code - was cracked last December by an international team.)
Well researched, great read, esp. for Zodiac killer enthusiasts!
** I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily **
July 18, 2024
Overall: 4.5 stars
This is a fantastic overview of the Zodiac Killer case without any preposterous claims (none of those bonkers "it was my dad!" theories) or speculation about who done it. Everything is organized neatly and chronologically, and the author takes a solid "just the facts, ma'am" tone, which I think really works. His follow-up volumes in the series seem to delve into his own analysis and theories, but this first book is a thorough, no-nonsense dive into the crimes and the letters with a little bit of context about the time period and setting. It's short and simple and gets the job done without any drama (which can sometimes be hard to find in super famous true crime cases like this).
If you're interested in the Zodiac Killer beyond what wikipedia will tell you, this is a great choice.
This is a fantastic overview of the Zodiac Killer case without any preposterous claims (none of those bonkers "it was my dad!" theories) or speculation about who done it. Everything is organized neatly and chronologically, and the author takes a solid "just the facts, ma'am" tone, which I think really works. His follow-up volumes in the series seem to delve into his own analysis and theories, but this first book is a thorough, no-nonsense dive into the crimes and the letters with a little bit of context about the time period and setting. It's short and simple and gets the job done without any drama (which can sometimes be hard to find in super famous true crime cases like this).
If you're interested in the Zodiac Killer beyond what wikipedia will tell you, this is a great choice.
January 18, 2021
I have been interested in the Zodiac killer case for years and I have read many books on the subject, I have also watched documentaries as well. I found this book is full of details and provides new lines of attack that will be worth pursuing. I defiantly got a better understanding behind this Killer who has evaded justice all these years.
I agreed with the author Michael that technology is catching up with criminals now and there are always new break throughs. Let us hope it is not to late for some victim’s family’s, or the Zodiac killer no matter his age to eventually be identified and hopefully captured. I really enjoyed this book, and I would highly recommend the book especially if you wish to learn new facts or have not read any of the other books on the Zodiac Killer.
I agreed with the author Michael that technology is catching up with criminals now and there are always new break throughs. Let us hope it is not to late for some victim’s family’s, or the Zodiac killer no matter his age to eventually be identified and hopefully captured. I really enjoyed this book, and I would highly recommend the book especially if you wish to learn new facts or have not read any of the other books on the Zodiac Killer.
March 17, 2021
**I received a free copy of this book from Voracious Readers Only in exchange for an honest review.**
I have been interested in the Zodiac Killer for quite some time now, and this book served as both a second introduction and a deeper dive into the particulars of the famous case. Quite a bit of the case has been sensationalized over the years, to the point where it can be hard to find truth instead of theories. This book did not have that problem; it was straight to the point, had a wealth of information, and, as the title suggests, keeps it to the facts of the case. I also wanted to mention that I never would have guessed that this was an independent project - and I mean that as an utmost compliment!
I have been interested in the Zodiac Killer for quite some time now, and this book served as both a second introduction and a deeper dive into the particulars of the famous case. Quite a bit of the case has been sensationalized over the years, to the point where it can be hard to find truth instead of theories. This book did not have that problem; it was straight to the point, had a wealth of information, and, as the title suggests, keeps it to the facts of the case. I also wanted to mention that I never would have guessed that this was an independent project - and I mean that as an utmost compliment!
May 20, 2021
This is a really well-written and organized accounting of the events surrounding the serial killer known as the Zodiac. The author goes into a lot of detail, and has numerous texts and even photographs of both the victims and the Zodiac letters included. The recounting of the Zodiac events had me captivated throughout—especially given that this case remains unsolved. I found myself feeling like a detective working alongside those who actually investigated the crimes.
Mr. Cole has penned two more books on the Zodiac case, and I'm feeling fortunate to have purchased all three. If the second and third books are as good as the first, I'll have to warn friends and family to simply stay away from me until I'm done reading!
Mr. Cole has penned two more books on the Zodiac case, and I'm feeling fortunate to have purchased all three. If the second and third books are as good as the first, I'll have to warn friends and family to simply stay away from me until I'm done reading!
August 1, 2023
It's obvious that Cole has meticulously researched this book, compiling all the facts in a logical, interesting and concise manner. I am a true crime fan and although I do know a fair bit about the Zodiac, Cole unearthed other details and reports from the day that I'd never heard of before.
Including are copies of all the letters and cards Zodiac is said to have sent to law enforcement and the papers, fascinating in and of themselves. Who was the Zodiac? We may never know, but Cole's book is respectful of all the known (and potentially unknown) victims in his thoughtful analysis.
If you enjoy true crime books, you'll like this.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Including are copies of all the letters and cards Zodiac is said to have sent to law enforcement and the papers, fascinating in and of themselves. Who was the Zodiac? We may never know, but Cole's book is respectful of all the known (and potentially unknown) victims in his thoughtful analysis.
If you enjoy true crime books, you'll like this.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 22, 2023
I understand that Volume 1 focuses on the case facts while subsequent volumes are dedicated to analysis, but there’s very little, if anything, that would be considered new for your average Zodiac reader. Also, some claims require support. For example, on page 78, Cole states, “Despite Fouke's assertions to the contrary, some additional evidence suggests that the officers may have indeed talked to the suspect.” But we never learn what that evidence is. Maybe it’s in a future volume? I appreciate the use of citations and references at the end of each chapter, but it could be more thorough in this respect.
July 1, 2021
I got this as a free audiobook from the author. I'm not a big fan of non-fiction but I do love true-crime. This book was a little hard for me to get through. The narrator had a good voice but was pretty monotone. The writing was in non-fiction form, so it was more a telling of facts than a telling of a story. I still have to give it 4 stars though. I know that I don't prefer non-fiction and that is on me. This book delivered exactly what it said it would, the facts of the case. And the author definitely knows the case.
March 20, 2021
This was straight to the point, no -nonsense, not sensationalised telling of the story. I have been listening to true crime podcasts recently but wanted to read something as well. This was very well written, could not believe it was self published and didn't have a team behind him.
I was given an advance copy by voracious readers and the author but the review is entirely my own.
I was given an advance copy by voracious readers and the author but the review is entirely my own.
November 2, 2021
Excellent book reviewing the facts about the Zodiac killer. Goes into detail about the letters and ciphers sent to the newspaper and murders that are possibly attributed to the Zodiac. I've read a book about the Zodiac and I learned so much more from this book that I am going to start volume 2 right away because the author has my attention and curiosity. Highly recommend this book!
July 31, 2024
3.2
I'll be honest I chose this book based on my need to read a book that started with a Z.
I found the information a little dry but interesting. I am not really a serial killer doc lover, but of course this has permeated our lives and of course I have watched one or two episodes about the ZK, still, I found myself learning things I hadn't heard of.
I'll be honest I chose this book based on my need to read a book that started with a Z.
I found the information a little dry but interesting. I am not really a serial killer doc lover, but of course this has permeated our lives and of course I have watched one or two episodes about the ZK, still, I found myself learning things I hadn't heard of.
February 16, 2021
Straight to the point non sensational facts about the zodiac killer. Not much I don't know about the zodiac killer after reading loads and seeing loads on the subject.
Book given free by author via voraciousreaders.com
Book given free by author via voraciousreaders.com
March 17, 2021
In-depth look at the Zodiac case
If you are seeking a compilation of the fact of the Zodiac case, this is the book for you. Reference materials are provided, with footnotes and a detailed index. Well worth the read.
If you are seeking a compilation of the fact of the Zodiac case, this is the book for you. Reference materials are provided, with footnotes and a detailed index. Well worth the read.
July 27, 2021
Very well written and researched account of the timeline and facts of the Zodiac case. Its amazing that the killer had evaded the authorities and continues to do so. Thanks to Michael for providing a copy of this book. I am reviewing voluntarily
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August 6, 2021“The Zodiac Revisited is a complete, unbiased, and riveting true crime book that chronicles the story of the Zodiac Killer.”
Reviewed for Foreword Reviews.
Reviewed for Foreword Reviews.
September 22, 2021
This book is information-filled and an enjoyable read. If you are interested in the Zodiac murders, this is the book for you. The author does a great job of retelling the story. I learned a lot, and I think other readers will too. I want to read the second volume.
November 4, 2021
We are proud to announce that ZODIAC REVISITED, Volume 1: The Facts of the Case by Michael F. Cole has been honored with the B.R.A.G.Medallion (Book Readers Appreciation Group). It now joins the very select award-winning, reader-recommended books at indieBRAG.
April 27, 2022
Brilliant written
Mr Cole writes like a professional which he most certainly is! I highly recommend this series of books on the infamous Zodiac because it is so well written and researched.
Mr Cole writes like a professional which he most certainly is! I highly recommend this series of books on the infamous Zodiac because it is so well written and researched.
September 18, 2022
Very well researched & written
I think before anyone delves further into the different theories and fallacies about the Zodiac, you should read this book first.
It has been very concisely put together and brings all the main aspects of the case in chronological order.
I think before anyone delves further into the different theories and fallacies about the Zodiac, you should read this book first.
It has been very concisely put together and brings all the main aspects of the case in chronological order.
September 5, 2024
Highly recommend this read for those who value excellent research....
This book is a gem for any who like myself appreciate quality research and intelligent (but unpretentious) writing. I'm launching straight into volume 2...
This book is a gem for any who like myself appreciate quality research and intelligent (but unpretentious) writing. I'm launching straight into volume 2...
January 6, 2021
A well-written, non-sensational overview of the Zodiac case.
February 26, 2021
A pretty thorough review of the Zodiac case. You might not agree with all of his theories but I do think it's well written.
February 28, 2021
Excellent, clear and very informative, looking forward to reading parts 2&3. I knew a bit about the zodiac and there was a lot in here which I had no idea about, a fascinating topic.
August 5, 2021
A straightforward accounting of the details surrounding the Zodiac Killer and his victims. The book is very informative, and seem to have been well researched.
October 10, 2021
A thorough and detailed brush up on the case details to prime any would-be amateur sleuth. Very few subjective details are added, and are noted with reasons for being included.
October 10, 2022
Michael Cole is a great writer I truly love this book I learned new things about the zodiac that I did not know before I truly recommend this book I couldn’t wait to start reading volume two
June 26, 2024
this is the absolute final word on the chronological events of the case. exhaustively researched and thoroughly engrossing.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews