The Night Stalker

The Life and Crimes of Richard Ramirez

By: Philip Carlo

Narrated by: Tom Zingarelli

Length: 18 hrs and 29 mins

Publisher's summary

Decades after Richard Ramirez left 13 dead and paralyzed the city of Los Angeles, his name is still synonymous with fear, torture, and sadistic murder. Philip Carlo's classic The Night Stalker, based on years of meticulous research and extensive interviews with Ramirez, revealed the killer and his horrifying crimes to be even more chilling than anyone could have imagined. From watching his cousin commit murder at age 11 to his 19 death sentences to the juror who fell in love with him, the story of Ramirez is a bizarre and spellbinding descent into the very heart of human evil.

Incredibly, after The Night Stalker was first published, thousands of women from all over the world contacted Carlo, begging to be put in touch with the killer. Carlo interviewed them and here presents their disturbing stories and the dark sexual desires that would drive them towards a brutal murderer. And in an exclusive death row interview, the killer himself gives his thoughts on the "Ramirez Groupies" - and what he thinks they really want.

©1996 Philip Carlo (P)2016 Tantor

Critic reviews

"This book will provide true crime readers a chilling inside perspective of a serial killer." (Library Journal)

Best in True Crime

Well written and narrated account of California nightmare case. Rameriz ,his family, his victims and the cops are brought to life. My favorite parts of the book are how individuals, from those who have tips to those who chased Rameriz down, helped stop this monster.

Scariest serial killer

This true story was very haunting to know that a serial killer like Richard existed

Tom Zingarelli sounds like Dennis Farina

I am so glad I listened to this book. Tom Zingarelli sounds like Dennis Farina so I felt like I was listening to a lengthy Unsolved Mysteries episode the entire time. I loved it. It added so much atmosphere.

I take in a lot of information about serial killers and abhorrent psychology every year. It fascinates me. While I know there are a gross number of serial killers out there, the chances of meeting one, let alone becoming a victim of one, is so rare. I also don't believe they are evil through and through, if any of them are.

The first time I saw a picture of Richard Ramirez's face, a chill ran through me. Yes, he has attractive features. He has awesome cheekbones. That isn't what got me though. It was his eyes. I have never seen another killer that seemed so empty inside, so devoid of something vital. I often wondered if what he lacked was a soul.

After reading this book, I am pretty sure that the only thing he loved or at least cared about was his family. It was great seeing this thorough look into who Richard was as a person without polishing over the truly horrific things he did. I think I cried in every part of this book that Sakina was mentioned.

I feel so bad for his family and the victims, as well as their loved ones.

Richard Ramirez still scares me (yes, I'm aware he's dead). I didn't and haven't ever cared that he was a satanist. Those eyes did it all for me. It's the same feeling I get with doll eyes, the growing discomfort of knowing that if anything was looking out of those glassy orbs, it wouldn't really be human.

This is a fantastic read and I have a feeling I will be thinking about it for years to come. It is nice yo have a real personality to pair with the predator.

great read the shit of nightmares

Amazing book just pulls you in and scares the hell out of you that evil like that walks our streets

Bazinga

The book was well researched. I learned many details I never knew. I enjoy true crime and this was my first in depth look into the Night Stalker. The book is broken up into three parts; crimes, childhood, and trail. The first third of the book was detailed and you could picture everything. The final two thirds were detailed but drug on. I was ready for this to end. I enjoy hearing about the trails and Helter Skelter is still my pinnacle of trail books. This one drug on and I was happy for the conclusion. The narrator did a good job. I'd recommend to any True Crime fan.

Disclaimer: My enjoyment of the narrator is based on my listening speed. I only leave 5 stars for books I've listened to multiple times. I'll update my review if I listen again. If you like this review please consider giving it a Helpful Vote below.

Good listen!

The narrorator did an amazing job and the story was well written, even though it took some getting used to in the beginning. Of course the topics covered in this book are not for the faint of heart but the topics were covered well, and I enjoyed how the author went in depth about the Night Stalker's upbringing. I felt the part that took place in court was a bit drawn out but otherwise the book was very good and interesting!

Interesting, well written and good narration.

I had returned this book several years ago because I couldn’t seem to get through it. I repurchased again and got through the whole thing while driving on a trip and back. It was really well written and kept me interested from the beginning of Ramirez’s life, family, school, crime, drugs all the way to the trial and sentencing. I don’t usually care for long detailed court proceedings, but Carlo kept it up through the whole book. The narrator Zingerelli was easy to listen to and did a great job.

Long But Interesting Telling of Ramirez's Crimes

Definitely, a lengthy telling of Ramirez's crimes. Would agree with other reviewers that about half the book is about the trial which can be a little slow or repetitive but interesting from a procedural aspect.

Amazing

I was 12 when I moved to Cali and he was too close to call. I left CA because of him. He has lived rent free in my head. I finally got the story I need to evict him. Thank you. Amazing writing, reading excellent

Details!

The book can feel slow because of the overwhelming amount of details this author put together from hundreds of sources.