The Ice Man

Confessions of a Mafia Contract Killer

By: Philip Carlo

Narrated by: Michael Prichard

Length: 19 hrs and 18 mins

Publisher's summary

Richard "The Ice Man" Kuklinski led a double life beyond anything ever seen on The Sopranos, becoming one of the most notorious professional assassins in American history while hosting neighborhood barbecues in suburban New Jersey. Now, after 240 hours of face-to-face interviews with Kuklinski and his wife and daughters, author Philip Carlo tells his extraordinary story.

Kuklinski was Sammy "The Bull" Gravano's partner in the killing of Paul Castellano at Spark's Steakhouse. John Gotti hired him to kill the neighbor who accidentally ran over his child. For an additional price, he would make victims suffer; he conducted this sadistic business with cold-hearted intensity, never disappointing his customers. By his own estimate, he killed over 200 men, taking enormous pride in his variety and ferocity of technique.

Kuklinski's story, once known, captivated the public and became the subject of three HBO documentaries about which the New York Times raved, "Few viewers are ever likely to forget this thoroughly chilling portrait. As for possible movie competition, it would work on the level of The Silence of the Lambs."

©2006 Philip Carlo (P)2006 Tantor Media, Inc.

Critic reviews

"Good as an omnibus resource on Kuklinski, this is a fine entry in the burgeoning field of works tracing the decline of the traditional organized crime families and their once impenetrable structures." (Booklist)

SpineCHILLING!

Of all the true crime thrillers available on this site, Ice Man is truly the most gripping and entertaining audiobook yet. This diabolical murderer has almost as many complex compartments entwined in his warped personality as he has methods of torturing and exterminating his hopeless prey. The distinguishing characteristic of this prolific serial killer was his overall genuine likeability and cryptic creativity. Absolutely awesome narrator- MUST READ!!!

One of the Best Audio Books Ever!!!!

I've listen to lots of Books on here. Many times I'd be in the middle of something and I'd miss something and not bother to rewind what I've missed. NOT WITH THIS!!! I listened to everything over and over to make sure I got it all. Totally Mesmorized. I love love loved it!

Looking into the Killer Mind

Great book (I have listened to the whole book twice). Learn how a killers mind works.
Philip Carlo vividly tells the story of how the Ice Man killed people in various ways.
Carlo does a good job showing the personalities of the killers family

Gory

Would you listen to The Ice Man again? Why?

no, once was enough for me, The story was fascinating. It's an unbelievable story of a man that turned out heartless and cruel basically from an extreme abusive mother and father while growing up. Their are some good documentary's that he gave interviews. You are able to see him in person and hear him speak. He doesn't show any emotion, everything he talks about has a "matter a fact" tone to it.

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

This was a documentary that didn't have a plot, however it did keep me on the edge of my seat, because I couldn't wait until he got caught.

Have you listened to any of Michael Prichard’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

no

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

no, it was very long and I could only take a little bit at a time.

Any additional comments?

you need a strong stomach to listen to his story.

Addictive...

Would you consider the audio edition of The Ice Man to be better than the print version?

Yes.

What did you like best about this story?

You feel his power, and his vulnerablility. No excuses, just truth.

What does Michael Prichard bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Micheal brought a sense of professional "Crime lab" feel to it... like a movie without video.

What’s the most interesting tidbit you’ve picked up from this book?

90% of our psychology is formed by age 10. We can only stand on foundations set by our upbringing. Richard showed all the signs. He grew up in a nightmare and thus became one to survive. A real life Jeckel/Hyde.

Any additional comments?

A truly worthy book. This book got me interested in researching serial killers.

luv'd it

great story and a hard to put down book. Big Rich has a new fan.

Hard to Believe a man could be so cold

What did you love best about The Ice Man?

I found the book eerily compellling.

What was the most compelling aspect of this narrative?

The actions by this man are hard to believe. This "stuff" must really happen.

Have you listened to any of Michael Prichard’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No

Nice-Man

He wanted to be know as a nice-man. Dang!!
great book and story. he really portrays the other side of a stone cold killer.

Enjoyed!

Enjoyed book! The book was enlightening and a very good story! I would recommend the book to others! Read for yourself and enjoy

Gripping and Mind Blowing

The story and the performance were great. It felt like you were right there. It is mind boggling that this story is true. It is like one of those things you don't want to look at but can't help yourself. The story is brutal and graphic....but the way you are brought through it does not leave you with fear, it just makes you want to understand and know more. The main character is just in another world, but the story helps you to understand how he arrived in that world! If you like true crime I would highly suggest it. If you don't do well if graphic detail, you may want to listen to it during the day. :-)