Zodiac

The Shocking True Story of the Nation's Most Bizarre Mass Murderer

By: Robert Graysmith

Narrated by: Stefan Rudnicki

Length: 10 hrs and 40 mins

Publisher's summary

After Jack the Ripper and before Son of Sam there was only one name their equal in terror: the deadly, elusive, and mysterious Zodiac. Beginning in 1968 the hooded mass murderer terrified the city of San Francisco and the Bay Area with a string of brutal killings. A sexual sadist, his pleasure was torture and murder. His first victims were a teenage couple, stalked and shot dead in a lover's lane. After another slaying, he sent his first mocking note to authorities, promising he would kill again. The official tally of his victims was six. The real toll may have reached 50. He was never caught. Graysmith, who was on the staff of the San Francisco Chronicle at the time of the murders, gives this gripping account of Zodiac's reign of terror.

©1976 Robert Graysmith (P)2006 Blackstone Audiobooks

Critic reviews

"Provocative....Bizarre....Graysmith's taut narrative brings the horror back with jolt upon jolt." (San Francisco Chronicle)
"Will fascinate true-crime readers." (Library Journal)

Bone chilling and fascinating

This is a great book about the unsolved mystery of the Zodiac killer. The author includes so much detail that the evidence and circumstance feels tangible and never dull.

The narrator has an amazing deep voice - perfect match for this.

Real life mystery fans will probably enjoy this book.

the full story of the zodiac murders

Would you consider the audio edition of Zodiac to be better than the print version?

i never read the print version. i wouldnt go on to the audio version if i had. why would anyone do that, when there is a whole world of other books to explore?

What was one of the most memorable moments of Zodiac?

the memorable moments in this story are all to horrible to recall in detail.

What about Stefan Rudnicki’s performance did you like?

his performance did not detract from the book, that is important.

Any additional comments?

i had seen the movie about this, way back when, so i was interested in the fuller version of events. and that is what i got, in this book. in that way it was very interesting to me. i felt it was well researched and explained. perhaps not up to the standards of ann rule, but one cant have everything.

Great story -- but it's not factually accurate

This is a great true crime story about the famous Zodiac killer written by SF Chronicle cartoonist Robert Graysmith who was there when it happened, and became obsessed with the case. Graysmith walks you through a compelling telling of the Zodiac murders, his famous letters to the SF Chronicle and his cryptogram messages. The only problem is... well, the story Graysmith tells is not true. Not only is he speculating about various things (the killer might be killing people based on the Zodiac calendar, or maybe it's related to phases of the moon, or holidays, or....) he's completely fabricating evidence.

Here's a simple example: Graysmith claims that he has proof that his major suspect "Bob Hall Starr" (a made up name, but is meant to stand-in for real-life suspect Arthur Leigh Allen) attended Riverside Community College in southern California, when RCC student Cheri Jo Bates is killed in 1966. The only problem is: IT'S NOT TRUE! Leigh Allen did not attend RCC. There is no proof that this happened and plenty of proof that it did not happen! (Leigh Allen attended Vallejo college in 1957, He attended Cal Poly State College in San Luis Obispo 1960.)

Graysmith's story is filled with innuendo, speculation and lies to paint him as the genius who solves the identity of the Zodiac Killer. But wait... it gets better. Graysmith shows that he alone is able to decrypt the infamous uncrackable Z340 cipher. His solution is complete nonsense. (The code was actually broken in late 2020 and bears no relation to Graysmith's nonsensical solution.)

Unfortunately, Graysmith's story just doesn't hold water. The book is filled with selective evidence, omitting just about anything that contradicts his theory. Yes Leigh Allen was a leading suspect, a convicted child molester and a pretty dispicable guy. But Graysmith greatly overstate the case that he is the Zodiac killer.

It's an enjoyable story, but don't believe for a minute this is an accurate story. Even though Graysmith's book is the basis of the 2007 film Zodiac that film also builds on many of the lies and false premises here.

Zodiac is still out there!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I really enjoyed listening to this book while commuting on my bike to work. It really was fascinating remembering the case after all of these years. I thought the book well written and read.

What did you like best about this story?

Very amazing how close the police came to catching Zodiac. Makes you wonder about other crimes that haven'tbeen solved.

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

This is the first time, and I really enjoyed listening.

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

I remember when the Zodiac killings took place, but living in Michigan at the time, high school student I just thought it was too far away from me. Listening now about what happened and how close the police were to catching him just amazes me.

Great

"Zodiac" is compelling and kept me on the edge of my car seat. I found myself grabbing my ipod and listening while I was doing housework, exercising, and anytime I had the opportunity. I was dissapointed to reach the end. If you are a true crime buff like me, this is a necessary listen. The story is thorough and dripping with detail. The narrator's voice is perfect for the content of this book. In between listening I couldnt help but do my own research on the Zodiac killer because my curiousty was so stricken. I recommend the (unabridged) version only because all the details that are in that version are necessary to understand the nature of this serial killer.

Educational

I definitely recommend this audio. Worth listening to.

Worthwhile as historical first

Nothing solved here. The suspects presented have all been cleared, especially Starr (Allen), but the book is well-written and the narrative performance is excellent.

creepiest story

I've always been interested in serial killer stories but this one takes the cake. Too many questions remain unanswered and of course the killer was never apprehended.

The reader's voice was also a bit unnerving to listen to but perhaps that was intended.

EXCELLENT

NARRATION
Narration is clear, nicely paced, and engaging. The baritone voice is perfect for this gruesome, fascinating, horrible material.
What a magnificent narrator. This man could read the ingredients off a blue cheese dressing bottle and make it sound like poetry. Everything he does with a script is perfect.

CONTENT AND STORY
The details and explanations are detailed, comprehensive, and informative. it is so very disturbing that they exist.
It is a conundrum for me to know what to do with them. On the one hand I cannot approve of execution for fear that the wrong person not infrequently executed.
I am inveterately in favor of gun control, but the one thought that gives me pause is the capacity to blow these animals away while in the act of such horrors.
I am embarrassed to harbor such thoughts but there it is.

CONCLUSION
Horrible but highly recommended. We cannot fully appreciate such perils unless we know graphically the particulars.

Great book! When that I have read often and largel

Head read this book many times in print form, but less this audio version is wonderful in its depth and sincerity of vocalisation appeared very much enjoyed the reading of this book.