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)

An interesting walk through the crimes

I really enjoyed this book. It was very factual and well written by someone who actually lived the events. I only wish it was longer.

awesome with strange narration

the narration struck me as "Caucasian," but the story was too good to miss.

great book Robert Graysmith!

Fascinating beginning, devolves into obsession

Is there anything you would change about this book?

Colorful, thoughtful account that becomes very difficult to listen to when Graysmith becomes completely consumed with this case. I'll have to read the print version because the repetition of ideas towards the end of this gave me a headache. Reading and listening are so different.

Would you be willing to try another book from Robert Graysmith? Why or why not?

I would certainly read another book by Robert Graysmith. His take on true crime is absorbing, for the most part. He's a perceptive observer and his passion for the subject elevates the book beyond the sordid standard true crime story.

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

No, but would be delighted to listen to him again. He has a very rich voice,

If this book were a movie would you go see it?

It is and I did.

Perfect narrator for such a suspensful crime story

The deep and soothing voice of the narrator accompanied with a detailed account of the Zodiac killer investigations makes this audio book the best investigation suspense drama I have ever listened to honestly. I listened to all of it in almost one sitting. Would also recommend listening to it alone at night while driving; it really makes you ponder and think about the mystery in a whole new angle.

Suspenseful

This audiobook was terrific. What a scary and disturbing true story. I loved the narrator's voice. Great work. I am impressed.

Life IS stranger than fiction true story with no e

What did you love best about Zodiac?

True Crime story may NEVER BE solved

What did you like best about this story?

Great insight into the Hunt. Truly a Cold Case

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

No never. But told like a horror story at midnight while sitting around the campfire

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

The police had him if not for central radio reporting a black man as suspect. Disturbing!!

Any additional comments?

Seen the movie many times and desired more details. Movie is like cliff notes but recommend you see it first. Really helps visualizing the main investigators,

An extraordinarily fascinating listen

This book has made me understand how people can potentially fall in love with serial killers. They certainly have a certain je ne sais qua about them!

Good detailed book.

The reading sometimes seems at a slow pace, which was it annoying at first but the story and detail of facts that are laid out more then compensate. There are a couple of descriptions that raise the hairs. Good listen.

Mesmerizing!

I was only about 8 years old when the Zodiac killer started playing havoc in California. Although very graphic, this book was very educational, well written, and interesting. Not one dull moment!

A true crime classic

I enjoy gritty true crime narratives and histories. This was excellent. It is rich in detail and the narration was fantastic. Well worth a listen to anyone who enjoys the genre.