• Secrets in the Cellar

  • The True Story of the Austrian Incest Case That Shocked the World
  • By: John Glatt
  • Narrated by: Gildart Jackson
  • Length: 7 hrs and 24 mins
  • 4.3 out of 5 stars (649 ratings)

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Secrets in the Cellar  By  cover art

Secrets in the Cellar

By: John Glatt
Narrated by: Gildart Jackson
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Publisher's summary

Josef Fritzl was a 73-year-old retired engineer in Austria. He seemed to be living a normal life with his wife, Rosemarie, and their family - though one daughter, Elisabeth, had decades earlier been "lost" to a religious cult. Throughout the years, three of Elisabeth's children mysteriously appeared on the Fritzls' doorstep; Josef and Rosemarie raised them as their own. But only Josef knew the truth about Elisabeth's disappearance....

For 27 years, Josef had imprisoned and molested Elisabeth in his man-made basement dungeon, complete with soundproof paneling and code-protected electric locks. There, she would eventually give birth to a total of seven of Josef's children. One died in infancy, and the other three were raised alongside Elisabeth, never to see the light of day.

Then, in 2008, one of Elisabeth's children became seriously ill and was taken to the hospital. It was the first time the 19-year-old girl had ever gone outside - and soon, the truth about her background, her family's captivity, and Josef's unspeakable crimes would come to light.

©2009 John Glatt (P)2013 Tantor

What listeners say about Secrets in the Cellar

Average customer ratings
Overall
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

One of the most riveting and disturbing books ever

The story this book tells is truly "stranger than fiction." If it was a novel, you'd say it was too absurd to be true. But amazingly, and shockingly, it is.

From the very beginning, the story is well-paced and well-written. It contains enough details to send chills down your spine that such a sick, twisted man could ever exist. You will wonder how his victimized daughter ever survived and kept her sanity through numerous unthinkable acts: raped 3,000 times by her father, help captive for 24 YEARS, living in a dungeon that is only 5' 6" tall with no windows...it's truly unthinkable.

I listened to this book during my commute, and i was anxious to get into my car every day (how often does that happen to you?). In addition to the story being unbelievable, the narrator is perhaps the best i've ever heard. His voice is made for this kind of thing. It is truly one of the best books i've ever listened to.

My only word of caution: be prepared to be amazed, horrified, disgusted, and baffled.

You'll want to hug your children after you listen to this.

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21 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

I was hooked. A great listen.

Any additional comments?

I know its a good book when I scour the web looking for anything I can about the main characters. This father was a sociopath of the worst kind. I think the author was too easy on the wife but I do live in a different part of the world and have had many things that women did not. Still, how could she let him do all those things to the kids while they were growing up? And the main character, she must really be something to have survived that. I send her and her family all of my prayers and well wishes.

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12 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

A Fact Filled Account of a Chilling Crime

I REALLY enjoyed this book. The author fills your mind with facts and details and the narrator dictates them to you in a clear, engaging manner of speaking. The subject matter, while horrifically grotesque is in a morbid way, quite interesting. By the end of the book, your heart will go out to the victims of this terrible crime.

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11 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

crazy and disturbing

What did you love best about Secrets in the Cellar?

Im a big believer that non fiction is better than fiction and unfortunately this story makes that statement true. Its a horrible true thriller for anyone wanting to read it

What did you like best about this story?

the way the author and narrator made you feel like you were right there.

What about Gildart Jackson’s performance did you like?

awesome narrator!!!

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

I would never want to make a film of this book, Way to disturbing

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8 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

The Most Chilling Book I have ever Read

Would you consider the audio edition of Secrets in the Cellar to be better than the print version?

I only do Audible books so I wouldn't know BUT I can't imigane it getting any better!

What was the most compelling aspect of this narrative?

The fact that this is true and that a young lady's life was stolen for 24 years is beyond belief and to watch your own children suffer and not be able to stop it. My heart goes out to this woman....

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

He allows you to truly feel the pain that this family went through, I couldn't wait to hear what happened. Nicely done!!

If you could give Secrets in the Cellar a new subtitle, what would it be?

How can one Human do this to another?

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7 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Sickening

What did you love best about Secrets in the Cellar?

The actual story is horrible - the fact the father could do this to his own daughter is unreal. How she survived I have no idea.

What did you like best about this story?

That she survived - she had strength in her far deeper than most the people on this earth. A mothers love can do amazing things.

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

no

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Not saying do not want to give any parts away

Any additional comments?

Be ready to be mortified.

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6 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    3 out of 5 stars

Ahhhhhhhhh

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

No way, it was very well done, but it made me feel ill.

Would you recommend Secrets in the Cellar to your friends? Why or why not?

Is this the same question I just answered, or am I missing something?

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

No, not that I am aware of.

Did Secrets in the Cellar inspire you to do anything?

Stay away from creepers......

Any additional comments?

This is a truly tragic disheartening story, with nowhere close enough too true justice served, if you have a strong stomach you might like it.

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6 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    2 out of 5 stars

Too terrible to listen to.

Is there anything you would change about this book?

I have never commented on a story before, and I don't usually, but this story is just too terrible and horrible. I couldn't listen to it and really want my credit back. Perhaps my next book will be something really happy, cause I'm just stunned that such a horrible thing could actually happen in this world.

What could John Glatt have done to make this a more enjoyable book for you?

nothing

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

absolutely not!!!!!!

Any additional comments?

Do not listen to this book if you have a weak stomach for grotesque and horrible truths of depravity.

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5 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    1 out of 5 stars
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    1 out of 5 stars
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    2 out of 5 stars

Disappointed

I didn't care for it. it was very slow going I found the story was good and I felt bad but the way it is wrote and read was very slow and boring

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4 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Awesome book

I'm still digesting it all. It was an unbelievable case! I highly recommend this book!

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4 people found this helpful