Notorious San Francisco

True Tales of Crime, Passion and Murder

By: Paul Drexler

Narrated by: Tom Jordan

Length: 4 hrs and 34 mins

Publisher's summary

San Francisco, a city founded in part by criminals, was once one of the most dangerous cities in America. Its Barbary coast was called “a unique criminal district that was the scene of more viciousness and depravity, but it possessed more glamour, than any other area on the American continent.”

Notorious San Francisco brings back the glamorous depravity and noir atmosphere that made it the premier location for murder thrillers like The Maltese Falcon, Vertigo, and Zodiac.

This book contains more than 20 compelling tales of serial killers, deadly women, con-men, masters of escape, and unsolved mysteries. San Franciscan criminals were as colorful as the city they inhabited. Take William Thoreson, a murderous millionaire who hid the nation’s largest private armory in his Pacific Heights mansion. Then there’s Isabella Martin, the murderous “Queen of Grudges” who tried to poison an entire town, or Ethan McNabb and Lloyd Sampsell, the “Yacht Bandits”, who used a luxurious sloop as a getaway vehicle for their dozens of bank robberies.

Most of these unusual cases are largely unknown and have never appeared in book form. Included are cases that are still mysteries today, including the mysterious tale of the Zodiac Killer, complete with a new analysis and a startling new theory on the murder.

©2019 RJ Parker Publishing (P)2019 RJ Parker Publishing

Evil

Notorious San Francisco
True Tales of Crime, Passion and Murder
By: Paul Drexler

A very scary book with recounts of crimes that make most people cringe. It's sad to believe wicked people have around from 1800 hundreds and before. There were cases I had not heard before. Just plain evil.


The narration was well done. The characters were well portrayed. Tom Jordan does a great job with this genre.



I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

Poor Melvin

If a narrator is going to narrate a book about San Francisco he should first learn the correct pronunciation of names and places. Mr. Jordan, although having a strong voice with good comedic delivery, mispronounced at least a dozen proper nouns, most notably attorney Melvin Beli, whom he hilarious called Melvin Belly instead of Melvin Bel-eye.

Excellent collection

Received bonus code for honest review. A well presented collection. Found mispronunciation of "Regina" jarring.

Outstanding collection of true crime stories...

This compilation of tales is a must-read/must-listen for any enthusiast of the true crime genre. The cons, the mysteries, the hoaxes, and the fascinating history contained in these stories remind one that oftentimes fact is stranger than fiction. The men and women featured in these tantalizing tales truly exemplify the rarefied pedigree that was required to weave the uniquely rich and vibrantly colorful history of San Francisco. Recognition should be given to the narrator, Tom Jordan, who brings these stories to life with his flawless narration and wonderful character performances. His talent never fails to augment the work of the authors with whom he collaborates. Stellar work by both author and narrator.

I received a free audiobook copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving this unbiased and honest review.
If you find this review helpful, I thank you for so indicating.

Great Collection of Unknown Tales

Like every major city in the US, San Francisco has it's "nasty" history. Violent crimes are nothing new to large cities and SF has had it's share. I really enjoyed listening to the darker tales of SF. It's crazy some of the things that happened but they always say that fact is stranger than fiction. I enjoy listening to true crime stories and this one doesn't disappoint. The narration was excellently done. Tom Jordan really brings these stories to life and pulls the listener in with ease. A really great collection of tales and a great narrator make for a highly entertaining listen!

I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

Informative and thrilling

I loved listening to this book. It was so informational and a quite different type of thriller. Though not your traditional mystery thriller, it was nonetheless a wonderful whodunit. Most of the people covered I had never heard of but now am interested in learning more about the why behind their chosen wicked ways, especially the women. Nontraditional but fantastic!

Love this true crime anthology

I first heard of this book on Dan Zupansky’s True Murder podcast. Looked for it in the library; no go. Why not, San Francisco public library? It’s part of the city’s history! So when I saw the audio book I said what the heck, I’ll check it out. The author has some very good sources in law enforcement and has been a San Francisco resident since the 80s. Some of these chapters deserve full books, if the material could be found to fill them in, especially the gorilla man, Earl Nelson. He was an early 20th century serial killer who got huge attention from the press but is all but forgotten today. Highly recommend this book!

Murder and Mayhem

Notorious San Francisco is a compilation of various "bad guys" from the early days of San Francisco. For history fans, especially those of the darker side of history, this is a good listen. Tom Jordan, as always, narrates in such as way as to hold your attention, making you feel as if you are there with the bad guys. Give Notorious San Francisco a listen. If crime is your "bag', you will fill it with this book.

Wow

I am not generally a fan of 'documentaries', but this one caught my attention and held it for the entire book. One can't help but wonder "why" people turn out in such a way to create monsters. This book is filled with them.
I AM however a HUGE fan of Tom Jordan. His voice is amazing and he does a fantastic job of narrating this one, as he does all of his work. Characters come alive when Tom gives them a voice and even the 'background' narration is well read.
Definitely recommend this book!

True crime nothing like it

The author gives the facts. stays on point and gives a good listen. Some very interesting stories, a few I knew about others I didn't. There were some shocking stories.

The narrator did a good job, no repeating of words, no volume changes

I really enjoyed this audio. Really love true crime.