Tangled Vines

Power, Privilege, and the Murdaugh Family Murders

By: John Glatt

Narrated by: Shaun Grindell

Length: 9 hrs and 10 mins

Publisher's summary

Among the tree-lined waterways of South Carolina low country, the Murdaugh name means power. A century-old, multimillion-dollar law practice has catapulted the family into incredible wealth and local celebrity—but it was an unimaginable tragedy that would thrust them into the national spotlight. On June 7th, 2021, prominent attorney Alex Murdaugh discovered the bodies of his wife, Maggie, and son, Paul, on the grounds of their thousand-acre hunting lodge. The mystery deepened only months later when Alex himself was shot in the head and left for dead on the side of the road.

But as authorities scrambled for clues and the community reeled from the loss and media attention, dark secrets about this Southern legal dynasty came to light. The Murdaughs, it turned out, were feared as much as they were loved. And they wouldn't hesitate to wield their influence to protect one of their own; two years before he was killed, a highly intoxicated Paul Murdaugh was at the helm of a boat when it crashed and killed a teenage girl, and his light treatment by police led to speculation that privilege had come into play. As bombshells of financial fraud were revealed and more suspicious deaths were linked to the Murdaughs, a new portrait of Alex Murdaugh emerged: a desperate man on the brink of ruin who would do anything, even plan his own death, to save his family's reputation.

©2023 John Glatt (P)2023 Tantor

Tangled Vines

A great book. I enjoyed listening, I knew about the case from the papers but never knew the whole story,

Not a favorite

I wanted to listen to this primarily to learn more about the case, and I did accomplish that. But I must add that it will not be one of my favorites, maybe because of the narration--didn't really connect with it. Maybe it is too soon after the event.

Excellent Book in all Respects

As someone who followed this case I have found this to be the most comprehensive record of the downfall of this dynasty. From a full history of the family to the outcome of the criminal trial, the full story is told. The narrator is excellent. I highly recommend this book.

disappointing

I've been waiting for this book to come out for months. I was so excited I pre-ordered it. I'm on chapter 2 and not sure I'll finish it. Why a British narrator?! No Southerners available to make it sound authentic? There also seem to be some factual errors at the beginning but maybe those will be corrected later since they're mainly about things Alex lied about when he reported them. I don't know... the narrator is so awful I'm not sure I'll finish this. I'm bummed.

Inconsistencies.

I was disappointed in the narrater.
Also, l have followed this story. Lots of inconsistencies.
Maggie did not get there at 9:30 and step out and get shot. Also there was no video that had shot guns sounds and arguing. That’s a big inconsistency and makes me question a lot of the info in this book.

Loved it!

Beginning to end, loved the historical aspect blended into the current day diabolical story. Just can’t get enough. Good job!

Tragic tale

If it was a novel you would say far fetched! But it’s all true! Well told and written

Informative

I have followed the Murdaugh case from the beginning. This book was informative and seemed it have the correct facts. I was disappointed in the narrator. Being from SC, I was hoping for a South Carolina Lowcountry drawl.

Disappointed

The narrators style was too much like they were making a list or staying a news story but instead of a 4 min intro it was hours and it was hard to listen to I was expecting more

Supremely disappointing

The monotonous British narrator is a big missed opportunity. If you are a fan of True Sunlight (formerly Murdaugh Murders Podcast) or Mandy Matney and Liz Ferrell’s written journalism and have been following this story through them, this book has no new information for you. And the narrator’s rendition of the quotes from the southern cast of characters is unbearable. Especially if you’ve heard the original audio form the interview, etc.