Fifteen-year-old Tony Ciaglia had everything a teenager could want: good grades, good athletic skills, and good friends - until he suffered a horrific head injury at summer camp. Pronounced clinically dead three times by helicopter paramedics before he reached a hospital, Ciaglia lapsed into a coma. When he emerged, his right side was paralyzed and he had to relearn how to walk, talk, and even how to eat. The areas of his brain that were damaged required him to take countless pills to control his emotions and rages. Abandoned and shunned by his friends, he began writing to serial killers on a whim and discovered that his traumatic brain injury - which made him an outcast to his peers - enabled him to emotionally connect with notorious murderers in a unique way.
Soon many of America's most dangerous psychopaths were revealing heinous details to Tony about their crimes - even those they'd never been convicted of. The killers opened up to him, trusted him, and called him a "best friend". But there was a price. As Tony found himself being drawn deeper and deeper into their violent worlds of murder, rape, and torture, he was pushed to the brink of despair and, at times, forced to question his own sanity - until he found a way to put his unusual gift to use. Asked by investigators for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children for help in solving a murder, Tony began launching his own personal searches for forgotten victims, incredibly with clues often provided to him voluntarily by the killers themselves.
The Serial Killer Whisperer takes listeners into the minds of murderers in a way that has never been done before - straight from a killer's thoughts. It is also an inspiring (albeit sometimes terrifying) tale of an American family whose idyllic life is shattered by a terrible accident and how healing and closure came to a tormented man in the most unlikely way: by connecting with monsters.
©2012 Pete Earley (P)2012 Tantor
Let's face it, these authors aren't paying me, so there's no need to lie!!
"Outstanding True Crime Story-- with a twist!"
First off, this book pulls no punches. A lot of it contains letters from REAL serial killers, and believe me, they are even more messed up than you can imagine! The author did an excellent job of letting the letters pretty much guide you through the story. I had never heard of most of these serial killers, but the author gives them a voice that makes them unforgettable. This book is graphic, and very gory at times, so be warned. However, if you like true crime books, this one is a MUST. Imagine your 3 favorite true crime books rolled into 1, and this is what you get.
Narraration is spot on. Couldn't have chosen a better reader.
Highly recommend!
Love a great book that stays with you long after you've finished it.
"Fascinating true story"
True conversations between convicted serial killers and one young man that detail the serial killers crimes in every graphic and horrific detail. Very well written and narrated. Please do not download if you would be offended by detailed murder and crimes that to the general population are unimaginable because you will be offended. This book is for you if you enjoy true crime. Awesome book.
I am a 34-year old litigator, father of three young sons. I listen to a lot of business books, suspense/thrillers, bios, and history.
"Definitely graphic, entertaining"
This book was better than average. It is very graphic. I have read a lot about serial killers, but this definitely adds something.
For me, the book was more about Tony and the way his family dealt with a very difficult situation in a humane, kind, and ego-free manner than it was about the serial killers, per se.
I suppose from my prior reading on the subject of serial killers, I was aware of the depravity of which the human mind is capable. What I took away from this book is admiration for the courage shown by Tony's family. It couldn't have been easy for them to let their disabled son write to serial killers, but instead of judging him, they made the best of it. The truth of the matter is, had his parents behaved as almost any parents would, it would likely have pushed Tony over the edge and likely resulted in his own death. Interesting book in that regard.
Panic Blog
"Pete Earley hit another one out of the park"
Yes. the story was captivating and kept my interest throughout.
Obviously Tony is the protagonist but I thought his dad was interesting as well.
Digging in the orange grove, just so well written.
Not necessarily. The letters to/from the killers were good places to stop and reflect.
I loved Earley's book
"Narration was Killer!"
The narrator Alan Sklar is one of the best narrators living. He nailed this one.
****warning - this is not just a true crime book. This book is filled with actual letters/conversations of the killers themselves. It contains very descriptive graphic language.
If you dont believe in capital punishment now you WILL after this book.
I' am awesome!... Well I try to be atleast. I love true crime stuff, hate to real but love to listen!
"The book that started it all!.. For me and anyway."
Yes, its amazing how fast this book sucks you in.
The conversations between the main character and the killers. Very disturbing but couldn't turn it off.
Found myself sitting in the driveway after work listening till my wife came and got me. Couldn't stop listening.
"Good story, very disturbing and graphic."
The narration was very good. The story was pretty disturbing, a bit drawn out, but a good listen.
"WOW!"
Yes, there is so much information to process.
The graphic letters
I haven't, but I was very impressed.
No, but I would listed for 5+ hours at a time.
Very graphic, if you are easily offended don't buy this book. If you want a glimpse into the inner workings of a serial killer's mind this is just the book for you. I have read a lot on the topic and let me tell you I was shocked at the level of disclosure in this book. Amazing read!
"Not for the squeamish!"
Found Anthony's journey unique and compelling. His struggle to find meaning was very inspiring!
Lackluster...I assumed at the end he would have cracked a cold case wide open but nothing like that...Disappointing.
No.
His parents struggle to find a place for Anthony after his injury. Thats what you call parents!
Not bad. I did think going to see the serial killers in person was very strange.
"Tragedy's can sometimes lead to greatness"
Sure. I would be interested in learning more about the serial killers, reading more about their crimes and history; and then read it again when I know the people better.
It didn't sugar coat the crimes, but also didn't get too gory. I also liked the fact that many people would have written Tony off after his brain injury, but instead his work helped heal others.
He did a different voice for the serial killers; the bad part was, he used the same "voice" for each person. So the killers had the same "laugh", etc... But, overall I would listen to him again.
Same as the headline: Tragedy's can sometimes lead to greatness
I recommend studying up on Tony and the killers prior to reading. You don't HAVE to, but I think it would add value.