The Shooting Salvationist: J. Frank Norris and the Murder Trial that Captivated America

The religious history of this period in the southern U.S. was very interesting. Both the author and the reader presented the story in a suspenseful way, and because there was so much detail in the story, even if you already know the history of the religious 'battles' in the early 20th century, you will still be engrossed.

The narration.

No.

No extreme reactions. The book was very informative and very captivating. Good read.

The story itself. I believe it's dubbed as the most interesting true story you've never heard. You got that right.

Very unique

I am not used to hearing a Non-fiction book 'acted' out.

He put voices to everyone involved in the case, outside of the case, even those unnamed that had a random quote here and there. It definitely helped bring the people, Ft. Worth, and era back to life. Especially Rev. J. Frank Norris.

Out of curiosity I found some old audio of a few of his sermons to see if Mr. Bray was even close - turns out... he was almost spot on. The delivery of the sermons especially. Firey and passionate. It was hard not to feel like I was in the pews!!

Very well done

This was absolutely great. I'm a fan of the shows they put up on A&E and Bio and am always enthralled when a 'new' old story rears its head. (I actually saw the author speak of the book on Book TV before or just after its release). The Shooting Salvationist is one of the most interesting ones I've come across in a long time. Thanks so much to Rev. David R. Stokes for his obvious passion for this part of American history and for his incredible research to bring it to light for the rest of us.

A fun way to learn about fundamentalism and old Ft. Worth.

Reenactments of Norris' preaching was great.

He captured the full range of personalities.

The way Norris by his church was moving.

The story of J. Frank Norris and his paranoia was so compelling that I found myself researching on the internet for more information. The narrator's voices for the various characters added much to the story, particularly his very accurate interpretation of Norris.

I remember the name of J. Frank Norris from a Baptist history course, but it was not a figure that was dwelt on for long. I found this to be a very intriguing book that has a lot to teach us today. Norris had a rare combination of passion, charisma, and zeal that helped him rise to prominence. I think what this book can primarily teach us is that any pastor should find himself with a large flock should have a system of accountability so that his ego does not go unchecked.
I also thought Norris's making of conspiracy theories in order to rally his congregation had much relevance.
I would recommend this book both for its historical value as well as for the fact that it is a very thrilling story.

Interesting story about the seductions of power, smallish town politics, and the earliest days of broadcast religion.

I might try another book from David R. Stokes, but not by R. C. Bray. Too many ridiculous voices.

I would have selected a different narrator, or told this narrator to turn it down a notch with his caricatures...oops, I mean characterizations of the people in the story.

I don't know, but l not R. C. Bray.

It is a factual story, so none of them.

The audio quality could have been better. The volume level would go up and down, especially when the narrator switched to one of his ridiculous and unnecessary voices. Also, the book seemed biased against Norris, and seemed surprised that the defense legal counsel would have the gall to actually defend their client. So strange.

I am a native of the area of Texas highlighted in the book, and I've been fascinated by the historical details given in this book aside from the deeply interesting story of J. Frank Norris. The author does a great job of keeping your interest while outlining the background for each facet of the story. The narrator is impressive with his different voices--however, I don't think he's actually understood the difference between a southern accent and a Texas accent. He makes the guys sound like southern gentlemen instead of rednecks! I highly recommend the book. It's a great listen.

Very interesting history and entertaining listen.

For better or worse the basic story is not at all dated. The self-promoting genius possessed by Dr. J. Frank Norris would still play quite well to those of us who remain eager to see the conspiratorial plots being launched by the supposed bogeymen of the age. Maybe Dr. Norris would have difficulty finding an audience for his rants against "Romanists" (Catholics) today, but I am sure he would be more than willing to serve up bowel of hate aimed at more modern scapegoats. The too close for comfort similarity of the protagonist to the fear-mongering firebrands of the intervening history has no doubt contributed to this story being buried by time.

Found the book to be very interesting. Read well and written well, with many details. Historical stories are my favorite, and this one did not disappoint. I highly recommend it!