American Ripper

The Enigma of America's Serial Killer Cop

De: Patrick Kendrick

Narrado por: James Romick

American Ripper is the true story of Gerard John Schaefer, a Florida law enforcement officer who was a prolific serial killer in the late 1960s early 1970s. The decade that was thought to be filled with love, peace, and happiness became a new dark age, breeding more serial killers than any other time in US history including Charles Manson, the Zodiac Killer, the Son of Sam, John Wayne Gacy, and Ted Bundy, who was held in the same prison as Schaefer and whom he both idolized and resented for the recognition his crimes brought him, a recognition Schaefer never received.

This book chronicles Schaefer's life, education, his career as a cop, and his path to become a sadistic murderer. Based on extensive empirical research that includes reviews of the case's investigation and subsequent trial, interviews with families of victims, numerous police and attorneys involved with the case, forensic doctors, and the killer himself, the author attempts to discern how Schaefer became the antithesis of what a lawman should be. Schaefer's metamorphosis can never be rationally explained, but reviews of the case's transcripts, the killer's psychiatric evaluations, and the author's own experience with Schaefer help paint a picture of an unfettered mind that fed on its own darkness.

©2020 Patrick Kendrick (P)2022 Patrick Kendrick

Reseñas de la Crítica

"Chilling. Compelling. Kendrick’s account of Gerard John Schaefer, a serial killer/cop, is riveting. Drawing on a wealth of data including interviews with Schaefer himself, Kendrick provides an in-depth study of one man’s descent into darkness and, along the way, insight into the rash of serial killings of the 1960s and '70s. Once you start listening to this book, you won’t want to put it down.” (Harriet J. Ottenheimer, PhD, professor of anthropology and American ethnic studies, emerita, Kansas State University. Author of Cousin Joe: Blues from New Orleans and The Anthropology of Language)

recitation of facts rather than the telling of the story.

the subject material was interesting. the authors presentation was not the best. it was more a recitation of facts, which the author was very knowledgeable of, than the telling of the story. the performance was not the greatest. however, the narrator was not given much to work with.

although I suffered through it, I will avoid this author and narrator in the future.

As Read by a Robot

Nope. Off you go, Sir. Terrible. I just can’t even. Not worth a penny. Not a penny.

Wow, sick dude!

I’m surprised we don’t hear more about this killer in the circle of true crime enthusiasts. Some of the dialogue in this book is long and exhausting, but that does not diminish my enjoyment of this story. The detail and depth of the writing was fantastic, allowing your imagination to flow with the story without effort. The cautionary advice from the author reminds us all that people this demented exist. We never truly know what most people are up to or dreaming about! Great book, thank you!

Fascinating And Terrifying

An incredible deep dive into the early 70' s serial killer and the dozens of missing girls. Kendrick's research is intensive. His insight and own life experiences make the book quite personal and draw the reader into the investigation.

Outstanding details.

A difficult and tragic story. Very well written and presented. Makes one think about how fragile life can be. Author ends with some sobering advice, learned the hard way. I’ll look for more from Pat. HS