To Die For

De: Gary C. King

Narrado por: Jim Raposa

This true crime book follows the FBI's search for and capture of Darren Dee O'Neall, a serial killer whose ability to change his appearance kept him out of the reach of the authorities, and describes his violent sexual crimes.

For women with a yen for macho men, Darren Dee O'Neall seemed the kind of guy romantic dreams were made of. Strong, handsome, smooth talking, with an array of tattoos adding to his masculine aura, he came on as a rugged outdoorsman looking for a mate. But in reality, O'Neall was a nightmare of savage, sexually violent crimes that put him on the FBI's most wanted list. Here is the bone-chilling true crime story of the twisted killer whose masterful ability to change appearances confounded authorities again and again...and a mother's agonizing search for her missing daughter. It is the story, too, of the brilliant police work and startling psychic detection that teamed with a family's outrage to bring him to justice. But it was too late for the young woman whose dream of a hunk "to die for" became a chilling reality!

©2016 Gary C. King (P)2016 Gary C. King

first true crime I listened to, and the last

I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator, or publisher.

I was not impressed with this book. I did not like the bland rendition of the facts of the many different crimes. It was like listening to a police report.

But, why?

This was a difficult story to cover, I'm sure as the number of lives that were changed by the tragic events are unimaginable. The recount of the pertinent events was a bit confusing at times and I found myself rewinding occasionally to understand the content. There were just so many important details to this case.

I was left wanting to understand "why?" To Die For was a precise timeline of the facts but I was hoping for a deeper dive into the psyche of this killer.

Altogether well done, narration was good and I was engaged in the content. I just did not feel emotionally connected and I missed that a bit.

I was voluntarily provided this review copy audiobook at no charge by the author, publisher and/or narrator. This did not impact my review in any way.

Gruesome Story of a killer

True Crime book about the FBI's search for the violent sociopathic killer as he bounces around the Pacific NW raping and killing. The book seems to be well researched and well written.

I enjoyed the narration. This is the first time I've listened to Jim Raposa. He holds a level tone yet expresses the seriousness of the book throughout.

I was provided a copy of this book by the author/ narrator/ publisher to give an honest review.

I enjoyed the book and would recommend it to others as well as look for others from the author/ narrator.

Excellent True Crime..

This is a very very complex, intense, edge of your seat, unpredictable dark thriller/chiller that has many many twists and layers upon layers of intrigue . I can't and won't even try to begin to describe it except to say it's a mixed up 'brain freeze' of a story that'll hook you in as you try to sift through clues to get to what is and isn't real and you just won't see the surprising WTF, WTHH.... AH-HA & OH, NOW I GET IT of an ending coming..... and it'll blow your mind.
 "I was provided this audio book at no charge by the narrator in exchange for an unbiased review via AudiobookBoom dot com".  

The Louis L'Amour Killer...

Darren O'Neall is one pretty scary guy! Whooo. Reminds me quite a bit of Ted Bundy...fairly similar methods. Hunting for his desired prey, kidnapping if need be, and then raping and beating them to a bloody violent death. Besides being VERY viscous in his brutal attacks, he moves *SO* quickly into killing mode, that his female victims never expect, nor see it coming. He is also such a slippery fish that is nearly impossible to apprehend, as immediatly afterwards, he is changing his appearance, identity, location, car, etc. Because of this, witnesses seem to be describing a different person every time. It's a wonder they ever found him!

One particular scene seemed all too real to me as I recall in my younger days doing the same thing - attending an "after hours party" amongst people you did not know that well - and in this story, the young lady never suspects that something horrendous is about to happen to her. I could almost feel that heart pounding moment when things turned from strange to sinister.

One of the victims' mother, through her own personal determination to locate her daughters body, uncovers considerable evidence (and remains) that helps to convict Darren - just when it seemed like he was really going to get away with murder(s). Her tireless efforts are admirable, as many others in her situation would have simply given up or waited for the police to "do their job", however long that took. I cannot comprehend how it must feel to discover your own childs bones.

Some of the other reviews have me baffled. A surprise *wtf* ending?? Can't tell what's real and what isn't?? Too much paranormal activity?? Whaaaat-Hunnnh?? With all due respect, did we read/listen to the same book? Because THAT version sounds totally awesome! Hahaaaa :-) As for the phrase "occult phenomena" mentioned in the book subtitle, there really wasn't enough of that element in this case to justify even putting that on the cover in my opinion. But, it certainly was a well written "cat and mouse" thriller for sure. You'll be convinced this guy is never going to be stopped! And as the author says, he does NOT spare any details (Bravo!) as to exactly what Darren did to these women! It was unbelievable. I was wincing.

I really liked this narrator too. The tone of his voice was quite pleasant, yet serious. I thought he was a wonderful match to the subject matter. Two thumbs up! I was gifted this audiobook by the publisher/narrator/author at no cost in exchange for an honest review, and I can truly say that I was not disappointed. Not one bit. Leave the lights on, lock the door, and listen!

Solid True Crime

Any additional comments?

As a lover of true crime and stories of the supernatural/fiction variety, I really enjoyed this book! That said, the "paranormal" elements to this book are so minimal (and honestly, seemed more like the reaction of a grieving family trying to make sense of a tragedy than anything other worldly) I wouldn't have even mentioned it in the subtitle.

This is a heart wrenching tale of a sadistic killer who eludes authorities based on his ability to change his appearance. Gary C. King spares us no details and the details are pretty gruesome. I found the "after hours party" scene that took place at a strangers house to be particularly chilling. In my youth, I attended parties where I barely knew anyone and where I could have easily fallen prey to a stalker such as Darren O'Neall. These parties happen. These killings happen. This idea plays out throughout this book and it is truly haunting. I would recommend this book to any true crime lovers!

I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator, or publisher.

Pure evil

There are no details that are off limits here in this book. This serial killer was such a bastard. So many lives touched in awful ways. It was actually tough to listen to what this guy did at times.

This book was given to me by the author, publisher, or narrator in exchange for my honest review.

Story of serial killer Darren Dee O'Neall

What did you love best about To Die For?

Great book about sexual predator/serial killer Darren Dee O'Neall, who terrorized the NW, mostly Washington and Oregon. He killed at least 3, but violently raped others. Thankfully he is in prison for the rest of his life. This books looks at all of the angles - the victims, law enforcement, the victim's friends and family, the sociopathic killer, etc. It is researched well, down to every detail. Some details were hard to read, especially knowing that these things happened to the victims. O'Neall was added to the FBI Top Ten list, enforcing the knowledge that he needed to be caught. Unfortunately, this story is real, not a movie. You want to believe these kinds of monsters do not exist, but they do. And Darren Dee O'Neall is a prime example. I liked this book and do recommend it!

Nice solid true crime novels

As a fan of true crime novels I enjoyed this one very much. Although in my opinion it ran on a little in the areas of paranormal activity. I still found it to be very interesting. The author described the crimes in detail that was very appropriate and easy to comprehend. Although this book was very good I might wait to catch it on sale. I received this review copy from the author publisher or narrator.

Narrator not my type

Ok book, suffers a bit by narrator's Top 40 voice. His voice is great, but tke book would have been so much better with Kevin Pierce narrating.