• A Clockwork Murder

  • The Night a Twisted Fantasy Became a Demented Reality
  • By: Steve Jackson
  • Narrated by: Kevin Pierce
  • Length: 8 hrs and 20 mins
  • 4.4 out of 5 stars (649 ratings)

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A Clockwork Murder  By  cover art

A Clockwork Murder

By: Steve Jackson
Narrated by: Kevin Pierce
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Publisher's summary

They thought about their evil fantasy for months. Then wound up like clockwork toys...they acted.

In April 1997, pretty, 22-year-old Jacine Gielinski stopped her car at a red light in Colorado Springs, Colorado. She had no idea that the two young men looking at her from the car next to hers would in that moment decide she would be their target for unspeakable horrors.

George Woldt and Lucas Salmon were an unlikely pair of best friends, much less killers. Woldt was a fast-talking, well-dressed ladies man who boasted of his sexual conquests. Salmon was deeply religious, and socially misfit, obsessed with losing his virginity.

Woldt was the leader, Salmon his willing follower, but neither had been in serious trouble with the law. However, inspired by the cult movie A Clockwork Orange, with its dystopian violence, they fantasized for months what it would be like to abduct, rape, torture, and murder a woman. Then, aroused by watching ultra-violent pornography, they decided to act upon their evil thoughts.

Revised and updated with a new afterword from the author, A Clockwork Murder recounts the steps that led to an unthinkable crime and its impact on a community, as well as the friends and especially the parents of an innocent young woman who paid with her life for being in the wrong place at the wrong time.

©2017 Steve Jackson (P)2017 WildBlue Press

What listeners say about A Clockwork Murder

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

well written, excellent narration

This is not a run of the mill true crime book. The victims were not engaged in risky behavior. The criminals conduct was not predictable. Even the court room scenes provide clear insight into the workings of the justice system. Usually I find the court proceedings tedious and obvious. Not so with this book.
The author guides us so we get to know the victim's family and feel empathy. Thus, this is not just another "case".
The Narrator did an excellent job. I could find no fault with his reading.

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33 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Praise for Steve Jackson

I lived in Colorado Springs when this horrific murder occurred. In fact, my home was close enough to that of Salmon and Woldt that I walked past their house most mornings on my neighborhood walk before work. I remember the morning I saw the crime vans and all the police there. I remember the swamp of reporters that soon followed. It was a truly terrifying time and a terrifying crime. I moved away before they came to trial and chose this book to learn "the rest of the story". Steve Jackson wrote this book passionately from all angles and his epilogue completely dispels any confusion a reader might have as to his impartiality regarding the death sentence. I, myself, lost my father to someone whose actions were responsible for his death and watched as he played the "games" in court that allowed him to walk completely free and even laugh in his deposition about the impending death of my father. I know how perverted the justice system can be when rendering "justice". I feel that my own experience allows me to completely understand and agree with Steve Jackson's viewpoints regarding the trial itself and defense attorneys who eagerly play these games to relieve their clients of any responsibilities for the heinous acts they've committed. It's not a game to the victims, trust me; it's a sham. So, praise to Steve Jackson for his detailed work and portrayal of characters in this book. May it be an eye opener to others who have a blind trust in our system of "justice". Great book!

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21 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

#MyNonFictionAddiction

Would you listen to A Clockwork Murder again? Why?

I might not ONLY because it is an emotionally startling and graphic account. DISTURBINGLY ACCURATE & EERILY ARTICULATED!

What was the most compelling aspect of this narrative?

The story draws one to listen even while CRINGING and fighting back the urge to WEEP!

Which scene was your favorite?

The means by which THOSE who strive to CARVE out JUSTICE for the INNOCENT are often NOT left without 'CUTS' to themselves.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

" A LETHAL LUSTING"

Any additional comments?

NOT for the EASILY DISTURBED!

(Now I'm off to HUG my 3 kids!) ;-)

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21 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

I'll listen to anything Kevin Pierce narrates

I thought the story was pretty grusome. The author does seem to focus on the death penalty portion of the cases quite a bit... to the point I felt he thought the real tragedy was that the killers didn't both get the death penalty. His epilogue was unnecessary and defensive. Kevin Pierce was great as always.

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19 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

author's notes

I enjoy when authors go back to a novel and put in an update or notes to correct either facts or reviews gone rogue

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17 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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Glad I'm not their mother....

Very well done. Two puny pencil ....'s want their jollies and guess who pays? Innocent young women.

I'm starting to really, really dislike defense attorneys.

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15 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Captivating Heartbreaking Story

Where does A Clockwork Murder rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

It is one of the better ones as far as being able to keep my attention and wanting to get back to listening to it when I have had to stop for whatever reason. That's the sign of a good book.

What other book might you compare A Clockwork Murder to and why?

I would compare this book to some of Ann Rule's stand alone novels in that it shows the workings of the killer's thoughts and motivations, as well as a picture of who the victim is before the crime and follows through the whole court proceedings. It includes the interactions of the families of both the victim and the killers with the press and various lawyers and prosecutors. Both this author and Ann Rule are very thorough in their exploration of the case and criminal justice system, and both treat the victim's families with tremendous respect.

Which scene was your favorite?

I don't want to say which part of the book was my favorite because I don't want to give anything away. But there were several parts that hit you in the gut. I particularly felt for the victim's parents. Their grief was tangible. I also felt frustration and anger at the defense lawyers and even the Supreme Court. That's all I will say.

What’s the most interesting tidbit you’ve picked up from this book?

Colorado was weird back in the day. Appointing a 3 judge panel to decide the death penalty? I'd never heard of that. I much prefer the way it is now. It should have always been left up to the jury.

Any additional comments?

It's not necessary for the listener to have seen A Clockwork Orange to get this book, but it is a help. However, I wouldn't suggest running out an viewing it just to listen to this book. The author provides plenty of references so that you understand the connection.

I was provided a copy of this book at no charge by the author in exchange for a fair and unbiased review.

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15 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

What You Read True Crime For

Would you consider the audio edition of A Clockwork Murder to be better than the print version?

I haven't read the print version. The biggest attraction of GOOD Audible books for me is listening to the interpretation done well. In this case, Kevin Pierce.

I have been a Steve Jackson fan for a long time. He writes mostly about crimes that take place in Colorado. I have lived in Colorado a long time. He wrote for Westword, an alternative newspaper in Colorado from back in the 1970's. When I became familiar with his writing.

What did you like best about this story?

This is the story of how heinous acts affect entire communities. It's the story of the failures of Justice.

What about Kevin Pierce’s performance did you like?

Kevin is just one of Life's pleasures to listen to. I enjoy his contributions to the dozen or so Audible books I've listened to from him.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

With only a few brief pauses, I actually did.

Any additional comments?

This is well thought out and written. The narration was excellent, professional.
I appreciate those attributes.
Thanks for the opportunity to listen and offer my opinions on this work!

A review copy was gifted to me at no charge. In return, I am happy to provide an honest review. Also at no charge.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

great read<br />

Steve Jackson is my new favorite true crime author. very compelling story. Well written and stark.

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11 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Profoundly Sad

What a sad story this is.

Jackson does an all-round excellent job of bringing the dreadful facts to life, and provides a riveting look at the personalities of the people most intimately involved in this dreadful saga, victims, perpetrators, jurists, all.

Jackson's epilogue is an interesting conclusion to the book and provides an enlightening look at the death penalty as an instrument of justice.

Kevin Pierce is, as usual, in fine form.

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