Watch Me Die

Last Words from Death Row

By: Bill Kimberlin

Narrated by: Tom Lennon

Length: 3 hrs and 49 mins

Publisher's summary

Step inside the death chamber and behind the walls of Ohio’s death row.

Bill Kimberlin, PsyD, invites the listener on an extensive and unbiased journey inside Ohio’s death row in Watch Me Die: Last Words from Death Row.

You will see how these inmates think as Kimberlin not only spends time interviewing them, but also eats meals with them and, in some cases, is the last person to speak with them before they are executed. From the moment they are placed on suicide watch until the moment they are pronounced dead right in front of him, Kimberlin will walk you through the twisted and complex execution process in the state of Ohio.

Watch Me Die presents an unbiased look at the realities of death row, in Ohio and America as a whole. This book is much more than an argument about the death penalty. Instead, Kimberlin exposes the harsh truth of what it is like to be on death row, counting the days until your own execution, as told to him by those who have lived it.

With no physical or mental restraints, Kimberlin’s conversations earn the trust of many high-level and violent offenders. He shares with the reader these unfiltered and honest thoughts from people staring in the face of death. Their writings, their artwork, and their own words will put the reader in the room with these dangerous killers. Nothing is off-limits and there is nothing to shield Kimberlin from the same hands that have taken countless lives, leaving Kimberlin himself asking, “Will this be my last trip to death row?”

In this newly revised edition of Watch Me Die, Bill Kimberlin takes the reader on a more intimate journey into death row than ever before. This edition includes a “Where Are They Now?” section, updating the listener on which inmates have faced their execution, which inmates are still counting their days, and who else has asked Kimberlin to watch them die.

©2021 Bill Kimberlin (P)2021 WildBlue Press

Well done!

The author really succeeds in educating the reader about the sorry state of capital punishment in the US, without trying to influence the reader to be pro, or con capital punishment. He presents picture of just how unrepentant and down right frightening these killers are, Releasing them back into society at any point is obviously not even remotely possible. Don't assume this is a plea against cruelty. It is honest reporting, not preaching.
The narrator has exactly the right tone and pace for this type of book.

Death Chamber Choices, etc.(Various Prison Topics)

Admittedly, the title of this audiobook is eye-catching in a gruesome way but I was certainly not looking for true Death Row information when I came across the cover-ad for it. However, I discovered it’s only a few hours long and it’s written by a professor who wished to be fair to his students and give them his perspective of the prison system as relayed to him by visiting men on Death Row whom he interviewed first hand. The book does not take up the debate of Capital Punishment: Yes or No? … but mainly, the author recounts basic facts which he picked up from many convicted criminals and their experiences and attitudes behind bars. The book held my attention though I’m not sure why as it’s a very sad topic for me — yet it is also sad what happened to the victims who met their ends through these convicts’ actions. My own brother calls me “such a bleeding heart” so I am not prison guard material: it’s tough there but so are a lot of the incarcerated. Anyway, this is not a theme for everyone but I did find the knowledge interesting and so might you?

very good

Loved it !! this story. the narrator is so fantastic it's like your really there!! good overall

Great performance

The stories of these inmates were very interesting, even scary at times. I enjoyed listening to this book, thank you & God bless you!

Excellent and informative

This was a great break from my normal Fiction listening routine. I learned several things which I have wondered about on this subject. The narrative was done in a engaging manor as if listening to a friend in conversation. I highly recommend.

fascinating topic

both narrator and author provide a humanized view of some of the most inhumane individuals. this fascinating topic is detailed in a way that brings greater understanding with regard to the mind of a killer, without trivializing the reality of their crimes in any way.

Insightful, Thought provoking

Death row has always been a mystery not only for victims and their families but for the prisoners sentenced to die. Bill Kimberlin, PsyD, travels specifically to Ohio prisons housing death row prisoners to learn about the process inside and out. He wants to know the process implemented by the prisons from beginning to end while also building relationships with the convicted death row prisoners. He also reveals how inept the process is from lawyers, judges, law enforcement, and the practices of the prisons.

The author, Bill Kimberlin reveals his experiences in a strategic, clear manner. As listeners, we have the inside view into the beliefs and views of each soon-to-be executed prisoner. This is a well-written story that outlines, questions, and in some cases answers what is wrong with the system and society.

Tom Lennon provides the narration. His narration is solid and well-done. His voice, while melodic is firm. It is almost as if Lennon is talking with the listener and not performing. His enunciation is clear and smooth. This is not the first time I heard Tom Lennon and I look forward to more performances by him.

Overall, this is an interesting book that provides insight into thoughts and behaviors as well as comes with a warning. This is not a morbid, detailed book into the acts themselves but rather into the thought process of the criminal and their behavior once their date with death has been determined.

There were no issues with the quality or production of this audiobook, it was clear and well produced.

Disclaimer: This Audiobook was provided free of charge by the author, narrator, and/or publisher in exchange for a non-bias, honest review.

I couldn’t pause this….

I was completely enveloped by Mr Kimberlins experience and the lives of the inmates and their experiences. It really actually changed my perspective of capital punishment and execution of prisoners. One story that will remain with me forever. I’m recommending it to everyone whether you are a true crime aficionado or not. I think Watch me Die should be required reading for all students

Fascinating Book

The authors many years interviewing death row inmates, as well as gaining an understanding of the truly broken system that administers it in each state, makes for a great book. The tone set by the narrator seemed very appropriate for the material

Interesting Stories from Death Row

Bill Kimberlin steps into Death Row, and talks to the inmates - gathering their thoughts and often witnessing their execution.

This was a great read, and one that was interesting with the materials, backgrounds, and thoughts of the author.