Dig Me a Grave

The Inside Story of the Serial Killer Who Seduced the South

De: Dick Harpootlian, Shaun Assael

Narrado por: Dick Harpootlian

Of the hundreds of murder cases that noted South Carolina attorney Dick Harpootlian has prosecuted, one in particular haunts him. Donald "Pee Wee" Gaskins was a serial killer and rapist, a master manipulator who claimed to have killed over 100 people and is known to have murdered over a dozen. Yet it was on Death Row that he pulled off his most audacious murder—killing another inmate with a military grade explosive.

As personable as he was ruthless, Pee Wee defied easy categories. He killed to avenge minor slights as well as for pleasure, using any convenient method. Evidence suggested he forced at least one victim to dig his own grave, stand in it, and be shot.

Pee Wee murdered acquaintances, friends, family members, and strangers. Yet within his community he was well-liked—a family man who took neighborhood kids to the beach and hosted cookouts. Ice-cold within but outwardly charming, he joked with judges, reporters, and Harpootlian himself, but didn't hesitate to hatch a plot to kidnap the prosecutor's daughter in order to extort an escape.

Dig Me a Grave is a haunting look at a prolific, remorseless killer, as well as a provocative exploration of justice and the death penalty.

©2026 Richard Harpootlian (P)2026 Tantor Media

Voice

I enjoyed the book for the most part, listening to DH's voice however was a bit hard as I kept wanting to flash back to listening to him defend a murderer, Alex Murdaugh. I did however find it interesting his exchanges with Pee Wee and his first hand knowledge of the crimes and punishment of him.

Narration by Dick Harpootlian was the Right Play

I was excited to see this book pop up on my recommended list. Since the murdaugh trial I’ve found myself drawn to revisiting the trial over multiple times, mainly to listen and watch Dick, Jim, and Creighton in action. That being said and when it comes to this book, I could listen to Dick tell stories all day long. His firsthand knowledge, storytelling skills, and, in general, his self narration of PeeWee Gaskins life and crimes, makes for a top tier true crime listen. If narration matters to you then you will want to give it a shot and you won’t get tired of listening.

Besides the narration this is a must listen for any true crime junkie, serial killer obsessor, or those drawn to the macabre folk tales that haunt American history.

Great, true crime fiction! Read by one of the greatest modern courtroom storytellers.

If you’re looking for something wonderful to listen to on a long drive or a long walk, this book is for you. Gripping story. Helpful in understanding the mind of a serial killer and how society is touched by his acts. Dick Harpootlian has made a huge contribution to legal literature with this book and with his work as an attorney on the Murdoch murder cases.

How Dick Harpootlian always gets down to facts. There is no “fluff” in his writing.

The thing that I enjoyed the most was hearing the voice of Dick Harpootlian. The two shovel bookmarks made me smile…So Dick Harpootlian!

Entertaining non-fiction told by a master storyteller.

Since I’m from South Carolina, I certainly knew the story of Pee-wee Gaskins, but I never knew the backdrop. The book intrigued me all over again and it was made even more realistic given that the antagonist and protagonist are all from my home state but anyone from anywhere would love this book. It is a quick listen and well worth the time.