Gosnell

The Untold Story of America's Most Prolific Serial Killer

By: Ann McElhinney, Phelim McAleer

Narrated by: Ann McElhinney

Length: 11 hrs and 32 mins

Publisher's summary

Gosnell is the untold story of America's most prolific serial killer. In 2013, Dr. Kermit Gosnell was convicted of killing four people, including three babies, but is thought to have killed hundreds, perhaps thousands more in a 30-year killing spree. ABC News correspondent Terry Moran described Gosnell as "America's most prolific serial killer". Gosnell is currently serving three life sentences (without the possibility of parole) for murdering babies and patients at his "House of Horrors" abortion clinic.

This book - and now a major movie starring Dean Cain (Lois & Clarke) - reveals how the investigation that brought Gosnell to justice started as a routine drugs investigation and turned into a shocking unmasking of America's biggest serial killer. It details how compliant politicians and bureaucrats allowed Dr. Gosnell to carry out his grisly trade because they didn't want to be accused of "attacking abortion". Gosnell also exposes the media cover-up that saw reporters refusing to cover a story that shone an unwelcome spotlight on abortion in America in the 21st century. Gosnell is an astounding piece of investigative journalism revealing a cover-up among the medical political and media establishments that allowed a killer to go undetected for decades.

©2017 Ann McElhinney, Phelim McAleer (P)2017 Ann McElhinney, Phelim McAleer

Difficult But Important

This book is not for everyone. The authors are very honest about what Kermit Gosnell, and what Gosnell did went far beyond abortion. He murdered and decimated. If you are uncomfortable with Ed Gein’s story, do not read this book, for Gosnell was the same type of hoarder.

This book was finely investigated, so I only deduct one star for these reasons:
* the unnecessary, in my opinion, long chapter lecturing the reader on proper journalistic practices. It’s near the end of the book, so by the time it is reached, I as the reader have the full picture of the bizarre news dodge of this story. I don’t need a mini journalism class to drive it home.
* the occasional use of “pro-abortion” in place of “pro-choice” in general (the only person I have run across who is truly pro-abortion is Dr. Gosnell, for pro- implies enthusiasm, gusto); and, in companion with this, the introduction written by a member of the Duck Dynasty family. This case is so vile, it didn’t need to be politicized at all, in any way. Just tell the reader what Gosnell, his wife, and his staff did. You’ll probably change a lot of minds on abortion. I think these leans of bias make the annoyance of the lesson of the unbiased Fourth Estate stronger. To truly make this point, the book should have carried absolutely no agenda—including no biased language (a no-no in basic journalism) and no biased celebrity endorsement.

I can’t say this enough: this is an important case, and, despite its above flaws, an important book. But I am going to type a phrase below that was in the crime scene report about Ed Gein, and please let it be your litmus test for whether or not you should read this book.

That phrase is: cup of noses

"America's Most Prolific Serial Killer"

What did you like best about Gosnell? What did you like least?

Interesting detail on "America's Most Prolific Serial Killer"

What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

There was no real ending.

How did the narrator detract from the book?

The author should have never read this. Too biased, with an agenda to push. Oh and did I mention she says:
"America's Most Prolific Serial Killer"
"America's Most Prolific Serial Killer"
"America's Most Prolific Serial Killer"
"America's Most Prolific Serial Killer"
"America's Most Prolific Serial Killer"
"America's Most Prolific Serial Killer"
"America's Most Prolific Serial Killer"
Over and over and over?

Any additional comments?

Honestly, if the author removed the overly used phrase "America's Most Prolific Serial Killer" this book would be an hour or two shorter. I found myself interested in hearing more about Dr. Gosnell, but really grew to dislike the author's biased, agenda pushing narrative. This book would be far more interesting and powerful if the facts were layout and the listener was allowed to navigate it.

Best listened to on an empty stomach.

I don't think there has been a word created yet that adequately described the rage this book invokes. I am not a pro-lifer per se, nor am I religious (atheist. in fact)...but you'd have to be made of stone for this book not to affect you.

Chilling

The information in this book will haunt me for the rest of my life. It is disturbing how someone could get away with this for so long.

A story worth telling

For some time I have searched the web for info on this case. Most articles I have found repeat the same few facts about the case. It was not enough for me. This book contains all of the details I have found and much more.

"A small town crime story" says a member of the media. This makes it sound common place. Maybe it meant the lives and demise of these victims were unremarkable. I surely hope not. If this can be wrote off as "a small town crime story" I worry about what else is deemed unworthy of national news attention. Some say public attention or what they believe wil grab the public's attention is what detremines what becomes national news. I hope this book becomes a best seller so the media recalculates what matters.

It was the uncomfortable silence surrounding the case and that the victims deserved to have their stories heard that has kept me searching for more information until now.

Gosnell book a must read!!!

I saw the movie at a sneak peek viewing in South Dakota and was amazed at the quality, content and professionalism of the movie. Truly a must see when it comes out in the spring!!!Purchased the book at the movie viewing and downloaded it as well. The book is powerful, eye opening, intriguing and most of all, disturbing that on so many levels this sick man, so-called "Doctor", was able to continue his killing spree for so many years with out oversight or reporting by so many people and government agencies. The system failed to protect the women seeking abortions, and the babies were treated inhumanly and with no respect. People failed to admit that what was going on at 3801 Lancaster Avenue was not only against many laws but morally repugnant!! Get your hands on this book now! Ann McElhinney and Phelim McAleer are so talented . Ann tells this gruesome story with the emotion and first hand knowledge of what happened. That makes it even more intriguing. You don't want to stop listening once you start. Read it and tell others to do the same!

One of the most heart breaking books ever

I loved this book... though at times I'd cry, my jaw would drop, or I'd be filled with rage or disgust. My heart broke time and again listening to what happened. The most terrifying thing is... this is a true story. It actually happened and it's a horror story that'll definitely touch a nerve.

From Philadelphia

Great to hear about this story since I am a local. I am kind of upset because the writer seems very pro-life. That is fine with me however I feel that should have been left out. I don't care what people's views are and really disliked hearing about it every few minutes. Over all the story was good. I have not seen the movie.

Preachy

It’s a fascinating case but it was hard to focus on the actual story bc there was so much pro-life rhetoric. About a third of this book is just talking about how abortion is murder. I don’t think the guy qualifies as a serial killer, but I’m willing to overlook that specific issue.

An important telling of a court case

Despite arguments that this was indictment abortion or pro choice, that is not what this book is. It is a reverting examination into a heart of a man who appears to be have developed a God Complex. How he swiftly threw his medical knowledge into a drawer somewhere & took up the practice being a common butcher.

The most damning thing about this case is the years & lives lost because of PA Dept of Health just checked the boxes on state inspections decades before & then never once looked back despite multiple red flags.

Fascinating and very listenable.

This book, and its narration by co-author Ann McElhinney achieves the impossible - writing dramatic the highly disturbing story of America's worst ever serial killer in such a humane and sympathetic manner that both satisfies and educates the listener.

This is a story of criminal neglect by government that ended in the killing and maiming of vulnerable women and the murder of their newborn children, and how the abortion industry and its apologists sought to cover it all up. It is a story that has everything.

A story that has to be told but be warned this isn't for everyone!

This is such a shocking story that has to be told and acknowledged by more people! BUT and this is a very big but, the graphic content is a very hard listen and I couldn't finish the book because of this. I do acknowledge the subject is very dark, with the criminal neglect making an even darker read, but as someone who has read a lot of true crime novels
this is the first I've ever decided not to finish because of the content.

Heartbreaking 😔 Powerful

I had heard of this gosnell case through brief mentions on crime podcasts I have listened to. I decided to do this Audible version first, instead of the film.

I listened in shock from start to finish!!

The narrator was wonderful! I could hear the emotion in her voice!!

Kermit Gosnell is pure and utter scum, and there is a special place in hell waiting for him!!

forever rest in paradise to the women who sadly lost their lives, especially to those beautiful babies! Too precious for this earth! ❤

Terrifying Story. Terrifyingly true

So scarey that this whole story is being ignored even hidden. well done audible for having this on your list.