Have at It, Sister

By: Bill Griffeth

Narrated by: Bill Griffeth, Ryan Kailbourne, Scott Aiello, P. J. Ochlan, Cassandra Campbell, Dina Pearlman, Molly Secours, Lani Ford, John Pirhalla, Marco Cammarota, Gloria Burtzlaff

Length: 7 hrs and 17 mins

Publisher's summary

Gloria Burtzlaff feared for her life one day back in April of 1991 when her abusive husband, Larry, drunk and violent, slapped her, hit her, and began pelting her with glasses. After he tried to drown her in a tub, she got the family shotgun and confronted him in his underwear. “Larry, I’m going to kill you,” she declared. Defense lawyers would later claim he lifted a glass as if to say, “Have at it, sister.” 

Have at It, Sister is a true-crime tale about Gloria, a South Dakota woman who shot her abusive husband and was put on trial in a precedent-setting case. She’s also a cousin of the wife of Bill Griffeth, a retired TV anchor on CNBC and PBS, and her story drew him into a years-long obsession to try to understand what was really at the heart of the shocking killing. How does a seemingly ordinary South Dakota marriage descend into abuse and murder? How have our views on abuse and justifiable homicide changed since the 1990s? 

This is a true-crime story that’s not just about murder and mayhem; it’s about something real, relevant, and important. At the time that Gloria’s trial was held in the summer of 1991, South Dakota was the only state in the country not to allow expert witnesses to offer a diagnosis that a female defendant suffered from a psychological condition called “battered woman syndrome” as part of a self-defense plea in a murder trial. Gloria’s case helped lead to a change in the law, and Bill looks into why the case made legal waves and struck such a nerve with the public. Through the up and downs and appeals of her case, we see how society’s view of domestic violence in general, and battered women in particular, evolve. 

As #MeToo continues to empower women, her case has become increasingly relevant. Like I’ll Be Gone in the Dark, this is a true-crime story that hits close to home. Bill Griffeth has served as an anchor at CNBC and a former cohost of PBS’ Nightly Business Report. 

©2022 Bill Griffeth (P)2022 Audible Originals, LLC.

Thank you

I am not a victim or a survivor of abuse. I am a nurse who sees this in the students I serve. As I listened to this book I was angered every time her parole was denied and others were set free with simple charges. I pondered why this angered me. I decided I needed to see how I could be an advocate for the children of domestic violence. This was a great book with in-depth personal experiences and how she grew with each denial.

The Book was good, but..

The story, narrator and overall well told. I personally don’t agree with the message though. The main character was portrayed as a victim and I disagree. I do believe that a persons options are limited in regards to domestic violence, but Gloria did not fit among the true victims of domestic violence. She came across as a whiny, entitled woman who’s consequences did not suit her, so she threw the victim card. Her husband was an AH, for sure, but she was a heartless killer.

Wonderful Book

I’m so very glad I didn’t take the advice of some of the reviews saying book was awful. I found it very informative. It tells the story of how women are are treated differently than a man doing the same crime

This is a hard one for me

I have been were Larry was, had a bag for 6 months and it about killed me. I really was not a nice person to be around and in a lot of pain. But that doesn't give Larry the right to act the way he did. An affair is never the answer and is really asking for trouble. With all that in mind I wasn't there and only two people know the truth. I don't think Gloria is as innocent as she wants us to believe but I do believe that Larry was controlling. I believe that Gloria had ways out that she didn't have to kill and I do believe that she was treated different than how men were back there. Men and women are treated different in so many ways still today. I thought the author gave an interesting read that really pulls you in and makes you think. Being in a controlling relationship myself I know there are way to get out and did so. I took a lot of fall out but that goes with the choices I made. I was glad to see Gloria is out and living a good life now. I thought the author write the story with a good layout, that made you feel the pain of both people and their families.

I narrator was ok he does sound like a radio announcer but I thought he did a good job in his production and giving the facts. There were no repeating of words, no volume changes and no background noise. I was pleased with his narration.

An unfamiliar strut story with historic significance

I am thankful to hear Gloria’s story. Bullish behavior is no longer acceptable in society . Coming from the one person you are supposed to be one with for life is hard to forgive but can be IF the bully is repentant. Society has come far. Great informative read. Thank you!

I was a battered wife. I got out.

I lived part of this, but I got out. It sounds very possible that this could have happened to me if I had stayed. It was a wonderful book so interesting I know Bill Griffith from. CNBC. So it was like listening to a friend. it is a must read.

Great story well written

I really enjoyed this story and I am so happy for the rights people have fought for to bring this horrible problem to Justice!

Eye-opening

Since I have never gone through an experience like this I am not an expert. But, I do understand the woman’s role in this life we live. I am so sorry that you had to go through this harrowing experience. I am so glad that you always had the good Lord with you. I am blessed just listening to this book.

Must listen to this one

Must listen to this one. Must read this one. Just well put together for sure

Ok true crime story.

Not as good as Ann Rule by still pretty interesting. I liked that they had many voice actors and then the real Gloria at the epilogue. I am just glad times have changed since she was first convicted.