Midnight Son

De: James Dommek Jr., Josephine Holtzman, Isaac Kestenbaum

Narrado por: James Dommek Jr.

James Dommek, Jr., an Alaska Native writer and musician, sheds new light on a real-life mystery that pits Native American folklore against the US justice system. In the vast Alaskan Arctic, legend has it there once lived a mythic tribe—Iñukuns—that only existed in rumors and whispers. This changed forever when an actor-turned-fugitive, Teddy Kyle Smith, had an encounter that brought Iñukuns from myth to reality. Smith was an aspiring actor with a promising career until it all came quickly crashing down with a gunshot, a manhunt, bloodshed, and other frightful events.

The story of Smith’s tragic downfall has long haunted James Dommek, Jr., the great-grandson of the last of the Iñupiaq story-tellers. Midnight Son is his journey in discovering who Teddy Kyle Smith was, what he did, and what he really saw. Along the way, listeners will experience the soul of the real Alaska as narrator Dommek, Jr. brings this multilayered and sprawling tale to life.

Please Note: Midnight Son contains adult language and violent themes. Discretion is advised.

©2019 Audible Originals, LLC (P)2019 Audible Originals, LLC.

Started off interesting...

The beginning had me hooked. Then then the story went down hill as did the writing. Just felt like the author was grasping for material IE he'd run out. I hoped there would be more exploration into the myth. A decent podcast.

Solid narration by Dommek.

No direction

I enjoyed learning about the history, and the legends. But I felt like it didn’t have any real direction. It started out about the native people, and then focused on the guy for a while, then went back to being about the tales. So, I didn’t feel like it was wrapped up well. But the book was still interesting. Wouldn’t have paid for it.

A must listen!

Excellent performance and a fascinating story! I was fully engaged the whole time and just could not press pause! Usually I do something else while listening to an audio book, but this time I found myself SO many times just sitting or standing still completely hypnotized. I thoroughly enjoyed this book!

Great story

Well told story, that kept me enthralled throughout. James Dommeck Jr definitely inherited the gene for storytelling.

True Crime set in Brutal Alaskan Wilderness

"Midnight Son" is a true crime investigative journalism tale, produced in a similar vein as the Serial podcast form This American Life and Audible Original's "West Cork". Written and narrated by Alaska Native storyteller James Dommek Jr., "Midnight Son" seeks to uncover the facts and man behind Teddy Kyle Smith's manhunt and trial that took place in rural Alaska.

Smith, at times charismatic contributor to the community and other times raging alcoholic, seems to snap under pressures of trying to make it as a Hollywood actor while wrestling inner demons. After his Mom dies under dubious circumstances, Smith almost kills many people as he runs from State Troopers. During his trial, Smith claims that little people of the forest--Inukuns--which come straight out of Native Alaskan folklore, were haunting him and whispering things at him while he was running through the brutal Alaskan wilderness for days.

The back and forth to Smith's story and personal behavior during his trial was puzzling, so I can see how the fuzziness of this tale made for good material. My favorite part of this audio production was when Dommek hires a backpacking guide to try and retrace Smith's steps through brush. The background music, indigenous language recordings, and transition between sections were also done really well.

There were interesting discussions of how fair the jury could have been if none of the jurors were village people and why Smith refused to plead not guilty by reasons of insanity. But there remain many things that I didn't think were adequately addressed, which is why I only give this 4 out of 5 stars. Why did Dommek never get to talk to Smith himself? Why aren't Alaska Natives allowed to serve as jurors in US courts if they can be tried in US courts? If Smith is trying to blame his behavior on the Inukuns, then why does he only mention them once or twice? Has Smith received treatment for his alcoholism while in prison, and if so, has his personality or story changed at all?

Nevertheless, I enjoyed listening to this and recommend it to anyone who likes the Alaskan wilderness, Alaska Native persons & culture, true crime tales, and investigative journalism. This is an engaging and memorable production.

Dommek narrates this piece wonderfully!

Wow! I had to download and figure out what Audible was so that I can listen to this. James is an outstanding narrator. Being from Kotzebue, I was reeled in. Excited, terrified, and relieved all at the same time. I would pause to share what I discovered with family, as we all remembered this tragic event. I am eager to hear how this whole ordeal will play out in the legal system regarding the inukuns.
Very interesting read!

overhyped with mythology

the basic story of Teddy is interesting, and the factual storytelling is good. The narration and recordings pleasing. But the incorporation of mythology into the story, as if it's believable, is a huge spoiler. I don't even get the point of the Inupik angle, but it's so seriously incorporated it's tiring.

Captivating!

I was completely enthralled in this. Hope he continues sharing stories like his great grandfather.

Superb story

Superb storytelling by the author. We should all remember where we come from and pass along history.

Good narrative, confusing results mostly based on ideology.

I enjoyed the narrator, as there was no bs and no sugarcoating. Just straight and to the point. I also enjoyed learning about the culture and themes that define these Native people.

What i didn’t appreciate was the constant assumption that White people are ignorant or just simply “don’t get it”. As a non White person, i have met both ignorant and culturally smart people from all races to include Native Americans. I think the author’s insistence on putting his culture on a pedestal comes at a price of not really understanding what Teddy Smith went through. The book is supposed to be about why Teddy Smith took those actions, but rather becomes about the Alaskan wilderness and many suppositions about a mysterious tribe. Some of the questions that should have been attempted to be answered;
Has there been other cases similar to Teddy Smith in that region during the past century?
What specific condition was Teddy Smith in when arrested? I.e. needed an IV, feet blistered, torn clothing etc.
Was there any CSI type evidence? Gun
Powder, bullet casing matches, etc.
Anything from his USMC days or from his platoon buddies? I.e. alcohol issues, violence, mental instability.

Overall a decent read, but unfortunately not much effort to investigate and/or seek the truth.