Murder in Wisconsin

By: Jack Rosewood

Narrated by: Miles Taylor

Length: 3 hrs and 23 mins

Publisher's Summary

While Wisconsin is now perhaps best known for its die-hard love of both the Green Bay Packers and its cheese, deep beneath the surface of Wisconsin history simmers a cesspool of nightmares that began before the term serial killer had been coined. The horror started when Ed Gein tried desperately to bring back his dead mother by first exhuming bodies, then by killing in order to harvest female body parts that he himself would wear. His story sparked a nation's macabre fascination with American serial killers, though its bizarre tale of grave robbing and decorating with the dead meant that when other true crime stories surfaced from the state, no one was terribly surprised. Ed Gein was among the first to undergo criminal profiling - was he transgender, a woman trapped in a man's body, or did he really just miss his mother? - but he would not be the last.

Wisconsin's infamous list of true crime serial killers includes the lonely Jeffrey Dahmer, who attempted science experiments in hopes of creating a sex slave to call his own, sex criminal David Spanbauer, who preferred raping little girls when he got the chance, and Walter Ellis, who preyed on prostitutes because he thought he would be able to get away with it. Turns out, he could, for more than a decade.

Wisconsin is full of secrets, and very bad men. This biography of four prolific serial killers steps into the heart of the state's madness, and is likely to make their nightmares yours, at least for a spine-tingling night or two, especially when you realize that what happens in the movies is sometimes horrifyingly real.

©2016 Oscar Johansson (P)2016 Oscar Johansson

Cheeseheads go Wild!

Murder in Wisconsin is a guilty pleasure. Two world-famous serial killers are profiled, and two much more obscure serial killers, though perhaps they are more locally well-known. Having never heard of Spanbauer or Ellis, I found those case histories very interesting. Volumes have been written about Ed Gein and Jeffrey Dahmer and both have received multiple cinematic treatments, but there were still interesting tidbits, such as the fact that Dahmer was a sexual predator when he was in the military. Dahmer is a fascinating case, since he seemed so docile and bland at his trial. Hard to imagine what his personality was like when he was in his murderous psychosis. But like Robert Ressler said in one program, you don't get to see that aspect unless you're his victim.

I didn't get the impression that there was any original journalism in the book, no interviews with witnesses, the quotes seemed taken from existing reports in newspapers and such. I don't know for sure, I'd need the physical book to know, but that's the impression I got. That isn't necessarily a problem, Anne Rule didn't conduct interviews either.

Hearing the stories again was fascinating and kept my interest. Miles Taylor has a very pleasant tone. His reading is totally clear and free of any distracting mouth noise. His audio quality is superb, full rich sound that doesn't stress the eardrums. In one standout moment when he quotes the "Dear Boss" letter he channels Jack the Ripper. That was chilling. It could actually have been the Ripper speaking. Production is first rate. Without original interviews the book is research--but not having the book I don't know if that's true, and if it isn't I take it back. An enjoyable listen, fascinating topic, not necessarily in-depth, but that doesn't really matter for what it is.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

A quick look at serial killers from Wisconsin

Murder in Wisconsin is a quick but concise look at the crimes of citizens of Wisconsin. The narration is not unpleasant and doesn't try to be any more than it needs to be.There really wasn't anything I hadn't already learned from watching various true crime programs, such as Dateline, but that isn't necessarily a bad thing.

Profiled are
Ed Gein
David Spanbower
Jeffrey Dahmer
Walter Ellis

This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of AudiobookBlast dot com

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Murder in Wisconsin

Short and to the point. Not impressed with the narration for this kind of book. This could have been more intriguing had it been longer.

I was provided this audiobook at no charge by the author, publisher and/or narrator in exchange for an unbiased review via Audiobook Blast.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Real life is crazier than fiction

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I would recommend to those who love real crime drama

What did you like best about this story?

There was nothing to like but it was very informative

What about Miles Taylor’s performance did you like?

Narrator did a great job

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The entire book moved me especially the way the court system worked back then

Any additional comments?

"This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of Audiobook Blast."

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Interesting Story!

I don’t usually read many books from this genre, but I really enjoyed this one. The narration brought the story to life and held my interest throughout. The story was well thought out, complete and will keep you listening. I will be watching for this author in the future.

* I was provided a free copy of this book from AudioBookBlast for an honest review.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Glad I don't live in Wisconsin

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes, I thought it was very well written and engaging.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Ed Gein, I had never heard of him before as I guess he was before my time and wow it's hard to believe a person capable of such depravity.

Have you listened to any of Miles Taylor’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I don't think so but I like this one

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes, I could not stop listening.

Any additional comments?

"This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of Audiobook Blast."

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Great Listen!

If you could sum up Murder in Wisconsin in three words, what would they be?

Detailed, Gripping, Crazy

What other book might you compare Murder in Wisconsin to and why?

None yet.. this was my first.

Which character – as performed by Miles Taylor – was your favorite?

Didn't really play any characters. This book was mostly narration of case studies.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

What's in the water in Wisconsin?

Any additional comments?

Overall this was a great audio book. I would recommend it to a friend who was interested in True Crime novels like I am. "This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of Audiobook Blast."

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

A very good read

This book is a good read. It's hard to put down. You received good information on 4 notorious serial killers all from Wisconsin.

I could do without the bonus chapter though

But all in all a well told and good written book

More info on my blog. Best wishes yours truly ReadingGhost

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Fast paced, in a good way. Kept my attention!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes, it was a good true crime book. The important details were covered without too much fluff.

What does Miles Taylor bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Dramatic - sounding voice

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes, I listened in one day, on the road.

Any additional comments?

"This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of Audiobook Blast."

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

alot of new information revealed.

Narrator spoke clearly, easy to understand. Some facts revealed I never knew about, interesting facts.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful