Cold Kill

The True Story of a Murderous Love

By: Jack Olsen

Narrated by: Kevin Pierce

Length: 12 hrs and 34 mins

Publisher's summary

David loved Cindy and was loved in return. Or so he thought. The troubled young man clung to his new love and dreamed of their future together. So begins the chain of events that was to evolve into a horror of terrifying proportions. Jack Olsen, best-selling author of Son, now reveals the details of a true-life romance gone hideously awry.

After weeks of planning, the young misfits from two fine old Texas families donned grotesque battle gear and crept into the luxurious home where Cindy Ray's parents lay asleep with her two small sons. In the hot muggy room, the "cold kill" was over in seconds.

Everyone who knew the unpredictable Cindy suspected that she was involved, but the ghastly crime had been so carefully orchestrated that Houston's top homicide detectives could get nowhere. Cindy wore black and sobbed at the funeral, then began a frenzied attempt to collect her inheritance and as many of her wealthy parents possessions as she could haul away. No one except David West was surprised when she walked out on him.

Then the story took another bizarre turn. In a final bid to solve the case, a seductive young private investigator was assigned to cozy up to West. Soon the gullible killer was in love, once again with fateful consequences.

Traditionally, true-crime drama illuminates the sinister motivations in the human psyche. Yet Cold Kill reveals something still more frightful - unspeakable murders are committed, not out of greed, revenge, or blind demented rage, but out of a troubled young man's tragically misconceived code of honor and a desperate need to please and protect the woman of his dreams.

Jack Olsen's Cold Kill is a stunning testament to the profoundly discerning eye of a grand master of true crime. To listen to Cold Kill is not to forgive David West. It is, however, to undergo the uncanny experience of feeling oneself slowly but surely moving into the shoes of a pathological killer.

©2017 Jack Olsen (P)2017 Jack Olsen/Evan Olsen/Su Olsen

Twisted Relationship

Where does Cold Kill rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I generally enjoy all true crime audiobooks. This was right up there as a one of the good ones. I would definitely recommend it to a true crime fan.

What was the most compelling aspect of this narrative?

I will never understand how a typically normal & caring person can be convinced to commit murder for someone else.

What about Kevin Pierce’s performance did you like?

Kevin Pierce is by far the best narrator for true crime audiobooks. He never disappoints.

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

I do not usually listen to any audiobook in one sitting, I listen at work. It does help the workday move along easier.

Any additional comments?

I was voluntarily provided this review copy audiobook at no charge by the author, publisher and/or narrator for an unbiased review.

Entertaining and engrossing true tale of two off-beat losers

An interesting story of a tawdry man and woman whose intertwined lives resulted in a proverbial train wreck. I enjoyed hearing about the lifestyles of people living on the fringes of society in the Montrose section of Houston in the 1970’s and 80’s. Olsen did a splendid job of writing about the characters involved in this case. And Pierce brought the story to life, as he always does!

On the downside: There was a bit too
much swearing and use of vulgar language throughout. Some can be expected, of course, but it got repetitive. More importantly, the book kind of has an abrupt ending. I was expecting to hear more of the trials and legal issues involved with the perpetrators at the end, but that was left out.

Murder in Houston

I am from Houston and even live in the neighborhoods where action took place, but I had never heard of these murders. I thought the narrative was a little long- winded and the end of the book was way too abrupt. The book centered on Cindy Ray and literally the book summed her fate up with one sentence.

Jack Olsen delivers!

Cold Kill is a masterpiece account of this tragic murder! I have listened to the audio book 3 times now, and I am more pleased with Jack Olsen's research, interview product, writing, etc each time I listen 👂! Wonderful work by Jack Olsen!!

Good, but the ending left much to be desired.

This was a really interesting read, however I found the ending was abrupt and disappointing.

good story

liked it good narrator blah blah blah be blah blB block. nnn mmm BBB done

Great as usual from Jack Olsen

What made the experience of listening to Cold Kill the most enjoyable?

The development of the characters, no one can do it like Jack Olsen

What did you like best about this story?

The back story of all of the characters

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

Yes, he is simply the best!

What’s the most interesting tidbit you’ve picked up from this book?

No spoilers! But the girl in the story is Crazy!!

Any additional comments?

Great book!

Another great true story read by Kevin Pierce!

I enjoy reading true crime stories and Jack Olsen is very good at relating them to the reader. We are able to keep up with the events as they happen chronologically as well as know the characters intimately. Kevin Pierce is an exceptional narrator! Read the phone book, Yes! This story is one of the craziest true crime stories I have ever read. I laughed out loud several times driving down the road not being able to believe such "nuts" actually exist! I would recommend this book for true crime fans that would like a bit of humor and not much gore.

ANOTHER EXCELLENT BOOK

I love true crime and Kevin Pierce is the best narrator EVER!! This story was interesting and full of suspense! Order it! You will absolutely enjoy it!!!

Hard to Believe these characters were real

Mental illness at a high level. Love the narrator. Lots of surprises in store for you.