The Darkest Night

Two Sisters, a Brutal Murder, and the Loss of Innocence in a Small Town

By: Ron Franscell

Narrated by: Rob Shapiro

Length: 10 hrs and 47 mins

Publisher's summary

Casper, Wyoming: 1973. Eleven-year-old Amy Burridge rides with her 18-year-old sister, Becky, to the grocery store. When they finish their shopping, Becky's car gets a flat tire. Two men politely offer them a ride home. Yet they were anything but good Samaritans. The girls would suffer unspeakable crimes at the hands of these men before being thrown from a bridge into the North Platte River. One miraculously survived; the other did not.

Years later author and journalist Ron Franscell - a childhood friend and next-door neighbor to the girls - can't forget his hometown's shocking story of abduction, rape, and murder. Exploring the nature of a small town's memory and the poison of survivor guilt, The Darkest Night races toward a shocking ending. The result is one of the most provocative true-crime stories of the decade, told by one of the nation's finest narrative journalists.

©2007 Ron Franscell (P)2015 Tantor

Critic reviews

"This uncommon story has every chilling component of human terror, drama and suspense that readers of true crime look for." (Vincent Bugliosi, author of Helter Skelter)

Very well told

Told so many different versions from different points of view but told a horrific story about tragedy.

Horrific Story

And some horrific writing as well. The author, in parts of the book, just drones on and on with big words and unnecessary explanations, adding personal paragraphs that have nothing to do with the book's main idea. I'm not sure I care to purchase any additional books from this author.

Intriguing and Compassionately Written

It is obvious that the author of this book had a wonderful relationship with the victims of this terrible and violent crime. He told their story with such compassion and love. I couldn't put it down! Truly one of the best true crime books I've read. It rivals Ann Rules' "Small Sacrifices." If you are a fan of True Crime stories, it is a must read!

Wow!

I stayed up all night to hear this book in it’s entirety. A truly tragic chain of events blended with introspect of the authors. I highly recommend this to any connoisseur of true crime.

Enjoyed this book.

Even though this book was about a really tragic event, it was very thought provoking and interesting. I really enjoyed it.

An Amazing Rendering Of A True Crime Story...

I was instantly stunned and delighted with the level of writing attained by Franscell in this book: half reporter, half poet, he brings every event of this tragic crime to life. It is like nothing I have ever encountered in a true crime book before, as it attains a literary quality rarely seen in the genre. I first encountered this story on 48 Hours Live To Tell and went looking for the book. What a delight that I did! Highly recommended!

2nd Time reading

This is the second time I’ve read or listened to this book. Written by a man who, as a child, was a friend of both victims. The point of view and insight are gripping and heart breaking at the same time.
This crime has stuck with me for many years.

good

this was a good read , i agree with capital punisment(we should Use it more often)

If you like true crime, you'll love this book

As a person who reads, studies, and writes true crime, this book will rest among the greats of our time. The author brilliantly and fairly tells the story of four individuals whose unfortunate paths cross one faithful night. I loved the narrative, the narration, the pace and the attention to detail. I highly recommend this book.

True crime story with literary writing

An astonishing book that reads like a beautifully written novel. Pitch perfect narration. One of my favorite true crime audiobooks and I've listened to many.