Rough Trade

A Shocking True Story of Prostitution, Murder, and Redemption

By: Steve Jackson

Narrated by: Kevin Pierce

Length: 8 hrs and 52 mins

Publisher's summary

Early one morning in May, 1997, a young couple on their way to work in the mountains of Colorado spotted a man dragging a body up a secluded trail. The beautiful, densely wooded area off a dirt road seemed such an incongruous place for a violent crime that at first the couple had a hard time believing what they were seeing. It was all too real; the man fled, leaving behind a bloody, dying woman.

Indeed, the investigation into the death of young street-walker Anita Paley would lead from that idyllic spot to the seamy underbelly of Denver and a world of prostitution, drug dealers, and violent criminals. And it would expose the lives of two of that world's inhabitants, the suspect Robert Riggan and Anita's friend Joanne Cordova, a former cop-turned-crack-addict and hooker.

In the past, Cordova had submitted to violent sex with Riggan in exchange for drugs; it was just part of her life on the mean streets. But when her friend Anita was murdered, Joanne had to make a choice. She could face the humiliation and go to her former colleagues on the police department and tell them what she suspected, which would also put her own life in danger as "snitch", or she could look the other way and let a suspected killer walk free and continue his violent attacks on women. But which would she choose?

©2016 Steve Jackson (P)2016 WildBlue Press

Bob's "most favorite place in the whole world" . .

In general, prostitution and drugs are not my *preferred* subject matter, however - - with Kevin Pierce narrating this in that wonderful fine aged wine voice of his, how could I resist?

The story of the brutality and horrors these women endured in their "last resort lifestyle" as drug addicted prostitutes was just unbelievable! Further making their lives even MORE miserable, if that's even possible, add pathological liar/killer Robert Riggan into the mix. In addition to having the ability to instantly flip from generous & pleasant to sadistic & evil...he surely must hold some kind of record for changing his version of "what REALLY happened" a dozen times or so once he was caught.

One woman CAN help bring him down for good - but will they believe her? After all, she IS "just an addict/prostitute" herself, right? Will she do the right thing which may put her own life at risk out on the street by testifying against a John?

I have to admit: The trial phase had me screaming vulgarities at my speakers, as I listened to the defense testimony arguments of how the victim's severe sexual mutilation *COULD* have happened by way of some (ahem) "ordinary accident".

I was delighted to recieve this audiobook in exchange for an honest review. I liked it, and would have glady dropped the credit on this one. True Crime + Kevin Pierce = Excellent.

Very Good!

Great Narrator, great book. Good forgotten story. Highly recommended.The story was very well writen, Thank you.

Snitches end up in ditches

Any additional comments?

I have to start with how much I love this narrator his voice and tone are great for this genre.. I learned a lot about this case in this book… you first learn about the early lives of the key players in this book and in detail about the crime completed all the way up to the court case and resolution of the case… I really enjoyed this book and would highly recommend!!
"This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of Audiobookboom”

Rough Trade

Any additional comments?

Interesting and engaging. This story pulls you from the first paragraph and never lets go. As your listening to the story unfold you have to keep reminding yourself this is all based on a true story.

The story itself will pull you through an emotional roller coaster. I had to keep reminding myself these are/were all real people. There are some truly evil people in this world and Robert Riggan was one of them. Joanne Cordova and the different paths her life took were heartbreaking to listen to. Even though she was pulled into that life and could of looked the other way, it took a tremendous amount of courage for her to testify against a killer while at the same time putting herself out there to be subjected to the judgement of the world.

As the author explained/asked in the beginning of the book why he changed the title of the story to include the word redemption, I agree. This was a story of redemption for Joanne.

Kevin Pierce does a fantastic job with the narration. He's one of my favorite narrators. It doesn't matter what he's narrating he just has a way of bringing the stories and characters to life.

I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator or publisher

Five star book, a must read if you enjoy true crime

This book was excellent from beginning to end. I could not put it down once I picked it up. Kevin Pearce is one of my favorite narrators, he was at the top of his game on this book. I would have gladly spent a credit on this novel, fortunately I didn't have to because it was provided at no cost to me for an honest review i can not wait to read, smooth talker.

must read

very interesting book. I will listen to any thing Kevin pierce is narrator he just has that kind of voice the stories were good it was a shame the police lady went down so far I have listen to this book twice now. I received this book from the author, publisher and or narrator for a honest and unbiased review I received this book via audio book boom dot com

Horrendous crime

Although this book wasn't as gruesome as most of the books True Crime junkies like me love to devour, the crime itself was horrible. The author sucks you in at the beginning and you will want to see it through the end - if only to find out what becomes of the heroine. The story was mostly interesting and I found the victim sympathetic, apart from the horrendous crime she had to endure. As for the narrator, for those of you unfamiliar with the "crime scribe" Kevin Pierce, he has the perfect voice for True Crime. He should narrate every TC book, he IS that awesome! There isn't a TC book narrated by Kevin Pierce that I won't listen to, regardless of who the author is. If I had to compare this book to ALL the other TC I've read/listened to - I'd give it a "C". It was just average.

Well told true crime story

What did you love best about Rough Trade?

The author told the story well, including back stories of key individuals.

Who was your favorite character and why?

JoJo. What she did (testifying at the risk of her safety and her family finding out some truths about her) was very brave.

What about Kevin Pierce’s performance did you like?

Kevin Pierce's narration was spectacular. He is by far my favorite true crime narrator.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

As with all true crime stories, I was sad for the victims.

Any additional comments?

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

Loved it

Would you listen to Rough Trade again? Why?

for sure many reasons it was a great read

What was one of the most memorable moments of Rough Trade?

The courtroom decision on the death penalty I thought was very interesting.

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

Smooth voice don't really know why but very relaxing feeling listening to him I could and have fallen asleep while listening if relaxing.

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

Duality of man and how good and evil exist in our daily lives

Any additional comments?

I would highly suggest this author Jackson. New to me I already started "Smooth Talker" with no particular order of his novels just seemed interesting Combined with Pierce makes it an must listen for me!!

Pretty good. A few forced segments.

Worth a listen. Some parts dragged on or were repetitive. Denver and the mountains present a unique backdrop.

Very good

Wow the woman was a cop then turned into a CW wow and that evil psycho how he get away with it for so long america back then omg whats with 2 pretty women marrying this evil ugly man

Compelling take of drugs, sex workers, death

Gripping and disturbing story of how very easy it is to fall from grace
Brliant

Different view of the crime

A very interesting true crime story.
Well written and researched.
Sometimes a story needs to be told.