The Cannister Trials

From the King, Book 3

By: Makitia Thompson

Narrated by: Aldus H Chapin II

She was a beloved teacher. A trusted guardian. A monster hiding in plain sight. From 1988 to 2009, Emily Cannister—kindergarten teacher, community favorite, and secret killer—kidnapped and murdered fifteen children. To the outside world, she was kind and nurturing. But behind closed doors, she was consumed by obsession, delusion, and a twisted longing to claim the children she could never have. In 2012, during her third murder trial, Emily confessed. But her admission raised more questions than it answered. Now, in a chilling 2014 prison interview, Cole King—the relentless investigator from The Killer Across the Street—sits face-to-face with one of the most horrifying child killers in modern history.

In a disturbing and emotional exchange, Emily details how her victims died, where their bodies were hidden, and why she believed they had to be silenced. But as Emily speaks, the truth becomes harder to pin down, and Cole must decide how much of her story is confession—and how much is manipulation.

The Cannister Trials is a dark, heart-wrenching descent into the psyche of a woman who destroyed countless lives in her pursuit of a delusional dream. Gritty, emotional, and unflinching, this crime biographical thriller dares to ask: how does someone become a killer—and why do they need you to understand?

©2025 Minds In Design (P)2025 Makitia Thompson

Disturbing but Impossible to Turn Off

This audiobook really got under my skin. The way Emily describes what she did to those children is horrifying, but somehow I couldn’t stop listening. The deeper she sank into her delusions, the more I found myself needing to know what she’d say next. It’s dark, emotional, and told in a way that feels way too real at times.

The narration was solid and matched the tone of the story well. Steady, haunting, and believable. A few moments could’ve used a bit more emotional punch, but overall it kept me fully engaged from start to finish.

Gripping Story

The story is what kept me glued to my headphones. Dark, disturbing, and impossible to stop listening to. The narration did a good job carrying the interview, though I think a bit more emotion in key moments would have made it even more intense. Still, the chilling details and the way Emily’s psyche is revealed make this a must-listen for true crime fans.

Dark, twisted, and hard to look away

This story is one of those listens that grabs you and doesn’t let go. Hearing Emily Cannister recount her crimes in her own twisted way is both unsettling and oddly gripping. The way she frames her actions is so deeply narcissistic that you almost catch yourself believing her reasoning, until you remember you’re listening to a woman who killed children. It’s chilling, uncomfortable, and unforgettable.

The narration pulls you in and fits the confessional style well, though I sometimes wished the delivery matched Emily’s cold arrogance a little more. Still, the story itself is powerful enough to keep you locked in from start to finish.

Couldn’t stop listening

This audiobook had me hooked right from the start. The story is dark and disturbing, but so well told that I found myself listening longer than I planned every time. Emily Cannister is terrifying and fascinating all at once, and the interview style makes it feel real in a chilling way. Easily one of the best true-crime style listens I’ve picked up in a while.