Sample
  • The Pied Piper

  • Bloodlands collection
  • By: Harold Schechter
  • Narrated by: Steven Weber
  • Length: 1 hr and 5 mins
  • 4.3 out of 5 stars (1,128 ratings)

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The Pied Piper

By: Harold Schechter
Narrated by: Steven Weber
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Publisher's summary

With makeup and an affected Elvis pout, Tucson’s Charlie Schmid was a crude parody of a bad-boy heartthrob. In 1964, he still had a hold on girls who’d follow him anywhere. He murdered three of them.

It was the dawn of the free-love movement - perfect for a magnetic madman who’d also foreshadow its end a few years later in the malignant charisma of Charles Manson. The inspiration for a classic story by Joyce Carol Oates, Schmid, the most bizarre serial killer of any era, was the epitome of a narcissist flattered into believing he could get away with murder.

The Pied Piper is part of Bloodlands, a chilling collection of short addictive historical narratives from bestselling true-crime master Harold Schechter. Spanning a century in our nation’s murderous past, Schechter resurrects nearly forgotten tales of madmen and thrill-killers that dominated the most sensational headlines of their day.

©2018 Harold Schechter (P)2018 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.

What listeners say about The Pied Piper

Average customer ratings
Overall
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
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  • 3 Stars
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  • 2 Stars
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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    3 out of 5 stars

A bit sexist but informative

At first I thought this was the literal old story of the pied Piper complete with magical flute. Imagine my surprise when the narrator began talking about murder.

I found it to be a good summary of the story, however, the author seemed to be a bit judgy of women. Calling Mary Finch "dumpy" and another "promiscuous/ admired prostitutes" for getting paid for what other girls gave away for free. The book might be old though. It's very factual and that's about all.

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

interesting

very interesting story. a lot better than the others. I cant believe how crazy some people are.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

enjoying the bloodland collection

I am enjoying the bloodland collection! this is my fourth book of the series. I really like the little bits of history you get in each story.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

Fast read

Simple read and straight tell. No speculation or insight into criminality. The subject is hidden in the past.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

Short True Story

I found it distressing how many people knew about it but didn't notify the police and how easy he manipulated others.

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

like listening to a crime show on TV

It was well read and written. felt like listening to a TV show about old crimes.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Genuinely Disturbing. Love It!!

Growing being told about the Mansons, I'm surprised this isn't talked about more. Can't Recommend Enough this whole series!

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    3 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

The pied piper

interesting... I was not aware of this crime until I listened to this audio book.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

Dark History

This story gives the reader a very differwnt view of Americas sweetheart period! Great performance!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Nicely done

Proper depth and length, very well done. Interesting story. The time will fly right by.

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