-
Torture Mom
- A Chilling True Story of Confinement, Mutilation and Murder (True Crime)
- Narrated by: Steve White
- Length: 3 hrs and 50 mins
- Unabridged Audiobook
- Categories: Biographies & Memoirs, True Crime
Add to Cart failed.
Add to Wish List failed.
Remove from wishlist failed.
Adding to library failed
Follow podcast failed
Unfollow podcast failed
Buy for $14.95
No default payment method selected.
We are sorry. We are not allowed to sell this product with the selected payment method
Listeners also enjoyed...
-
Man-Eater
- The Terrifying True Story of Cannibal Killer Katherine Knight
- By: Ryan Green
- Narrated by: Steve White
- Length: 4 hrs and 21 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
On February 29, 2000, John Price took out a restraining order against his girlfriend, Katherine Knight. Later that day, he told his coworkers she had stabbed him and that if he were ever to go missing, it was because Knight had killed him. The next day, Price didn’t show up for work. A coworker was sent to check on him. They found a bloody handprint by the front door, and they immediately contacted the police. The local police force was not prepared for the chilling scene they were about to encounter.
-
-
Very interesting
- By timj26 on 02-26-19
By: Ryan Green
-
Secret Slave
- By: Anna Ruston
- Narrated by: Faye Adele
- Length: 7 hrs and 53 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Growing up in a deeply troubled family, 15-year-old Anna felt lost and alone in the world. So when a friendly taxi driver befriended her, Anna welcomed the attention, and agreed to go home with him to meet his family. She wouldn't escape for over a decade. Held captive by a sadistic pedophile, Anna was subjected to despicable levels of sexual abuse and torture. The unrelenting violence and degradation resulted in numerous miscarriages, and the birth of four babies.... each one stolen away from Anna at birth.
-
-
Page Turner!!
- By Valerie Delgado on 07-23-20
By: Anna Ruston
-
House of Evil
- The Indiana Torture Slaying
- By: John Dean
- Narrated by: John Glouchevitch
- Length: 6 hrs and 27 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In the heart of Indianapolis in the mid-1960s, through a twist of fate and fortune, a pretty young girl came to live with a 37-year-old mother and her seven children. What began as a temporary childcare arrangement between Sylvia Likens's parents and Gertrude Baniszewski turned into a crime that would haunt cops, prosecutors, and a community for decades to come. When police found Sylvia's emaciated body, with a chilling message carved into her flesh, they knew that she had suffered tremendously before her death.
-
-
Horrific
- By Karri on 05-29-18
By: John Dean
-
Call Me Tuesday
- Based on a True Story
- By: Leigh Byrne
- Narrated by: Allyson Ryan
- Length: 7 hrs and 42 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
At eight years old, Tuesday Storm's childhood is forever lost when the death of her older sister Audrey sends her family spiraling out of control into the darkest of dysfunction. In the wake of the tragedy, Tuesday's mother, distraught and looking for a scapegoat, singles Tuesday out from her siblings to take on the blame for Audrey's death, and then targets her for unspeakable abuse.
-
-
loved it, so glad she shared her story.
- By Olivia Telles on 05-01-16
By: Leigh Byrne
-
You Think You Know Me
- The True Story of Herb Baumeister and the Horror at Fox Hollow Farm
- By: Ryan Green
- Narrated by: Steve White
- Length: 3 hrs and 42 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In the fall of 1994, Erich Baumeister (13), was playing in a wooded area of his family’s estate, when he stumbled across a partially buried human skeleton. He presented the disturbing finding to his mother, Julie, who inquired about the skull to her husband, Herb. He told her that the skeleton belonged to his late father, an anesthesiologist. Astonishingly, Julie believed him. In You Think You Know Me, best-selling author Ryan Green assumes the role of Herb Baumeister and attempts to fill in the blanks on one of Indiana’s most mysterious serial killers.
-
-
No One Truly Knew Him ...
- By POLLY POIZENDEM on 07-30-19
By: Ryan Green
-
The Ryan Green True Crime Collection: Volume 1
- By: Ryan Green
- Narrated by: Ernie Sprance
- Length: 8 hrs and 41 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Four chilling true-crime stories in one collection from the best-selling author Ryan Green. Volume one contains some of Green’s most fascinating accounts of violence, abuse, deception, and murder.
-
-
2nd Volume is MUCH better
- By Mike on 12-31-18
By: Ryan Green
-
Man-Eater
- The Terrifying True Story of Cannibal Killer Katherine Knight
- By: Ryan Green
- Narrated by: Steve White
- Length: 4 hrs and 21 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
On February 29, 2000, John Price took out a restraining order against his girlfriend, Katherine Knight. Later that day, he told his coworkers she had stabbed him and that if he were ever to go missing, it was because Knight had killed him. The next day, Price didn’t show up for work. A coworker was sent to check on him. They found a bloody handprint by the front door, and they immediately contacted the police. The local police force was not prepared for the chilling scene they were about to encounter.
-
-
Very interesting
- By timj26 on 02-26-19
By: Ryan Green
-
Secret Slave
- By: Anna Ruston
- Narrated by: Faye Adele
- Length: 7 hrs and 53 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Growing up in a deeply troubled family, 15-year-old Anna felt lost and alone in the world. So when a friendly taxi driver befriended her, Anna welcomed the attention, and agreed to go home with him to meet his family. She wouldn't escape for over a decade. Held captive by a sadistic pedophile, Anna was subjected to despicable levels of sexual abuse and torture. The unrelenting violence and degradation resulted in numerous miscarriages, and the birth of four babies.... each one stolen away from Anna at birth.
-
-
Page Turner!!
- By Valerie Delgado on 07-23-20
By: Anna Ruston
-
House of Evil
- The Indiana Torture Slaying
- By: John Dean
- Narrated by: John Glouchevitch
- Length: 6 hrs and 27 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In the heart of Indianapolis in the mid-1960s, through a twist of fate and fortune, a pretty young girl came to live with a 37-year-old mother and her seven children. What began as a temporary childcare arrangement between Sylvia Likens's parents and Gertrude Baniszewski turned into a crime that would haunt cops, prosecutors, and a community for decades to come. When police found Sylvia's emaciated body, with a chilling message carved into her flesh, they knew that she had suffered tremendously before her death.
-
-
Horrific
- By Karri on 05-29-18
By: John Dean
-
Call Me Tuesday
- Based on a True Story
- By: Leigh Byrne
- Narrated by: Allyson Ryan
- Length: 7 hrs and 42 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
At eight years old, Tuesday Storm's childhood is forever lost when the death of her older sister Audrey sends her family spiraling out of control into the darkest of dysfunction. In the wake of the tragedy, Tuesday's mother, distraught and looking for a scapegoat, singles Tuesday out from her siblings to take on the blame for Audrey's death, and then targets her for unspeakable abuse.
-
-
loved it, so glad she shared her story.
- By Olivia Telles on 05-01-16
By: Leigh Byrne
-
You Think You Know Me
- The True Story of Herb Baumeister and the Horror at Fox Hollow Farm
- By: Ryan Green
- Narrated by: Steve White
- Length: 3 hrs and 42 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In the fall of 1994, Erich Baumeister (13), was playing in a wooded area of his family’s estate, when he stumbled across a partially buried human skeleton. He presented the disturbing finding to his mother, Julie, who inquired about the skull to her husband, Herb. He told her that the skeleton belonged to his late father, an anesthesiologist. Astonishingly, Julie believed him. In You Think You Know Me, best-selling author Ryan Green assumes the role of Herb Baumeister and attempts to fill in the blanks on one of Indiana’s most mysterious serial killers.
-
-
No One Truly Knew Him ...
- By POLLY POIZENDEM on 07-30-19
By: Ryan Green
-
The Ryan Green True Crime Collection: Volume 1
- By: Ryan Green
- Narrated by: Ernie Sprance
- Length: 8 hrs and 41 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Four chilling true-crime stories in one collection from the best-selling author Ryan Green. Volume one contains some of Green’s most fascinating accounts of violence, abuse, deception, and murder.
-
-
2nd Volume is MUCH better
- By Mike on 12-31-18
By: Ryan Green
-
A Family Secret
- My Shocking True Story of Surviving a Childhood in Hell
- By: Maureen Wood
- Narrated by: Rachel Atkins
- Length: 7 hrs and 30 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Abused from the age of eight by her older brother and then her step-father, Maureen Wood quickly became numb to the constant suffering. But Maureen’s world crumbled when her own mother started to abuse her too. A Family Secret is the harrowing true story of how one little girl survived sickening abuse by the people who should have loved her most and how an innocent baby finally saved her.
-
-
Bravery in Spades
- By Mama of Roses on 03-22-21
By: Maureen Wood
-
A Child Called 'It'
- One Child's Courage to Survive
- By: David Pelzer
- Narrated by: Brian Keeler
- Length: 3 hrs and 46 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Dave was in first grade when his unstable alcoholic mother began attacking him. Until he was in fifth grade, she starved, beat, and psychologically ravaged her son. Eventually denying even his identity, Dave's mother called him an "it" instead of using his name. Relentlessly, she drove him to the brink of death before authorities finally stepped in. With faith and hope, Dave grew determined to survive. He also knew that he needed to share his story.
-
-
Good one
- By Christy Medsker on 06-07-09
By: David Pelzer
-
Cupboard Boy: A Shockingly True Story of Horrific Child Abuse
- The PT Saunders Story, Book 1
- By: P.T. Saunders
- Narrated by: Paul Winter
- Length: 1 hr and 53 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Under the cover of anonymity, Paul Saunders courageously tells his shockingly true story of how he and his stepsiblings were repeatedly abused by their mother and stepfather. It doesn’t make “easy” listening, but living through it wasn’t fun, either.
-
-
Torture By Human Hands
- By Ceci on 06-30-20
By: P.T. Saunders
-
If I Can't Have You
- Susan Powell, Her Mysterious Disappearance, and the Murder of Her Children
- By: Gregg Olsen, Rebecca Morris
- Narrated by: Laural Merlington, Kevin Pierce
- Length: 10 hrs and 34 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The tragic story of Susan Powell and her murdered boys, Charlie and Braden, is the only case that rivals the Jon Benet Ramsey saga in the annals of true crime. When the pretty, blonde Utah mother went missing in December of 2009 the media was swept up in the story - with lenses and microphones trained on Susan's husband, Josh. He said he had no idea what happened to his young wife, and that he and the boys had been camping in the middle of a snowstorm.
-
-
The Coward and the Angels
- By Pulplife on 05-20-14
By: Gregg Olsen, and others
-
Spilled Milk
- Based on a True Story
- By: K. L. Randis
- Narrated by: K. L. Randis
- Length: 7 hrs and 43 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Brooke Nolan is a battered child who makes an anonymous phone call about the escalating brutality in her home. When social services jeopardize her safety, condemning her to keep her father's secret, it's a glass of spilled milk at the dinner table that forces her to speak about the cruelty she's been hiding. In her pursuit of safety and justice, Brooke battles a broken system that pushes to keep her father in the home.
-
-
Wow!
- By Sharey on 04-06-17
By: K. L. Randis
-
If You Tell
- A True Story of Murder, Family Secrets, and the Unbreakable Bond of Sisterhood
- By: Gregg Olsen
- Narrated by: Karen Peakes
- Length: 10 hrs and 34 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
After more than a decade, when sisters Nikki, Sami, and Tori Knotek hear the word mom, it claws like an eagle’s talons, triggering memories that have been their secret since childhood. Until now. For years, behind the closed doors of their farmhouse in Raymond, Washington, their sadistic mother, Shelly, subjected her girls to unimaginable abuse, degradation, torture, and psychic terrors. Through it all, Nikki, Sami, and Tori developed a defiant bond that made them far less vulnerable than Shelly imagined.
-
-
Why didn't you tell?
- By Muggle Mom on 01-02-20
By: Gregg Olsen
-
Kill 'Em All
- A True Story of Abuse, Revenge and the Making of a Monster (True Crime)
- By: Ryan Green
- Narrated by: Steve White
- Length: 4 hrs and 12 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In 1902, at the age of 11, Carl Panzram broke into a neighbour’s home and stole some apples, a pie, and a revolver...During his two-year detention, Carl was repeatedly beaten, humiliated, and raped by the school staff...Kill 'Em All is a chilling and gripping account of one of the most brutal and gruesome true crime stories in American history. Ryan Green’s riveting narrative draws the listener into the real-live horror experienced by the victims and has all the elements of a classic thriller.
-
-
A chilling predator
- By R. MCRACKAN on 08-06-19
By: Ryan Green
-
The Curse
- A Shocking True Story of Superstition, Human Sacrifice and Cannibalism (True Crime)
- By: Ryan Green
- Narrated by: Steve White
- Length: 3 hrs and 33 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In 1894, Leonarda Cianciulla was born into an abusive household. As a young girl, she attempted suicide twice. After decades of abuse, Leonarda sought stability and married Raffaele Pansardi. Her mother did not approve and conveyed her anger in the strongest possible sense. She cursed the marriage. Leonarda believed that her mother’s words had power and they haunted her. In 1939, Leonarda’s eldest son, Giuseppe, informed her that he was going to join the Army. She decided that the only way to protect him was through the most extreme means - human sacrifice.
-
-
What A Story!!!
- By Nicole on 01-20-20
By: Ryan Green
-
Buried Beneath the Boarding House
- A Shocking True Story of Deception, Exploitation and Murder
- By: Ryan Green
- Narrated by: Steve White
- Length: 3 hrs and 57 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In 1988, detectives from the Sacramento Police Department were called to investigate the disappearance of a man at his last known address - a boarding house for the elderly, homeless, and mentally ill. The owner, Dorothea Puente, was an adorable old lady who cared for stray cats and the rest of society’s castaways. She had a strong standing in the community and was celebrated for her selfless charitable work.
-
-
Sweet evil old lady
- By SisterSeven on 12-09-19
By: Ryan Green
-
Sins of Our Mothers: Skeletons in Our Closets
- By: Shana K. Dines
- Narrated by: Dani George
- Length: 8 hrs and 24 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
My mother was bipolar, mentally ill, a sociopath that not only got pregnant by my 15-year-old father but went on to abuse me in every way imaginable. This is my story. People have a hard time believing that women, especially mothers who are supposed to protect their children, can be molesters and pedophiles, but my mother was one. I am not only telling my story for my own recovery, exposing the sins of the mothers in our family, but to help others to see that if this happened to them, they are not alone, and they can recover and have healthy, reasonably happy lives.
-
-
Don’t Bother
- By Michael Ambrose on 03-30-21
By: Shana K. Dines
-
Obeying Evil
- The Mockingbird Hill Massacre Through the Eyes of a Killer
- By: Ryan Green
- Narrated by: Steve White
- Length: 3 hrs and 3 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
> Obeying Evil presents the shocking true story of Ronald Gene Simmons and the most disturbing family killing spree in the United States. Over the course of a week in 1987, he murdered 14 members of his own family, a former co-worker, and a stranger.
-
-
So Evil- Just Unbelievable
- By Susie Q on 10-21-19
By: Ryan Green
-
Sinclair: The World's End Murders through the Eyes of a Killer
- By: Ryan Green
- Narrated by: Steve White
- Length: 3 hrs and 2 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
On October 15 1977, Christine Eadie and Helen Scott left the World's End pub after a fun-filled night with two men in their arms. They had their whole lives ahead of them. They had nothing to fear and everything to look forward to. Their naked bodies were discovered the following day. They were found six miles apart from each other. No attempt had been made to conceal their bodies, and both girls had been beaten, gagged, tied, raped and strangled. The case attracted widespread media attention and despite the Police's best efforts, they were unable to identify a culprit.
-
-
fascinating story of a serial killer
- By Christine Newton on 04-02-18
By: Ryan Green
Publisher's Summary
In July 1965, teenagers Sylvia and Jenny Likens were left in the temporary care of Gertrude Baniszewski, a middle-aged single mother, and her seven children.
The Baniszewski household was overrun with children. There were few rules and ample freedom. Sadly, the environment created a dangerous hierarchy of social Darwinism where the strong preyed on the weak.
What transpired in the following three months was both riveting and chilling.
In October 1965, the body of Sylvia Likens was found in the basement of the Baniszewski home, where she had been imprisoned. She was starved, beaten, burned, and had the words "I am a prostitute and proud of it" carved into her stomach.
Gertrude Baniszewski oversaw and facilitated the torture and eventual murder of Sylvia Likens. While she played an active role in Sylvia's death, the majority of the abuse was carried out by her children and other neighborhood youths.
The case shocked the entire nation and would later be described as "The single worst crime perpetuated against an individual in Indiana's history".
Caution: This audiobook contains descriptive accounts of abuse and violence. If you are especially sensitive to this material, it might be advisable not to listen any further.
More from the same
What listeners say about Torture Mom
Average Customer RatingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Victoria Haugen
- 10-01-18
Sad, Angry... Lot of Emotions
Wow, I can't even fathom doing to ANY LIVING CREATURE what Gertrude Baniszewski did to young Sylvia Likens. It's gripping, horrific, and makes me really mad. But, sad thing is, it's not so uncommon, it happens a lot - did then and still does now. That's the really scary part.
This woman and those who are responsible for this unspeakable act deserve a place in Hell, and I'm glad they're there.
Very well written and well narrated book - I've read, listened to or watched stories about many horrific things, and this one is one that will haunt you. It's hard to hear, but needs to be told. I long for a world where this crap doesn't happen.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
Please take a moment to click the "YES" ("Helpful") button below if you found this review helpful :) Thank you!
49 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- cafurg
- 08-14-18
Unimaginably Tragic
This is the story of Sylvia Likens of Indianapolis, Indiana in the 1960s. She was brutally, brutally, brutally, tortured and murdered for no reason whatsoever. I feel that it is important to say her name. I live in Indy and have known this story all my life. This book has a slightly different perspective, so it was interesting to kind of get the back story of the adult murderous ringleader. I refuse to state her name, although I will never forget it. Sylvia suffered horrendously basically due to what began as shallow jealously. How, and why, the neighborhood kids came over and joined in, is beyond me. The penalties for these people were either non-existent or extremely lenient. None of the perpetrators should have ever seen the light of day. It is a difficult story, but Sylvia deserves for the truth to be told. The narration was smooth and easy to follow.
Rest in Peace, Dear Sylvia.
-I was provided this audiobook at no charge by the author, publisher and/or narrator in exchange for an unbiased review via Audiobook Boom.
19 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- jstep
- 08-13-18
Simply unbelievable how beyond cruel people can be
Torture Mom by Ryan Green left me pretty speechless. The fact that it's a true story is just...wow. I know the book has a warning that if you're sensitive to descriptive account of abuse and violence then you may not want to listen to this story is a well placed warning. I love true crime, horror, suspense, etc. and this was just over the top. Gertrude Baniszewski is pure evil, plain and simple. What she did, and allowed and encouraged others to do to poor Sylvia and Jenny Likens is just reprehensible beyond anything I can even describe. While listening, I was thinking of the psychological affect that she had on her children and the other kids that she allowed and encouraged to torture Sylvia and I'm just speechless. It's difficult to listen to, but if you want a true crime story that will really get under your skin, this is the book you want to listen to.
Steve White did a good job narrating this audiobook. I simply don't have a complaint. Did his narration blow me away? No, but this wasn't a book where the narration allowed the reader to really show off narration skills. He did a good job and I had no problem following along and enjoying the listen, as well as one can "enjoy" this type of story. I'd listen to narrations of his in the future. I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator, or publisher for an honest review.
Did you find this review helpful? If so, would you please take a moment and select the 'helpful' button below? Thanks so much!
6 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- R. MCRACKAN
- 05-21-19
Not for everyone
I read a lot of true crime and I'm used to encountering depraved violence. However, most of those instances are against teens and adults, not young children. And it's usually 1 victim after another, not continued brutality toward 1 person. This book was extremely uncomfortable to listen to.
The author injects a lot of unsettling details to flesh out and humanize the abuse. To some extent there's probably something wrong with a writer (and narrator) who produces these embellishments but I sure am glad he has an outlet with non-fiction crime novels. I was starting to suspect that the author was enjoying himself a bit too much so I did just a few web searches to make sure this wasn't merely his twisted fantasy. Sure enough, this wretched case is true and it appears to be every inch as messed up as this book depicts. Maybe I was just hoping it was the product of a sick writer. The reality that this woman perpetrated such sadism makes you question your belief in goodness.
This book was given to me for free at my request and I provided this voluntary review.
8 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Teresa Noel
- 09-17-18
buckle up for this ride
Over the years I have read many articles, books, and seen websites on the Sylvia Likens case. This is one of the most horrible torture deaths I have heard of. I listened to this book straight through. I just cannot believe anyone could be so horrible at what this woman is responsible for.
Ryan Green has done an amazing job with this book. Laying out the facts that are no known.
Steve White narrated thus story and kept me enthralled and a little sick to my stomach with this book.
I was given this title at my request and chose to leave this review.
10 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Simone
- 04-14-19
Depraved
I consume a lot of true crime content and rarely am I shook by something I read or hear. I've even heard this story before, and upon the retelling by Ryan Green, I was freshly and deeply disturbed. If you're sensitive to child abuse, you'll definitely want to avoid this book. Sylvia Likens is about as likable of a young woman as one could find. That doesn't stop (and perhaps is one of the reasons why) Gertrude Baniszewski and her band of violent children from torturing her until she ultimately dies. This is a heartbreaking tale about the worst of what human depravity has to offer. I found it fascinating and horrifying how easily Gert was able to manipulate the children around her into doing unspeakable things. This is a study in real world terror. Steve White gives a really good performance.
I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator, or publisher.
2 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- wdarling
- 03-17-19
Really hard to listen to
This is an incredibly sad story to listen to. The torture of this young girl is hard to fathom, much less read about in detail. Gertrude was a monster, along with her children and I can’t imagine how the whole family went along with and participated in this torture.
Well written and narrated. The only thing I’m really taking away from listening to this book is that monsters are indeed real and walk amongst us.
2 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Gabrielle
- 09-04-18
Torture Mom
When a sadistic and mentally unstable woman takes in a pair of poor and homeless sister’s the chaos and the horror begins. Life has never been easy for the Likens sisters, but it turns into Hell when they are taken in to the Baniszewski house. Soon the daily torture that Sylvia has to deal with becomes too much and her body is found mutilated and emaciated and thrown into the basement of the home. When the truth comes out the Baniszewski family is put on trail and judged for their crimes. This is a disturbing tale of what pain one woman can inflict and teach others to do. The horrible truth of what the poor girl had to endure is a painful to read. One can never understand what drives people to do such things. What Sylvia endures was beyond torture and humiliation but must be told so that people will recognize the signs and be human enough to step up and question things before something like this happens again. Narrator Steve White does a good job of bringing the facts of this story to life. He speaks clearly and at a good pace. This story is a hard tale to listen to but hopefully we will learn from it.
I received this audiobook at my request and I voluntarily wrote a review.
5 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- POLLY POIZENDEM
- 08-04-19
Heartbreaking Horror . . .
As the title implies, this is indeed a sad case of torture, in very graphic detail. The listener will be more than surprised to learn how long this had gone on for, as I was. Although many were in on it and had participated, surprisingly no one that could save the girl from abuse was made aware, or even slightly suspicious. This is a hard one to get through - hard to listen to - yet hard to NOT listen to. Wow. Of the hundreds of true crime books I’ve read, it’s one of the most shocking, for sure.
The author did an excellent job at making you feel like a fly on the wall during all the events that took place, and the narrator was great! I received this book in exchange for my honest opinion - it was quite well done - and it will definitely leave you gasping in disbelief. All the way to the very unexpected outcome!!!
4 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- timj26
- 05-28-19
Excellent
Ryan has quickly become my go to for true crime
This real life horror story is based on testimony from the trial
As brutal as this is I can only imagine what Sylvia’s side would uncover
Steve’s narration is fantastic once again highly recommended
I received a free review audiobook and voluntarily left this review
5 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Karen
- 08-09-18
Shocking
Im not sure how to describe this book, I would recommend it to fans of true crime, but I was thankful for the warning given to me by the author before I listened to it
It is a truely shocking book, and really hard to listen to in places, at times I felt physically sick. It is very graphic
How a mum, or another human can cause this sort of suffering to a child is beyond me, and to have the sort of control over others, to be able to get them to keep quite and even participate.
Sylvia was let down by so many people, it really is heart breaking
I was given this book in exchange for an honest review
8 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Selina ryles
- 11-16-19
truly unnerving and harrowing
I had not heard of this true story before reading / listening to this book. It is a great length to be listened to in one sitting and I was eager to start. From the offset it became apparent just how much research the author had carried out to provide readers with the smallest of details. Yes its hard to listen to at times due to the nature of the crime committed - but it is truly harrowing and will stay in your mind for a long time after the last page has been read. She was just evil in the finest form - pure evil . I was given this book by the author/narrator in return for an honest and unbiased review
1 person found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Rosemarie Bridget Russell
- 02-13-22
chilling!
really enjoyed this book, very disturbing. would highly recommend if you a true chilling experience
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- AmorisAtropa
- 08-22-21
The most harrowing case I've ever heard.
This is a tough listen, one that requires a strong constitution to overcome each gruesomely narrated chapter. The book almost has the audience relive every horrific moment in the later life of Sylvia Likens and it's very difficult to not feel empathy and pain in the stomach having heard the terrible things this innocent girl endured. That is what makes this book so well written and narrated. It makes you feel pain, rage and sorrow that comes with the extremes of the bystander effect and just how little rights, children of the 60s/70s actually had, how non existent their protection really was. Truely awful.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Cindy
- 05-09-21
True portrayal of human nature
If you want to know the aspects of human nature look no further than this book. It has all 7 deadly sins portrayed in this well written account of a matriarch and her young victims.
But this sad tale is not just about the matriarch, it includes, her children, their friends, a reverend, a school, a neighbourhood, social workers and Sylvia, her sister and their parents.
With the transcripts of witness statements etc. Ryan Green has exposed all the bad aspects of human nature, including our choice to ignore, and look the other way, preferring to believe what hear so we can continue not to get involved.
If you like to listen or read about sadistic acts perpetrated on another human being, you will not be disappointed. The narrator takes you through all the grisly details of what Sylvia endured.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Kelly Robinson
- 12-17-20
sick absolutely heartbreaking
A hard listen. However it was a good book. if you can stomach this kind of thing, torture and abuse to the unthinkable then read the book. was not keen on narrator voice though
-
Overall

- deafmick
- 05-25-20
☺
As all ways ryan green audio book is 100% got to give it 5 out of 5
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Emily
- 05-02-20
Confusing
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
So this book felt more like fictionalized torture erotica than an actual true crime novel; there were many many chapters dedicated to the re-enactment of the sexual torture that Sylvia Likens suffered and it was really graphic. This book is not well paced and it jumps a lot which can make it quite confusing. I did have to have wikipedia open to follow what was happened as I listened to the book. As such, there did seem to be quite a few discrepancies in the novel, which makes the crime feel even more heinous than it already is.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- claire fellows
- 12-15-19
ok
was interested as to how a person can do this to a child or another person .but never gave full explanation as to why it happened. so a bit let down .
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Elizabeth Frounks
- 11-13-19
Graphic but Captivating
As others have said, this is a really graphic tale. One that is difficult to understand and comprehend at times. It boggles the mind how someone can treat another person like this, how they can treat their own child like this.
Perhaps it is an idea to be honest with how strong your stomach is, this isn't for the faint of heart.
*I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Anonymous User
- 10-25-21
Don’t download this
I’m a huge fan of true crime - the psychology behind it etc. I had previously heard of this case, but this audiobook totally glorifies the crime and violence in an unapologetic and disrespectful manner. I did not finish it.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Anonymous User
- 10-03-21
Heart breaking
This case is one that really has stuck with me, every time I hear the details is like the first time, I can’t believe anyone could be so cruel. Its devastating to think about and makes me so angry
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Dandeleo
- 08-25-21
unrelenting, laboured and unrewarding
the narrator was fine, the story was interesting enough, but hours of listening to the girl being tortured was just too much for the eventual payoff, which was only a few minutes worth and ultimately unsatisfying. really became unpleasant and, sadly, even monotonous. i like true crime but this was just nasty.