Wicked Takes the Witness Stand

A Tale of Murder and Twisted Deceit in Northern Michigan

By: Mardi Link

Narrated by: Jim McCance

Length: 15 hrs and 3 mins

Publisher's summary

A New York Times best seller! On a bitterly cold afternoon in December 1986, a Michigan State trooper found the frozen body of Jerry Tobias in the bed of his pickup truck. The 31-year-old oil field worker and small-time drug dealer was curled up on his side against the truck's bare metal, pressed against the tailgate, clad only in jeans, a checkered shirt, and cowboy boots. Inside the cab of the truck was a fresh package of expensive steaks from a local butcher shop, the first lead in a case that would be quickly lost in a thicket of bungled forensics, shady prosecution, and a psychopathic star witness out for revenge.

Multiple award-winning author Mardi Link's third book of Michigan true crime, Wicked Takes the Witness Stand, unravels this mysterious and still-unsolved case that sucked state police and local officials into a morass of perjury and cover-up, and ultimately led to the separate conviction and imprisonment of five innocent men. This unbelievable story will leave the listener shocked and aching for justice.

©2014, 2016 Mardi Link (P)2016 Mardi Jo Link

Thrilling and well acted! Relentlessly researched

This thing was riveting. It came as such a surprise since I was given the recommendation by one of the local prosecuting attorneys here in Northen Michigan — thinking, “Oh it can’t be as great as he perceives it since he was involved.” I live in Traverse City... One of the best conclusions to a true crime book I’ve ever read. The narrator does a superb job giving new voice to each character.

Shocking miscarriage of justice

What a compelling and ultimately heartbreaking miscarriage of justice. The resolution of this story leaves more questions than answers, but then again, life does not always wrap things up with a tidy bow. You are left with the uncomfortable feeling that if these men could be unjustly accused and convicted, perhaps it could happen to you as well. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, although the narration was slow-paced. I listened to it at 1.25x speed, and that made it perfect.

Great read

Well written. Opens your eyes that there sometimes is a thin line between the guilty/inmate and law enforcement.

Police and Prosecutors run amok!

Having worked in northern Michigan as an ME 18 years, I've seen the inside of the system. The prejudice and bias runs both ways in the legal system. This is an extream case of win at all costs and never admit your wrong.

captivating book

I wasn't a fan of the narrator personally I thought he was a bit flat, but the content of the book was great. I loved hearing names I know now even though I was a kid when that happened.

OMG

this is up there among the best books of all time for me. it was/is better than any fictional horror story, drama, crime drama, etc. Highly recommend. You will amazed, angry frightened, and astounded. Get it now - you will be glad you did. Sadly, the end isn't the end as some of the key players lived on - and I am sure there are others just like them waiting in the wings.

Mind Numbing

Twelve of the dumbest people on earth put five innocent men in jail. No Excuses.

Scary…

This shows how wrong it can go when the people in law enforcement are not willing to follow the law themselves. Absolutely scary.

slow

this book took me forever to get thru. it was so slow. didn't like reader

This book is fantastic!

What made the experience of listening to Wicked Takes the Witness Stand the most enjoyable?

I've spent time in Gaylord. I have family who live there and the places the book talks about I know first hand.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Wicked Takes the Witness Stand?

When the Suspects were found guilty!

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

He has a great voice. A voice that lets the reader know the seriousness of the situation that the 5 suspects find themselves in. If I were to read the book, I don't think the severity of the situation would come across as ominous like the way Jim McCane reads it.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The perserverance of the defense attorneys and when they finally won their case.

Any additional comments?

Really good book. A real cliff hanger. If it can happen to these 5 gentlemen, it can happen to anyone.