Before He Wakes: A True Story of Money, Marriage, Sex and Murder

De: Jerry Bledsoe

Narrado por: Kevin Stillwell

The true story of Barbara Stager, a devoted mother, loving wife, and dedicated church leader who committed an almost perfect crime.

By all accounts, Stager seemed to lead the perfect life in her community in Durham, North Carolina. After her husband, popular high school coach Russ, died tragically, the police were inclined to believe her story - that she accidentally shot him. Suspicions rose when the police discovered that Stager's previous husband had died similarly 10 years prior. Detective Rick Buchanan searches for the truth and finds a string of compulsive lies, obsessive spending, and sexual promiscuity. Ever shocking new discovery unraveled Barbara Stager's impeccable image more and more.

Russ left a damning piece of evidence behind that reveals the shocking nightmare truth about his wife.

©1994 Jerry Bledsoe (P)2015 ListenUp Production, LLC

Murder most evil

How cheap life has become. We all have two faces one we present to the world and the other to our families. We are all guilty of things but hopefully not murder. Our justice systems all over the world seem to favor the perpetrator and condemn the victim.

Good story almost ruined by awful narrator

This narrator drove me nuts. He had a habit of putting emphasis on the wrong syllables over and over until I was ready
to scream! And his use of the word PO lice almost made me stop listening.

However, I didn't stop listening. Jerry Bledsoe is a superior crime writer. I really liked the book. It's very detailed which is what I like.

Wow!

This story had me glued to my headphones. I couldn't wait to hear what was going to happen next. Truly a sad commentary on the power of greed and its devastating results. Excellent narrator as well. Highly recommend this for all of the true crime fans out there.

Michigan murder

Found the story sad that it took so long to bring justice to the families

Kept Me Listening!

I already knew a bit about this case so I was interested in knowing more. I couldn't have asked for a better listen! The story was well told and the presenter was clear, had a lot of expression, and really gave a picture to the words!! What a great choice this book was!

Very good true crime book- sub-par narration

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I'd recommend the book, not necessarily the audio book

Who was your favorite character and why?

Doesn't apply

Did the narration match the pace of the story?

The narrator's voice is very pleasant; however, he reads many sentences and phrases with odd or awkward emphasis, and almost reminded me of a small child reading to the end of a line, then pausing, and then taking up the next part of the sentence as if it was a new sentence, if that makes sense. Also pronounced words like "pillow" as "pillah" and "window" as "windah" - seemed odd to me, though the action takes place is the south, so, not sure if that's intentional.

Southern fried homicide never sounded so good.

A fascinating tale famous in North Carolina. This book includes details never revealed at trial, but beyond that, it's an investigative classic.

OK book

What did you like best about Before He Wakes: A True Story of Money, Marriage, Sex and Murder? What did you like least?

It seems to be well researched

Any additional comments?

Narration is good but the book kind of bores me...I don't know why...

Intriguing

I will never understand how some people plan somebody else's death to get money and cover their shopping sprees. Heartbreaking cautionary tale. Beware who you marry, get to know them before you tie the knot.

Black Widow

This tale makes one wonder what detectives think about when they investigate suspicious deaths. Yes, they have to be careful, yes they have to proceed with caution in order to ensure that the perpetrator doesn't escape on a technicality, but doesn't a second "accidental" shooting of a sleeping husband cry out for an aggressive investigation?