Judgment Ridge

The True Story Behind the Dartmouth Murders

De: Dick Lehr, Mitchell Zuckoff

Narrado por: Danny Campbell

On a cold night in January 2001, the idyllic community of Dartmouth College was shattered by the discovery that two of its most beloved professors had been hacked to death in their own home. Investigators searched helplessly for clues linking the victims, Half and Susanne Zantop, to their murderer or murderers.

A few weeks later, across the river, in the town of Chelsea, Vermont, police cars were spotted in front of the house of high school senior Robert Tulloch. The police had come to question Tulloch and his best friend, Jim Parker. Soon, the town discovered the incomprehensible reality that Tulloch and Parker, two of Chelsea's brightest and most popular sons, were now fugitives, wanted for the murders of Half and Susanne Zantop.

Authors Mitchell Zuckoff and Dick Lehr provide a vivid explication of a murder that captivated the nation, as well as dramatic revelations about the forces that turned two popular teenagers into killers. Judgement Ridge conveys a deep appreciation for the lives (and the devastating loss) of Half and Susanne Zantop, while also providing a clear portrait of the killers, their families, and their community-and, perhaps, a warning to any parent about what evil may lurk in the hearts of boys.

©2003 Dick Lehr and Mitchell Zuckoff (P)2020 Tantor

Interesting, But Not Compelling

This is in essence a very interesting, though disturbing, true story. However, I found it not to be compelling for the most part. It has too much detail which I felt was included just to fill up pages, and it had too much "touchy-feely" content for my liking. It would make a great condensed book.

probably the least enchanting of Mitchell zukogf's

Probably the least enchanting of the Mitchell zukoffs
works. I am definitely a Zukoff fan

Wordy!

The story was very interesting and Danny Campbell is my favorite narrator. However...this book was the most detailed book! Not only did you feel like it was describing every nuance of the main characters’ lives, you learned everything about every fringe character too! I think we now know the back story to all Chelsea residents. Way too much non-essential information made this book feel never ending. If condensed, it could have been great.

Good but a bit long-winded

The plot, writing style and Danny Campbell's narration are all 5 stars. The only issue I had was that at some points things got a little long-winded. Packaged in between a little too much dirty deed prep and character back story was a gem. For those that like an abundance of setup and drill down, this will be one of your favorites as in every other way I felt this was a winner.

Well told story about two teens committing a slasher fantasy

I liked the way the author wrote about this true crime, as well as its narration. The story kept my attention throughout, as we learn about the lives of two troubled, bored high school students in New England who committed the ultimate crime. Jim and Robert hatched a scheme to break into a house, then overcome and rob the residents as a way to raise money to leave their hometown.

This audiobook shocked me. I have listened to many other true crime selections on Audible, and murder is always horrible. But the lack of conscience of the two boys from seemingly normal families, nonchalant about committing brutal murder with combat knives, was so disturbing. Equally disturbing was the fate of two innocent victims, well liked professors who tried to help the boys at their door with environmental research (which they used as a ruse).

Engrossing true- crime account

Highly interesting case of two seemingly ordinary youths who partake in a gruesome crime. Competent narrator, not overly animated but gets the job done fine.

Good Read

Judgement Ridge was very interesting, couldn't stop listening to it. Sometimes I got caught up in the detail and had to go back and listen several times. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys nonfiction.

Stay on topic!

Good book with a lot of info, too much information! It's nice to have side notes and well investigated background information but dedicated 30+ minutes to a side topic (school system for example) takes away from the main story, losing my attention. Make the point then quickly tie it in with the main story!

Review

The story is very interesting but way way too long. There is no detail to small to include, which takes away from from the momentum of the story, but no stone is left unturned. The organization of the story also complicates the story.

Teenage Boys Unimaginable Crimr

The story of how two high school friends could plot and carry out such a brutal crime with all the details is very revealing in the comprehensive story of a book worthy of the best of True Crime interests.