All That Is Wicked

A Gilded-Age Story of Murder and the Race to Decode the Criminal Mind

De: Kate Winkler Dawson

Narrado por: Kate Winkler Dawson

Acclaimed crime historian, podcaster, and author of American Sherlock Kate Winkler Dawson tells the thrilling story of Edward Rulloff—a serial murderer who was called “too intelligent to be killed”—and the array of 19th century investigators who were convinced his brain held the key to finally understanding the criminal mind.

Edward Rulloff was a brilliant yet utterly amoral murderer—some have called him a “Victorian-era Hannibal Lecter”—whose crimes spanned decades and whose victims were chosen out of revenge, out of envy, and sometimes out of necessity. From his humble beginnings in upstate New York to the dazzling salons and social life he established in New York City, at every turn Rulloff used his intelligence and regal bearing to evade detection and avoid punishment. He could talk his way out of any crime...until one day, Rulloff's luck ran out.

By 1871 Rulloff sat chained in his cell—a psychopath holding court while curious 19th-century "mindhunters" tried to understand what made him tick. From alienists (early psychiatrists who tried to analyze the source of his madness) to neurologists (who wanted to dissect his brain) to phrenologists (who analyzed the bumps on his head to determine his character), each one thought he held the key to understanding the essential question: Is evil born or made? Eventually, Rulloff’s brain would be placed in a jar at Cornell University as the prize specimen of their anatomy collection...where it still sits today, slowly moldering in a dusty jar. But his story—and its implications for the emerging field of criminal psychology—were just beginning.

Expanded from season one of her hit podcast on the Exactly Right network (seven million downloads and growing), in All That Is Wicked Kate Winkler Dawson draws on hundreds of source materials and never-before-shared historical documents to present one of the first glimpses into the mind of a serial killer—a century before the term was coined—through the scientists whose work would come to influence criminal justice for decades to come.

©2022 Kate Winkler Dawson (P)2022 Penguin Audio

Great storytelling

Great storytelling and detailed historical accounts from the 19th century, Kate Winkler Dawson is so talented and brilliant!

interesting story that I never heard

I love your writing! I am always looking to see what you have next!! love this story!!!

Another amazing story from Kate Winkler Dawson

I’ve listened to all of Kate’s podcasts and books, and this was no exception to her other great work. Clearly thoroughly researched with realistic perspectives, and interesting notes on history.

PLEASE STOP The Politicizing of Everything

I really enjoy true crime and forensic psychology. I was very excited to hear this story of a 19th century serial killer and what made him tic. And although the information in the book was interesting, at times it seemed a little disjointed. I would have given more stars, but I really didn’t care to hear how it’s Donald Trump’s real or perceived views on race that have basically created a horrible world past, present & future. If someone is writing a book like this, it’s best to stick to the facts (and document those facts appropriately and correctly especially when quoting people). Facts are peer reviewed journal articles, tested science theories, finely documented histories not political rhetoric. It really ruins the credibility of the author and the book when political opinion is sprinkled in a book who’s topic is unrelated to politics (IMO).

Good story

Really good story. Really well told. Could’ve possibly done with being a little bit more concise, but I guess there was a lot to cover. Overall, she did a fantastic job.

Fascinating

I found Kate Winkler Dawson through Buried Bones and was immediately drawn to her take on historical true crime. Her narration is measured and thoughtful, which allows the complex information to come through clearly. She smoothly transitions between the historical beliefs of the scientific community of the time and modern scientific beliefs. I think this is a great book for the true crime obsessed, the hobby historians (who are often also obsessed), and those who are new to either genre, but like a thorough and complex story.

I also love that it is a wonderful balance of history, science, crime, and justice, in all the convoluted ways those can be discussed. It is not lurid or gory or shocking for the sake of drama. It is straightforward as it can be and never feels like it dishonors the victims, which can be a major downside to many true crime stories.

Kate does it again

An absolutely fascinating read. I had never heard of Edward Rullof until I listened to tenfold more wicked. This was a fantastic deep dive into season 1. Great job Kate.

Awesome

I loved this book, knowledgeable informing and so incredibly great book. I applaud the author, I would recommend this book to everyone. I really enjoy everything about Kate Winkler Dawson

Interesting

Very interesting just a tad repetitive and long. Would recommend to any true crime fan.

Insanity and Murder

The interesting career of Edward Rulloff was exciting to say the least. In addition to murdering several people, and being accused of murdering two others, he was manically insane. Bent on producing what he considered "his life work" which was the study of language. He felt he could untangle the languages of the world through this work, and was determined to have it finished before his death.

During his lifetime, he was hounded by suspicion, which was rightly given. He was responsible for the murder of his wife, and most likely his baby daughter. He was suspected of killing a sister in law and her son.

Edward Rulloff is one of the more interesting serial killers that I have read about, and the many facets of his mind that were left unlocked due to the scientific methods of the day. While he deserved punishment for his crimes, there are many areas that could have given some interesting insights into the mind of someone who could be considered genius, yet entirely insane.

Fascinating read, and highly enjoyable.