Bluegrass

A True Story of Murder in Kentucky

By: William Van Meter

Narrated by: Ed Sala

Widely published journalist William Van Meter returned to his hometown of Bowling Green, Kentucky, to research this harrowing account of a horrifying crime that occurred at Western Kentucky University.

In 2003, attractive college student Katie Autry was found dead in her dorm room after being raped, stabbed, and set on fire. As Van Meter delves into the facts of the case, further disturbing information surfaces.

In telling the true story of this shocking crime, Bluegrass describes the devastation of not one but three families. Two young men, whose lives seem preordained to intertwine, are jailed for the crime: DNA evidence places Stephen Soules, an unemployed, mixed-race high-school dropout, at the scene, and Lucas Goodrum, a 21-year-old pot dealer with an ex-wife, a girlfriend still in high school, and an inauspicious history of domestic abuse, is held by an ever-changing confession. The friends of the suspects and the foster and birth families of the victim form complex and warring social nets that are cast across town. And a small southern community, populated by eccentrics of every socioeconomic class, from dirt-poor to millionaire, responds to the horror.

Like Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, this tale is redolent with atmosphere, dark tension, and lush landscapes.

©2009 William Van Meter (P)2009 Recorded Books, LLC

loved it

i loved it, interesting to listen to a crime that happened in my state and at a college so close to my home town.

Excellent!

This book was such an informative look at culture, crimes, and families. I highly recommend!

Low Average

I did not like the story or pace of the action. I found it quite boring.

Enjoyed

I enjoyed this audible book! The narrator was very good! I enjoy listening to, “based on a true story” books!

True Crime Kentucky style

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

Yes, to anyone who likes true crime. While it can bog down in areas, still a good listen.

What other book might you compare Bluegrass to and why?

Most true crimes can be cut & dry, but this one moves along at a good pace.

What about Ed Sala’s performance did you like?

Just a bit too dry, but ok

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

no, needed to walk away for a bit, then come back

Excellent writing!

What a great storyteller, Vanmeter is from beginning to end! This retelling of the tragedy at WKU was the perfect balance of background info and detail.

BLA BLA BLA.....

What would have made Bluegrass better?

Ten chapters in with still no idea who the protagonist and antagonist are...way to much detail. Get on with the story.

What could William Van Meter have done to make this a more enjoyable book for you?

no, very long drawn out.

Who would you have cast as narrator instead of Ed Sala?

no

You didn’t love this book... but did it have any redeeming qualities?

no

Any additional comments?

Disappointment