Missing Beauty

By: Teresa Carpenter

Narrated by: L. J. Ganser

Originally published in 1989, this true-crime thriller brilliantly reconstructs one of the most extensive murder investigations in recent years: the disappearance of Robin Benedict, a beautiful commercial artist and moonlighting prostitute, and her relationship with the suspect, the eminent Dr. William Douglas.

©1988 Teresa Carpenter (P)2012 Teresa Carpenter

Loved this book

This audible book was fantastic. I’d never heard of this case before so I was excited to find it. I love true crime and wow did this book deliver. (Bonus it’s long and never boring, so I feel I’ve got my money’s worth ha.) It has everything: beautiful, talented young woman from a good and loving family, who loves bad boys and gets into prostitution. Milquetoast (but quite respected in his field) married professor by day who cruises for prostitutes at night. He meets Robin Benedict and gets really into (obsessed with) her. His downfall was fascinating and jaw-dropping to behold. The details are gritty and salacious but I don’t want to give away too much.

Robin Benedict’s story is tragic and upsetting. I listened to this months ago but it has really stuck with me.

Narrator was enjoyable. I will definitely be listening to this one again. It may become my new “And the Sea Will Tell,” which I have read and listened to numerous times.

Worth the money

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

I would recommend this audiobook it gives you an insight to all the work it takes to prosecute a person for a crime

Who was your favorite character and why?

I enjoyed the guys in the D A 's office working so hard for the family to solve this murder

Have you listened to any of L. J. Ganser’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

It made me think how many people have got away with a crime like this.

Any additional comments?

I don't know if all the truth was told. The Dr lied so much, and was he alone in this crime?

Oh boy, I was ready for this to be over along time

What did you like best about Missing Beauty? What did you like least?

It was wordy and the real developement of the characters did not add to the finish. tiresome really.

Did the narration match the pace of the story?

too wordy, many details over and over. and over

Was Missing Beauty worth the listening time?

not really. I listen to a lot of books,have for years and I consered not finsinging this book everytime I got in the car.

Former professor kills a hooker

What made the experience of listening to Missing Beauty the most enjoyable?

I thought it was one of the most in depth murder stories I had ever listened to, or read.

What was the most compelling aspect of this narrative?

It touched all the bases, and didn't leave you with any questions. I liked that the most.

What does L. J. Ganser bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

I thought it was well read, & I enjoyed the reading.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

No, but I enjoyed it. I didn't want stop listening.

Thorough,.

Misproununciatis always bother me, but great, in depth story. Now I need to get current!

Excellent

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

I have already recommended it. I think the story is wonderfully written and performed. This is a case I hadn't heard of and was surprised at how much interest it held.

What other book might you compare Missing Beauty to and why?

I am not sure I have a comparison. I am a big fan of Dateline & 48 Hours Mystery and this was right up that alley.

Which scene was your favorite?

My favorites were any time the Doctor was interviewed or spoke. I could just feel his deceipt.

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

It was. There were also good stopping points, so I didn't feel like I had to.

Juicy and salacious... A guilty pleasure of a book

I listened to this book over a year ago and never wrote a review, but I was reading the mixed reviews and thought I should chime in.

I didn't think it to be too long or too detailed. All the little details were important for fleshing out the story. Several times I shook my head at what a pathetic loser the professor was. Especially all the money he embezzled and the embarrassing love letters to the prostitute. The guy had a combination of exemplary book smarts and zero street smarts. And I think his wife knew a lot more than they let on.

Great suspense, nice and long. And interesting detective work. Thumb up.

TOO MUCH!

I'm a huge fan of true crime titles and generally enjoy the back stories of those involved. In this book, there is just way too much. Too many characters, too much unrelated detail, too much verbiage... Too much. I gave up after the first of the three downloadable sections because I got bored waiting for the story to actually start.
Oh the upside, L.J. Ganser does a fine job with the narration, and Teresa Carpenter can write.

Waaaaay too long ....

I was so excited to download this lengthy book which looked quite interesting. Well, the book IS lengthy but ISN'T at all interesting. After listening for most of the day, I'm ditching it. Save yourself a buck and move on ...