Murder in Wisconsin

Most Evil Serial Killers in Wisconsin History

By: Jack Rosewood

Narrated by: Miles Taylor

Length: 3 hrs and 21 mins

Publisher's summary

While Wisconsin is now perhaps best known for its die-hard love of both the Green Bay Packers and its cheese, deep beneath the surface of Wisconsin history simmers a cesspool of nightmares that began before the term serial killer had been coined. The horror started when Ed Gein tried desperately to bring back his dead mother by first exhuming bodies, then by killing in order to harvest female body parts that he himself would wear. His story sparked a nation's macabre fascination with American serial killers, though its bizarre tale of grave robbing and decorating with the dead meant that when other true crime stories surfaced from the state, no one was terribly surprised. Ed Gein was among the first to undergo criminal profiling - was he transgender, a woman trapped in a man's body, or did he really just miss his mother? - but he would not be the last.

Wisconsin's infamous list of true crime serial killers includes the lonely Jeffrey Dahmer, who attempted science experiments in hopes of creating a sex slave to call his own, sex criminal David Spanbauer, who preferred raping little girls when he got the chance, and Walter Ellis, who preyed on prostitutes because he thought he would be able to get away with it. Turns out, he could, for more than a decade.

Wisconsin is full of secrets, and very bad men. This biography of four prolific serial killers steps into the heart of the state's madness, and is likely to make their nightmares yours, at least for a spine-tingling night or two, especially when you realize that what happens in the movies is sometimes horrifyingly real.

©2016 Oscar Johansson (P)2016 Oscar Johansson

Chills from Wisconsin

Where does Murder in Wisconsin rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Murder in Wisconsin ranks near the top of my list for it's attention to detail, interesting narration, and content of the bonus section.

What did you like best about this story?

I enjoyed the variety of content in the book, as well as the detailed information given in the bonus chapter. Mr. Rosewood has done a excellent job providing the reader/listener with a well-rounded, informative experience.

Which scene was your favorite?

With the author's close attention to detail, there are many "moments" from each story that have stuck in my mind. One detail that I found especially disturbing was that police returned Dahmer's young victim, Konerak Sinthasomphone, to him after being convinced by Dahmer that they had merely had a lover's disagreement and he would take the "drunken" 19 year old back home. The young man was so very close to being rescued, yet ended up being added to Dahmer's heinous murder list.

Miles Taylor's narration enhances each disturbing detail and brings a vivid, descriptive sense of reality to each case.

What’s the most interesting tidbit you’ve picked up from this book?

One of the interesting tidbits that I picked up from this story was that most serial killers think that they are unique, but they're not. I also found the profiling similarities very interesting and how accurate some professional profilers can be, right down to the criminal changing out of his pajamas and into the three piece suit that the profiler said he would be wearing when police arrested him. Uncanny, intriguing, and yes, a little bit creepy!

Any additional comments?

I thoroughly enjoy Mr. Rosewood's true crime case stories and find them to be interesting, informative, and unsettling!

A very good read

This book is a good read. It's hard to put down. You received good information on 4 notorious serial killers all from Wisconsin.

I could do without the bonus chapter though

But all in all a well told and good written book

More info on my blog. Best wishes yours truly ReadingGhost

Murder in Wisconsin

Short and to the point. Not impressed with the narration for this kind of book. This could have been more intriguing had it been longer.

I was provided this audiobook at no charge by the author, publisher and/or narrator in exchange for an unbiased review via Audiobook Blast.

redundant

The story is interesting enough. However, almost half of the narrative is prefaced, then the narrative is told. This was very annoying and made it difficult to continue to the end.

A quick look at serial killers from Wisconsin

Murder in Wisconsin is a quick but concise look at the crimes of citizens of Wisconsin. The narration is not unpleasant and doesn't try to be any more than it needs to be.There really wasn't anything I hadn't already learned from watching various true crime programs, such as Dateline, but that isn't necessarily a bad thing.

Profiled are
Ed Gein
David Spanbower
Jeffrey Dahmer
Walter Ellis

This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of AudiobookBlast dot com

alot of new information revealed.

Narrator spoke clearly, easy to understand. Some facts revealed I never knew about, interesting facts.

Interesting Story!

I don’t usually read many books from this genre, but I really enjoyed this one. The narration brought the story to life and held my interest throughout. The story was well thought out, complete and will keep you listening. I will be watching for this author in the future.

* I was provided a free copy of this book from AudioBookBlast for an honest review.

Cheeseheads go Wild!

Murder in Wisconsin is a guilty pleasure. Two world-famous serial killers are profiled, and two much more obscure serial killers, though perhaps they are more locally well-known. Having never heard of Spanbauer or Ellis, I found those case histories very interesting. Volumes have been written about Ed Gein and Jeffrey Dahmer and both have received multiple cinematic treatments, but there were still interesting tidbits, such as the fact that Dahmer was a sexual predator when he was in the military. Dahmer is a fascinating case, since he seemed so docile and bland at his trial. Hard to imagine what his personality was like when he was in his murderous psychosis. But like Robert Ressler said in one program, you don't get to see that aspect unless you're his victim.

I didn't get the impression that there was any original journalism in the book, no interviews with witnesses, the quotes seemed taken from existing reports in newspapers and such. I don't know for sure, I'd need the physical book to know, but that's the impression I got. That isn't necessarily a problem, Anne Rule didn't conduct interviews either.

Hearing the stories again was fascinating and kept my interest. Miles Taylor has a very pleasant tone. His reading is totally clear and free of any distracting mouth noise. His audio quality is superb, full rich sound that doesn't stress the eardrums. In one standout moment when he quotes the "Dear Boss" letter he channels Jack the Ripper. That was chilling. It could actually have been the Ripper speaking. Production is first rate. Without original interviews the book is research--but not having the book I don't know if that's true, and if it isn't I take it back. An enjoyable listen, fascinating topic, not necessarily in-depth, but that doesn't really matter for what it is.

Real life is crazier than fiction

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

I would recommend to those who love real crime drama

What did you like best about this story?

There was nothing to like but it was very informative

What about Miles Taylor’s performance did you like?

Narrator did a great job

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The entire book moved me especially the way the court system worked back then

Any additional comments?

"This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of Audiobook Blast."

Glad I don't live in Wisconsin

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

Yes, I thought it was very well written and engaging.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Ed Gein, I had never heard of him before as I guess he was before my time and wow it's hard to believe a person capable of such depravity.

Have you listened to any of Miles Taylor’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I don't think so but I like this one

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

Yes, I could not stop listening.

Any additional comments?

"This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of Audiobook Blast."