The Dating Game Killer

The True Story of a TV Dating Show, a Violent Sociopath, and a Series of Brutal Murders

By: Stella Sands

Narrated by: Charles Constant

In 1978, Rodney Alcala was a contestant on the The Dating Game, one of America's most popular television shows at the time. Handsome, successful, and romantic, he was embraced by the audience - and chosen as the winner by the beautiful bachelorette. To viewers across the country, Rodney seemed like the answer to every woman's dreams. Until they learned the truth about his once and future crimes....

Ten years before his TV appearance, Rodney was charged with the sexual assault and attempted murder of an eight-year-old girl. In the decades that followed, he would be accused of seven murders - and, as new DNA evidence continues to be uncovered, the list may grow. The case is so disturbing that it's been documented in several news outlets, from People magazine and USA Today to 48 Hours Mystery, and Dr. Phil.

©2011 Stella Sands (P)2018 Tantor

carries the balance well

this book does an incredible job of balancing the crimes, the perpetrator, and remembering to give humanity to the victims. I'm really surprised that this killers name isn't as well known as the typical serial killers. Like Bundy he was charming, attractive, and smart - reasons we believe Bundy was so "popular". In my opinion, his crimes and his methods were every bit as heinous as Gacey or Dahmer - reasons for their "popularity". This man was cruel on a different level.

What this book does so well, unlike many in the genre, is really making you feel the victim's story. so often the victim's are lost in the depravity or scope of the crimes. ...and it also helps understand why the California prison system is inundated and the cost heafted by all of us.

Excellent book

Well written and very good narration. it's amazing how many SK where active in the 70s. RA was one of the worse..

Sad

This book was hard to get through simply because what this man did to these poor women was horrifying. It’s estimated that he brutalized, maimed, raped, & killed over 130 women and children. CHILDREN. How he was allowed to get away with it for so long is one of the worst parts. So many deaths could have been prevented.

Like listening to a news report

Tedious. Just a news account. Not told as a story. Informative but tedious. True account

well-written, with some hard to stomach details

enjoyed this book, but had to take a break from it periodically to make it through. I. an avid true-crime reader and have been all of my life, but what this man did (as described in the coroner's reports, among other things) was very hard even for me to listen to. Appalling how many times this man slipped through the fingers of law enforcement; he should never have been set free after his first offense, and yet for some reason he was allowed to continue unimpeded for years. I enjoyed the narration also. not sure if it is my device, but even at a high volume it was difficult to hear in the car (where I listen to most of my audio books).

Well Told TRUE CRIME

Well researched, well-written story, with emphasis on the victims and families and very blunt picture of the serial murderer--and not much sympathy for him! Author does excellent job of bringing all the threads together...very good narration!

Excellent!

I listen to/read a lot of true crime. This book is definitely one of the best. It is well-researched, engaging, well-narrated, and one you don't want to put down. I highly recommend it!

Good book

I had heard of Alcala briefly before reading this book and in January 2021 a documentary came on 20/20 with this author being one of the ones interviewed. I was so intrigued I downloaded the audible book. Very quick chapters so the pace seemed fast. Good info and as a licensed therapist I always like hearing about the mental health aspect of the person and that was included. Lastly, I wish the author would have provided an update on the 2 cases in New York that took place in 2013 (Crilley and Hover).

Riveting!

Essential for true crime buffs. Watch YouTube clips of him appearing on the Dating Game program - chills will run up and down your spine.

good listen

It hops around quite a bit, but it's easy to follow. The different victims are made human by the author. You remember their families and the circumstances in which they were assaulted. With so many victims a listener could get confused about who's who. Very well read and written.