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First Degree

From Med School to Murder: The Story Behind the Shocking Will Sandeson Trial

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First Degree

Written by: Kayla Hounsell
Narrated by: Kayla Hounsell
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A murder, a missing body, and a sensational trial that gripped Nova Scotia.

Will Sandeson seemed like a model son. A member of the Dalhousie University track and field team, he was about to start classes at Dalhousie’s medical school. He worked at a group home for adults with disabilities. He came from a good family. “There’s times for whatever reason that things don’t go quite as planned,” a Halifax police officer told Sandeson shortly after he was arrested for the first-degree murder of Taylor Samson, who also, on the surface, seemed like a model son.

Samson lived in a fraternity house near Dalhousie, and when the six-foot-five physics student disappeared without a trace, the focus eventually turned to Sandeson. Sandeson’s trial, blown open by a private investigator accused of switching sides, exposed a dangerous world of drugs, ambition, and misplaced loyalties. Through interviews with friends and relatives, as well as transcripts, award-winning journalist Kayla Hounsell tells the full story of two young men who appeared destined for bright futures.

©2018 Kayla Hounsell (P)2019 Kayla Hounsell Law Murder True Crime Crime
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As I began to read this account, I googled the case and can see that an appeal has been granted, so who knows what will unfold from there… I was personally not familiar with the case, so at first I was a bit lost with this book. It seemed to I assume I knew the basic facts, but had to figure that out along the way. Sometimes that builds suspense, but it can be disorienting otherwise. For example, it took awhile to figure out the trial proceeded without a body. Ah, now it makes sense! Good treatment of the rest of the case details though. Interesting.

And the mystery continues…

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I remember when this story was all over the news. I always wanted to know more about what happened. This book was exactly what I was looking for. It's beautifully written, and you can tell there was a lot of heart that went into it. Very highly recommend this.

Incredibly written, and respectful.

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Thanks to Kayla Hounsell for providing all the events and stories from the Will Sandeson trial in one convenient location. Perfect length, and was not at all boring, as Kayla brought context to the police and court transcripts. I also enjoyed the insights she retained from interviews with actors close to the crime and trial. Tragic loss, but as a healthcare professional, I appreciate the positive changes that are occurring within medical education as a direct result of this crime.

Canadian Crime Presented Right

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This book is a thriller with a large, suspicious cast that will keep you hooked.
Highly recommended!

True Story

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Kayla captured the trial as well as providing background stories and details about the area and backstory prior to the crime. I enjoyed this book and appreciate the time it must have taken to gather all info and arrangeme it in a way to make sense to the listener.

Presentation was Perfect

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