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  • Gorilla Killer

  • A True Story of Betrayal, Brutality and Butchery (Ryan Green's True Crime)
  • Written by: Ryan Green
  • Narrated by: Steve White
  • Length: 4 hrs and 8 mins
  • 3.0 out of 5 stars (1 rating)

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Gorilla Killer

Written by: Ryan Green
Narrated by: Steve White
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Publisher's Summary

On February 20, 1926, landlady Clara Newman, 60, opened her door to a potential tenant who enquired into the availability of one of her rooms. Despite his grim and bulky appearance, he introduced himself politely and in a soft-spoken voice whilst clutching a Bible in one of his large hands. 

She invited him in. The moment he stepped into her home, he lunged forward, wrapping his oversized fingers around her throat and forced her to the ground. She couldn’t scream. He had learned the dangers of a scream. She slowly slipped into darkness. Given what would follow, it was probably a kindness.

The "Gorilla Killer", Earle Nelson, roamed over 7,000 miles of North America undetected, whilst satisfying his deranged desires. During a span of almost two years, he choked the life out of more than 20 unsuspecting women, subjected their bodies to the most unspeakable acts, and seemingly enjoyed the process. 

The concept of serial killers were largely unknown to the North American public in the 1920s, but the local authorities and press were fast becoming aware of the devastating and horrific reality that unfolded before their eyes. Nelson would eventually become the first real "superstar criminal" who everyone had heard of and talked about. Before Bundy and BTK, there was Earle Nelson. 

Gorilla Killer is a chilling account of Earle Nelson, the first known American serial sex murderer. Ryan Green’s riveting narrative draws the listener into the real, live horror experienced by the victims and has all the elements of a classic thriller.

Caution: This book contains descriptive accounts of abuse and violence. If you are especially sensitive to this material, it might be advisable not to listen any further.

©2020 Ryan Green (P)2020 Ryan Green

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Best Description: "Based On A True Story"

'Gorilla Killer' is a passably entertaining book. Ryan Green does understandably superficial research to inform his chronicle (the events discussed happened at a time when records were spotty at best), but the artistic license taken is striking. This book has a feel of fiction that, in my opinion, takes it out of the "True Crime" category entirely. The chronology is accurate, but Green presents a tale of stunning sociopathy "inspired by" the real-life crimes of Earle Nelson.

The narration from Steve White must be acknowledged as above-average. His pacing is a little off (I had to speed playback to 1.10X for optimal quality), but White's reading is otherwise exemplary.

I confess to some pride that dedicated Canadian authorities finally caught the monster that eluded American Law Enforcement for 18 terrifying months - trying his horrific crimes up here was a fatal error.
I honestly don't know which category this book fits best. If you're looking for True Crime, it's not that. If you're looking for a Thriller, it's not that. Regardless, on the strength of adequate writing and commendable reading, this audiobook rates a respectable 6.5/10 stars.

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