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American Ripper
- The Enigma of America's Serial Killer Cop
- Narrated by: James Romick
- Length: 19 hrs and 33 mins
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American Ripper
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Summary
American Ripper is the true story of Gerard John Schaefer, a Florida law enforcement officer who was a prolific serial killer in the late 1960s early 1970s. The decade that was thought to be filled with love, peace, and happiness became a new dark age, breeding more serial killers than any other time in US history including Charles Manson, the Zodiac Killer, the Son of Sam, John Wayne Gacy, and Ted Bundy, who was held in the same prison as Schaefer and whom he both idolized and resented for the recognition his crimes brought him, a recognition Schaefer never received.
This book chronicles Schaefer's life, education, his career as a cop, and his path to become a sadistic murderer. Based on extensive empirical research that includes reviews of the case's investigation and subsequent trial, interviews with families of victims, numerous police and attorneys involved with the case, forensic doctors, and the killer himself, the author attempts to discern how Schaefer became the antithesis of what a lawman should be. Schaefer's metamorphosis can never be rationally explained, but reviews of the case's transcripts, the killer's psychiatric evaluations, and the author's own experience with Schaefer help paint a picture of an unfettered mind that fed on its own darkness.
Critic reviews
"Chilling. Compelling. Kendrick’s account of Gerard John Schaefer, a serial killer/cop, is riveting. Drawing on a wealth of data including interviews with Schaefer himself, Kendrick provides an in-depth study of one man’s descent into darkness and, along the way, insight into the rash of serial killings of the 1960s and '70s. Once you start listening to this book, you won’t want to put it down.” (Harriet J. Ottenheimer, PhD, professor of anthropology and American ethnic studies, emerita, Kansas State University. Author of Cousin Joe: Blues from New Orleans and The Anthropology of Language)
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Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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Overall1 out of 5 stars
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Performance1 out of 5 stars
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Story1 out of 5 stars
- Cee Jay
- 07-09-22
torture põrn
I love true crime, but this is awful. Disgustingly detailed descriptions of the most vile molestation and degradation of women. Absolutely no need for it. it's very irresponsible to present this story in such titillating detail.
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall1 out of 5 stars
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Performance1 out of 5 stars
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Story1 out of 5 stars
- Jojo
- 17-09-22
Zzzzzz
I’m not sure what I expected but something slightly more gripping at least. Tried to stick with it for a few hours but I’ve given up. The narration has zero energy to it. It just sounds like a very bored guy reeling off a list of facts. I wouldn’t bother.
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2 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Jackie
- 31-08-22
Uniquely well written, disturbingly true
...First, as the author warns, it is an unusually disturbing account of one sick mind...this from a reader intellectually interested in the criminal mind and not easily caught off guard. Maybe Bundy and Dahmer and similar damaged minds had as warped thoughts but didn't document them. I was introduced to a new level of detail as to what stimulated his sick mind.
Secondly, having moved to Ft.Lauderdale at 17 from the Cocoa Beach area in Feb., 1973..to work in a computer mfg. firm.... alone, vulnerable and a rare female teen riding all around town on a 350cc honda motorcyle, i was haunted...many times over days...at the fact had i been stopped by a cop, a position of authority i respected, well....there, but by the grace of God, it could have been me, too.....and it still flickers in my thoughts.... An excellent, detailed and uniquely presented book.
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