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True Story

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About this listen

Michael Finkel was a top New York Times Magazine journalist publicly fired and disgraced for making up a composite character for a big investigative news piece about Africa.

This audiobook is about how this brilliant, high achieving journalist found himself at that point in his life. But in parallel it's also about Christian Longo, a man accused of the multiple murder of his own wife and three children. After the deaths, Longo fled to Mexico, where he passed himself off as Michael Finkel, New York Times journalist.

These two weird stories come together as Finkel in turn becomes fascinated (perhaps obsessed) with Longo the accused murderer, who while in prison and during his trial would talk only to Finkel. Who is using whom?

©2006 Michael Finkel (P)2018 Audible, Ltd Art & Literature Crime Journalists, Editors & Publishers Murder Social Sciences True Crime Latin American Marriage

Critic reviews

"Its a gripping tale, plainly told but artfully constructed, and the twists continue right up to and beyond the climax of the trial." (Blake Morrison, Guardian)

"A fine, beautifully choreographed addition to the macabre three-legged race linking murderers with writers... Horribly readable." (Mail on Sunday)

"An absorbing examination of human frailty, the nature of truth and the power of pride...It is also a stonking good read...Extraordinary and terrifying journalism." (The Times)

All stars
Most relevant
Loved this book. The relationship between the author and the subject made this a fascinating listen. A unique true crime book. Would highly recommend.

Quirky and compelling

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A really intriguing story, definitely piqued my curiosity and kept me “turning the pages” all the way to the end.

As someone who enjoys a gripping non-fiction tale, but not the more graphic kinds of true crime books this struck a good balance.

Intriguing tale!

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Great story, very skillfully told. True-crime ish, but with a more interesting psychlogical angle, and better writing.

Couldn't stop listening

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