3 comments about Serial Killers: Issues Explored Through the Green River Murders.

1. After co-writing the Search for the Green River Killer, Tomas Guillen sums this case up expertly. Even if you haven't read the earlier book, you'll understand the dynamics that allowed Gary Ridgway to get away with these crimes for 22 years. I highly recommend this book.



2. i purchased this book as a resource for a research project / poster presentation for a forensic science course in my undergrad work. this book provided valuable, unbiased insight as to the things that went wrong during the green river murder investigation. there were things in the book that provided great insight as to the mistakes and shortcomings of the entire investigation.
   if information is required as to the true things that went wrong and you require information as to why the apprehension of gary ridgway took so long, this is a great reference.



3. This book should be required reading for anyone who aspires to go into police work. In these days of CSI, Profiling, Clairvoyants and nervous municipal administrators who hope it never happens in their jurisdictions. the book gives more insight into the variables that although boring to some, can affect the final outcome of the entire investigation. The keyword to the failure of any investigation of this sort is "linkage blindness". This impaired the investigation from start to finish and contributed to the effect that a guy with an IQ of 82 could continue to kill in his own "backyard" for 22 years and not be apprehended by a $30,000,000 Task Force comprised of all of the best "experts" at the time? Those included the FBI, media-generated experts,administrators along with those who wrote "God, I'm great" books all telling their individual stories about their involvement with self-emulating biases and ghost writers.Always be skeptical of "experts". Smith and Guillen almost got a Pulitzer for their work on THE SEARCH FOR THE GREEN RIVER KILLER and the investigators would probably have had a better chance of solving it sooner if they would have had the same advantages of having had the same resources and employed some the same techniques as the authors. If you are looking for a blood,guts,gore and TV version get Jerry Springer to write a book about it. Every TV version about this case is pure crap written for advertising ratings and for the "heroes" to record their "legends". If you are seriously considering reading about the truth of the investigation more than for any other reason this is the book to read. For the cost you can't go wrong. If anyone is interested about the victims and their families read Ann Rule's book "GREEN RIVER, TURNING RED". "SERIAL KILLERS-ISSUES EXPLORED THROUGH THE GREEN RIVER MURDERS" This is a good critique that can only contribute to making fewer mistakes in future investigations of serial crimes. Some of the "heroes" are seriously deflated that only the truth has a way of doing.

5 comments about Green River Serial Killer--Biography of an Unsuspecting Wife.

1. Judith opened herself up in an extraordinary way. Sharing her personal life in an unabashed manor that gave greater insight into Gary Ridgway. I appreciate all that she went through as his final victim so to speak in an extreme way. take care Judith!



2. the story of the former mrs. judith ridgway is simultaneously fascinating and tragic. this book provides a lot of information about her life prior to marrying gary ridgway, as well as the story of how she found out about his crimes and how she tried to cope with them. there are lots of interesting facts, along with photos, copies of letters, etc.
   
   unfortunately, this is the author's first book, and it shows. the volume could have done with a thorough proofreading and editing. also, the book's title -- which reads only as "Green River Serial Killer" on the spine -- is pretty misleading. this isn't gary's story, it's judith's. yet gary is there alone on the cover (against a backdrop of one of his letters to judith), with a caption explaining the scars on his arm. the design looks cheap & exploitative, and is not really representative of the book inside.
   
   the book ends with a lengthy chapter in which the author gets to show off her professional handwriting analysis skills with samples of gary's letters. the chapter is overlong and, to this reader, fairly tedious and unnecessary.
   
   five stars for the story, knocked down to 3 stars because of the quality of the presentation.



3. A significant part of many of the popular TV drama shows dwells on the psychological background of the "unidentified subject" who has committed heinous crimes. One of my favorite shows was Profile and the primary activity of the main character was to analyze who, why, and what is making this individual act as he/she does. I wonder how that main character would have discussed Gary Ridgway, the Green River Serial Killer . . .
   
   Pennie Morehead presents readers with an interesting alternative look at the life of America's most deadly serial killer--that is, "through the loving eyes of his wife." (Back cover) Morehead, in her first book, gives a very personal perspective of an individual affected by true crime. I found it fascinating reading!
   
   The book includes exclusive photographs from the life of Judith Ridgway, as well as letters handwritten by Gary from prison. Additionally, the author uses her professional analysis of his handwriting to give yet another "look" at a killer(s). For some reason, though I normally start reading front to back, I opened the book to these pictures and letters. Judith had been married once before and I studied the pictures of her early life, her first marriage, and then later, her fourteen "happy" years with a serial killer.
   
   Consider if you will--two husbands. One is an admitted bisexual (after they were married) who forced Judith and their two children to dress in clothes he selected, later in victorian style, and attend medieval festivals. Judith's first husband, Lee, instructed Judith on how to perform wifely duties in the bedroom as well. Having been abused in early life, Judith was not shocked about what took place--she put no emotional investment in the sexual act. Not knowing any better, she assumed other wives must be doing the same thing.
   
   On and on, strange things happened in her first marriage, including sex orgies and her children seeing their father naked with another man. She tried to figure out how she could escape! Finally, she was able to learn how to drive, and she was able to find work and begin to make her own money. Finally, she convinced her husband to allow a divorce.
   
   Judith's second husband was her prince. "It was February of 1985, Judith was forty years old, and finally free from the stranglehold of her dysfunctional, nineteen-year first marriage." (p. 59) Judith met Gary Ridgway, an attractive, slightly younger man to whom she was immediately attracted and with whom she could have fun, giggle, and live a normal life. Gary was a painter for a truck company and made a good living. They bought a camper and traveled and purchased a nice home. Judith was happier than she had ever thought possible.
   
   Two husbands--Judith's second husband was the serial killer.
   
   "Judith was not aware of...a chilling fact: Only two days after she met her prince--Gary Ridgway was sitting in the presence of Green River Killer Task Force detectives!" (P.63) Ridgway later admitted he had no idea how many women he had murdered; 48 were documented.
   
   I found myself moving around within this book...I'd study the pictures of Judith and her first husband and then go back to look at the ones where they wore victorian clothing. Then I marveled at the family pictures of the various families. I would reread portions of the letters from Gary to Judith once he was in prison.
   
   Who was the Gary Ridgway who killed at least 48 women. Why could he have a totally different, loving life with a woman who came to love him deeply within a happy marriage? There is an illusion that if he didn't "have to pass" a certain area to and from work, where prostitutes could easily be found, then maybe . . . But that doesn't explain why he murdered those from whom he acquired sex.
   
   This book doesn't provide "that profile," that would identify a serial killer, but, Morehead's review of his handwriting, noting, for instance, certain letters that referred to "socio-sexual shame," is an interesting highlight of the book. True Crime books do not normally attract me because they provide no conclusion, other than that the guilty are being punished and the book documents what happened. However, I found the story of Judith Ridgway unbelievably unique and memorable. I can only pray that Judith finds a faith and strength that will help her survive what she has endured.
   
   Needless to say, this is a must-read for anyone interested in true crime or crime-related biographies. Morehead has provided a well-documented, comprehensive book that moves through Judith's early life through to the time she is receiving intimate letters from the prison cell of the Green River Serial Killer. True life is "really" sometimes unbelievable!



4. My evaluation is similar to what has already been written. One gains a good understanding from this book of the marriage of Judith and Gary Ridgway and the devastation to Judith's life of Gary's arrest and subsequent admission to killing many women as the Green River Killer. She was treated with little respect by a system focused solely on gathering information to convict Gary and she lost so much--her possessions, the order of her belongings, her yard, her sense of herself, her security. The ripple effects of Gary's choices keep on going for others who cared about his victims or about him. One gets a real sense of all this from the book. However, the book was poorly organized, is choppy and includes a lot extraneous information, not woven together. I don't know what would have helped this, but maybe a more skilled editor, proofreader, advisor and publishing house. Maybe a more experienced true crime author could have done more with the material, but one wonders if Judith would have trusted someone more established with her story. It's a shame because the book deserves more attention than it will probably get. As for Judith, I hope she has found some way to put her life back together. One thing that might help is that, without her and the stability she brought to Gary's life, there undoubtedly would have been even more women killed.



5. This is a fascinating account of an innocent, sweet, caring woman who only wanted to be loved. How she ended up with two deceitful husbands in a row is still unclear, but it tugs at the imagination.
   
   I agree with the other reviews that the book lacks literary shine; however, the story is so compelling that I give it five stars anyway.
   
   If you can overlook amateurish writing for the sake of an inside look into the mind of an unknowing wife of a serial killer, you'll enjoy this book.

5 comments about Gary Ridgway: The Green River Killer.

1. The first out of the gates (preceding Ann Rule's book and Smith and Guillen's updated edition of "Search for the Green River Killer") following Ridgway's confession and conviction. This is a tightly written book which explores Ridgway's youth and subsequent rise to the status of worst serial murderer in US history. It covers all the bases, Ridgway, his crimes, the victims and the policemen who doggedly pursued their suspect until DNA brought him down. I'd happily recommend this book to any true crime fan. It also has an altruistic motive, a portion of the proceeds from the sales of this book go to a YWCA charity to build shelters for young women down on their luck, the sort of women Ridgway preyed upon.



2. good book very short read,alot of info unless you followed the case.if you heard about aoll the stories since i984 finally they got a seemingly normal looking animal.i couldnt believe in 87 they used all the science they had when they searched the house were 25 woman weree killed.thats unbelievable no trophies..the worst part of book is they arnt gonna kill the animal he gets 3 hots and a cot,the familys get closure fry him WE could lie im s ure he did lie that is..i would say buy book



3. Much more information in this book than in any other book I've read on the subject



4. This book is totally scarey.Very well written..I have lived in gary ridgeways hunting grounds all my life..I frequent places mentioned in the book.I wonder why though they put the wrong street number on the picture of his parents house..he grew up on 174th not 175th..And there used to be a woods behind the house..that was cleared at some point and a fence put up closer to the house..The book doesnt mention anything about searching where the woods used to be..and there are 4 girls still missing..hhmmm...left me wondering.



5. I very much enjoyed reading this book.I chose to read this book before reading "GREEN RIVER RUNNING RED" by ANN RULE.I wanted to get as much understanding of what he was like before reading about the things he did.

5 comments about Chasing the Devil: My Twenty-Year Quest to Capture the Green River Killer.

1. I really enjoyed this book. I found the writing easy to read and it flowed well. There were parts that did not needed to be included in the book. At times I think the author felt he had to explain his situation in times it was convenient for him. I felt it was an unnecessary addition to the true story.
   In the end, I would read this book again!



2. I've read a lot about the Green River case, and almost every recounting, aside from this one, paints Reichert as as much a part of the problem as the solution in this protracted case. His early mistakes, and his myopic fascination with suspect Melvyn Foster are often credited with confounding the search for the real killer. Reichert, while obviously passionate about the case, seems to get caught up in his own political aspirations at the expense of his objectivity about the case. And for him to take so much credit for apprehending Ridgway -- 14 years after he'd gone off the case -- seems like a calculated attempt to curry favor with potential voters. I guess it worked -- he got elected -- but to me he comes off as overly ambitious and more than a little closed minded.



3. This book reads like a crime novel. Unfortunately, it's a true story about the worst serial killer in American history.
   The Prologue was an almost "folksy" introduction to David Reichert,the man who would spend 20 years working on the Green River serial killings.
   
   Mr.Reichert details some of the problems with the investigation from media involvement to the class of the victims. He makes the distinction between Ted Bundy's victims who were college girls and the Green River victims who were prostititutes,some in their teens. He does a good job of emphasizing the fact these victims were no less human and were missed by loved ones. They were often dificult to trace and sometimes identification was not easy.
   Another problem the task force dealt with over time was financing. A long investigation was not cheap and there was the perception that the killer had stopped or moved when the discovery of corpses declined temporarily.
   This aided the decision to cut back on staffing.
   
   Another interesting factor was technology. Over the life of this investigation DNA testing and computer technology "came of age" and were instrumental in eventually solving the case.
   Where these tools helped,the polygraph didn't. Ridgway passed multiple polygraph tests.
   
   The tough decision for the County Prosecutor was his decision to ultimately abandon the pursuit of the death penalty in exchange for more details and locations of more victims.
   
   Some of the things that this book highlights are the dogged dedication of David Reichert to bring the killer to justice and the heavy toll it took on the team. The strain that the investigation put on Reichert and his family isn't something you would normally think about.
   If you want to read a book about the Green River killings,I highly recommend this book



4. I've read Ann Rule's account of this crime spree and the eventual apprehension of Ridgeway. I think she does a much better job of writing about the case as she is an experienced writer and researcher.
   
   That said, for any really interested in all the different points of view and insight, this book is an interesting read.
   
   I'd definitely recommend reading Rule's work first, and then come back to this if still interested.
   
   Because it's written from one man's perspective, and that one man was part of the story, it's hard to tell exactly is his perception or opinion and what isn't. It's also obvious that he left a lot of information out (because of how much more information Rule covers).
   
   It's not a long or difficult read, it's edited well and basically reads like someone is telling the basic story. That's it's strong point and also a weak point if you're interested in a more in depth account.
   
   All that said, I give a mild recommendation to someone that is interested in the case.



5. Awsome. An incredible story of what seems to be a wonderful man and his struggle to catch a monster.

5 comments about The Search for the Green River Killer.

1. I thought this was a very good book for the most part but bogged down like others mentioned with police politics. I found myself skipping paragraph's and even pages at times just skimming to get back to the detective work.



2. this book was also purchased in conjunction with "issues explored through the green river murders." the two books together provided a very comprehensive picture of what happened. this book is long and a tedious read sometimes, however it is a fantastic reference as to the chronological timeline of events that occurred during the investigation.



3. This novel is very comprehensive of the events surrounding the murders and investigation. The reason I give it a three is becuase it gets pretty dry and, to me, a book like "Zodiac" can have just as much information but read much more intensely. I don't want to put this book down too much because it maybe worth reading for some fans of true-crime stories, but I think it could have been a bit more of a nail-biter than it was for me.



4. I enjoyed this book because it was written before Gary Ridgeway was caught. Being journalist that wrote it I found it was not like a newspaper or magazine article. It was very thorough. It reads more like a True Crime. I recommend it.



5. In a word, BORING!
   
   I can fully understand that true crime books can be
   analytical and subject sensitive, but this book went
   absolutely nowhere for the nearly 300 pages that I
   struggled through before finally giving up.
   
   It would have been nice if the authors had injected
   some type of drama along the way. This book is good
   for reference, not much else.

5 comments about Defending Gary: Unraveling the Mind of the Green River Killer.

1. Well written book. Authors had a good understanding of Gary Ridgway and yet did not lose caring about those whose lives were ended or forever changed by his behavior. By reading this book, it became clear to me that Gary Ridgway was a person who had no ability to perceive his victims as real people. Those who cared for the victims are desperate for bits of information about what happened to them. Gary doesn't know--he killed them and dumped their bodies and that's all he knows. This book gives a good understanding of the grueling months of trying to gather information and find bodies and the toll it took on all involved. I would have preferred a little less of the verbatim interviews with Gary--the book was overly long. I also didn't see the relevance of all the information about the Prothero family and their swimming skill. All in all, however, this book is recommended to those who are still trying to understand these murders which were so horrific for so many.



2. Defending Gary is written by one of Gary Leon Ridgeway's attorneys. It provides probably some of the most earliest and abnormal behaviors exhibited by very young Gary Leon Ridgeway besides Ann Rule's book, a true masterpiece,"Green River,Running Red". "Defending Gary" gives the reader a clear, comprehensive and chilling look as to why Gary Ridegeway stalked and murdered at least forty-eight prostitutes along the "Sea-Tac Strip", an area around the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport in Washigton State. The killings seemed most likely to have started in mid 1982, although detectives cannot be positive. The bulk of the killings were from 1982-84. The murders seemed to have stopped in 1984, but in reality they had not. It took twenty years for detectives to catch one of the most deadliest and notorious serial murderers in U.S history. He did literally "hide in plain sight" as he was very average looking. Finally on November 30, 2001 Gary Leon Ridgeway was apprehended and sentenced to life in prison. The author tells of his troubles in defending this killing machine of a man. Ridgeway himself said "I tried to kill as many prostitues as I could". He blamed them for spreading the AIDS virus and actually thought he was doing society a favor of ridding the streets of women he considered "evil". A must read for anyone who wants to know about the thought processes that Gary Ridgeway had and "his reasons" why he preyed upon and killed very "down on their luck" and desperate women for whom prostitution was many of the victims' means of survival and to support their children, for the ones that had children to support. A definitive look at in my opinion, the most dangerous and scariest case in America on serial killings.



3. I recommend this book with "Green River Running Red" Ann Rule. I think both books are the best books written about Gary Ridgeway. I couldn't put it down. Loved it!



4. One of the most wellknown cases of our time and it was an honor to read the book by a true insider to the case. Fantastic book with great insight to the case.



5. This is the perfect book for a Green River follower. The book mis in fantastic condition, and great price, arrived in record time! Thank you

5 comments about Chasing the Devil: My Twenty-Year Quest to Capture the Green River Killer.

1. After seeing the movie that was based on this book, I had to read the book. I really enjoyed reading the story from the detective's point of view. We always expect the police and investigators to find the "killer" as quickly as they do in movies and books. This book shows the bureaucracy behind the investigation and why cold cases can drag on for years. Very eye opening book. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys true crime books.



2. This nonfiction book kept me reading into the early morning. I wish it had been fiction, however.



3. After reading much of the books on Gary Ridgeway aka GRK. I found this book very disappointing. I found it self centered and self indulgent. David Reichert makes it sound like he was the only one working the case. In fact, Mr. Reichert was working on his career and promoted thru the ranks. Becoming Sheriff eventually. He wasn't involved in the case for years. Other people in the department worked more years on the case and solved it. I don't recommend this book. There are a lot better books about Gary Ridgeway aka GRK to read.



4. This book was excellent! I very much enjoyed reading this book. I initially saw the movie The Capture of the Green River Killer on Lifetime, and I never even knew about the Green River Killer! In 2003, I was just going into my senior year of high school and was amazed that I hadn't paid more attention to the current events. Dave Reichert's story is exceptional. This book really gives you in an in-depth account of the Green River Killer and the people who never gave up the search for justice! GREAT BOOK!!!



5. The title is Chasing the Devil: My Twenty-Year Quest to Capture the Green River Killer, but the killer was cought in 2001, he became a suspect in 1982, so, it is not twenty year quest, it is 19 year quest. I am guessing 20 sounds better then 19.

5 comments about Red Dragon.

1. This novel introduced the Lecter character, and it included a lot of interesting dialogue involving him, but in my opinion, it's the Dolarhyde character that really made this novel.
   
   Harris managed to reconstruct much of young Francis Dolarhyde's life, from infancy to adulthood, and he delved into the many complex and frightening events that shaped him into quite possibly the most insane killer ever conceived. But what's great is that Harris explained all this while maintaining a sense of mystery about what exactly warped Dolarhyde's mind from that of a vulnerable little boy to a complete psychopath. The reader, while gaining a sense of understanding, is left free to draw many of his own conclusions.
   
   Harris used backstory (one of my favorite techniques) to great effect here. Any flaws in this novel are more than made up for through great characters, backstory, and great uses of simile/metaphor (e.g. "Dolarhyde bore screams as a sculptor bears dust from the beaten stone.").
   
   If you like thrillers, detective stories, or the Lecter movies but for some reason have not yet read this book, this is a must read.



2. I just finished the book maybe an hour ago. I couldn't put it down. I don't think i can even watch the movie. I just can't picture Edward Norton as Graham.



3. Harris delves into a terrifying story with a horrendous villain who will give you the creeps for many days after reading. The protaganist is sad but understandbly so. His life contrasted against the villain pushes the novel along and Harris knows what scares us. Really good book.



4. Loved this book. Gruesome, scarry, emotional. The tension between hatred/desire for vengence and compassion is incredible.



5. While reading for this book I started looking under my bed for the killer - it's just that good. An FBI agent is forced to consult with Hannibal Lecter to catch a killer. This is a top notch deranged psychotic killer mystery book

5 comments about The Riverman: Ted Bundy and I Hunt for the Green River Killer.

1. I read another reviewer point out that the title of the book should be
   "How I tried to outwit Bundy, and lost". in my opinion, there couldn't be a better title. There are so many logical fallacies in the book that it really makes Keppel look quite unprofessional. He makes assertions and states as fact, information that is nothing more than suspicion speculation. Some of the information in this book has been proven completely inaccurate since its publishing date. All I ask is that a non-fiction writer present me with a review of the FACTS...NOT long winded, delusional, self promotion. One of the last things Robert Keppel writes is something about Ted being a truly insignicant creature. Well, the fact that you've written books about the guy would indicate otherwise, BOB!



2. Ted Bundy talking about Gary Ridgeway! How much better does it get? Manipulating, charming, no feelings for human life.....just a amazing book that you can see how these guys think. Also, gives you an understanding why they are what they are.



3. This book has about 24 chapters I believe and only about 4 good ones but the good ones are worth it. If you just skip around to avoid the information that you already know if you have read about either man. Start on Chapter 7.



4. This is a marvelous work. Let me get that out in the outset. The evolution of crime solving and the birth of profiling and computer-driven suspect elimination is thought-provoking and wonderful. We sort of take all the technology we see on CSI or profiling methods seen on Criminal Minds for granted but there was a time when those who even suggested such progressive methods were laughed at and sent to work in the sticks. Dr. Keppel takes us on a journey that begins with catching Ted Bundy, the Atlanta Child Murderer and then begins a long, long road to catching the Green River Killer. I realize the book was originally published before the Green River Killer was caught and that it has been updated to suit that but I think it could do with another round of editing. The idea of getting into the mind of a serial killer is fascinating. I can never figure out in my heart of hearts why they do it. What could make someone so detached to human life that taking it becomes such a great need? I thought a window into this question would be found by the actual interviews conducted by Dr Keppel and Sherrif Reichert but Bundy, in the end was just a babbler. I realize that, before the GRK was caught any possible thing sputtered by Bundy may have clicked with someone somewhere who could connect the dots better than any one with all of Bundy's musings but now that the GRK is behind bars, I think it would do to eliminate many of the ramblings that had nothing to do with the eventual kiler whatsoever or at least summarise them. Having to read about Bundy suggesting having a slasher movie festival and having cops take pictures of the guys going in and out, having cops stakeout the place where a body has been discovered waiting for the killer to come back sounds (and is) very intriguing the first time you hear. But after 60 pages of endless repeition and variation of these ideas, the reader gets a bit annoyed.
   But please don't let this turn you off the book. It is a viable textbook for catching serial killers and a window into the genius minds of those who catch them and the twisted minds of those who do these terrible, terrible things.



5. I believe Dr. Keppel milked this Bundy thing to way past the Florida execution, and I get the feeling that he was capitivated by Bundy or somewhat under his influence. But thank goodness we got Bundy off the streets and into hell. This wasn't the best true crime book by any means but had its interesting chapters and more insight into Bundy; but not much about the Green River killer who is now in prison. I liked the information on VICAP and happy to know that they are tracking these violent sociopaths/serial killers, and unfortunately, there's plenty out there in society. The book at least brought more awareness to the dangers that Bundy and others present to all of us, anytime, anywhere.

5 comments about Green River, Running Red: The Real Story of the Green River Killer--America's Deadliest Serial Murderer.

1. I enjoyed "Green River, Running Red" very much, although it is not without its flaws. Rule presents a tender, sympathetic portrait of the GRK's victims, spending pretty much the entire first half of the book detailing their lives and their attempts to get themselves off the streets. Even though it became very repetitive, I understood what she was trying to do in humanizing so many women who were unwanted in their time.
   
   On the other hand, one finishes the book not knowing very much about Gary Ridgway, the GRK. His background is described briefly here and there, but one never really gets a sense of what his life was like, apart from his killings. Perhaps that is because, despite the many consensual relationships he had with women, no one really knew him. He was a bland, average man with below average intelligence who never seemed to rock the boat very much in his regular life. From his interviews with police (detailed a bit at the end of the book), he comes across as emotionless and heartless, even though he apparently had a good relationship with his last wife.
   
   Despite the flaws (and Rule's tendency to discuss abductions and stories from women who very well may have escaped another abductor and not the GRK), I did enjoy this book. It is very long and involved, but I think that in the end, it's worth reading.



2. "Green River, Running Red" is a tremendous accomplishment. Not only has Ms. Rule given us the details of the investigation of the Green River disappearances and murders, but she also succeeds in bringing to life -- and enabling the reader to understand and care about -- the killer's many victims, most of whom were very young prostitutes with troubled lives. Along with Ms. Rule's "Stranger Beside Me" (her book on Ted Bundy), "Green River" belongs on any short list of must-read true crime.
   
   The Kindle edition is well produced, with almost no typos and decent reproductions of the book's photos.



3. Green River Running Red is Ann Rule's account of the investigation of the Green River killings committed by Gary Ridgway. The book has many of the usual strengths that readers associate with Rule's work. She is an excellent storyteller who knows how to keep the story interesting, even over 430+ pages. Rule also has great knowledge of the Seattle-Tacoma area, where the killings took place.
   
   I have read many of Rule's books and she is a talented writer. Unfortunately, I think that she is no longer able to match the high standards that she set when she wrote her best books.
   
   One persistent problem in Rule's later work is her chronic editorializing. Rule does not trust her readers to draw the conclusions that she wants them to reach; so she obtrusively interjects her opinions. Another unsatisfying aspect of GRRR is that she spends so much time recounting the lives of all of Ridgway's 48 victims. I think that her intentions were admirable in that she apparently wanted to present the victims as real human beings. Unfortunately, all of the short biographies that she presents give GRRR a disjointed quality that detracts from the book's "flow."
   
   True crime fans will still want to read GRRR. It is pretty good, but Rule has often been so much better.



4. The Green River Killer killed 50 victims most were prostitutes (but not all) in the Seattle area in the 80s. He was finally caught when DNA technology advanced and old stored samples were sent in to be analyzed.
   
   Gary Ridgeway, the killer, a sad pathetic man was able to go undetected for over a decade because he lived a basic American life - job, family, homeowner. We end up hearing about his morbid insights into his perverted nature.
   
   The police overlooked Gary Ridgeway even after eyewitnesses described his truck numerous times, one victim's family led the police directly to his door, he was investigated and given polygraph tests, and was even stopped by police for using prostitutes a couple times.
   
   A large part of the beginning of this story is a very informative narration of the personal back story of all the 50 women we couldn't get to know them all fully there were SO many, except that their young lives and futures were taken.
   
   I found this story informative. This is now that second story I have listened to of Ann Rules and I will be buying more of her earlier works.



5. Wow this guy was a true a sicko!! True crime always has it's boring moments and this is no exception. Anne Rule is great but it ends up being pretty boring.