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John Wayne Gacy: Defending a Monster cover art

John Wayne Gacy: Defending a Monster

By: Sam L. Amirante, Danny Broderick
Narrated by: Robin Bloodworth
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Editorial reviews

Judge Sam L. Amirante and Danny Broderick’s John Wayne Gacy: Defending a Monster is an unforgettable work, a rare chilling glance behind the scenes of a universally well-known story, that of notorious serial killer John Wayne Gacy, Jr.

Amirante and Broderick, Gacy’s public defender, have constructed a gripping work that not only reveals for the first time new facts about one of America’s most infamous killers, but grapples with great questions of humanity, including the question of what it means to deserve defense - even if your crimes are as great as Gacy’s. Actor Robin Bloodworth’s performance is emotionally powerful and well-paced, and he excels especially at emphasizing those new elements of Gacy’s story which make this audiobook a must-listen.

Publisher's Summary

For the first time Gacy’s lawyer and confidant tells his chilling tale of how he defended an American serial killer.

“Sam, could you do me a favor?”

Thus begins a story that has now become part of America's true-crime hall of fame. It is a gory, grotesque tale befitting a Stephen King novel. It is also a David and Goliath saga - the story of a young lawyer fresh from the public defender's office whose first client in private practice turns out to be the worst serial killer in our nation's history. This is a gripping true crime narrative that reenacts the gruesome killings and the famous trial that shocked a nation.

©2012 Sam L. Amirante and Danny Broderick (P)2012 Audible, Inc.

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What listeners say about John Wayne Gacy: Defending a Monster

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Well Worth a Listen

I had misgivings about this book but deiced to give it a go. I thought I was going to read about an 'incredible' and 'brilliant' lawyer who put his 'morals' aside and wanted to make a bit of money off representing the infamous Mr Gacy. However, I was presently mistaken. Sam tells an incredibly detailed story that tells the story of Gacy's horrific crimes and provides an honest account of his thoughts on Gacy and the complex legal battles Sam was required to navigate to ensure Gacy was given a fair trial.

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4 people found this helpful

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Great read.

well documented, well narrated. I couldn't stop listening.
highly recommended for history buff's or serial killer enthusiasts.

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1 person found this helpful

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Detailed insights into a ground breaking case

There is a lot to appreciate here, not the least of which being the unique perspective of the man who first heard Gacy’s confession. The legal insights were fascinating and the author gave useful reasoning for his decision to represent someone he knew to be guilty of heinous crimes. I struggled with the book after the coverage of the trial, where the author recounts his own treatment of a transgender witness. His approach was insensitive and, while perhaps representative of less tolerant times, would have benefited from some further analysis. Add to that his constant references to “crazy”, “bonkers” and other derogatory ways of referencing legally recognised insanity, and it is somewhat worrying that he went on to be a judge,

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1 person found this helpful

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Boring

The most boring audible I have ever heard. It was drawn out so much that I truly got sick of it.

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This was a brilliant insight into the legal workings of this case

There is so much narrative on the John Gacy case, the murders, the victims, and the man. But this books was a brilliant insight into what went on behind the scenes with his legal team. This is rare due to privilege, but fortunately Gacy waved privilege to allow this book to happen. As a criminal defence lawyer, and an avid reader, this book was a perfect storm for me. The detail provided as to exhibits, search warrants, witnesses, jury selection, and legal arguments (including closing addresses) was to a level rarely seen in true crime books, and something that I could appreciate as a lawyer.

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Wow

What an interesting story to listen to, it was written so well I just couldn't stop listening. I often wonder how some lawyers can do what they do and hearing this from the perspective of Gacy's lawyer was really very interesting, he was well involved before he even knew what was happening and by then he was all in. Just incredible.

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boring from start to finish

Struggled to get excited. Narrator is monotoed. Storyline is very biased towards the so.called laywers view....and to be honest its boring. Only listened to the end bc i paid for it.

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A “legal system the envy of the world”

Interesting listen. However what I found really disappointing is that a defence lawyer and former judge thinks that it’s appropriate to write a “tell all” about his client’s private conversations with his lawyer (although I am not an expert on legal professional privilege as it applies in the United States). The English legal tradition is certainly (in my opinion), the best in the world, but not the way it has evolved in the United States. Nonetheless, an interesting read

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Intriguing Listen

It is a little bit too patriotic in sections, however that can be forgiven when put in context with the whole bizarre story. I found it absolutely captivating.

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Struggle to listen so boring

I think this book was more about the lawyer. Very hard to listen to. Went on and on and on.

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