Bob's "most favorite place in the whole world" . .

In general, prostitution and drugs are not my *preferred* subject matter, however - - with Kevin Pierce narrating this in that wonderful fine aged wine voice of his, how could I resist?

The story of the brutality and horrors these women endured in their "last resort lifestyle" as drug addicted prostitutes was just unbelievable! Further making their lives even MORE miserable, if that's even possible, add pathological liar/killer Robert Riggan into the mix. In addition to having the ability to instantly flip from generous & pleasant to sadistic & evil...he surely must hold some kind of record for changing his version of "what REALLY happened" a dozen times or so once he was caught.

One woman CAN help bring him down for good - but will they believe her? After all, she IS "just an addict/prostitute" herself, right? Will she do the right thing which may put her own life at risk out on the street by testifying against a John?

I have to admit: The trial phase had me screaming vulgarities at my speakers, as I listened to the defense testimony arguments of how the victim's severe sexual mutilation *COULD* have happened by way of some (ahem) "ordinary accident".

I was delighted to recieve this audiobook in exchange for an honest review. I liked it, and would have glady dropped the credit on this one. True Crime + Kevin Pierce = Excellent.

19 people found this helpful

Very Good!

Great Narrator, great book. Good forgotten story. Highly recommended.The story was very well writen, Thank you.

11 people found this helpful

Snitches end up in ditches

Any additional comments?

I have to start with how much I love this narrator his voice and tone are great for this genre.. I learned a lot about this case in this book… you first learn about the early lives of the key players in this book and in detail about the crime completed all the way up to the court case and resolution of the case… I really enjoyed this book and would highly recommend!!
"This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of Audiobookboom”

9 people found this helpful

Loved it

Would you listen to Rough Trade again? Why?

for sure many reasons it was a great read

What was one of the most memorable moments of Rough Trade?

The courtroom decision on the death penalty I thought was very interesting.

What does Kevin Pierce bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Smooth voice don't really know why but very relaxing feeling listening to him I could and have fallen asleep while listening if relaxing.

What’s the most interesting tidbit you’ve picked up from this book?

Duality of man and how good and evil exist in our daily lives

Any additional comments?

I would highly suggest this author Jackson. New to me I already started "Smooth Talker" with no particular order of his novels just seemed interesting Combined with Pierce makes it an must listen for me!!

2 people found this helpful

Rough Trade

Any additional comments?

Interesting and engaging. This story pulls you from the first paragraph and never lets go. As your listening to the story unfold you have to keep reminding yourself this is all based on a true story.

The story itself will pull you through an emotional roller coaster. I had to keep reminding myself these are/were all real people. There are some truly evil people in this world and Robert Riggan was one of them. Joanne Cordova and the different paths her life took were heartbreaking to listen to. Even though she was pulled into that life and could of looked the other way, it took a tremendous amount of courage for her to testify against a killer while at the same time putting herself out there to be subjected to the judgement of the world.

As the author explained/asked in the beginning of the book why he changed the title of the story to include the word redemption, I agree. This was a story of redemption for Joanne.

Kevin Pierce does a fantastic job with the narration. He's one of my favorite narrators. It doesn't matter what he's narrating he just has a way of bringing the stories and characters to life.

I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator or publisher

5 people found this helpful

Mesmerizing!!!

Great listen....I could not put it down..I listen mostly while driving ...but could not wait to see what happen next so..I listened till I finished it..The only negative thing I have to say....I can't wait for the next book. I hope it will not be a year..And of course Kevin Pierce is an excellent Narrator!!

I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily decided to review."

2 people found this helpful

True Crime at it's Very Best

Any additional comments?

I'm a true crime junkie but it isn't often that a story not only interests me, scares me, enrages me AND touches my heart. This tale centers around a killer and a woman, once a cop who endured a series of unfortunate events that led to her drug addiction. Joanne Cordova is an incredible force of nature that simultaneously inspired me and made me wish I could save her. It's a powerful story, written absolutely masterfully by Steve Jackson. I listened to every word with fascination and at the end, I had tears in my eyes. This one is a real heart breaker. Kevin Pierce is just about the best voice over actor I've ever heard. Truly fantastic listen!

I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator, or publisher.

2 people found this helpful

must read

very interesting book. I will listen to any thing Kevin pierce is narrator he just has that kind of voice the stories were good it was a shame the police lady went down so far I have listen to this book twice now. I received this book from the author, publisher and or narrator for a honest and unbiased review I received this book via audio book boom dot com

5 people found this helpful

Five star book, a must read if you enjoy true crime

This book was excellent from beginning to end. I could not put it down once I picked it up. Kevin Pearce is one of my favorite narrators, he was at the top of his game on this book. I would have gladly spent a credit on this novel, fortunately I didn't have to because it was provided at no cost to me for an honest review i can not wait to read, smooth talker.

8 people found this helpful

Waiting to See What Happens When She Grows Up

Would you listen to Rough Trade again? Why?

Absolutely! I'm a Steve Jackson fan and have enjoyed Kevin Pierce's Voice work on close to a dozen audio books. This took place on sites familiar to me... Gilpin County, Blackhawk, Colorado. Jefferson County, Golden, Colorado. Colfax Avenue. I've driven those roads.

I have briefly interacted, albeit far removed from a main investigator of the crime. The names of Prosecutors and District Attorneys are familiar as well as the Defense names to a much lesser extent.

Above all that, this is just a damn good True Crime work!

What was the most compelling aspect of this narrative?

Jackson gives us a brilliant rendering of the real life characters, personalizing the entire cast, the criminal, Robert Riggan...the victim, Anita Jones, and the investigators and legal teams. He explains the aspect of the Three judge penalty panel that briefly existed in Captal Crime trials in Colorado.

And as important, the Redemption of one of the key people Joanne Cordova.

Which character – as performed by Kevin Pierce – was your favorite?

All were well represented by Kevin Pierce. Along with the distinctive voice, Kevin's forte is the flow and drama of the stories he chooses to narrate. Never over the top. Always with compassion and fidelity to the real life characters he brings life to with his portrayals.

If you could give Rough Trade a new subtitle, what would it be?

Don't judge the victims.

Any additional comments?

I'm a resident of the Greater Denver, Colorado Metro Area for more than fifty plus years. I've been reading Steve Jackson for a long time. First in a local alternative newspaper called Westword and then as his True Crime books based on his newspaper articles were published. Needless to say, I'm very glad that his works are being published again both as Kindle and Audible editions!

Thanks very much for the opportunity to review "Rough Trade" by Steve Jackson. His work endures the test of time. And Kevin Pierce is one of the best.

This review copy audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost.

2 people found this helpful