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Secrets in the Cellar

The True Story of the Austrian Incest Case That Shocked the World

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Secrets in the Cellar

By: John Glatt
Narrated by: Gildart Jackson
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About this listen

Josef Fritzl was a 73-year-old retired engineer in Austria. He seemed to be living a normal life with his wife, Rosemarie, and their family - though one daughter, Elisabeth, had decades earlier been "lost" to a religious cult. Throughout the years, three of Elisabeth's children mysteriously appeared on the Fritzls' doorstep; Josef and Rosemarie raised them as their own. But only Josef knew the truth about Elisabeth's disappearance....

For 27 years, Josef had imprisoned and molested Elisabeth in his man-made basement dungeon, complete with soundproof paneling and code-protected electric locks. There, she would eventually give birth to a total of seven of Josef's children. One died in infancy, and the other three were raised alongside Elisabeth, never to see the light of day.

Then, in 2008, one of Elisabeth's children became seriously ill and was taken to the hospital. It was the first time the 19-year-old girl had ever gone outside - and soon, the truth about her background, her family's captivity, and Josef's unspeakable crimes would come to light.

©2009 John Glatt (P)2013 Tantor Abductions, Kidnapping & Missing Persons True Crime Disappearance
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such a sad story of a very strong woman. would recommend listening to her story

Great listen Sad story

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Very sad story, it was well read and I would recommend it to everyone. Hard to believe there are people out there this messed up.

Definitely worth paying for the credit

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I had heard of this story when it first broke, but l never new the details or circumstances of the horrifying event. I could not believe her courage and her strong will for her children. I would recommend to anyone.

Very sad but thoroughly enjoyed it.

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Can’t believe it really happened. I’m so glad that the evil person finally got what came to him

Horror story

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wow what a story!!! unimaginable for a father to do that..... heart breaks for this family 💔

unbelievably tragic

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