The Phantom Killer cover art

The Phantom Killer

Unlocking the Mystery of the Texarkana Serial Murders: The Story of a Town in Terror

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The Phantom Killer

By: James Presley
Narrated by: Michael Kramer
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About this listen

The salacious and scandalous murders of a series of couples on Texarkana's "lovers' lanes" created a media maelstrom and cast a pall of fear over an entire region. What is even more surprising is that the case has remained cold for decades.

Combining archival research and investigative journalism, Pulitzer Prize-nominated historian James Presley reveals evidence that provides crucial keys to unlocking this decades-old puzzle. Although the case lives on today through television, the Internet, a revived fictional movie, and even an off-Broadway play, with so much of the investigation shrouded in mystery since 1946, rumors and fractured facts have distorted reality.

Now, for the first time, a careful examination of the archival record, personal interviews, and stubborn fact checking come together to produce new insights and revelations on the old slayings.

©2014 James Presley (P)2015 Tantor Americas Murder State & Local True Crime United States Crime

Critic Reviews

"Diligently researched, this gripping, page-turning account would be a standout true-crime narrative even without the material Presley gathers to buttress his identification of the serial killer." ( Publishers Weekly)
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Thats probably the best thing going for it… it didn’t put me to sleep…Bravo

Well at least it didn’t put me to sleep

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Honestly Presley deserves a medal for the amount of detail in this. Sometimes a little repetitive but if you like backstory and in-depth research this’ll be up your alley.

Listen if you like detail

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