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  • Torture Mom

  • A Chilling True Story of Confinement, Mutilation and Murder (True Crime)
  • By: Ryan Green
  • Narrated by: Steve White
  • Length: 3 hrs and 50 mins
  • 4.1 out of 5 stars (11 ratings)

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Torture Mom cover art

Torture Mom

By: Ryan Green
Narrated by: Steve White
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Publisher's Summary

In July 1965, teenagers Sylvia and Jenny Likens were left in the temporary care of Gertrude Baniszewski, a middle-aged single mother, and her seven children. 

The Baniszewski household was overrun with children. There were few rules and ample freedom. Sadly, the environment created a dangerous hierarchy of social Darwinism where the strong preyed on the weak. 

What transpired in the following three months was both riveting and chilling.

In October 1965, the body of Sylvia Likens was found in the basement of the Baniszewski home, where she had been imprisoned. She was starved, beaten, burned, and had the words "I am a prostitute and proud of it" carved into her stomach. 

Gertrude Baniszewski oversaw and facilitated the torture and eventual murder of Sylvia Likens. While she played an active role in Sylvia's death, the majority of the abuse was carried out by her children and other neighborhood youths.

The case shocked the entire nation and would later be described as "The single worst crime perpetuated against an individual in Indiana's history".

Caution: This audiobook contains descriptive accounts of abuse and violence. If you are especially sensitive to this material, it might be advisable not to listen any further.

©2018 Ryan Green (P)2018 Ryan Green

What listeners say about Torture Mom

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Evil woman

Interesting case that I already knew of but still interesting to listen to. Worth the listen.

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  • Overall
    1 out of 5 stars
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    1 out of 5 stars
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    1 out of 5 stars

Don’t download this

I’m a huge fan of true crime - the psychology behind it etc. I had previously heard of this case, but this audiobook totally glorifies the crime and violence in an unapologetic and disrespectful manner. I did not finish it.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Heart breaking

This case is one that really has stuck with me, every time I hear the details is like the first time, I can’t believe anyone could be so cruel. Its devastating to think about and makes me so angry

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  • Overall
    1 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    2 out of 5 stars
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    2 out of 5 stars

unrelenting, laboured and unrewarding

the narrator was fine, the story was interesting enough, but hours of listening to the girl being tortured was just too much for the eventual payoff, which was only a few minutes worth and ultimately unsatisfying. really became unpleasant and, sadly, even monotonous. i like true crime but this was just nasty.

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