FASCINATING! SOLVED!

Sad to think that so many years have gone by and this murder of such a promising young lady remains officially unsolved. But author David Dekok seems to have found the killer and solved the case. This isn't a conspiracy theory or wishful thinking but an incredibly well investigated examination of the evidence. Dekok is a veteran journalist and it shows as his writing paints a compelling picture. A fascinating book and one that I hope will lead to the State of Pennsylvania closing this open cold case. It is a shame that this ruthless killer with a short temper got away, literally, with murder. Highly recommended! And there is a new afterward in the audiobook only that is NOT in the print edition as even more was uncovered after the original publication of the print book. If you enjoy true crime this is about as good as it gets!

5 people found this helpful

Well read and extensively researched.

At times the audio was inconsistent. The structure threw me off in the beginning but once I got used to switching between the different people involved, it became easier. Overall, great book that kept my attention.

4 people found this helpful

A very well researched and presented case!

What made the experience of listening to Murder in the Stacks the most enjoyable?

Having been associated with Penn State University for most of my life, both as a student and as an employee, it was very interesting to learn more about the subject. I had heard the story of the woman who was murdered in the library, but never new the details that were brought forth so well in this book. Before listening to the book, I had read it about a year before and Eddie Frierson's performance brought the story to life even more. Eddie's characterizations kept the audio version very interesting and entertaining.

What other book might you compare Murder in the Stacks to and why?

Ann Rhule's book "The Stranger Beside Me" about the life of serial killer Ted Bundy. Ann's book is also very well researched, because it is the story of her very own experience with Ted. The research put into Murder In The Stacks makes you feel as though the author had the same personal experience with the people he has written about.

Have you listened to any of Eddie Frierson’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I have not had the pleasure to listen to any of Eddie's other work, but I will say that since hearing his portrayal in this book, I am looking at other titles he has narrated and am considering listening to some of those as well.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

I think the title of the book itself would be a fitting movie tagline. It spells everything out perfectly.

Any additional comments?

I think everyone with interests in Penn State University should consume this book, because this story should be heard and known. Also, anyone who is interested in Pennsylvania history or true crime stories would enjoy this book.

2 people found this helpful

Gripping Story

Long and detailed but worth every minute. A thorough examination that exposes truth and ignorance.

1 person found this helpful

Focuses on Society and Crime in the Late 1960s

Would you listen to Murder in the Stacks again? Why?

Yes - there was a lot of interesting information pertaining to a wide variety of events.

What other book might you compare Murder in the Stacks to and why?

Maybe The Bundy Murders

Have you listened to any of Eddie Frierson’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

I like the first half of the book. It really goes into the like of Betsey Aardasma.

Any additional comments?

Some people didn't like this book because it is not focused on the crime so much as the circumstances around it. I, personally, like this about the book.

1 person found this helpful

Thorough Analysis!

What was one of the most memorable moments of Murder in the Stacks?

The chemistry professor's crime scene analysis.

What about Eddie Frierson’s performance did you like?

Eddie Frierson did an excellent job of varying his pitch, accent and delivery to accentuate the different characters' voices.

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

An education on society and cultural norms surrounding the timeframe of the murder.

Any additional comments?

The author was thorough in his analysis, shedding light on other potentially related crimes of the same era, on this police investigation, and on the background of the murderer. He does it in a way that draws the reader into the story, making us realize there is so much more to consider when a crime scene leaves "no clues".

1 person found this helpful

Is It Over Yet?

I'm not hard to please. This book had me looking forward to it being finished. For the most part it felt like a strange combination of a genealogy report and a ninth grade history lesson. On and on about people that didn't play much of a part in the overall scheme of things. Maybe it was just me but it seemed like there was a lot of fill in to this book.

4 people found this helpful

very intriguing for real mystery lovers

while I became totally intrigued and involved in this sad but true life crime, I agree. with that idea of who the murderer WAS....but a true 'motive- was not really spelled out and the. reader was le ft to still wonder WHY? was Betsy simply in the wrong place at the wrong time or was she targeted? and if so, again WHY?? very good intriguing listen for sure!

Enlightening

I grew up 30 miles from Penn State, never heard of the murder. I was a Senior in high school at that time. I was amazed at the cover up and lack of help in the investigation. Such a sad time in our history as to not hold people responsible for their actions against children. Every time I picked up the book I was amazed how our court system never punished him for what he did. Well written and extremely informative . Let’s just go hope history doesn’t repeat itself.

Excellent true story

Where does Murder in the Stacks rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

In the upper echelon

What other book might you compare Murder in the Stacks to and why?

Can't think of any

What three words best describe Eddie Frierson’s voice?

tiring boring and dry

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

no

Any additional comments?

Story bogged down in a few places; a bit too much detail. Fascinating background on Rick Heifner and incredible details. Narrator showed little passion in his reading and often very clipped in his narration. Many times it sounded like John Wayne, not someone who was was interested by the story. Did NOT like the attempts to make it sound real; the "fake" sound in a courtroom toward the end nor that of those he was quoting. Very artificial.

1 person found this helpful