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The Serial Killer Whisperer: How One Man's Tragedy Helped Unlock the Deadliest Secrets of the World's Most Terrifying Killers Audible Audiobook – Unabridged

Pete Earley (Author), Alan Sklar (Narrator), Tantor Audio (Publisher)
4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 429 ratings
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Fifteen-year-old Tony Ciaglia had everything a teenager could want: good grades, good athletic skills, and good friends - until he suffered a horrific head injury at summer camp. Pronounced clinically dead three times by helicopter paramedics before he reached a hospital, Ciaglia lapsed into a coma. When he emerged, his right side was paralyzed and he had to relearn how to walk, talk, and even how to eat. The areas of his brain that were damaged required him to take countless pills to control his emotions and rages. Abandoned and shunned by his friends, he began writing to serial killers on a whim and discovered that his traumatic brain injury - which made him an outcast to his peers - enabled him to emotionally connect with notorious murderers in a unique way.

Soon many of America's most dangerous psychopaths were revealing heinous details to Tony about their crimes - even those they'd never been convicted of. The killers opened up to him, trusted him, and called him a "best friend". But there was a price. As Tony found himself being drawn deeper and deeper into their violent worlds of murder, rape, and torture, he was pushed to the brink of despair and, at times, forced to question his own sanity - until he found a way to put his unusual gift to use. Asked by investigators for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children for help in solving a murder, Tony began launching his own personal searches for forgotten victims, incredibly with clues often provided to him voluntarily by the killers themselves.

The Serial Killer Whisperer takes listeners into the minds of murderers in a way that has never been done before - straight from a killer's thoughts. It is also an inspiring (albeit sometimes terrifying) tale of an American family whose idyllic life is shattered by a terrible accident and how healing and closure came to a tormented man in the most unlikely way: by connecting with monsters.

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  1. Listening Length
    13 hours and 14 minutes
  2. Author
    Pete Earley
  3. Narrator
    Alan Sklar
  4. Audible release date
    January 11, 2012
  5. Language
    English
  6. Publisher
    Tantor Audio
  7. ASIN
    B006WC50NW
  8. Version
    Unabridged
  9. Program Type
    Audiobook
  10. See all details
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Product details

Listening Length 13 hours and 14 minutes
Author Pete Earley
Narrator Alan Sklar
Whispersync for Voice Ready
Audible.com Release Date January 11, 2012
Publisher Tantor Audio
Program Type Audiobook
Version Unabridged
Language English
ASIN B006WC50NW
Best Sellers Rank #151,681 in Audible Books & Originals (See Top 100 in Audible Books & Originals)
#294 in Serial Killers True Crime
#1,523 in Serial Killers True Accounts
#2,655 in Murder & Mayhem True Accounts

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
429 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book engaging and well-written. They describe it as a true crime account with detailed insights into the criminal mind. However, opinions differ on the writing quality, pacing, and content. Some find the text engaging and candid, while others consider it poorly written and graphic. The pacing is described as strong at times, while others find it slow to get into. There are mixed reviews regarding the content's gruesome and disturbing aspects, with some finding it meaningful and inspiring, while others find it intense.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

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ReadabilityCrime bookDepthWriting qualityGruesome contentPacingEnthralling content
59 customers mention "Readability"54 positive5 negative

Customers find the book engaging and well-written. They appreciate the engrossing story and find it informative. The book is based on a true story, and readers are impressed with Tony's ability to overcome challenges.

"...Thats why the book is wonderful...." Read more

"...Truly a unique story of one teens tragic accident and the rebuilding of his life with his family's support." Read more

"I loved this book on so many levels, as a health care professional (a pharmacist) reading of the struggle that Tony went through to find himself and..." Read more

"...Not very healthy at all. An interesting read if you want a little peek inside the sickness that makes these guys tick but overall not what I was..." Read more

12 customers mention "Crime book"9 positive3 negative

Customers enjoy the book for its real-life accounts and disturbing details about serial killers. They find it interesting yet disturbing.

"Definitely one of, if not the best true crime book I have ever read. Could not put it down. It's gruesome...." Read more

"...fan (rip) ever since I was a kid, her books were among the best in non-fiction crime, but Earley has also done a phenomenal job, as well!..." Read more

"...of this kid coming back from such a horrific accident, the book is more hype than fact...." Read more

"...I really wish there was a follow up book. It is perfect for any true crime junkie. It is well written and researched." Read more

8 customers mention "Depth"8 positive0 negative

Customers find the book insightful and detailed. It provides a fresh perspective on serial killers and their inner lives. The transcripts provide vivid insight into the criminal mind. Overall, readers describe the book as interesting and captivating.

"...it glorifies the lives of serial killers, but that it shows the inner life details of how an accident victim survives after a traumatic brian injury..." Read more

"...I had to get online and order it. Its based on a true story, and it very detailed. When I read it, it was as if I was right there...." Read more

"...It is perfect for any true crime junkie. It is well written and researched." Read more

"...I think it's a very in depth and fresh perspective of a few serial killers and their crimes as they would speak to a peer not some shrink or police..." Read more

30 customers mention "Writing quality"14 positive16 negative

Customers have different views on the writing quality. Some find it engaging and candid, with actual letters from killers. Others find the account poorly written, graphic, and difficult to read. The descriptions of crimes are described as sketchy and uncomfortable.

"...Thanks to Pete Earley for bringing this amazing story to print, and thanks to all the Ciaglia's for enduring so much trauma, pain, and..." Read more

"...There are myriad spelling and grammatical errors (see what I did Mr. Earley? I used 'myriad' properly)...." Read more

"Well written and thoughtful. Many horrible descriptions of brutul murders, important to the story but this would be WAY too intense for an audiobook...." Read more

"...than write the whole book about him but I feel the title to this novel is very misleading...." Read more

13 customers mention "Gruesome content"6 positive7 negative

Customers have different views on the book's content. Some find it gripping and disturbing, with heartbreaking descriptions of brutal murders. Others feel the story gets absurd at times.

"...It's horrific and heartbreaking and just so many emotions. It is mind boggling what some people go through in their lives...." Read more

"Well written and thoughtful. Many horrible descriptions of brutul murders, important to the story but this would be WAY too intense for an audiobook...." Read more

"...Could not put it down. It's gruesome. My Aunt wants to borrow it and I'm hesitant. It's that gruesome...." Read more

"...this book although some accounts by the killers was disgusting, terrifying and brought out anger in me." Read more

13 customers mention "Pacing"7 positive6 negative

Customers have different views on the pacing of the book. Some find it gripping and unique, while others say it's slow to get into and not suitable for weak stomachs.

"...it shows the inner life details of how an accident victim survives after a traumatic brian injury, and heals with the help of his family, dedicated..." Read more

"...I could not put it down, finished in two days. It is a little slow at first but quickly picks up. I really wish there was a follow up book...." Read more

"CHILLING! HAUNTING! GRIPPING! AMAZING! I Loved this book and could not for the life of me, put it down...." Read more

"...eye-opening book.... Very intense subjects in the book, and not for the faint of heart...." Read more

7 customers mention "Enthralling content"4 positive3 negative

Customers have different views on the book's content. Some find it meaningful, thoughtful, and inspiring, with many emotions. Others find it hard to read due to intense content and gore, and consider it too intense for an audiobook.

"...It's horrific and heartbreaking and just so many emotions. It is mind boggling what some people go through in their lives...." Read more

"...I found it to be a hard read because of the intense content inside." Read more

"Well written and thoughtful. Many horrible descriptions of brutul murders, important to the story but this would be WAY too intense for an audiobook...." Read more

"...So meaningful" Read more

Very good book
5 out of 5 stars
Very good book
I met Tony Ciaglia a week ago. I had ordered the book while waiting for his presentation at Lamar University. The book arrived on the second day of the estimated arrival date time.. it said between March 18th - April 2nd. I received it March 19th. I am completely happy and satisfied.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Gregory R. Cunningham
    5.0 out of 5 stars Accident Brought a New Purpose in Life
    Reviewed in the United States on January 19, 2012
    Verified Purchase
    What a wonderful book. Not because it glorifies the lives of serial killers, but that it shows the inner life details of how an accident victim survives after a traumatic brian injury, and heals with the help of his family, dedicated doctors, and his own determination. The book shows us all the importance of family, and how important love from that bond truely is the best medicine. It especially shows how a brain trama victim fought for his life each and everyday, and the painfull reality, and at times lonely fight, to make a new life. The accident changed Tony Ciaglia's life, but it sure changed the lives of his parents and his brother Joey. They wanted their little boy, and big brother back, but learned to adapt to a new son, and a new brother. On the outside he looked fine. He survived thank God, but the brain trauma took away alot of his past life, and made his future so much different. Tony literally and physically lost his former identity. He not only died 3 times on the way to the hospital, but he lost his former self identity, his "best" friends, and his health. It's hard to imagine a young man who had life by its horns at the young age of 15, suddenly have to relearn how to talk, to think, and to live. His new life revolved around mental and phyical therapy treatments. Soon massive amounts of medinices kept his emotions in check, allowing his body to function, but also limited the quality of his life.

    Then a new idea to occupy his time led to a new purpose. Writting serial killers didn't seem purposeful at first. Hearing the horror stories about the inhuman treatment these monsters treated their victims sure hit you in the gut, but could Tony find a purpose in all of that? His brain trama seemed to prevent him from fully understanding the agony of the victims and the victims familys. Tony wanted to know "why" they killed. As Tony's healing continued, and after meeting some of the monsters in person, and re-reading the killers letters over and over, Tony's mind and warm spirit brought out a new responsibility, a new purpose. Tony learned that he was nothing like these killers, his brain trama left him with compassion, love for life and family, and a want, no a need, to do good for others. The killers had none of theses traits. He learned that a new purpose was calling. He would help the victims families find peace, and help close cold cases that these killers were revealing to him alone.

    Thats why the book is wonderful. Thanks to Pete Earley for bringing this amazing story to print, and thanks to all the Ciaglia's for enduring so much trauma, pain, and determination for so many years. In doing so, you showed us all how to live, love, and care.
    22 people found this helpful
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  • Rebecca McClain
    5.0 out of 5 stars Horrific but riveting
    Reviewed in the United States on April 28, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    I ended up reading this book in one sitting. It was truly different from anything I've read before. It's horrific and heartbreaking and just so many emotions. It is mind boggling what some people go through in their lives. Both Anthony Ciaglia and the victims of the serial killers.
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  • Dotmeister
    4.0 out of 5 stars Purchase the book, not the audiobook
    Reviewed in the United States on June 16, 2013
    Verified Purchase
    Well written and thoughtful. Many horrible descriptions of brutul murders, important to the story but this would be WAY too intense for an audiobook. Truly a unique story of one teens tragic accident and the rebuilding of his life with his family's support.
    3 people found this helpful
    Helpful
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  • Valarie
    5.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating and heartbreaking
    Reviewed in the United States on March 1, 2012
    Verified Purchase
    I loved this book on so many levels, as a health care professional (a pharmacist) reading of the struggle that Tony went through to find himself and discover a way to live despite his obstacles. I also appreciated this story from the perspective of a person with a disability, albeit a physical and obvious one. Tony's family rallied around him and supported him through everything and without their support he could not have accomplished all he has done. As a reader, I love nonfiction and have a (admittedly) morbid fascination with serial killers.

    I won't lie, if you bought this book because you wanted to read all the gruesome and hideous things these serial killers have done you won't be disappointed. It is graphic and disturbing. But it's also beautiful. I can not imagine being able to connect with these killers in the way that Tony does, while still understanding their horrific pasts. Tony does not judge, and in that way is able to get serial killers to open up to him and reveal secrets to him that can provide closure to victims' families.

    I do have one question, why is Tony's name not on the cover of the book? It is HIS story. HIS LIFE.
    8 people found this helpful
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  • Traveller
    3.0 out of 5 stars I was a little disappointed in this book
    Reviewed in the United States on July 26, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    I was a little disappointed in this book. While I admire the accomplishments of this kid coming back from such a horrific accident, the book is more hype than fact. Yes he writes to serial killers and yes they answer him with some pretty gory details but........... there isn't a lot of helping victims families or solving unknown murders. He does start helping towards the end of the book with a few, but mostly this is a book giving the killers a platform and an audience to share their sickness. Some of it is a little unbelievable such as *spoiler alert* when they go to search for the killers trophies of his kills. They travel all that way, finally find the area and decide not to dig or look for them. Huh? Now there was something that really could have shed some light on unsolved cases, but no. They don't even do a search. I also cant believe any reputable doctors would encourage a kid to pursue such a pastime. Not very healthy at all. An interesting read if you want a little peek inside the sickness that makes these guys tick but overall not what I was expecting. More just a journal of a really unhealthy hobby. I'm sure a young man with such a determination to live and contribute could have been steered towards something a lot more beneficial to himself than making himself available to these predators. I mostly found the book sad.
    10 people found this helpful
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  • Mary W. Rice
    5.0 out of 5 stars AMAZING
    Reviewed in the United States on November 16, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    Definitely one of, if not the best true crime book I have ever read. Could not put it down. It's gruesome. My Aunt wants to borrow it and I'm hesitant. It's that gruesome. Another thing I noticed was I've read about a lot of the serial killers stories in this book. I read so much true crime. I recognize stories and serial killers. Even detectives in big cities, though out my reading history. Yikes lol. It's almost creepy. Fantastic book. I read a lot of reviews before I buy a book. And a couple people mentioned they couldn't get into the beginning. I don't understand that...it starts with the murder box. His post office box. And his writings to serial killers. Grabs you from the first paragraph. This was a fantastic book.
    14 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • M
    5.0 out of 5 stars Good book
    Reviewed in Canada on February 24, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Good book if you like reading about serial killers
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  • Marcos Luz
    5.0 out of 5 stars Realistic
    Reviewed in Brazil on May 19, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    This book deserves a five out of five stars but be advised that it shakes your creeds on criminal rehabilitation. The letters from the serial killers are cold, cruel and disgusting to say the least. The crimes were the worst of I have ever read on my entire life and the minds behind them are the worst of the worst of the entire humankind. If this book has something to teach is the fact that some people are good, some are good but do have bad moments, and some are evil and cannot be rehabilitated. To the first kind, we should deliver the world. To the second group, we should put them in prison for a time to serve as meditation to not act badly again and to prevent others to fall to the same bad decisions. To the third and cruel group, we need to find a way to lock them up to the rest of their life in order to protect others to be their next victims(death sentences are not out of the debate after this book). Finally, if you are that kind of person that does not have stomach, better not read the book. It might make you puke.
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  • Miss G E Duff
    5.0 out of 5 stars A different kind of serial killer book
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 1, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    I read quite a lot of true crime, mainly based around serial killers, they are mainly in the third person and although the crimes are awful you can find it hard to actually understand the horrible reality of them. I found this book to be a great alternative to all those other books in this genre. The letters written by the serial killers really open your eyes to the true horror of their crimes and the suffering that their poor victims must have felt in those final moments. I thought their letters might show a different side to the killers, perhaps even some remorse or regret, but really this book just highlights that these people simply don't have the ability to feel any of these emotions, and if released would no doubt pick up where they left off! Overall the book was a good mix of factual information of the crimes from both the author and directly from the killers themselves, which keeps you turning the page to find out if Tony can really get passed the bravado and into the really workings of the serial killers thoughts.
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  • Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Difficult in parts, but very unique and intersting read
    Reviewed in Canada on February 27, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    This book is a must read for true crime lovers. The story is fasinating, and you get a little peek behind the curtains at the minds of some famous serial killers. This book does not hold back, however, and there were some sections that I found difficult to read. These are stories right from the source, told alongside one man's journey to recover, understand his traumatic brain injury and try to move forward. Not for the faint of heart.
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  • Emma
    5.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating!!
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 26, 2012
    Verified Purchase
    Absolutely gruesome,a no holds barred account into the mind of a number of serial killers. Having had an interest into serial killers this took it one step further,seeing from there point of view,there depraved acounts,there lives etc.Tony's story was something else!Definitely worth a read!
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