Sad true crime biography of a man who never grew up. Many people are abandoned by their parents, physically or mentally. Few grow up to be serial killers. Was his mother an ugly person only concerned with herself? Yes. Did she abandon George twice to uncaring, indifferent people? Yes. Did she choose to take her daughter the second time but not her son? Yes. Should George’s mother take responsibility for being a poor mother to George? Yes. Did this mean she created George the serial killer? No. At some point, children must grow up and take responsibility for their actions. Which George still does not appear to do. He could have done many things with his life and his 180 IQ. Instead, he chose to use his intelligence to commit petty crimes and manipulate young girls. Then he pitted himself against the police he idolized…and lost.
This book is a faithful telling of the life of George Waterfield Russell Jr. from his birth to incarceration as a serial killer. It really gives voice to his victims, those still living as well as those murdered in cold blood. One thing it’s missing is his mother’s voice. What does she think of her son? What does she think made her son a serial killer? Does she acknowledge her choices about George? In the end, it doesn’t matter, probably, as there are still three dead women and countless manipulated victims trying to pick up the pieces of their lives after encountering George Russell.
I mainly read this book because it was provided for free from the publisher, author or narrator and only because it is narrated by Kevin Pierce who could narrate every story I ever read and I would not get tired of hearing his voice. It is perfect for true crime material but he also does an excellent narration for fiction as well. This is another wonderful example of his voice talents.