If you’ve read Jack Olsen, then you know you’re in for a literary treat. His work is always a cut above most other True Crime authors and this, being his last, was no exception. He put in the hours of work and journalism to piece together this story and laid out the facts in a similar fashion to his other books. This is the killer, these are his crimes, this is what he said about his life, and this is what others had to say.
The problem I have isn’t really with the author or any of the work he put in. If you’re looking for insights to the mind of a deranged killer, this is probably one of the best sources, and that’s just a fact. The problem is the subject matter.
You might not have fully considered the implications of a “First-Person Perspective” on the story of Keith Hunter Jesperson, as I had not. To a true crime junkie or criminology student, I would absolutely recommend this book. If you’re early in your studies, or are just now getting into true crime, this book should probably wait.
If you’re looking for a wholesome book that berates the killer and honors the victims for who they were in life, Ann Rule has many wonderful works, my favorites being “Green River Running Red” and “The Stranger Beside Me.” This story honors nothing and no one. It’s probably one of the ugliest stories I’ve come across, compliments to the author.
This story comes from “Keith’s World,” a place of delusion and sickness. There are no happy endings, there is no “Hero Cop” who takes down the killer. There is only a 6’6″ behemoth of a man and the violent fantasies he created and forced upon 8 women. If you can’t handle depictions of violence or the traumatic final moments of victims who don’t want to die, move along.
To the rest of you who want to know “Keith’s World,” good luck, and take breaks when you need them.
The Narrator also did a wonderful job, as he always does. He speaks clearly, emotes adequately, isn’t too fast or slow and does a great job of telling the story.