Fascinating look at the most awful crime imaginable

This book is truly brilliant, it’s an in-depth insight into a very clearly narcissistic psychopath, listening to his own words, very early on you can see he has no idea how to behave in the real world, or what shows he was a great husband and father, of how to prove he was innocent, his narcissism is so on show throughout the entirety it really is extremely fascinating to listen to, this is probably the most in-depth book I’ve ever read/listened to on true crime, don’t be put off by the length of the book, I found myself now wanting it to end despite the 27 hrs I listened to it.

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The True Crime Classic You Must Listen To

Where does Fatal Vision rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

In the category of true crime this is my favourite

Who was your favorite character and why?

I’m not sure that question is appropriate considering the material involved. All participants are observed with great insight and portrayed in an intelligent and thought provoking way.

What about Fred Sanders’s performance did you like?

Excellent, his voice has the gravitas necessary for the story.

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Always, I read it years ago and it resonance continues, however, for me the psychological aspects and analysis of the people involved are the really stunning aspects of this work. If only McGinnis were still alive and could use his skills to write a biography on Trump.

Any additional comments?

It has to be one of the true crime classic of all time. It’s up there with In Cold Blood and Helter Skelter. Controversial in its time for reasons explained in the last chapter, its an awesome work. The story of how a doctor and Green Beret soldier was found guilty of the horrific murder of his wife and children. It is intense in detail maybe too detailed for some, but that is to my liking. The portrayal of Jeffrey MacDonald and his rather subtle narcissistic personality traits is both fascinating and relevant. These are the days before DNA and it’s a very circumstantial case, however, the real forensic search occurs outside of the courtroom in the dissection of personality, status, excpectations, interpretations and the investigation centres on not only how this most brutal of crimes took place but more interestingly why.

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3 people found this helpful

Gripping

Simply the best book of its type... couldnt fault it...kept your interest throughout..excellent!

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True Crime Tour de force

Brilliant book that stands around the apex of anything I've read in this genre. I admire the integrity of the author, the sweat and sacrifice he have to this work, and the insight and depth of his conclusions. A classic.

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Gripping

Phenomenal story, it’s long but it will keep your attention. Fantastically written and read. Loved it.

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work of great depth

This is a long, absorbing and deeply researched book with twists and turns that are barely credible but patently, are reality.

I can only admire the effort and work that has gone into composing this tale of family, ambition and murder.

I won't give anything away, I will only say if you have an interest in true crime... this is a must read and fabulous value for money.

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Joe McGinnis is a good man...and thorough.

I was gripped from the beginning, I'd actually never heard of the Jeffrey Macdonald case and had to stop myself googling anything about it whilst listening to the audio book.

I almost got bored for a lot of the legal talk but you can't say Mcginniss left out anything of any significance in editing.

I recently read (and loved) The Miracle of Castel di Sangro by Joe Mcginniss so I had to check out his other releases, this being an altogether different affair but of no lessing in quality.

highly recommended.

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Excellent book and narrating.

3rd time reading it! Joe shows McDonald as the manipulative murderer he is. Great book.

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Absolutely brilliant

Absolutely brilliant!!!! Could not put this book down. Loved every second of it. He is as guilty as the day is long

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Fascinating

Excellent reporting of events, great narrative and narators. I thoroughly enjoyed every minute. Will look for this author's work again.

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