Audiobook Review: The Murderess by Laurie Notaro

 About the Book

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Laurie Notaro comes a haunting true-crime novel about Winnie Ruth Judd, one of the twentieth century’s most notorious and enigmatic killers.

It’s October 1931. When Winnie Ruth Judd arrives at the Los Angeles train station from Phoenix, her shipping trunks catch the attention of a suspicious porter. By the time they’re pried open, revealing the dismembered bodies of two women inside, Ruth has disappeared into the crowd.

The search for, and eventual apprehension of, the Trunk Murderess quickly becomes a headline-making sensation. Even the Phoenix murder house is a sideshow attraction. The one question on everyone’s How could a twenty-six-year-old reverend’s daughter and doctor’s wife—petite, pretty, well educated, and poised—commit such a heinous act on two people she’d called “my dearest friends in the world”? Everyone has their theories and judgments, but no one knows the whole truth.

What unfolds in this gripping work of true-crime fiction is a collision of jealousy, drug addiction, insanity, rage, and inescapable choices. At its heart, a condemned and tragic mystery woman whose trial—and its shocking twists—will make history.

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Review

Although it didn't turn out to be the murder mystery I expected, it's no less interesting. It is raw and emotional, the type of story that will tug at your heartstrings and not always in a good way. Only pick up if you are ready to dive into the twisted mind of a murderess. The story is dark and disturbing, especially at the start. Because it is based on a true story, you might not find the resolution you want but the ending will leave a lasting impression on you. And I thought it wrapped up everything quite well. Overall, it's a good read.

The audiobook is well-narrated, the audio quality is excellent and flows smoothly from start to finish. Each character is distinct and easily recognizable, making it effortless to follow the plot and understand the dynamics between them. One of the standout aspects of this audiobook is how the narrator skillfully captures the personalities of the characters, giving them depth. Of course, writing is great in that aspect, too. Especially, the emotional complexity of the main character makes the whole experience engaging.

If you are a fan of true crime and/or historical romance and appreciate a well-paced thrilling story, I highly recommend the audiobook of The Murderess by Laurie Notaro; narrated by Hillary Huber.

P.S. I'd like to thank the publisher for the complimentary audio copy. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this thrilling story.