Behind the Staircase Audiobook By Michael Peterson cover art

Behind the Staircase

Michael Peterson Murder Case

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Behind the Staircase

By: Michael Peterson
Narrated by: Roberto Scarlato
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About this listen

Step inside the mansion of Michael and Kathleen Peterson, the home where they lived as empty nesters in North Carolina.

December 2001 marked the beginning of the long, arduous journey for Michael Peterson, who was accused, placed on trial, and convicted of murdering his second wife, Kathleen Peterson. In Behind the Staircase, a memoir, Peterson recounts the events leading up to the incident which would forever change his life.

Follow Michael’s depiction of the tragic events leading up to his conviction and incarceration for his wife’s death and the next eight years of his imprisonment for her alleged murder. Upon his release, Peterson shares in his memoir, Behind the Staircase, his perspective on what happened to his loving wife, the misleading evidence of the trial, and the years that he spent behind bars with criminals, murderers, and rapists.

Listen as Michael painstakingly describes how as the prime suspect in the investigation, he was forced to endure one of the longest trials in North Carolina history, all the while asserting his innocence in her death.

You will be engrossed in the real-life depiction of the events and left in awe at the harrowing tales of his life in prison.

Listen and learn about Kathleen’s tragic accident and Michael’s desperate plea for justice.

©2020 Public Domain (P)2021 CSA Publishing
Poetry True Crime Marriage Exciting Scary

What listeners say about Behind the Staircase

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Gripping Memoir Captivating Storytelling Riveting True Story Breathtaking Story Well-written Book
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A deeply compelling and thought-provoking read

Behind the Staircase is an incredibly gripping memoir that takes readers inside one of North Carolina's most infamous cases, offering a raw and emotional perspective from Michael Peterson himself. Peterson's detailed recounting of the events leading to his wife’s death and his subsequent trial provides a thought-provoking exploration of justice, human resilience, and the flaws of the legal system. This memoir captivates with its candid storytelling, giving readers an intimate view of the tragedy, the courtroom drama, and the harsh realities of life behind bars.

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Breathtaking Story - 10/10

This is an exceptionally well written book. Mike does not only guide you through the detailed events that decided his fate, it simultaneously makes you feel the strong emotions that resulted from him having to make painstaking decisions.

Michael Peterson’s creative, intriguing and easy to follow writing style matched with the the narrator’s dynamic, clear and captivating voice shapes a breathtaking story.

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4 people found this helpful

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Fantastic

I’m a crime series buff but this gave me chills. Wow. Written so well and sadly true. Thank you for being so transparent. It was riveting, humorous, entertaining, and eye opening.

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Prison is full of people who say they are innocent

Fascinating reading, and i realize I may just be a skeptic but the prisons are full of people who claim they didn't do it. I suppose we will never know the truth but regardless, this was a fascinating audiobook that you will enjoy.

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Excellent

I watched the Netflix version first which compelled me to get this audiobook. Well written story, captivating, and great narration. I would recommend this 10/10.

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Riveting

Behind The Staircase is a riveting true story about the murder of Kathleen Peterson and her husband, Michael, who was imprisoned for her murder. The story is well written and holds your attention for the lengthy audiobook. Whether he is innocent is still up for debate. The Netflix version is excellent, too.

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Definitely worth a listen even if you are familiar

I actually watched a documentary regarding this case which was the main reason that I decided to listen. I thought it was very well narrated in the first person of Michael Peterson which put a different spin on it for me. Even though I knew the story and the basic outcome, I still found myself gripped as if I had no idea. This seemed like an honest depiction of the events that changed his life and I would highly recommend this audio for any crime enthusiasts out there!

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Thought Provoking Murder Case

Behind the Staircase: The Michael Peterson Murder Case was riveting. The narration was excellent, and the storyline kept me mesmerized throughout the trial. There was enough evidence to prove it, but some missing pieces could have changed it. Justice is peculiar; diverse viewpoints sometimes shape assumptions and are not always clear-cut. Sometimes, people make decisions based on skin color, age, sexual orientation, and other factors. Mr. Peterson attempted to prove his innocence despite facing numerous unfair accusations. His lifestyle, prison life, and his family and friends relationships told a lot about the kind of person he is. I enjoyed it and recommend the book to those who like a compelling murder mystery.

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It was pretty good

It mostly focused on his life in prison. It covered the death and court etc. but it was I think primarily his way of covering his side and life while away.

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Worth a read esp if you've followed the case.

I was hoping that Michael Peterson would've narrated himself to be honest. It was good, though. maybe I'm just too picky but it seemed to be somewhat lacking or "missing" something. This poor man was locked up for years basically for being bi sexual. There's arent many things much more disturbing than that in my opinion. It delves into his life behind bars which is also pretty disturbing but very interesting. It was obviously highly traumatizing. Makes me sick that he felt he had to take the Alford plea just to live out the rest of his life in peace. This is a good example of how the justice system can get it very wrong.

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