The Darkest Night Audiobook By Ron Franscell cover art

The Darkest Night

Two Sisters, a Brutal Murder, and the Loss of Innocence in a Small Town

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The Darkest Night

By: Ron Franscell
Narrated by: Rob Shapiro
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Casper, Wyoming: 1973. Eleven-year-old Amy Burridge rides with her 18-year-old sister, Becky, to the grocery store. When they finish their shopping, Becky's car gets a flat tire. Two men politely offer them a ride home. Yet they were anything but good Samaritans. The girls would suffer unspeakable crimes at the hands of these men before being thrown from a bridge into the North Platte River. One miraculously survived; the other did not.

Years later author and journalist Ron Franscell - a childhood friend and next-door neighbor to the girls - can't forget his hometown's shocking story of abduction, rape, and murder. Exploring the nature of a small town's memory and the poison of survivor guilt, The Darkest Night races toward a shocking ending. The result is one of the most provocative true-crime stories of the decade, told by one of the nation's finest narrative journalists.

©2007 Ron Franscell (P)2015 Tantor Crime Murder True Crime Disappearance Emotionally Gripping

Critic reviews

"This uncommon story has every chilling component of human terror, drama and suspense that readers of true crime look for." (Vincent Bugliosi, author of Helter Skelter)
Beautiful Writing • Compelling Narrative • Velvety Voice • Emotional Depth • Vivid Descriptions • Personal Perspective
Highly rated for:
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Told so many different versions from different points of view but told a horrific story about tragedy.

Very well told

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I was instantly stunned and delighted with the level of writing attained by Franscell in this book: half reporter, half poet, he brings every event of this tragic crime to life. It is like nothing I have ever encountered in a true crime book before, as it attains a literary quality rarely seen in the genre. I first encountered this story on 48 Hours Live To Tell and went looking for the book. What a delight that I did! Highly recommended!

An Amazing Rendering Of A True Crime Story...

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This is the second time I’ve read or listened to this book. Written by a man who, as a child, was a friend of both victims. The point of view and insight are gripping and heart breaking at the same time.
This crime has stuck with me for many years.

2nd Time reading

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this was a good read , i agree with capital punisment(we should Use it more often)

good

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And some horrific writing as well. The author, in parts of the book, just drones on and on with big words and unnecessary explanations, adding personal paragraphs that have nothing to do with the book's main idea. I'm not sure I care to purchase any additional books from this author.

Horrific Story

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It is obvious that the author of this book had a wonderful relationship with the victims of this terrible and violent crime. He told their story with such compassion and love. I couldn't put it down! Truly one of the best true crime books I've read. It rivals Ann Rules' "Small Sacrifices." If you are a fan of True Crime stories, it is a must read!

Intriguing and Compassionately Written

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I stayed up all night to hear this book in it’s entirety. A truly tragic chain of events blended with introspect of the authors. I highly recommend this to any connoisseur of true crime.

Wow!

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Even though this book was about a really tragic event, it was very thought provoking and interesting. I really enjoyed it.

Enjoyed this book.

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This book is heartbreaking but I couldn't stop listening to it. The ripple effect that one night can have is astounding.

Heartbreakingly good

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If you could sum up The Darkest Night in three words, what would they be?

Keeps your attention and desire to continue reading.

What did you like best about this story?

Many things. The characters were described in such a way you feel a part of the book.

What about Rob Shapiro’s performance did you like?

Great reader!!!!!

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes.

Absolutely a good read!

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