The Phantom Killer cover art

The Phantom Killer

Unlocking the Mystery of the Texarkana Serial Murders: The Story of a Town in Terror

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The Phantom Killer

By: James Presley
Narrated by: Michael Kramer
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About this listen

The salacious and scandalous murders of a series of couples on Texarkana's "lovers' lanes" created a media maelstrom and cast a pall of fear over an entire region. What is even more surprising is that the case has remained cold for decades.

Combining archival research and investigative journalism, Pulitzer Prize-nominated historian James Presley reveals evidence that provides crucial keys to unlocking this decades-old puzzle. Although the case lives on today through television, the Internet, a revived fictional movie, and even an off-Broadway play, with so much of the investigation shrouded in mystery since 1946, rumors and fractured facts have distorted reality.

Now, for the first time, a careful examination of the archival record, personal interviews, and stubborn fact checking come together to produce new insights and revelations on the old slayings.

©2014 James Presley (P)2015 Tantor Americas Murder State & Local True Crime United States Crime

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Critic reviews

"Diligently researched, this gripping, page-turning account would be a standout true-crime narrative even without the material Presley gathers to buttress his identification of the serial killer." ( Publishers Weekly)
All stars
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The narrators voice was adequate but rather grating at times. The story was long & perhaps more drawn out than it needed to be.

in-depth analysis of the Texacana slayings

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Superb narration by Michael Kramer. While we may never know who the Phantom Killer really was, James Presley certainly gives his comprehensive reasons for it being Youell Swinney. The crimes are detailed and missed opportunities discussed. I feel a lot more familiar with the case having listened to this audio book.

Very enjoyable

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I found this an interesting story although somewhat over long and heavy in unnecessary details. The last two or three hours really dragged.

First of the modern serial killers ???

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Gripping, detailed and fascinating book about a series of 1946 attacks and killings. Highly recommended.

Excellent

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story 5 🌟
detail 5 🌟
narration 5 🌟
recommended.
i just four more words!

think Zodiac but not Zodiac

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Very well read numptys good story off crime in the early years biggest man hunt for the invisible killer

Pretty good true crime numptys

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Far too long and too much extraneous information that has little to do with this true crime investigation. For a crime that was never resolved and no one ever prosecuted this could have been related in half the time. Extremely disappointing

Too much peripheral waffle and padding

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