“Sam, could you do me a favor?” Thus begins a story that has now become part of America’s true crime hall of fame. It is a gory, grotesque tale befitting a Stephen King novel. It is also a David and Goliath saga — the story of a young lawyer fresh from the Public Defender’s Office whose first client in private practice turns out to be the worst serial killer in our nation’s history.
Sam …
Sam Amirante had just opened his first law practice when he got a phone call from his friend John Wayne Gacy, a well-known and well-liked community figure. Gacy was upset about what he called “police harassment” and asked Amirante for help. With the police following his every move in connection with the disappearance of a local teenager, Gacy eventually gives a drunken, dramatic, early morning confession — to his new lawyer. Gacy is eventually charged with murder and Amirante suddenly becomes the defense attorney for one of American’s most disturbing serial killers. It is his first case. This is a gripping narrative that reenacts the gruesome killings and the famous trial that shocked a nation.
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Written by Gacy’s defense attorney, Sam Amirante, this was a great view of this serial killer from the stand point of the defense of a man who never had a shred of mercy for anyone. Gacy was his 1st client of his newly started private practice. The defense attorney felt that ALL citizens of the United States deserve a fair and impartial trial. The …
This is the first book I have read on the Gacy homicides. While I was born and raised on Chicago’s northwest side (just googled addresses: only 7.2 miles from his home!) I was only eleven years old when Gacy was finally caught. In an early chapter in his book Judge Amirante describes, as body after body is being pulled from Gacy’s home, family …
This story shares with us the mind of a predator, serial killer and activist in his community all rolled into one. He deceived everyone, including the police and his lawyers…..at least initially. We learn of the many young boys this horrible man tricked & murdered in cold blood, without focusing on gory details. We read from the lawyer’s point …
The author, who was Gacy’s defense attorney, paints a picture of an individual who, despite being a twisted serial rapist and murderer, was at the same time a garrulous, at times likeable human being who seemed strangely detached from his evil crimes.
A very artful way of seeing the other side of a mass killer after spending so much time defending him in a court of law. Very clever and interesting to follow.
Not bad. Well written.
Intense. A portrait of a truly evil man. Well written.
This is lawyer Sam Amirante’s account of his defense of John Wayne Gacy. Wow! if you have ever wondered how someone can defend a monster, how they go about it, and why, this is the book to read. I have nothing but awe and respect for all the work Amirante did in trying to get the jury to understand the workings of this mass murderer;s mind. I …
Deep dive into the mind of an insane serial killer. I learned things I never knew about Gacy. Well written and a true page turner!
Gacy’s lawyer wrote the book so first hand.
This book is written by the attorney that represents Cary. A very different perspective. Interesting
Only for those who are into true crime
Always wondered about Gacy, why he killed young men and hid them under his house. Book explains his actions.
Having lived through this horror in Chicago, and knowing people that associated with John Wayne Gacy, it was a haunting and memorable read. Seeing it from his attorneys view was very interesting. I certainly wouldn’t have wanted to be his attorney!
This book takes place in my neighborhood. John Gary was a customer in my restauran . Makes it even more real to life
Don’t bother if you know who he is it’s all redundant
Interesting, but I did not like the author’s (his lawyer’s) style. Mostly knew the story, gave a few insights but did not like the style.
Brought back lot of memories. Books like this stay with you for awhile. Don’t read before bed
Very Scary, but I felt it told the real story.
Well written page turner, packed with details on what actually happened, but written as well as a fiction page turner. Totally recommend it – couldn’t put it down.