Not my cup of tea.

I don't think I'll listen to any other Casey titles. The main story feels stretched out, repeating information several times. I didn't like the other stories with it. The title makes it seem like one story, but the added stories seem like they're thrown in as filler. Couldn't hold my attention. I wouldn't recommend this to anyone.

7 people found this helpful

"Could not put it down"

"Usually Casey's books are a hit and miss for me ,but not this one! I was familiar with the case and recommend it . Never got bored."

3 people found this helpful

Excellent use of a credit

If you could sum up A Descent into Hell in three words, what would they be?

I could not stop listening. I am not sure if it was unbelief or making sure everything ended neatly, but what a crazy ride.

What did you like best about this story?

The fact that everything is still on the internet. The story is fresh and new.

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

yes

2 people found this helpful

Interesting

Where does A Descent into Hell rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This is one of my favourite audio books so far. Kathryn Casey did thorough research and bought the people involved in the awful events of the book to life. You get to know the family of Jennifer Cave as well as Jennifer herself and the events leading up to the crime.

What was one of the most memorable moments of A Descent into Hell?

The way that Jennifer's mother knew something was wrong and how they found her was engrossing because it was true and so shocking. My favourite part of the book was what Jennifer's mother said to Laura Hall in court - finally someone telling her the truth.

What about Gillian Vance’s performance did you like?

The performance was spot-on and kept me involved in the story. Gillian Vance reads with a great rhythm that kept me engaged.

Any additional comments?

I admired Jennifer's mother and family so much after hearing their story and hope they've been able to find some peace. I can't imagine going through what they have and still behaving with such dignity, integrity and love.

2 people found this helpful

Great Book but a Sad Story

While this is an excellent book, the story itself is heartbreaking when you think about the young woman that lost her life at such a young age, the horrific way her corpse was mutilated after her death, and the heartache that her family will deal with for the rest of their lives. I can only hope that those responsible are haunted forever by the crimes they have committed.

1 person found this helpful

Senseless story well-told

Where does A Descent into Hell rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Near the top of true crime books. It is obvious that Ms. Casey got interviews with many of the people that she needed to in order to tell the story in a well-balanced way. I found that I really got to know the people involved in the tragic story - Jennifer, Colton, members of Jen's family... I found Laura to be a bit of an enigma, but possibly because her family did not wish to provide more information. The shocking nature of this crime, coupled with the tragedy of Jen wanting to get her life back together, was just so senseless.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

It made me angry. How could this have happened? How could drugs have given three young people who had everything going for them into a murderer, a mutilator, and a victim treated in such a horrific way?

Any additional comments?

This is the second Kathryn Casey book I have read (the first being "Evil Beside Her." It is obvious that Ms. Casey's professionalism is on full display here, that she has grown as a journalist and as a writer. I am glad to see most if not all of her catalog on AUdible.

3 people found this helpful

Fascinating Account of Heinous Crime

Where does A Descent into Hell rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I would rank this book in my top Five of all crime novels written in the past 20 years!

What was the most compelling aspect of this narrative?

The lead-in to the crime usually involves a good bit of tedium in these books, not here, the narrator paints a vivid pre-crime atmosphere.

What does Gillian Vance bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

The narrator adeptly brings the characters to life and draws the listener in immediately. Great Job!

What’s the most interesting tidbit you’ve picked up from this book?

It was concerning to learn the ambivalence the murderer and his accomplice showed toward the victim.

Any additional comments?

I would really like to hear more from this author and narrator on other true crime events.

3 people found this helpful

pretty good for true-crime lovers.

Would you listen to A Descent into Hell again? Why?

not if there were other books to listen to. it was good as far as it goes. i myself do not fall in love with this type of book!

What was the most compelling aspect of this narrative?

the story itself was compelling but depressing. how some very privileged kids were able to just go their wild ways and sink into some evil depths, without those in authority being more aware, and intervening. i blame the parents of the main perp, colton, for not being more in control of this kid. the girl involved was more of the victim. i guess her mother and sister did see some of what was happening, and did try to intervene. but that could go only so far, because the victim was living away at college. what happened to the victim was any mother's perfect nightmare.

Which scene was your favorite?

NO favorite scenes in this horrible story~

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

the book title says it all: descent into hell.

3 people found this helpful

True crime done right!

This book is very well written and researched with unexpected twists and characters. easy to listen to and details of the players and events moves this story move quickly. Small warning; the details of the gruesome crime are covered very thoroughly which I appreciated but some listeners might not enjoy.

4 people found this helpful

Overall well done

While there is so much more to this story it is overall well done. I would love to see a little (maybe audible exclusive) update on the appeals and Laura Ashley Hall's retrial and re-sentencing.