Bob's "most favorite place in the whole world" . .

In general, prostitution and drugs are not my *preferred* subject matter, however - - with Kevin Pierce narrating this in that wonderful fine aged wine voice of his, how could I resist?

The story of the brutality and horrors these women endured in their "last resort lifestyle" as drug addicted prostitutes was just unbelievable! Further making their lives even MORE miserable, if that's even possible, add pathological liar/killer Robert Riggan into the mix. In addition to having the ability to instantly flip from generous & pleasant to sadistic & evil...he surely must hold some kind of record for changing his version of "what REALLY happened" a dozen times or so once he was caught.

One woman CAN help bring him down for good - but will they believe her? After all, she IS "just an addict/prostitute" herself, right? Will she do the right thing which may put her own life at risk out on the street by testifying against a John?

I have to admit: The trial phase had me screaming vulgarities at my speakers, as I listened to the defense testimony arguments of how the victim's severe sexual mutilation *COULD* have happened by way of some (ahem) "ordinary accident".

I was delighted to recieve this audiobook in exchange for an honest review. I liked it, and would have glady dropped the credit on this one. True Crime + Kevin Pierce = Excellent.

24 people found this helpful

Very Good!

Great Narrator, great book. Good forgotten story. Highly recommended.The story was very well writen, Thank you.

17 people found this helpful

Snitches end up in ditches

Any additional comments?

I have to start with how much I love this narrator his voice and tone are great for this genre.. I learned a lot about this case in this book… you first learn about the early lives of the key players in this book and in detail about the crime completed all the way up to the court case and resolution of the case… I really enjoyed this book and would highly recommend!!
"This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of Audiobookboom”

12 people found this helpful

Horrendous crime

Although this book wasn't as gruesome as most of the books True Crime junkies like me love to devour, the crime itself was horrible. The author sucks you in at the beginning and you will want to see it through the end - if only to find out what becomes of the heroine. The story was mostly interesting and I found the victim sympathetic, apart from the horrendous crime she had to endure. As for the narrator, for those of you unfamiliar with the "crime scribe" Kevin Pierce, he has the perfect voice for True Crime. He should narrate every TC book, he IS that awesome! There isn't a TC book narrated by Kevin Pierce that I won't listen to, regardless of who the author is. If I had to compare this book to ALL the other TC I've read/listened to - I'd give it a "C". It was just average.

5 people found this helpful

Rough Trade

Any additional comments?

Interesting and engaging. This story pulls you from the first paragraph and never lets go. As your listening to the story unfold you have to keep reminding yourself this is all based on a true story.

The story itself will pull you through an emotional roller coaster. I had to keep reminding myself these are/were all real people. There are some truly evil people in this world and Robert Riggan was one of them. Joanne Cordova and the different paths her life took were heartbreaking to listen to. Even though she was pulled into that life and could of looked the other way, it took a tremendous amount of courage for her to testify against a killer while at the same time putting herself out there to be subjected to the judgement of the world.

As the author explained/asked in the beginning of the book why he changed the title of the story to include the word redemption, I agree. This was a story of redemption for Joanne.

Kevin Pierce does a fantastic job with the narration. He's one of my favorite narrators. It doesn't matter what he's narrating he just has a way of bringing the stories and characters to life.

I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator or publisher

10 people found this helpful

Loved it

Would you listen to Rough Trade again? Why?

for sure many reasons it was a great read

What was one of the most memorable moments of Rough Trade?

The courtroom decision on the death penalty I thought was very interesting.

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

Smooth voice don't really know why but very relaxing feeling listening to him I could and have fallen asleep while listening if relaxing.

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

Duality of man and how good and evil exist in our daily lives

Any additional comments?

I would highly suggest this author Jackson. New to me I already started "Smooth Talker" with no particular order of his novels just seemed interesting Combined with Pierce makes it an must listen for me!!

3 people found this helpful

Five star book, a must read if you enjoy true crime

This book was excellent from beginning to end. I could not put it down once I picked it up. Kevin Pearce is one of my favorite narrators, he was at the top of his game on this book. I would have gladly spent a credit on this novel, fortunately I didn't have to because it was provided at no cost to me for an honest review i can not wait to read, smooth talker.

11 people found this helpful

Solid Story

I'm happy I purchased this audiobook. The author sets the tone very early by explaining that at first glance he didn't think there was enough material to write a book on this story. However, her changed house mind under he dug in. Narration was great bi listened to it in 4 days. A compliment.

2 people found this helpful

Mesmerizing!!!

Great listen....I could not put it down..I listen mostly while driving ...but could not wait to see what happen next so..I listened till I finished it..The only negative thing I have to say....I can't wait for the next book. I hope it will not be a year..And of course Kevin Pierce is an excellent Narrator!!

I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily decided to review."

2 people found this helpful

True Crime at it's Very Best

Any additional comments?

I'm a true crime junkie but it isn't often that a story not only interests me, scares me, enrages me AND touches my heart. This tale centers around a killer and a woman, once a cop who endured a series of unfortunate events that led to her drug addiction. Joanne Cordova is an incredible force of nature that simultaneously inspired me and made me wish I could save her. It's a powerful story, written absolutely masterfully by Steve Jackson. I listened to every word with fascination and at the end, I had tears in my eyes. This one is a real heart breaker. Kevin Pierce is just about the best voice over actor I've ever heard. Truly fantastic listen!

I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator, or publisher.

2 people found this helpful