Title: Kill ‘Em All: A True Story of Abuse, Revenge, and the Making of a Monster
Author: Ryan Green
Narrator: Steve White
Link: https://www.audible.com/pd/Kill-Em-All-Audiobook/B07VP6WRTL
Summary
“I have no desire whatever to reform myself. My only desire is to reform people who try to reform me. And I believe that the only way to reform people is to kill ’em. My motto is, Rob em all, Rape em all and Kill em all.” (Carl Panzram)
In 1902, at the age of 11, Carl Panzram broke into a neighbour’s home and stole some apples, a pie, and a revolver. As a frequent troublemaker, the court decided to make an example of him and placed him into the care of the Minnesota State Reform School. During his two-year detention, Carl was repeatedly beaten, humiliated, and raped by the school staff.
At 15-years old, Carl enlisted in the army by lying about his age but his career was short-lived. He was dishonorably discharged for stealing army supplies and was sent to the military prison, Fort Leavenworth, to serve the maximum sentence for his crimes.
When Carl left Fort Leavenworth in 1910, the experience had sculpted him into the man that he would remain for the rest of his life. His hatred for mankind was firmly ingrained and he set out to do unto others before they could do unto him. His lifelong campaign of terror could finally begin and nothing could stand in his way.
Kill ‘Em All is a chilling and gripping account of one of the most brutal and gruesome true crime stories in American history. Ryan Green’s riveting narrative draws the listener into the real-live horror experienced by the victims and has all the elements of a classic thriller.
Caution: This audiobook contains descriptive accounts of abuse and violence. If you are especially sensitive to this material, it might be advisable not to listen any further
My Review
5/5 Stars
Carl Panzram was a real example of what happens when someone loses faith in all humanity. And it’s terrifying.
He didn’t have an easy life. As a child, he pretty much suffered through every atrocity that a person could. He was humiliated and hurt at every turn. Despite it, Carl did what he could to try and survive. As life continued to kick him down though, he gave up more and more on caring about those around him. After being kicked out of the military, he let his dark desires take hold of him. Eventually he became a monster who robbed, raped, and killed as much as he wanted.
His life motto: “I have no desire whatever to reform myself. My only desire is to reform people who try to reform me. And I believe that the only way to reform people is to kill ’em. My motto is, Rob em all, Rape em all and Kill em all.”
Narration was spot on.
This book was given to me for free at my request and I provided this voluntary review.
Author Kayla Krantz 