Charmer: A Ladies' Man and His Victims

By: Jack Olsen

Narrated by: Kevin Pierce

Charmer: The True Story of a Ladies' Man and His Victims is a masterwork of true crime journalism from acclaimed author Jack Olsen, delivering a chilling portrait of a killer who weaponized charisma.

At first glance, George Russell Jr. was the kind of man people remembered for all the right reasons. Handsome, smooth-talking, and socially agile, he knew how to make people feel seen, special, and safe. Women found him magnetic; men found him easy to like. But beneath the polished exterior was a dark and twisted mind. What few realized, until it was far too late, was that Russell was hiding a sadistic impulse and a deep-seated rage toward the very people he claimed to adore.

Set in the affluent suburbs of Seattle in the late 1980s and early ’90s, Charmer traces the investigation into a series of brutal murders that left law enforcement baffled and a community horrified. Olsen, known for his psychological depth and narrative clarity, goes beyond the crime scenes to examine Russell’s upbringing, motivations, and manipulations. He also turns a critical eye toward a culture that too often overlooks red flags when charm is involved.

More than just a recounting of heinous acts, Charmer is an unnerving exploration of how easily evil can blend in, how predators can cloak themselves in likability, and how society’s own biases can aid in their deception. Olsen builds suspense not through sensationalism, but through careful detail and the slow, methodical unveiling of a predator hiding in plain sight.

With compassion for the victims and clarity about the killer, Jack Olsen delivers a story that is equal parts horrifying and thought-provoking. Charmer will leave listeners questioning the nature of evil, the power of charisma, and the cost of letting our guard down.

©2017 Jack Olsen (P)2017 Evan P Olsen

Very Interesting Tale !

The narrator really captured the energy of the novel as well as Olsen's impressive storytelling style. They make a good team.

"I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review."

Charmer

Charmer: A Ladies' Man and His Victims
: Jack Olsen

This is a very in depth recounting of George Russell, Jr from pett thief to serial killer. Jack Olsen gives the listener an inside look at this bright young black man's life. Amazing how someone can fool so many people.


The narration was well done. The characters were well portrayed. Kevin Pierce does an excellent job with true crime narration.



I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

Good but tedious at times

If you like Jack Olsen this is your chance at a good one. I like his way of assessing the best points from each main character but this one was a bit tedious.

Loved it!

Interesting book, on one man and how he managed to pretend to be the good guy or harmless nuisance when he was really a monster waiting to happen. Great narration as always by Kevin Pierce!

Sad but True

Interesting stuff. Just goes to show a serial killer has many victims, beyond just those who were slain. George Russell was a piece of work. The world is better off with him behind bars.

The performance was spot on per usual.