The Bloody Century

True Tales of Murder in 19th Century America

By: Robert Wilhelm

Narrated by: Charles Huddleston

A murderous atmosphere pervaded 19th-century America marked by lurid newspaper accounts and remembered in ballad and verse. The Bloody Century presents 50 of the most intriguing murder cases from the archives of American crime. It is a collection of fascinating stories - some famous, some long-buried - of Americans, driven by desperation, greed, jealousy, or an irrational bloodlust, to take another’s life.

The Bloody Century audiobook augments the true accounts of these murders with musical performances of period ballads and poems. The days of America’s distant past, the time of gaslights and horse-drawn carriages, are often viewed as quaint and sentimental. Yet, a closer look reveals passions, fears, and motives that are timeless and universal, and a population inured to violence, capable of monstrous acts. A visit to The Bloody Century may well give us insight into our own.

©2014 Robert Wilhelm (P)2021 Robert Wilhelm

Not what I expected

I did like the performance of various “murder ballads” but the information on each subject was a bit sparse.

The small chapters make it easier to read and stop and read and Then go again

Music inserted was a nice touch too .
I really enjoyed this book . I recommend it .

And you thought the 21st century was risky!

Not only was I entertained, now I know what to do (and what to avoid) should I ever need to murder someone. It's all there - the motives, the malefactors, their mistakes - or demonstrated talent for the job. Loved it!

The audio version is very very entertaining.

Beautifully organized and wonderfully narrated. If you enjoy true crime, you are probably already familiar with Robert Wilhelm's work, but this audible version is further enriched by the voice of Mr. Huddleston narrating and singing songs inspired by many of the murders. Thoroughly enjoyable!

So Many Murders

I found this treatise of incidents of murder during the 19th century in America fascinating. I was amazed at the amount of research that went into the writing of this book which was made evident by the variety and details presented. Until I had listened to this audiobook, I had no idea how many murders had been memorialized in the forms of poems and/or songs. I liked that the author included some of the songs and poems in this material. I was entertained by Charles Huddleston's narration and his presentation enhanced the story's entertainment. I was given a copy of the audiobook. I volunteered, without financial gain, to post this review which reflected my honest opinions regarding this audiobook.

Fun true crime with many a twist!

Each story has an engaging beginning and a delicious twist! Well read and fun to listen to- I listened in my car and I was riveted. I would recommend for lovers of all mysteries!

Truly enjoyable!

These stories are well researched and exceptionally well written. The reader skillfully captures the mood and nuance of each tale. You are drawn into each particular controversy as if you were in the room yourself. And the music is a delightful extra bonus. I found the audible book exceptionally enjoyable!

Intriguing, informative, insightful

In the 19th Century, murder became well known through newspaper accountings and music. This is a highly researched collection of 50 famous and not-so-famous murders from Lizzie Borden to Tom Dula to Delia Green and more!

The author, Robert Wilhelm, has researched each of the 50 cases meticulously detailing the truth and fiction around each case. The design of this book is fascinating as he begins with the report, followed by the court case outcomes, and ends with an original version of a song, newspaper accounting, or myth. One example is the case of Tom Dula, he begins with what happened, and the outcome of the case, and ends with the folk song performed by Tom Dooley. With Lizzie Borden, we have the same structure but followed up with the rhyming lyrics that made this horrifying tale of murder into a kid’s nursery rhyme. With each tale, he completely immerses the listener.

The narrator, Charles Huddleston, captivates the listener with clear, deliberate speech, seamlessly guiding them through each piece of the narrative. Huddleston’s use of tonal inflection and nuance builds suspense and moments of relief keeping the listener immersed and drawing them deeper into the stories and the era.

This is a great selection of stories that explain the meaning of and existence of some songs, rhymes, and other bits of trivia. The historical aspect of each tale helps to provide missing information, intriguing beliefs of the time, and more. I wish the songs were better but given the time in which they were written and performed, they accurately reflect the era. This is an informative and satisfying book for anyone who enjoys exploring tales of crime.

There were no issues with the production or quality of this audiobook.

Goofy ham narrator

This isn’t really worth it. The murder ballads are interesting and I originally wanted the book to research that but the narrator is so goofy it’s impossible. The murders aren’t very interesting either.

There is no story.

There is no story. There is no theme. This is a collection of newspapers clippings.