Helpful Score: 7
I couldn't put this book down. Here is what a reviewer said about the book:
I've read almost everything Jack Olsen has written (he's one of the folks on my short "I buy everything" list), but even in Olsen's body of work, this is a standout.
Olsen has written about more heinous criminals -- after all, this guy is "only" a serial rapist. But "Son" really captures the creepy, narcissistic world of the sociopath. The level of detail and understanding is remarkable. He captures the essence of what is pathetic and frightening about these people in a way few other writers have. I first read this book more than a decade ago, but I still think about it.
I've read almost everything Jack Olsen has written (he's one of the folks on my short "I buy everything" list), but even in Olsen's body of work, this is a standout.
Olsen has written about more heinous criminals -- after all, this guy is "only" a serial rapist. But "Son" really captures the creepy, narcissistic world of the sociopath. The level of detail and understanding is remarkable. He captures the essence of what is pathetic and frightening about these people in a way few other writers have. I first read this book more than a decade ago, but I still think about it.
Helpful Score: 4
Very comprehensive look at a series of brutal rapes that took place in Spokane during the 70's.
Helpful Score: 4
This is a true crime novel about a serial rapist. It is not for the faint of heart! However, for those who like true crime, this is an interesting portrait of a very troubled young man. You won't believe what he gets away with.
Helpful Score: 3
from amazon.com:
On one level, this 1984 Edgar Award Nominee is the story of a sociopathic rapist, a clean-cut realtor named Fred Coe who raped dozens of women in sunny Spokane, Washington. Olsen paints the portrait of a man whose exterior grandiosity and air of savoir faire barely conceal his deep insecurity about his career failures--a temperamental prima donna who emulates the pathetic hero of "American Gigolo." But on another, even more compelling level, this is the story of the women in Fred's life: His histrionic, clinging mother is a fair-skinned beauty in jet-black wigs, outrageous attire, and excessive jewelry, who eventually plots to kill the judge and prosecutor who put her dear "Son" away. A wife, and later on a girlfriend, both devoted to Fred, are devastated by his exposure as a brutal rapist. And several of Fred's many victims are also compassionately portrayed in all their individuality.
On one level, this 1984 Edgar Award Nominee is the story of a sociopathic rapist, a clean-cut realtor named Fred Coe who raped dozens of women in sunny Spokane, Washington. Olsen paints the portrait of a man whose exterior grandiosity and air of savoir faire barely conceal his deep insecurity about his career failures--a temperamental prima donna who emulates the pathetic hero of "American Gigolo." But on another, even more compelling level, this is the story of the women in Fred's life: His histrionic, clinging mother is a fair-skinned beauty in jet-black wigs, outrageous attire, and excessive jewelry, who eventually plots to kill the judge and prosecutor who put her dear "Son" away. A wife, and later on a girlfriend, both devoted to Fred, are devastated by his exposure as a brutal rapist. And several of Fred's many victims are also compassionately portrayed in all their individuality.
"...even in Olsen's body of work, this is a standout.
Olsen has written about more heinous criminals- after all, this guy is "only" a serial rapist. But "Son" really captures the creepy, narcissistic world of the sociopath. The level of detail and understanding is remarkable. He captures the essence of what is pathetic and frightening about these people in a way few other writers have.
If I were ever going to write a true crime book myself, I'd sit down and read this one about 10 times before getting started." amamzon
(This man has now served 25 years in prison and is currently up for realease; the state is trying to keep him locked up.)
Olsen has written about more heinous criminals- after all, this guy is "only" a serial rapist. But "Son" really captures the creepy, narcissistic world of the sociopath. The level of detail and understanding is remarkable. He captures the essence of what is pathetic and frightening about these people in a way few other writers have.
If I were ever going to write a true crime book myself, I'd sit down and read this one about 10 times before getting started." amamzon
(This man has now served 25 years in prison and is currently up for realease; the state is trying to keep him locked up.)
This is a true crime novel about a serial rapist in the 1980s in Spokane, Washington. I don't normally read true crime, but I was taken by the cover art. I also have a personal interest as my youngest son and his family live in Spokane and have since about 2000. The author paints a much different Spokane as it was back then.
This is an older book ... first published in 1983. The author has since passed away. However, it's been re-published with a new Forward .. written by another author a lot of us know ...Gregg Olsen (no relation). Gregg relates how he met the author and how he influenced Gregg in his own writing endeavors. It's like getting a short story, as well as the book.
As of 12/2013 ... Fred Coe, being held indefinitely at a secure state facility for sexually violent predators, has filed suit in U.S. District Court seeking immediate release from what he calls unconstitutional confinement. No hearings on the request have been set.
After serving 25 years in prison for rape, state authorities blocked Coes planned release in 2006 and a Spokane County jury deemed him a continuing danger to society following a month long civil commitment proceeding. Hes being detained indefinitely as a sexually violent predator at the states special commitment center on McNeil Island.
Coe has been diagnosed with personality disorder not otherwise specified, along with narcissistic and antisocial traits.
The author takes us to the beginning ... the beginning of Coe's life as a rapist ... the women he loved, hated, lied to, cheated on. He was a braggart although he never really accomplished anything to brag about.
And then we meet his mother .... she was really something else! She knew what he was doing, but did nothing to stop it. Nobody was good enough for her SON, even though she berated him constantly. His father was a very quiet man, who stood in the corner and obeyed his wife.
The book goes through some of his victims and we find out how they dealt in the aftermath.
The book was very well-written. He did a great job in humanizing the victims. Coe was painted as a narcissistic psychopath. As far as I know, that has never changed.
I can't say I loved the book ... I am far more comfortable reading about the fictional monsters..... but it was a compelling read.
My thanks to NetGalley / Scribner for furnishing an electronic copy in exchange for an honest opinion.
This is an older book ... first published in 1983. The author has since passed away. However, it's been re-published with a new Forward .. written by another author a lot of us know ...Gregg Olsen (no relation). Gregg relates how he met the author and how he influenced Gregg in his own writing endeavors. It's like getting a short story, as well as the book.
As of 12/2013 ... Fred Coe, being held indefinitely at a secure state facility for sexually violent predators, has filed suit in U.S. District Court seeking immediate release from what he calls unconstitutional confinement. No hearings on the request have been set.
After serving 25 years in prison for rape, state authorities blocked Coes planned release in 2006 and a Spokane County jury deemed him a continuing danger to society following a month long civil commitment proceeding. Hes being detained indefinitely as a sexually violent predator at the states special commitment center on McNeil Island.
Coe has been diagnosed with personality disorder not otherwise specified, along with narcissistic and antisocial traits.
The author takes us to the beginning ... the beginning of Coe's life as a rapist ... the women he loved, hated, lied to, cheated on. He was a braggart although he never really accomplished anything to brag about.
And then we meet his mother .... she was really something else! She knew what he was doing, but did nothing to stop it. Nobody was good enough for her SON, even though she berated him constantly. His father was a very quiet man, who stood in the corner and obeyed his wife.
The book goes through some of his victims and we find out how they dealt in the aftermath.
The book was very well-written. He did a great job in humanizing the victims. Coe was painted as a narcissistic psychopath. As far as I know, that has never changed.
I can't say I loved the book ... I am far more comfortable reading about the fictional monsters..... but it was a compelling read.
My thanks to NetGalley / Scribner for furnishing an electronic copy in exchange for an honest opinion.
You won't be able to put this book down!
WOW! This is a true story of a psycopathic son and his psychopathic mother! I didn't know people like this existed in the world.
I would like to rate this book but have'nt read it yet due to the fact that I do no know what it is about. Hopefully some one will write a small reveiw maybe so I can determine wether or not I find this book worth reading
