Charles K. Hippler

Murder and Retribution

Revisado: 02-15-25

This is a thoroughly interesting and informative book. It has all the elements of a western novel or movie - outlaw gangs, corruption, murder, jail breaks, river boats, train chases, hung juries - except it’s all true. Thanks to his excellent research and presentation of the facts, as well as his insight, Charles Huddleston (who, by the way narrates his story magnificently) has woven an amazing and adventurous, yet believable tale. Overall, he gives us a glimpse of life, good and bad, in the late 19th century. I also enjoyed the ballads about the murder. If you like this audiobook, I suggest you also get the paperback version from Amazon; it has many interesting photos and maps, as well as information sources. Whether you prefer fiction or nonfiction, I highly recommend this book. It will touch your emotions; intrigue, tension, sadness, outrage, and satisfaction.

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Listened by Nightlight

Revisado: 07-17-22

This is a fascinating book. Imagine life in the 1890’s, early Chicago history, and a deceitful, intelligent, and ruthless main character. H. H. Holmes never ceased to amaze me with his antics, Chicago ‘castle’, and by living multiple lives. Yet I sympathized with his numerous unfortunate victims. Justice eventually prevails thanks to dogged Pinkerton detectives (there’s a short history about this agency), but it hardly seemed enough for the carnage that Holmes wreaked. Charles Huddleston was superb as narrator, adding depth, emotion, and character accents to the story. I particularly enjoyed the period music including gramophone, piano, strings, and even a barbershop quartet. They highlighted important passages and chapter ends, and transported you back to that time. Overall, it was extremely entertaining and I’m grateful never having to cross paths with a villain like Holmes.

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So good I listened to it twice

Revisado: 05-11-21

This was an incredible true story. Helena Katz has woven a formidable, almost super-human antagonist with the Yukon outdoors, unbelievably harsh weather conditions, dedicated and determined Mounties, and a courageous bush pilot, that is worthy of a tale by Jack London. As a backpacker, I can only imagine carrying almost your full weight through deep snow in sub-zero blizzard conditions. As a former pilot with flights to Alaska and Greenland (in modern aircraft, of course), I can appreciate “Wop” May’s selfless derring-do to save lives and help catch the murderer. I have new respect for what it takes to be a Mounty. Charles Huddleston narrates superbly. I had to listen all over again after the first time.

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Bedtime stories with pending endings

Revisado: 04-29-21

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Troy Taylor has kept the stories short, but has varied the different characters, settings, and outcomes (or inconclusive outcomes) enough to keep the listener interested and wanting more. Okay, that story’s over, you think— what’s next? Charles Huddleston does an excellent job as narrator, adding accents, questions, and other subtle remarks. I particularly liked the Amelia Earhart and Glen Miller chapters. I was familiar with their disappearances, of course, but Taylor offers informative recaps. Overall, it’s a good book to have at your bedside and listen to several stories a night. Before you know it, the time remaining has disappeared.

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Interesting, sad, and a good listen for any season

Revisado: 12-27-20

I really enjoyed this book. There’s history of Christmas trees and traditions, sailing and weather on the Great Lakes, shipwreck search, and an indomitable family. It’s a good listen at Christmas, or any season.

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Shootout by the Florida coral

Revisado: 09-18-20

This is an excellent listen. Spoiler alert: there is a murder, but this book is more about survival in turn-of-the-century south Florida. It centers on the life and times of the Bradley family, and their eventual migration to Flamingo. Miami was barely on the map, and Key West was the largest city in the area. There are interesting history lessons about Palm Beach, the Barefoot Mailman, Houses of Refuge, Henry Flagler, and sadly, the plume trade. The author gives vivid descriptions of the Everglades and its flora and fauna, and Charles Huddleston narrates brilliantly, bringing the story and characters to life. In the end, it's a real waste that Guy was so ignominiously killed; he worked very hard to begin a family and carve out a niche in a beautiful but hostile place.

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Santa and his prodigal pirate brother

Revisado: 11-15-19

This is a delightfully written and performed Christmas tale about Santa’s little-known brother, Snowbeard. The story cleverly intertwines pirate antics with Christmas lore and will entertain both children and adults. What really makes it fun, however, is Chip’s narration- his theater experience shines throughout the story. The music accompaniment, the accordionist and the Dreadnaught singers, round out the recording and makes you feel as if you were one of the crew. You will want to listen more than once.

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A very good story and an entertaining listen

Revisado: 02-26-19

Overall, it was a very enjoyable book. Although I was initially skeptical of a Sherlock Holmes story without Watson, the author did a good job of introducing a Jesuit priest as Holmes' partner and narrator of the story. And it was interesting to see Holmes investigating a murder in the post Civil War south. There were plenty of plot surprises and action to keep me interested. Charles Huddleston did an outstanding job as the reader, and he expertly handled a large variety of characters and accents: southern gentlemen, genteel ladies, Irish, cockney, Italian, and Holmes himself. I have listened to all 6 volumes of Stephen Fry's Sherlock Holmes stories, and The Tarleton Murders doesn't disappoint.

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Great escape

Revisado: 03-12-18

An entertaining blend of gumshoe and surf culture. Ray Porter delivers it well. I’m not normally a detective fan and am pretty much a kook when it comes to surfing, but this book was a fun ride.

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