Ballantine Books and Random House Audio - 2022
On June 28, 2004, a well-respected, small town North Carolina doctor named Vincent Gilmer, picked up his father from the assisted living facility he lived at, drove him around in his truck to Virginia and strangled him with a dog leash and then cut off his fingers leaving his body on the side of the road. What caused Vincent Gilmer to snap and murder his own father and then show up at his clinic ready to see patients at his Asheville, NC office the following day?
A second Dr. Gilmer, Benjamin Gilmer (no relation) joined the same clinic and learned about what transpired. He was more than a little concerned about Vince Gilmer finding out about the new doctor with the same last name but, he was also was intrigued and interested in meeting the man who was now spending time in prison. Benjamin Gilmer working with journalist Sarah Koenig had discovered that Vince had a number of mental health issues and a neurological condition (Huntington's Disease) that may have contributed to the act of violence that landed him his prison sentence. Benjamin Gilmer was determined to do what he could to help free Vince Gilmer.
This story is hard to read about at times. At times I sympathized with Gilmer, the killer, after learning what he experienced at the hands of his father. This is a true story shows the failures of our justice system as the author tries to advocate on Vince Gilmer's behalf to get him released from prison. I thought this story was very well written and investigated but, it did make me wonder how the author was able to continue his medical practice and meet with, investigate and continue his fight for justice. The author also had a family who needed his emotional and financial support.
This book is highly recommended to readers who enjoy true-crime stories. The audio book was read by the author and was very well done. Tis audio download was sent to me by the publisher in exchange for my unbiased review.
Rating - 4.5/5 stars
At your earlier mention of this story I was already interested. A 4.5/5 review means even more.
ReplyDeleteNon fiction true crime lovers will like this. It is sad at times but well-done.
DeleteThis story sounds good, but a little crazy, too. If you'd been the second Dr. Gilmer, would you have gone to the prison to meet with the first one knowing he murdered his father? I don't think I would have.
ReplyDeleteYes and he was apprehensive once he knew he had been at the same practice before.
DeleteTrue crime stories are not really a genre that I read very often. I guess I prefer my crime to be fictional! This one sounds weird enough to have been fictional.
ReplyDeleteVery odd and a bit too coincidental perhaps...but crazy things happen.
DeleteI'm not sure I'd like some parts of that one, especially since it is a true story.
ReplyDeleteI understand...
DeleteI like true crime as well as long as it is not too descriptive :)
ReplyDeleteSomething about this reminds me of the true story The Other Wes Moore about two men with the same name who have had very different life experiences. Super interesting.
ReplyDeleteOh wow, I hadn't heard of that one.
DeleteI haven't read much true crime but this does sound fascinating. It sounds like it was really well done. Next time I'm in a true crime mood I will pick this one up.
ReplyDeleteGood story Katherine, I ended up feeling sorry for the killer as well at times.
Delete