Book Review: Charmer by Jack Olsen

Charmer: The True Story of a Ladies’ Man and His Victims by Jack Olsen

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Minus one star for the misleading (and arguably offensive) title and subtitle. The only way “Ladies’ Man” applies is if you are looking at the “Charmer” as an incel pickup artist. Which may be the point–I don’t know. He’s a scam artist, a profligate user of young women, and a rapist/murderer. So perhaps the title and subtitle are in supremely bad taste, or just ironic. I know that if the man in question had raped or used me, or murdered someone I love, I would not be pleased with such irony. This guy is a fast-talking charmer in the fact that he got his own ways for so long–but still. As the victim of sexual and domestic violence myself, it just sticks in my craw. I’m usually not so sensitive to such things, so when something like this really does bother me, I pay attention.



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I listened to this book on audio, and it was another enjoyable narration from Kevin Pierce. Pierce is my go-to true crime audiobook narrator.

George Waterfield Russell, Jr. at Murderpedia

Full documentary on YouTube:

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