Depraved

I went into *Depraved* expecting another sensationalized true crime narrative, but John Glatt’s meticulous research and Shaun Grindell’s razor-edged narration turned this into a story I couldn’t pause. Grindell’s performance is the standout—he doesn’t just read the words; he *personifies* the duality of Robinson’s life. The calm, fatherly tone he uses for Robinson’s "charitable" moments makes the descent into predation even more chilling, like watching a mask slip in real time. The production is top-notch, too; the audio quality is crisp, and the pacing keeps the story relentless without sacrificing depth. Robinson’s case is a masterclass in how predators exploit systems, and Glatt doesn’t shy away from the ugly truths, especially the systemic failures that allowed him to evade justice for so long. That said, the audiobook could’ve benefited from more context about the broader cultural shifts in online dating or law enforcement responses to internet crimes at the time. While the focus on Robinson’s crimes is understandable, a few more nods to the bigger picture might’ve added even more weight. And though Grindell’s performance is stellar, there were moments where his voice for Robinson’s victims felt slightly less distinct from his narration of other characters, which occasionally blurred the emotional lines. But these are minor quibbles in an otherwise binge-worthy true crime listen. If you’re looking for a true crime story that lingers long after the last word fades, *Depraved* delivers.