Charmer: The True Story of a Ladies' Man and His Victims

George Russell does not fit the mold of most serial killers. The fact that he is an African-American sets him apart immediately. What makes Russell even more unique is his propensity for posing bodies of victims post-mortem. Like an artist seeking attention for his work, he may have killed for noteriety. The theory has also been proposed that he killed women because of anger from his childhood. Whatever the motive, the story of George Russell Jr. is certain to make a reader's skin crawl. Jack Olsen, one of the premier writers of true crime before his death, does a credible job out recounting the life of George Russell. My only real complaint is that we never get the truth about Russell's childhood/family life until the book is near its end. Russell documents the seduction of several young girls that take Russell into his trust and may be lucky to still be alive. It is remarkable how long the deviant behaviors of Russell were allow to continue out of prison. Were he arrested and convicted for some of his more petty crimes, he have never had the opportunity to murder. I am surprised that a work of true crime of this caliber is out of print and would hope that it eventually returns to circulation. While George Russell is a lesser known as a killer, his unique crimes are certainly worthy of note for fans of the genre of true crime.

I read lots and lots of true crime, and find Jack Olsen's novels to be among some of the best. Normally the stories themselves don't stay w/me for very long after I read them, but Charmer gave me goosebumps. This story of a charming young man with a secret life as a cat burgler and abuser/murderer of women horrified me. When some of the women who'd lived with and cared about him described the psychological games he'd play with them, like breaking into their homes and leaving threatening notes on their bed, or simply breaking into their homes and watching them while they slept I actually shuddered. Creepy and horrifying from the get go, and definitely one that will have you leaving your lights on long after you finish it!

read it if you are from the seattle area. I knew this man you would have never known he could be so evil.

I have found that most "true crime" coming out today reflects little "legwork" on the part of the author. It is clear in too many cases that the writer relied too much on official trial and police records. His work is usually, deservedly or not, a paean to the investigators of the crime. Jack Olsen apparently goes way beyond official sources and presents a comprehensive picture of all aspects of the crime, from the perpetrator, to the victims and their families. He gives the police their due, but does not come off as a cop glorifier. "Charmer," while not Olsen's best, is a classic example of the well-written true crimie. It's well worth a read.

Charmer was a great book because it was written with help from people who knew this man at different times in his life, some dating back to childhood. It makes the reader ask, "What's up with this guy?" Of course the author does a wonderful job of putting the pieces of this mans' life together slowly and meticulously. I couldn't put it down. Jack Olsen drew me in as if I was part of this crazy web of "friendships" and partying.