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| The LaSalle Street Murders |
| The Reviews |
| "The LaSalle Street murders was a riveting incident, and the dedication and relentless pursuit of Carol Sissom, reminiscent of a trained detective, undoubtedly has led to a positive conclusion." -Sgt. Ken York (Ret.), Indiana State Police |
| House of the Killer |
| The House of Death |
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| "I think it's incredible for someone to have the gift of being able to read into people and express it on paper. Carol Sissom has a gift from God to investigate and write about it." -Joe Matthews, DNA Lifeprint, Former Supervisor, Miami Beach Homicide Division |
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| Just a coincidence? |
| House of the Killer |
| Amityville Horror House |
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| Music courtesy: |
| "Sorcerer's Apprentice" (midi file) |
| "Don't read this book at night." -Linda Knowles, Clearwater, Florida |
| "I must say, your book held me, barely letting me breathe, right up to the last word." -Indianapolis reader |
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| "All too often we hear about a "whodunit" we can't put down. Well your Lasalle Street Murders was just that. Riveting. Electrifying.
And to think, like Friday the 13th, HE might come back...again... Your "open letter" on your website sounds so much like the solicitous genuine concern you had for the cab driver at the end of the book. You care. It shows. How exciting to be able to communicate directly (I hope) with the author of such a stunning book. I suppose the "drama" is over...and yet ...now...I am not sure I want it to be. Thanks for a great experience... " -Terry Daley |
| “An amazing book that you will literally be unable to put down until you’ve read every last word of Carol Sissom’s harrowing story. Much more than 'True Crime' from someone who actually lived it.” -Tony West's brief review dated October 25, 2006 |
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| Hi Carol,
I’m Tony West from Speedway and I read your book this past weekend. Oh my God-- what an amazing book! It’s cliché, but I literally couldn’t put it down. Finishing it; though, left me with a lot of questions. The biggest of which is (obviously) when are you going to write the next book and tell the rest of the story?! I realize that’s akin to asking when are you planning to figuratively rip your guts out again and I applaud your fortitude in completing and releasing such a harrowing piece of work at all and realize continuing the story isn’t any easy feat; though, it would seem you have plans to do just that and I wondered if you have any kind of timetable in mind at this juncture? My other questions are a bit more complex and email might not be the most appropriate forum to ask them, but in the last pages of your book, you suggest that Norton’s death might have been faked. Do you plan on detailing the reasons why in your next book? Can a continuation of the story even be possible without gravely endangering yourself? I mean, Hoffa, Nixon, the U.S. government, and the likes of Norton and his ilk make up a pretty motley bunch of folks; even if some are no longer with us. Basically, it’s difficult to read your book and not be led to believe that you know a whole lot more than you’re able to tell—and with good reason. Am I off-base in thinking that? I’m a life-long Hoosier and would love to know every last juicy detail, but obviously not at the expense of your safety. Along those same lines, it would seem that Indy has a side of it that many know little or nothing about. A side filled with everything a good film noir from the forties would hold. Am I on the right track in thinking that? Lastly, as someone who has flirted at length with jumping headlong into writing a book about another infamous Indianapolis multiple murder case from the 70’s, how are you doing these days in terms of living with all that you’ve seen and done in relation to the LaSalle Street murders? Should I think long and hard about ever committing to such an endeavor? Reading your book has certainly given me pause in that regard, while inspiring me just as much! Well, this is turning into “War and Peace”, so I will close. Again, your book is nothing short of amazing and I look forward to hearing from you and hopefully my wife and I will be able to catch one of your signing’s soon as it would be quite a thrill to meet you. We seem to always be a day or weekend behind you, but your website schedule has remedied that. Thank you and take care. -Tony West; full e-mail to Carol dated October 24, 2006 |
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| The LaSalle Street Murders book I read was so very good and interesting that I could not put the book down.
As I read the book I noticed that Ms. Sissom had done alot of investigating as well as putting her life in danger. I am looking forward to reading another of her books. Dianna Maxbury Indianapolis International Airport |
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| It is odd but I feel as if I know you while sitting on the edge of my seat reading your book; you probably get this stuff all the time? Which LaSalle street did this happen on?; there are three on the southside and one on the northeast side -- that's the one I am guessing.
I also wanted to say you mentioned that you go to Heather Hills Church...I have run races there over the last five years. Brian, who heads up the DINO (Doing Indiana Off road...trail racing), is a member there; do you know him? I've known Brian for years and have been running with the DINO group about five years; you sound like the athletic type in your book; do you run? Do you remember me by chance from Borders? GREAT BOOK!! John Cusack Spartan Computer Services "Solutions Without Boundaries" |
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| Interesting letter to Carol from an Indianapolis resident who knew Robert Gierse, one of the murder victims: |
| XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX |
| XXXXXXXXXXX |
| XXXXXXXXXX |
| I stood in the middle of Borders Bookstore and cried!
It had been a crappy day following a crappy night and I stopped at the bookstore on the way home from work. I'm talking about today (11/06/06), just an hour or so ago. I found the book I wanted on a low GI diet ... just one more in a long line of diet books ... and was strolling along just browsing. Found a book by Patricia Cornwell that sounded interesting and had just about decided to head on home. I was walking up a long aisle toward the cash register when something, viewed from the corner of my eye, made me back up and look again. It wasn't the book or the title. It was that beautiful, glorious picture. It was my dear friend whom I've missed terribly. AND SHE HAD FINALLY FINISHED AND PUBLISHED HER BOOK!!! I picked up the book and couldn't take my eyes off of your picture. I hadn't even serisouly noticed the title yet, but I knew with everything in me what it would be. Suddenly, my diabetic eyes started to blur. My first thought, though none were coherent at the moment, was that my sugar must be too high which often makes my eyesight blurry. Then a drop of wetness fell on your cheek. I was standing in the middle of Borders Bookstore crying like a baby. One of the sales people came over and asked me if I was okay, if I was in pain and needed an ambulance. All I could say for a few minutes was, "I'm okay." Finally I was able to tell her that I knew you when and that no one I've ever known deserved anything as much as you deserved having your book published. CONGRATULATIONS!!! I am so incredibly happy for you. I knew it would happen as surely as I've ever known anything. I have missed you a lot, Carol. One of my most wonderful and treasured memories EVER is still of driving you to Pennsylvania. I can't listen to Amy Grant to this day without remembering that drive through the mountains. And when I saw the picture of you on your website when you received that award all I could think about was that there are pictures from that award ceremony with ME in them WITH you. Carol, I honestly don't really remember why we stopped talking but I have made some attempts over the years to try to find out where you were. I never did go to nor call your Mom's but I didn't know what your last name had become, either. I don't know how you feel about it, but I would love to talk with you again. I'll wait to hear back from you and hope we can talk soon. Again, Congratulations! Now I've got to call/e-mail everyone I know and tell them about your book! |
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| E-mail message Carol received from an old friend on Monday, November 6, 2006: |
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| Hi Carol,
I just moved to Indy a year ago and saw your book in the State museum and bought it.....I LOVED IT !!!! I hope there is more to come.... Thanks for the great read! Marnie |
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| Carol,
I just wanted you to know that I really enjoyed your book. The dedication and courage you had to solve this case was incredible. Thanks for letting us share in the experience with you. God Bless and keep you safe. Sincerely, Emily Lebanon, Indiana P.S. Can't wait to read a follow-up some day! |
| Dear Mrs. Sissom,
Hello, I just finished reading your book, THE LASALLE STREET MURDERS, on Wednesday evening. It was an excellent read. I literally couldn't put it down! You have a new fan to add to your collection. We met at the Indiana Author's Fair at the Indiana Historical Society on Saturday, December 2nd, ...just 35 years and one day after the grisly murders you lived to tell the tale about. I am a fireman for the XXXXXX Fire Department and I bought the book you signed for me. I had to run out and get more money so I could afford the book. It was worth every penny. Little did I know the books were purchased through the Historical Society's bookstore...I have written a fiction book and I have two hard copies of the novel. I want you to know I admire your work very much! You are also brave and diligent. You have single-handedly rekindled my spirit to get back into the writing game and get my work published. Robert E. Havlin, Jr. Brownsburg, Indiana |
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| The LaSalle Street Murders was one of the best books I've read in a long time. I found it hard to put down and consequently read the whole thing in one day. Although I live in Indianapolis now, I did not at the time of the murders and it was enlightening to learn about the murders and that piece of history in our city through your investigation. Your perseverence and tenacity in working with this case putting yourself at risk made the book so much different from other murder mysteries and it really captivated my attention. I'd love to read more from you in the future!
-Martha H., Indianapolis |
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| Hi Carol,
I hope you had wonderful holiday. We had a great Christmas and New Year. I have not talked to you in some time but wanted to let you know I read your book and it was very riveting. I enjoyed it and had a hard time putting it down. I hope this new year finds you happy and healthy and I am looking forward to talking to you soon. Melanie |
| Hi Carol,
Wow! You have truly been through an unbelievable ride. I finished your book about a week or 10 days ago and I just had to absorb the whole traumatic thing. As I read it, a lot started to come back to me. I went to school with Tom Wood’s kids. I have had numerous friends in the Marion County Sheriff’s Department. I lived next to (name of this attorney withheld) for years, who you probably have heard of in the criminal lawyer circuit and who is one of my best friends; and most recently attended church on the east side. Before I finished, I thought to myself, "what a movie this book would make". I was disappointed at the end to see you tried and no one bit. I think you should take a different approach to getting this on the silver screen. I think you should send a book to Steven Seagall and see what he thinks – with Washington, Mafia, Sex, Murder and a lot of other American attractions, there is a multitude of angles. Maybe Seagall could do a cameo and get your son a small part in it. I think once he read the book, he’d know how traumatized you have been which obviously is a financial burden. You need to revisit this. The book could make a difference. Go to MCL and you can get your fried chicken and green been fix. It’s the same stuff! I have some questions for you: (1) At the end, why did you state on last page, to be continued? Because you are still pursuing Rock’s incarceration? (2) The hand drawings were done by Rock? (3) Have you read the Patricia Cornwell book, Jack the Ripper, Case Closed? Years after the murders took place, Cornwell shows and proves differently. You could also have something here from an investigative background. I love your style and pace that the book reads. You need to go look at James Patterson’s book at Barnes and Noble. He writes ½ page to maybe 5 page chapters which make for an easy read. People that are extremely busy can pick the book up a multitude of times during the day and gradually progress through the book, Whereas, Greg Isles or Nelson Demille need to be started on a long flight or vacation. Since you told me you had not read him, it’s a unique parallel to him. Prior to learning about Rock’s release, I thought you were in danger just because of the different feathers you ruffled. But after I read it in your book, even with your faith, I wouldn’t sleep at night. I hope I’m wrong but be careful. It was chilling! Can’t wait for your next book. Bill Slade January 11, 2007 |
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| Hi Carol
, I just bought your book today at Borders. I can't stop reading it. I am almost half way thru it already today. This is just amazing to me...you see I was raised in Mars Hill on the southwest side of Indianapolis. XXXXXXX was my brother's brother in law. My older brother was married to XXXXX's sister. I can remember having family dinners at the XXXXX house. Wow. And my older sister in the early 90's had her car in Mr. XXXXXX's auto repair shop. I think he called it XXXXXXX to have have an engine replaced. She got cheated bigtime and XXXXXXX kept her car. This book is just mind blowing realizing I knew these characters. Your book is great, you did a fantastic job. I wish I could have met you at Borders for the book signing but I saw the story in the paper a day too late. C. K. Greenwood, Ind. February 1, 2007 |
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| February 7th, 2007
Hi Carol! I don't know if you remember me (Nina) or my dog, Lex (blond pit Bull) - (but) - I keep meeting people who have read your book! I had a hard time putting the book down - I took it everywhere with me!! It reminded me of what suspense really means! I just can't get over how I keep meeting people who have read your book! Enjoyed it and it seems others are too! I am SO happy for you! Also anxiously awaiting the next book... Nina Gaither |
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| Carol,
3 people have read your book now. They all think you are a great writer. There are more people who want to read it. Bernice Tampa Bay |
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| Carol -- Here is the address of my friend who worked for Bob Gierse one summer: [name and address withheld for privacy and security purposes] She delivered microfilm to different businesses and brought microfilm back to the company. I read your book! Couldn't put it down! It brought back memories of living in that area. I also worked at Republican Headquarters during the Watergate scandal. One thing that I have learned from the experience is that there is corruption at all levels of government. Thanks for solving the case. You sacrified alot in the process. Be assured it was greatly appreciated. -Indianapolis Reader |
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| Carol,
Let me start out by saying I basically only read nonfiction books based on murders. I have only twice read a book in two days. It happens that The Lasalle Street Murders was the second one. I recently moved to Indiana from Chicago so I never had heard of this horrific murder until I was walking thru the Indiana State Fairgrounds last week. My friend is with IMPD and knows how much I like those types of books. He highly recommended your book. I read the whole entire thing last evening. It was a wonderful publication!! I thought it was so great because of the dedication that you put into it. What a brave women you had to be!! I cannot wait to read the next one!! Please hurry!! LOL I worked at the Flower/ Patio show and never had the opportunity to speak with you. I was wondering if it would be possible to send you my copy to be signed. I would greatly appreciate it. I have been telling everyone about your amazing book!! Warmest regards, -Michelle Yager |
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| Tell you what; when you have another " lunch with the author" I would love to participate!! I am sorry I keep asking you so many questions when I am sure they are on your website. I am on the computer all day and get sick of looking at other web sites!! LOL Keep me posted when there is one or I'll check the site!! Thanks for your kindness and I am telling everyone about your book!! hurry with the next one girl!! LOL Warmest regards, -Michelle Yager |
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| Stunned! That is the word that first came to my mind upon finishing your book. I met you, and had no idea of the extent of your involvement with this crime of years ago. I hung onto every word with all of my familiarity of the east side, and with a hands-on connection to the murderer's home. I will undoubtedly be reading it again, and again in anticipation of the sequel. I am looking forward to being part of that upcoming continuation of your story. I unfortunately became a bit of a social drop out in the past year, but I hope that we can continue our friendship. Please keep in touch. I have been raving to everyone about your book, and oh what a movie it would make!!!!! I hope that possibility is not too far off in the future!! - Anonymous P.S. - Your photographs are beautiful! |
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| Dear Carol,
I just finished your book, and I want to congratulate you on doing such a great job!! I am amazed at everything you had to endure throughout the past 16 years, as well as your lifetime! I am an avid True Crime fan, and have read many true crime books. I have read MANY books written by Ann Rule, and your story reminds me of her when she worked alongside Ted Bundy before she realized he was a serial killer. I was born and raised in Elwood, IN., and have lived here all my life. I was instantly enthralled in your book because it took place in Indy. I have a couple of questions. Is Floyd Chastain still living? Do you ever talk with him anymore? Also, what ever transpired with Mike Epstein? I was hoping to read more about that situation. Also, have you had any more contact with Peter Knapp? He seemed like an interesting fella. Last, but certainly not least, is Rock Norton still alive? Is there any evidence, without naming it, that he did not die? I hope when you say, "To be continued", that you mean you will be writing a "LaSalle Street Murders #2"!! Take care, and God Bless you!! Sincerely, Anne |
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| Dear Carol,
You are quite welcome! Thank you for such a quick response. You are such a wonderful role model, and you have truly inspired me. I am so happy to hear that you are writing a second book about the LaSalle Street Murders at this time and look forward to buying and reading it as soon as it is released. Years ago, when you were featured on a TV show (at the moment I can't remember which one or when), I became enthralled with your story. Did Indianapolis Monthly do a spread on your story, too? That may have been another place I became familiar with your name, face and story. In the time that has passed since first seeing you and your story, I have gotten married and had two beautiful children. That has been over the past 12 years. So recently, after all this time, I remembered the fascinating story and I FINALLY got around to finding your book and buying it! I did get it from Borders, and happened to luck out and get an autographed copy of it (Yea!!) I read it in less than two days. Can't wait to read the next one! I also look forward to reading other books written by you. Take care, God bless and I'll keep in touch! Sincerely, Anne |
| Yes, I am hard at work to the sequel, which will answer all of your questions. I hope to have it out by fall! How did you hear about my book. Did you buy it at Borders?
I love to receive mail from my readers, thanks for sending such a beautiful letter. Carol Sissom |
| Carol's reply to Anne: |
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| Carol,
Thanks for the book, love the diction, permanently impressed. db |
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| I thoroughly enjoyed your book- could not put it down until I had finished it. The members all want to order your book and they would very much like for you to come and discuss your book with us in September, you pick the date.
My daughter and I talked with you at the Indy Flower and Patio Show this past March. My daughter, like myself, could not put your book down until she had read it completely. We are both looking forward to reading your follow up. |
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| Hi Carol, Just finished your book. It was very well written and I enjoyed reading it. Hope your other books do well too! Tammy |
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| July 6th, 2007
Mrs. Sissom: I got your book about The LaSalle Street Murders and it is very good. It was very detailed and thorough. You've done your home work. I was l5 when this happened and it's nice to see that someone took the bull by the horns and solved it. Do you plan on writing any more books? I just missed getting this signed by you. Kevin S. |
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| Hello! I recently read your book "The LaSalle Street Murders" and thought it was AMAZING!! I am very interested in true crimes in Indianapolis. I am very excited about the follow up book and cannot wait to read it. I would love to write a book on true crimes in Indianapolis, but have no clue where to begin...lol. Congratulations on how well your books are doing! M - from Indianapolis |
| Hello Carol, I'm nearly finished with your book, "LaSalle Street Murders". First, let me say that you are one very brave woman to have delved so deep into that case and been so close to the alleged killer. I did want to ask you though if you changed the names of any of the characters in the book or if you used actual names? I bought the book at Waldenbooks in Greenwood Park Mall last week and after reading part of it, decided to buy a copy for my mom and dad for Christmas this past weekend. The employee that waited on me stated that you had been in the store the day before and I wished that I would have come in the day before and had you autograph my parents' book. He also stated that you had a sequel to "LaSalle" coming out soon. Have you ever considered writing a book about Indianapolis's other notorious unsolved murders-the Burger Chef Murders? Anyway, I just wanted to e-mail you and tell you that I really am enjoying reading this book and am looking forward to the sequel as well. Take Care and God bless! |
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