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Depraved
John Edward Robinson was a 56-year-old grandfather from rural Kansas. An entrepreneur and Eagle Scout, he was even honored as 'Man of the Year" at a Kansas City charity. To some of the women he met on the Internet, he was known as Slavemaster--a sexual deviate with a taste for sadomasochistic rituals of extreme domination and torture.
Masquerading as a philanthropist, he promised women money and adventure. For fifteen years, he trawled the Web, snaring unsuspecting women. They were never seen again. But in the summer of 2000, the decomposed remains of two women were discovered in barrels on Robinson's farm, and three other bodies were found in storage units. Yet the depths of Robinson's bloodlust didn't end there. For authorities, the unspeakable criminal trail of Slavemaster was just beginning...
Masquerading as a philanthropist, he promised women money and adventure. For fifteen years, he trawled the Web, snaring unsuspecting women. They were never seen again. But in the summer of 2000, the decomposed remains of two women were discovered in barrels on Robinson's farm, and three other bodies were found in storage units. Yet the depths of Robinson's bloodlust didn't end there. For authorities, the unspeakable criminal trail of Slavemaster was just beginning...
256 pages, Mass Market Paperback
Published February 1, 2005
41 people are currently reading
526 people want to read
About the author
John Glatt
38 books744 followersEnglish-born John Glatt is the author of Golden Boy Lost and Found, Secrets in the Cellar, Playing with Fire, and many other bestselling books of true crime. He has more than 30 years of experience as an investigative journalist in England and America. Glatt left school at 16 and worked a variety of jobs—including tea boy and messenger—before joining a small weekly newspaper. He freelanced at several English newspapers, then in 1981 moved to New York, where he joined the staff for News Limited and freelanced for publications including Newsweek and the New York Post. His first book, a biography of Bill Graham, was published in 1981, and he published For I Have Sinned, his first book of true crime, in 1998. He has appeared on television and radio programs all over the world, including ABC- 20/20Dateline NBC, Fox News, Current Affair, BBC World, and A&E Biography. He and his wife Gail divide their time between New York City, the Catskill Mountains and London.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/johnglatt
http://us.macmillan.com/author/johnglatt
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
March 10, 2015
When I first saw this book -- in a supermarket check-out line, if you can believe it -- it seemed like the ultimate exploitative sex trash. So I bought it.
It turned out to be an amazing true crime story, with very little to titillate unless you're a murderous sociopath. Serial killer John Robinson trolled the Internet in its earliest days, seeking victims involved in various BDSM activities. He posed as a player. Then, after his victims made contact with him, he would often indulge their fantasies for a while. Only briefly, however. An encounter with Robinson was almost always fatal. All the while, he ran various con games in his personal life that left him juggling different aspects of his personae, online and off.
You can't stop reading this because 1) You hope the victims or the law outwit him to stop his carnage and 2) You keep wondering when his house of cards is going to implode. Glatt does a great job of keeping you turning the pages.
During the trial, reporters capitalized on the case's lurid details even while they made it seem the BDSM players somehow deserved their fates. (This was well before the "50 Shades" phenomenon brought any tolerance for such people.)
One of the survivors set straight a detective who tried to claim that Robinson's games were the end point of all BDSM. She pointed out that the killer wasn't into their kind of sex play at all. "He's into snuff," she said simply. This is a perfect distinction, one I wish more of the media, even today, made more frequently.
A great read if you're into true crime. Be warned it's a very dark dose.
It turned out to be an amazing true crime story, with very little to titillate unless you're a murderous sociopath. Serial killer John Robinson trolled the Internet in its earliest days, seeking victims involved in various BDSM activities. He posed as a player. Then, after his victims made contact with him, he would often indulge their fantasies for a while. Only briefly, however. An encounter with Robinson was almost always fatal. All the while, he ran various con games in his personal life that left him juggling different aspects of his personae, online and off.
You can't stop reading this because 1) You hope the victims or the law outwit him to stop his carnage and 2) You keep wondering when his house of cards is going to implode. Glatt does a great job of keeping you turning the pages.
During the trial, reporters capitalized on the case's lurid details even while they made it seem the BDSM players somehow deserved their fates. (This was well before the "50 Shades" phenomenon brought any tolerance for such people.)
One of the survivors set straight a detective who tried to claim that Robinson's games were the end point of all BDSM. She pointed out that the killer wasn't into their kind of sex play at all. "He's into snuff," she said simply. This is a perfect distinction, one I wish more of the media, even today, made more frequently.
A great read if you're into true crime. Be warned it's a very dark dose.
January 14, 2016
A good read on a weird, terrible case of serial murder. This is clearly an "instant" paperback rushed to press before the whole story came out, but it reads really well and keeps you turning the pages. I liked this one a lot better than I thought I would.
June 21, 2023
3.5 stars
I have a read a number of John Glatt books, and I think what I like about his books is that he quite often looks at crimes that I have never heard of. He doesn’t just tell the stories of famous killers like John Wayne Gary, or Chris Watts. I have never heard of John Robinson, or his crimes. I've never heard of the first so-called Chatroom Serial Killer- that’s probably because I was about 10 years old when he was finally sentenced… Not to mention that happened on the other side of the world.
I think what annoyed me about John Robinson, or JR as he like to call himself, was that there was so many opportunities for the system to have stopped him. He was caught and convicted for many white-collar crimes and also ever received a slap on the wrist. He broke probation more than once and he was still free and able to go and murder innocent woman. Why was he not locked away sooner? He stole money from countless people. He was a conman ,and a fraudster. Yet because white collar crime was not been taken seriously, he wasn't punished. This man never should have had access to the women that he had access to. His parole agent, the FBI, so many people suspected him of hurting women, yet he was allowed to wonder free and live freely.
What happened to the Stasi family is horrible. Telling a woman with a young baby that you're going to help her, and house her, only to kill her, and sell off her child, is horrific. I also feel terrible for John's brother who thought he was legally adopting a little girl to love and welcome to his family, only to find out 15 years later that the daughter that he loves was stolen from another family and her biological mother was brutally murdered by his brother. I can't imagine what must've been going through that family's mind.
I really hope that this monster rots behind bars and he's never given the opportunity to get out. However the way the justice system works he probably will find himself free. As my favourite crime a YouTuber likes to say, the justice system is broken.
I have a read a number of John Glatt books, and I think what I like about his books is that he quite often looks at crimes that I have never heard of. He doesn’t just tell the stories of famous killers like John Wayne Gary, or Chris Watts. I have never heard of John Robinson, or his crimes. I've never heard of the first so-called Chatroom Serial Killer- that’s probably because I was about 10 years old when he was finally sentenced… Not to mention that happened on the other side of the world.
I think what annoyed me about John Robinson, or JR as he like to call himself, was that there was so many opportunities for the system to have stopped him. He was caught and convicted for many white-collar crimes and also ever received a slap on the wrist. He broke probation more than once and he was still free and able to go and murder innocent woman. Why was he not locked away sooner? He stole money from countless people. He was a conman ,and a fraudster. Yet because white collar crime was not been taken seriously, he wasn't punished. This man never should have had access to the women that he had access to. His parole agent, the FBI, so many people suspected him of hurting women, yet he was allowed to wonder free and live freely.
What happened to the Stasi family is horrible. Telling a woman with a young baby that you're going to help her, and house her, only to kill her, and sell off her child, is horrific. I also feel terrible for John's brother who thought he was legally adopting a little girl to love and welcome to his family, only to find out 15 years later that the daughter that he loves was stolen from another family and her biological mother was brutally murdered by his brother. I can't imagine what must've been going through that family's mind.
I really hope that this monster rots behind bars and he's never given the opportunity to get out. However the way the justice system works he probably will find himself free. As my favourite crime a YouTuber likes to say, the justice system is broken.
June 9, 2025
John Glatt’s Depraved: A True Story of Sadistic Murder in the Heartland recounts the chilling crimes of John Edward Robinson, a seemingly ordinary grandfather and entrepreneur from rural Kansas who led a double life as the internet predator known as “Slavemaster.” On the surface, Glatt’s book is meticulously researched and provides a vivid, chronological account of Robinson’s fifteen-year spree of manipulation, sadomasochistic abuse, and murder, culminating in the discovery of multiple bodies hidden in barrels and storage units across Kansas and Missouri. Glatt’s narrative strength lies in his ability to detail the shocking contrast between Robinson’s public persona, honored as “Man of the Year” at a Kansas City charity—and his secret, predatory online activities, which ensnared unsuspecting women with promises of money and adventure.
Despite the book’s thoroughness, Depraved ultimately falls short of being a standout in the true crime genre. The writing, while clear, can feel formulaic and at times repetitive, sticking closely to a familiar structure seen in many of Glatt’s other works. The focus on grisly details and the step-by-step recounting of Robinson’s crimes, while comprehensive, often comes at the expense of deeper insight into the victims’ lives or the broader social context that enabled Robinson’s predation. As a result, the narrative can feel detached, more interested in cataloguing horrors than in exploring the complexities of the case or the failures in law enforcement and community oversight that allowed Robinson’s crimes to continue for so long.
For readers seeking a straightforward, fact-driven account of a notorious American serial killer, Depraved delivers the essentials with competence. However, those hoping for a more nuanced or emotionally resonant exploration may find it lacking in depth and originality. Glatt’s work is solid but ultimately unremarkable, offering a serviceable, if somewhat clinical, retelling of one of the heartland’s most disturbing criminal cases.
Despite the book’s thoroughness, Depraved ultimately falls short of being a standout in the true crime genre. The writing, while clear, can feel formulaic and at times repetitive, sticking closely to a familiar structure seen in many of Glatt’s other works. The focus on grisly details and the step-by-step recounting of Robinson’s crimes, while comprehensive, often comes at the expense of deeper insight into the victims’ lives or the broader social context that enabled Robinson’s predation. As a result, the narrative can feel detached, more interested in cataloguing horrors than in exploring the complexities of the case or the failures in law enforcement and community oversight that allowed Robinson’s crimes to continue for so long.
For readers seeking a straightforward, fact-driven account of a notorious American serial killer, Depraved delivers the essentials with competence. However, those hoping for a more nuanced or emotionally resonant exploration may find it lacking in depth and originality. Glatt’s work is solid but ultimately unremarkable, offering a serviceable, if somewhat clinical, retelling of one of the heartland’s most disturbing criminal cases.
February 12, 2018
This is one of the worst books I have ever read.
I do enjoy reading true crime genre. My poor review is not because of the genre. This book reads as if the author wrote the entire book without scratching below the surface. Also, on page 145 of the paperback edition is the following:
In 1989, at the age of 17, Suzette left Jefferson High after her junior year.......
In August 1971, Suzette found a job as a nurse's aide....
MINI SPOILER ALERT: The last paragraph/sentence of this book begins as follows: If a jury does convict........
After reading this book the author left me feeling like he used the internet to research and whipped this story out in a month.
I do enjoy reading true crime genre. My poor review is not because of the genre. This book reads as if the author wrote the entire book without scratching below the surface. Also, on page 145 of the paperback edition is the following:
In 1989, at the age of 17, Suzette left Jefferson High after her junior year.......
In August 1971, Suzette found a job as a nurse's aide....
MINI SPOILER ALERT: The last paragraph/sentence of this book begins as follows: If a jury does convict........
After reading this book the author left me feeling like he used the internet to research and whipped this story out in a month.
July 25, 2022
The title says it all. This dude was depraved and so gross. I had to goog before the end of the audiobook to see if this dude was taking a dirt nap and unfortunately, he is not. I had known of this murdered from listening to some true crime podcasts but it wasn't until I heard about the "adoption ring" that I was like OH HIM!!! and double ewww. Book did delve into more details regarding his childhood as well as his other crimes before the BDSM involved murders. Definitely worth a listen if you're into true crime
January 31, 2020
It seems almost like this book was rushed. There are parts that are highly confusing because it seems that information is simply missing. There are also many editing mistakes throughout the book, some that lead to much confusion. For example, the year 1983 was written as 1993 at one point, which really messes up the timeline of events. There is also a lot to be desired in the descriptions of the killings.
January 29, 2024
Don't bother....title says it all.
Title was refreshed from the original manuscript and wish I hadn't have bothered as this book is a waste of money. Mostly I feel really sad for poor Tiffany.
Title was refreshed from the original manuscript and wish I hadn't have bothered as this book is a waste of money. Mostly I feel really sad for poor Tiffany.
January 11, 2021
Good Con Artist: Lousy Serial Killer
A pretty well written book. Little too
Much detail on the backgrounds of the more lesser characters. Skimming by the end. But not terrible.
A pretty well written book. Little too
Much detail on the backgrounds of the more lesser characters. Skimming by the end. But not terrible.
August 24, 2022
This wasn't as good as his other books. I felt like the story could have been a little more personalized rather than just a strict narrative of events.
February 15, 2023
I am a huge fan of John Glatt and I just couldn’t get into this book. His writing is excellent as always, but this one was just not for me.
July 14, 2023
it was good
Overall it was a good book. It was not judgmental in how the women chose to do what they did but the book itself was a straight to the point example of sex and murder
Overall it was a good book. It was not judgmental in how the women chose to do what they did but the book itself was a straight to the point example of sex and murder
January 21, 2024
This is a very long police report, not a true crime novel.
June 6, 2024
always a good summary...not really a book but good summary of data
August 26, 2024
Scarry. He was on the same social media site, ICQ, that I met my former husband on.
October 15, 2024
Some people are just fucked up....
May 27, 2025
Very interesting story. Touches on possibly the first internet serial killer.
June 26, 2025
Detailed telling of a horrible man who got away with a lot for decades. Worth the listen.
July 2, 2025
An interesting listen. Definitely a bit “graphic”. I was surprised to learn he was the first killer to use the internet - I’d never heard of him!
October 15, 2025
This book doesn't describe gruesome details. It was still fascinating.
October 2, 2014
The story is so creepy that it is hard to put the book down. This guy had an angle to EVERYTHING he did. It was interesting to read how those angles overlapped. It was more interesting how he was able to even be in a position to murder people when you consider all of laws he broke for years before he started killing (at least that we know of). It was also interesting how he was able to murder women with his weak plans seeping into his manipulations. All of his illegal forays folded on him due to some very insipid decisions along the way that belong in today's stories of what criminals do wrong blooper reels. He did so many absolutely ridiculous things over the years that I find it hard to believe his family didn't suspect anything. And that is one of the examples where I felt that Glatt didn't deliver. We couldn't really connect with any of his end of the situation. Why didn't we get more about what makes him tick? Was his family really THAT oblivious? Instead this book read like an extended newspaper article versus that of a book.
It also didn't help that right off the bat on page 10 Glatt talked about Ed Gein being from Chicago and Plainsfield, IL when he was actually from Wisconsin and basically spent his entire life in Plainsfield, WI. All in all, a very subpar book with a morbidly fascinating story that I can't help but wonder how much better it would have been if it was written by another author.
It also didn't help that right off the bat on page 10 Glatt talked about Ed Gein being from Chicago and Plainsfield, IL when he was actually from Wisconsin and basically spent his entire life in Plainsfield, WI. All in all, a very subpar book with a morbidly fascinating story that I can't help but wonder how much better it would have been if it was written by another author.
February 5, 2012
After finding this book in a book donation drive for my Kiwanis club, it looked interesting enough to 'borrow' and then return to the club. However, it wasn't what I expected it to be.
After reading True Crime novels by literary masters like Capote, this book left a lot to be desired. Although the events in the book are tragic and horrible (and sadly completely true), the telling of this tale was so poor it was difficult to get through only 240 page book.
I'm still deciding it if it was how the facts were laid out, or just the writing style of the author I found so disagreeable, but when it comes down to it, I don't care to give this book any more thought than I already have.
After reading True Crime novels by literary masters like Capote, this book left a lot to be desired. Although the events in the book are tragic and horrible (and sadly completely true), the telling of this tale was so poor it was difficult to get through only 240 page book.
I'm still deciding it if it was how the facts were laid out, or just the writing style of the author I found so disagreeable, but when it comes down to it, I don't care to give this book any more thought than I already have.
February 12, 2008
Delving into the mind of a career criminal is always interesting. I can't say I 'enjoyed' the book because it gave me the creeps, but it's a 'good' book if you're into learning about the criminal mind.
February 10, 2015
There wasn't a lot about the actual murders. More about how he captured his victims and a long section on his previous cons. It was pretty good though. I finished in only two days. I also really liked suzette's friend "Crystal" She was the most interesting to read about.
December 1, 2012
Pretty bad. The writer clearly did alot of research, but with the killer never really fessing up and the book being written before the trial, it's just a lot of rumors and guesswork. Didn't keep my attention enough to finish it.
July 27, 2011
So hard to believe such a thing could happen! A real page-turner!
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October 24, 2011Interesting read although it lacked detail and was written prior to the trial.
March 2, 2016
Well written true crime book. The only thing I didn't like was that the book ended before the accused went to trial. I believe that the accused died before the trial started.
May 22, 2016
The Internet Slave Master is an interesting story, but it could have been written better so it would be easier to follow.
June 7, 2016
very scary to what can happen
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews