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Rough Trade: A Shocking True Story of Prostitution, Murder, and Redemption
A true crime classic of drugs and murder in Denver, Colorado by the New York Times bestselling author of Smooth Talker--with a new forward and epilogue.
Early one morning in May 1997, a young couple spotted a man dragging a body up a secluded trail in the mountains of Colorado. Then the man fled, leaving behind a bloody, dying woman. The resulting investigation lead from that idyllic spot to the criminal underbelly of a world of prostitution, drugs, and violence. Rough Trade recounts that investigation, and tells the story of three tragically damaged the victim, a young street walker named Anita Paley, the suspect, a drug dealer named Robert Riggan, and Anita's friend, Joanne Cordova, a former cop-turned-crack addict and hooker.
In the past, Cordova had submitted to violent sex with Riggan in exchange for drugs. But when Anita was murdered, Joanne decided to risk her own life by going to her former colleagues on the police department to tell them what she knew. Raised in his own private hell, Cordova endured rape, incest, and extreme abuse to become a violent sexual predator. Cordova, meanwhile, summoned the courage to testify against the man she believed killed her friend--and find her own redemption in the process.
Early one morning in May 1997, a young couple spotted a man dragging a body up a secluded trail in the mountains of Colorado. Then the man fled, leaving behind a bloody, dying woman. The resulting investigation lead from that idyllic spot to the criminal underbelly of a world of prostitution, drugs, and violence. Rough Trade recounts that investigation, and tells the story of three tragically damaged the victim, a young street walker named Anita Paley, the suspect, a drug dealer named Robert Riggan, and Anita's friend, Joanne Cordova, a former cop-turned-crack addict and hooker.
In the past, Cordova had submitted to violent sex with Riggan in exchange for drugs. But when Anita was murdered, Joanne decided to risk her own life by going to her former colleagues on the police department to tell them what she knew. Raised in his own private hell, Cordova endured rape, incest, and extreme abuse to become a violent sexual predator. Cordova, meanwhile, summoned the courage to testify against the man she believed killed her friend--and find her own redemption in the process.
401 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2001
166 people are currently reading
224 people want to read
About the author
Steve Jackson
18 books205 followers“He writes with both muscle and heart”—New York Times bestselling author Gregg Olsen
New York Times bestselling author and award-winning journalist Steve Jackson has written ten non-fiction books in true crime, history and biography genres; he has also written fourteen crime fiction thrillers for the long-running and Times bestselling "Butch Karp Series" in collaboration with former New York assistant district attorney Robert K. Tanenbaum.
He is currently in the process of writing three more contracted non-fiction books: ALL SECURE (Hachette), FINDING ANASTASIA (Potomac) and SAVING ANNIE (WildBlue Press), as well as working on a sequel to his bestseller NO STONE UNTURNED. He is also finishing a novel, ISLAND OF WOMEN. The publishers of his previous books include: HarperCollins, Simon & Schuster, Pinnacle, Atrium, De Capo, and WildBlue Press.
Steve is also the co-owner of indie publisher WildBlue Press (wildbluepress.com) with partner Michael Cordova. As of July 2018, WildBlue Press will have published more than 75 books by fifty authors in true crime, crime fiction, romance, history, current events, memoir and business genres after less than four years in business. Many of these books have become award-winning bestsellers, and several have been optioned for film and television productions.
The company is rapidly expanding both the number of authors and titles, and will be moving into other genres in the Summer and Fall of 2018.
His first non-fiction book, MONSTER, a true crime, was published in October 1998 and within two weeks became a New York Times bestseller. In 2003, his World War II dramatic narrative, LUCKY LADY, received The Colorado Book Award, best biography/history, from the Colorado Center for the Book; Lucky Lady was also the runner-up that year for the Admiral Samuel Morrison Naval History Award.
In June 2013, Jackson joined forensic investigative team NecroSearch International (the group featured in NO STONE UNTURNED) searching for the remains of the Grand Duke Mikhail Romanov in Perm, Russia as part of his research for an upcoming dramatic narrative history FINDING ANASTASIA.
Honored with NecroSearch membership in 2014, he and the team returned to Russia to continue the search in 2015, 2016, 2017 and will return to conclude their search in June 2018.
Born in 1955, Jackson grew up in Hawaii and Colorado. He graduated in 1979 from Colorado State University with a BA in Journalism.
A newspaper journalist for 25 years, he worked in locales as varied as Montana, Hawaii, Guam, Micronesia, Indonesia, Indiana, Washington D.C., Florida, Oregon and Colorado. During his career with newspapers, he received numerous national and regional awards for feature writing and investigative reporting.
Outside of writing, his interests include backpacking, fly fishing, skiing, guitar, reading, softball, music, wine, beer and spending time with his family and friends.
New York Times bestselling author and award-winning journalist Steve Jackson has written ten non-fiction books in true crime, history and biography genres; he has also written fourteen crime fiction thrillers for the long-running and Times bestselling "Butch Karp Series" in collaboration with former New York assistant district attorney Robert K. Tanenbaum.
He is currently in the process of writing three more contracted non-fiction books: ALL SECURE (Hachette), FINDING ANASTASIA (Potomac) and SAVING ANNIE (WildBlue Press), as well as working on a sequel to his bestseller NO STONE UNTURNED. He is also finishing a novel, ISLAND OF WOMEN. The publishers of his previous books include: HarperCollins, Simon & Schuster, Pinnacle, Atrium, De Capo, and WildBlue Press.
Steve is also the co-owner of indie publisher WildBlue Press (wildbluepress.com) with partner Michael Cordova. As of July 2018, WildBlue Press will have published more than 75 books by fifty authors in true crime, crime fiction, romance, history, current events, memoir and business genres after less than four years in business. Many of these books have become award-winning bestsellers, and several have been optioned for film and television productions.
The company is rapidly expanding both the number of authors and titles, and will be moving into other genres in the Summer and Fall of 2018.
His first non-fiction book, MONSTER, a true crime, was published in October 1998 and within two weeks became a New York Times bestseller. In 2003, his World War II dramatic narrative, LUCKY LADY, received The Colorado Book Award, best biography/history, from the Colorado Center for the Book; Lucky Lady was also the runner-up that year for the Admiral Samuel Morrison Naval History Award.
In June 2013, Jackson joined forensic investigative team NecroSearch International (the group featured in NO STONE UNTURNED) searching for the remains of the Grand Duke Mikhail Romanov in Perm, Russia as part of his research for an upcoming dramatic narrative history FINDING ANASTASIA.
Honored with NecroSearch membership in 2014, he and the team returned to Russia to continue the search in 2015, 2016, 2017 and will return to conclude their search in June 2018.
Born in 1955, Jackson grew up in Hawaii and Colorado. He graduated in 1979 from Colorado State University with a BA in Journalism.
A newspaper journalist for 25 years, he worked in locales as varied as Montana, Hawaii, Guam, Micronesia, Indonesia, Indiana, Washington D.C., Florida, Oregon and Colorado. During his career with newspapers, he received numerous national and regional awards for feature writing and investigative reporting.
Outside of writing, his interests include backpacking, fly fishing, skiing, guitar, reading, softball, music, wine, beer and spending time with his family and friends.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
July 31, 2021
Audio - 5 Stars
Story - 4 Stars
Story - 4 Stars
August 1, 2021
4.5 stars audio
3 stars story.
3 stars story.
March 23, 2019
Steve Jackson's ROUGH TRADE is a better-than-average true crime account. Drifter, con man and psychopath Steve Riggan, Jr., consorted with the crack addicts and prostitutes (two groups which overlap to a great deal) in Denver's seedy Colfax Avenue district. Sadly, the injuries he imposed on a young woman new to the world's oldest profession, Anita Paley, resulted in her death in 1997. Riggan was put on trial for capital murder.
The real keystone of this book, however, is Joanna Cordova, a female Denver policewoman whose career went into a tailspin (partly because she had cheated on a test) and had wound up a crack addict and prostitute, but nonetheless could help with the murder investigation. When Cordova disappears from ROUGH TRADE, the narrative suffers and the lengthy doings over medical testimony and sentencing toward the end of the book make it seem overlong. For the most part, though, the book is very well researched and well written. Fans of true crime will feel their time well spent.
The real keystone of this book, however, is Joanna Cordova, a female Denver policewoman whose career went into a tailspin (partly because she had cheated on a test) and had wound up a crack addict and prostitute, but nonetheless could help with the murder investigation. When Cordova disappears from ROUGH TRADE, the narrative suffers and the lengthy doings over medical testimony and sentencing toward the end of the book make it seem overlong. For the most part, though, the book is very well researched and well written. Fans of true crime will feel their time well spent.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 19, 2017
Thank you to NetGalley, WildBlue Press, and author Steve Jackson for giving me a Kindle copy of this book Rough Trade for review purposes.
This one I found hard to write a short review about. It's an updated edition of an older story. I felt like I was rewriting the book and had to start over a few times. It's just so involved and layered and almost stranger-than-fiction like. There's a wicked bad killer, a former cop turned call girl/hooker and her friend, a new hooker. You just have to read it for yourself basically, and if you are a true crime fan, you'll probably enjoy it and see what I mean. It does go back and forth some, but many books do that to tell different parts of the story and blend things in. That didn't bother me, it's a way some storytellers like to do it. I've come to like the writing of Steve Jackson through WildBlue Press and before.
This one I found hard to write a short review about. It's an updated edition of an older story. I felt like I was rewriting the book and had to start over a few times. It's just so involved and layered and almost stranger-than-fiction like. There's a wicked bad killer, a former cop turned call girl/hooker and her friend, a new hooker. You just have to read it for yourself basically, and if you are a true crime fan, you'll probably enjoy it and see what I mean. It does go back and forth some, but many books do that to tell different parts of the story and blend things in. That didn't bother me, it's a way some storytellers like to do it. I've come to like the writing of Steve Jackson through WildBlue Press and before.
May 18, 2009
No matter which way someone chooses to live their life they don't deserve to die the way this man killed. This book is very disturbing and graphic. If your a fan of true crime then this book is for you.
November 27, 2009
This book reads as a novel especially the first half of the book.
When i started reading I realised this was a book I had already read years ago and I still remembered the girl, cop who turned prostitute.
Finished it this morning and still enjoying the read.
When i started reading I realised this was a book I had already read years ago and I still remembered the girl, cop who turned prostitute.
Finished it this morning and still enjoying the read.
August 23, 2018
Super interesting true crime about the murder of a prostitute by Robert Riggan. The better story is the female ex-cop turned prostitute and druggie who helped solve the case. The courtroom procedings are fairly repetitive but otherwise a very good book.
November 24, 2016
Steve Jackson's work is way above par. I really like the way this book is laid out. You get the back story on many of the players in this book, the most interesting of which is the cop turned prostitute/crack addict. It's of course a sad and inspirational telling. I was really impressed with the amount of research and information in this book. Outstanding from beginning to end.
I would recommend this to individuals who enjoy the early works of M. William Phelps.
I would recommend this to individuals who enjoy the early works of M. William Phelps.
January 11, 2017
A tragic portrait of one former cop-turned-prostitute and the hopeless lives of the drug-addicted and destitute.
December 14, 2016
This true-crime story is beautifully told and gorgeously narrated. The characters are deeply developed and their motivations are searched for but not speculated about (something that occasionally frustrates me about true crime stories is an author's certainty about a real person's reasons for doing or not doing a particular thing). Each character/person feels real to the listener, and that makes the tragedy of it all that much more painful.
This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of AudiobookBoom.com
This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of AudiobookBoom.com
September 24, 2016
This is a really good book about murderer Robert Riggan who liked to target prostitutes, supply them with drugs, rape, torture and murder them. Some of them were lucky enough to escape from him. Joanne Cordova, a former police officer, was one of the lucky ones that got away from him. This is a very intense story and is a real page turner. We probably will never know the total number of murder victims there actually were. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loved TC.
June 4, 2013
although it kept me intrigued... a tad bit graphic, you have the stomach for CSI Miami then you can get thru this.
We all make choices whether it is right or wrong.. you learn from them. But did not agree with the ending. Who are credible witnesses.. how can Joanne Cordova be a police officer, then a crack head/ prostitue this is actually based on a true story
We all make choices whether it is right or wrong.. you learn from them. But did not agree with the ending. Who are credible witnesses.. how can Joanne Cordova be a police officer, then a crack head/ prostitue this is actually based on a true story
October 2, 2016
One of the best true crime books i have ever read.
This book is written so that all the characters are easy to understand remember and keep straight which is sometimes hard to do. It make the book flow and the reader easier engaged. What a magnificent and so truly talented writer. I will from here on out seek this writer's work out. Great book !!!!
This book is written so that all the characters are easy to understand remember and keep straight which is sometimes hard to do. It make the book flow and the reader easier engaged. What a magnificent and so truly talented writer. I will from here on out seek this writer's work out. Great book !!!!
October 7, 2016
Great writing, awful killer
The book is very well written, kept my interest. Which was tough, because the rapist-killer was so violent and weird. It's an excellent true crime book, but unsettling.
I liked the way the author brought out the story of the former cop turned prostitute-addict. I have great respect for the fact that she testified and wish her the best.
The book is very well written, kept my interest. Which was tough, because the rapist-killer was so violent and weird. It's an excellent true crime book, but unsettling.
I liked the way the author brought out the story of the former cop turned prostitute-addict. I have great respect for the fact that she testified and wish her the best.
October 26, 2016
As the author says in his introduction, this is not a particularly sensational case, but Jackson's talent for writing true crime makes this a very interesting and readable book. It's well organized and fully developed. And as always, Kevin Pierce reads it with total competence.
NOTE: I received a free copy of this audiobook in exchange for this unbiased review.
NOTE: I received a free copy of this audiobook in exchange for this unbiased review.
November 25, 2013
I was working the morning this happened and was looking for his van after receiving the description. I later learned what he had done and was glad he was found. I came across the book and it brought all those memories back. Rest in Peace Joanne Cordova.
October 30, 2016
Research; Plus Well Written; Tragic True Crime Story Is Graphic Of Reality! Intwine Of
Fallen Lives To Hopefully Wake Up People To Better Life Choices! Display "Wrong Paths Destruction" May Awaken A Committed Inner Spirit To Instead "Live A Godly Lifestyle"!
Fallen Lives To Hopefully Wake Up People To Better Life Choices! Display "Wrong Paths Destruction" May Awaken A Committed Inner Spirit To Instead "Live A Godly Lifestyle"!
February 20, 2017
True account of a murderer and the courageous cop, turned crack addict, prostitute who helped in his conviction. Utterly compelling reportage that reads like fiction.
Does contain some graphic content but highly recommended for fans of true crime reads looking for their next 'fix'.
Does contain some graphic content but highly recommended for fans of true crime reads looking for their next 'fix'.
July 18, 2017
Good book.
July 2, 2016
one of the only true crime books I love
July 29, 2017
Review based on ARC from NetGalley:
Rough Trade details the case against Robert Riggan, a man who picked up prostitutes, drugged then raped them. He gets caught when he is attempting to get rid of the body of a prostitute he's murdered and is spotted by a couple who are on their way to work along a narrow road near Black Hawk, Colorado.
Riggan comes across as a typical narcissistic sociopath who will not take any responsibility, lies about everything, makes up additional lies when confronted with the inconsistencies, and believes he is better than everyone else. He had a horrific upbringing, but that is no excuse for his behavior and he is a very unsympathetic character. The book discusses at length the trial, with some veiled points about juries in general, and how Riggan ended up with only a life sentence instead of the death penalty. It's a good read for those who enjoy true crime books.
Rough Trade details the case against Robert Riggan, a man who picked up prostitutes, drugged then raped them. He gets caught when he is attempting to get rid of the body of a prostitute he's murdered and is spotted by a couple who are on their way to work along a narrow road near Black Hawk, Colorado.
Riggan comes across as a typical narcissistic sociopath who will not take any responsibility, lies about everything, makes up additional lies when confronted with the inconsistencies, and believes he is better than everyone else. He had a horrific upbringing, but that is no excuse for his behavior and he is a very unsympathetic character. The book discusses at length the trial, with some veiled points about juries in general, and how Riggan ended up with only a life sentence instead of the death penalty. It's a good read for those who enjoy true crime books.
October 7, 2018
Compelling characters make for a good read
Many of this author's books are being rereleased on the Kindle format with an updated pro and epilogue. This book in particular is an interesting read filled with many characters both good and bad. And some inbetween. It's a sad story, one that is difficult to read sometimes. I felt physically ill every time I had to read about the victim's injuries and final hours of life. I was disgusted by the life that the killer's family provided for him. A more degenerative group of people you'd be hard pressed to find. Lastly, the story of the witness for the prosecution, Joanne Cordova, was both fascinating and maddening. I don't think she still quite understands why her life turned out the way it did but I can tell you, I don't think you can only blame the drugs. I'll leave my opinion at that. If this book hadn't have gotten bogged down by a lot of verbatim trial coverage, I'd be leaning towards a 4.5.
Many of this author's books are being rereleased on the Kindle format with an updated pro and epilogue. This book in particular is an interesting read filled with many characters both good and bad. And some inbetween. It's a sad story, one that is difficult to read sometimes. I felt physically ill every time I had to read about the victim's injuries and final hours of life. I was disgusted by the life that the killer's family provided for him. A more degenerative group of people you'd be hard pressed to find. Lastly, the story of the witness for the prosecution, Joanne Cordova, was both fascinating and maddening. I don't think she still quite understands why her life turned out the way it did but I can tell you, I don't think you can only blame the drugs. I'll leave my opinion at that. If this book hadn't have gotten bogged down by a lot of verbatim trial coverage, I'd be leaning towards a 4.5.
April 14, 2019
Good book on many levels.
The crime history revealed in this book is unremarkable and could have happened on any day in any city at any time.
The way the story is told, however, made it memorable. The characters were well developed and the 'villain' made me feel like I needed a shower every time he was mentioned.
Good job on this book and it's a shame my library doesn't carry much more of Jackson's library. I'd certainly read more.
The crime history revealed in this book is unremarkable and could have happened on any day in any city at any time.
The way the story is told, however, made it memorable. The characters were well developed and the 'villain' made me feel like I needed a shower every time he was mentioned.
Good job on this book and it's a shame my library doesn't carry much more of Jackson's library. I'd certainly read more.
January 15, 2018
Great Book
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, it kept me interested and I couldn't wait to pick it back up! A great ending for the former police officer turned hooker. A very well written book that was never boring!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, it kept me interested and I couldn't wait to pick it back up! A great ending for the former police officer turned hooker. A very well written book that was never boring!
October 19, 2023
Good feelers created reading about the suspect
I cried about the dog being the best friend and thinking there really are cruel parents out there that just shouldn't be allowed to have kids. They need a "put down" service for more humans than they do animals.
I cried about the dog being the best friend and thinking there really are cruel parents out there that just shouldn't be allowed to have kids. They need a "put down" service for more humans than they do animals.
June 29, 2017
True crime
This is a good true crime story. The author tells a story about a prostitute,a fallen cop, and a couple of great investigators.
This is a good true crime story. The author tells a story about a prostitute,a fallen cop, and a couple of great investigators.
September 22, 2018
New favorite author
Jackson just shot to the top of my list of authors. He had me along for an exciting journey from page one.
Jackson just shot to the top of my list of authors. He had me along for an exciting journey from page one.
September 21, 2022
This is one of very few books that I just couldn't finish. Too harsh for me.
September 26, 2023
This was well-written, informative and moving but I couldn't wait for it to be over. Such a brutal story.
September 3, 2024
Far too drawn out and detailed. A frustrating read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews