Reviews

As a current resident of the area this was fascinating. The podcaster has a personal angle that really brings the listener into the story.

I grew up in Newark DE and left in 1980 at the age of 22. I never heard of the Johnston gang or this story. I was frustrated by the fact these guys could have been harassed and even jailed for all the known burglaries and transporting stolen vehicles and tractors across state lines. Could this have stalled the killing of poor Robin and the Kiddie Gang in 8/78. Justice seemed to take a long time to take these criminals down for the 100s of thousands of $$$ they were stealing. I loved the podcaster’s voice and I enjoyed the father DA and their relationship in this story. I felt the cops were very complacent about this “Gang” and when they finally started to build a case by getting young gang members to turn on the 3 brothers, the killing started. To me they were like surprised?? that these hillbilly car and tractor robbers were even more evil than they imagined.

It’s so frustrating that justice for Robin after she was drugged and raped as a teenager at the hands two adult men wasn’t even talked about. The investigators just ignored it and wanted info on stolen tractors.

The story is awful but the narrator editorialized a LOT which makes it sound very dramatic in a Dateline-style way. I think it makes it both harder to follow and also makes me doubt her objectivity. I wish she would just let the story speak for itself. If you like Dateline though, you may love this story.

So, a cop remembers taking Gary’s ring home and cleaning it up so he could put it into evidence? And this is ok with you, Podcaster? Jesus!

Great podcast but my only reservation was the narrator’s choice of the word “snitch” when to referring to anyone who turned on their former partners in crime-“informant” would have been a better choice-we’ve already gathered that these people were nasty characters but calling Bruce Jr a snitch seemed a little too judgmental.

This limited episode podcast is an essential! Set in the countryside of Pennsylvania, this true story is shocking, raw, emotional and shows just what people might do to protect themselves. The reporting is excellent and those interviewed for the story recall it as if it were yesterday. You do have to have Wondery Plus to listen after the first two episodes, but it’s worth it. Being an STM, Smartless and Your Stupid Opinions fan, I was already subscribed. I can honestly say that I would have subscribed even if I weren’t a fan of other Wondery podcasts.

So happy I found this! Ever since At Close Range came out when I was a teen, I’ve been intrigued with this story. Happy to hear from family members of victims and more facts I didn’t know. -Kelli’s Coffee & Crime Chat.

Sounded like a decent pod, but I have no idea because scene setting was the only portion available, Episodes 1 & 2. It’s the owner’s right to do this, but please note there is no additional content to gain access to either. You are paying for the six episodes only. It’s like those dreadful “free” books you try while looking for a new author — cliffhanger without resolution. Bait & switch? Pushing the network & author to the side; IDK if I’ll ever return to either. WARNING: SUBSCRIPTION ONLY Trailer: doesn’t count Episode 1-2: available Episode 3-8: subscription only Note: 4⭐️& higher reviews only available

I am not a true crime fan but my husband insisted I listen to this podcast. I was hooked from the first episode and listened to them all in one day! Amanda Lamb is an amazing storyteller. Now I’m off to see if she has any other podcasts!

Great podcast. Love Amanda!

I just love this podcast. The story is riveting and I couldn’t get enough. Excellent writing and the host is well spoken and easy to listen to. I hope she makes more!!!

The podcast, so far, is great. I’m aghast that law enforcement failed to protect the younger gang.

This story is riveting. I can’t wait to hear the rest of it. I didn’t know anything about this case before the podcast. What a ruthless family! Great storytelling from Amanda Lamb, as usual.

If you saw the 1986 Sean Penn movie, At Close Range, this podcast is about the same ruthless family.