DEATH IN THE JUNGLE Murder, Betrayal, and the Lost Dream of Jonestown

Karen Murray's balanced narration fits this nonfiction account of Jim Jones and the tragedy at the Peoples Temple in Jonestown, Guyana, in 1978. Murray's tone reflects the author's research on the early religious zeal that fueled the imaginations of Jones's followers. Murray presents facts, people, and anecdotes, setting scenes as Jones nurtures followers' trust based on his belief in socialistic justice. Later, Murray's delivery of dialogue picks up emotion as the situation in the community becomes desperate with Jones's descent into drug use and brutality. This poignant audiobook, while never gratuitous, illuminates the tragic deaths of 909 Temple members. While it's an uncomfortable listen, the story is remarkable and haunting. S.W. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2025, Portland, Maine [Published: MAY 2025]