Beyond Obsession

The Shocking True Story of a Teenage Love Affair Turned Deadly

By: Richard Hammer

Narrated by: Charles Constant

Joyce Aparo seemed to be the perfect single mother. She doted on her sixteen-year-old daughter, Karin, encouraging her musical ability and lavishing affection on her. But behind closed doors, Joyce was a terror. For thirteen years, she beat Karin savagely and demeaned her relentlessly. When Karin met the troubled yet brilliant Dennis Coleman, the two fell head-over-heels. But Joyce disapproved—so she had to die.

On August 5, 1987, Joyce's body was found under a bridge near the Connecticut-Massachusetts border. She had been strangled, was covered in bruises, with paper stuffed in her mouth and pantyhose knotted around her throat. The police investigation soon dragged her horrific treatment of Karin into the open, and the teenage lovers became the prime suspects. Dennis eventually confessed to the murder, testifying that Karin begged him to kill her mother. But Karin had a very different story to tell. Was she manipulating the police the same way she manipulated her former boyfriend, or was she an innocent victim?

Based on meticulous research, court transcripts, and interviews with the survivors, Beyond Obsession is the definitive account of an American tragedy.

Contains mature themes.

©1992 Richard Hammer (P)2023 Tantor

Karin

So sad this little girl grew to this reality. And this boy suffered in spite.

Take an anti- nausea pill . .

. . Before listening to this book. The three main “characters” - Joyce, Karin and Dennis - are repulsive. I’ve never rolled my eyes more during a true-crime book. The book itself is good - a page-turner. But the people it covers are ridiculous. The most disgusting line in the whole book: “there’s six inches of you and eight inches of me.” Barf.

Deception & manipulation

This story really shows how people who want their way as the only way- they can manipulate anyone. Seems Karen learned from a master- her mother. Poor Dennis was just the person to use. This book is a great warning of manipulative personality. Worth the listen.

Lots and lots of romance and relationships background

I’d say 60% is more like a romance novel—haha though I’ve never read one—and 40% true crime. The title graphic looks so cool, probably the best I’ve seen. So that threw me off.

Great story!

This was an amazing story & the narrator did a great job. It covered a few different points of view, so very interesting.