Episode 5: Find the Dupe

By: Vicky Ward

Narrated by: Vicky Ward

Jeffrey’s wealth and his similarities to Robert Maxwell made him Ghislaine’s go-to guy. But the story of how Jeffrey amassed that fortune has been largely unknown until now. His fortune is what allegedly drew newly impoverished Ghislaine Maxwell to him. In the next three episodes, Vicky tells what she has discovered how he was able to go from a high school math teacher to a Wall Street power broker, identifying the people who mentored him and opening the playbook he used to con the very rich.©2021 James Patterson Entertainment, LLC (P)2021 Audible Originals, LLC

Interviews are accurate, well researched

When a skilled investigative reporter interviews varied subjects, conversations are recorded—which is why one may hear “on the record” and “off the record” throughout the interview. The reporter then has these recordings transcribed, typically by a professional who does audio transcriptions. Often the audio tapes are then filed away—and the reporter uses the *typed* transcriptions for reference, fact checking with the subjects about what he/she said, etc. It would be impractical and unwieldy to refer to only audio tapes rather than typed transcriptions. Reporter Ward makes it clear that the audio tapes are no longer available. But the written transcriptions and notes do exist! Thus, to re-construct the written transcriptions in a way that is more meaningful for audible subscribers, she uses voiceover actors to recreate verbatim what she was told. She is not making up conversations. Or pulling from memory what she was told. This is a complex story and even the Amazing Kreskin could not replicate quotes, identify specific dates and recreate dozens upon dozens of interviews from memory. So those reviewers who award a single star because the narration is read by actors—and presume therefore that all records have been lost and that reporter Ward is drawing only from her memory— did not have their “listening ears”’on when Ward explains in the first Chapter why the written transcript interviews are read by voice over pros. She’s done a dandy job IMO. And it’s a great tale. Many knew Bear Stevens was playing fast and loose before it went asunder. And she explains why JE’s exit from BS—yes he cried upon being fired—helped send Epstein on his duplicitous path toward eventual destruction.

Painful

I really wanted to hear the story! But hearing it from some über wealthy C u next Tuesday, more than anyone below the millionaire status should have to deal with. Please stop trying to make ANYONE sorry for anyone of you privileged fucks! Waste of time unless you feel sorry for the

Waste of time

Ms Ward's vanity drips from every sentence in this book. It is poorly researched and full of innuendo. Had she not "lost" the interview tapes, it might have been an interesting peek into Epstein's mind. The re-enactment however leaves you with the distinct impression that it was heavily adapted to fit the story line and to embellish the author's journalistic prowess. A total waste of time, glad I didn't have to pay for it.

Shoddy, thinly sourced reporting. Misleading quotes

Epstein was an evil guy, but that doesn’t mean that Ms. ward can throw journalistic standards and integrity out the window. She includes a quote from a business partner of Epstein,Hoffenberg, saying one thing and she paraphrases it as something totally else. Tons of single or no sourcing of her claims and assertions, that may pass muster at the National Enquirer, but not any credible publication. She keeps saying her phone conversations with Epstein are recreations, that the tapes were lost, provides no other details, but recreates these conversations with what we are supposed to believe is incredible accuracy. Too much for any sentient being to swallow. Audible listeners seem to be being duped as much as Epstein clients were.

Too much about everything except what the title suggests.

Disappointing and did not reveal much that I didn’t already know. Sorry I purchased this.