Scott Turow
Bestselling author of Presumed Innocent and Ultimate Punishment
“This addictively readable book about Karen Conti’s representation of John Wayne Gacy, perhaps the most prolific serial killer ever to be put to death in this country, answers some of the law’s most fascinating questions. Why would an outstanding attorney choose to represent a man who clearly contends for the title of ‘worst of the worst?’ And for those who oppose the death penalty, does that opposition remain, even in a case like Gacy’s, who tortured, murdered and disappeared thirty three young men under the basement of his house? ”
Sister Helen Prejean
Author of Dead Man Walking; Ministry Against the Death Penalty
"Killing Time” is a testament to the human spirit's resilience. Our protagonist, a woman navigating a male-dominated field, embodies the power of standing up for what's right, even when the world screams otherwise. Her journey is one of courage, empathy, and ultimately, self-discovery.
Like many people who stand up for unpopular causes, Conti’s experience strengthened her character and serves as an example for all."
Robert Shapiro
A member of the "Dream Team" of O. J. Simpson's attorneys
“For those interested in the legal system: This book offers a fascinating glimpse into the challenges and ethical dilemmas faced by criminal defense attorneys!”
Tracy Ullman
Executive Producer of the Peacock Original docuseries John Wayne Gacy: Devil in Disguise
"While many have exploited the story of John Wayne Gacy with varying degrees of success, "Killing Time with John Wayne Gacy" is a completely refreshing take. Karen Conti rolls out an intimate tale of her time representing one of the most famous serial killers during his last-ditch effort to overcome his death penalty sentence in 1994. Not only does she show herself as a professional and empathetic advocate for all manner of individuals she comes across during her long career, but she's one of the few women to engage with Gacy and lay bare his maze-like sociopathic mind.
Conti picks up on a lot of small details other writers miss regarding the context of the culture, time, and location that are essential to understanding this case wasn't just about the worldwide sensation of a serial murderer, but she acknowledges there was a political infrastructure around Gacy that enabled and protected him as he continued to perpetrate his unspeakable crimes. This is a page-turner that will further inform aficionados as well as those who are curious about what happens behind the closed doors of justice."
Andrea S. Kramer
Founder of ASKramer Law and author of
Beyond Bias: The PATH to Ending Gender Inequality at Work
“Killing Time is not just an interesting look at "America's Most Evil Serial Killer," as told from the only woman lawyer representing John Wayne Gacy in the final flurry of legal appeals before his execution. It is also the story of how a sociopathic murderer changed the life and shaped the career of an idealistic young woman in the male dominated and gender biased legal profession. Poignant, eye-opening, and humorous, this book will inspire and empower women in all walks of life to overcome, thrive, and succeed in stressful and biased situations.”
Dr. Kathrine Ramsland
Professor of forensic psychology and award-winning author of
Confession of a Serial Killer: The Untold Story of Dennis Rader, the BTK Killer
"Killing Time with John Wayne Gacy is a compassionate, articulate narrative that demonstrates how it's possible to treat one of society's designated monsters as still human. As the only female attorney involved with Gacy's death penalty defense, Karen Conti offers an intimate sense of the serial killer as a person awaiting his execution. Her part in Gacy's story is unique and engaging while also making important points about American culture. This book should be required reading for anyone interested in criminal law or the criminal mind.”
Ann Wolbert Burgess
Professor at Boston College, one of the original trailblazing “Mindhunter” FBI criminal profilers and
author of Killing by Design: Murders, Mindhunters, and My Quest to Decipher the Criminal Mind.
“It is so well done and packed full of very credible information not only on Gacy but Conti’s career and snippets of other cases. This book is a must-read for anyone who enjoys true crime with a twist. It's not just about the gruesome details; it's about the psychology of evil, the power of the legal system, and the unwavering strength of the human spirit.”
John Borowski
Filmmaker, "The John Wayne Gacy Murders: Life and Death in Chicago"
and Author of Dahmer's Confession and The Strange Case of Dr HH Holmes
Karen Conti's book is a fascinating look at her time spent with the infamous serial killer John Wayne Gacy. Through Conti's story you may realize that your assumptions of a serial killer's personality may be far different than expected. Karen's story is gripping, and will have you hooked from page one. Do you think you have heard all there is to know about John Wayne Gacy? Well, you haven't until you have read Conti's book."