Nick Foster

Intriguing investigative journalism about a man whose life was full of deception, cons, and ultimately murder. With many names and reinventions of himself, "Wild Bill" and his partner Jane Cortez open a dive bar called The Jolly Roger Social Club with the motto "Over 90% of our members survive". Wearing a Viking style horned helmet and drinking Seco Herrerano white rum, Bill possessed a loud persuasive personality. The book has several stories that build a picture of Panama's underbelly - sometimes they directly feed into the story of Wild Bill and sometimes they don't. Lots of Panamanian history of the canal, Peace Corps, and Noriega with personal touches. The book can get bogged down in detail but the reader is able to visualize the places described. Expats of Boca, Boquete and David will enjoy the name drops and envisioning a close brush with a psychopath.… (mais)

Interesting true crime story. It was an interesting read at first, but later portions didn't rest click well for me (like the sidetrack into Panamanian history... I suppose it's related but it seemed out of place at the time.) The description of the expat society was very intriguing.

Admittedly, I wonder if it would have been better suited written after the trial actually happened, though at the time of the writing who knew when it was going to happen.

If you like true crime, the you could read this. Otherwise, it's a bit of a meh book.

This was received as an early review copy in the distant past, but I apparently misplaced it until now... So consider it a late review.… (mais)

The Jolly Roger Social Club is a true crime story that details the murder of five people by William Dathan Holbert. What makes this story so unusual is that the victims were members of the ex-pat community living in the Republic of Panama. They chose Panama because they believed they could live with a higher standard of living than in the United States and they thought they would be safer. Ultimately it was neither.

I first heard of “Wild Bill” Holbert several years ago. When the audiobook came out, I requested it from Audiobook Jukebox because I felt I had a unique perspective as a review, I spent time in the Panama Canal Zone as a child. I am familiar history and culture. It is an important part of the equation as the book does a terrific job detailing.

The story details Holbert as he continuously reinvents himself as he stays one step ahead of the law. When Holbert and his girlfriend Reese arrived in the Darklands area after wandering around Costa Rica and other areas of Northern Panama, they fall in with the ex-pat community whose motto is live and let live. They keep to themselves, do not assimilate into the Panamanian community. The community isolation by culture and geography, most of Darklands is accessible by boat only, is perfect for this con-man.

The book is fascinating cautionary tale. The trail does have a lot of twists and turns which lead to a thrilling conclusion. Donald Corren does a great job narrating. His voice is pleasant to listen to and he enunciates clearly. I would listen to another book he narrated. If you enjoy the true crime genre, I highly suggest The Jolly Roger Social Club. I received a copy of the audiobook from The Audiobook Jukebox in exchange for an honest review.
… (mais)

I received this book as part of LibraryThing's Early Reviewer program.

I've always been interested in true crime and this sounded like a fascinating story. I appreciated Foster's efforts to dive into the history of Panama that may have contributed to something like this happening. Unfortunately, the book ultimately feels unsatisfying because no trial has occurred. I was left frustrated that Holbert hadn't been brought to justice for his crimes (and, knowing what I know now, may never be).

Thanks to the publisher for an advance reader's copy.… (mais)