Dig Me a Grave Audiobook By Dick Harpootlian, Shaun Assael cover art

Dig Me a Grave

The Inside Story of the Serial Killer Who Seduced the South

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Dig Me a Grave

By: Dick Harpootlian, Shaun Assael
Narrated by: Dick Harpootlian
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Of the hundreds of murder cases that noted South Carolina attorney Dick Harpootlian has prosecuted, one in particular haunts him. Donald "Pee Wee" Gaskins was a serial killer and rapist, a master manipulator who claimed to have killed over 100 people and is known to have murdered over a dozen. Yet it was on Death Row that he pulled off his most audacious murder—killing another inmate with a military grade explosive.

As personable as he was ruthless, Pee Wee defied easy categories. He killed to avenge minor slights as well as for pleasure, using any convenient method. Evidence suggested he forced at least one victim to dig his own grave, stand in it, and be shot.

Pee Wee murdered acquaintances, friends, family members, and strangers. Yet within his community he was well-liked—a family man who took neighborhood kids to the beach and hosted cookouts. Ice-cold within but outwardly charming, he joked with judges, reporters, and Harpootlian himself, but didn't hesitate to hatch a plot to kidnap the prosecutor's daughter in order to extort an escape.

Dig Me a Grave is a haunting look at a prolific, remorseless killer, as well as a provocative exploration of justice and the death penalty.

©2026 Richard Harpootlian (P)2026 Tantor Media Biographies & Memoirs Crime Law Murder Serial Killers True Crime
Gripping Story • Excellent Storytelling • Skilled Storyteller • Fascinating True Crime • Informative Content

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Only knew of Harpootlian from state politics and the Murdaugh trial. Pee Wee Gaskins was a long ago name from when I was a teenager. What a story, and despite not being a big fan of Dick, I have to give him credit for a great book, and an excellent narrator! Goes to show theres a lot about people you don’t know. Thanks, and I’ll be first in line to buy your next book!

Great storyteller for a bizarre story!

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I was excited to see this book pop up on my recommended list. Since the murdaugh trial I’ve found myself drawn to revisiting the trial over multiple times, mainly to listen and watch Dick, Jim, and Creighton in action. That being said and when it comes to this book, I could listen to Dick tell stories all day long. His firsthand knowledge, storytelling skills, and, in general, his self narration of PeeWee Gaskins life and crimes, makes for a top tier true crime listen. If narration matters to you then you will want to give it a shot and you won’t get tired of listening.

Besides the narration this is a must listen for any true crime junkie, serial killer obsessor, or those drawn to the macabre folk tales that haunt American history.

Narration by Dick Harpootlian was the Right Play

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I enjoyed the book for the most part, listening to DH's voice however was a bit hard as I kept wanting to flash back to listening to him defend a murderer, Alex Murdaugh. I did however find it interesting his exchanges with Pee Wee and his first hand knowledge of the crimes and punishment of him.

Voice

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Great to finally get a modern take on PeeWee. I believe SC has needed this in the 21st Century.

Authors voice

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The author was Murdaugh's lawyer, so I disliked during the trial, but I caught him recently in an interview online about this book. He was quite likeable, and his book sounded compelling, so I bought the Audible and Kindle versions. Dig Me a Grave provides a peek into Dick H's younger life and his maturing as a lawyer, interspersing a little of his personal story with the crimes of Pee Wee Gaskins. He didn't chase rabbits or get into the weeds with too much detail as some crime writers do. It is clear the author learned everything he could about this creep before he prosecuted Gaskins. Turns out the author is a gifted storyteller and the kind of narrator I prefer ... a real voice telling a good story.

I was drawn in immediately.

"Dick Harpootlian wrote a great book," she said begrudgingly.

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