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Something Ain't Right
Roger Stringer grew up in rural Mississippi, hunting and eating everything from deer to rabbits. When he had two sons, Zac and Justin, he gave them guns and took them to the woods as well. Then one day when the boys were home alone, he got a call from Zac that Justin had been shot.
What follows is an intimate and gripping memoir about the shooting’s aftermath. The story moves between the perspectives of Roger and Zac as they take us through their journey of betrayal, redemption, and ultimately confrontation with a company that had kept its corruption a secret for decades.
What follows is an intimate and gripping memoir about the shooting’s aftermath. The story moves between the perspectives of Roger and Zac as they take us through their journey of betrayal, redemption, and ultimately confrontation with a company that had kept its corruption a secret for decades.
2 pages, Audible Audio
First published May 18, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
February 14, 2024
Learnt a lot about guns in this one!
December 24, 2023
Story 4 stars
Narrators Roger & Zachary Stringer
The narrators are father and son and it’s their story which is based on true events
Tragically sad and preventable if only…….
Narrators Roger & Zachary Stringer
The narrators are father and son and it’s their story which is based on true events
Tragically sad and preventable if only…….
June 1, 2023
Provides a heartbreaking look into the issues surrounding gun control in America. With narration by the father and son duo who experienced the tragic events of the memoir, the book holds a genuine heaviness and urgency that's hard to find.
As someone who grew up in an area where guns are commonplace, and gun safety is not taken nearly as seriously as it should be, the Stringer's story hits close to home and brings to light the reality that many gun owners refuse - which is that guns are seriously dangerous, even if one is practiced in handling them safely.
Something Ain't Right is the perfect book to share with a family or community member who isn't open to discussing the importance of gun control. When the story of gun violence comes from two southern drawled, practiced hunters, who are pleading for changes and accountability, it's hard to deny that there's an issue, no matter what side of the argument you're on.
As someone who grew up in an area where guns are commonplace, and gun safety is not taken nearly as seriously as it should be, the Stringer's story hits close to home and brings to light the reality that many gun owners refuse - which is that guns are seriously dangerous, even if one is practiced in handling them safely.
Something Ain't Right is the perfect book to share with a family or community member who isn't open to discussing the importance of gun control. When the story of gun violence comes from two southern drawled, practiced hunters, who are pleading for changes and accountability, it's hard to deny that there's an issue, no matter what side of the argument you're on.
June 25, 2023
Spoiler is separate at very bottom of review and can be skipped or leave comment.
Audio Review: (Free on Audible Plus)
I was listening to the sample and my husband (who doesn’t like audiobooks) was like “what book is that, it sounds interesting”. I then saw it was an Audible original, free, and not very long so I immediately started it. I was shocked about what I learned and it was not at all what I thought it would be.
This is a great audiobook, narration, & powerful story and I had to find out what happened next.
This is a father and son who tell in their own words and voices about what happened to them.
A GREAT AUDIOBOOK!
SPOILERS AHEAD
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I’d love to discuss this with someone else. I hate to say this but I still wonder if he actually intentionally shot his brother. Even though there is proof that the guns misfire how do we know if it actually did?
Either way HE put the bullet in the chamber and carried it to the room w/ his brother and threatened him with it. Whether he meant to point it or not he pointed a loaded weapon at his brother and that did cause his death whether intentional or not. He fully admits this now, however he did not admit it initially. He knew and was taught not to do this. The you get brother was carrying a dart gun around and shooting things, including the dog, with it. Although not sure if lethal it could hurt and injure and he was acting irresponsible as well.
These are kids raised and taught not to behave like this and yet they did. This is why kids should never be able to have access to guns without adult supervision at all times.
The father though was taught when he was a kid and so were most of the people he knows. It’s how he was raised and what he knew sooooo thats why this story is important.
I do still wonder if the boy meant to shoot. Why load the gun if he wasn’t going to shoot it? If it were truly an accident why not immediately say that? Yes I know why BUT it still seems odd he didn’t immediately admit an accident although then again I can see why so I’m not sure…
The way he covered it up though seems like that of someone guilty.. The fact at the end they say how mean and terrible the father was before this happened makes me wonder if the 15 year old also had a bad temper. You can’t blame him when growing up seeing his father react in a violent way that he would then be violent.
I also think it’s telling that his own father and family think he did it on purpose. And at the end they quickly mention the MRI that could prove it misfired but claim they don’t want to spend the money to have it done. ($10,000). This after explaining how hard his life is with this conviction following him. Also, Ben Afleck and Damon helped make this and I think if he truly did not pull trigger and that could prove it they would ask for their help in having the MRI done. The book doesn’t explain how accurate it is or anything else about it so maybe theres more to it but if so that seems like it would of been included.
I mean if it’d prove I didn’t kill my brother I’d figure a way to get the money.
I’m not sure but either way what happened but I DO believe he is sorry and spent enough time in prison. He was a young immature boy and is truly sorry.
What do you think?
Audio Review: (Free on Audible Plus)
I was listening to the sample and my husband (who doesn’t like audiobooks) was like “what book is that, it sounds interesting”. I then saw it was an Audible original, free, and not very long so I immediately started it. I was shocked about what I learned and it was not at all what I thought it would be.
This is a great audiobook, narration, & powerful story and I had to find out what happened next.
This is a father and son who tell in their own words and voices about what happened to them.
A GREAT AUDIOBOOK!
SPOILERS AHEAD
….
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
I’d love to discuss this with someone else. I hate to say this but I still wonder if he actually intentionally shot his brother. Even though there is proof that the guns misfire how do we know if it actually did?
Either way HE put the bullet in the chamber and carried it to the room w/ his brother and threatened him with it. Whether he meant to point it or not he pointed a loaded weapon at his brother and that did cause his death whether intentional or not. He fully admits this now, however he did not admit it initially. He knew and was taught not to do this. The you get brother was carrying a dart gun around and shooting things, including the dog, with it. Although not sure if lethal it could hurt and injure and he was acting irresponsible as well.
These are kids raised and taught not to behave like this and yet they did. This is why kids should never be able to have access to guns without adult supervision at all times.
The father though was taught when he was a kid and so were most of the people he knows. It’s how he was raised and what he knew sooooo thats why this story is important.
I do still wonder if the boy meant to shoot. Why load the gun if he wasn’t going to shoot it? If it were truly an accident why not immediately say that? Yes I know why BUT it still seems odd he didn’t immediately admit an accident although then again I can see why so I’m not sure…
The way he covered it up though seems like that of someone guilty.. The fact at the end they say how mean and terrible the father was before this happened makes me wonder if the 15 year old also had a bad temper. You can’t blame him when growing up seeing his father react in a violent way that he would then be violent.
I also think it’s telling that his own father and family think he did it on purpose. And at the end they quickly mention the MRI that could prove it misfired but claim they don’t want to spend the money to have it done. ($10,000). This after explaining how hard his life is with this conviction following him. Also, Ben Afleck and Damon helped make this and I think if he truly did not pull trigger and that could prove it they would ask for their help in having the MRI done. The book doesn’t explain how accurate it is or anything else about it so maybe theres more to it but if so that seems like it would of been included.
I mean if it’d prove I didn’t kill my brother I’d figure a way to get the money.
I’m not sure but either way what happened but I DO believe he is sorry and spent enough time in prison. He was a young immature boy and is truly sorry.
What do you think?
January 4, 2024
4.25 ⭐️ — An outstanding performance of an excellent m, shocking, heartbreaking true-crime story that just has to be listened to in one-session ‘cus believe me, you will not be able to stop. The audio on narration is just so atmospheric and engaging and the tension mounts to bursting levels of emotion rarely seen — or heard — in true-crime for me.
This story is more eye-widening than the proverbial for me as I’ve always been rounded at the US Gun control situation, however this story of a father and sons just felt so visceral for me, that it was all I could do to not combust in fury!
No spoilers here, so I’ll keep it at that. Definitely a gem for audible members you have to take advantage of, so enjoy!
This story is more eye-widening than the proverbial for me as I’ve always been rounded at the US Gun control situation, however this story of a father and sons just felt so visceral for me, that it was all I could do to not combust in fury!
No spoilers here, so I’ll keep it at that. Definitely a gem for audible members you have to take advantage of, so enjoy!
November 18, 2023
3.5 stars. I went into this fairly blind ... It had been recommended randomly in a FB group, and it's "free" (included in AudiblePlus) and short, so I figured I'd give it a go, not really reading the blurb or knowing what it was about. It feels a little more like a pod-cast, or an interview, not a "book" per se. In fact it's only audio, no Kindle copy ... I would actually like to have the text in print to skim and review.
This is a recounting, from the perspective of both the father and the son (each giving their own voices for the narration, ie interview). Hard to talk much more about it without spoilers ... I think I appreciated coming in not really knowing what I was going to get, no expectations.
The father has a definite twang ... not saying he's uneducated, but there is a bit of that feeling there. As the son tells his story, one does have to wonder if he's telling US the truth (as he doesn't tell the truth along the way).
I wasn't really expecting the shift from what happened to the information about guns, and accidental firings, and legal responsibilities. That was interesting ... could definitely see this being a "Dateline" type show.
Just sad all the way around. What happened to Josh (although it was so quick it had to be painless, there are certainly worse ways to go), and to Zach, and to the family - the father and mother. Interesting look at the community and perceptions.
This is a recounting, from the perspective of both the father and the son (each giving their own voices for the narration, ie interview). Hard to talk much more about it without spoilers ... I think I appreciated coming in not really knowing what I was going to get, no expectations.
The father has a definite twang ... not saying he's uneducated, but there is a bit of that feeling there. As the son tells his story, one does have to wonder if he's telling US the truth (as he doesn't tell the truth along the way).
I wasn't really expecting the shift from what happened to the information about guns, and accidental firings, and legal responsibilities. That was interesting ... could definitely see this being a "Dateline" type show.
Just sad all the way around. What happened to Josh (although it was so quick it had to be painless, there are certainly worse ways to go), and to Zach, and to the family - the father and mother. Interesting look at the community and perceptions.
December 14, 2023
The kid comes across as a major psychopath. No empathy. Can’t understand why people don’t believe him after he lies constantly. Feels he is the . Seemed excited when talking about the sound the blood made when it was squirting to the ceiling.
May 20, 2024
This book has nothing to do with gun control. It is about corporate greed. Zach accidentally killed his little brother with a faulty Remington rifle. The company was aware of the flaw, but it would cost them 5 ½ cents per unit to make the firearm safer. I am so tired of corporations having more rights than human beings!
The story is also about blame, forgiveness, and redemption. Both men share how those experiences has changed them.
The story is also about blame, forgiveness, and redemption. Both men share how those experiences has changed them.
December 4, 2023
This is the best audible true crime short bite. A real look into a families grief, a young boys life changed instantly and the ugly side of the gun community. Truly so well done! A must listen. Makes you think and ask deep questions.
December 9, 2023
This is a very well-narrated story. It's sad about the turn of events but I am so glad there was forgiveness and father and son continue to fight and raise awareness. Great job Zachary for pushing forward and getting your degree. The events was sad but the story needed to be told.
March 18, 2024
As a parent this was a really difficult topic but carries a VERY important message for gun owners.
April 28, 2024
Quick listen on flight. Hunting family has accidental shooting in home; son goes to prison; dad fights to prove Remington trigger has malfunction.
December 30, 2023
This one is so tragic and thought provoking. Large companies do not get it when it comes to spending $0.06/product more for safety but insist on not doing this because they don’t want to admit to any wrongdoing. Thank goodness for Roger Stringer’s persistent pursuit for justice.
December 13, 2023
Justin brought the gun into the room and loaded it and then threatened his brother to stop what he was doing or he would shoot him. He probably shot his brother accidentally but he decided to bring a loaded gun into the room where he shot his brother. Then Justin lied over and over again about what happened, sure he’s afraid of the consequences but that means Justin didn’t want to face the music and maybe he’s making up what really happened. His father testifies against him then has a change of heart when he accidentally shoots the fireplace forgetting the fact that Justin lied and decided to bring a loaded gun into the room his brother was playing games in. There is a lot of information, background, backstory that’s missing. So now they decide to go after the NRA.
June 26, 2023
This was a very well done audiobook by Audible. It focuses on a tragedy that occurred in Mississippi because of a fault in a Remington gun that misfires without anyone holding the trigger. I was particularly impressed with the father and his absolute gut wrenching honesty in this book. The only thing that is missing is I wish they would have asked the surviving son and father to speak on how the mother is doing and if this has affected whether they continue to hunt. It is NOT a gun control book as another reviewer has stated. It is a book about one company who refused to recall what they knew was an unsafe hunting rifle. I wish the book would have been longer.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 20, 2024
So as a person educated on safe handling of a firearm, I can’t get behind this story.
He unlocked the gun, loaded it, and aimed it at a person.
Totally unacceptable for someone claiming to have grown up around firearms, as he did.
This is never ok under any circumstances. Period.
If it went off by manufacturer defect or user error is not the issue. PROVE. Always.
Following the proper steps in safe handling, there would never have been such tragedy.
There was at least 5 steps that could have happened before this shooting that would have prevented it.
Good story. I’m happy they are resolving an issue that’s been ongoing for decades.
The manufacturers need to take responsibility for their faulty product. But that’s not the only cause.
There is safe firearm handling courses for a reason.
People need to respect these firearms and treat them like they are supposed to be handled.
He unlocked the gun, loaded it, and aimed it at a person.
Totally unacceptable for someone claiming to have grown up around firearms, as he did.
This is never ok under any circumstances. Period.
If it went off by manufacturer defect or user error is not the issue. PROVE. Always.
Following the proper steps in safe handling, there would never have been such tragedy.
There was at least 5 steps that could have happened before this shooting that would have prevented it.
Good story. I’m happy they are resolving an issue that’s been ongoing for decades.
The manufacturers need to take responsibility for their faulty product. But that’s not the only cause.
There is safe firearm handling courses for a reason.
People need to respect these firearms and treat them like they are supposed to be handled.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 15, 2024
"Something Ain't Right" is an example of why rifle and gun manufacturers and sellers should be held to higher standards than are currently in place. In this novel, one brother accidentally shoots and kills another brother because of a fault in his rifle's trigger mechanism. The rifle manufacturer knew that the fault existed and that it could cause a discharge even if the trigger wasn’t pulled. But the manufacturer chose not to fix the problem and for many years denied the problem existed. This unconscionable action led to the death of a young boy and his brother spending many years in jail. The parents of the two boys had to wrestle with the death and the guilt they and their remaining son felt as they tried to show their community and lawmakers what the real problem was. An outrageous tragedy.
August 2, 2023
This audible exclusive audiobook has the form and substance of a true crime podcast which is just as well because it's about the same length.
I don't have much to say about this beyond that. If you enjoy the true crime podcast, you're likely to enjoy this audiobook. It is well produced, well structured, well written, and well narrated.
I'll say that, like the true crime podcast, the book doesn't take a very critical lens towards anything and refuses to take a hard stance on policing, gun control, or even family and forgiveness.
It's a short story that, in other times, would've been published in some magazine and forgotten about within the year and that's what this is for me. A tragic story that held my attention for about 2 hours.
I don't have much to say about this beyond that. If you enjoy the true crime podcast, you're likely to enjoy this audiobook. It is well produced, well structured, well written, and well narrated.
I'll say that, like the true crime podcast, the book doesn't take a very critical lens towards anything and refuses to take a hard stance on policing, gun control, or even family and forgiveness.
It's a short story that, in other times, would've been published in some magazine and forgotten about within the year and that's what this is for me. A tragic story that held my attention for about 2 hours.
November 28, 2023
Heartbreaking and relatable. The father/son duo retells the story of the younger son's death. The audio is well suited to the story, including both voices and actual news footage, nature noises, and a clip from a family video. The narrators explore how family dynamics change after a tragedy, and how the mood of the community affects real life. I imagine this was a painful story to tell, but I am grateful they did. These experienced gun handlers from shooting culture illustrate how even the most experienced folks can have gunfire accidents.
I don't know how anyone goes on after such a family trauma, but I wish them both the best with a future full of joy and support. I admire the father's mission and perseverance to make public the flaw in the firearm in question.
I don't know how anyone goes on after such a family trauma, but I wish them both the best with a future full of joy and support. I admire the father's mission and perseverance to make public the flaw in the firearm in question.
June 10, 2024
I listened to this Audible Original play narrated by the two central figures in this drama, that played out on national TV, including 60 Minutes. A man who owned a lot of guns and raised his two sons to hunt as his Daddy and Granddaddy did before him, gets a call that one of his sons is dead, killed by the other son's rifle. And that son goes to jail for five years, from age 15-20, Dad testifying against his son in the trial. How did the gun go off if son #2 is telling the truth and he did not in fact pull the trigger?
Ask Remington. I'll leave it at that. Quite the story, pretty riveting. A story of guns, hunting, fathers and sons, and. . . greed at the expense of profits, the (sometimes? rarely? often?) way of American business. The subject of debate still.
Ask Remington. I'll leave it at that. Quite the story, pretty riveting. A story of guns, hunting, fathers and sons, and. . . greed at the expense of profits, the (sometimes? rarely? often?) way of American business. The subject of debate still.
July 25, 2023
Wow what a great listen. It was an accident that went from bad to worse. Despite the tragedy and devastating loss, it is a redemptive story. This is not a “Christian” book but is a story and the main characters are Christian which made it all the better.
Romans 8:28- God promises to work all for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. Matthew 6:33- He also tells us to seek first the kingdom of God. These men found their hope in Christ. While all their pain will not be removed on this side of Heaven, they are at Peace and reconciled.
Romans 8:28- God promises to work all for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. Matthew 6:33- He also tells us to seek first the kingdom of God. These men found their hope in Christ. While all their pain will not be removed on this side of Heaven, they are at Peace and reconciled.
January 16, 2024
I am so grateful for Audible providing the platform and the production company for picking up this story. So heart wrenching what this young man had to endure during such a critical period of development in life. Grateful they were able to share their truth through this and I pray for justice for him as an adult. Accidents happen and our society is too quick to place blame in a situation that is quite complex…when it really is none of our business, nor is it our place to judge. Those who live in glass houses can be the QUICKEST to throw stones.
January 22, 2024
Wow! I am a big pro-gun person. I, myself, own many guns. I was not aware that the Remington 700 had a (walker) trigger defect which the gun would go off without pulling the trigger. People were dying from this. This is a story of a father who bought his son a Remington 700 rifle. The gun went off without the trigger being pulled and it killed his brother. He went to jail at the age of 15 because of this. And his father starting fighting Remington to recall the trigger. This is a very touching story.
January 23, 2024
Tragic, sad, and surprising. I didn't realize US laws originally made this one particular product "unrecallable" - and for all the same reasons we see in politics to this day. 7 million still out there....I hope this one family's tragedy helps in the fight to prevent further loss and heartache.
Fast, well - done, Audible original (I believe this is the first Audible original I've actually found to be worth the listen!) I'll attribute that more to the family involved, then audible itself. Keep sharing your story.
Fast, well - done, Audible original (I believe this is the first Audible original I've actually found to be worth the listen!) I'll attribute that more to the family involved, then audible itself. Keep sharing your story.
February 1, 2024
I listened to the audio version of this story which was a quick couple hour read. Long enough to learn what a horrifying experience this family went through. I can’t imagine.
I did read a couple of reviews that mentioned this was caused by lack of gun control, which I very much disagree with. This is a story of a gun manufacturer knowingly putting a product on the market with no recalls knowing that it was faulty.
The anguish this family has endured is incomprehensible.
The Father/Son duo that the story is about, also narrates.
I did read a couple of reviews that mentioned this was caused by lack of gun control, which I very much disagree with. This is a story of a gun manufacturer knowingly putting a product on the market with no recalls knowing that it was faulty.
The anguish this family has endured is incomprehensible.
The Father/Son duo that the story is about, also narrates.
July 8, 2023
I enjoyed the way the story was told, because as a society we look at guns in many ways. Some gun owner in rural area use them for hunting. But when Roger’s son Zachary kills his brother we ask ourselves was it murder or a accident. As it turns out this gun has been having problems and gun manufactures have been covering it up. But Zachary did have a loaded gun and that makes him guilty for the death of his brother, but the gun also had a problem with the firing pin.
This would make a great Bookclub read, because this shows both sides of gun control.
This would make a great Bookclub read, because this shows both sides of gun control.
February 6, 2024
You never know what you would do when you’re forced to face a tremendous loss. Initially I was kind of put off by the narration until I recognized the pain in the Fathers voice and the strength that he had to put forth to retell this painful reality.
This story is about endurance, faith, pain and believing that eventually forgiveness will be something that holds You up and carries You through even, when your soul is left on empty.
This story is about endurance, faith, pain and believing that eventually forgiveness will be something that holds You up and carries You through even, when your soul is left on empty.
March 20, 2024
This audiobook is presented more like a podcast than a book, with naturalistic interviews of the main characters detailing "the happening" and its fallout in their own, colloquial terms. This is storytelling rather than writing, a heartfelt and vivid recounting of a real-life tragedy. The editing and production is seamless, but brilliant, ensuring that every minute remains engaging, even as the story turns to more legislative issues.
July 6, 2023
This is not the type of book is normally pick but I came across it on audible and it had good reviews so I gave it a listen. I'm not a fan of guns at all so this might appeal more to people who actually own them. Good for this father and son for trying to make something positive come out of a terrible tragedy.
July 6, 2023
I gave this five stars purely because it’s eye opening and horrendous. I think this was so sad and very unfortunate and at the same time I am not shocked at all. Peoples lives are always second to the corporate greed. Profit trumps safety. This is terribly tragic, waste of two lives and lots of grief.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews