True Crime Books

I've got to say, this book is one of the few books that I was able to read cover to cover, without wanting to put it down. I was drawn into the world of a young man sentenced to life in prison at the young age of 15. From beginning to end, this book held my attention to see just how the author used his instincts and wit to get himself out of many questionable and potentially dangerous situations. Far from boring, you will read about the true life interactions between inmates of all races, statuses and ages, the good the bad and the frustrating. I must say I love the way in which Mr.Gagnon wrote this memoir. The dialogue was excellent and he leaves out no details. Whether my heart was pounding with anticipation, or I was laughing out loud at his many comical actions and pranks, I felt I always knew what the author was thinking at any given moment. Through the crime, the trials, the fights, the riot and much more, you will be glad you chose to read this book.

AN INTERESTING TRUE TAIL OF LIFE IN JAIL, SURVIVAL,AND CONQUEST.
KEPT ME READING TO FIND OUT WHAT AND HOW THIS YOUNG MAN WOULD DO NEXT.FUNNY,SOMBER,AND GRIPPING. GOOD READING

Robert J. Gagnon has written a self-published book that is one of the best studies of the internal realities of American prisons to appear before the public. The book is so rich in texture and flavor, so informative and enlightening, and at the same time so entertainingly interesting to read that it deserves to be revised and published by a major publishing house, giving it the chance for the PR and distribution it so justly deserves.

At age 15 author Robert Gagnon participated in a bank robbery to obtain money to support his drug and alcohol habit, a major mistake in the first place, made more consequential by the shooting of the bank manager. Even as a juvenile he was tried as an adult and sentenced to life imprisonment in Florida. It is this experience of moving from prison to prison from 1975 to 1985 when he was eventually paroled that serve as the diary or memoir of this stunning book. Written long after this life altering experience, Gagnon writes reflectively but with a keen sense of atmosphere and attention to detail that makes reading this book a mesmerizing experience. There is more to learn about the prison mentality from the perspectives of both inmates and law officers than other more famous novels about prison life.

Though we know very little about the current life of the author, we can only appreciate that this man has developed into a sensitive chronicler with writing skills that would suggest this is not a first book. Perhaps writing the book years after the experience has given him insight and philosophical musings not readily apparent in the mind of a fifteen year old felon, but the degree of sophistication with which he relates 053803:LIFE AT FIFTEEN has moments of rather profound insight into the tribal life system that pervades the prisons across the country. 'Few people like to admit it but man is an animal before he's a human being. Animals have only two reactions to attacks, fight and flee. What makes people human is the ability to reason. An animal in a trap will chew off its own paw to escape, whereas a human knows to wait and see if it can fool the trapper'. 'Humans...have been away from the jungle a little but too long. Very few of us could survive without the most basic of tools, in the very least a knife. Since we've killed off or restrained most of our natural enemies, our worst threat is each other. The rules of civilization have domesticated people by using the fear of discipline to stifle the instincts of the masses.' But in addition to these reflections, Gagnon describes in raw detail the day to day life of the prisoner - details that include not only some fairly horrific events but also include an odd, twisted humor and the overall obsession of surviving the life that each of these men endure. It is frank, it is informative, it is gory, and it is all true. The fifteen-year-old Robert comes across as a rather amazing survivor and as a lad with skills of adjustment and intuition far beyond his years - even in an adult prison.

Yes, there are problems with a self published book: despite a fine cover with a photograph of the confinement wall of the prison, the layout of the pages is cramped without the usual paragraph placement, the punctuation and spelling could benefit from an editor's hand, and the flow of the pages is often disrupted by illogical spacing. But the story is so very well written that this raw version of 053803:LIFE AT FIFTEEN could serve as a fine manuscript for a major publishing house to polish into what seems to be a surefire success on the wider market of bookstores and with PR in the right places. Robert J. Gagnon is a very fine author. Hopefully this book will flourish in a more refined format. It most assuredly deserves it. Grady Harp, July 08

Listed in the National Criminal Justice Referral Service Library as a study aid for its social and educational value. Currently on the reading list at multiple Florida High Schools for its appeal to students that do not normally like to read.

NCJRS abstract:

Written in the first person, the author begins his story just before he committed the crime of armed robbery with his accomplice, Zig. At the age of 15 years, Robert Gagnon, the author, walked into a savings and loan bank in Fort Lauderdale on December 19, 1975 and robbed the bank. As he left, the manager attacked him from behind and in the midst of the fight, Gagnon shot and critically injured the manager. After he and his partner were questioned by police, Gagnon took full responsibility for the crime, even adopting the media account of what had occurred, in an effort to save his partner who was an adult. Gagnon writes that he was convinced the State would only sentence him to 1 to 5 years imprisonment, but instead he was sentenced to spend the rest of his natural life in a Florida State prison with a minimum of 3 years before parole. His story of life in confinement begins. He mainly focuses on life with his fellow inmates and the lessons learned from some of the "old convicts." He tells of learning how to take care of himself in the midst of dangerous offenders and of eluding the many "tricks" of law enforcement and corrections officers. Gagnon explains that convicts have different types of personalities and are referred to as "hustlers, dealers, players, and racists," to name a few; everyone is placed in a category. He recalls a prison riot in 1982 and about the lost feeling he had after being released following nearly 10 years in institutional confinement.

I personally know the author and got to know him prior to knowing anything about his past or the contents of this book. He is a loyal and true friend who would literally give you the shirt off his back or the last dollar in his pocket. The book is written the exact way that Robert would tell you the story, adding some humor and leaving out not one detail regardless of its content. I received the book yesterday and haven't been able to put it down yet! It's a must read! I am a high special education reading teacher who is considering using this book in my class this year. My student's love easy to read, high interest, true stories. Buy the book, it's worth every penny!!!!

What a masterpeice! I couldn't put it down. Daoud takes you deep within the heart and soul of South Beach, all the way down to its roots. At his book signing this talented author and intense speaker along with associates painted clear pictures of what transpired in america's riviera. Everybody who watched scarface got an ideal what Miami was like back then, Sins of South Beach is what happened back then!I can't wait for the movie! This book is a must have!

Can't wait for the movie. Daoud's story is a remarkable tale of sex and politics. An eye-opening experience into the steamy and seedy history of South Beach before it was South Beach. Until I read it, I thought I knew the story of South Beach. Amazing description of the true XXX nature of South Florida politics. This book proves that Alex Daoud is afraid of nobody.

Easy reading story of the rise and fall of the longest serving, best loved Commissioner and Mayor of Miami Beach, Florida. Incredible true story of service, power, stupidity, greed, corruption and self destruction. Surprisingly well written in the first person by the man himself. Would have been a hit novel - except that it really happened. A must read for anyone who has lived in South Florida or has any interest in any local political scene. Movie shouldn't be long in coming.

This book kept me engrossed from start to finish. Every spare minute I was page turning. For those that understand where Miami Beach was when Alex started his political career to its metamorphosis into a world class destination will certainly have to be blown away by his contribution despite his travails.

The account is gutsy because it shies away from being polite to protect the powerful (guys that screwed Alex anyway). He names names.

At any rate Alex was a good guy loved by all, business guys and the little guys got his attention. He acted like a secret superhero to advance their causes. And in the end he did advance their causes.

The many characters in this book are fleshed out with such vibrance you feel you know them.

Also, what is interesting is his literary use of Miami Beach as a character. Not too disimilar to how Greek playwrights used their Chorus as barometer and character.

Sure he got paid off; but the politics of the time were entirely different. Miami Beach was in the worst shape. Broken down, crime ridden, not a place you would want to set foot in. Under his tenure, this brokedown palace was transformed into one of the greatest turnaround stories.

Guilty under the law sure. He paid his debt to society but in the balance Alex is a hero.

Keep on trucking Big Fella. You rock!!

Buy this book.

DBJ

Alex Daoud paints a breathtaking expose' that is powerful, intriguing, and, the best part...honest! I think it took alot of guts to not only "tell all" regarding the secret lives of the elite of South Beach with their real names, but also expose himself! Knowing the cast of characters first hand, Alex did an amazing job of conjuring up old imprints from movies like the Godfather, and placing the image over real people that are still weaving a web of influence over Miami!
What a read! You must grab up copies as you can't miss this jaw dropper! Should be a movie!
Keep up the great work!
You're my hero!

I confess I read everything by Ann Rule that I can get my hands on. My admiration for her began when I read "The Stranger Beside Me," her bone-chilling account of her unsuspecting friendship with Ted Bundy, the man who was later discovered to be one of the most horrific serial killers of our time. The title story of this book, "Empty Promises," is all too familiar -- the wife as victim to her husband's control and abuse. It is a gripping story that sadly occurs often all around us, but is never the less quite frustrating to read. I am accustomed to Rule repeating herself often, describing again and again how helpless the woman felt, how cruel the husband was. The repetition is something I have just come to expect from the author and I have come to overlook it for the most part.

The frustrating part is trying to understand how the victim, Jami, could possibly allow herself to remain involved with Steve, her husband, for more than a few months. Granted, she fell for her husband's declarations of love after he beat her, but come on -- I kept wanting to scream at her to get a clue and get out. She had a supportive family who tried to convince her to leave, but interestingly, they never offered any solutioin other than for her to stay in their house with them. I cannot help but wonder why, when Jami was finally ready to leave after years of abuse, they did not secret her away to a hotel or a relative or something that would not have been easily tracked by her husband. Everyone around Jami seems maddeningly helpless, and Jami herself often seems idiotic.

The story was entertaining, and I realize that hindsight is 20-20, but good grief; if a few people had been a little smarter and more prone to taking action, Jami would be alive today. I know these things happen in real life all the time and often with the victim ending up dead. But I have to wonder why those around them simply gnash their teeth and wring their hands over their worry for the victim and don't do anything concrete and intelligent to help the victim really get away.

All of Ann Rule's books a very well written. Very interesting story.
Excellent read.

"Empty Promises" is a collection of short stories by Ann Rule, built around one long, book-length story. The main story is about Jami and Steve Sherer. He is a drug addict, thief, insurance defrauder, and con man who uses and abuses his wife Jami and finally murders her. The big lesson in Ann Rule's books is that people are not always as they appear on the surface, and charm is often a tool used by the dishonest to manipulate the naive. Often, as is the case in the title story "Empty Promises", it is hard to understand how an abused woman could be so compliant and stupid about staying with her abuser. One thing I know from experience is that men like Steve Sherer have practiced lying and sneaking from childhood. From the day they meet a potential girlfriend, they carefully construct an intricate web of lies, and they are very, very good at it. They always have an ex-girlfriend in the wings who they are still threatening and abusing. They always have at least one other potential or second-string girlfriend waiting in the wings to support them if the main wife or girlfriend manages to get away. They enlist friends and family members to back up their stories, and for some reason these people support them. It is hard feel too much sympathy for Jami Sherer, after all, she helped him defraud insurance companies, and was into drugs herself. The man she picked out to leave Steve for was an even worse druggie than Steve. But no matter how stupid or even complicit a woman is, no one ever deserves the brainwashing and violence the victim of a pathological narcissist goes through. I have wondered over the years how many women Ann Rule has helped get away from men who are manipulating and using them. I bet it is a lot. Thanks for this book, Ann.

I cannot sleep well if I have read too much Ann Rule. I find myself looking a little bit longer at the stranger sitting next to me on the bus. I am a wee bit more suspicious of that friendly man down by the pool. Ann Rule continues to dig into her own crime files (a former Deattle area policewoman)and opens the files on cases that make us ask why? A young woman
witnesses her husband murdered, and yet tries to convince the police it was an accidentand his killer is innocent. A recently discharged gay
soldier(profiled in People and in the media)tries to tie his new lover's murder with his new celebrity,a once happy, beautiful young woman slowly falls under the control of a
sexual predator...her husband, and eventually vanishes. Rule gives these and other chilling crimes a human face. That is what she does best. In the retelling of not only the crimes, but their impacts on family, friends and community, she is able to jolt us from our thinking..."not here, not me". She gives human faces to all involved,even the most vile. She also allows parents to once again present a fresh memory of a young, still happy person both victims and perperatrator)and unravels the tangles skeins that weave their deadly frabric. Just don't red too much at once.

Ex-cop and serial killer expert Ann Rule isn't a profound writer. She tells the same story over and over again with new victims and grisly variations on the way a human being can die. I suppose there's nothing profound about me either, since I read her stories. But it's a relief to know that no matter how badly my life is behaving, I'm better off than the victims of Rule's psychopaths.

The title story, "Empty Promises" is 216 pages long, and I had a problem empathizing with the victim, an abused wife who eventually disappears, because the husband in this case is such an unrelenting crudball. Ann Rule allows Steve Sherer absolutely no redeeming features and as a result, I can't figure out why Jami married him, much less went out on that first date with Steve. She learned right away that Steve was still beating up his previous girlfriend. It was quickly obvious that he was into drugs, thievery, and insurance scams. He bullied Jami into dyeing her hair blond and getting her breasts enlarged. Part of this bullying went on while Steve was in prison. Then when he is set free, Jami MARRIES him, supports him financially, and bears his child. When she finally decides to leave him for yet another druggie, Jami disappears.

The only really interesting thing about this story is the trial, which was conducted on purely circumstantial evidence and the personality of the accused.

This book's shorter case histories are more interesting and varied than the long, sad story of Jami and Steve:

"Bitter Lake"--another woman tries to break off a relationship with an overly-possessive boyfriend with a very brutal outcome.

"Young Love"--A teen-age romance goes sour and the boy breaks into his ex-girl-friend's college dorm, loaded down with dynamite.

"Love and Insurance"--Two publicity-seeking men enter into a gay relationship that lasts only until one of them is murdered.

"The Gentler Sex"--Some women are tempted by the thought of widowhood, cushioned by scads of life insurance, including the wife of one hard-to-kill Marine drill instructor.

"The Conjugal Visit"--Nowadays some prisons include nearly all the comforts of home, including conjugal relations. Even a man who has committed crimes of extreme violence can sometimes fool prison officials into thinking he is willing to reform. When cop-killer, kidnapper, and repeat felon Carl Bowles is allowed to visit his 'fiancée' in a Motel 6 room, the couple disappears.

"Killers on the Road"--Some American murderers are named after the roads where they pick up their victims. Ann Rule shares one of the first trials she covered as a true-crime writer. A married woman goes missing on the way home from work. Her killers are traced only after another one of their victims survives multiple gunshot wounds.

"A Dangerous Mind"--A pretty blond child is murdered in her own home during the dark hours of the night. This case predated by almost two decades that of JonBenét Ramsey.

"To Kill and Kill Again"--Four separate victims have only one thing in common--their nineteen-year-old killer.

"The Stockholm Syndrome"--This true case was explored on the TV show, "Forensic Files." A young couple and their collie meet a stranger while camping in the woods.

Jon Blackwell has summed up New Jersey's notorious past in one neatly bundled 400+ page volume.

Notorious New Jersey: 100 True Tales of Murderers and Mobsters, Scandals and Scoundrels provides a perfect read for anyone who wants to understand why New Jersey deserves its laughingstock slogan from former Gov. Richard Codey: "Welcome to New Jersey: Come See For Yourself."

After reading Notorious New Jersey you won't need to go "see for yourself" -- you'll have read the book (good enuf!!) -- and can stay alive in the relative safety of your own home.

Everybody knows at least a dozen New Jersey jokes, but Blackwell has pulled together most of the reasons for all the cringes that are synonymous with almost anything completely Jersey -- murders (too numerous to name so check the FBI files), mobsters -- The Sopranos (need I say more), scandals -- (a gay-American governor and the long line of his cronies are just the newest additions) and scoundrels (if you eliminate this category Jersey would go from the most densely populated state to a vast wasteland of emptiness, well maybe).

In "Notorious New Jersey", Blackwell cordons off the scoundrels, creeps and human debris that have made the Garden State a place to avoid in the minds of many. The chapters in the book are delineated into areas titled Old Rascals, Dead Wrong, Mob Paradise, Power Corrupts, Enemy Action and Cause Celebres, and is filled with the stories that have made headlines in New Jersey, and around the world, for more than three centuries.

In Blackwell's Notorious New Jersey you'll learn why the state could well be best described as the "Serial Murderer State" or the "Murder Capital of the World". In New Jersey they just do it right -- killing is the name of the game it seems.

But murder isn't New Jersey's only commodity. Blackwell reaches into the archives to refresh our memories about why the state was the perfect place to film the TV show "The Sopranos" with page after page of stories about New Jersey's notorious mobsters.

People in New Jersey have always known that there is always a "New Jersey connection" to any national newspaper headline or TV breaking news story -- just think the Unibomber, 1993s World Trade Center bombing, anthrax, and on and on and on...

Blackwell has done a superb job in pulling together all the great stories about Notorious New Jersey.

Buy this book!!! You'll be reading it for years to come, and shaking your head in disbelief every time you hear about a news story with a New Jersey connection. And you'll have Jon Blackwell to thank for that bit of reality.

If you grew up in New Jersey, you know you're tougher than anyone else. This book just confirms it.

Blackwell takes the reader on a thrilling ride through the Garden State's most infamous and darkest moments. Any true Jerseyan would be proud of Blackwell's hard-hitting tales of native rogues and rapscallions.

Author Jon Blackwell treats us to a variety of categories in his 100 true tales from my favorite section on mob bosses to corrupt politicians, terrorists, spies, and other infamous characters that make up the shady history in New Jersey. The reader is taken back to relive "old rascals" such as Aaron Burr's duel with Alexander Hamilton in Weehawken, a fight to the death between Ambrose Harris and Robert "Mudman" Simon, "The Mad Hatter" dies in the chair (barber), "Richie the Boot" Boiardo and his mysterious house, and so many others are gruesomely fascinating. I also learned that Richard "The Iceman" Kuklinski's exploits may not be all that they are cracked up to be in the recent book entitled "The Iceman." The book covers a lot about crooked politicians and other shady characters I've never heard of while I would have liked to have more of the book devoted to the mobsters. Nevertheless the book is one to add to your true crime collection.

If you're a fan of true crime, mysteries, trivia, politics, New Jersey, weird tales, and everything in between, you'll enjoy these 100 well-told stories of the Garden State's crimes and mysteries, past and present. The author is clearly passionate about his subject, and had some fun telling these tales. Even the captions are entertaining and sometimes tongue-in-cheek.

The stories range from a former Jersey City assemblyman who faked his own drowning to a possible "Jack the Ripper" suspect who moved to NJ following the London crimes (betcha didn't know that!!) In fact, there is a lot you probably didn't know about New Jersey in this comprehensive book.

Of course, there are the cases that were so famous that they spawned TV movies and national attention: the Lindbergh kidnapping, the murderous Cherry Hill rabbi, the Glen Ridge rapists, the "Baby M" saga (one of the rare entries that isn't about crime, but is still a notorious case) and others.

What's creepy is that in some of the cases, the perpetrator is still at large.

There are more than 400 pages in this paperback, but the writing style is so breezy and fun, and the passages are separated into categories, that it's an easy and delightful read. It might even make a good gift.

And there are also the requisite mob stories in here, if you're a "Sopranos" fan. A very well-done read.

Great book, full of information. I felt like the author took the time to really research and want the truth.

I really thought when i had stumbed onto the authors website that finally someone was going to find the truth in this "going on 30 yr old case". Enough evidence is present to justify that Ronald Defeo Jr. did not act alone in these murders, this however is OLD NEWS!! This entire book is based on the story of a woman who "claims" she was married to Defeo when the murders took place and that mob members destroyed all records of the marriage to protect her identity, OMG, is she related to the Lutz's??? From what rock did she "levitate" from under??? None the less folks, it is an ok read and a must for any "amityville" book collection, other than that dont get to many "high hopes" as to many more facts on this case beside the fact there is still some money to be made from this unfortunate event!! Peace, Ken

I saw the movie "The Amityville Horror" as a kid and was as scared as any kid would be. This book tells the story of what lead up to the events that happened in that house, which is much more interesting and intriguing. Well worth the read

I just finished this book it is very interesting and gives you a whole new look at the Amityville story.
I gave this book four stars because some parts about the court section was a bore but overall the book was pretty good. it is not a ghost story but a true horror story. the book tells us what really went on in the DeFeo family.
The book also tells us how the whole Amityville horror story was put together
by George and Kathy Lutz over a few bottles of wine. This book does explain a lot and makes a lot of sense. I always thought the Amityville Horror story was in part a true story but after reading this book I just do not know anymore.

As a Long Islander who grew up with the books, the movies and the myths, this book caught my attention enough to actually make it the first true crime book I've ever read.

At best, THE NIGHT THE DEFEOS DIED is an entertaining, page-turning read. However, because the book deals mostly with facts that are derived from murderer Butch DeFeo, whom the author admit has lied many times over to accomodate his situations and circumstances, the accounts of what happend the night the DeFeos died can only be concluded as another version of what happened and not necessarily the truth.

In the end, I felt I learned more truths about George and Kathy Lutz and the con artists that they were when they concocted the entire hoax that would become the Amityville horror legend.

So as I said; entertaining, yes. Truth? Not necessarilty. Just another version of what COULD have happened. Like the Kennedy assassination, we may never know what really happened the night the DeFeos died.

The book is in OK shape. It was mailed 7 days after it was gauranteed to be shipped, seller never responded to emails. Would not recommend this seller if you are looking for prompt service. I was dissatisfied.

This book outlines the well-documented psychological cycle that keeps women in abusive relationships: 1) period of slight tension 2) escalating tension 3) explosion, attack of mental and/or physical abuse 4) Honeymoon period: the perpetrator is sincerely apologetic, regrets his actions, often plys the victim with gifts and promises of "never again." 5) see 1

This works very, very well because a person who is traumatized is temporarily desperate for love. They crave comfort from any source - even the perp. Her vulnerability (following an attack) coincides with the abuser's promises and hugs. She gives him another chance.

This same dynamic occurs with kidnappers & hostages, as I'm sure you've heard.

The key to ensnaring the victim is a slow escalation. Most women, hit out of the blue, will be angry and leave. If their relationship progresses through mild verbal controls, etc, grabbing an arm, then slowly to a severe shaking... you can see how the cycle asserts itself gradually. It's that damn frog again: Drop one in a boiling pot and it'll leap out. Place it in cool water and heat it up slowly and it will sit there until boiled to death. Some people feel they have too much invested (a child, time, etc) to leave. Others have been abused or witnessed similar behavior with their parents, and may on a deep level think it's normal. Very sad.

The bad news about the escalation is that it almost never stops. Abuse, once started, continues until the victim leaves or is killed. Women who feel they can't leave tend to fight back with deadly force when a new boundry has been crossed: The first time he touches the daughter, for example.

LETHAL GUARDIAN (LG) covers the murder for hire of Buzz Clinton by an assortment of low lifes including a pair of thug/misfits, a drug addicted and sexually perverted lawyer, and Clinton's sister in law, Beth Ann Carpenter, who is also a lawyer. I feel about LG much as I did about another M. William Phelps book, PERFECT POISON.

Phelps is a good writer and an exhaustive researcher. This is no cut and paste, casually written, slop job as are many true crime attempts. Phelps has obviously spent a long time in the research and writing of LG and has turned out a creditable and entertaining book.

I have not rated this book 5 stars, however, because, as with PERECT POISON, I have some problems with the writing. I feel that the best true crime is written as reportorially as possible. Phelps does this to a large degree, but there are still too many "signposts", with Phelps indicating if not directly telling the reader what to think. His style is a little too chatty for my taste. This is, however, not criticism so much as observation. It is simply a matter of taste, and Phelps' is clearly different from mine in this regard. And it IS his book.

Secondly, as I have stated, Phelps is a serious and dedicated researcher. But LG is too long, by maybe 50 or so pages. This may be due in part to what I believe is Phelps' problem in deciding what information to omit.

Finally, Phelps engages in repitition - not a lot, but a little - and unnecessary verbiage - not a lot, but a little - which ultimately become somewhat irritating. I noticed this particularly in the last 100 pages or so where it felt as if Phelps started rushing as though he had become slightly tired of writing LG and wanted to hurry up and finish it.
To provide some examples, several times during the trial phase of the book, Phelps provides us with testimony and then reminds us that it "it was up to the jury to decide" its worth. Well, yeah.
As another example, throughout the book, and more than once, Phelps has provided the reader with important and detailed information about the personal weaknesses of the main characters. As such, it wouldn't seem to be necessary in the trial phase to repeat the numerous reasons that these people would be less than stellar witnesses. It has already been made abundantly clear.
And as a final example from page 428: "If the jury was in need of latching onto a particular witness and drawing sympathy from that person, Tricia Gaul was that person - and Kane and McShane knew it." Well OF COURSE they knew it. They have already been described as fine and experienced lawyers who could be presumed to know what they were doing. A little less of this would, in my opinion, improve Phelps' style, increasing its intelligence.

Still Phelps is a good writer and none of my disagreements are at all deal breakers. LG is fast paced and always interesting. Phelps handles both the trial and police investigation parts well. Lesser or unconcerned writers will often quote trial transcript directly, substituting verbatim copying for research, and will routinely discuss the minutiae of police investigation, probably because it is easily obtained, to the point of tedium. Phelps does not, and has no need to, do so.

LETHAL GUARDIAN is very good true crime. I'm glad I read it and I think most fans of the genre will enjoy it.

Leathal Guardian blew my mind. It amazed me that the case was solved at all. Phelps does a great job of digging into the character's past and making it all make some kind of sense. His empathy for the victims shines like a beacon in his writing making him a star in the True Crime venue.
Kari Butler

"Minority opinions" are tricky but this reviewer believes one has to call `em as he sees `em, even if out of step with his friends in the amazon community. LG is a serious, studied tale of a custody dispute between 2 families that goes awry. Terribly awry. Someone meets his/her demise! The Clinton and Carpenter clans are the adversaries and a child names Rebecca is the focal point. LG is set in the area around New London, CT-not a typical true crime locale. Author Phelps weaves an interesting plot with some bizarre true life bad guys, though none qualify as "hardened criminals". In fact, two are decidedly white collar types. This reviewer tries to avoid divulging resolutions but most readers should be relatively satisfied and unshocked by the conclusion. LGs principal weakness, it says here, is its' length. There is too much detail! For example, Beth Carpenter's trip to England and Ireland could have been truncated. A stern editor with a sharp blue pencil should have shed some weight from the text. (Do such editors exist anymore or have they all been laid off?). Many may believe that LGs heft was needed to draw out the characters. As my friend Tundra has already noted, the Ann Rule rule is in effect! Skip those tempting centerfold photos because they divulge everything. For that matter, one should also ignore the front and back covers. There are "hints" thereon! The foregoing aside, true crime aficionados should still enjoy LG. Folks living in eastern Connecticut should pounce; they could easily add a star or two to the admittedly strict rating above.

Author M. William Phelps writes the mouth-dropping, mind-boggling tale of the Carpenters and the Clintons, described perfectly within as modern "Hatfields and McCoys." This well written story is the twisted actions of two attorneys, most specifically Beth Ann Carpenter, who would do anything for love and custody of Beth Ann's niece, Rebecca, respectively. And to accomplish their goals, they seek out low life criminals who will do anything for money to fund their criminal lifestyles.

I found this book to be one of the best true crime stories I have read. It has everything an avid true crime reader loves including dirty little secrets, sordid affairs and kinky sex, devoted parents, and thrill of the chase.

Five stars to this top author and his exceptional true crime book!

Lethal Guardian was an exceptionally well researched and satisfying read. Buzz Clinton was an imperfect man trying to get on the right track in life, who married Kim Carpenter, a young woman who had a vindictive and manipulative family. She brought with her a young daughter whom Buzz wanted to adopt and raise as his own. The Carpenters resented Buzz and fought hard to get legal custody of the daughter. Buzz never backed down, and though the Carpenters did what they could to mar Buzz's character, the legal system found Buzz and Kim to be competent parents. In an effort to remove his new family from the hatefulness and manipulation of Kim's parents and sister, Buzz was preparing to move to Arizona. This didn't sit well with Kim's sister, Beth Ann, who had started her own campaign to get rid of Buzz. Beth Ann used her feminine wiles with both her boyfriend and her boss and anyone else she thought might be useful. Her boss, Haiman Clein, completely smitten with Beth Ann, was a lawyer who not only represented a drug dealer, but was also a heavy cocaine user himself. Beth Ann was able to convince Haiman to find someone to kill Buzz. Hard to believe, but the story gets even better and more complicated. I won't go further into the tale, but Phelps does an excellent job of sorting out all the details and people mixed up in Beth Ann's web. In the end, I felt like everyone got what they deserved. My one question is about what happened with Kim and her children. The Clinton's did all they could to accommodate her and their grandchildren after Buzz's death, but I wasn't clear on what Kim chose to do with her life. I applaud the Clinton's for their strength throughout the long ordeal that finally put those involved in Buzz's murder away.

I like most books, this one would be a better (and truer) read if it were entitled "inside the mind of John Douglas". He is quite sure Btk would not have been found if not for his, and I mean his and his alone, brillance. He is condesending. Didn't like it.

I finally found this book at Amazon! Its an excellent read all the way through. John Douglas does not disappoint! Reading this book will make you cringe at the thought of how brazen Dennis Rader (BTK) was. He didnt sneak around in the dark, he walked calmy in broad daylight and you invited him right in your front door!! Freaky stuff, great book!!

The first act of John Douglas's book about BTK is entitled "My Lifelong Hunt for BTK." He is being disingenuous at best. Let's review this "lifelong" hunt, shall we?

1. In the late 1970s and early 1980s, detectives from Wichita came to him for one-day sessions to create a profile of who BTK was/is.

2. After BTK is finally captured in 2004, Douglas is given a CD containing BTK's letters, diaries, and drawings.

That's it. Hardly a lifelong hunt.

Although Douglas does a nice job of reviewing the crimes BTK committed, as well as his motivations, he spends too much time talking about himself. He sees himself as a tireless hero in this quest, a real macho tough-guy. I found myself wanting to slap him throughout the book.

Interestingly enough, for such a highly celebrated criminal profiler, he gets A LOT of things wrong about BTK. He thinks that BTK is a loner who is afraid of women and does not associate with them; BTK was actually married for 30 years and was socially involved in both his church and his son's Boy Scout troup.

There is an interesting article in the New Yorker [...] about the history of criminal profilers and how they tend to say things that can be true no matter what. This is noticeable throughout the book when we are let in on some of the profilers' meetings with Wichita police. BTK is a loner afraid of women, but he might be married. He might also be divorced. Well which is it?

When Douglas finally interviews BTK at the end of the book (at the expense of a poor single mother who had been gaining BTK's trust for months so she could get her big break), Douglas says to BTK that he is sure that Nancy Fox was his perfect victim because she said something that really "got to" him and he didn't want to kill her. Nope, BTK says that was wrong entirely, which seems to be the case for almost all of Douglas' theories. Whenever something he theorized turns out to be right, he touts it over and over again, but conveniently leaves out the things he was so very, very wrong about.

All in all, a good overall book on the killings, but Douglas proves to be an insufferable author, so much so that I would never consider reading anything by him again.

I like John Douglas, and have read everything he has published. Unfortunately, BTK offers virtually nothing new in terms of insights about serial killers in general, or the BTK in particular. One gets a sense of deja vu in reading this--a revisitation (and somewhat lethargic at that) of a crime and a criminal that we have already read about. Douglas covered the BTK already, in Obsession, and though he disguised the discussion, it is clearly the same facts, the same ideas, and the same conclusions. Why he chose to write about the BTK again, this time devoting an entire book to him, seems to more a kind of personal cleansing, or purging of the soul, for having contributed very little to the understanding and the capture of the BTK when his services were first requested some 30 years (though he naturally suggests that his profiles were fairly accurate, and simply not acknowledged--a supposition not substantiated by the actual facts of the case--the original profile was general, inconclusive, and ultimately rather useless). Clearly the case has haunted him ever since, and thus, this book. It goes over the same ground as others have done in their books on the BTK (there are several), though in an odd order, beginning with the present, then going back to the original killings, then forward, then backward, etc. The "exclusive" interview with BTK which is promoted on the cover, and as a chapter heading, is very disappointing, in that it offers virtually no new clues as to BTK crimes--in fact, we really never get a clear understanding of what "created" the BTK--what set him off, what caused his early instability, what fueled his dark fires, and so forth. Douglas seems to have written this book almost as an admission of his own bewilderment--"wow, look at this one--even I am confused!", without offering any real insights, or new views, on an old case. Very disappointing and uninspiring--for a better view of the BTK, and other similar killers, buy Obsession.

I enjoyed reading this book. The subject matter kept it interesting and John Douglas wrote it so that it wasn't dry. The only problem I had was the TONS of proofreading errors throughout the book, which were very distracting. (These were all things that wouldn't be caught by a spell checker.) Mr. Douglas, hire a proofreader; and if you already did, hire a better one!

Very interesting book. I enjoyed it, but it was more technical than I expected. Lots of great, gruesome questions.

Nothing ruins a good crime novel faster than factual errors or logical mistakes. That's why so many writers turn to Dr. D.P. Lyle for help. A practicing physician, Lyle is a writer himself, and he helps his colleagues figure out inventive (and accurate) ways of doing mayhem to the human body. "Forensics and Fiction" collects some of the most interesting questions Lyle has answered. Want to know how long a human head immersed in the North Sea would remain recognizable? This is the place to look. Not only is the book valuable for all the useful, obscure information it contains, it's also fascinating to see what kinds of questions writers ask. (Some of them, as you might expect, are rather strange.) "Forensics and Fiction" is an excellent resource for writers and an entertaining, informative read for fans.

"Bets, Drugs and Rock & Roll" by Steve Budin. This book was written by the father of off shore sports book gambling and is a truly fascinating read. Having learned the basics of bookmaking from his father, who was one of the top bookies in New York City, Steve Budin demonstrated a remarkable talent for his chosen field. The book charts his rise from his early days as a high school bookmaker in Florida, who took bets from his classmates as well as their parents and his teachers, through his time as a casino host to his setting up of the first real offshore sports book in Panama and later in Costa Rica. He describes the difficulties this posed as well as his success in overcoming the many obstacles placed in his path. Steve Budin also discusses his battles with the US government, whichultimately lead to his downfall, notwithstanding that he was meticulous about paying taxes on his earnings. The book is filled with interesting tidbits about some of his celebrity clients, which included actors and professional athletes to his own philosophy about the proper conduct of a bookie. The book also provides an excellent introduction to the basics of sports betting which I found especially enlightening. I will note that Mr. Budin frequently pats himself on the back in his book and brags about his accomplishments but I think he is entitled to his pride when you realize he helped create what is now a multi-billion dollar industry. The book is a fast paced read which I finished in one sitting.

all he talks about is how great is father is (the guy seems to be in line for the nobel peace prize) and how smart he is when all he really is is a tool for the New York mob, which called all the shots. The guy is a shameless self promoter. I am ashamed I spend money on this book and immediately tossed it in the garbage.

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A third grader could have written a better book. This guy supposedly has the father of the year who was 6 foot 4 and full of muscle with the brains of Einstein and could never make a mistake. He makes the old man out to be Gandhi.

He makes himself out to be the coolest guy since James Bond. He admits that he smoked weed and cheated on his wife on a regular basis (she is also a Miss Universe clone). At the end of course he talks about how he is devoted to Jesus his savior and how he dedicated his life to him.

The so called "adventures" he goes through are so trumped up with BS and tall tales that you have no idea where the truth ends and fiction starts.
He apparently knows every mobster and wise guy in New York and Miami. He claims to be an international jet-setter.

Of course one his good buddies is Stu Feiner. If you know anything about sports betting I don't need to go any further.

I was really looking forward to reading this book. I did finish it out of some outside chance that the end would be better. That did not happen.

I had never heard of the guy and I follow this subject very closely. He really seems to be a two-bit broken down gambler with a trifle of a story that is blown way out of proportion.

If you like sports gaming and the stories that go with it find another book.

This is a truly fascinating tale of the rise and fall of a Sports Gambling ring. Steve Budin was a self-made millionaire before turning thirty, and we see how he coped with the money, the drugs, the sports, and the fall of it all. The book sucks you in to the very last page.