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storybookcorner's review against another edition
dark
emotional
informative
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
5.0
jcayala76's review
5.0
Disturbing on so many levels
As usual, Ann Rule does an excellent job of investigative research to retell this horrifying story. She paints San Antonio beautifully and with the same fervor details the terrifying life that Sheila Bellush suffered through until her violent death. It was sickening to read all the horrors this man got away with throughout his life and even more disturbing that he managed to find such a loyal wife to stand by him during investigation and trials, living a life of luxury while so many suffered from his actiins. A haunting read for sure, and one that was difficult to put down until finished.
As usual, Ann Rule does an excellent job of investigative research to retell this horrifying story. She paints San Antonio beautifully and with the same fervor details the terrifying life that Sheila Bellush suffered through until her violent death. It was sickening to read all the horrors this man got away with throughout his life and even more disturbing that he managed to find such a loyal wife to stand by him during investigation and trials, living a life of luxury while so many suffered from his actiins. A haunting read for sure, and one that was difficult to put down until finished.
danny_phantom57's review against another edition
4.0
I've never read a 700 page book so quickly (4 days). That's just a byproduct of fantastic writing. In today's podcast and Google driven world, I could have gotten the same true crime story in 1-2 hours. But Ann Rule's writing had me locked in, flipping pages desperately. I've never read one of her books before, but this has made me a fan.
mehitabels's review against another edition
2.0
My secret shame. True crime novels. My neighbor figured it out and now passes these along to me, and I read them, oh, yes I do. The best part is that I can pass them on to my mother, who also has the secret addiction. Bwa ha ha
natatorie's review against another edition
3.0
if you’ve read one ann rule book you’ve read them all, but i always appreciate her attention to detail and respect to the victim’s story. another masterful and thorough novel into a tragic story.
colorfulleo92's review against another edition
4.0
I can read pretty much anything in a thriller/crime novel without much hesitation but true crime is so much more of an intense reading experience. Because in a novel you'll now the bad guy often get caught and it's never a true story. Ann Rule definitely now how to write a page turning book, getting so invested in the case, even though there's a lot of tragically and horrific things in her books, that's are all true. It's hard not to put down. It's so sad and makes me angry that the woman spent 10 years with her kids on the run with out getting help that she needed before it was to late
mnboyer's review against another edition
3.0
This was "okay" -- I have to admit, I'm not a fan of Ann Rule's writing style, but I really enjoy true crime and so sometimes I'll pick her work up and give it a go. In this particular true crime novel we get a beaten wife whose ex-husband eventually pays to have her killed. Lots of backstory (that unfortunately makes you wonder how the husband was able to get away with abusing several women for years--scumbag) and less of a focus on the murder itself. All in all, tragic. Unfortunately the writing style is just not up to par with other true crime out there.