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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.
cath518's review against another edition
challenging
dark
sad
slow-paced
3.5
"If anything ever happens to me, find Ann Rule and have her tell my story." This is what Sheila (Blackthorne) Bellush told her sister, Kerri one day. Sheila was so terrified of her ex-husband, Allen, that she and her family fled to Florida. Sadly, he found her and thus we have this book.
Sheila and Allen Blackthorne married young and had 2 daughters. Their marriage was very tumultuous and Allen was very domineering and controlling. They eventually got divorced but he fought her tooth and nail over custody for the girls. He even made her move into a house down the street from him. She finally met Jamie Bellush and they got married and they ended up having quadruplets through IVF. She thought all her troubles with Allen were behind her - he was remarried as well; however, he had neighbors spying on Sheila and Jamie and reporting back to him. Eventually, Sheila and her family fled to Florida but Allen still found her and had orchestrated plans (from Texas) for her to be murdered.
The book goes through the history of both parents of Allen and Sheila as well as their grandparents. I felt that this was a bit too much but if it was to show how their upbringing led them to the way they were, I get it. There is a list in the beginning of the book of all the "players" - from the grandparents to Allen and Sheila to friends and eventually to the law enforcement folks investigating the murder.
it also delves into the trial of Allen Blackthorne and the verdict, which occurred in 1999.
All in all, it was a well-written story but could have done without the deep dive into the familial lineage.
Sheila and Allen Blackthorne married young and had 2 daughters. Their marriage was very tumultuous and Allen was very domineering and controlling. They eventually got divorced but he fought her tooth and nail over custody for the girls. He even made her move into a house down the street from him. She finally met Jamie Bellush and they got married and they ended up having quadruplets through IVF. She thought all her troubles with Allen were behind her - he was remarried as well; however, he had neighbors spying on Sheila and Jamie and reporting back to him. Eventually, Sheila and her family fled to Florida but Allen still found her and had orchestrated plans (from Texas) for her to be murdered.
The book goes through the history of both parents of Allen and Sheila as well as their grandparents. I felt that this was a bit too much but if it was to show how their upbringing led them to the way they were, I get it. There is a list in the beginning of the book of all the "players" - from the grandparents to Allen and Sheila to friends and eventually to the law enforcement folks investigating the murder.
it also delves into the trial of Allen Blackthorne and the verdict, which occurred in 1999.
All in all, it was a well-written story but could have done without the deep dive into the familial lineage.
frizzylizzybeth's review against another edition
4.0
3.5 ⭐️
This book was what I expect from a good Ann Rule true crime: lots and lots of detail.
There is also a lot of stereotyping, black-and-white thinking, and some unnecessary judgements of the people involved (obviously a book written in the early 2000s). Knowing the author’s past with law enforcement, it’s not a surprise, but there’s always a bit too much “rah rah justice” to her books. Not a whole lot of nuance.
That being said: screw Allen Blackthorne, and I’m glad he went to prison for this awful crime.
This book was what I expect from a good Ann Rule true crime: lots and lots of detail.
There is also a lot of stereotyping, black-and-white thinking, and some unnecessary judgements of the people involved (obviously a book written in the early 2000s). Knowing the author’s past with law enforcement, it’s not a surprise, but there’s always a bit too much “rah rah justice” to her books. Not a whole lot of nuance.
That being said: screw Allen Blackthorne, and I’m glad he went to prison for this awful crime.
spainash's review against another edition
3.0
I really enjoyed the in-depth descriptions that Ann Rule gives you of all the people involved in this case. I had to keep reminding myself that it was non-fiction. Definitely recommended if you are into True Crime.
kaileycool's review against another edition
3.0
Finally finished this book. Didn’t love it. Pretty heavy on the cop-worship. I️ think I’m finally cured of my Ann Rule mania.