Saturday, May 17, 2008

What have i read lately...

For the past month, i have been reading these books. "Every breath you take by Ann Rule", "Inside Laci Peterson murder by Michael Freeman" and "First to die by James Patterson.

Loan from my aunty. Very interesting books, two are based on real stories and the other are fiction.

Start off with Ann Rule's "Every Breath you take".



ISBN: 0743224000
A True Story of Erotic Obsession, Revenge, and Murder


http://www.highlandco.org/BookReviews/Staffrev2.html

Every breath you take
Every move you make
Every bond you break
Every step you take
I'll be watching you
Every single day
Every word you say
Every game you play
Every night you stay
I'll be watching you



The true story of the murder of Sheila Bellush takes its title from the 1983 Police song "Every Breath You Take," and the lyrics quoted above chillingly illustrate the obsession that led to the crime. Allen Blackthorne never forgot that his ex-wife Sheila had defeated him in court, so he hired someone to murder her almost ten years after they divorced. This book is as much about the making of a sociopath as it is the narrative of a woman's life cut short as her children watched helplessly.
Allen Blackthorne was a sadist from the time he was a child who intentionally caused the death of a family pet.

Author Ann Rule traces the history of violence, neglect, and sexual abuse that were Allen's heritage from generations past. Sheila Bellush, his ex-wife, feared for her life even after escaping Allen, remarrying, giving much-publicized birth in Texas to quadruplets, and moving to Florida. What makes this book unique is that it may well be the first book ever to be written at the request of the crime victim. According to Sheila Bellush's sister, Sheila had read several of Ann Rule's books, and during a televised version of Rule's best-selling book Dead by Sunset, she made the request, "If anything should happen to me, find Ann Rule and ask her to write my story." Every Breath You Take is the fulfillment of that tragic request.

Rule helpfully includes a "Cast of Characters" section, a necessary addition to help the reader sort out family members, friends, neighbors, multiple ex-spouses, and law enforcement officials in two states. The "Author's Note" details how the case finally came to the attention of Ann Rule, and the book is very appropriately dedicated to Sheila Bellush and her children, with Rule saying, "I hope I got it right." Twenty-four pages of photos chronicle happier times in the lives of the victim and her family, the crime scene, and courtroom shots of those involved in the conspiracy to kill. In an afterword, Rule speculates on what could cause an intelligent, attractive millionaire like Allen Blackthorne to detach from human feeling to the point that he was able to have the mother of his children murdered in cold blood. Unfortunately, the answers remain murky.

Every Breath You Take is also available abridged on audio cassette and CD, with the author's note and afterward read by Ann Rule herself. Although this book is not as compelling as Rule's The Stranger Beside Me, in which she chronicles the crimes of serial killer Ted Bundy (another case in which she was personally involved), Every Breath You Take is a recommended book for those interested in true crime and its psychology.



My take on this book; as the author gives the historical background on the people involve...it shows a series of broken marriages and the lost of family value. I.e Allen blackthorne(the master mind behind the murder of his ex wife), his own father married 3 times. He himself married 3 times too.

This book is intersting to read because the victim herself was the one who contacted the author and had also told her own sister that should anything happend to her...must investigate her death. It was as if the victim knew something bad will happend. It is a sad case for all involved.

Check out this news link if want to know more.

http://www.sptimes.com/News/webspecials/ongoing/bellush.murder/default.html

16 comments:

Yatie_T said...

Hi Nightwing,
I haven't read this book yet but from the synopsis you wrote, I found it very interesting. If I get a chance, I will look for this book.

NorthBorneoGirl said...

I've read the book .. it is an interesting read .. and I love Ann Rule too .. I got most of her book .. in my opinion she's a great true crime writer :)

Nightwing said...

Hi Yatie,

Thanks for dropping by..:)

Yep this is a good book. I think most books by Ann Rule are good.

Just sad for the people involved...especially the childrens.

Nightwing said...

Helo Ms Envy,

Agree with you on Ann Rule's book.

She is really good in giving the historical background on the people involve.

hazlindakim said...

Hello Nightwing,

Truth be told, I have not read anything by Ann Rule. I'm not so much a mystery-murder-crime book reader. I'm not even a fan on Agatha Christie. I have read of course some books of this genre like those by Dan Brown and John Grisham.
But then, I always go back to quick read chic lit and love soppy stories. LOL!

Monica said...

I love true story, will check it out soon! ;-)

Nightwing said...

Hi Hazlindakim,

If got chance read Mamasan and Nanking...by our own Malaysian Writer..Mr Khoo Kheng Hor....:)

Nightwing said...

Hi Monica,

Ya...Ann Rule's book is good. If u don;t get it let me know what you think...:)

J.T. said...

Hi Nightwing

I have not read this book yet. It certainly sounds interesting. I will keep this book in mind. I haven't settled quite enough to get back to reading. I could do it while I was on holiday because I had no blogging or housework to do. :)

Nightwing said...

Hi JT,

Hehe...ya...it will be a good book to read during plane rides...:)

But must warn you...once you started...very hard to put it down..:)

Daphne Ling said...

Hey NightWing,

It's crazy how the person you loved and trusted that you then married and pledged to live eternity with, would end up be the person you fear the most, and who ends up murdering you...

Twisted and sick to the core...

Nightwing said...

Hi Daphne,

Agree with you. If you ever get the chance to read the book...the ex husband is a person full of charm (in public).

But those who knew him (his ex wives)...learned other wise.

Hazel said...

thanks for recommended a good book for us

Salt N Turmeric said...

iv never read her book yet but the story sounds sad. will look for it.

i do love james patterson and trying to read all his books. i think i stil have a few tht i have to catch up.

Nightwing said...

Hi Hazel,

No worries...:)

You have a great weekend ahead now.

Nightwing said...

Helo Salt & Turmeric,

Ya...James Patterson...good writer.

Over this week, have went over to my aunt's place to reload on books...:)