Customer Reviews

Above The Law

5 star:		(25)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(5)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

As a former prosecutor and judge (who had nothing to do with the Capano Case) I found Mr. Karem's book a great look at an extraordinary trial.

Most trials are nothing like This!

It was a well written book and it got better as one progressed through it. The author masterfully weaved together the sardonic and the sublime to keep interest high throughout -- even though we already knew what the end would be.

For students of the law I'd recommend it as a cautionary tale of everything you don't want to have to face in a high profile case. Indeed as lawyers I'm sure we will be studying the Capano case for years to come.

This book was like reading a long newspaper article on the murder. The facts are given, and given in the correct chronological order. There are numerous typos, but I suppose this is to be expected with a quickie book. I didn't appreciate the cutesie chapter titles. They aren't appropriate for this sad story. I can't believe that with all of the schmoozing I saw Karem doing with the Fahey family, as well as the Capano family at the court house, that by naming the chapters so, he could be so insensitive to the murder of the Fahey's sister and the pain the Capano girls must be feeling about their father's actions. Easy reading, no thinking involved. For some, that's enough.

All I can figure is that the readers who've praised this book did not read the other two available accounts, by Ann Rule and George Anastasia.

"Above the Law" is poorly organized. The writing is mediocre at best and atrocious in parts. Karem badly needs an editor!

If you'll read only one book about this sensational case, by all means choose either Rule's or Anastasia's book. They're well worth the higher price.

This book really was like a thrill ride and I enjoyed every moment of it.

My favorite part was reading how Tom Capano self-destructed on the witness stand. Such a smug man brought himself down. There's a moral there, but Tom Capano won't ever get it.

This is a good book written by a former reporter. It's no nonsense approach is a breath of fresh air and makes it extremely delightful to read.

Through a gentle layering of facts and with a very strong voice the author takes us through a labyrinth of decadance and deception.

Deborah Macintyre and Tom Capano emerge as truely disgusting characters.

I greatly enjoyed this book. I knew there would be a book written about this case (after all, I would consider this Delaware's "Trial of the Century" (millenium, too). Living in Wilmington, Delaware, one could not miss walking past the courthouse, viewing the media circus daily. Also, this trial was the "talk of the town".

The book gave a precise summary of the trial, giving me a better understanding of how manipulative Tom Capano was and how he presumed himself to be "Above the Law". Justice prevailed, and the mighty took a major fall. This man caused a lot of pain to people, destroying careers and reputations, and also the hurt and humiliation he caused his former wife and other family members. And the fact that he tried to place the blame on others really angered me as I read this book. It was as if he thought he didn't have to answer to anybody. Well, there is an Authority "Above the Law" he will have give an answer to (as with all of us)for his evil deeds.

Brian Karem did an excellent job and his information is based on actually being at the trial and getting his information first-hand. I have passed the book on to another reader with three others in line. Great book - I would highly recommend this. This is Pulitzer Prize material.

There is some closure to a certain degree for the Fahey family (even though, unfortunately, they could not give their beloved Annie a burial). But Tom Capano received his just punishment for the pain he caused them.

Please buy this book - it's a treasure!!!

I made the gross error of reading an Anne Rule book just prior to this one. I only served to point out what a disorganized writer Brian Karem is. He could also use some pointers in grammar, as well. The book jumps all around in time, rather than focusing on a "start to finish" approach in recounting the crime. It was the most irritating read I've had in quite some time. You want great true crime? Anne Rules!!!

Although "Above The Law" is a cut above the average rushed to press account of a notorious murder and trial, it really wasn't much more than an organized summary of press accounts. Now these do have their place, but for background, insight, depth of character, and a wider perspective, I look forward to the other books coming out on this subject, especially Ann Rule's. I hope I'm not disappointed.

While Brian J. Karem's account of the Anne Marie Fahey disappearance serves as a good introduction to the case that shook tiny Delaware, his writing lacks flair and imagination.

For instance, the reader will have to wade through such unoriginal passages as, "After Annie disappeared, Kevin Freel, brother to Ed and Bud, held a vigil at his pub. He had signs made up and posted them on the fence outside his pub. They said 'Friends of Anne Marie.' They hang outside his pub to this day."

Also, in referring to a detective's work, Karem writes, "He said it didn't take him long to figure out that when Annie showed up missing, Tom Capano had something to do with it."

Either Karem was in a hurry to get this book out or his editor needs a refresher course.

Although Karem is the first of four authors to get to print with a Fahey/Capano book, and he does score a few points by way of interviews with Capano's ex-wife and daughters, don't let his account spoil your interest in the others.

In the same vein as "Helter Skelter" -- a good thorough look at the Capano Trial. I read other reviews that looked forward to Ann Rule's book. I do not. I read in the Wilmington paper where she only spent a limited amount of time at the trial. This book was at least written by someone who was there for the ENTIRE trial.

"Above the Law" has a reporters insight, and the knowledge of someone who was there. The chapter on Nick Perillo and Deborah MacIntyre --both loathsome individuals who had a part to play in this terrifying crime -- are worth the price of admission.