At Large: The Life and Crimes of Randolph Franklin Dial (St. Martin's True Crime Library) [Mass Market Paperback]

Charles W. Sasser (Author)

Book Description

Series: St. Martin's True Crime Library | Publication Date: December 27, 2005

For eleven years, Randolph Franklin Dial was one of the most sought after fugitives in America. Brilliant, cunning and enigmatic, Dial had murdered a man so expertly that the case was only solved when he inexplicably turned himself in.

Dial escaped from his Oklahoma prison after serving ten years of a life sentence, taking with him the assistant warden's beautiful young wife Bobbi Parker. But was she Dial's hostage for ten years--or was the story more complicated?

Charles Sasser reveals the inside story of his escape, capture, and bizarre relationship with Bobbi Parker. The shocking true account of a successful artist turned killer and then fugitive, AT LARGE also chronicles a chilling link between a writer and his subject. When Dial was finally captured--watching a pro golf tournament on television with a pistol by his side--investigators found a copy of this book on his nightstand? Somewhere in America at a book signing, Dial had gotten his book signed by the author himself...

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

"Here is a book by a fellow named Charles Sasser. If you read that book, you get the impression if you cross me, you will rue the day."
--Randolph Franklin Dial, after his arrest, April 2005

A MURDEROUS FUGITIVE
For eleven years, Randolph Franklin Dial was one of the most sought after fugitives in America. Brilliant, cunning and enigmatic, Dial had murdered a man so expertly that the case was only solved when he inexplicably turned himself in.

THE YOUNG WOMAN HE TOOK WITH HIM.
Dial escaped from his Oklahoma prison after serving ten years of a life sentence, taking with him the assistant warden's beautiful young wife Bobbi Parker. But was she Dial's hostage for ten years--or was the story more complicated?

THE STORY THAT CAN FINALLY BE TOLD...
Charles Sasser reveals the inside story of his escape, capture, and bizarre relationship with Bobbi Parker. The shocking true account of a successful artist turned killer and then fugitive, AT LARGE also chronicles a chilling link between a writer and his subject. When Dial was finally captured--watching a pro golf tournament on television with a pistol by his side--investigators found a copy of this book on his nightstand? Somewhere in America at a book signing, Dial had gotten his book signed by the author himself...

About the Author

Lynne Murray was born in Decatur, Illinois, and grew up in Texas, Alaska, Washington, and Southern California. She now lives in San Francisco. She has published numerous articles in local and national newspapers and magazines and has written and directed a play.

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: St. Martin's Paperbacks (December 27, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0312960417
• ISBN-13: 978-0312960414
• Product Dimensions: 6.7 x 4.2 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,319,394 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Everytime he had it all, it seems he walked away...., January 13, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: At Large: The Life and Crimes of Randolph Franklin Dial (St. Martin's True Crime Library) (Mass Market Paperback)

Maybe this man who thinks he is above everyone else, who thinks nothing of ruining the lives of all who come in contact with him, will walk away from this apparently successful evasion! I received and read this book in one night, and thought the author did an excellent job at researching this man's past. However, I also feel that he has just scratched the surface. It is true that Dial is a very complex individual, but Mr. Sasser was successful in exposing this man as someone who has a constant need to feel important. If he can't do it with the truth, he makes something up to put himself in the center of attention, and laces it with enough truth to make it believable! His continued evasion is an outrage, and I do not believe that Bobbi Parker went with him willingly. I felt that Mr. Sasser revealed this through the source he quoted. She only met her twice, and saw the integrity with which Bobbi led her life. I would have liked to have read more from people who actually know her. I am proud to say that I have known Bobbi for almost 14yrs, and she IS that special! Thank you Mr. Sasser, for an intriguing look at the world, or should I say illusion that this man has created for himself. To the family of Mr. Hogan, God's speed, and to Bobbi... we all love and miss you very much!

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Will we ever know?, April 17, 2000

By 

Linda (USA~ the question is:WHERE IS DIAL?) - See all my reviews

This review is from: At Large: The Life and Crimes of Randolph Franklin Dial (St. Martin's True Crime Library) (Mass Market Paperback)

This book was captivating, easy reading, but yet confusing. It almost seems like a few of the "badges" were tainted, and that's why they stopped pressing to find out who paid Dial to kill Hogan. Could the warden's wife really have made "almost identical" calls? Or was it the same, maybe taped, message? There are too many unanswered questions. If Dial is still alive, I am sure of this; He has a copy of this book to add to his collection of his personal accompishments, and, He is an artist that is proud of his work, and he will surface again,with more of his creations, and stories to tell.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Very interesting glance at a truly Jekyll/Hyde kind of guy., December 3, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: At Large: The Life and Crimes of Randolph Franklin Dial (St. Martin's True Crime Library) (Mass Market Paperback)

It was disappointing that this guy has been able to elude authorities for so long - people don't just disappear off the face of the earth. But Dial must be very good at what he does cause he is able to go underground or just keep out of the limelight for long periods of time without detection. I do think that the warden's wife went willingly and that she is still alive. Shocking tale! Some parts read slow but the end of the book is absolutely amazing! He's still "at large!"