Customer Reviews

Darkness Descending - the Murder of Meredith Kercher

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

 

 

Not knowing much about this case other than what I have seen in some headlines, I went into the book with an open mind. I do feel the authors presented a reasonably balanced recount of the facts and evidence, both for and against the defendents. At times, the authors did write in a "novelistic" form, slipping in descriptions, and emotions I doubt they would have known about. But, if you filter that out, they do present a puzzling case indeed. Some of the evidence appears against the defendents, but other evidence seems to indicate they are innocent. I do believe, based on the authors' descriptions of the police investigations, that much bungling occurred and evidence may have been lost, mishandled, contaminated, or entirely missed.

I was amazed at the number of officers/investigators who appeared at the crime scene shortly after it was reported and no record seems to have been kept of who was where, both inside and outside the house. I am truely puzzled by the conflicting statements made by both Knox and Sollecito, and, unlike some, can not attribute it to police pressure or brutal tactics/abuse. I was left with the feeling that whatever happened that night, both Knox and Sollecito knew or were involved, even if in a peripheral way - perhaps they came upon the murder and panicked, fearing they would be blamed or caught up in it in some way. I do think Knox knew Guede and perhaps she saw him that night, and knew what happened. There are relationships between all these people, including the other two female roommates that I do not think have been brought to proper light, as it seems as if, after the fact, everyone was covering his/her own butt.

Based on some of the comments written about other reviews of this book, it appears that emotion rules the day in judging this book. However, I don't have a dog in this fight - just an interested reader looking for information. I will also be reading the several other books about this case and may come away with a clearer idea of what did, indeed, happen that night.

Over-all an interesting and quick read. Unlike the previous reviewer I found some of the technical explanations on DNA testing not exactly user friendly.

There are some interesting biographies on the background and behaviors of the killers. Interesting to hear the details of their lies to police. I was very confused over the ending of the book. The majority of the book discusses the vast amount of evidence against Amanda Knox- her mixed blood with the victim in the house, her bloody footprints at the crime scene, her DNA on the murder weapon, lies to police, phone records, computer records, eye witnesses, video camera footage proving she lied about her alibi, her accusing an innocent man of the crime, her written confession of being at the house, her incredibly bizarre behavior, etc. etc. etc. Then, the last few pages seem to cast doubt that justice was served... A strange ending, as the case is far beyond reasonable doubt. Still, a welcome relief from the ridiculous BS from the FOA camp. I'm hoping for an even better read from Barbie Nadeau.

I had a difficult time with this book due to the writing style of the author.

The book is written largely using British slang which is difficult for an American to comprehend. Since this story has international appeal, it would have been helpful if the author had used vocabulary which is more universally understandable. For example, "He may have scuppered himself by his own petty fiddling." That sounds like a foreign language to me. Also, the author repeatedly uses the term "throw up" which I presume means "to put forth" or "bring to light," but in America, it has a very different meaning.

I was able to follow this book, with difficulty. I know that other English authors do not write like this.

This was just sloppy, in my opinion.

This book has problems. It is heavily biased towards guilt of the two young people, Amanda Knox and Raffaele Sollecito. This is unfortunate because these two people are innocent victims of a miscarriage of justice.

There is much invention in the book. An obvious example is the description of Rudy's time in Germany just after he fled Italy. There are also simple falsehoods.

The book is light on important and relevant information. At the same time the book poses rhetorical questions which try to lead, in a clumsy and deliberate way, towards guilt of Amanda and Raffaele.

The lengthy description of Meredith's autopsy is harrowing in its detail and quite unnecessary. It serves no good purpose.

All in all, I regard this book as unsatisfactory and harmful to the truth of the case. It is not, in my view, interesting or enjoyable to read.

Whether one chooses to read this book or not, I recommend that one considers a different view, by reading at least one of the following:- 'Injustice in Perugia' by Bruce Fisher, 'Murder in Italy' by Candace Dempsey, and 'The Monster of Perugia - The Framing of Amanda Knox' by Mark Waterbury.

It can't be very well written if it is 40 cents under postage to buy!! I know 3 of his main points are lies.

This book includes so many distortions, half truths, and outright lies that it is pure, sensationalistic BS. Don't waste your time. It ignores the actual, overwhelming evidence against Rudy Guede to turn an ordinary murder into a pure-fantasy exploitation fest. It might as well have been written by Mignini.

This author works as a crime reporter for the U.K.'s The Daily Mirror, the same newspaper that Meredith Kercher's father, John Kercher, has worked for.His sympathies are obvious and his ability to fit the facts to his prejudice what you would expect.

From what I can see in the reviews of this book it gives the lies that the Italian prosecutor and media want you to believe. To get the true facts of this case read Murder in Italy, by Candace Dempsey. She used actual facts to tell her story. This poor girl and her geek boyfriend of one week did not get a fair trial. After days of trying to cooperate with the police they were railroaded into court and convicted of murder with no evidence at all. And they already had the one and only murderer, Rudy Guede, in custody. If you think you have heard and read the truth, do not believe it. Get the truth by Candace Dempsey. I just read that book and it is excellent.

True Crime?

NO absolutely not!

I made the unfortunate choice of believing this was an actual true

crime novel.Boy was I wrong.

Please don't waste your money on this garbage.

The authors are HACKS,have absolutely no clue as to what they are talking

about and like Barbie Nadeau in her fictional tale called Angel Face they

are completely vexed by prosecutor Mignini and his dribble.

They forget that Mignini was found guilty of prosecutorial misconduct

and suspended for six that's right six months.

They make a big deal over Amanda being concieved out of wedlock<-a blatant lie.

They talk of Americans as if we are all sex crazy serial killers.

They boast tons of evidence which of course is not at all the case.

They talk of the forensic tech like she is the salt of the earth,again bogus.

They claim that everyone wore protective gear so as not to contaminate the scene.

Pure fiction.

There is absolutely nothing to tie Rafaele Sellecito or Amanda Knox to the murder of Meredith Kercher.

Rudy Guede is the only guilty party in the case.

As for the great Mignini(what a laugh) according to the HACKS um authors he is the best investigator there is to be had.LMAO!

If you are unfortunate enough to waste money on this Fictional tale you will be treated to a load of laughs,because every single word in it is absolutely laughable.

If you do decide to purchase this putrid fictional comedy please be aware that

none of it is based on one shred of truth.

I like fiction as well as anyone,but when it is presented as fact(which this is not),then I have a problem with it.

The authors take great liberty with thier words and make up things as they go along.

I started reading this vomit last night and I am only now starting chapter nine,which of course I am sure will only increase in laughable fiction,so there is at least the humor to look forward to.

If you want the actual truth about what happened and what went on and the actual facts then buy "Murder in Italy" by Candace Dempsey.

This is the true story of the tragic death of Meredith Kercher.

It has all of the facts,and all of the evidence or lack thereof.

It tells the true story of those involved and exsposes Mignini for what he really is,an incompetent, egotistical,publicity hound bent on being a star to the Italian public.

You will notice I gave it 5 stars anyway

The reason for this is simple.It provided me with a lot of laughs.