Customer Reviews

Lethal Charmer

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Typically I like reading Patricia Springer's books, but Lethal Charmer is an exception.

This 400+ page book tells the story of Stephen Barbee, a man with a pregnant ex-girlfriend that he's hidden from his new wife of two months.

But Lisa Underwood, the pregnant ex, isn't going to go away quietly.

When Barbee is visiting Underwood one evening to "discuss" the situation, a physical altercation erupts between the two. When it's over, Lisa and her unborn baby as well as Lisa's seven-year-old son, Jayden, are dead.

The first 87 pages of Lethal Charmer tell a story that will enrage and disgust readers.

But the remaining 3/4 of the book is just, to put it simply, BORING. Straight from the trial transcripts and filled with references to possible "ailments" suffered by Barbee, readers are left with the impression that Springer was more interested in drumming up sympathy for Barbee and his family than telling this true crime story.

I truly hope this isn't becoming a trend with Springer's writing, or it won't be just this book that goes on my "DO NOT READ" list.

If you want to read trial transcripts then buy this book.
What a dissapointment!!

`Lethal Charmer' is the non fiction book about Steve Barbee's murder of his pregnant girlfriend and her son. The murder and confession are completed by page 70 and the following pages (334 total) are really about the court case.
One point I always wonder about in non fiction accounts such as this is, how does the author know and/or why do they have to include "novelization" type writing. For example; "he breathed deeply as he looked in the rear view mirror at the children who meant the world to him...the tears forming in his eyes". Who tells the author this? It just makes me question if there are other facts that are `over described' and how do they know what the girlfriend thought just before she was murdered??

It seems as if the author tries to create sympathy for Barbee, but is really not successful, despite the constant mentioning of his severe headaches. There are some questions that remain at the end of the trial regarding Barbee's head injuries and his former wife's motives in her testimony and actions.
But there are more of court proceedings than a lethal charmer; there was more of a case put in other authors' writings for Ted Bundy being a `charmer' than Steve Barbee. It might be of interest for those who like to read of detailed court procedures for that is what the book is mainly about.

Lethal Charmer, Patricia Springer

Here is one of the best True-Crime stories to be read in a long time. It starts off with the murder of Lisa Underwood, her young son, and her unborn child(due just weeks after the heinous act). The killer was Stephen Barbee, an ex-boyfriend, and purported to be the father of the unborn child.
There are photos included in the book, of the people, family, and detectives involved, as well as crime scene pictures. The author brings to life the horrific circumstances, and the efforts by all to bring this case to justice.
From the starting scene of the crime scenario, into the twisted minds of the perpetrators, and into the reasonings and fact-findings of the detectives on the case, you will be riveted till the end result. Family members, friends, and co-workers of both sides play crucial roles in the outcome.
This is simply, a chilling and lively book that will keep you interested until the very end! There is even a section at the back that lets you know how and what the key characters are doing as of that time. A really nice and complete follow-up with all key players involved.

All of Pat's books have been wonderful. She really does a lot of research so her books are right on. Her details are so factual. I would recommend any of them & hope she keeps them coming.

Story should make women everywhere learn to be ALERT of all their surroundings & not trust anyone she doesn't know through a very good friend or relative.

I have not received the book or have I received a response to my email.