Customer Reviews

Love, Daddy: The True Story of Accused Con Man and Family Killer Christian Longo (St. Martin's True Crime Library)

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1 star:		(2)

 

 

I was in the courtroom for this entire trial, so it was interesting to see someone else's perspective on this horrendous case. In addition, Smith shares information that was not shared during the trial, which puts an interesting spin on things.

However, this book seems fragmented and is poorly written...perhaps Mr. Smith was attempting to rush to get a book out about Longo first? It is in need of some editing!

Also, I did not appreciate Smith's commentary near the end where he partially blames Longo's faith (and, it seems, faith in general) on what happened.

This is an okay read for people who are fairly familiar with the situation, but I'm not sure anyone not familiar with the case could follow it.

My view on this book might be a little different because I know more about the case than the average person. But right off.. what bridge is that on the cover? None that I know of around Newport. Inside the cover it says it's from National Geographic... don't just PICK a bridge, that's an insult to those around that do know the Yaquina Bay Bridge in Newport, use what is in the area or part of the crime scene. Second, on the back cover it says EIGHT PAGES OF ASTONISHING PHOTOGRAPHS! PUUHHHLEEEZE! I've done better online! Astonishing would have been the luggage MJ and Madison were found in. Not WHERE a building use to be. Where are pics of the Durango or Montana? An aerial picture of what MIGHT be The Landing? How about a pic of the condo they lived in, where the bodies were found, or the Starbucks he worked at, or the motel MJ's belongings were found, where he was captured? There's no pictures of the assistant DA that prosecuted him who was on TV. Out of 22 pics almost half of these are from the writer himself. Give me a break! I could've done better. Ok so the story so far seems to be going as should be, but this is weak information that anyone could get off any number of places on the net. Obviously if Christian was a "Master of deception" he wouldn't have been caught right? The editing on this books is HORRIBLE! Names are misspelled in one paragraph, then correct in another. You use the wrong names sometimes. When you're talking about Zach and Madison, you say Zach and Chris. Who if anyone, edited this book for you?

Carlton, I'm sorry, but I'll think twice about buying another one of your books.

Reads like written by a newspaper reporter-No personal feel for the victims. Not even pictures of them! The last Carlton SMith book I will buy.

The author's focus on the religious background of Christian Longo appears prejudicial and sensationalistic. Outside of the personal statements attributed to Mr. Longo himself and one paragraph quoted from a web site, Smith's information regarding the Jehovah's Witness faith seems to have been gleaned from only those expressing an unfavorable opinion for which the basis of which is unknown.
Mr. Smith irresponsibly uses Longo's religious affiliation as a scapegoat. This is a poorly researched and inaccurate depiction of this particular faith which is featured so prominently throughout this book.

I hesitated to buy this book due to some relatively negative reviews. I must say I disagree with those who gave it bad reviews as I thoroughly enjoyed it and found it thought-provoking. Indeed, he does write from a point of view, but does attempt to explain the unexplainable. I found the narrative clear, compelling and insightful. I will be glad to read further books from this author.

Although this is an older story, I recently got a hold of this book to read. We live in the area that this took place and I remember that Christmas and the horror that was involved when a picture of little Zach showed up in our local paper. When these murders unfolded, it left our town very scared and heart broken. Here we were about to celebrate Christmas when our thoughts turned toward these children that would never see one again. This is a very good account of this creep Longo and Carlton Smith did a great job telling this story.

Clearly, this is more of a "preview" than a "review." However, those who offhandedly condemn the author for laying blame at the feet of Longo's cult connections cannot know the psychological and emotional toll they took. The kind of fear-inducing indoctrination used by this group's leaders (common to cults) cannot be so quickly dismissed.

I'll be back to comment more intelligently when I have finished the book.