Customer Reviews

STONE COLD GUILTY - The People v. Scott Lee Peterson

5 star:		(41)
4 star:		(32)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(7)
1 star:		(59)

 

 

I was an avid watcher of the Peterson case, and have purchased every book published about it. I sincerely regret wasting so much money and time on this book. It was a very difficult read because it contained many run on sentences and grammatical errors, not to mention many inaccurate statements. I felt compelled to read the entire book because I had spent so much money on it, and kept thinking that it had to get better. Much to my dismay, it only got worse as each chapter passed. I should have listened to the prior reviews of this book, instead of opting to give the book a chance just because it was about the Peterson case. This book did not become part of my permanent collection of Peterson books, and I literally placed it in the green bin with the rest of the recycling the day after I finished reading it. Do yourself a favor and do not waste your money on this book. If you really feel you must read it, wait to find it at a yard sale or thrift store for a nickel.

Yet another self-published mess. Subject: Old news. Premise: a housewife turned shrink diagnoses mental illness,(narcessisim) and discusses complex legal issues as though she knows what she is talking about.(As far as the mental issues one is led to wonder if the old addage that it takes one to know one is true in this case.)

The description of her book is at best an exaggeration. Apparently, (and to my sorrow for having bought it thinking there was something new here) most of the content within was available on her blog for free during the trial. I was also dissapointed to see how much of her writing was merely her opinion as she never interviewed any of the participants and her involvment in the trial was limited to watching television.

Her so called insiders information from Gene Ralston, the body recovery expert is also flawed as none of this was ever presented in a court of law and thusly the inclusion of it in her book makes one doubt the veracity of it, in it's entirety.

Also her writing style, although condusive to inducing sleep in the sleepless, is overly wordy and adjective filled, as if she wishes to prove to the writer that she has in fact read the dictionary.

If you want to read a well balanced book about the Peterson case and get a deeper insight into what went on behind the scenes, read Catherine Criers book, "A Deadly Game." Crier actually interviews people and had access to thousands of pages of discovery.

Dillion has attacked Crier for her assertion that Peterson displayed the classic signs of being a sociopathic personality which is in direct conflict to Dillon's assertion that Peterson is a narcissist. That is undeniably strange considering Dillon's qualifications to make such an assessment are only those of knowing herself versus Crier's lengthy courtroom experience and many interviews.

Don't waste your money.

(Make certain to spell several words wrong in your reviews as it will be guaranteed to spur lively discourse.)

I have followed this case from the early stages. This is a wonderful chronicling of the events in "real time", as they occurred for the general public. The unfolding of this horrific crime was followed closely by media, lawyers, online groups, and the general population. Taking a step back to read all the information, news leaks, hype, gossip, hyperbole, rumor, innuendo (I think I'm running out of adjectives) and see what came to be true, is covered in this tome. Ms. Dillon also added the water search, which was neglected in the trial. It's a great read, and I highly recommend it.

This blogger's point of view is passionate, scathing, and immensely readable. Dillon cuts through the media hype and defense smokescreens with objective clarity. Few of the people involved emerge unbruised. A refreshing, lone voice in the wilderness. Her observations and comments about lawyer incompetence, the media, the justice system, and society in general are bound to ruffle some feathers.

Dillon offers an effective comparison of the characteristics of "narcissists" with those of Peterson. She gives the reader a pretty convincing portrait that remains consistent when compared to his behavior and ultimate lack of remorse. Super book, highly recommended.

I found this book to be not only excellent and informative, but as a reviewer above noted, it 'validates a new form of journalism' that I find to be very exciting for those with quick minds and a love for reading. Ms. Dillon accurately captures the passion the general public felt for the victims, lays out the California legal system clearly and concisely and analyzes the narcissistic mind with her unique writing style that is thoroughly researched, scathingly funny at times, and always right on target.

This book was very well written and the author obviously kept very close track of the case from beginning to end. If there was any doubt about Peterson's guilt because of TV coverage or any other book, there isn't now. I am now convinced without a doubt that Scott Peterson murdered his wife, took two trips to the Bay and sunk her body with anchors.

This book has more detail and facts than all the other books combined. Crier's book pretty much ends with the arrest. This book continues to cover the entire trial from preliminary hearing to sentencing. Roughly 2/3 of the book is the trial. The author is a good historian and a good humorist.

After reading some of the reviews posted previously I can only conclude that those "reviewers" have not actually read the book. The information contained and the style of writing make this a must read for anyone interested in the Peterson case. There is parody and humor but it is not directed at the victim or her family. It is in no way inappropriate or disrespectful. On the contrary, it is evident through the writings of Ms. Dillon that she has heartfelt compassion for Laci and Laci's family. The chronology of events both in and out of the courtroom is understandable in the format chosen for this work. The research into California law and the explanations for motions and decisions is wonderful! A number of times Ms. Dillon examines motions presented and accurately predicts what the decision will be before it was actually determined.

I only hope that all reviewers would actually read this book and give a fair and accurate review rather than a mean-spirited attack out of jealousy or some other childish impulse. "Stone Cold Guilty" is a unique offering to the list of Peterson trial books and has information and insights that you won't find elsewhere. Having actually read it, I can sincerely give this book a five star rating.

I found out about Loretta Dillon's book when I saw it mentioned on certain internet crime forums. I was curious as some professed it was excellent and others bashed it horribly. I decided to read for myself.

The book starts off with Laci's disappearance and follows every development along the way. This book is absolutely outstanding, enjoyable and informative.

You would have to be crazy not to enjoy it and appreciate the value of this body of work.

Beuhler

This was a very pleasant find for me. I have been interested in this case but came into it late and didn't know all of the background. The format of this book being somewhat a journal style was just perfect to layout the case from beginning to end. I was fascinated with all of the rumors and those that turned out to be fact. The short segments allow for me to stay up with my busy life and pick up the book again without feeling like I'm lost in terms of the story. Thank you Loretta Dillon for a well written and riveting piece of literature!

If you want to know more about the Peterson trial than we all saw on the Fox and CNN news shows, this is the book you want. I doubt you'll find anyone who does their homework like Ms. Dillon. Her blog entires were much more than "here's what happened today and here's my opinion." Not only does she go through all the trial transcripts with a fine tooth comb, but she takes the reader through what actually happened and the resulting implications.

This is NOT a Hollywood remake of the Laci Peterson murder, or the Amber Frye story, or any similar Hollywood saga. This is the play-by-play from a couple of weeks before Laci goes missing to "You are hereby sentenced..."

If you were a Scott Peterson Trial junkie, or if you want to know why the whole country was dialed in on this case, this is the book for you.