Customer Reviews

Severed Relations (True Crime)

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

 

 

Hays covers the crime as reported by the press fairly well. He should have made more of an effort to uncover the unanswered questions. His book contains numerous ones!

Not quite finished w/ the book, somewhat dry writing , needs more "oomph" to bring it to life, since this crime was particularly grizzly. The cast of characters, especially Rita and Zelenin weren't portrayed with enough dimension for me to have any immediate gut response or care too much about. This reader assumes they(Gluzman & Zelenin) will be convicted and thats it. I did like the opening statements of the prosecutor (the woman w/ the $30 haircut) and the description of Hochheiser(sp?) the photos were a plus .."Could have been a contender"

Mr Hays explains and describes the brutality of the crime, the problems law officials had with circumstancial evidence and their ability to convict in spite of it . It was an interesting read with a thoroughness that belies an understanding of the problems associated with crime conviction.

A tale of inhumanity toward a good person, this book somehow keep suspense throughout while getting into the minds of the cops and DAs. Good read.

Severed Relations is a must for true crime fans. Hays knows how to draw the reader in. Well done, highly recommended.

Hey Tim, Let's hope you have updated information when your book is re-released. Dave Wartelsky BCPD WSAR

Mind Numbing. Mind Numbingly booooring. I started reading this book and was instantly comatose. I kept reading because I thought, "Surely, it has to get better, surely there has to be some plot twist." I kept waiting and waiting and waiting for it to grab my attention. For some sort of "gotcha!" that would make my catatonic state of mind worthwhile. Seriously, watching paint dry is more exciting than this book. It's written in such a dry and drab manner, you care nothing for any of the characters. I bought this at Half Price Books and I feel I over paid by at least 150%. I have seen it at garage sales and everytime I do, I think, "God that book was horrible, I really hate myself for finishing it!!" I swear I think this idiot author (and his obvious cronies who wrote the "good" reviews) shoved this out just to make a buck and could care less about his reputation. It will always make good kindling for a fire.

Fans. . .the test of time has proved this true crime title to be strong.

What Tim Hays does in this book should be considered a crime by itself.
The book is not well written, and has numerous holes. Clearly the writer did not do all the research he should have on the subject. His writings refelct an erronous interpretation of the fact, likely because he did not bother to get all the facts.

Final word of advice, don't buy this piece of trash, there are better books out there. I'm sorry i spent my money on it.

Hey Tim, It's back to journalisum 101 for you! I was one of the divers assigned to the Yakov Gluzman dive. You would think that basic information should be right. It was not the Bergen County SHERIFFS Department that recovered the body parts of Yakov Gluzman, it was the Bergen County POLICE Department! How about a little credit, where credit is due! While I, personally do not want credit for being on the dive team that located all the body parts, I think my agency and the team deserved better. It boils down to basic investigative reporting, so get your facts straight. I guess it dosen't matter to you, because you sold a book! Bravo!