Customer Reviews

Smoke, Mirrors, and Murder: And Other True Cases (Ann Rule's Crime Files)

5 star:		(28)
4 star:		(12)
3 star:		(10)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I haven't met an Ann Rule book I didn't like, but they are always too short! This one I read in two days. This book focus' on women in abusive relationships that lead to murder or almost-murder. I really liked the stories that are older cases. With so many true crime shows on TV, it's hard to find something new and fresh. Since this is a "crime file" you have the option of dipping into the book when you'd like, story by story. Ann also has many resources for women in trouble in this volume including websites to visit. Ann always makes the victims come alive in each of her books, honoring them in a way few can.

I highly recommend Smoke, Mirrors and Murder. This book is a powerful and purposeful look at the entanglements of abusive relationships. Ann Rule is keenly attuned and deals clearly with the dauntingly difficult subject of abuse. Not only does Ann give you the red flags to ponder in a relationship she tells you where to get help in this book. The stories are riveting. The Deputy's Wife is an intimate portrait of an individual that abused his wife and family and the fear one feels in this situation. All the stories in this book are noteworthy and fascinatingly insightful. This book is a must read.

I am a long-time admirer of Ann Rule's true crime genre. Usually, when I know she has a book coming out, I make sure I don't get into any other reading, book-wise, so I can totally enjoy her latest offering. What has always made her books so interesting, and impossible to put down, are her incredible descriptions of all the players. This is definitely missing this time around. The first story just seemed to go on and on and on, with a lot of it feeling repetitive. I had hoped to get more out of the following stories, but, alas, it was not to be. I didn't find even one of them that really drew me in, and actually was glad when I finished, so that I could go on to another book I've been saving. She has always been the number one true crime writer, but I sure hope the next book is more on par with the quality of her former books. Sincerely, Karol Santiago

I love Ann Rule, and this new book is another very good one. Could not put it down. Would highly recommend.

Yet another excellent book from Ann Rule. As with most of her books, I started it and didn't put it down until I had read every page. Ann has a writing style that a novelist would envy in terms of its apparently effortless flow and she ensures - without fail - that the reader understands the victim as well as the perpetrator. I don't want to spoil the reading experience by discussing the individual cases but I will say that, as always, the reader will be left with a feeling of horror at man's inhumanity to man coupled with a feeling that - by and large - good prevails.

In Ann Rules' latest publication SMOKE, MIRRORS AND MURDER readers are given a wide vareity of true crime stories; very much reminiscent of her days of magazine writing.

In this book, readers are given a vareity of stores, from spousal murders to the unsolved murder of Dorothy Jones, whose death remains unsolved (and quite possibly a medical mystery).

It is a very interesting book. I often found myself unable to put it down, so much so that I was able to complete it in less than 48 hours.

I highly recommend this book to true crime fans, or even just mystery genre fans. Especially if you have been following the case of Mary Winkler (a still much debated issue), as Ann Rule provides a detailed account of this case in addition to her own insight of the case.

This is a fabulous book, as I would expect from the best true crime writer in this country - Ann Rule.

I love her full-length books, but it's nice to be able to read the collections of shorter stories so I can put the book down once in a while and get something done!

If you haven't read any of her books, I would suggest reading one and then ordering/borrowing etc. all her other books. What a treat!

Ann Rule never lets us down with her amazing ability to put the reader totally into the book and characters. I read her new books so quickly that I am always left yearning for more. Excellent take on the Mary Winkler case! Can't wait for a new Ann book!

How can ANYONE dispute the expertise of this writer? Every single case that is written about, in this book, and all others, are written with the utmost care, and concern for all involved! If I were ever to have to have my story told..it would be Ann Rule who should tell it! She is, as always, the BEST!

Great book. Another Ann Rule classic. No one can tell a story quite like Ann Rule.