Two Codes for Murder: A True Crime Story [Paperback]

Dorothea Fuller Smith (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 28, 2001

The courtship of Charlene and Floyd Mitleider and their short marriage in San Diego prove to be a nightmare.. Floyd has many idiosyncracies including the use of code words but Charlene is shocked that spousal abuse begins at once. Mystified by his cruelty and misplaced anger Charlene sees secretive buddies, clones of Floyd, and strange Middle Eastern employees go into action. Two major crimes follow. Stalked and victimized Charlenes safety and survival are complex.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Reads with the intimacy of a journal...the reader thus gains insight into the psychology of abuse in a compelling way." -- Richard N. Cote, The Cote Literary Group

"What a story. Best of luck to your daughter." -- Anita Miller, Academy Chicago

"Your story is interesting...You havedone some fine work here." -- Rod Colvin, Addicus Books

Dorothea Fuller Smith has written a study in faith, betrayal, treachery, courage and justice served. -- The Women's Review of Books - January 2001

Two Codes for Murder has all the elements of a gripping TV drama. -- The Small Press Book Review, March 14, 2001

From the Publisher

The appeal of this title is twofold: women relate to it with the most genuine empathy known and readers of true crime are fascinated with the detail from police reports, court testimony and other hard-to-come-by documents. The two themes of the book are the elements which make up a touching story. Knowing it is a true tale readers seem to put themselves in the position of this battered women and wish they were able to help her. The many injustices and the final justice put the tale in believability as well and make readers feel the helplessness that emerges and the desire to be able to change laws, investigations and procedures, but mainly to change the characteristics and actions of troubled human beings who are bent on turning their worst on innocent souls for the feeling of superiority it gives them. The lessons to be learned effect here is something for everyone and therefore worthy of publication and dissemination.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Dieffesco Publishing; 1st edition (January 28, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0970072600
• ISBN-13: 978-0970072603
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.3 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,360,668 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Courage & Survival, December 12, 2000

By 

"ilovetofish" (St. Louis, MO) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Two Codes for Murder: A True Crime Story (Paperback)

Since I work in the divorce industry, domestic violence is something I see too frequently. It's a repeating cycle that is very difficult for either partner to break.

As well as being a true crime book, Two Codes for Murder is an inspiration to women who are caught in the circle of abuse. Charlene's story has some unusual twists -- not every abusive husband hires Iraqui hitmen so he can prevent his wife from leaving while also collecting on a big insurance policy. Or have Lou Brown sit at her side during a trial of her husband for her attempted murder.

Reading about how Charlene overcame fear for herself and her two children, of how she survived two murder attempts and made it through the trials of her husband and the three hitmen he hired gives new meaning to the phrase, "one tough woman". She is to be commended for surviving and moving on with her life.

The author, who happens to be Charlene's mother, tells her story with compassion and love. The book is a good read with a great ending.

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Two Codes for Murder, November 27, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Two Codes for Murder: A True Crime Story (Paperback)

Two Codes for Murder provided tremendous insight into the world of domestic violence. Written in almost journal fashion it touched first with the games and emotional abuse followed by the failed murder attempt. What a courageous woman MS. Mitleider is! And courage doesn't stop there. Her two young daughters watched this horrific crime from beginning to end NEVER leaving their mother's side. I can't even begin to imagine the fear of the young mother trying to protect her own, and your's MS. Smith being so far away. Congratulations on one of the BEST crime stories, fiction or nonfiction, I've ever read. May God's richest blessings be with you and yours.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Boring and Self-Serving, December 3, 2007

By 

liatras (michigan) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Two Codes for Murder: A True Crime Story (Paperback)

This is one of the worst books I've ever read. Even though it is not long, I could not force myself to finish it. Lots of boring, self-serving details, and the story itself is not an interesting one at all. Awful, I wish I could get my money back.