Two Codes for Murder: A True Crime Story (Paperback)

~ (Author) "Charlene, I never dreamed that I would meet a girl like you through Heart-to-Heart," continued the voice of this man who called himself Floyd..." (more)
Key Phrases: sentencing trial, gray car, San Diego, Hillcrest Liquor, James Smith (more...)

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

Product Description

This title is an intriguing tale out of San Diego involving attempted murder-for-hire, conspiracy and insane greed, leaving the victim shocked and defenseless. She is a young mother from St. Louis, abused and stalked in an eery scenario, who struggles to survive and protect her two children. Her hellish existence as the wife of this Jekyll/Hyde sociopath to whom only money brings happiness transforms her from a meek and kind person to a strong, courageous, focused woman who is determined to fight for justice. When a second related crime of the bloody torture/near murder of an innocent Iraqi immigrant occurs, the solution to the first crime begins to take shape. But this is only the genesis from which investigations, blunders, arrests and trials emerge. The victims suffer through months of intimidation and self-doubt hoping for the conviction of ruthless conspirators and hired hitmen. When the case comes to conclusion, they are left to rebuild their lives and conquer their fears. The young mother's methods for accomplishing this are as unique as the story itself.

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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.com Sales Rank: #1,047,107 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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

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

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.

3 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 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.