A Rose For Her Grave & Other True Cases (1) (Ann Rule's Crime Files)

I read this a year ago and I'm reading it again now. Out of all the criminals Ann Rule writes about, Randy Roth boggles my mind the most. This man had a plan for EVERYTHING. He was able to pick vulnerable women, almost a sixth sense for him to find the right woman to manipulate so his next plan could be put into action. Of the women Ann writes about, most of them (except perhaps Donna Sanchez (first wife) and Lily Vandiveer (babysitter, side dish) all experienced the same thing - a short, romantic courtship with great sex, then after the marriage (except for Mary Jo who was uninsurable due to a history of cancer)insurance policys and an icy, miserable coldness. Long story short, 4 wifes, 2 of which he murdered, and the aftermath of the two dead wives is devestating. Randy Roth would only date/marry women with children, so after each relationship ended (whether it ended in death or by other means) crushed children's lives as well as the unfortunate woman. I guess I'm so blown away by this story because you would almost think someone of this caliber (and you have to read to understand what I'm talking about) would be hooked on drugs or maybe institutionalized at some point in their life. Randy was physically fit, anti drug/tobacco/alcohol, but none the less a lying, stealing, cheating, child-abusing murderer. Once you read about Cynthia, you'll see what this man is capable of. She went from one person to almost another in their year of marriage. At least she is reunited with her beloved Tom. Campbell's Revenge is one of the shorter stories in the book, but absolutely HORRIFIC. The other short stories in this book are good as well. I see they were already listed by another reviewer.

I always enjoy Ann Rule's books, and this one was no exception. The main story was a real page turner. I could not put the book down. Ann did an incredible job of making me feel I knew all of the characters, even the victims. My heart ached for these young single mothers who were victimized by Randy Roth. I cannot imagine a more cruel human being than one who intentionally orphans little children, merely for money. The book goes into great detail about how the detectives finally caught and convicted this monster. I strongly recommend this book to any true-crime fan.

I am an avid fan of Ann Rule who awaits her every new book release with baited breath. This book did not disappoint me. It tells the story of an avaricious misogynist whose complete lack of empathy for others left two innocent women dead, two children orphaned, and countless others emotionally scarred for life, all because they had the supreme misfortune of crossing the path of a man who wished to use, abuse, and discard them like worthless garbage. When Randy Roth wanted something, it mattered not one iota to him that others would be hurt in the process of him acquiring it. The rights of others never factored with his reasoning, and underneath his charming exterior lay the heart of a man so cruel, so malicious, and so selfish that he couldn't even bring himself to weep "crocodile tears" after the deaths of his wives. This story of a modern day, Seattle based "Bluebeard" is powerfully brought to life thanks to Ms Rule's talent at exposing the details of the deviant mind.

I had to keep this book with me at all times. On the bus to and from work, even lunch hours. Ann Rule gives expert background on both the killers and the victims....she makes it so that you feel that you knew the families involved. This is my first book from Ann Rule, and needless to say, she is my new favorite author!