Dead by Sunset: Perfect Husband, Perfect Killer?

Well written, well organized, well researched and the characters are well defined. This tragic story of a woman who is ridiculed, humiliated, abused, embarrased, etc. by her husband until he finally kills her. His 2nd wife doesn't believe he could be the snake he is until he turns into a snake with her. In reading this true account, I am thankful Dr. Gordon came into the picture when she did for the children. This is a worse case scenario when you allow the wrong people into your life. I was sad for Cheryl, Sarah, and the other women in Brad's life and sad for his children too. I'm glad that Brad was finally convicted and is living out the rest of his life at the OSP.

I have read a lot of true crime books, and I'm a big fan of Ann Rule. What sets this book apart from your run-of-the-mill true crime book is the way the author makes you feel that you really know Cheryl and Sara and even the other wives. She really did her research on these women, as well as on Mr. Cunningham, the man to whom they were both married and who killed one of them. I've read this book several times, and each time I wonder, "How did this sicko manage to attract such intelligent, successful women?" That's the real mystery . . .

Brad Cunningham was truly a killer Casanova. Married several times and the father of several children, he finally got caught when he married Cheryl Keeton.Brilliant and a successful lawyer, Cheryl was beguiled by the intelligent man of natual charm and quick wit. Three sons were born of their union, each one described as being highly intelligent like their mother.Cheryl adored the boys and would do anything and everything for them. She also accepted Brad's older children wholeheartedly. Unfortuately for all, Cheryl's sons never really got to know this because she was killed when they were quite small. Cheryl's dream of a happy life as Brad's wife ended with her death. Brad's dream of continuing to maintain a certain lifestyle at the expense of others would soon become a dream deferred.Cocky and confident that he had pulled off the untraceable murder, Brad set to work finding yet another willing wife. That cockiness was to prove his undoing when he served as his own counsel during his 1994 trial.Brad got what he deserved which is life behind bars. As for his hapless children and former wives, one can only hope and pray that their lives have worked out despite their many hardships caused by this killer Casanova.

This book was one of the first true-crime novels I ever read. I picked it up at an airport (another reviewer mentioned the same thing - must be the thing to do) because it took place in Oregon. I was fascinated (and horrified) by the fact that these crimes took place in locales I drove by every day. It was like a car accident - I couldn't look away, hideous as it was, knowing that this man lived and killed in my beloved city.Ann Rule has a way with criminal stories - making them accessible to the average reader but including all the details fit to lure in those more familiar with the genre. She includes plenty of backstory and it's obvious she has spent countless hours interviewing and observing key players. I've added more of her books to my wish list.[An aside: Does Ms. Rule do a lot more writing of true-crime in the Pacific Northwest than in other areas or is it just location-bias on my part? If so, why? Does she like the area or does the PNW have a lot more murders and serial killings? Just a simple observation...]

Ann Rule's coverage of this story is out-standing!! My best friend is Cheryl's step sister and she suggested that I read this book. I couldn't believe that this monster grew up and went to school across the street from my grandmothers house. My own father remembers knowing this guy and it's truely shocking when you realize that this is someone who is somehow connected to you in a round about way. The book is so enticing! It makes you sad,angry,curious,terrified and so much more. I appreciate the people who would not let this man get away with what he did. Kudo's to our legal system and the men and women who fought for justice. Ann Rule is a wonderful Author who's books capture the truth and feeling in the stories that she writes about. Any book by her is worth reading over and over and over again.