Death of a Dream

Catherine Woods comes to New York with a dream to make it as a dancer on Broadway. While studying dance she takes a job as a stripper to help make ends meet. She lives with an ex-boyfriend while dating another. One November night she is brutally murdered. Is it the ex-boyfriend that says he just left to get the car, or is it her new boyfriend that isn't too happy with her current job, and who happens to be in the neighborhood when she's murdered? I remember the story of Catherine but didn't pay too much attention, because it read like tabloid fodder. Mr. LaRosa takes the reader down a path that allows you to get to know Ms. Woods and those involved without all the "in your face" drama that the media hits you with. The book also leaves you wondering if they have the right man. I look forward to the next true crime book by Mr. LaRosa.

As a decades-long true crime aficionado, I appreciate both the style and content of this book. The authors resist sensationalism, thereby allowing us to see all characters on both sides as human beings. Though readers of this genre don't expect authors to be totally impartial, we don't want their personal biases jumping off the pages either. We prefer balance and objectiveness, especially at the outset. LaRosa's ability to provide that is the hallmark of classic whodunits. Death of a Dream engages us from beginning to end. Five stars! Rose Hercher Wright

I enjoyed this book, very well written, great story. The players all have good and bad aspects to their character and the authors do not try to sugar coat some or "evilize" others. This was not really a slam-dunk criminal case, and the authors are successful in presenting the facts without trying to sway the reader one way or another. This book was well worth the money.

Death of a Dream (48 Hours Mystery) True crime books are somewhat difficult to find, and we must drive about 40 miles each way to a well stocked book store. Saw this one mentioned on TV, so bought it. A very good read.

I just received this book in the mail and have not been able to put it down since. I was hesitant to order it because some of the crime books I've read are a bit choppy and hard to read. Paul does an excellent job of getting you as close to the scene as you can get and gives you each side of everyone involved. I didn't get to see the special on TV but am hoping to soon. I am not yet sure if they got the right guy, but hopefully in the end justice will prevail. The press can be quite pathetic how they turn around a story to fit their needs and trash someone's lives. I am glad Paul took the truth and made a novel for everyone to see what a tragedy this really was. Catherine was a bright, amazing young girl just doing what many others before her have done. If you want an amazing book, one you can't put down, then get this book!