Final Affair

One reviewer used the term "workmanlike" to describe the writing in this book, another describes it as "plodding". These are both good descriptions of how I felt about the reading experience. This is definitely not a sensational blood-and-guts type of true crime book. It is a detailed and methodical account of a police investigation. It left me wanting more insight into the psychological makeup of con-man, bigamist, and murderer Richard Overton. This is another book I wish had been written by my favorite true crime author, Ann Rule, because she delves into the criminal's past and psyche. This book is written from a cop's point of view, and saying repeatedly that Overton was a "piece of work" is about as psychologically complex as it gets. The book is, however, very clear and well-written in a very straightforward way.

What I like about this book is the perspective. "Final Affair" focuses almost entirely on the investigation into a potential murder, leaving the trial to just enough information to let the reader know what happened. I like this perspective, especially as one of the authors is one of the investigators. In fact, until it finally dawned on me that one of the authors worked the case, I was wondering how the book had so much detail. A great strength of the book is that Timothy Carney resisted the temptation to glorify himself or wander off into some sort of ego trip. In this respect, he is more successful than the much more famous Vincent Bugliosi. Bugliosi's books are very, very good, but his ego gets terribly irritating at times, and that doesn't happen here. "Final Affair" is not comparable with Bugliosi in other respects, but it's still very good in its own way. The book is restrained, almost understated at times. Carney is well developed as a character, which he should be under the circumstances. Both his flaws & his strengths are shown. The book is well paced. It is a solid, quick read. A particularly interesting aspect is Richard Overton's arrogance. Solid true crime that succeeds in being different from the standard fare because of the authors' unusual perspective and the portion of the story that is told. It might make a good movie. A deployed Soldier, I got to read this book for free thanks to people's donations of free books for Soldiers, a great program.

GREAT BOOK, I LIVE IN AREA SO I REMEMBER THE CASE COULD'T PUT IT DOWN/HOPING FOR ANOTHER CASE TO BE WRITTEN/

I shared office space with Jan Overton while she was on the school board in Dana Point, California. We had many arguments about school funding.Jan told me several times about having a key to a boat. At the time I didn't think much about it. Later events demonstrated the importance of those comments.At an office picnic my wife and I met Jan's husband. Our instant reaction was comparable to meeting a character from Frankenstein.While I was in the hospital recovering from surgery, Jan sent me a box of chocolates. They appeared as though they had partially melted in the summer heat, and then solidified again.After reading the book you will understand why I feel lucky that my wife and I did not eat those chocolates!

The detective wrote this book of his own behind the scenes experiences working with a murder case. Previously working in narcotics, the book begins with an "edge of your seat" drama about the perils of being undercover. After being transfered to homicide, he then stumbles upon the unsolved death which the other detectives think nothing of. His explanation of this murderer's psyche is detailed and interesting. This book is less sensationalistic than many true crime novels. The objective tone gives it credibility.