Gone Forever: A True Story of Marriage, Betrayal, and Murder

This book held my interest all the way through. I read every page and would recommend it.

Diane Fanning has written a fast paced, absorbing true crime tale in "Gone Forever". The focus remains solidly on the Susan McFarland and her husband, the man who murdered her. The background to the murder is all about the strange relationship of Susan and her husband. She was bright, energetic, a planner and doer. Successful in her career, she had plenty of friends and a loving family. Why, why did she marry Richard? Fanning hints that the fact Susan was about to turn thirty may have made her feel pressured to get married and start having the children she wanted so much. At any rate, Richard would fall apart soon after the marriage. Unable to hold a job, he obsessively bought items for which he had no need and then just as obsessively returned them. He alternately yelled at his children--and may have hurt them as well--and then abandoned them in stores or at home to fend for themselves. This is one you want to read. Just fascinating.

Luckily it was a Sunday and there was nothing to do when I started the book because it was impossible to put down until the entire story was told. In 278 pages there was so much information about the investigation, the family dynamics, relationships with the neighbors, an unraveling personality and the impact the crime had on all the people involved. Diane Fanning sure can tell a true crime story.

This is an excellent study in human behavior and why people stay in bad marriages. Even when the acts by a spouse are unacceptable, people look the other way or assume that the person is just "weird." People tend to think that there will be a change. As an abuse survivor, I can tell you that most often the bad behavior doesn't change. I'm sorry that Susan did not get out in time. I'm sorry for her children and family. Hats off to those who dared speak up. Fanning's writing is first rate. After I read Gone Forever I delved into her other books. Great job.

Very interesting read about a super smart, driven woman, Susan McFarland, who for reasons unknown to her family and friends marries loser Rick, who can never quite keep it together, can't hold a job, has ADD (but doesn't take his meds), and is a compulsive shopper. Susan has 3 kids with this guy. Rick is a not so great stay at home dad, who by some accounts is abusive and medicates his kids with various adhd meds, when the mood strikes. Finally Susan has had enough. When she starts plotting a divorce, and in turn, Rick starts plotting her murder. The psychology of Rick McFarland is truely mystifying, and this book leaves you asking many questions about this couple. Fanning managed to score interviews with friends and neighbors of the couple, who provide a disturbing look into the marriage of Rick and Susan, and how their 3 young sons fit into the picture. The actual murder of Susan and attempted cover up, left me wondering, is this guy crazy? an idiot? or a combination of both. Strange and intriguing story I recommend to true crime fans.

From a Emergency Shelter Manager "I just finished reading GONE FOREVER. Bravo! Most important, I want to thank you for your comments in the Afterword Chapter. I truly believe that we can make a difference and books like yours, that are so well written, can bring this blight on society called domestic violence out of the shadows and shine the light of day upon it so good people can take a stand to stop it." From Susan's Co-Worker "Thank you so much for this most excellent `remembrance of someone very special. The depth of detail that you reveal about her entire life was very enriching and inspiring to read. To have her life retold as you have done is a lasting tribute to a larger than life figure." From Susan's Neighbor "I just re-read the Afterword in GONE FOREVER, and it is the most powerful part for me as a reader and someone close to the story. You did a terrific job as usual with the details in your research. You also did a good job of telling Susan's story with the sensitivity for her children that has allowed me to be able to hand this book to MY children to read." From Law Enforcement "My wife read the book-ALL of it-in a single marathon session Saturday evening. You did a fantastic job." From Readers Everywhere "I now will add your name to my favorites and will tomorrow go look for the other books that you have written as I just bought and finished in two evenings GONE FOREVER. Your book gave Susan McFarland the "voice" that she didn't get to have when Richard took her from this life." "I am a children's non-fiction writer as well as a true-crime fan. I am astounded with your books. They are wonderful! You are an Ann Rule in the making. Can't wait for your next book."