If Looks Could Kill

Phelps does a really nice job of re-creating the chronology of this murder/love triangle true story. It reads more like a crime novel than simply a dry regurgitation of the facts. He gives life to the characters - real people themselves - and you feel like you really are there alongside the detectives as they interview Jeff Zack's widow and his former lover, Cindy George. You feel the terror and like you are right there in the car with Christine Todarro and John Zaffino as she tries to get her ex-husband to spill the beans on tape and he suddenly accuses her of wearing a wire (which she was). The book is well-documented and, for anyone in the Cleveland/Akron/Canton area especially, it's a fascinating read of a bizarre local murder. For anyone outside the area, you'll enjoy it too.

Another outstanding book from Mr. Phelps. The victim in this case was not a very likeable character, but the investigation into his lifestyle and personal habits made for a good story. This was not an obviously concluded story - a true "who-done-it" most of the way.

Without revealing the outcome of this book, I will say that I was fooled by the ending. Phelps understated yet compelling story keeps one totally enthralled by releasing just enough information to connect the dots as the story progresses. As John Zaffino continues to bury himself with stupid mistakes and misquided actions in the murder of Jeff Zack, the real monster in this crime sits back and pulls the strings. The outstanding investigation by the Akron Police Force deserves to be recognized for doing its job above reproach and documenting the critical details that resulted in Zaffino's conviction. A read I could not put down.

The case of Jeff Zack's cold-blooded murder is well-documented by true crime author veteran, M. William Phelps, here which he also writes about life in Akron, Ohio. Zack's murder occurred at a gas station at a BJ's Wholesale Club in the suburbs. He is buried in a Jewish cemetery around Stow, Ohio. Despite his flaws and faults, he was a devoted father to Ashton (name changed to protect his identity). As a husband, he was quite different, arrogant, rude, obnoxious, and terrible to his long-suffering wife, Bonnie, who loved him regardless. She was at one time a suspect because of the polygraph but she would have never killed her son's father right before Father's day. She stayed with Jeff for their son's sake. She had to tolerate Jeff's open affair with married mother of seven, Cynthia Rohr George, who was married to Ed George who ran the Tangiers Banquet Hall and restaurant in Akron which was and is still legendary among the locals and even attracting celebrity clientele who visited Akron. Ed George was so busy working and providing a home for his wife and growing family that he did notice his wife's flagrant affairs but tolerated them. She ran the household but she was no desperate housewife. She had nannies, babysitters, and housekeepers to help with the household work. She wanted to rid of Jeff after a ten year relationship which produced Ruby, their daughter, but Ed was never informed of it until after Jeff's murder. I felt bad for Ed and Bonnie, the long-suffering spouses. In the end, the killer gets caught but the desperate housewife Cindy George only spends a year or so in prison. Proving that with expensive legal counsel, you can buy justice or injustice depending on what role you have in society. She is free and doubtfully will be charged again for paying the killer.

This is one of the best stories written about a true crime. Once I started this book I couldnt put it down. Phelps is very fair and balanced in his judgments. This is quite a bizarre crime-almost unbelievable but nonetheless true. Phelps is a good writer.