In the Middle of the Night: The Shocking True Story of a Family Killed in Cold Blood (St. Martin's True Crime Library)

This book stunk. Waste of time & money.

People, I implore you to read the book before you cast aspersions. Save your assessment of the book and the author until then. This story is truly a tragedy; however, I'm glad I read the book and that I have a better understanding of the circumstances that lead to these senseless murders.

I am amazed. How many of you have read the book? I know that it was released yesterday, so I think it's unfair that so many would judge the author on a piece of work NO ONE HAS READ. What exactly are we (the consumer) not to support? Is this a book that's biased? Trying to absolve the murderer? Everything I've ACTUALLY read speaks to the contrary. I personally understand that this was a tremendous tragedy that affected many lives. But does that mean that no one should be able to report the facts of the case? There is no gag order currently, and the trial hasn't begun. If the facts of this case, or the circumstances surrounding it cause a change of jurisdiction, that would help the prosecution. As far as saying the author, "purposely went out of his way to hurt a family," Elainer7 you should be ashamed of yourself. Such contempt and judgement prior to any investigation is reprehensible. Do you personally know the author, or the circumstances of the books publishing? I have started reading the book, and I will tell you this much. It's objective, which is the goal of every journalist, or should be. It doesn't have spin, it does exactly what Brian McDonald's constitutional right allows him too. Print the FACTS. If you had read any of Mr. McDonald's previous books, including his biography (which I have) - you might gain a little insight into his personality. You may even find that, "the smell of a few bucks" is not what motivates him. If any of you think authors get rich from writing one book, well that's something you should investigate as well. I personally support this author, he's a good writer, a good reporter, and under some extraordinary circumstances he was able to gain access to this killers mind. In my opinion this book condemns the suspects far more than it redeems them. But, that's just what I got from READING THE BOOK.

I am surprised to read negative reviews of this book, especially from people who have yet to read it. The author simply presents the mostly well-known facts of this tragedy from a journalistic yet respectful perspective. In response to those who are claiming that no one should try to profit off of heinous crimes, are you suggesting that there should be no books written about the Holocaust? Ignoring tragedy does not prevent it, and writing about crime does not condone it. I found Mr. McDonald's book to be both well-written and sensitive to the loss of Dr. Petit. I recommend this book to anyone who wishes to gain a better understanding of the terrible events of July 23, 2007.