Murder in the Heartland

Very well written. Such a sad story! proof again that there are very evil people on this earth.

Having lived in Kansas all of my life.....and also living thru the horrible "Clutter" murders of the 50's.....This is one crime that I really did not think would ever visit my home state...much less with the killer living within 25 miles of me. Oh What a web we weave when first we practice to deceive!! This is the Motto of Lisa Montgomery's life. The trial just ended yesterday....and now we wait to see what a jury will do. The defense says she is not guilty by Insanity/or Guilty because she is a completely brilliant person who thought this crime out and didn't miss one lick of her plan. Kansas is not always thought of as a nice state....but this just added to it and leads some to believe we also create (raise) monsters that go bump in the night. Mr. Phelps wrote a wonderful book....very well researched and with a wonderful layout. He brought the true character of Lisa Montgomery to light....and made even those of us who live here to wonder just WHERE this woman came from. I will definitely read more of Mr. Phelps's books. This one is Wonderful....A Definite MUST READ if you can take True Crime!!

Phelps' book about the Lisa Montgomery case is well written/researched; he obviously did his homework. In the early chapters, the reader is able to get a glimpse of the close, loving relationship that Zeb and Bobbie Jo Stinnett shared. They had looked forward to owning their own house and having a family of their own. Phelps went on to say "Live was sweet". Lisa M. had been lying to her family, friends, and community about being 'pregnant'. In order to save face, she needed to produce a baby so she targeted Bobbie Jo, who was 8 mos pregnant, murdered her and cut/ripped her baby girl from her womb. Back in KS, Lisa presented the baby as her own while police in MO were investigating the crime scene and sending out an amber alert for the baby. Ben Espey, the sheriff is a hero for jumping through hoops in order to get that amber alert out to bring Victoria Jo back to safety, home to her father, Zeb Stinnett. I was so happy that Victoria Jo survived and was returned to her father. Carl Boman had many interesting things to say about his relationship with Lisa. He knew Lisa better than anyone and had plenty to say. I enjoyed hearing from Lisa's children too, especially Kayla. They have been devastated by Lisa's crime and they, too, are her victims. I really appreciate Phelps' update for the paperback explaining to his critics why he wrote the book prior to Lisa's trial. Although, he doesn't owe us an explanation, I am glad that he gave us one. This really is an excellent literary account of Lisa's life and the crime itself. The info on the backstory is amazing; info we might not get from the trial. Murder In The Heartland is a book that stands on its own!

Well written and evenly paced, Phelps details the gruesome case with a deft and sympathetic touch. I enjoyed this book greatly, and am looking forward to the updated paperback version.