Perfectly Executed

"Pefectly Executed" is one of the most fascinating true-life crime drama reads. 48 Hours Mystery correspondent Peter Van Sant and producer Jenna Jackson did an amazing job weaving details from the show into a mystery that's almost hard to believe is true. The behind-the-scenes look at the alibis and excuses of the two teens who thought they were smarter than everyone else provides an awful insight into human nature. I don't know what is worse--the arrogance of Sebastian Burns or the passive, matter-of-fact manner of Atif Rafay (who's mother, father and sister were murdered). The sting operation was brilliant (and could be a movie itself) and captures the two on tape laughing about the murders, which is horrifying. I think the jury had no choice.

If you enjoy the 48 Hours Mystery television show, you will not be disappointed by Perfectly Executed. I had never seen the episode that dealt with this case, so for me it had an extra level of interest. It is a very "fast read", and the way that it was written certainly encourages that. In particular, the short chapters allow you to read in short spurts that keep you wanting to know more of the story. It's a fascinating case with many plot twists and interesting characters. It does drag just a bit in the middle of the book dealing with the undercover operations. Sometimes, I find that non-fiction books try to pack in too much information, and inevitably not everything is as compelling as fiction can be. That being the only flaw in this book, I highly recommend this story to fans of true crime.

A story of privileged boys who thought they deserved more. Everyone who has read my copy of this book could not stop until they were finished! Peter Van Sant and Jenna Jackson left no stone unturned in the investigative writing of this story. The two hour broadcast of "48 Hours Mystery" did not include one of the more telling (to me) aspects of Sebastian Burns and Atif Rafay's personalities- their successful attempts to terrify and threaten their next-door neighbors. Kudos to the investigators, the RCMP and prosecutors for putting the boys who were "smarter than most of the world" right where they deserve to be!

I have been looking for a good true crime book for a while now...too much garbage out there. This book will keep you wanting to stay up late into the evening just to learn every last detail the book has to offer. Well-written and intriguing, this is one not to miss!!!

This true crime book is most definitely "Perfectly Executed"...Jackson and Van Zant's accurate coverage, presence at the trial and flawless approach to re-telling the straight facts makes the reader feel as if they were actually present in the courtroom....I couldn't put this intense page-turner down...Van Zant and Jackson's talents are limitless...I can't wait to read their next book!