The Surgeon's Wife

Good pictures. A good read for a true crime fan.

Crowley takes an unusual tack for a true crime writer here -- he paints the victim as a VERY difficult person, and both the victim and the killer as psychologically unstable. Other reviewers here seem to think that makes the story unbiased; I'm not sure I agree, but it's certainly a lot less black-and-white than the typical Ann Rule account. I have to agree with what other posters are saying about not feeling as if we have all the facts & wondering if justice was carried out here, but IMO that was the author's point. I think there must have been a dearth of information about the case when Crowley was writing about it. Like another poster I would have liked more background information on these two people to get some idea of how they turned out this way. But overall I recommend it; the widely copied Ann Rule formula is not the only way to tell a story like this -- I liked this approach & would be very interested to read Crowley's next book, esp. if he can hone his story a bit.

There are few books I can ever really be gripped by. I couldn't put The Surgeon's Wife down! The best part of the story was the way in which it was told; entirely unbiased. Crowley doesn't just tell a story; you become involved. He unfolds all the peices of the puzzle but never really puts them together for you; you have to do it. At the end during the trial, I felt I was really a part of the jury. I was provided with the facts, and at the same time had to decifer what I knew and what the jury was shown. Do you think you could have made a fair decision with the evidence that was presented to the jury?? It's rare to come across a story that is entertaining and yet invites the reader to participate. If you were a juror, how would you vote? Another aspect that was intriguing is the admission of the evidence. It gave a real account of how the the justice system protects the innocent...or not so innocent. In the end, I think the jury could see through any "coincidences" presented by the defense and made the right and true decision. It really tugs at your moral insides. Wonderful read!!

The Surgeon's Wife is an interesting case about domestic violence and murder. Crowley skillfully shows how tricky getting a murder conviction can be, especially when there is no body! Falsified flight documents, testimony by therapists, and tales of vicious fights told by friends, neighbors and angry ex-lovers help to bring a guilty verdict against Dr. Bob Bierenbaum, 15 years after he killed his wife, Gail. He had fooled many people, but was not cunning enough to evade the law or the jealous, violent side of his personality. Bierenbaum almost got away with murder. He had moved from Manhattan, remarried and was the father of a child when investigators finally get enough evidence to make an arrest. Doctor-patient privacy privelage is one of the highlights of the trial. Truly an intriguing story and a great read.

I would like to thank all my readers for making THE SURGEON'S WIFE a New York Times bestseller. I greatly appreciate your interest. Take care.

Crowley is a master storyteller. He brings the facts to life in this chilling true life murder mystery. A must read!