"If anything ever happens to me, find Ann Rule and have her tell my story." This is what Sheila (Blackthorne) Bellush told her sister, Kerri one day. Sheila was so terrified of her ex-husband, Allen, that she and her family fled to Florida. Sadly, he found her and thus we have this book.

Sheila and Allen Blackthorne married young and had 2 daughters. Their marriage was very tumultuous and Allen was very domineering and controlling. They eventually got divorced but he fought her tooth and nail over custody for the girls. He even made her move into a house down the street from him. She finally met Jamie Bellush and they got married and they ended up having quadruplets through IVF. She thought all her troubles with Allen were behind her - he was remarried as well; however, he had neighbors spying on Sheila and Jamie and reporting back to him. Eventually, Sheila and her family fled to Florida but Allen still found her and had orchestrated plans (from Texas) for her to be murdered.

The book goes through the history of both parents of Allen and Sheila as well as their grandparents. I felt that this was a bit too much but if it was to show how their upbringing led them to the way they were, I get it. There is a list in the beginning of the book of all the "players" - from the grandparents to Allen and Sheila to friends and eventually to the law enforcement folks investigating the murder.

it also delves into the trial of Allen Blackthorne and the verdict, which occurred in 1999.

All in all, it was a well-written story but could have done without the deep dive into the familial lineage. ( )

True crime is one of my vices. I have always enjoyed a good Ann Rule book and this one did not disappoint. Great audio ( )

It's taking me sooooo long to read this book! Although I can't wait to finish it and see what happens, I wouldn't necessarily call it a page-turner. She includes so many details (which I remember she did the same in Small Sacrifices, but only in the beginning) and she describes so many of the police officials, etc., that it becomes a bit cumbersome to read at times.

Plus, it's so sad that I've been needing breaks from it too. So, I've been reading other books at the same time, to combat the seriousness of it. (I think I've read at least 3 other books while trying to get through this one!)

It's a terribly sad and frustrating story of how someone's hate and anger can pull them into an obsession of the other person and the poor way the 2 oldest girls are involved in it is just heartbreaking.

I wish I could watch the 48 hours episode of this. ( )

Library book club selection. Interesting story but way too long and detailed for me to enjoy. ( )

pretty good. the jury took so long to convict that i wonder if we were given all the facts or if the jury was. ( )