Fatal Friends, Deadly Neighbors: And Other True Cases

Ann Rule's Crime Files, Book 16

By: Ann Rule

Narrated by: Laural Merlington

It’s a chilling reality that homicide investigators know all too well: The last face most murder victims see is not that of a stranger, but of someone familiar. Whether only an acquaintance or a trusted intimate, such killers share a common trait that triggers the downward spiral toward death for someone close to them: They are masters at hiding who they really are. Their clever masks let them appear safe, kind, and truthful. They are anything but - and almost no one can detect the murderous impulses buried deep in their psyches.

These doomed relationships are the focus of Ann Rule’s 16th Crime Files collection. In these shattering inside views of both headlined and little-known homicides, Rule speaks for vulnerable victims who relied on the wrong people. She begins with two startling novella-length investigations.

In July 2011, a billionaire’s Coronado, California, mansion was the setting for two horrifying deaths only days apart - his young son’s plunge from a balcony and his girlfriend’s ghastly hanging. What really happened? Baffling questions remain unanswered, as these cases were closed far too soon for hundreds of people; Rule looks at them now through the eyes of a relentless crime reporter. The second probe began in Utah when Susan Powell vanished in a 2009 blizzard. Her controlling husband, Josh, proved capable of a blind rage that was heartbreakingly fatal to his innocent small sons almost three years later in a tragedy that shocked America as the details unfolded. If anyone had detected the depth of depravity within Josh Powell, perhaps the family that loved and trusted him would have been saved.

In these and seven other riveting cases, Ann Rule exposes the twisted truth behind the facades of Fatal Friends, Deadly Neighbors.

©2013 Ann Rule (P)2013 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

The Evil People Do

What did you love best about Fatal Friends, Deadly Neighbors: And Other True Cases?

Based on facts.

What was the most compelling aspect of this narrative?

The inner evil contained in the hearts of human beings.

What about Laural Merlington’s performance did you like?

Pleasant voice.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Pure Evil

Any additional comments?

I enjoy everything that Ann Rule writes. Would love to see some movies based on her stories.

Narration was INCREDIBLE

Where does Fatal Friends, Deadly Neighbors: And Other True Cases rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This is probably the 3rd of top 5 true crime books I've EVER read...this was my first Ann Rule.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Fatal Friends, Deadly Neighbors: And Other True Cases?

Laural Merlington does a job with the narration that I can just not put into words, except for saying (as shed change into different character voices-especially suspects) IT WAS DOWN RIGHT CHILLING!

Have you listened to any of Laural Merlington’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No I have not. I can only wonder how I've gone this many books (17) without her narration! The woman is amazing!

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes!

Any additional comments?

Narrators ability to catch all tones of all personalities was just a wonder in and of itself! I would and am going back to more Ann Rule just to listen to Merlington play out the characters!!

Fatal Friends Review

Another Outstanding Book from Ann Rule!
Some of the unsubs scared me really badly! Most likely will have nightmares.

Ann Rule is a master true story writer!

I have many of Ms. Rules books and Audio books. She tells a story with passion yet restraint.

hang in there

I always find that Ann Rule has a great way to recreate true crime stories, but unfortunately, this can all be lost if the narration is sub par. I personally could not deal with the overly dramatic interpretations as the voices of little kids, frightened victims, authority, etc.

Not the best

I didn't like this book as much as the other Ann Rule books I've read.

awsome

love all of her books and will continue to read and listen to her books

typical 70s and 80s stories

not much different than the others in the series. if you like crimes from the 70s and 80s when criminals had easier chances of going free...listen!!

Only average.

Not what I expected. Not very exciting stories. There were only two stores that really held my attention.

Another good. one from Ann Rule.

Having several crime stories in one book will keep you wanting more when you reach the end of the book. The narrator is wonderful in reading these crimes stories.