True Crime Editor's Recommended Book
Ann Rule is one of the most engaging of true-crime writers: a flair for
suspenseful drama is her strong suit. This book is the tale of a narcissistic
leech of a man whose typical pattern with his many women is to romance
them like a dream Romeo, marry them, get them pregnant, and then drive
them into emotional and financial ruin. He's litigious, he's a con man,
he's a
sad sack, he's a charmer, and finally, he's a murderer. The courage of
the
women who finally bring him to justice is remarkable and inspiring. Dead
by Sunset won a 1996 Anthony Award for Best True Crime.
The New York Times Book Review
A cast of characters like this would provide fascinating material for any
capable reporter...Ann Rule is more than capable. The author brings to
her work the passion, the prodigious research and the narrative skill
necessary to create suspense.
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Customer Comments
Average Customer Review: Number of Reviews: 11
Glenn Sandberg ([email protected]) from East Brunswick,
NJ , August 26, 1998
Disappointing Summer Read
Frankly, I am disappointed. Ann Rule was recommended to me as a
good summer read, but this book is less than good. Rule has taken a
compelling story of aberrant behavior and turned it into a run-of-the-mill
real life soap opera. She fails to draw the most obvious conclusions with
regard to the effects of child abuse, spousal abuse, and violence in
American life. The last third of the book betrays a churn-it-out, beat-the
-deadline style which simply does not make for good reading. A rich vein
which Rule fails to mine is malignant narcissism and the connection to
wife
murderers like Jeffrey MacDonald, which she mentions only in passing. At
the end of the book, the reader is still wondering about Brad
Cunningham's financial wheeling and dealing. Rule could have developed
the theme of marriage as disposable commodity as well. Given the
evidence, Rule could hazard a guess as to what makes Cunningham such
a wonderful lover but such a horrible person. Unfortunately, we never
read about it. This book could have been so much better. I suppose that
is the main reason for my disappointment. --This text refers to the
hardcover edition of this title
[email protected] from Connecticut , August 22, 1998
A ROLLER-COASTER OF A RIDE. Chilled me to the marrow!!!!
If it weren't a TRUE story, I would say it was unbelievable. How could
beautiful, intelligent women, with so much going for them be led down the
garden path by such a psycho? I didn't even know how Brad could be
"living" and interacting in the real world. It was such a well-written
account, I never knew how it would end, and kept thinking of OJ and the
obvious parallels. I was halfway into the book, before I came across the
haunting photographs. How tragic! What trauma all players endured at the
hands of "BLACK BRAD." It does absolutely go to show you the old
adage....you can fool .some of the people ALL the time..and that was
what made Brad tick. He was a con artist to the end. --This text refers
to the hardcover edition of this title
[email protected] from Saint Louis, Missouri , July 15, 1998
No one could compete with the competence of Ann RUle.
It used to be I only picked up a true-crime account occasionally. Now I
find myself seeking them. Especially if they are written by Ann Rule. I
don't know anyone who makes me feel as if I am along for the ride as she
does. This man was so manipulative, and has so many believing his every
whining complaint, I just wanted to smack him myself! As in all of her
accounts of deception and murder, I felt as if she was speaking directly
to
me. I wanted to stand up in the courtroom and speak my piece. A book,
which at times seems to be only words, can grab you if it contains
substance and it can make you feel the tension, waiting to explode on the
next page. I actually found myself with a gaping expression because I
couldn't believe some of the events that occured throughout this man's
life.
Of course, I know it sounds ridiculous, but Mz. Rule made it ever more
real to me with the detail and intense investigation needed to write this
book. Thank you for all your account! ! s of true-crime, which have made
me realize that one really has to be careful with the sickos we have out
there today. Jeanine
[email protected] from USA , March 10, 1998
What a great book
This was the first book I read by Ann Rule, but as soon as I was done I
went to the Library and took out two more. Alot of True crime stories go
too much in to detail and the reader starts skipping though it or they
lose
the reader completly, But not Ann Rule. She makes you feel as though
you know everyone in the book. It blows my mind that people are
capable of such cruelty. This was such a sensless crime. She was telling
everyone for so long that he was going to kill her. She even went as far
as
to tell people that he would use the children to lure her away to kill
her.
Although I felt terrible for Cheryl, I was a little angry with her for
meeting
him at the gas station by herself after she herself told everyone that
she
knew he was going to use the children to lure her away. I really feel bad
for the children and I hope that they realize what a monster their dad
is
and how much their mother really loved them. I would love an update on
what everyone is doing now. There was a TV move on this book, it was
alright but the book (as usual) was much better
[email protected] from Utica, South Dakota , February 4,
1998
great book
I love true mysteries and dramas and dead by sunset was one of the best
that have read I think that Ann Rule is a great auther and I would buy
all
of her books. I would like a list of her books if anyone has one. Thank
you, Cindy
A reader from Denver , February 2, 1998
When I read Ann Rule's Small Sacrifices, I learned quite a bit about
sociopathic behavior and was amazed at Diane Downs personality and
her story. But when I decided to read DEAD BY SUNSET, I was really
thrown for a loop on how devious and cruel this guy Brad could be. He
was beyond belief in his actions! I was flabbergasted at how damaging
this creature was and how his life continued that way with no remorse
whatsoever. This is one book I couldn't put down. I learned so much
about evil personalities and why women love them! This guy was
UNBELIEVABLE! --This text refers to the hardcover edition of this
title
MLRQ77A from Brooklyn, NY , October 17, 1997
Ann Rule has a unique perspective on murder
As a long time reader of Ann Rule, I was very pleased with the newest
addition to my library. She has an uncanny way of getting you into the
minds of both the murderer, and their victims. This book hit home in an
unusual way; Cunninghams first wife, "Loni Ann", worked in the same
Kinsiotherapy clinic as I did. She was a very lovely woman, but quite shy
and quiet,in an unnatural sort of way. She let on very little about her
past,
and after reading this book, I can understand why. Ann Rule took me into
the life of this woman, as well as Bradly's other wives, allowing me to
understand how dangerous a conniving, narcisstic and delusional
individual can be. I thank her for that. --This text refers to the
hardcover edition of this title
A reader, May 11, 1997
ANN RULE IS THE BEST!
Ann Rule was WONDERFUL with this book! I could not put it down for
one minute. Although, it would be great if we could have an update to the
characters in your books, Ann. It is utterly amazing how Ann gets into
the
mind of these people and identifies with them. I only have one problem
-
she needs to write more books because I go through them faster than she
can write them.