She Rules Again!

This may not be the most enticingly written of Ann Rule's books, but I found it fascinating nonetheless. We need to remember that Ms. Rule is writing from a compilation of taped interviews, written pages, whatever she can get her hands on; it's not fiction where she has complete creative license! She has to put things in order and make sense of the story to bring us the in-depth psychological profiles of her characters, as she always does. And, in that, she hits home. Chris Northon is undoubtedly one of the most innocent of victims that I've ever encountered in Ann's books. He was simply a good man, with faults just like all of us, who tried to make his wife happy and who loved his son! How Mr. DeWitt in his review here, can claim that his daughter was a victim is beyond me when he aided and abetted her through the purchase of a gun, even considering her request for a silencer! As someone who has been on the wrong side of domestic violence, I can attest that Lyisa doesn't even come close to feeling what a victim feels. You feel shame and FEAR - you don't go around blabbing to everyone you see that you're being hurt and humiliated! AND, you generally wouldn't even see anyone to blab TO as most abusers keep a tight rein on the spouse. Her little "pool group" would be out of the question, as well as her constant and frequent flying to wherever she chose, and to meet men for business or friendship! An abuser would never allow a male friendship for his wife; she'd barely feel comfortable leaving the house without fear. She'd never goad or question or yell at him the way Lyisa does, not and live to tell about it. This was not the case with Lyisa Northon! She concocted a tale of being the victim everywhere she went, as well as via her multitudinous e-mails and writings. Fortunately, she planned Chris' murder in writing as well or she may never have been caught! She was as greedy and abusive as anyone I've ever read about, and though Ms. Rule credits her with being a good mother, that's something I disagree with too. What "good mother" kills a loving father and husband? I think Lyisa is very sick and needs help; I hope she gets some in prison because it's very scary that she'll be out again in ten years!

ANN RULE FAN

Ann's books are ALWAYS great reads! The best are "Dead by Sunset" "Small Sacrifices"& of course "Stranger beside Me". This most recent may not be 5 stars but I couldn't put it down and that's all that matters! I read all reviews & was intrigued by 2 reviews written by Liysa'a family members. I cannot imagine how it would feel to know your daughter is a cold blooded killer...I never doubted it. If Mr. De Witt does write the book- I will buy it and am anxious to hear what he may have to say. I believe that Ann Rule does her research and the book is the truth but if there is more to the story I'll be willing to listen.

It doesnt even rate one star!

Readers...if you want a biased account of this case, go ahead and buy this book. Why wasn't Liysa's story told? this was my ongoing thought as I read this sensationalist book. And why does Rule so aggressively set out to paint Liysa as the villian? Why is she so judgemental? She doesnt even consider the possiblity that Liysa was abused. This book is clearly based upon information soley from Chris Northon's family and freinds. Certainly Rule can feel compassion for this family's loss, but why does she set out to destroy this woman in the process? Why is she quick to excuse Chris's worst traits and portray him as a saintly victim? One reason: her version SELLS.
I also find it hypocritical that she dedicates the book to Chris's son so that he may one day "know the truth". Gee, who gave Ann Rule the scales? And how can she make a judgement when she only knows one side of the story? How dare her dedicate this book to his son...this book will haunt and follow this boy for the rest of his life. Does Rule care that she is destroying his image of his mother? No.
There are huge gaps in the information given, leaving the reader questioning why she elaborated on some things and skips over other info ( info that would not support her biased theories).
Lastly, I work in the mental health field and am insulted by her amatuerish diagnosis of Liysa. She labels her a "sociopath". Newsflash: Sociopaths are not good mothers. And this is something even Rule could not dismiss, the fact that Liysa was a devoted and loving mother. BR>What a disappointment. I have previously read all of Rule's books but I won't read another.
I certainly am questioning everything that Rule has ever written, after reading this poorly written biased account of this case.I think the true story (the one that featured both sides, fairly) would have been much more interesting.