5 comments about I Love You Phillip Morris.

1. There's no doubting that this book is compelling, both in idea and execution. The prisoner who keeps returning for the man he loves? The life history of both? Good stories of prison breaks? Hard to keep a heist lover down. A solid, fun read, perfect for passing the time with a good story.

   That said, McVicker's a writer for a (good) weekly alternative paper, and this book reads like an overlong story from those pages, filled up with anecdotes that go just this shy of deep. I'm just not as impressed with the depth of characterizations or the writing as I am with writings in a similar narrative vein.




2. The wild story of a conman who favors doctored resumes and red stretch pants as props to steal whatever he desires. He just can't outwit his sentimental heart. I read it in one sitting.



3. Entertaining read. McVicker provides a good yarn. Larger then life characters and twists in a real life story. Top notch tale.



4. I picked this one up when my idol, Jim Carrey, announced he was planning to do a BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN and play the main part, Steven Russell, in the true story that electrified a nation, a man who would break out of jail over and over again to join his lover, Phillip Morris. Jim has made some brave choices in his career (anyone see his latest dud THE NUMBER 23?), but I think if he plays his cards right he may wind up with an Oscar. First he has to learn a Southern accent, not easy for a Canadian, but Raymond Massey did it and so can our Jim.
   
   Steve McVicker isn't a young man and it shows in the maturity he brings to the writing of what could have turned out to be a sleazy story. As a distinguished reporter, he's playing it cagey about whether or not he himself is actually gay, but he's convincing enough to accurately portray Russell's long journey out of the closet and into the swinging, pre-AIDS homosexual lifestyle of Montrose, the third-densest gay mecca in the world, says McVicker, and to think that before reading this book I had never even heard of it. Along the way Russell acquired a very religious wife and sired a daughter, Stephanie, and both ladies have clung to their man through right and wrong even when he left them to pursue his lifestyle, and even after he was convicted on multiple counts of fraud.
   
   The book is a primer for how to get away with grifting on a large scale. It will teach you how you, barely a high school graduate, can use the internet or other sources to gather enough info and fake resumes to get your a place as CFO at a major HMO, if you can talk glibly enough and you're personable (and you're not out on the job). This is what happened to Russell, who talked himself into a position from which he could embezzle millions of dollars.
   
   The book is a little dull at times, and frankly Phillip Morris doesn't seem worth all the fuss Russell sees in him, he comes across as a bit of a ditz, like an Owen Wilson type. Funny how both Russell's boyfriends loved little dogs and they really go for Min Pins--again a term I never heard before reading I LOVE YOU PHILLIP MORRIS.
   
   The shadow of AIDS falls on the otherwise lighthearted adventures of super con man Steven Russell and you know, in a way, I don't blame him for what he did, for he was trying to give his dying boyfriend the best care he could find him. C'mon, Jim Carrey, Tom Hanks won the Oscar for playing gay and you can too.



5. Steven Russell is the ideal antihero: he's resourceful, a conman, and bisexual. Author and journalist Steve McVicker doesn't go into detail why Russell, a family man with a great career, would chose a life of crime over the banal world of law abiding citizens. But after reading the book you can infer that Russell, an ingenious Type A personality, was probably simply bored with doing things lawfully. I enjoyed the book for what it was worth. McVicker writes with a true journalistic style. We wouldn't believe the story otherwise. In fact, McVicker emphasis how much research went into the book; and when he cannot verify Russell's assertions of facts, he lets us know. Otherwise, Russell's entire story is corroborated by first hand accounts of those involved, including prison guards and former coworkers. Reading the accounts of how Russell was able to dupe government officials and corporate America over and over again was engrossing, and I couldn't help but cheer for him, despite his being an embezzler and con artist. It wasn't so much how brilliant Russell was in his escapades, but how inept and lazy everyone else was. Russell himself credits many of his exploits on the sluggishness of prison staff and state bureaucracies. Russell makes a life of non-violent crime and prison escapes look easy--and fun! The book is extremely concise; most the narrative focuses on the planning stages of Russell's many con games and prison escapes. That was fine with me. However, if you are expecting drawn out descriptions of budding prison romances, you won't find that in this book. The only contention I have with the book is when McVicker uses a jarring opportunity to bash Wal-Mart; other than that McVicker keeps most his personal opinions to himself, as a journalist should. I also cringed every time McVicker used the word "lover" to describe Russell's boyfriends. That word is an anachronism, more fitting for the 1970s than today. The book itself was not published by a large publisher, so despite the book being in hardcover format, it's a cheap vinyl cover with no dust jacket--just to let you know. Other than that, I enjoyed the book and look forward to seeing how Hollywood botches the story.

5 comments about In Broad Daylight: A Murder in Skidmore, Missouri.

1. The story of Skidmore, Missouri and Ken McElroy was a big deal back in the 80s, with a lot of inaccurate media portrayals. Harry MacLean is surely the undisputed authority on the subject, given this book's strong investigation and research. In short, the small farming town of Skidmore had been terrorized for years by McElroy, who is portrayed here (hyperbolically, I slightly suspect) as one of the most unbelievable scumbags ever, barely doing an honest day of work in his life, forming his own gang of lowlifes and controllable young women, and fathering what seems like dozens of semi-legitimate young'ins. Worst of all, McElroy carried paranoid grudges, harassed and intimidated honest folks endlessly, and shot and robbed people at will. After the failure of the equally bullied law establishment to deal with McElroy's years of terror, the townspeople got fed up and rubbed him out, and protected the gunmen from prosecution. Was it a vigilante act of frontier justice, followed by a corrupt conspiracy of silence? Or had decent folks finally been pushed over the edge by a failed system?
   
   Here MacLean shows that the whole saga is far more complicated that what you'd see in the dramatized TV movies and newsmagazine reports. Overall, the book is a mostly winning true crime tale and it easily retains the reader's interest. However, the book does have a few inconsistencies, particularly MacLean's uneven explorations of the roots of the problem and who was ultimately at fault. There is no problem with MacLean's theorizing in itself, because he did a lot of investigation and deserves the opportunity to speak his mind, but this case raises serious issues of law, ethics, and democracy that are introduced unevenly and pushed along with no authoritative conclusions. Also, one readability issue is the huge cast of characters that blur together in confusion. In the end, the reader is rewarded with a suspenseful true crime tale that Hollywood couldn't even dream up, but the lessons to be learned are a bit unclear. One thing's for sure though - there sure were a lot of cowards in this saga. [~doomsdayer520~]



2. This book is an excellent account of the events that led up to the McElroy shooting, and, it also shows a true flavor of how small towns operate, and how people behave. This combination of factors make this book a must read. This newer version also has an epilogue from 2006, so the town of Skidmore, MO is revisited.



3. This is a very intriging book. I was raised in this little town and the author Harry MacLean has captured all. McElroy was all described. My husband has read the book twice!



4. I picked up a well-worn paperback copy of In Broad Daylight at a used bookstore. I would not have purchased the book had it not won the Edgar Award as the best true crime book of 1988. Finding in Broad Daylight was a lucky break because it's a page turner that really makes you think.
   
   One of the most interesting aspects of reading this book is learning the story of Ken McElroy. Ken was an absolutely horrible human being by Harry MacLean's account. And yet, he was interesting. Though illiterate, McElroy somehow knew just how far he could push the law - if not his fellow citizens. McElroy's life story makes In Broad Daylight difficult to put down.
   
   McElroy's ability to evade justice will also draw readers into this book. You will feel outraged as McElroy's escapes charge after charge - even though the police are well aware of his crimes. I'm still not sure how McElroy got away with it all.
   
   In Broad Daylight will also make you think. Is vigilante justice ever justified? Would the law have ever caught up with McElroy? Was getting rid of McElroy worth the harm it did to his children and family? Of course, there are no answers to these questions. But the fact that you will ask them makes In Broad Daylight "deeper" than most true-crime books.
   
   There are a few drawbacks to this book. I would have liked an updated version. What happened to all of the characters? I would especially like to know what became of McElroy's children. Also, is there any new evidence? Does this author have any new theories as to what happened - and why?
   
   On the whole, however, In Broad Daylight is an entertaining book that will make you think.



5. It is a book that compells you to dig deeper into the legal system in Skidmore, MO and surrounding areas during the late 70s and early 1980s. Generally speaking this book is one of the best true crime books I have read up to this point. THe way in which it is written makes me wonder if there was any motive for Ken McElroy to act in such a way towards his victims and if there was any real reason as to why the townsfolk retaliated towards him in such a manner and did not get charged for it.

5 comments about The Bureau and the Mole: The Unmasking of Robert Philip Hanssen, the Most Dangerous Double Agent in FBI History.

1. This book was a page turner. The author built a psychological profile of Robert Hansesn as well as reported historical facts, to try to give us some insight into his motivation, as well as placed him in a historical context. How could someone who loved this country and was devoted to law enforcement become such a terrible traitor and cause the death of so many people? It gives an amazing account.



2. I felt the book was very interesting. It has a good narative form.
   I do feel, however, it could have been less graphic on some of Robert's home life. I did read it after seeing the movie "Breach". The book's characterizations of the two main personalities added interest. The author has done a good job with a difficult subject



3. A frightening look into the mind and works of a socially inadequate FBI Agent who betrayed the American people, trading their safety over cash and diamond. The most disturbing fact was his fantasy of retiring from the FBI and move to Moscow and train future spies. The author did an excellent job in telling the lives of a deceitful Hanssen and of a dedicated Director Freeh.
   
   Undoubtedly written by a Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative journalist.
   
   Check also: They Spy who Stayed out in the Cold.
   Cold Eyes



4. The book provided background on not only Robert Hanssen, but also the individuals associated with the job. I enjoyed the book very much.



5. This book doesn't compare with David Wise's book "Spy, The Inside Story of How the FBI's Robert Hanssen Betrayed America." There seems to be a lot of assumptions and conjecture's in the Vise book. Wise has much better sources.

5 comments about To The Last Breath: Three Women Fight For The Truth Behind A Child's Tragic Murder.

1. thanks to this spellbinding book by Mr. Stowers; I am a prolific reader of true crime and while I am reading a book I am engrossed in it but the story fades quickly; not so with this book. There are so many aspects to the story: the shoddy, so- called investigation by the police; the shoddy examination by the medical examiner resulting in an "undetermined cause of death",the realization that if the family had not been persistent, this child's murder would have been "cold filed"; What is heartening is the degree of involvement of Sue Dietrich the Detective who asked to get involved in this case and the attorney who tried the case Jeri Yenne; their passion to bring the killer to justice was surprising and Mr. Stowers reveals their compassion for this child. Most of all, Mr. Stowers writing style evoked an immense amount of sympathy for this poor unfortuante and innocent child. I kept looking at her face and then went back to reading the book; while the death of a child is always horrific, you don't always feel as though the child in the book if personalized as was the case with this book; I felt as though I could see Renee and hear her laugh and play; in fact,there were times I had to put the book down because it was painful to read; Thank goodness for Sharon, Renee's grandmother, who was intelligent and feisty and would not allow this crime to be swept under the rug; It was the passion of the the detective and the attorney who tried the case that won this case for Renee; I will never forget you, Renee.



2. This was a very good book about a very touching story. Left some things unanswered, but good nevertheless.



3. She had a sad sap moron for a mother, and a cold-blooded killer for a father. Luckily she had a granny with some brains who fought for justice for her.
   
   It's impossible to have any sympathy for Annette, her mother, who stayed with this man, even though she knew he killed her cat, and had no qualms about getting pregnant by him a second time (the first time he "made" her have an abortion at 5 - 6 months), even though she could not support herself and the child she already had by her first husband and had to keep moving back in with mommy. Both she and Shane moved so many times: back together, apart, condos, apartments, rent houses, back with their respective parents - I could not keep up with all the moving. They were quite obviously immature and both expecting someone to come along and solve their problems for them.
   
   Even though Annette told Detective Duckworth her suspicions at the scene, he claimed she didn't, and that he "knew nothing". So basically he did nothing, and luckily was reassigned to Narcotics. He couldn't even find out that Goode had taken out $50,000 life insurance policy on his kids - as far as he was concerned, this guy would have gotten away with murder, no skin off his nose, as long as didn't have to do any actual work. This book does not make the Houston and Alvin Police Depts look very good, but what is, is. They didn't do their jobs, the ME's didn't want to do their jobs, the wife-cheater DA didn't want to do his job either - luckily he resigned too! The only ones who wanted to work and cared about justice were the female Asst DA, the woman detective, and the grandma turned private investigator. She may have raised two kooky kids, but she got it together and took care of things for Renee - she paid for her funeral, tissue testing the city refused to pay for needed for evidence, and took copious notes. Thank goodness for them, or this guy would probably have murdered another of his kids.
   
   This is an interesting story, but not well-written or organized. It may be necessary to tell, but there seemed to be too much about all the authorities infighting and personal problems. There was basically zilch about Shane Goode's childhood or background. So no explanation of his psychological state or what happened in his life to lead him to this point.
   
   It could have been better.
   
   Hint: In order to write a true crime story that will appeal to and hold the interest of DISCERNING true crime readers, it's best that the author spend her/his time getting the scoop on the MURDERER - not the lawyers.



4. This is a story of a 2-year-old child who was murdered by her father after her parents had divorced. It is a gripping story by its own right, but it was so well written I felt like I knew just about everyone. The flaws of all the characters are included, making no one a true hero (which is reality). The almost non-existant investigation, the extreme shortcomings of certain investigators, the political wheeling and dealing that almost allowed Shane Goode to get away with murder, the over-involvement of the victim's grandmother, the personality shortcomings of the victim's mother, the personal problems of the prosecutorial/detective staff -- everything is bared in this book. Sure, it would have been nice to know more about the murderer, but he steadfastly maintained his innocence as did his parents. There was enough information from other sources to get the true flavor of this guy. Others have criticized the book because all questions weren't answered. But in real life they rarely are (i.e., how could Shane attract strong and weak women? What was his secret?). The book is a tear-jerker, and Renee Goode is lucky her story was told by Carlton Stowers, one of the best true-crime authors ever.



5. .....that this was non-fiction. Absolutely, unbelievable, the happenings in this book.

2 comments about Conman : A Master Swindlers Own Story (Library of Larceny) (Library of Larceny).

1. Not for those with short attention spans, this biography presents detailed story after detailed story. It gave me over a dozen evenings reading by the fire. Great value!



2. This is an easy-to-understand view of a confidence man's world, especially as it was during several decades before World War II.
   I had read similar books that mentioned "Yellow Kid" Weil as a legend among con men, piqueing my curiosity. No regrets for this purchase.

5 comments about Scamorama: Turning the Tables on Email Scammers.

1. What a crack up! At one level this book is pure comedy. Pour yourself a nice glass of red, put your feet up and enjoy! It is extraordinary to see the lengths that small time stupid criminals will go to try to extract money, and the convoluted comic situations that the counter scammers embroil them in. Yet at another level, this book is a sober reminder to all those that may have spent a few moments wondering if those letters really were real, a reminder that indeed there are some truly unscrupulous individuals in this world who would sell their grandmother if it made them money. Buy this book as a reality check for the way the world really works. It might stop you falling for a scam. It might help you through negotiating buying that second-hand car. And, at the very least, it will give you a great laugh!



2. Everyone who has an email account has received missives from Nigerian scammers. This book is about attempts to deal with this nuisance. It is by turns screamingly funny and deadly serious. Read this and learn.



3. Eve Edelson's new compendium of the best exchanges between 419 scam artists (who bilked Americans out of more than $250,000 last year) and those who bait them is jaw-droppingly funny, and important on several levels.
   
   First, it's all about making life difficult for criminals. 419ers make their living preying off the elderly, the naive, the weak-minded, and those who just generally shouldn't be online. They are also dangerous, having killed before. The baiters, a fine and crreative possel of virtual vigilantes who waste the scammers' time, their money, their resources, and their patience are worthy of our admiration for that reason alone.
   
   But secondly, and perhaps more importantly, this book is a harbinger of a new kind of humor. Scambaiting is a humor genre that couldn't exist without the 'net, and there is already a huge and growing crop of artists (yep, I call them artists) who are exploiting this new medium and making us laugh as they do it.
   
   Ms. Edelson, the doyenne of scambaiting, has culled, nurtured, edited, and generally midwifed this vibrant new form of humor. This book is a collection of the best of the best of the new masters of the form. I'll be watching to see where the medium goes from here.
   
   So there you are. Three reasons to buy it. One, it's your civic duty. Two, it's your chance to get in on the ground floor of a completely new kind of humor. And three, you'll laugh your socks off.



4. This book is so fun and funny for folks that are well versed in the scam, and a fortune-saver for those who aren't. I ended up laughing aloud (in public no less) but also felt chagrined as I recognized the scams Ive almost fallen for in the past.
   
   Read it for fun, but then pass it on to someone less scam savvy!



5. i mean come on be honest i mean i really have to inquestion my saneness if everyone find the stuff interesting, funny and worth the time. i mean not only is a waste of time and complete nonsense i really have to wonder whats it good for no its even boring as hell i mean i cant believe why people want to read this book. before buying this book think about the subject i mean seriously if after that you still want to buy this book, this book, it will suit your perfect. scams are such an interesting topic i have no clue why people have to come up with such ....
   
   by the way if anyone knows how i can change my handle to i love neda hajizadeh 30 iranian hh please put it on thanks in advance

5 comments about In Cold Blood.

1. When this book was first published it was a sensation, it makes the furor over the Da Vinci look mild in comparison and it made Capote a superstar. What makes this book unique, besides the fantastic writing, was the fact that Capote completely emersed himself in this project, he turned over every stone and completely manipulated everyone involved, to learn every angle of the story. This book is a complete tour de force, this is a book you will never forget, not just because of the crime, so vividly recreated, but also due to Capote's haunting prose. Highly recommended, lives up to all the hype. It's just a shame it ruined Capote, as nakedly ambitious as he was, he was also a true talent.



2. I have spent much of my life planning to read the great novels but as of yet just have never found the time. Recently I discovered a wonderful alternative is listening to audio books. As of today I have now heard a number of great works but Capote's novel is in a class by itself. The writing is amazing. He owns the English language. Never does he settle for a second best way to describe a thing but writes with the precision of a master craftsman. Describing the deceased mother, whose eyes remained open, Capote refers to them as "death dulled eyes". Speaking of the shrubs he speaks of their "camel-like indifference to drought". Every sentence, every phrase, from cover to cover, is both poetic and gripping. Unlike many authors who begin strong and then begin to dull as the chapters progress, Capote keeps the freshness of his prose up throughout the work.
   
   Simply put, this novel is on level beyond what most of us have ever read. And I must note that the reader on the audio version is intimately involved in the text. The reading in no way detracts from the power of the novel, but actualy enhances it - if that is possible.
   
   This is one of the top 3 books I have ever heard or read - a masterpiece!



3. I read the book many years ago, enjoyed it then, and after the movie Capote, decided to listen to the book. It was great in both audio and book form. Capote was really intrigued by these two murderers so, most of the story involved their lives. The details of the act itself was scarey.



4. I have always been a Scott Brick (Narrator)fan. Now I am also a Truman Capote fan. I can not recommend this book enough. After I listened to this masterpiece I rented the movie "Capote". It was also a great experience.



5. This is a great classic but you have to devote some time to listening to the CDs, as you would to read the book. Can't complaint about the convenience though; ability to listen to the CDs while driving, at work, at home, etc. is wonderful. If you haven't tried an audio book yet, do so, you will find it to be quite an experience!

5 comments about Who Killed My Daughter?.

1. Who Killed My Daughter? is one of the best books I have ever read. The title itself just caught my eye one day and I immediatley knew that I had to read this book. It is so powerful. I can't imagine the horror and frustration Lois Duncan went through while searching for her daughter's killer. It was even harder for her when the police refused to follow up on important information. She then received help from psychics and a journalist. It was an incredible journey for her filled with sadness, anger, tears, suspense, and shock. I recommend this book to all young adults and adults. Everyone must read this. Knowing that this is actually a true story adds to the horror and suspense. It gives us an insight on the life of Lois Duncan, her daughter, and the rest of her family, as well as important information. This is a must-read book.



2. This is one of the best non fiction books I have ever read. It is a real tear jerker. I would definately recommend it if you love a good mystery book. Also,I definately disagree with the well written but meaningless review comment. It is not meaningless and the facts are real. I am 13 and I would definately allow my child to read it if I were older. It is a good book.



3. After reading the book and as a retired P.I. of 30 years I've come to my own conclusions pertaining to this murder. Based on ONLY the evidences and personal experiences in this matter, following are the possibilities:
   1. She was pregnant with the child of her Vietnamese boyfriend or gang-raped by the Vietnamese gang. Lois Duncan or her husband's own prejudice simply cannot allow the child to be born. So either one or both of them planned the demise of their daughter.
   2. She had an affair with a police officer(possibily during one of the frat parties). How many parents know everything of their son or daugher's personal life? How many of you told your parents everything in your personal life? That officer wanted her to leave her boyfriend, but she refused. Officer was mostly likely a white male between age of 23 and 35. The fact that she ultimately chose a Vietnamese over him is too much to handle.
   3. She was prostituting herself on the highway, and it was simply a business transaction gone wrong.
   
   Above are my personal opinions reguarding cases like this. Since I did not personally interview any of the parties involved, I can only reach these general conclusions.



4. I feel bad for the mother and the story itself is very interesting, but its dependence on ham-handed psychic readings was a pretty big turn off. I admire the mother's chutzpah but her investigative techniques are far cry from those displayed in Graysmith's far superior Zodiac.



5. After reading Gallows Hill by Lois Duncan I decided to buy all of her supsense novels just because it was so good. Well...I hadn't read any of them but for some reason I was like I'll buy Who Killed My Daughter? and I just have to say WOW!!...I'm a Christian so some of the things in this book really made me think; and I really feel like contacting this author because she also explained her faith a tad bit in the book also. This book is heart-breaking but also very inspirational. I also looked forward to reading this because my sister's friend died in a car accident three years ago and her mother has also written a novel, filled with interviews of her daughter's friends (my sister is in the book). However, I do not know what the title of this book, the last name of the author, or when this book is due to release but it is in the publication process. Overall, read this book.

2 comments about Transportation and Cargo Security: Threats and Solutions.

1. Worth the Invest
   
   The authors have relevant and current information that highlights the importance of the topic
   
   Bernie Martin PE



2. On any given day at America's airport terminals, grandmothers are asked to remove their shoes, raise their arms, and submit to a wanding with a magnetometer. That is in stark contrast to commercial transportation security, where even nearly seven years after 9-11, risks far greater than grandma go unchecked.
   
   The book Transportation and Cargo Security: Threats and Solutions provides a comprehensive look at the myriad details involved with the complex, dynamic world of commercial transportation security. It includes information on maritime, land (railroad, trucking, mass transit), pipeline, and air transportation modes.
   
   The book's 14 chapters provide a thorough overview of the specific topics that cross sectors, such as threats, countermeasures, and personnel concerns, as well as laws, regulations, government agencies, and standards for specific sectors.
   
   Many books on these security topics include over-the-top statistics and fail to present a pragmatic view. Transportation and Cargo Security takes a practical yet hardheaded look at the core issues, which gives the reader a superb understanding of the various threats to the transportation system.
   
   What is frustrating is that the book often refers to laws passed just after 9-11, yet many agencies and industries are still noncompliant with the many requirements contained in those laws.
   
   Transportation and Cargo Security: Threats and Solutions is an excellent reference that anyone who deals with transportation security will find extremely valuable. This is the book that everyone in transportation security should have read.

5 comments about The Mafia Encyclopedia.

1. Interesting read for the first Mafia encyclopedia. Very well-illustrated & detailed research.



2. I bought the first edition of this book when it first came out, and found it to be both knowledgeable and unbiased. There is no romanticizing of the mob, simply straightforward descriptions of the major players and events. Highly recommended.



3. Excellent Source of mafia information. This item is exactly what the title says: A mafia encylopedia. A great read for all Mafioso fans. Nice and thick with lots of photos.



4. ...page 405 states that "The forces of Harry Riccobene...did kill Salvatore Testa, the 28-year-old son of the slain Chicken Man Testa, regarded as a real comer in the mob."(He was in fact hit with a shotgun blast but he survived). Page 406 says "Scarfo had too suspicious a nature and he soon turned to ordering the deaths of loyal followers, starting with Salvatore Testa, his most competent hit man..." Testa did not survive this one, but who knew you could die twice? I don't know if there's any other mistakes in this book but that one is brutal.



5. Not that user friendly either. No charts, no stats, and no bibliography and thus very risky as a reference source.