3 comments about Quicksilver: The Ted Binion Murder Case.

1. After reading this book I feel it was RUSHED, and so much of the powerful 'inside' information was left out. I did enjoy the pictures, many not seen before. The story seems to leave out so much of the mystery involved, but is much better than the other book I read. The death of Lonnie 'Ted' Binion was something most people expected - he used and abused Heroin for 20 years, he was 'friendly' with the mob, he was entangled in a family that epitomizes DYSFUNCTIONAL. His father, Benny was one step ahead of the law when he left Texas to begin what ended up an empire his children fought over constantly. Ted was born into Las Vegas royalty, which afforded him every opportunity in life. But it came with a price. When he was younger, he was almost kidnapped. The plot was uncovered and those planning it were dealt with Benny Binion style. When Benny died, Jack and Ted were the 'Big Boys' at the HORSESHOE CASINO, and continued to operate the way Pappa B had in the past. The Gaming Commission was not happy that Ted was at the helm of the casino and didn't play by the rules. The was arrested in 1987, and this paved the way for Teddy's removal from the casino, which thrilled his sister Becky Behnen. She sued brother Jack for control and won. Ted felt he could return, but after continuing his pattern of not following the rules, the Gaming Commission removed him in March of 1998. When Becky took control of the casino, Ted had to remove his SILVER stash from the casino vault and had it placed in a vault on his ranch. Tons and tons of silver were placed in an underground vault that he had hired Rick Tabish to install. His girlfriend, Sandy Murphy, was there with Ted during his battles with drugs and the casino business. She was there when Ted's friend, 'Fat Herbie' Blitzstein was murdered and the FBI warned Ted of a 'hit' that had been placed on him as well. Who placed the hit? Did it have anything to do with Ted backing out of a promise to pay $50,000.00 to have his sister Becky 'whacked'? Who shot at Ted's house in 1997? Why was his sister and nephew dining with the person charged with the shooting after Sandy Murphy and Rick Tabish were safely tucked out of the way in prison? Why wasn't ALL the information regarding Ted's life, Sandy's whereabouts, and Rick's lunch appointment on the day Ted died? What caused the attorneys to keep exculpatory evidence out of the trial? What exactly did Ted Binion die from on that day in September, 1998. Why wasn't the man who sold the 12 balloons of Mexican Black Tar Heroin ever indicted? We have the Prosecutor's own 'experts' disagreeing on what killed Ted. Was it the heroin he smoked? Was it the Xanax he asked his neighbor, described as Dr. Feelgood at trial, to call in and Ted himself picked up at the pharmacy? If the mixture of both these drugs didn't kill him what did? How can you prove murder when the victim himself purchased the 'deadly mixture'? You come up with "forced ingestion" and then add 'Burking' by Dr. Michael Baden. Proof of murder? Proof that the family money paid to have someone other than Ted Binion take the fall. It didn't matter that another sister had killed herself a few years back, that Ted had lost his license to run the family casino, even admitted that he was deeply depressed at the loss of his beloved Gaming license...it had to be ruled murder in order to keep Sandy Murphy's hands off of what Ted had left her in his will. Where was Rick Tabish going with the silver he dug up? Who else was supposed to take care of the silver? What attorney was in charge of this SILVER STASH? Whay did Ted keep the silver in a vault on his ranch? Why couldn't he use a bank? Was it due to the RICO charges he might be facing? Ted Binion will be remembered not by what he did in his life, but his death. What a sad story he was.



2. Smith does an excellent job of providing a concise summary of the events that lead to the Binion trial, the most notorious criminal trial in Las Vegas'colorful history.

   However, he falls short in providing insight not already avilable in the archives of this story appearing elsewhere on the World Wide Web. In addition, character and event analysis fall woefully short of expectations, especially those of us familiar with Smith's other works.

   You will enjoy this book if you are vaguely familiar with the trial,and want details. If, however, you know a lot about this case already, you will be disappointed.

   The author does categorically and persuasively state his opinion of this case, which may take some of you by surprise. Sadly, that is the only major new revalation of this book.




3. Ted Binion was a modern-day swashbuckler. Part owner of the Las Vegas Casino--- 'Binion's Horseshoe', he lived much larger than life. That is until he was (most likely) murdered by his beautiful live-in girlfriend Sandy Murphy and her conspiring lover Rick Tabish. Both are now doing bids of 20 to life pending a possible reopening of their case. Unfortunately, the above book doesn't do his tantalizing story justice. His is a cautionary tale about heroine addiction, immense wealth, fast women and shady characters. It includes buried treasure, hard partying and other vices that make eccentric people like him endlessly fascinating. This book however is too short, and honestly reads like what it is--- a compilation of newspaper articles put together by two journalists desperate to quickly cash in on a legend. For all appearances (too many pictures & not enough prose) it looks and reads like something thrown together on the way over to the local Kinko's Copies! It's truly unfortunate because there's enough intrigue in Ted Binion's life and controversial death for a book ten times the size of this one.

4 comments about The Soul of a Cop.

1. I loved this book. I have always been interested in police work, and this book brought it all to life right in front of my eyes. P. Ragonese was a fine Officer, and all of his duties deserved to be put in such a manner, Thank you Paul for giving us a close-up look of the real world..



2. If you ever wondered what it would be like to be in law enforcement this is the book for you. This is the autobiography of Paul Ragonese one of the most decorated cops in America. As a New York City Police officer, and later detective, he won the medal of valor five times and in 1986 was nominated "Cop of the Year". You may remember him as the host of the television show "Crimestoppers".

   This books show you the highs an lows of being a police officer in the big apple. Once you strat reading you will not want to put the book down. When I finished it I wanted even more.




3. this is the best book i have ever read. the story of PAUL RAGONESES life as a cop in new york is astonding. the thing he did just because he was a cop were unbeleiveable, true sacrifices. if all police officers were more like him this world would be a much better place. he is one of my heros. i strongly recomened this book to any one.



4. I thought this book is a action packed book. I saw what a cop working in the ACU (Anti Crime Unit) really does. It is a totally true story about a man named Paul Ragonese working on the streets in New York City. He is a American hero, Saves many People and to some is a role model. I may only be Ten years old, But I can feel evey bullet, fist and weapon that is said. I recamend this book for retired cop and cop in the job. Also to Teen-Agers who love those volient video games such as Grand Theft Auto. Who needs Medal of Honer or James Bond when you have this Book? Nobody!

5 comments about Mother's Trial, A.

1. This book was based on a true story...
   although Mrs. Phillip was tried and found guilty and did time in prison some people involved with the case said she was innocent. Not remembered it at time cause I was small child I think in my heart i would say she was innocent for a crime she never did ...
   after a many years after the trial my family keep close contract with her we just recently in past few years lost contract with each other... Putting past behind us



2. Dear Amazon: You have a review from Sarah Wrigley, who is one of the central characters of this book, written on February 9, 2004! Sarah is the little girl the Phillips named "Mindy" who was removed from the family's custody. Sarah, I have often wondered how you are and am delighted you wrote a review.



3. I rarely ever feel compelled to write a review, although I am an avid reader. In the past 3 years I have read a lot of "true crime" and this book is on my top 5 list. Accolades to Nancy Wright for bringing to light "Munchausen by Proxy" and for allowing readers to form their own opinions about this case. I wish this book would be more available at mainstream bookstores because quality true crime authors are far and few between.



4. I was happy to see the other 5-star reviews here, as I think this is one of the most readable true crime books I have read, and I have read hundreds (probably). In fact, I think I read this years ago when it was first published (1984), and when I started it last week I said to myself, Yes, I've read this........ But I kept on going because it was so compelling. It reads like a novel. I am sad to see that evidentally Nancy Wright has not written any other true crime books -- or has she? Does anyone know? It is also very interesting to see the note below from the real-life Mindy, now known as Sarah Wrigley, and I too am happy to see that she is apparently living a good and healthy life.
   
   As far as Munchausen Syndromy by Proxy is concerned, it is interesting to note that since this was given a name, several children (usually girls) have come forward now that they are adults. Most have terrible memories of the medical aspect of their young lives, but most also love their mothers and try to understand the illness that drove the mothers to harm them as little children. Terribly sad.



5. I read this book 20 years ago. The story and the people are still burned in my mind. This is true crime at its very best: smart, literate, and sympathetic. Nancy Wright wrote a classic and if she ever writes another I'll be pre-ordering it. Highly recommended.

3 comments about General, The: Godfather of Crime.

1. This book details the life and time of one of Dublins most feared gansters - from his early beginings as a house burgular, thru' to the Beit Paintings theft and his ultimate murder by the IRA, Paul Williams gives a detailed account of this mans life.



2. This book not only told the incredible story of the most unlikely master criminal, Martin Cahill, it also depicted the underbelly of Dublin as I had never seen represented before.

   Not for Maeve Binchey readers, this shows a side of Ireland not usually represented in popular Irish fiction.




3. I purchased this book on my trip to ireland this summer, it was in a small dublin bookstore. I read it once, while in dublin, going to see all of the places mentioned in it, and once again back here in DC. It was a facinating in depth look at the "life and crimes" of Martin Cahill. As a former FBI agent and NYPD officer i remembered reading Garda and Interpol reports on Cahill, at the time I knew things that the public did not. Those things are now in Williams amazing biography of one of the first modern irish crimnals. It is well worth the $12.00 price or as i paid 6.99 punts.

2 comments about Loss of Innocence: A True Story of Juvenile Murder.

1. I loved this book and was surprised to see that it is out of print. I wanted to order it to send to a friend. I remember that I have an extra copy and will send it to her for Christmas. She loves murder mysteries just as I do, so I am certain she will find it as interesting and entertaining as I did.



2. This book is about my cousins, and is a true story that shattered our family. The spritual journey that my Aunt and Uncle went through as a result of this tragedy, has changed my life, and I'm sure will change the lives of all who read it.
   God can bring good out of all things, even something as horrible as this. I Highly recommend that you read this book.

No comments about The Violence of Our Lives: Interviews With American Murderers.

No comments about Inside Edward Gein and Others: A Psychological Analysis of Sexually Motivated Serial Homicide.

4 comments about Killer Dad.

1. This is one more story about a man who decides he wants freedom, whether it be for another woman or he's just tired of being married, and decides to kill his wife. What seperates Michael Blagg, who murdered his wife, Jennifer, is that he also decided to kill his daughter, Abby. And if that doesn't seperate him enough from the others, then maybe his religious faith is. As Blagg is interrogated, he clings to his faith stating that "God is giving him peace to get through this" and "It is in God's hands now," all the while avoiding any talk about his internet pornography addiction could have contributed to his problems! While I'm all for one's faith and religion, what Blagg said, while combined with his actions, almost seemed blasphemous!
   
   What was most impressive to me, however, was that despite all of the evidence presented (including was mainly circumstantial against Blagg), the jury was able to see the "small details" that had not really been considered by police and district attorney. Kudos to this above average jury for their insight!
   
   I did not consider this to be one of Robert Scott's best writings; however, it is still well worth the read.



2. This book, except for 7 or 8 pages gave NO background info on Jennifer and Mike. It glazed over their whole relationship, glazed over Jennifer's journal. The book started with the 911 call Mike made, and except for these 7 or 8 pages never looked back. The author was also quite repetitive, IMO.
   I have read one other book by this author, Monster Slayer, and didn't care for it either so this is the last time I'll be buying a book by him.



3. I had turned on my T.V. one day and saw one of the popular News Magazine's special on this story, and wanted to know more. This book certainly provided the information for my curiosity! The book is also written well enough to spark s readers interest who may not have heard of the case.



4. Michael Blagg probably thought he committed the perfect crime of killing his own wife, Jennifer, and their only child, a beautiful six-year old daughter, Abby. Then he disposed their bodies, the title pretty much tells you who is responsible for the hideous murders of the wife and mother, Jennifer Loman Blagg, and their only child Abby Blagg. The book is often repetitive despite it trying to explain the circumstances. Mike Blagg lies so often it's hard to take any of what he says to be credible. He is much like Scott Peterson, Drew Peterson, and others who say their wives have gone missing. In this case, there is a 6 year old beautiful little girl who could have been spared but she witnessed her father's diabolical rage and had to die with her mother. Jennifer's remains would be found at the bottom of a landfill where Mike had disposed their remains through his company's dumpsters. The police and investigators in Grand Junction, Colorado would uncover an unhappy, abusive marriage despite Mike's reputed religious ties to the church and Jennifer who planned to bring Abby back home to South Carolina where she was much more happier. Mike's secret dark life of internet porn and x-rated sex acts would also come into play. The book is redundant of similar cases where spouses are murdered. My heart cries for both Jennifer and Abby Blagg who should have been allowed to leave and live as they pleased.

1 comments about Sudden Fury: A True Story of Adoption and Murder.

1. Larry Swartz grew up to be a wonderful human being that touched many lives. Married with a daughter, he recently died suddenly at age 38 of heart attack. It is known by few that all the Swartz neighbors new of the obuse that went on in this house and never did anything to help the children, then when Larry snapped, becasue of their guilt they all created a hugh cover up to SAVE themselves not Larry, and he took this secret with him to the grave because he did not want to hurt anyone else.

2 comments about The D.A.: A True Story.

1. As a Prosecutor I really enjoyed this book and the various cases that it followed. Recommended.



2. Bought this on remainder a few years ago and picked it up a couple of days ago. It's terrific. Takes you right inside the LA D.A.'s office and quickly becomes a page turner. Better in many ways than John Grisham, etc., . . . plus it's a true story.