Quick Take

Librarian's note: There is an Alternate Cover Edition for this edition of this book here.MORE THAN 20 MILLION COPIES OF ANN RULE'S BOOKS IN PRINT! In this unnerving collection drawn from her personal crime files, "America's best true-crime writer" (Kirkus Reviews) Ann Rule brilliantly dissects the convoluted love affairs that all too often end in violence.Expertly analyzing a shocking, headline-making case, Rule unmasks the deadly motives inside a seemingly idyllic marriage: a beautiful young wife, a rising star in America's top-ranked computer corporation, and a prosperous husband, the scion of a family building business. With an adorable son and a gorgeous home, the couple seemed to have it all. But a furtive evil permeated their days and nights, dragging them into a murky world of drugs, sordid sex, and con operations. In this realm, one of them would prove to be a virtual innocent, the other a manipulator with no conscience. Sudden, violent death brought their charade of a fairy-tale romance to a tragic end -- with a brutal crime that might never have come to light were it not for the stubborn detectives and prosecutors whose fight for justice spanned an entire decade.Empty Promises recounts several other cases where the search for love brought only lies and betrayal -- a cautionary primer, perhaps, for those who trust too much too soon. Powerful because they strike so close to home, the cases in Empty Promises will leave readers shaken by the realities of love gone terribly -- and fatally -- wrong.

Reader's Review

Book Review Summary: Empty Promises and Other True Cases (Crime Files, #7)

Introduction

"Empty Promises and Other True Cases (Crime Files, #7)" by Ann Rule is a collection of true crime stories that delves into the convoluted love affairs that often end in violence. In this book, Rule unmasks the deadly motives behind seemingly idyllic marriages and exposes the dark secrets hidden beneath the facade of fairy tale romance. With a mix of long and short stories, Rule provides readers with a glimpse into the realities of love gone terribly wrong. In this article, we will explore the book's content, the author's background, and readers' opinions on its merits.

About Ann Rule

Ann Rule, the author of "Empty Promises and Other True Cases (Crime Files, #7)," is a renowned true crime writer with a background in law enforcement and criminal justice. Growing up in a law enforcement environment, she developed a passion for working in law enforcement and became a former Seattle Policewoman. With her expertise in psychology and criminology, Rule brings a unique perspective to her true crime writing. She has garnered recognition for her ability to create the true crime genre as it exists today.

Analysis of Views

Engaging Storytelling: Readers praise Rule's storytelling abilities, particularly in the long case of "Empty Promises." The story follows the disappearance of Jami Hagel Sherer and provides insight into the psychological toll of abuse on victims and the complex motivations of the accused.
Unique Perspective: Rule's focus on investigators and police officers sets her apart from other true crime authors. Readers appreciate her ability to bring these individuals to life without relying solely on facts and figures.
Cautionary Tales: The shorter stories in the book serve as cautionary tales, highlighting the dangers of love gone wrong. Readers find these stories particularly impactful and believe they offer valuable lessons for those seeking love.
Dated Content: Some readers note that certain stories in the book feel dated, which may affect their overall enjoyment of the book. However, others argue that the timeless nature of true crime stories allows for their continued relevance.
Length of Short Stories: A few readers express concerns about the length of some short stories, feeling that they lack depth and detail compared to full-length cases. However, others appreciate the brevity of these stories and find them suspenseful and exciting.

Reasons for Recommendation

Engaging Storytelling: The long case of "Empty Promises" captivates readers with its intricate plot and exploration of abuse and manipulation within a marriage. Rule's ability to delve into the psychological aspects of crime makes this case particularly compelling.
Unique Perspective: Rule's focus on investigators and police officers adds depth to her true crime writing, providing readers with a fresh viewpoint on cases that would otherwise be limited to facts and figures.
Cautionary Tales: The shorter stories in the book offer valuable lessons for those seeking love, reminding readers to be cautious and aware of potential dangers. These stories serve as a reminder that true crime can happen to anyone.

Reasons for Not Recommendation

Length of Short Stories: A few readers find some short stories lacking in depth and detail, which may detract from their overall enjoyment of the book. They prefer full-length cases for a more comprehensive understanding of the crimes.
Dated Content: Some readers feel that certain stories in the book feel dated, which may limit their interest in reading it. However, others argue that true crime stories have a timeless quality that allows them to remain relevant over time.

Conclusion

"Empty Promises and Other True Cases (Crime Files, #7)" by Ann Rule offers readers a chilling exploration of true crime cases that delve into the dark side of love and relationships. With engaging storytelling, unique perspectives, and cautionary tales, this book provides valuable insights into the complexities of human behavior and the consequences of love gone wrong. While some readers express concerns about the length of certain short stories and dated content, overall, Ann Rule's expertise in true crime writing shines through in this collection. For those seeking a gripping read that combines psychological depth with real-life horror, "Empty Promises" is highly recommended.