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Book Review of In the Arms of Evil: A True Story of Obsession, Greed, and Murder

In the Arms of Evil: A True Story of Obsession, Greed, and Murder
Helpful Score: 1


This book is well written and researched - I just did not get 'into' it. The scheming woman had a whole lifetime of gambling addiction, and she knew how to behave like a victim though the pain she caused her family and the true victims is what comes through in the story. She just continued doing exactly what she wanted to do. One thing missing from the book was more info about why people continued to support her and be attracted to her. We do get a picture of how manipulative she was, but her attractions pale when you see the degree of chaos she created. The book bogs down about 2/3 way through as the federal government overreach in prosecution results in her victims never really getting justice. Her case was used to try to 'create new law,' and while I admire Carlton Smith for fully explaining and developing this sub-plot, it was sadly boring. Just an average true crime would be my thought.