Dead by Sunset

Perfect Husband, Perfect Killer?

By: Ann Rule

Narrated by: Richard Ferrone

Length: 20 hrs and 38 mins

Publisher's summary

The shocking tale from true crime queen Ann Rule.

Who is Brad Cunningham? How could five beautiful, intelligent, and successful women believe he was their dream come true? Ask any women who ever longed for "the perfect man".

Loni Ann, Cynthia, Lauren, Cheryl, and Sara seemed to have it all - beauty, wealth, children, and a husband who they believed to be this perfect man - Brad Cunningham. He was handsome, charismatic, and mysterious. They adored him and tried to give him all he wanted. But he wanted everything: sex, money, and it seemed, their very lives. How long would it take before he finally got what he deserved?

This question haunts Dead by Sunset, Ann Rule's riveting and impeccably researched study of the destructive relationships, multiple marriages, financial manipulations, and monstrous acts of harassment and revenge that surrounded Brad Cunningham and his wives. It is also a penetrating - and ultimately shocking - recreation of Cheryl's murder and the eight years it took to bring her killer to justice.

Dead by Sunset is a chilling look at the evil that lurks behind the most charming of facades and a fascinating homage to the kind of courage and brilliance it takes to combat it.

©2008 Ann Rule (P)2011 Simon & Schuster

Critic reviews

"Rule provides a perceptive character analysis of a malignant, self-centered, charismatic con artist. It's a chilling, haunting portrait." ( Publishers Weekly)

"The similarities with the O.J. case are compelling." ( The Spokesman-Review)

"Fascinating material.... Ms. Rule admirably recounts this labyrinthine tale. ( The New York Times Book Review)

Great book, took me a while to get used to narration

Great classic Ann Rule writing, but the narrator was different from many other Rule audiobooks. He is very dramatic, a bit overwrought, but eventually I got used to it.

AWESOME!!!!

Very good narrator. The story kept you wanting more. I did not want to stop listen to it. This is worth more than the credit I used. Ann Rule is a very good author.

Creepy true story.

Creepy true story with respect for Cheryl Keeton. Well written and well read. It's so sad on many levels. Who'd have thought it possible. He'd everything....

Wow

Blasted my abilities to comprehend evil to a new level! So well written I almost felt as though I was listening in to a priestly confession of a diabolical mind of a killer. And indeed I was. Great read.

On e of Ann Rules best

Intriguing with ample background setting the stage for all characters. Long book but definitely a page turner.

One of the Best Ann Rule Reads

Couldn’t stop listening to this book! I was riveted and could not stop listening. One of the best Ann Rule books.

What a Story! Well told.

I’m thankful that I can finally get back to my life. This story sucked me in and I just couldn’t put it down. I have listened to many true crime stories but none were as gripping as this one and it is SO WELL TOLD.

Amazing

I have read several true crime, authors, including Gerry, Bledsoe, and other books by and rand this book is amazing. Not only is it eye-opening towards the depravity some men are capable of showing, but all women are often prayed upon. It was so good I might have to read it twice. I would’ve loved to of heard quotes from the quart room putting Brad in his place. I would’ve loved for Michael to have ultimately been the one to nail Brad‘s coffin shot. And I thought that might be coming but it never was. He truly cannot be reformed and he definitely would kill again. The only place he could ever belong is in prison.

Another gem by Ann Rule

I love Ann Rule, so I'm biased. But she was a master researcher, gathering just enough details about the lives of the victims and perpetrators to paint a truly complete picture of the crime. This is the story of a true sociopath and his master manipulation of the many, many women in his life (including his own daughter). Hilariously, the perpetrator self published a rebuttal to this book. I haven't read it but the online reviews suggest it's more a run down of his sexual conquests than proof of his claimed innocence.

The performance is great; he has an awesome voice and it kept me totally engaged.

Wasn't crazy about narration, Story terrific tho

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I absolutely would recommend this book. If you're a fan of true crime, you will enjoy it.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Dead by Sunset?

Over and over being bewildered at what an )@&*(# Brad Cunningham was to just about everyone around him, PARTICULARLY his wives and children. A classic psychopath.

What do you think the narrator could have done better?

Get a new voice? Seriously, the reading was well done, but I tired of his voice very quickly, which is a problem when you have to spend that amount of time listening to someone.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

You do NOT want to marry this man!

Any additional comments?

Overall, I liked this book, finished it quickly, and was satisfied with the outcome.