Evidence of Love

A True Story of Passion and Death in the Suburbs

By: John Bloom, Jim Atkinson

Narrated by: Charles Constant

Length: 12 hrs and 32 mins

Publisher's summary

Candy Montgomery and Betty Gore had a lot in common: They sang together in the Methodist church choir, their daughters were best friends, and their husbands had good jobs working for technology companies in the North Dallas suburbs known as Silicon Prairie. But beneath the placid surface of their seemingly perfect lives, both women simmered with unspoken frustrations and unanswered desires.   

On a hot summer day in 1980, the secret passions and jealousies that linked Candy and Betty exploded into murderous rage. What happened next is usually the stuff of fiction. But the bizarre and terrible act of violence that occurred in Betty's utility room that morning was all too real.   

Based on exclusive interviews with the Montgomery and Gore families, Evidence of Love is the riveting account of a gruesome tragedy and the trial that made national headlines when the defendant entered the most unexpected of pleas: not guilty by reason of self-defense (Fort Worth Star-Telegram).   

Adapted into the Emmy and Golden Globe Award-winning television movie A Killing in a Small Town, this chilling tale of sin and savagery will "fascinate true crime aficionados" (Kirkus Reviews).

©1983 John Bloom and James R. Atkinson (P)2019 Tantor

Critic reviews

"An extraordinary book.... As compelling as the best fiction and as thorough as the best history." (Dallas Times Herald)

FINALLY!!!

This was AWESOME! I could not stop listening! I love true crime, it’s my favorite genre and I’m a tough one to please. This book was fascinating and I had never heard of it. I really enjoyed this one .

But... On the Other Hand

Overall, the book was quite good. I liked the way the authors really hid the actual events of the murder to the very end but you didn’t feel you were being denied one bit of relevant context. It is a story of good people doing bad things for what may or may not be the right reasons, depending on your moral position. Lots of grey area. I like that space.

Excellent writing and narration. 5 stars!

I listen to/read a lot of true crime and this is one of the best.

Compelling true story

Great narrator. Have to admit the description of the killing and autopsy were very difficult to hear, even for a true crime fan. Unlike other crime stories, this one stayed with me. Kind of unbelievable. I wonder what happened to all involved in the following years.

Fascinating story that holds your attention.

I lived in McKinney at the time this murder happened and sat in on some of the courtroom testimony with my grandmother. This book captures all the sordid details and the fascinating workings of the psyche. It makes you really THINK about what people are really capable of. Great book and narration.

great listen

Loved this book! I listen to a lot of true crime and I think this is going to go in the "listen again" section if my library.

Superb Reporting

Beyond the great reporting, the vivid characters, fine details, and construction of story presents a compelling book.

Finally

True crime is epidemic on my library. Every
One I choose is ?? This book is one of the
Very best The background on all the people
Involved allowed me to walk into the events
Unfolding with real anticipation for what was
Coming next
. Highly recommend. Loved it

Awesome Listen

I live in Collin County and thought I knew this story. I was wrong. It’s a great listen with details you do not want to miss.

Great book

Was an easy listen, sure didn't end the way I expected it to. You will not regret listening!

The definitive account

This is an amazingly well documented account, including back stories on all principle characters. While precisely what transpired is still being debated, this account is as close as any of us will get to a fly on the wall account. Excellent reading.