• Fatal Friends, Deadly Neighbors: And Other True Cases

  • Ann Rule's Crime Files, Book 16
  • By: Ann Rule
  • Narrated by: Laural Merlington
  • Length: 13 hrs and 20 mins
  • 4.2 out of 5 stars (437 ratings)

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Fatal Friends, Deadly Neighbors: And Other True Cases  By  cover art

Fatal Friends, Deadly Neighbors: And Other True Cases

By: Ann Rule
Narrated by: Laural Merlington
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Publisher's summary

It’s a chilling reality that homicide investigators know all too well: The last face most murder victims see is not that of a stranger, but of someone familiar. Whether only an acquaintance or a trusted intimate, such killers share a common trait that triggers the downward spiral toward death for someone close to them: They are masters at hiding who they really are. Their clever masks let them appear safe, kind, and truthful. They are anything but - and almost no one can detect the murderous impulses buried deep in their psyches.

These doomed relationships are the focus of Ann Rule’s 16th Crime Files collection. In these shattering inside views of both headlined and little-known homicides, Rule speaks for vulnerable victims who relied on the wrong people. She begins with two startling novella-length investigations.

In July 2011, a billionaire’s Coronado, California, mansion was the setting for two horrifying deaths only days apart - his young son’s plunge from a balcony and his girlfriend’s ghastly hanging. What really happened? Baffling questions remain unanswered, as these cases were closed far too soon for hundreds of people; Rule looks at them now through the eyes of a relentless crime reporter. The second probe began in Utah when Susan Powell vanished in a 2009 blizzard. Her controlling husband, Josh, proved capable of a blind rage that was heartbreakingly fatal to his innocent small sons almost three years later in a tragedy that shocked America as the details unfolded. If anyone had detected the depth of depravity within Josh Powell, perhaps the family that loved and trusted him would have been saved.

In these and seven other riveting cases, Ann Rule exposes the twisted truth behind the facades of Fatal Friends, Deadly Neighbors.

©2013 Ann Rule (P)2013 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

What listeners say about Fatal Friends, Deadly Neighbors: And Other True Cases

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The Evil People Do

What did you love best about Fatal Friends, Deadly Neighbors: And Other True Cases?

Based on facts.

What was the most compelling aspect of this narrative?

The inner evil contained in the hearts of human beings.

What about Laural Merlington’s performance did you like?

Pleasant voice.

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

Pure Evil

Any additional comments?

I enjoy everything that Ann Rule writes. Would love to see some movies based on her stories.

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11 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    1 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

hang in there

I always find that Ann Rule has a great way to recreate true crime stories, but unfortunately, this can all be lost if the narration is sub par. I personally could not deal with the overly dramatic interpretations as the voices of little kids, frightened victims, authority, etc.

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8 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Wow!

The first case had so many details. It was shocking and unbelievable. I haven't been so engrossed in a true crime story before. Great Job Ann on the detail and investigation. That story originally disgusted me.....but wow...it makes me want justice for the victims more than ever....even though that obviously won't happen now.

Great book. I have suggested to friends already. You won't be disappointed.

Narrator was ok...

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8 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Narration was INCREDIBLE

Where does Fatal Friends, Deadly Neighbors: And Other True Cases rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This is probably the 3rd of top 5 true crime books I've EVER read...this was my first Ann Rule.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Fatal Friends, Deadly Neighbors: And Other True Cases?

Laural Merlington does a job with the narration that I can just not put into words, except for saying (as shed change into different character voices-especially suspects) IT WAS DOWN RIGHT CHILLING!

Have you listened to any of Laural Merlington’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No I have not. I can only wonder how I've gone this many books (17) without her narration! The woman is amazing!

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes!

Any additional comments?

Narrators ability to catch all tones of all personalities was just a wonder in and of itself! I would and am going back to more Ann Rule just to listen to Merlington play out the characters!!

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5 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

yup, I'm creeped out after this one.

if you're the type that wants to read a book that will leave you paralyzed with fear, as apparently I am, this will do the trick.

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3 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    2 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    1 out of 5 stars
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    2 out of 5 stars

narrator killed it for me...

struggled to listen because narrators voices were comical, most stories not interesting except first one.

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3 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

typical 70s and 80s stories

not much different than the others in the series. if you like crimes from the 70s and 80s when criminals had easier chances of going free...listen!!

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Not a fan of stories with no ending.

This was the first Ann Rule book I’ve encountered where the killer is still unknown. I was not prepared for that, and it felt unsatisfying. The stories were still good; just a few of them felt...unfinished.

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

I love mysteries.

Second time reading it. Better the first time. Still chilling though. The deaths in Coronado is just straight creepy. Hope both families find closure if not justice..

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Another fantastic Ann Rule book!

What made the experience of listening to Fatal Friends, Deadly Neighbors: And Other True Cases the most enjoyable?

Ann rule does an amazing job telling the back story of all the people involved

Who was your favorite character and why?

The victim. So loving and too giving.

Did Laural Merlington do a good job differentiating all the characters? How?

Fair

If you could give Fatal Friends, Deadly Neighbors: And Other True Cases a new subtitle, what would it be?

None

Any additional comments?

Wish Ann Rule would do us fans the honor of narrating one of her own books:-)

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2 people found this helpful