And Never Let Her Go: Thomas Capano, the Deadly Seducer

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Summary: America's premier true-crime writer does it again
Review: Maybe Ann Rule's books should come with warning labels: "Readers may become addicted. Symptoms include the inability to put this volume down, dark circles under the eyes from staying up late, and an irresistible impulse to tell all one's friends about the book." Ann Rule is the premier true-crime writer in the country, and her works fly off bookstore shelves. Libraries have lengthy "on hold" lists. She takes a compelling story and with riveting, insightful prose, provides us with a wide cast of characters. Some evoke empathy from the reader, and some evoke outright horror. "...And Never Let Her Go" presents us with a trusting, affectionate, vivacious young woman who was murdered by her lover. The killer was a man who behind his facade as a successful, respected attorney, was coldhearted and utterly selfish. Like all of Rule's books, this one is well-researched and filled with extensive characterizations, not only of the victim and the killer but also of the people surrounding them. Rule has unequalled story-telling talents, and each of her books is a savory treat for her millions of readers.

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Summary: Anne Rule's Best
Review: Of Anne Rule's true crime novels that I have read, I consider this to be her best work. It is not flashy, exploitative, or predictable. Although the victim and others hurt by Tom Capano were not totally innocent, Anne Rule does not present them as such; yet she manages to show appropriate compassion for those whose lives were torn apart, never to be mended. Thomas Capano was a manipulative monster, a terrible adversary to be faced; Anne Marie is portrayed clearly as a woman whose childhood predisposed her to be hunted by a sick man. The writing is excellent, especially her information about the Mid-Atlantic states. Buy this one; you'll want to read it again, someday.

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Summary: Prime Rule
Review: This book is a fine example of author Rule at the top of her form, offering a wealth of insight into all the characters involved. Capano is an odious narcissist who is, somehow, incredibly attractive to women. And poor Anne Marie is a well-rendered victim of both her own insecurities and of Capano. No one does it better than Rule when she manages to sink her teeth deep into the flesh of one of these true-crime tales. When she gets it wrong (which, fortunately, is only rarely) as in Every Breath You Take, the wheels come right off. And Never Let Her Go is a creepy, gripping narrative of an ego gone wild and the deadly resulting effects.
Recommended.

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Summary: I Couldn't Put It Down !
Review: This gripping narrative on the killing of Anne Marie Fahey provides an emotionally connecting look at the victim. Ms. Fahey was attractive, talented, kind-hearted...yet troubled by emotional problems. Sadly, she never recognized the danger from her married ex-lover Tom Capano - an egotistical control freak and well-connected attorney for whom a legal restraining order might (or might not) have proved a deterrent. Author Ann Rule gives us a firm portrayal of the victim, her killer, their families, plus the politics of the city of Wilmington and the State of Delaware (where Fahey was the Governor's secretary). Ms. Rule also details the outstanding investigation by law enforcement, plus the lengthy trial, where even the killer's lawyers came to despise his controlling egotism. Some feel the author portrays Fahey and a second mistress too nicely - after all, both women maintained an affair with a man whom they knew to be married. Still, emotional insecurity has led many to foolhardy actions; in Fahey's case with results that turned tragic.

AND NEVER LET HER GO is longer and more connecting than most of Ms. Rule's true-crime narratives. The author seems captivated by Ms. Fahey and her family, and readers may experience similar emotions while enjoying this page-turning narrative.

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Summary: Not One Of Her Best
Review: This is a story about a young woman who has fallen prey to Thomas Capano, The Deadly Seducer. Like a lot of young women with low self esteem, she slowly believes that he is the only person who will ever love someone like her because of her many faults. Slowly, with the helps of therapists, she finds confidence and love. Thomas Capano cannot stand this. He wants all his women to need him and do what he wants and if he can't have them, no one will.
The story behind this book is very common but it just seemed to drag on for a long time. I really enjoy reading Ann Rule but I found myself scanning pages because there was a lot of unnecessary info. It's a good read nonetheless.