A compelling read about a man whose first wife died under suspicious circumstances and then his second wife and his stepson also die under suspicious circumstances. This is the kind of book I could not put down -- it reads like a true crime book but what makes it even more interesting is that the authors were long-time friends and neighbors of the accused. In fact, for a long time, they continued to believe in his innocence. In investigating this case, they interviewed many people and found a disturbing pattern of lies, insurance fraud, etc. The last chapter is called "the story behind the story" and really brings this book to an incredibly poignant close - the sense of betrayal felt by the authors is painful -- do we really know the people in our lives? I highly recommend this book.

Thank you to Netgalley and Rowman & Littlefield for an ARC and I voluntarily left this review.

I knew very little about the case, but given the in depth research of Fred’s background - wow

Impunity. Altruism. Psychopath. Fraud.

I can see this novel as if it was an adaption of American Crime Story.

Well done. Easy to follow

I love anything true crime. It is an interesting Genre and one i always love.

This book did not disappoint and the title definitely makes you want to read this. It was EERIE and if you are a fan of Gregg Olsen then this book would be for those fans.

The Authors set out to find out why their neighbors son died in the boating accident and to find out if it was an accident. When the neighbors husband Fred gets arrested and convicted of the murder this makes them search even further. While they are investigating what happen this is when they open the door to deceit and murder.

Excellent writing and just an overall great read.

Thanks NetGalley for letting me read and review.

I live for true crime and this did not disappoint! When I first requested this book I thought it was fiction and I was pleasantly surprised and eerily grateful that it was truth. Perfect for fans of Greg Olsen.

Ivor and Sally Davis were horrified when their Malibu neighbors, Verna Roehler and her son, Doug died in a terrible boating accident. The nightmare only continued when her husband, their friend, Fred Roehler, was arrested and then convicted for their murder. As investigative writers they set out hoping to find Roehler innocent—instead they found a viper’s nest of deceit and murder.

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for the eArc of this book.

Fascinating true crime.
Thanks to author, publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book. While I got the book for free it had no bearing on the rating I gave it.

Compelling, Immersive…
The inside account from the perspective of Ivor Davis and Sally Ogle Davis of their investigation following the arrest and subsequent trial of, their long time friend and Malibu neighbour, Fred Roehler. The authors were aghast when they heard of the drowning of neighbour Verna Roehler and young son Doug at Bird Rock - this was also the catalyst for the soon to be investigation of Fred by local police. As the trial commenced, the authors were wholly convinced of Fred’s innocence but were soon to discover many threads that were to alter their perspective dramatically. A deeply intricate, highly readable and well written factual account which takes the reader through the whole tragedy whilst maintaining a neutral perspective. In a separate back section, the authors then consider their own later change of heart and their reasoning for the same. Compellingly told - an emotional, often shocking and immersive read,