Small Sacrifices - Ann Rule

Advantages: Story was told well and compassionately, The surviving children were adopted by the prosecutor.
Disadvantages: Three children were shot by their mother, one dying.

Have you ever wondered what kind of a woman would shoot her own children to be with a man that she claimed to love? I sure couldn’t fathom it. We all know good parents. Those of us raising children do everything in our power to do our best by the children, from providing the basics of food, clothing, and shelter on forward to whatever else we can do for them. Anything less is unimaginable. Well, awhile back, I read the book ‘Small Sacrifices’ ...
...since. So much so that I have read this book a few times and enjoyed it every time. This book is about Diane Downs, a mother and postal worker, who shot her 3 children. Two were critically injured while the other was dead on arrival at the hospital. Diane was also shot in her left (?) forearm, nothing serious. As the story goes, Diane blames it on a bushy hair stranger. But it isn’t long before the police start to suspect her. Her story starts ... Read review

Advantages: smooth storytelling
Disadvantages: a harrowing true story

I love this book and have read it numerous times but not since becoming a mother. I think if I was to read it again now, the book would have a whole new tone for me. The thought of my child in danger and pain makes me sick to my stomach - to be the one who would inflict such terror and hurt upon her is just so far beyond my comprehension. The tragic story of Diane Downs and her 3 children is a harrowing one indeed. Separated from her husband and ...
...obsessive relationship with a married colleague - Lew. Lew enjoys freedom from such complications as children so torn between the excitement of Diane (and her burden) and his love for his wife, Lew is back and forth between the two women. Eventually, he decides to save his marriage and leaves a heartbroken but undeterred Diane. After many unsuccessful attempts to win back the love of her life, Diane comes up with a final, fatal plan which she sure ... Read review