This review will be comprehensive, and broken down into several areas. I will preface each one so if you don't wish to read that aspect of the review you can skip to the next area.
STORY SUMMARY (contains minor story spoilers, but no more than is available in product description): If You Really Loved Me by: Ann Rule is the true crime story of a Southern California man, David Brown, who utilizes his manipulative abilities, money, and other aspects of his life to convince his minor-child daughter, and his minor sister-in-law/lover (the sister of his wife - not an in-law by a sibling) to murder his wife. It takes place in Southern California in the 80's.
MY ASSUMPTIONS PRIOR TO PURCHASE: I'm an avid true crime genre reader, but had never read any of Rule's books. I'd heard/seen her name before, but for some reason thought she wrote fictional detective/crime thrillers. I had heard about the David Brown story initially by seeing a T.V. Series about it. It peaked my interest enough to purchase another book which was written about the story, A Killing in the Family. I never knew there was another book out there regarding this topic nor did I know there was another TV show based on the events. 6 or 7 years after watching/reading the above mentioned things, which introduced me to this story, I ended up watching the 4 hour Lifetime movie which was based on Rule's book on these events. I had intended to purchase the book as it seemed there were more details present in the version I saw however, it was a TV movie so I wasn't sure how much, if any, content was altered for a more enthralling viewing experience. After recently finishing an unrelated true crime book, my kindle provided me with the screen that shows you what other books people bought/viewed who had purchased the book I had finished. If You Really Loved Me was one of those options. The reviews seemed positive, I recalled my interest in the story, but was a bit hesitant to buy the book since I had never read Rule and had a three book run with true crime authors I had never tried before, which were bad gambles. My interest in the story and the reviews tipped the scales for me in Rule's favor to take a gamble...and I'm so happy to say I finally hit the jackpot!
POSITIVES FOR THE BOOK/WRITING STYLE: Rule utilizes an approach in If You Really Loved Me that I really enjoyed. She breaks the book down into separate parts in order to tell you the story. The format utilized presents a broad, brilliantly detailed picture which makes you feel as if you were almost there.
They are as follows:
(1) The victim's story - which highlights everything from the crime itself, the back story of the victim, and the events which bring our victim in contact with the killer(s). In doing so, we are introduced to Linda Brown in a very personal way. Rule doesn't rely on court transcripts alone to accomplish this, but also conducts in-depth interviews with the victims family, friends, and other relevant persons in order to ensure we truly know the victim. In doing so - she truly ensnares your feelings (no matter which end of the spectrum your feelings fall into - hero, heel, etc.,) - you become invested in the story, as much as is possible since we weren't actually there, and you are left with a broad understanding of who this person was, and how the crime which took place effected all persons involved. This includes an infant daughter, family, friends, and community. The victims aren't merely a name in a book thanks to Rule's careful attention and description. (Rule relates information which may have you pondering how some crime participants may be victims as well. But - that is for you to decide, and she doesn't force that possibility down your craw). It is worth mentioning, in my opinion, I never felt bogged down by needless details often present in some unpolished true crime writers works. There seems to be little fluff or unsupported author supposition - which I really loathe from a reader standpoint, and is usually far too present in many true crime tales. Supposition is a part of true crime writing to a certain degree, as no one will ever know the full 100% truth of any crime! but using it judicially is something I value highly in this genre. While Rule may paint a semi-angelic portrait of our victim, seemingly void of any faults, it doesn't appear to diminish this story. I feel fairly certain, due to the high degree of investigation and supported factual reporting, if there were relevant details of the victim's character, it would be included.
(2) The detectives/prosecutors - she explains who they are, personalities, training, past, personal info where applicable, their styles, motivations, and how they accomplished their work in order to bring about justice. Rule is fabulous at explaining scientific data at a commonly understandable level for those of us who aren't forensic scientists. She doesn't mire you in scientific detail to the point of exclusion or being puzzled. Instead she explains it's relevance, the how, why, and significance of where it fits into the overall picture. She is able to capture its importance, and highlight where it ties back to conflicting accounts or situations. While doing so I never found myself bored or scanning concepts/ideas which could've been detailed to death. She is succinct, and clear - even when dealing with court transcription areas. Court accounts can be quite lengthy, and droll (we need not know every single objection unless it supports the story in some identifiable way) as real life court proceedings are far from the nice, tidy 1 hour Law and Order episodes society has taken a shine to. The court room can be a complicated long process, and Rule efficiently deals with details, giving us the whole picture without drowning us in repetitive minutiae. I, for one, love a writer in this genre who has the ability to keep the readers interest, maintain suspense, and evoke understanding without quoting every facet of a transcript to death. Relevant and related with ties back to information presented. She paints a picture of what has happened fairly and accurately while providing the reader with what they need to know to understand what occurred, without over exposure to unnecessary information. We also get to know the personnel who assisted in ensuring the guilty are not walking free, and see the level of commitment and hard work that went into the process. These people are heroes in their own right, and the recognition is well deserved. We often hear about the victim, and the salacious details of the accused, but rarely see the men and women behind the picture who aid in administering justice. Rule has us as their silent partner on the journey, but never is it boring or not needed. It is an important piece of the tale, and I liked that I was introduced to these people as more than just "the lawyer, the police officer, the lead detective" it introduces more humanity into the events. One must never forget this actually happened to real people, changed their lives, and Rule never loses sight of that aspect, and neither will you.
Lastly (3). The Killer. She delves into their lives from childhood (but not to the point of overkill) and lets you form you're own opinion from the info presented as opposed to shoving a scenario down your throat. She hits their mentality, motivations, own words, the course their life took, and eventually, their ending. I respect that she does this without endless unsupported author supposition. The facts, the first person accounts, words from the accused own lips. She cites her source material, talks about her experience interviewing them, and her research, dedication, and love for her work shows through as a result. She isn't a true crime writer who sees a story, and does bare bone research. She's in the court room during the trial, she speaks to all the parties involved or related, and presents their accounts with minimal spin, and even less personal soap box perspective. While there is little doubt on who the bad guy is, it is presented in a way which allows you to come to a conclusion based on the provided details, not because Rule inserts her opinion. She lets the facts speak for themselves.
In my opinion, Rule is a TRUE TALENTED true crime writer. I would venture (based just on this book as it is the only one I've read...thus far, but I will be reading more) that she is a master of her craft in this genre. If Stephen King is the paragon of Horror genre writing then Rule is his equal in her own genre.
While the story is horribly tragic, sad, and not easily grasped in terms of how someone could be so evil to do this, it is worth the read. I emerged with empathy for his victims, yes, victims even though there is one body it is obvious to me just how many people were adversely impacted by one mans selfishness. I take into account the involvement of others, but I feel, after finishing the last page, David Brown is the epitome of evil incarnate in this tale, and the catalyst of this enterprise of death and destruction.
I also liked how Rule went back to give us updates, and provides continual updates on the related persons involved via her website. Many stories I always wonder what the aftermath was down the line in central figures lives. Rule gives us a platform or forum to go back to, to find out what the status is for everyone from an investigator to Cinny Brown years down the road. The story doesn't stop for Rule just because the court case is over, and the book is published.
I also liked that there were photos of the persons/places involved. I'm surprised how many true crime books don't include this. I'm not speaking of death scene photography, but rather pics that allow you to link the descriptions to an actual face or place.
WHAT I DIDNT LIKE: I really can't think of much which isn't a common theme for me. Usually I can pin point aspects that I feel could be improved solely from at least my perspective. In my opinion this was a really great piece of investigative, interesting, compelling work. Very well presented. I truly was enthralled, and captivated despite the fact I knew many aspects of the case already, and knew how the court case ended. To walk into a story, knowing the ending, and still come out on the other side satisfied, and equally enthralled is telling.
WHO I WOULD SUGGEST THIS TO: any true crime reader, personnel in the law enforcement, and judicial fields, people who are interested in a compelling story, and almost anyone who can handle a story that has warts and all exposed. While this isn't a traditional happy story by any means it does illuminate the unfortunate twisted people out there, and how average people can become involved, even just as a product of their jobs. And it is redeeming in the respect that Linda received justice.
If you are willing to deal with some unpleasant realities and truths this is for sure a worth while read but it isn't for those who are squeamish. Not because of Rule's writing, but rather because of the lack of humanity in David Brown.
I, for one, look forward to reading more of Rule's work and only regret I didn't pick up a work of hers sooner. 5 solid stars all the way!
If You Really Loved Me
4.5 | 3,023 ratings
Price: 19.68
Last update: 12-10-2024
About this item
Top reviews from the United States
Tash50Tash50A must read for those who enjoy the True Crime genre!
Reviewed in the United States on July 4, 2014
MichelleAnn Rule NEVER disappoints !
Reviewed in the United States on November 22, 2020
NessGreat read, tragic story
Reviewed in the United States on November 17, 2023
NjMcPerfect representation of a terrible crime
Reviewed in the United States on October 23, 2024
Annie SparksNo Better crime writer than Ann Rule♥️
Reviewed in the United States on October 10, 2024
GregWild story. Unbelievable really!
Reviewed in the United States on December 23, 2023
Alexa GiovanniWoah
Reviewed in the United States on September 11, 2024
Julie YB