Family, Friends and Neighbors - by Richard Estep

About the Book

"In the United States, it is a fact that victims of murder are more likely to be killed by someone they know than by a stranger. Family, Friends, and Neighbors discusses the cases, main players, and consequences of 34 murderous rampages dating from the Victorian Era to the present day. From famous cases such as the ax-wielding Lizzie Borden and the money-obsessed Menendez brothers to lesser-known but still gruesome crimes committed by crazy, desperate, vengeful, or simply brutal monsters, this well-researched book explains just what happened, why it happened (when possible), and whether or not the criminals were caught"--

Book Synopsis

Delve into the chillingly true world of murder and deceit. Explore the twisted paths of those driven by dark motives of control, money, social status, and revenge, and the unsuspecting victims who placed their trust in them.

Discover the dark secrets that lurk behind closed doors in Family, Friends and Neighbors: Stories of Murder and Betrayal. You will be left questioning just how well you truly know those around you in this gripping true-crime collection. Dive into infamous cases such as Richard "Alex" Murdaugh, the Menendez Brothers, and Lizzie Borden, and also examine lesser-known crimes that will send shivers down your spine. You'll investigate thirty-four shocking tales of mind-boggling acts of violence, such as ...

The captivating downfall of prestigious attorney and community figure Alex Murdaugh, whose addiction spiraled into a web of deceit, fraud, and murder.

The heartbreaking story of Michael and Robert Bever, brothers driven to commit unspeakable acts due to a lifetime of torment inflicted by their own parents.

The macabre case of Heather Mack and her boyfriend, Tommy Schaefer, who were entangled in a web of greed and trust funds leading to a gruesome discovery inside a suitcase.

The shocking crimes committed by Lyle and Erik Menendez, whose privileged lives culminated in the massacre of their own parents, forever shocking the nation.

The accused Victorian-era serial poisoner, Mary Ann Cotton, and the mysterious deaths of her husbands and children.

The troubled Florida teen Tyler Hadley and his wild house party that went on while his parents' bodies bled in the master bedroom.

The bank vice-president-turned-embezzler Steven Sueppel, whose mounting debts compelled him to commit a desperate act of murder.

And dozens of other intimate murders and webs of deceit!

Murders committed to escape a marriage, or out of dire desperation, or from an insane separation from reality, these and other less comprehensible motivations fill the pages of Family, Friends and Neighbors. It's an unflinching look into humanity's dark side! Read the stories, investigate the facts, and meet the vicious killers who murder the people who should have been nearest and dearest to them.

Review Quotes

"Okay, if you are faint of heart, this book is probably not for you. ... Family, Friends, and Neighbors has one chilling story after another. After the first page, I couldn't put this book down. If you love being creeped out, then this is the book for you!" --Unexplained-Mysteries.com

"In his latest exploration into the realm of true crime, Estep (The Serial Killer Next Door) delves beyond the sensationalism surrounding infamous serial killers. He draws readers' attention to a chilling reality: murder is more likely to be perpetrated by someone known to the victim, rather than a stranger. ... Estep meticulously dissects the alarming phenomenon of familicide, a gruesome subset of violent crimes often fueled by abuse and power dynamics within relationships. ... He skillfully uncovers patterns and motives ... There is a common thread of desperation and the quest for escape in the motives behind these crimes. ... A good introductory exploration into the minds of killers who defy conventional stereotypes." --Library Journal

"Your true crime fanatic will love it." --Indianapolis Recorder

"This collection brings together 35 tales of murder and is a bonanza for true-crime aficionados. ... the vast majority of these grizzly crimes take place in the United States during the last 100 years. ... Inconsistencies in alibis, irregularities in evidence, and controversies over conviction are explored, as are possible motives. ... This ready reference will come in handy for public libraries that support wanna-be detectives and crime stoppers." --Booklist

"[Richard Estep] covers many obscure cases, at least to me, he also includes many well-known cases, such as Ronnie Defeo (The Amityville Horror), the Menendez brothers, and Casey Anthony. Though it may be tough to relive these stories, it is very comforting to know how the accused killers ended up. No matter what, these crimes are inexcusable. What is fascinating is how the accused try to hide what they did, often blaming it on either other family members or non-existent attackers. Family, Friends, and Neighbors: Stories of Murder and Betrayal is a great book, whether you have long been interested in true crime or if it is something you are just getting into." --Basement of the Bizarre