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An Almost Perfect Murder
A critical care nurse marries his patient’s widow only to later poison her in this true crime story by the author of Stolen in the Night.
A Woman with A Passion For Power . . .
Kathy Marie Augustine was not out to make friends. In politics, she rose to the top by playing hardball—and pushing her way through the old boy’s network of the Nevada legislature, rising to the rank of State Controller. When she died, only a few people shed tears—including the man who killed her.
A Killer with A Foolproof Plan . . .
Chaz Higgs was a former body-builder turned intensive care nurse who saw wealthy, sexy Kathy Marie Augustine as his meal-ticket—until he couldn’t stomach her domineering personality any longer. When Chaz decided he’d had enough, he chose a poison that would leave no evidence behind.
Murder Hidden in Plain Sight . . .
The death of a nationally-known politician made headlines, but one slip of the tongue came to the attention of a determined Nevada detective. Now, true-crime master Gary C. King takes us into the extraordinary life and death of a famously ambitious woman politician, behind the scenes of the investigation that unearthed shocking secrets, and into the heart and mind of a man who nearly got away with the perfect crime . . .
Includes Sixteen Pages of Revealing Photos
A Woman with A Passion For Power . . .
Kathy Marie Augustine was not out to make friends. In politics, she rose to the top by playing hardball—and pushing her way through the old boy’s network of the Nevada legislature, rising to the rank of State Controller. When she died, only a few people shed tears—including the man who killed her.
A Killer with A Foolproof Plan . . .
Chaz Higgs was a former body-builder turned intensive care nurse who saw wealthy, sexy Kathy Marie Augustine as his meal-ticket—until he couldn’t stomach her domineering personality any longer. When Chaz decided he’d had enough, he chose a poison that would leave no evidence behind.
Murder Hidden in Plain Sight . . .
The death of a nationally-known politician made headlines, but one slip of the tongue came to the attention of a determined Nevada detective. Now, true-crime master Gary C. King takes us into the extraordinary life and death of a famously ambitious woman politician, behind the scenes of the investigation that unearthed shocking secrets, and into the heart and mind of a man who nearly got away with the perfect crime . . .
Includes Sixteen Pages of Revealing Photos
351 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2008
772 people are currently reading
386 people want to read
About the author
Gary C. King
30 books939 followersGary C. King is a freelance author and lecturer who has published more than 500 articles in true crime magazines in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. He is also the author of several true crime books including: Blood Lust: Portrait of a Serial Sex Killer, Driven to Kill, Web of Deceit, Blind Rage, Savage Vengeance, An Early Grave, The Texas 7, Murder in Hollywood, Angels of Death, Stolen in the Night, Love, Lies, and Murder, An Almost Perfect Murder, Butcher, Rage, The Murder of Meredith Kercher, Crime Scene: True Stories of Crime and Detection, and Murder Most Foul: True Crime Stories of Murder and Mayhem.
Driven to Kill, the story of serial child killer Westley Allan Dodd's killing spree, was nominated for an Anthony Award in the Best True Crime Book category at Bouchercon 25.
Blood Lust: Portrait of a Serial Sex Killer, details the bizarre case of Dayton Leroy Rogers, Oregon's worst serial killer. A German language edition of Blood Lust was published in 1995. Both Blood Lust and Driven to Kill were chosen as featured selections of Doubleday's True Crime Book Club.
King’s television appearances have included Entertainment Tonight, Larry King Live, Inside Edition, Court TV, MSNBC’s Headliners and Legends, E!, British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), Extra TV, and several other programs. He also frequently provides radio interviews and has given talks at libraries as well as organizations devoted to readers and writers interested in the genre of true crime.
After years of traditional publishing, King recently joined the growing ranks of indie authors.
Driven to Kill, the story of serial child killer Westley Allan Dodd's killing spree, was nominated for an Anthony Award in the Best True Crime Book category at Bouchercon 25.
Blood Lust: Portrait of a Serial Sex Killer, details the bizarre case of Dayton Leroy Rogers, Oregon's worst serial killer. A German language edition of Blood Lust was published in 1995. Both Blood Lust and Driven to Kill were chosen as featured selections of Doubleday's True Crime Book Club.
King’s television appearances have included Entertainment Tonight, Larry King Live, Inside Edition, Court TV, MSNBC’s Headliners and Legends, E!, British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), Extra TV, and several other programs. He also frequently provides radio interviews and has given talks at libraries as well as organizations devoted to readers and writers interested in the genre of true crime.
After years of traditional publishing, King recently joined the growing ranks of indie authors.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
May 22, 2010
This is more of a comment than a review but I had a hard time mustering sympathy for Kathy Augustine and there for, I felt on the wrong side of the book. I have read 50 plus true crime books and this is the first time I ever felt like this.
December 26, 2021
Long story. Not very convincing case
I have read countless true crime books and 99.9% of the time, by the middle of the case, I am convinced of the defendant's guilt. I felt very wishy washy on this one. Author did not spend any time delving into a solid motive. He should have spent more time on that. I am left confused and not totally sure of his guilt. There is slight mention of a life insurance type lifetime benefit from, I assume, the state of Nevada, but Chaz would not have been the beneficiary. The daughter was the beneficiary. So what was the motive. Yes, he had a serious flirtation going on with another lady, but it never evolved into a full blown affair. Chaz had bern married 3 times before, but no mention is made of the kind of husband he was to them. Was he a cheater? Was he mentally and/or physically abusive? There is no exploration of that. Overall, most of the book is a long, drawn out trial that is dry, boring, and centers only on the succ and how it works. The certified experts on both sides are unconvincing and I'm going to look to see if there are any updates on the appeal since this book was published in 2008.
I have read countless true crime books and 99.9% of the time, by the middle of the case, I am convinced of the defendant's guilt. I felt very wishy washy on this one. Author did not spend any time delving into a solid motive. He should have spent more time on that. I am left confused and not totally sure of his guilt. There is slight mention of a life insurance type lifetime benefit from, I assume, the state of Nevada, but Chaz would not have been the beneficiary. The daughter was the beneficiary. So what was the motive. Yes, he had a serious flirtation going on with another lady, but it never evolved into a full blown affair. Chaz had bern married 3 times before, but no mention is made of the kind of husband he was to them. Was he a cheater? Was he mentally and/or physically abusive? There is no exploration of that. Overall, most of the book is a long, drawn out trial that is dry, boring, and centers only on the succ and how it works. The certified experts on both sides are unconvincing and I'm going to look to see if there are any updates on the appeal since this book was published in 2008.
November 17, 2018
Great! This true crime novel will glue you to your seat and really tickle your mind. Talking about the murder of Kathy Augustine and republican politician in the state of Nevada. Following her death, her husband reports the cause to be heart attack. Others silently think that her political rivals might have had a hand in it since she was not a very likeable person. She had an aggressive personality. Always yelling and shouting to her subordinates. She was a tought boss. However, investigations pointed to her husband Chaz Higgs as the killer.
Chaz Higgs was a body builder and a nurse. He had complained to a number of people that he was unhappy in his marriage. That his wife was a bully who used to abused him. He had even haboured thoughts of killing his wife. Despite these chilling revelations, none of those who heard his complaints ever went to the police. Until they were contacted by officers is when they started recalling those conversations.
Chaz was divorced to four women before he married Kathy Augustine. During her death, he was going through divorce number five. However, there was no established motive to his suspected crime. The cause of death was established to be poison by a controlled substance known as "succylcholine" or "succs". Though no traces of the drug was found in her blood or tissues, it was traced in her urine. It was a case that was going to be proved only by science. That was where the bone of contention rested.
Chaz Higgs was a body builder and a nurse. He had complained to a number of people that he was unhappy in his marriage. That his wife was a bully who used to abused him. He had even haboured thoughts of killing his wife. Despite these chilling revelations, none of those who heard his complaints ever went to the police. Until they were contacted by officers is when they started recalling those conversations.
Chaz was divorced to four women before he married Kathy Augustine. During her death, he was going through divorce number five. However, there was no established motive to his suspected crime. The cause of death was established to be poison by a controlled substance known as "succylcholine" or "succs". Though no traces of the drug was found in her blood or tissues, it was traced in her urine. It was a case that was going to be proved only by science. That was where the bone of contention rested.
January 1, 2017
A nurse stands accused of killing his wife, a well-known (if unpopular) Nevada politician. Not a bad book, but seems a bit oddly paced. For example: medical testimony will go on and on in excruciating detail, then not one word from any of the closing arguments. This case was also chronicled by Carlton Smith in POISONED LOVE and in Glen Puit's IN HER PRIME.
August 2, 2022
A very interesting case that I had heard about prior through podcasts. This provides much more information but unfortunately the part of the book where they cover the trial is b-o-r-i-n-g.
true-crime-books
July 10, 2022ALMOST is good enough only in horseshoes and hand grenades
This book is about an unusual crime in that the method is so rarely used to commit murder. Or maybe it is; perhaps it really is undetectable and people have been getting away with murder all this time.
Kathy Augustine was controller for the state of Nevada, a political woman, a woman who was difficult to work for, a woman who was under a great deal of stress when being investigated and impeached for using her office, her staff, and state-owned equipment to campaign for a state position.
Her husband, Chaz Higgs, was a critical care nurse who was heard repeatedly denigrating his wife and making threats against her. On the morning of July 8, 2006, a calm Higgs called 911 and reported that his wife was not breathing.
Yes, there's a trial which is covered in approximately half of the book. When the recording of that 911 call was played in the courtroom, you could have heard a pin drop.
Personally, I am pleased to find an author who knows the difference between opening statements and closing arguments.
9
This book is about an unusual crime in that the method is so rarely used to commit murder. Or maybe it is; perhaps it really is undetectable and people have been getting away with murder all this time.
Kathy Augustine was controller for the state of Nevada, a political woman, a woman who was difficult to work for, a woman who was under a great deal of stress when being investigated and impeached for using her office, her staff, and state-owned equipment to campaign for a state position.
Her husband, Chaz Higgs, was a critical care nurse who was heard repeatedly denigrating his wife and making threats against her. On the morning of July 8, 2006, a calm Higgs called 911 and reported that his wife was not breathing.
Yes, there's a trial which is covered in approximately half of the book. When the recording of that 911 call was played in the courtroom, you could have heard a pin drop.
Personally, I am pleased to find an author who knows the difference between opening statements and closing arguments.
9
August 27, 2022
The book was certainly interesting & mind boggling as to why a murder had to happen! Chaz proved to be a narcissistic, sociopath that only thought about himself. I do have to say that the full dialogue of the trial was overwhelming. On The verge of exhausting. The many exhaustive, duplicitous testimonials by doctors, lab specialists, etc was especially exceptionally boring and tiresome. Otherwise, an OK read
September 25, 2022
Too many unnecessary details
As I said, there were too many details especially medical details that dragged down the forward movement of the story. I went ahead and completed it because I kept thinking there would be a wow that brought the story to a climatic close. It was not there either.
As I said, there were too many details especially medical details that dragged down the forward movement of the story. I went ahead and completed it because I kept thinking there would be a wow that brought the story to a climatic close. It was not there either.
May 5, 2022
The mysterious death of a high powered political personality.
This book was about an interesting case involving the death of a high powered political personality. It was an interesting case but it involved a great deal of detailed medical information. It could be difficult to understand at times. There were a lot of autopsy details that I found interesting but sometimes complicated.
The court case was interesting but the end of the trial was the end of the book. It was very abrupt.
This book was about an interesting case involving the death of a high powered political personality. It was an interesting case but it involved a great deal of detailed medical information. It could be difficult to understand at times. There were a lot of autopsy details that I found interesting but sometimes complicated.
The court case was interesting but the end of the trial was the end of the book. It was very abrupt.
April 30, 2022
He got what he deserved.
Fast-paced. Details about tox testing was a bit pendantic but nonetheless critical. Prosecutors appear to have been very knowlegable and did a fantastic job as did everyone else in bringing this man to justice.
The moral of this story: Never underestimate the certainty of Karma, or as the Japanese call it, Bachi.
Fast-paced. Details about tox testing was a bit pendantic but nonetheless critical. Prosecutors appear to have been very knowlegable and did a fantastic job as did everyone else in bringing this man to justice.
The moral of this story: Never underestimate the certainty of Karma, or as the Japanese call it, Bachi.
July 5, 2022
Disappointed On Several Levels
I purchased this book with certain expectations, one big one was the photos promised in the promo synopsis of the book:"Includes Sixteen Pages of Revealing Photos" which did not exist. For a political oriented book it was much too technical as well as boring science.
I purchased this book with certain expectations, one big one was the photos promised in the promo synopsis of the book:"Includes Sixteen Pages of Revealing Photos" which did not exist. For a political oriented book it was much too technical as well as boring science.
July 17, 2022
Almost got Away
Enjoyed every minute of this book. Chas, a sociopath, had planned the perfect murder of his wife. The motive was unclear as he didn't stand to inherit from his crime. I think it likely he thought he would inherit, even though he claimed to have known that Kathy's daughter was the beneficiary.
Enjoyed every minute of this book. Chas, a sociopath, had planned the perfect murder of his wife. The motive was unclear as he didn't stand to inherit from his crime. I think it likely he thought he would inherit, even though he claimed to have known that Kathy's daughter was the beneficiary.
August 1, 2022
I've read about this case before. It's not the most interesting case and maybe others have written about it because the victim was a high profile person in Nevada politics and the murderer is an ER nurse. Half of this book is the trial, which basically is a lot of repetition that we already knew from the investigation. Gary King is a very good TC writer but this one is not his best.
May 19, 2023
Love this author
Chaz Higgs deserved what he got and frankly, if I were on that jury, I don't believe I'd have been as lenient. Ms. Augustine may have been considered a difficult woman on a personal basis but if she'd been a man, no one would have thought she was harsh. Politics is a hard profession but for a woman of her stature, she had to be determined.
Chaz Higgs deserved what he got and frankly, if I were on that jury, I don't believe I'd have been as lenient. Ms. Augustine may have been considered a difficult woman on a personal basis but if she'd been a man, no one would have thought she was harsh. Politics is a hard profession but for a woman of her stature, she had to be determined.
October 31, 2022
Legal knowkedge
I was suffering by the end if this read. If you wanted to read the trial transcript, its here in this read. I pity the jurors who had to sit thru the forensic testimony. I'll give another of his reads A try before I give up.
I was suffering by the end if this read. If you wanted to read the trial transcript, its here in this read. I pity the jurors who had to sit thru the forensic testimony. I'll give another of his reads A try before I give up.
November 19, 2022
I am struggling to get through this true crime novel. I really love reading these types of books. But, like others feel way too much time was spent on the documentation during the trial and frankly, very boring. I as a reader don't care about the amount of toxicology reports and how the poison was administered etc., etc... it just went on and on and pretty much lost me 3/4 of the way through the book. I will try to finish it just to see what happens to Chaz. But I am struggling to get there.
Read
August 12, 2023Decent book.
The book is well written and easy to read. The story line itself was not that interesting. That is why only three stars. Chaz
is a real dweeb and a whiner. I had no sympathy whatsoever for him.
The book is well written and easy to read. The story line itself was not that interesting. That is why only three stars. Chaz
is a real dweeb and a whiner. I had no sympathy whatsoever for him.
February 28, 2017
So sad that an intellect that obviously could figure out the murder plan, couldn't just divorce the poor woman instead!!!!
I'm glad I'm single & poor
I'm glad I'm single & poor
February 4, 2022
Wonderful
Great book loved it very well written highly recommend love real life With great ending s
Enjoyed
w
h
good
Great book loved it very well written highly recommend love real life With great ending s
Enjoyed
w
h
good
May 6, 2022
Great book
I like true life books, first time I've read one of his books. This one is well written. Will definitely read more of his books.
I like true life books, first time I've read one of his books. This one is well written. Will definitely read more of his books.
June 4, 2022
Read more like a newspaper article than a story
June 4, 2022
The book was very good until the trial , then it tanked.
December 17, 2022
Fascinating story about a strong woman and a creepy murder. For what it is, it is good. (what I call guilty-pleasure-true-crime)
January 24, 2023
A good read for the most part. However, too much of the book drags with technical details about the drug used by the killer and the lab tests to detect it. That's why I only gave 4 stars.
June 7, 2024
Very good
December 26, 2025
hard to believe what some people will do to get rid of a partner.
very good read
very good read
August 14, 2009
Author Gary C. King is truly a master at the true crime genre. Join him as he tells the story of a hard-pushing political powerhouse, Kathy Marie Augustine. She pushed her way through the "good old boy network" in the Nevada legislature, rising at the time of her death to the elected position of State Comptroller. A nationally known political figure, her death made headlines around the country. Even bigger headlines followed, when it was discovered she was brutually murdered, and who the culprit was.
I recall following the case on Dateline, the Nancy Grace Show, and 48 hours. As a true crime buff, I was fascinated by it. I was anxious to find out more, and the author of this book definitely did not disappoint me.
Kathy's killer thought his plan was foolproof. Had he kept his mouth shut, it just might have been foolproof. Choosing a poison that left no physical evidence behind , Kathy's husband, critical care nurse Chaz Higgins, had seemingly pulled off the perfect murder.
Kathy had been a political powerhouse, a beautiful, wealthy and sexy woman. It was easy for friends of the couple to see how Chaz had fallen for her. Her domineering attitiude eventually got the best of Chaz, and rather than risk losing the "good life", he committed murder.
Were it not for a hardworking Nevada detective, the case would never have been solved. Chaz Hggins made a thoughtless comment to a coworker, and that coworker had a good memory. If not for the continual questioning and probing, the detective may never have heard a report of the comment Chaz made.
Go beind the healines to a story even more riveting than the best work of fiction. Gary King brings details to light that were unmentioned previously, and his insight is very helpful and adds much to the story. I look forward to reading many more books by this author!
I recall following the case on Dateline, the Nancy Grace Show, and 48 hours. As a true crime buff, I was fascinated by it. I was anxious to find out more, and the author of this book definitely did not disappoint me.
Kathy's killer thought his plan was foolproof. Had he kept his mouth shut, it just might have been foolproof. Choosing a poison that left no physical evidence behind , Kathy's husband, critical care nurse Chaz Higgins, had seemingly pulled off the perfect murder.
Kathy had been a political powerhouse, a beautiful, wealthy and sexy woman. It was easy for friends of the couple to see how Chaz had fallen for her. Her domineering attitiude eventually got the best of Chaz, and rather than risk losing the "good life", he committed murder.
Were it not for a hardworking Nevada detective, the case would never have been solved. Chaz Hggins made a thoughtless comment to a coworker, and that coworker had a good memory. If not for the continual questioning and probing, the detective may never have heard a report of the comment Chaz made.
Go beind the healines to a story even more riveting than the best work of fiction. Gary King brings details to light that were unmentioned previously, and his insight is very helpful and adds much to the story. I look forward to reading many more books by this author!
July 19, 2009
The July 2006 murder of wealthy Kathy Augustine made headlines. She was a high profile, dominating political figure in Reno, Nevada, who made history by being the first woman elected state controller. She had her photo taken with both President George Bush and his son President George W. Bush, survived an impeachment process, and in 2004 was a finalist for the office of Secretary of the Treasury of the United States. She had a history of using less than above board political tactics. A Republican Party colleague stated publicly he considered her an embarrassment to the party. Nevertheless, she could win elections and had an impressive resume.
Her husband, whom she was divorcing, died in 2003, and three weeks later Kathy married a former bodybuilder, Chaz Higgs. After being married for three years, they discussed divorce, and Chaz flirted with another woman. Then Kathy died of an apparent heart attack. Based on a tip from the woman Chaz had been flirting with, the police looked for poisoning by succinylcholine. Based mainly on the FBI finding traces of that chemical in her urine, Chaz Higgs was charged with the murder of Kathy Augustine.
King's account of the investigation and the trial of Chaz Higgs for Augustine's murder is detailed and interesting, though the facts related in the beginning of the book flow less smoothly than his writing about the trial. He repeats facts, particularly in describing succinylcholine effects, which interferes with the pacing of the story at times. Nevertheless, it is a fascinating read.
Her husband, whom she was divorcing, died in 2003, and three weeks later Kathy married a former bodybuilder, Chaz Higgs. After being married for three years, they discussed divorce, and Chaz flirted with another woman. Then Kathy died of an apparent heart attack. Based on a tip from the woman Chaz had been flirting with, the police looked for poisoning by succinylcholine. Based mainly on the FBI finding traces of that chemical in her urine, Chaz Higgs was charged with the murder of Kathy Augustine.
King's account of the investigation and the trial of Chaz Higgs for Augustine's murder is detailed and interesting, though the facts related in the beginning of the book flow less smoothly than his writing about the trial. He repeats facts, particularly in describing succinylcholine effects, which interferes with the pacing of the story at times. Nevertheless, it is a fascinating read.
July 28, 2009
Good book about a nurse trying to out think the medical staff into heart attack. When it comes apparent of Succoloynie poison, he is arrested and tried. Thank God he won't see the light of day for many years.
September 5, 2012
Gary C. King is a true crime pro! Plus he has impressively mastered how to play the social media platform to promote his amazing talent and books. We will 'follow' him to buy any book he writes!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews