"If I Die . . .": A True Story of Obsessive Love, Uncontrollable Greed, and Murder

by Michael Fleeman

He'd been shot in the head, decapitated, and set on fire. Who could have turned on the real-estate ace with such bloodthirsty fury? Even before the remains were found, circumstantial evidence was building against Rudin's 52-year-old wife, Margaret, who stood to inherit a handsome share of her husband's fortune. Rudin's friends also suspected Margaret, and the victim has thought that his wife was trying to poison him when he was alive. Then a chilling caveat was discovered in Rudin's living should he die under violent circumstances, an investigation should be conducted. By the time authorities closed in on Margaret Rudin she'd disappeared. It would take two and a half years to hunt the Black Widow down, and to discover the secrets at the heart of poisonous marriage...Now, reporter Michael Fleeman delivers a startling glimpse into the mind of a woman who would stop at nothing to get what she wanted. Fleeman also details the relentless pursuit of justice that would lead authorities from the glamorous facade of Las Vegas to a squalid apartment on the outskirts of Boston, to hold the remorseless wife accountable for her shocking crimes.

Genres: True Crime, Audiobook, Nonfiction

343 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 7, 2002

Reviews

[Sarah (is clearing her shelves)]

I can't remember if it was the writing or the slow pace of the investigation, but I just found this true crime a bit slow and boring. I wouldn't rush out to read any more of Fleeman's books (and definitely not buy).

[Micki G]

Painful To Read

This book droned on and on and on. Any attempts to make it interesting fell flat. I am not even sure why I finished reading it. Author needs to take lessons from the late, great Ann Rule.

In his defense, and the reason I gave it 3 stars instead of 1, Margaret Rudin is a most uninteresting subject.

[Rachel Aranda]

What a horrible woman Margaret Rudin was. It's true that Ron Rudin was no saint but he certainly didn't deserve to be murdered by his 5th wife so she could inherit the millions be worked hard to earn. So glad forensic once and luck helped solve the murder and find Margaret Rudin after she fled Las Vegas, Nevada.

[Ronnie Cramer]

Another solid true crime book by Michael Fleeman, this time about Las Vegas black widow Margaret Rudin. I read it when it was first published and it was just as good this time around.

[Carol]

From time to time, I'm interested in reading a true crime story. This one unraveled the grisly murder of a successful, but slightly shady Las Vegas real estate mogul in the 1990's. The author competently takes the reader through the background of the victim, the circumstances of the crime, the investigation and the trial. Nothing is too overly sensationalized.

[Tori Johnson]

I listen to true crime books to make a decision for myself on of the suspect is innocent or guilty. In this case I didn't feel like their was enough evidence of either. It didn't feel fully investigated.

[Susan]

One of the better written true crime books I’ve read. Couldn’t put it down!

[Susan Trammell]

A solid, thoroughly researched book. The convicted killer, Margaret Rudin, was recently released after serving her sentence. She still proclaims her innocence.

[Imani]

When I found out that she is out of prison already for murdering him I lost interest.

[Gonzaga Escauriaza]

No está mal pero no es nada extraordinario.

[Joan K]

Fairly tedious, could have been written in half the number of pages, IMO.

[Laurie]

a scandalous Las Vegas murder trial. No one comes off very well

[Eva-Marie Nevarez]

I read this years ago when about all I was reading was true crime. This woman is about as evil as they come. I don't remember as much as I should for a review but I do remember him thinking something was going on. He was worried she would try to do something and if that was the case with me I'd be gone. One has to wonder why he stayed for so long? He could have possibly saved his life by acting on his instincts.

[Nikki]

Wow! That woman was terrible. She had greed written all over her. I saw the story on American Justice some years before I read the story. There was not real reason for this murder. All I can say is she lost any sense that GOD gave her.

I did enjoy the story but honestly it made me angry.

[Kelly]

Good book.

[merle]

A former las vegan

Somewhat accurate! Having known Ron Rudin personally, I recall things a little differently than the book portrays. Otherwise a good book. Boyd steele

[Celia Sweet]

I learned that women can be just as guilty of murder as men and most do it for money