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A Deadly Affair
A promising young attorney and a dedicated family man, Michael Fletcher seemed to have it all. But in the summer of 2000, Michael found himself standing trial for the murder of his pregnant wife, Leann. The verdict—guilty of second-degree murder—would leave friends, family, and the public at large scrambling to make sense of a twisted and frightening series of events that ended in the brutal killing of Leann Fletcher. What could possibly have led Michael Fletcher to commit such a gruesome act?
As a college student, Michael Fletcher married the girl of his dreams after a three-year courtship. It seems like a fairy-tale romance come true: a match made in heaven. So why would a man with no history of domestic violence murder his devoted wife right after he told her how much he loved her? Why would Michael shoot Leann in the back of the head, not only killing her but also the child that she was carrying inside her? According to prosecutors, Fletcher has been involved in an extramarital affair with a beautiful judge for two years. Was his relationship with respected District Judge Susan Chrzanowski enough cause for him to murder his wife in cold blood? Raising even more troubling questions, the startling discovery colored Leann's already shocking murder with shadings of sex, political scandal, and deadly betrayal.
As a college student, Michael Fletcher married the girl of his dreams after a three-year courtship. It seems like a fairy-tale romance come true: a match made in heaven. So why would a man with no history of domestic violence murder his devoted wife right after he told her how much he loved her? Why would Michael shoot Leann in the back of the head, not only killing her but also the child that she was carrying inside her? According to prosecutors, Fletcher has been involved in an extramarital affair with a beautiful judge for two years. Was his relationship with respected District Judge Susan Chrzanowski enough cause for him to murder his wife in cold blood? Raising even more troubling questions, the startling discovery colored Leann's already shocking murder with shadings of sex, political scandal, and deadly betrayal.
376 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published August 1, 2001
44 people are currently reading
247 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
December 13, 2023
Michigan 1990. Michael Fletcher, a handsome young man was an undergraduate student who wanted to become a lawyer.
Leann was a beautiful telemarketer.
They first met at a Halloween party. Michael was dressed as the devil and Leann told him that if he was the devil then she would happily follow him to hell. It was an instant love for both.
Three years later, in 1993, they got married. Leann bought a modest house in a working class suburb and Michael started law school.
Leann worked to support them and had put him through college. In the meantime they had a daughter, Hannah.
By 1999 Michael was already established as a criminal defence attorney.
The last two years were tempestuous for the couple. Michael became closed up and distant and Leann suspected he was having an affair (which he was).
They were separated for a while.
The last three months they got back together and Michael had never been more attentive and loving.
Leann revealed she was pregnant again. Michael gave her a card that day expressing his happiness and how much he loved and appreciate and that she meant the world to him.
That very night the couple celebrated the good news at a restaurant and Michael had asked his in laws to baby sit for him the next day, as he wanted to take Leann to the firing range. He said he had bought a gun and wanted Leann to know how to use it for protection.
The in laws were perplexed as they knew Leann had a strong fear and hatred of guns.
The next day the couple only stayed at the firing range for 15 minutes. On the drive back, Michael suggested a stop at their home before collecting Hannah from the in laws.
He wanted to have a "quickie" with Leann.
Soon after their arrival home, Michael called 911. He said Leann had shot herself.
Police found Leann on the bedroom floor, naked from the waist down, with a bullet hole through her right ear.
Michael said he was in the bathroom washing his hands, when he'd heard the blast.
Evidence showed that the muzzle of the gun was 18 inches away from her head when the gun went off.
To be a self inflicted wound, Leann's arm had to be four feet long
That meant she could not be the one who pulled the trigger.
A box was found hidden in the house containing a lot of greeting cards, love letters and photographs.
They were from Susan Chrzanowski, a local district Judge.
Investigations also found evidence that Susan was assigning cases to Michael which was legally unethical.
Police seized both Michael's and Susan's computers. Michael and Susan were sending each other nude photos and there were hundreds of emails between them.
They talked about been in love, they were lovers for the last two years and they wanted to be together in the future.
The Judge was interrogated. She said the last time she'd had sexual relations with Michael was the night before the shooting.
That meant that after Michael and Leann had the romantic dinner celebrating her pregnancy (the same night he gave her the card expressing his undying love and commitment to Leann), he'd dropped off his wife at home and found an excuse to leave and go to Susan.
Judge Susan told police that Michael had ensured her that there was no sexual relationship between him and his wife, because if there was then Susan's and Michael's relationship would be over.
Police believed that Michael murdered Leann so his lover would not find out Leann was pregnant, so he could protect his romantic relationship with Susan.
The gun was not found in Leann's hand and there was no gun powder residue on her hand which it would have had if she'd fired the gun.
Michael's right shirt sleeve cuff, was full of high velocity impact blood spatter. That means that Michael could not had been in the bathroom at the time of the shooting, as he said, but evidence placed the gun on his right hand at the time the gun went off.
Had Leann had shot herself, there would have been high velocity impact blood spatter on her arm, and there was none.
The blood spatter around Leann's body, revealed her exact location at the time of the shooting.
She was on the floor next to the bed on her hands and knees.
There was fresh sperm in her vagina indicating the couple had sex. Right after ejaculation, Michael picked up the gun from the top of the bed and shot her.
Michael washed his hands in the bathroom after the shooting and not before as he'd said, as blood was found in the sink trap.
Police arrested Michael Fletcher and charged him with the premeditated murder of his wife.
He was found guilty of second degree murder and was sentenced to life in prison.
To this day he proclaims his innocence.
Leann was a beautiful telemarketer.
They first met at a Halloween party. Michael was dressed as the devil and Leann told him that if he was the devil then she would happily follow him to hell. It was an instant love for both.
Three years later, in 1993, they got married. Leann bought a modest house in a working class suburb and Michael started law school.
Leann worked to support them and had put him through college. In the meantime they had a daughter, Hannah.
By 1999 Michael was already established as a criminal defence attorney.
The last two years were tempestuous for the couple. Michael became closed up and distant and Leann suspected he was having an affair (which he was).
They were separated for a while.
The last three months they got back together and Michael had never been more attentive and loving.
Leann revealed she was pregnant again. Michael gave her a card that day expressing his happiness and how much he loved and appreciate and that she meant the world to him.
That very night the couple celebrated the good news at a restaurant and Michael had asked his in laws to baby sit for him the next day, as he wanted to take Leann to the firing range. He said he had bought a gun and wanted Leann to know how to use it for protection.
The in laws were perplexed as they knew Leann had a strong fear and hatred of guns.
The next day the couple only stayed at the firing range for 15 minutes. On the drive back, Michael suggested a stop at their home before collecting Hannah from the in laws.
He wanted to have a "quickie" with Leann.
Soon after their arrival home, Michael called 911. He said Leann had shot herself.
Police found Leann on the bedroom floor, naked from the waist down, with a bullet hole through her right ear.
Michael said he was in the bathroom washing his hands, when he'd heard the blast.
Evidence showed that the muzzle of the gun was 18 inches away from her head when the gun went off.
To be a self inflicted wound, Leann's arm had to be four feet long
That meant she could not be the one who pulled the trigger.
A box was found hidden in the house containing a lot of greeting cards, love letters and photographs.
They were from Susan Chrzanowski, a local district Judge.
Investigations also found evidence that Susan was assigning cases to Michael which was legally unethical.
Police seized both Michael's and Susan's computers. Michael and Susan were sending each other nude photos and there were hundreds of emails between them.
They talked about been in love, they were lovers for the last two years and they wanted to be together in the future.
The Judge was interrogated. She said the last time she'd had sexual relations with Michael was the night before the shooting.
That meant that after Michael and Leann had the romantic dinner celebrating her pregnancy (the same night he gave her the card expressing his undying love and commitment to Leann), he'd dropped off his wife at home and found an excuse to leave and go to Susan.
Judge Susan told police that Michael had ensured her that there was no sexual relationship between him and his wife, because if there was then Susan's and Michael's relationship would be over.
Police believed that Michael murdered Leann so his lover would not find out Leann was pregnant, so he could protect his romantic relationship with Susan.
The gun was not found in Leann's hand and there was no gun powder residue on her hand which it would have had if she'd fired the gun.
Michael's right shirt sleeve cuff, was full of high velocity impact blood spatter. That means that Michael could not had been in the bathroom at the time of the shooting, as he said, but evidence placed the gun on his right hand at the time the gun went off.
Had Leann had shot herself, there would have been high velocity impact blood spatter on her arm, and there was none.
The blood spatter around Leann's body, revealed her exact location at the time of the shooting.
She was on the floor next to the bed on her hands and knees.
There was fresh sperm in her vagina indicating the couple had sex. Right after ejaculation, Michael picked up the gun from the top of the bed and shot her.
Michael washed his hands in the bathroom after the shooting and not before as he'd said, as blood was found in the sink trap.
Police arrested Michael Fletcher and charged him with the premeditated murder of his wife.
He was found guilty of second degree murder and was sentenced to life in prison.
To this day he proclaims his innocence.
April 5, 2008
Dating back to when I used to travel a lot for business, I'd go on weird binges of true crime reading, and sure enough, last week I was in San Clemente, and found myself in the used bookstore I love, digging through the True Crime section.
Sleazy! Classic story of an arrogant guy whose story has way too many parallels to Scott Petersen...pregnant wife, hot lover, he just can't stand to see his freedom go down the drain...so he kills the wife. The book wraps up with an interview with the guy, still denying his guilt, and the author was somewhat taken in by the charm of the guy...
anyway, I'm sending this one to my sister who, I found out, shares my guilty pleasure reading habit...how embarrassing it is to admit I love this stuff once in a while. God it's like watching Cheaters on TV late at night :)
Sleazy! Classic story of an arrogant guy whose story has way too many parallels to Scott Petersen...pregnant wife, hot lover, he just can't stand to see his freedom go down the drain...so he kills the wife. The book wraps up with an interview with the guy, still denying his guilt, and the author was somewhat taken in by the charm of the guy...
anyway, I'm sending this one to my sister who, I found out, shares my guilty pleasure reading habit...how embarrassing it is to admit I love this stuff once in a while. God it's like watching Cheaters on TV late at night :)
May 3, 2025
Mick Fletcher is lucky he killed his wife at the turn of the century because that’s the only way he could have harmed the amount of sympathy he did, including from the author of this book. His best defense was that people couldn’t imagine him being the type of person to kill his wife. Now we know better, after men like Scott Peterson and Chris Watts.
The writing was technically subpar and painful to read at times. This book did have a bit going for it though that you don’t always see with true crime. The sordid affair with a sitting judge, the abundant jury feedback, and even an interview with the defendant at the end of the book, which I’ve never seen before. If you can read that interview with Mick Fletcher and come away from it thinking not only that he may be innocent, but also not seeing what a pompous ass he is, there is no hope for you.
The writing was technically subpar and painful to read at times. This book did have a bit going for it though that you don’t always see with true crime. The sordid affair with a sitting judge, the abundant jury feedback, and even an interview with the defendant at the end of the book, which I’ve never seen before. If you can read that interview with Mick Fletcher and come away from it thinking not only that he may be innocent, but also not seeing what a pompous ass he is, there is no hope for you.
June 28, 2024
This told a good story but it needed a lot of editing. The author repeated himself so may times. I think we were told about how the couple first met with their cheesy pick up line at least 7 times. In addition the author tried to include any famous Michigan court trial. He wrote about Jeffery Fieger, a famous MI attorney when Fieger had nothing to do with this case. Then he went on about Jack Kevorkian which again had nothing to do with this case. Could have been edited down quite a bit
August 1, 2016
Michael Fletcher, a young attorney, husband and adulterer is charged with the shooting and killing of his young, pregnant wife in the suburbs of Detroit. I personally think the author spends too much time trying to get the reader to believe Michael is innocent or to at least plant the seeds of doubt. There was no one else home when the shooting happened. Could it have been an accident? I doubt it. I believe he killed her. They had just returned from the shooting range. Anyone who has ever been to a shooting range, myself included, knows that you learn gun safety first, especially when you've never touched a gun before. I find it hard to believe that she was so afraid at the gun range, even insisting that they leave, then would go home and play with a loaded gun without the safety on.
March 29, 2018
I like a lot of detail so I can decide for myself if I the evidence was sufficient enough for a conviction. HOWEVER, I felt like there was some unnecessary details/side stories. It was a little boring at times. I do think he is guilty. Prosecution had their theory wrong but that doesn’t mean he didn’t do it.
April 13, 2022
Tooooo long and repetitive in many areas. The case is interesting but the way this book was written I wasn’t sure I could finish it. I started it in oct 2020 and finished it in apr 2022. I don’t like not finishing something so I did skim a hell of a lot. Too much filler and fluff, just get to the point!
September 18, 2015
Michael Fletcher took is wife to the shooting rage, then came home with her and shot her to death, well she was pregnant with their 2nd kid, only to find Michael Fletcher was having an affair with another woman
Sad book, but also a boring one too
The book just went on and on
Sad book, but also a boring one too
The book just went on and on
December 6, 2015
Very dull, lots of unnecessary details, and too much focus on the trial.
I skimmed a lot of pages.
I skimmed a lot of pages.
July 4, 2022
Potentially interesting true crime story ruined for me by lack of clear direction and repetitiveness. I rarely give up on a book, but I tossed this one about a third of the way through.
March 5, 2023
This happened just a few blocks from me. A truly heart wrenching case filled with lies and betrayal.
January 10, 2024
Tom Henderson's "A Deadly Affair" is a masterfully crafted thriller that will captivate readers from the very first page. From its gripping plot to its well-developed characters, this novel is a rollercoaster of suspense and intrigue that keeps you on the edge of your seat until the very end.
One of the standout features of "A Deadly Affair" is Henderson's ability to create a vivid and immersive atmosphere. The author paints a detailed picture of the settings, making the reader feel like they are right there, experiencing the tension and drama alongside the characters. Whether it's a shadowy alley or a luxurious penthouse, Henderson's descriptive prowess brings every scene to life.
The characters in the novel are both complex and relatable. Each has a unique personality and background, adding depth to the narrative. The protagonist is a compelling figure, navigating a web of deceit and danger with courage and determination. The supporting cast is equally well-developed, and their interactions contribute to the overall richness of the story.
The pacing of the plot is expertly executed, with a perfect balance of suspenseful moments and character development. Henderson skillfully weaves together multiple storylines, creating a tapestry of mystery that keeps the reader guessing until the final pages. The twists and turns are unexpected yet believable, adding an extra layer of excitement to the narrative.
Moreover, "A Deadly Affair" tackles relevant and thought-provoking themes, elevating it beyond a mere suspense novel. Henderson delves into the complexities of human relationships, trust, and the consequences of choices. The story encourages readers to reflect on their own lives and the connections they form, making it not only entertaining but also intellectually stimulating.
In addition to its compelling storytelling, the prose in "A Deadly Affair" is sharp and engaging. Henderson's writing style is fluid, allowing the reader to effortlessly glide through the pages. The dialogue is authentic, and the author effectively conveys the emotions and motivations of the characters through their interactions.
Overall, "A Deadly Affair" is a must-read for fans of the thriller genre and anyone who appreciates a well-crafted, character-driven narrative. Tom Henderson has undoubtedly delivered a gem that stands out in a crowded literary landscape. From its gripping plot to its rich characterizations, this novel is a triumph that will leave readers eagerly anticipating Henderson's next literary venture.
One of the standout features of "A Deadly Affair" is Henderson's ability to create a vivid and immersive atmosphere. The author paints a detailed picture of the settings, making the reader feel like they are right there, experiencing the tension and drama alongside the characters. Whether it's a shadowy alley or a luxurious penthouse, Henderson's descriptive prowess brings every scene to life.
The characters in the novel are both complex and relatable. Each has a unique personality and background, adding depth to the narrative. The protagonist is a compelling figure, navigating a web of deceit and danger with courage and determination. The supporting cast is equally well-developed, and their interactions contribute to the overall richness of the story.
The pacing of the plot is expertly executed, with a perfect balance of suspenseful moments and character development. Henderson skillfully weaves together multiple storylines, creating a tapestry of mystery that keeps the reader guessing until the final pages. The twists and turns are unexpected yet believable, adding an extra layer of excitement to the narrative.
Moreover, "A Deadly Affair" tackles relevant and thought-provoking themes, elevating it beyond a mere suspense novel. Henderson delves into the complexities of human relationships, trust, and the consequences of choices. The story encourages readers to reflect on their own lives and the connections they form, making it not only entertaining but also intellectually stimulating.
In addition to its compelling storytelling, the prose in "A Deadly Affair" is sharp and engaging. Henderson's writing style is fluid, allowing the reader to effortlessly glide through the pages. The dialogue is authentic, and the author effectively conveys the emotions and motivations of the characters through their interactions.
Overall, "A Deadly Affair" is a must-read for fans of the thriller genre and anyone who appreciates a well-crafted, character-driven narrative. Tom Henderson has undoubtedly delivered a gem that stands out in a crowded literary landscape. From its gripping plot to its rich characterizations, this novel is a triumph that will leave readers eagerly anticipating Henderson's next literary venture.
October 3, 2020
Shocking and Troubling
I came away feeling that the jury made the right decision, because I don’t think the husband’s story was plausible. We own a shooting range. I am proficient with handguns. I do not believe any theory that suggests even in single action, that the trigger was accidentally pressed. A 5 1/2 pound trigger is not by any means ‘hair trigger.’ Two of my Glocks are 5 pound. You HAVE to press the trigger meaningfully. In my mind, this had to be murder, or suicide, and from the interviews, I feel there is no possibility this woman killed herself. That leaves murder. She was also naked from the waist down. No woman would shoot herself knowing she would be found like that.
I was dumbfounded that my main prosecution point was never apparently brought up during the trial, although it was discussed in the book after the trial. Clearly a reason for him to drag his wife, afraid of guns,to the range an hour before he killed her, was to get powder on both their hands. I was also dismayed that the prosecution never suggested he may have put a glove and/or other clothing on over his shirt, to prevent high velocity blowback blood from getting on his hand and shirt. The keystone cops apparently never looked for hidden clothing or gloves. I mean, they never even bagged her hands!
This book is very thorough and well written. My only complaint about these books, is that there is never a picture section. I don’t believe that to be the fault of the authors—this publisher never includes images. That is almost a dealbreaker for me.
I came away feeling that the jury made the right decision, because I don’t think the husband’s story was plausible. We own a shooting range. I am proficient with handguns. I do not believe any theory that suggests even in single action, that the trigger was accidentally pressed. A 5 1/2 pound trigger is not by any means ‘hair trigger.’ Two of my Glocks are 5 pound. You HAVE to press the trigger meaningfully. In my mind, this had to be murder, or suicide, and from the interviews, I feel there is no possibility this woman killed herself. That leaves murder. She was also naked from the waist down. No woman would shoot herself knowing she would be found like that.
I was dumbfounded that my main prosecution point was never apparently brought up during the trial, although it was discussed in the book after the trial. Clearly a reason for him to drag his wife, afraid of guns,to the range an hour before he killed her, was to get powder on both their hands. I was also dismayed that the prosecution never suggested he may have put a glove and/or other clothing on over his shirt, to prevent high velocity blowback blood from getting on his hand and shirt. The keystone cops apparently never looked for hidden clothing or gloves. I mean, they never even bagged her hands!
This book is very thorough and well written. My only complaint about these books, is that there is never a picture section. I don’t believe that to be the fault of the authors—this publisher never includes images. That is almost a dealbreaker for me.
December 13, 2024
This was very repetitive. Sometimes the same phrases/sentences were repeated in different chapters. So that was tedious.
However, it also serves as an excellent illustration as to WHY judges should not have to please the voting public, that there is no such thing as innocent until proven guilty, that juries often don’t understand the simple premise that the prosecution has to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, or there is no guilty verdict.
I’m not saying the guy did or didn’t kill his wife.
I’m saying this is an excellent portrayal of a flawed system.
However, it also serves as an excellent illustration as to WHY judges should not have to please the voting public, that there is no such thing as innocent until proven guilty, that juries often don’t understand the simple premise that the prosecution has to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, or there is no guilty verdict.
I’m not saying the guy did or didn’t kill his wife.
I’m saying this is an excellent portrayal of a flawed system.
February 27, 2021
Very disconcerting case.
No motive.
'Evidence' clearly and unequivocally discredited.
Jurors saying they had a lot of reasonable doubt
Yet he is convicted on first degree murder and life in prison.
American justice.
I love the way Henderson writes - he never seems like he is on anyone's side. He tells both sides and lets the reader make up their own minds.
No motive.
'Evidence' clearly and unequivocally discredited.
Jurors saying they had a lot of reasonable doubt
Yet he is convicted on first degree murder and life in prison.
American justice.
I love the way Henderson writes - he never seems like he is on anyone's side. He tells both sides and lets the reader make up their own minds.
January 29, 2023
Scarily thoughtful - I’d forgotten it was a ‘true life’ story and well into it - well it scared the beejeebers out of me. Narration was spot on (for a true-life scary as heck stay-up-at- night) story. Narration was clear and was the author.
April 24, 2025
Susan Chrzanowski, Macomb County judge and 3x-class president of Warren Cousino High School Class of '85, what on earth were you thinking getting involved with this loser.
Another minor masterpiece from Tom Henderson.
Another minor masterpiece from Tom Henderson.
November 21, 2018
To much information
I don't need to know how and where everybody lived in their childhood.
Just watched the story on Forensic Files, took a half hour without commercials.
I don't need to know how and where everybody lived in their childhood.
Just watched the story on Forensic Files, took a half hour without commercials.
April 13, 2022
4.5 stars
May 3, 2023
Yli puolet kirjasta kuvaa oikeudenkäyntiä, eikä todellakaan mielenkiintoisesti. Puuduttava kirja ihan mielenkiintoisesta murhatapauksesta.
March 22, 2024
I'm a big fan of Tom Henderson. A very well researched true crime book that had me gripped.
April 28, 2024
4.5 stars 🌟
August 6, 2024
Incredibly well written and researched. I don't know if he did it or not. I love that the author inserted his thoughts into the book.
June 9, 2007
This book is too long. It would have made a way better in depth article. Still, it was worth reading for the jury process alone. I used to work for a woman who was on the jury in this case. I remember her talking about it a bit after the case was over, but didn't know much about it. Basically, a man was on trial for shooting his wife in the head in their Hazel Park home. He claimed she shot herself accidentally. The prosecution's case, as laid out in this book, was full of holes. The defense did an excellent job proving reasonable doubt. However, the jury went with a second-degree murder charge, which netted the guy a life sentence in prison. The jury's process was extremely unorthodox (including turning the jury room into a replica of the couple's bedroom and play acting a murder scenario that they made up themselves). It is clear they did not understand the definition of reasonable doubt, nor did they follow the judge's instructions on what evidence they could use. I've been on a jury before and it's pretty clear that these folks were not convinced that he was guilty, but they also weren't convinced that he was innocent and so went with a compromise: second rather than first degree murder. Which is a pretty alarming compromise. Sobering stuff for anyone who may ever have to face a jury someday. Which, of course, is everyone.
May 21, 2015
I read this type of book often. This one had a lot of twists and turns that made it interesting. Also, it did not assume the suspect was guilty. Also, to support the author's speculation, it included a lot of detail about the actual trial and even what win on in the jury room. However, I just felt the book went on too long and there were times when I couldn't wait to get through it. In the end, though I am glad I finished it.
June 10, 2016
A young attorney stands accused of murdering his pregnant wife, and it turns out he's having an affair with a judge who often sends cases his way. It's a very interesting premise and a lot of fascinating material is presented, but the book goes on too long and and the author repeats himself too often.
December 6, 2010
Same author as Darker Than Night, but this time the case wasn't interesting enough to overlook the poor writing. In fact, once the verdict was revealed, I skipped to the interview with the defendant at the end of the book.
December 22, 2014
This was an interesting book about a murder in Hazel Park, Mi. Unfortunately I really didn't care for how it was written. The author repeated himself constantly throughout the book which made it seem very repetitive. The book probably would have been 50 pages shorter had he not don this.
April 6, 2009
Wow, what a book!! Unbelievable. This guy was an attorney and a dedicated family man but he became "charged" with second degree murder.
Good book.
Good book.
March 2, 2012
It was an okay book... Of course the back cover gives the ending away so it was really hard not to jump to the end to read it... lol
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews