Whisper of Fear: The True Story of the Prosecutor Who Stalks the Stalkers (Berkley True Crime) by Rhonda B. Saunders

by Rhonda B. Saunders

"Rhonda B. Saunders wrote the law on stalking, and then devoted herself to prosecuting these predators. Now she takes us on a journey through her career and the strange and often terrifying experiences that have shaped it, highlighting instances where she dealt with bizarre, highly dangerous criminals and their victims." "In 1992, Saunders was randomly assigned to her first stalking case. Though the victim was clearly in peril, the California statute made effective prosecution impossible. For the next two years, she lobbied for her own revisions to the law, and became the state's foremost expert on stalking." With more than two decades of experience in the courtroom, hearing victims' stories and prosecuting their tormentors, Saunders knows the hidden patterns of this common yet pervasively misunderstood crime. From her high-profile cases prosecuting on behalf of celebrity victims - including Madonna, Steven Spielberg, and Gwyneth Paltrow - to countless domestic incidents, such as the woman who burrowed under the home of her ex-lover, Saunders illustrates how these harrowing events helped her define the crime of stalking and develop the legal weapons to fight it - and shares tactics you can use to protect yourself and your loved ones from a stalker.

Genres: True Crime, Nonfiction, Self Help

Mass Market Paperback

First published November 4, 2008

Reviews

[Elizabeth☮ · Rating 3 out of 5]

saunders helped implement legislation in california regarding stalkers and their victims. as a result of this legislation, other states and countries followed suit. it's an intersting and haunting read about various cases saunders has worked on in her long career as a prosecutor. although she does write about brief celebrity encounters (madonna, speilberg and paltrow) the more interesting stories are the ones about every day people that encounter a stalker. the lengths the stalker goes to are disturbing. quick and fascinating.

[CowardlyGoblin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice solid read had a lot of interesting and helpful information. One of the few books I think everyone should read.

[Sharon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting book about the prosecutor, Rhonda B. Saunders, who was instrumental in getting tougher stalking laws on the books in California and later assisting other states and countries in setting up their own laws relating to the crime of stalking. In the current mentality of celebrity paparazzi, which to me is a form of stalking, we are more aware of cases that make national headlines. But it is the stalkers that can wreak havoc on thousands in relationships gone bad that these laws can benefit most.

[Jenny · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a very interesting book. So far from my life (and hopefully always will be!) I did have sort of a hard time keeping track of who was who if I happen to set the book down for any period of time. It is pretty wild though (and sad/scarry) that stuff like this happens!

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very informative book. I thoroughly enjoyed it! There are also a lot of tips inside for someone who may be experiencing stalking behavior from another individual or for someone who has went through it in the past. I would highly recommend.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This awesome lawyer/investigator helps find stalkers, not only the celebrity stalkers who stalk Steven Spielberg and Gwyneth Paltrow, but the average person as well.

[Ellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Important look at the beginning of stalking legislation, and how we have not come as far as some think.

[Ryan Hannay · Rating 3 out of 5]

Makes me grateful that no one has ever been obsessed with me.

[CASPER HILEMAN · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mrs. Saunders has pioneered the prosecution of stalkers, literally creating the standard for states, counties and foreign countries to use.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting perspective of the particular crime of stalking by someone in law who is really trying to help the victims. True stories of stalking, and it also gives some insight on how to receive help, and on what to do and what not do. I remember taking this book and reading it at a doctors appointment because I didn't want to stop reading it. Really, really good book!

[Lisa Mcbroom · Rating 3 out of 5]

Based on the Lifetime movie Stalkers, tells of the feisty district attorney who changed the stalking laws to a felony.