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No, Daddy, Don't!: A Father's Murderous Act of Revenge
Details the horrifying true story of John Battaglia, who, after viciously abusing his second wife, Mary Jean Pearle, endlessly stalked, threatened, and harassed her after their divorce, and, in the ultimate act of vengeance, brutally murdered their two young children. Original.
320 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published July 1, 2003
204 people are currently reading
1343 people want to read
About the author
Irene Pence
8 books26 followersIrene Jean Rorick Pence was born in Omaha, Nebraska. She graduated from the University of Nebraska, with a BS in Business Administration and Arizona State University with an MA in Education. She has also taken many creative writing courses from Southern Methodist University.
Irene is married and has three children. She has won the Dallas Morning News' Golden Pen Award and is published in Business Education Journals.
Irene is married and has three children. She has won the Dallas Morning News' Golden Pen Award and is published in Business Education Journals.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 130 reviews
January 6, 2022
John Battaglia is your classic abuser. A general waste of good breathing air as he pummels his current wife at the time into submission. He reels them in with charm and before the inks dries on the marriage license, his true self is revealed. His first wife and child barely escape his evil clutches. He soon remarries and has two more daughters, Liberty and Faith. Cycle repeats, second wife decides divorce is a better option. A restraining order is soon in place because John can't handle being told no. John doesn't care about that piece of paper and keeps violating the order. All this leads up to John's visitation day. He has one of his daughter's call their mother on the phone. While talking to her mom, John shoots his children in cold blood.
I think my heart broke into a million pieces. How does hate consume you to the point where you murder your own children out of revenge? I don't even know how it is revenge, considering he put himself in the situations he was mad about. I hope hell is extra hot for him.
😺😺😺😺
I think my heart broke into a million pieces. How does hate consume you to the point where you murder your own children out of revenge? I don't even know how it is revenge, considering he put himself in the situations he was mad about. I hope hell is extra hot for him.
😺😺😺😺
October 2, 2019
This true story broke my heart and scared the hell out of me. It's very simply written and fast paced, I couldn't put it down once I picked it up, from the first page it gripped me.
After finishing last night I decided to check out to see when he was put to death for this horrific crime (which he committed in 2001 and was sentenced to death for in 2002) and guess what folks? 10 years later and he hasn't been! This POS is still alive, still breathing and actually is posting on an internet site with some crazy conspiracy theory and bizarre claims that none of this was his fault, he expresses no remorse and assumes no guilt for the heinous crime of murdering two of his daughters. And the state of Texas, yes Texas, notorious for death row executions is allowing this. Where is the justice for those two poor little girls, their mother and their family? I am totally in shock.
I checked a bit further, just google his name, there's plenty. He has his own page on the deathrow usa website...WTH?? Another site, Pysih.com (People You'll See in Hell) actually has a post on there from the girls mother, Mary Jean Pearle, in which she asks others not to buy or read this book, she says it was written against her wishes and no one who knew her or the girls would contribute to it. She says the author made money off of this case, off her misfortune and pain. I know that is probably true but yet without this story being told, without women being warned off the traits monsters such as John displayed, how can we justify it not being told? If it saves just one woman her pain, one child their death, then this book is worth reading. Due to this case, many advances have been made in the way law enforcement, courts and judges look at and decide to handle cases where there is spousal abuse.
This is just a sad, sad, heartbreaking story and one I will never forget. I am single, and I intend to stay single after reading this. In fact, I doubt I ever date again. Too scary a prospect when someone who looks and acts as this man did in the beginning, just to gain trust and then shattered it all. I'm too scared to trust any man now.
Rest in Peace, Angels Faith and Liberty.
After finishing last night I decided to check out to see when he was put to death for this horrific crime (which he committed in 2001 and was sentenced to death for in 2002) and guess what folks? 10 years later and he hasn't been! This POS is still alive, still breathing and actually is posting on an internet site with some crazy conspiracy theory and bizarre claims that none of this was his fault, he expresses no remorse and assumes no guilt for the heinous crime of murdering two of his daughters. And the state of Texas, yes Texas, notorious for death row executions is allowing this. Where is the justice for those two poor little girls, their mother and their family? I am totally in shock.
I checked a bit further, just google his name, there's plenty. He has his own page on the deathrow usa website...WTH?? Another site, Pysih.com (People You'll See in Hell) actually has a post on there from the girls mother, Mary Jean Pearle, in which she asks others not to buy or read this book, she says it was written against her wishes and no one who knew her or the girls would contribute to it. She says the author made money off of this case, off her misfortune and pain. I know that is probably true but yet without this story being told, without women being warned off the traits monsters such as John displayed, how can we justify it not being told? If it saves just one woman her pain, one child their death, then this book is worth reading. Due to this case, many advances have been made in the way law enforcement, courts and judges look at and decide to handle cases where there is spousal abuse.
This is just a sad, sad, heartbreaking story and one I will never forget. I am single, and I intend to stay single after reading this. In fact, I doubt I ever date again. Too scary a prospect when someone who looks and acts as this man did in the beginning, just to gain trust and then shattered it all. I'm too scared to trust any man now.
Rest in Peace, Angels Faith and Liberty.
May 2, 2020
So I knew what the unbelievable crime was that this supposed daddy committed before I read the book, but I still wasn’t prepared for it when it happened. I think the title of the book should be changed though because it makes it sound sexual and it’s not. It’s just violent and hateful and unforgivable.
August 24, 2014
DNF
I really don't understand all the high ratings for this book. To me it reads like a badly written piece of fiction.
In the e-book that I read there are no acknowledgments stating whom the author spoke to or where she got her information from, and apart from the basic facts of the case, which you can find by Googling John David Battaglia, the rest of the book seems to be a figment of the author’s overactive imagination.
I struggled through the first half of the book, but when I read Mary Jane’s conversation with police detective Katherine Justice, who was on the phone with her while she waited outside her husband’s loft, I finally gave up.
“Take a deep breath. You’re doing good,” the detective tried to persuade her.
“I know, baby, oh my God, please don’t let it be, please Jesus. But he fired like five or six times—unless he killed himself too.”
Mary Jean looked around. “I want an ambulance here. Maybe they’re still alive. I doubt it, but maybe.”
“That’s right. Think positively.”
“I was thinking, no he couldn’t have done it. Just couldn’t have. But, I’m also trying to kind of prepare myself, ya know? It’s just what you normally do.”
After more sobs, Mary Jean murmured, “Faith, Faith, Faith. I can’t believe he would kill that angel. But he just wouldn’t be shooting it off for kicks.”
“I don’t know,” Justice said. “I don’t know him like you do.”
“I don’t either, but nobody shoots a gun off for kicks, you know? But I appreciate you talking to me baby ‘cause I’ve gotta talk to somebody right now. My mother and my brother are on their way.”
And…
“It doesn’t matter,” Mary Jean said, still crying. “This whole thing is so awful crazy. But you’ve been so nice talking to me. I just don’t know what to do. I don’t want to go up there. I don’t know what it’s like if you see your kids’ heads splattered all over the place.” Her voice came out in staccato bursts as she gasped for breath between each word. “I don’t know if it’s better to see it or not.”
You’ve got to be kidding me! And she called the detective baby???
This is a truly horrific case, and John Battaglia should have fried years ago for what he did to his daughters. I think that their story should have been told with a lot more dignity and compassion than Irene Pence displayed.
I'm glad none of my hard earned dollars went into her pocket!
February 25, 2013
This book was an adequately written true crime, an easy read. What wasn't easy was the case itself. I was appalled by the murder itself, and I have been reading true crime books since I was 10. Very disturbing case. I am also still upset that he will probably never be put to death, and I am anti-death penalty. The reasons that he will never run out of appeals:
1) He has money. Maybe not a lot now, but enough. And that is one of the reasons I can't support the death penalty. There is no way to enforce it universally, and so it falls on the shoulder of the poor.
2) He has made a line of appeals about his mental health, by claiming that his untreated bipolar disorder made him legally insane. As someone who struggles with depression and anxiety, I think that is total crap. He was a mean, vindictive drug abuser, who said he would make his wife pay, and killed his own children with them on the phone to her.... after he tried for hours to get her on the phone...and then went and got even higher....and picked up an old girlfriend...AND got tattoos with the kids names. Thats not insane, whether he can find a treatable condition in that head or not.
Better written than the regular tabloid-like true crime.
1) He has money. Maybe not a lot now, but enough. And that is one of the reasons I can't support the death penalty. There is no way to enforce it universally, and so it falls on the shoulder of the poor.
2) He has made a line of appeals about his mental health, by claiming that his untreated bipolar disorder made him legally insane. As someone who struggles with depression and anxiety, I think that is total crap. He was a mean, vindictive drug abuser, who said he would make his wife pay, and killed his own children with them on the phone to her.... after he tried for hours to get her on the phone...and then went and got even higher....and picked up an old girlfriend...AND got tattoos with the kids names. Thats not insane, whether he can find a treatable condition in that head or not.
Better written than the regular tabloid-like true crime.
October 12, 2016
Read this one many many years ago and even though I can't find a review for this book I do remember I thought it was shocking.
As I just wrote to someone here on Goodreads. What is worse is that nowadays a lot of killing by mostly their dads is happening. Over the last decade there have been many killings like this one. Mainly men who cannot stand that the mother of their children is seeing someone else, or that they do not have control over them anymore, need to have revenge and they do that by killing the innocent children. They know that will hurt their mother.
Even more disgusting is that a lot of the time they do not kill themselves. Too chicken for that.
Now because I do not remember this book except for what happened, I will not rate it.
As I just wrote to someone here on Goodreads. What is worse is that nowadays a lot of killing by mostly their dads is happening. Over the last decade there have been many killings like this one. Mainly men who cannot stand that the mother of their children is seeing someone else, or that they do not have control over them anymore, need to have revenge and they do that by killing the innocent children. They know that will hurt their mother.
Even more disgusting is that a lot of the time they do not kill themselves. Too chicken for that.
Now because I do not remember this book except for what happened, I will not rate it.
January 7, 2020
I have read a lot of true crime books, but not very many have led me to tears the way this one did. The senseless killing of two young girls by their father. So very frustrating that both of the man's ex-wives tried to get law enforcement to do something about this man who beat them almost to death, one ending up in the hospital and the other probably should have been, how they begged and pleaded with law enforcement and even judges to put this man away, and yet the courts basically slapped him on the wrists and allowed him unsupervised visitation with his children. The one good thing about this crime is that it led to important legislation regarding men who are abusive to their wives cannot have unlimited access to their children. I thought the court proceedings were nicely recapped rather than word for word testimony and only took up about 50 pages. A hard to read story but I think important to know these things do happen.
July 8, 2016
One of the best true crime books I've read. I literally couldn't put the book down. Such a tragic story.
October 10, 2022
Wow.. I couldn’t put this book down.
A (recent) True Crime that happened in DFW area. Bizarre, sad, tragic.
After reading, I highly recommend watching the “Real Stories” about this murder…. There are recent details and interviews from prison and the family. Crazy!
A (recent) True Crime that happened in DFW area. Bizarre, sad, tragic.
After reading, I highly recommend watching the “Real Stories” about this murder…. There are recent details and interviews from prison and the family. Crazy!
February 19, 2018
John David Battaglia was executed by the state of Texas on February 1, 2018.
As I read the news reports of the execution, I saw this book mentioned and picked it up since it was a crime that happened in my state. I tend to go back and forth on the death penalty-some people are unredeemable, but the system is clearly flawed. I was curious which this was.
Yeah, not losing too much sleep over this one. The premeditation and the choice to fling blame at his ex-wife as if it was her fault that he decided to kill his children revolted me. That he crafted her own witness to the crime while ensuring she was helpless sickened me. To the end, to the last moments of his life, he taunted her.
He lived to 62. Two of his daughters didn't make it to middle school because he shot them execution style.
Good riddance.
The book itself is laid out fairly well, though some of the principals are introduced so quickly that I had a bit of trouble keeping them all straight. For the most part, the author does an admirable job of telling a horrific tale of terrible domestic violence.
As I read the news reports of the execution, I saw this book mentioned and picked it up since it was a crime that happened in my state. I tend to go back and forth on the death penalty-some people are unredeemable, but the system is clearly flawed. I was curious which this was.
Yeah, not losing too much sleep over this one. The premeditation and the choice to fling blame at his ex-wife as if it was her fault that he decided to kill his children revolted me. That he crafted her own witness to the crime while ensuring she was helpless sickened me. To the end, to the last moments of his life, he taunted her.
He lived to 62. Two of his daughters didn't make it to middle school because he shot them execution style.
Good riddance.
The book itself is laid out fairly well, though some of the principals are introduced so quickly that I had a bit of trouble keeping them all straight. For the most part, the author does an admirable job of telling a horrific tale of terrible domestic violence.
April 15, 2012
This book was eh. Of course, a horrifying and captivating story. But the way it was told made it seem more like a work of fiction to me. I don't read many True Crime books so I don't know if this is common of the genre. The writing reminded me a lot of a high school or college paper. A good one, don't get me wrong, but not what I expect of an author.
March 30, 2014
I have read a lot of true crime books and feel that this one is one of the best. It is very thorough and gives just enough background information and court details. I feel like it gives the perfect combinations of details and a good description of the people involved. I feel so bad for the family and friends of these two girls. Just a senseless tragedy!
February 4, 2015
I seen this book on a true crime feed on Facebook and had to read it. this book is by far one of the saddest books I have ever read, this man, John, has a history of rage and violence. he marries twice and both marriages fail. he takes his act of violence out on his two young daughters. this book has very graphic scenes that may be hard for some people to read. definitely a tear jerker.
February 15, 2013
This reads like a fiction which I think is a little disrespectful tbh
November 5, 2013
This is truly heart breaking story. It made me want to hug my kids. My heart just broke for these two little girls, Faith and Liberty, and their mom.
April 16, 2014
nothing special
May 14, 2014
Compelling story about one of the most heinous and evil acts of selfishness I have ever read in true crime book.
August 16, 2014
Irene Pence did a great job detailing one of (if not the most) horrific crime ever committed. My heartbreaks for the mother...
April 23, 2018
This books does some things well and some things not so well. First, it is a horrific story and at least I never felt it was disrespectful or too keen on the sensational. The writing was efficient, the book really made me want to know what happened next. I finished it in a few hours. And it got me angry. How many times can a guy abuse his former spouses until someone does something about it. The book also shows how being good looking can help one get away with things.
Aaaand here we go to the not so good. Why does every woman (almost) in this book have to be a pretty (redhead, brunette, blonde, etc)? We find out they are pretty before we find out anything else about them. Men are not exempt either. In some cases it is relevant to point out - this is why John was considered a good match for Michelle, this is why people would never see her as a potential victim, etc. But why in the world would I need to know the witness or the detective was a pretty woman? Normally I don't care about these things, but it got annoying. Also the 6-year old victim was described as a "beautiful woman to be", not a nice looking child (which would fit), but a pretty woman to be. I found this wrong on many levels. Dear author, a story with two bloody dead children is compelling enough even if not everybody involved is a model. I felt throughout the book that the author was thinking of seeing the book turned into a movie and was already casting actors for the roles.
But again, at least the book did not become disrespectful (just a few slips), did not make me feel dirty for reading it and raised some important points on the patterns of domestic violence.
Aaaand here we go to the not so good. Why does every woman (almost) in this book have to be a pretty (redhead, brunette, blonde, etc)? We find out they are pretty before we find out anything else about them. Men are not exempt either. In some cases it is relevant to point out - this is why John was considered a good match for Michelle, this is why people would never see her as a potential victim, etc. But why in the world would I need to know the witness or the detective was a pretty woman? Normally I don't care about these things, but it got annoying. Also the 6-year old victim was described as a "beautiful woman to be", not a nice looking child (which would fit), but a pretty woman to be. I found this wrong on many levels. Dear author, a story with two bloody dead children is compelling enough even if not everybody involved is a model. I felt throughout the book that the author was thinking of seeing the book turned into a movie and was already casting actors for the roles.
But again, at least the book did not become disrespectful (just a few slips), did not make me feel dirty for reading it and raised some important points on the patterns of domestic violence.
September 21, 2023
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD READ THIS!
First I have to say, this book was super impactful! I truly believe that EVERY teenage girl should read this book so that they are aware of what the signs of classic mental, emotional, financial and physical abuse present as. Everyone’s relationships look different and it can be so hard for women to leave. I truly understand how badly us women want to leave but feel stuck or whole-heartedly believe our abusers will change.
I also loved this novel because of it showed how flawed our system truly is but also some of the advances made. What’s really sad is that far too many of the advances made in our system are only due to our flawed system having failed someone so many times that it has no other choice but to initiate new laws and regulations.
Stepping of my soapbox…It’s incredibly difficult to read this book at times! I cried multiple times!
John Battaglia was a classic narcissistic abuser. He lacked confidence and thrived on making others feel inadequate and inferior. Of course, he was at first charismatic and seemed to be everything these women were looking for; only to marry them and begin his torture. And when they left, it only got worse. So when we ask women why they don’t leave, this man is a prime example of why!
Our system truly failed both of his ex wives and children on numerous occasions and only because he presented as a somewhat successful man.
He received probation many times for other heinous acts committed against his wives. If he had committed these acts against anyone whom he wasn’t married to, he would have, without a doubt, been charged and convicted of felonious assault and received prison time.
First I have to say, this book was super impactful! I truly believe that EVERY teenage girl should read this book so that they are aware of what the signs of classic mental, emotional, financial and physical abuse present as. Everyone’s relationships look different and it can be so hard for women to leave. I truly understand how badly us women want to leave but feel stuck or whole-heartedly believe our abusers will change.
I also loved this novel because of it showed how flawed our system truly is but also some of the advances made. What’s really sad is that far too many of the advances made in our system are only due to our flawed system having failed someone so many times that it has no other choice but to initiate new laws and regulations.
Stepping of my soapbox…It’s incredibly difficult to read this book at times! I cried multiple times!
John Battaglia was a classic narcissistic abuser. He lacked confidence and thrived on making others feel inadequate and inferior. Of course, he was at first charismatic and seemed to be everything these women were looking for; only to marry them and begin his torture. And when they left, it only got worse. So when we ask women why they don’t leave, this man is a prime example of why!
Our system truly failed both of his ex wives and children on numerous occasions and only because he presented as a somewhat successful man.
He received probation many times for other heinous acts committed against his wives. If he had committed these acts against anyone whom he wasn’t married to, he would have, without a doubt, been charged and convicted of felonious assault and received prison time.
October 31, 2020
The title of this book
is reminiscent of Chris Watts daughter begging her father not to kill her too (Bella and CeCe).
It's horrible that courts allow visitation to a parent that's abusive to their spouse, and in this case, the nightmare that John put both his ex-wives through, especially Mary Jean. One point in particular I noted, was during the trial, Dr. Judi Stonedale (for defense) Blackmon asked about John having called his ex-wife Michelle Ghetti and leaving a message that Mary Jean should lose her daughters. Stonedale replied, "There's no proof that he ever called Michelle."
Why would this doctor even reply this way? Why respond to evidence when the question was about his mental health? (This Dr was the prison psychiatrist.)
She sounds biased, as though she had developed feelings for her patient (child/father murderer). If that's true, it gives credence to how Michelle believed he used his looks, his way of dressing sharply (when it counted) his charm ... to get out of so many court related punishments, like probation, jail time, etc.
I couldn't understand why this Dr. would defend this man when her purpose was simply to diagnose.
Besides the trial, I'm glad this POS got what he deserved. I looked him up, he was executed February 2018. Ya gotta give it to Texas, when they give the death penalty, they don't mess around!
Good read, horrible nightmare for those women and children.
is reminiscent of Chris Watts daughter begging her father not to kill her too (Bella and CeCe).
It's horrible that courts allow visitation to a parent that's abusive to their spouse, and in this case, the nightmare that John put both his ex-wives through, especially Mary Jean. One point in particular I noted, was during the trial, Dr. Judi Stonedale (for defense) Blackmon asked about John having called his ex-wife Michelle Ghetti and leaving a message that Mary Jean should lose her daughters. Stonedale replied, "There's no proof that he ever called Michelle."
Why would this doctor even reply this way? Why respond to evidence when the question was about his mental health? (This Dr was the prison psychiatrist.)
She sounds biased, as though she had developed feelings for her patient (child/father murderer). If that's true, it gives credence to how Michelle believed he used his looks, his way of dressing sharply (when it counted) his charm ... to get out of so many court related punishments, like probation, jail time, etc.
I couldn't understand why this Dr. would defend this man when her purpose was simply to diagnose.
Besides the trial, I'm glad this POS got what he deserved. I looked him up, he was executed February 2018. Ya gotta give it to Texas, when they give the death penalty, they don't mess around!
Good read, horrible nightmare for those women and children.
December 10, 2022
the story of john battaglia an abusive man married michelle who had a boy billy and a daughter together laura julia the marriage ended because of his abuse than he met and married mary jean pearle whos parents bought them a house for a wedding present they had 2 daughters faith 9 and liberty 6 the marriage ended because of his abuse. when ever john did something his punishment was light than he was being picked up on breach of probation which he blamed on his ex wife while talking to her daughter on speaker phone from her dads during visitation john shot liberty than faith while the mother listened and couldnt do anything than he left them in the apartment and left..this story explain the police and courts and how they failed to protect these women and children
March 15, 2017
This book was the best book I have read in awhile I really don't like Horrifying books but I decided to read no Daddy Don't and let me tell you if you like thrillers and like to know what's going to happen next this is the book for you. I honestly thought that this book was very sad and very detailed. Mind you it is a real story so the details might freak you out. A connection that I can make with this book is that some of the events occurred on the month of my birthday. I highly recommend this book if you like things like this.
April 23, 2018
Chilling yet Honest ... The Fight for Justice in Abuse Cases Continues
As a survivor, and proud mom to two child survivors, from Texas, I know the struggles of begging the courts for justice. I was compelled to purchase this captivating read, which is very well written without bias, for a multitude of reasons. Ms. Pence has done a stellar job in portraying the story of two precious little girls ripped from their living Mom and extended family. You will all be in my prayers, God rest Faith and Liberty's beautiful souls.
As a survivor, and proud mom to two child survivors, from Texas, I know the struggles of begging the courts for justice. I was compelled to purchase this captivating read, which is very well written without bias, for a multitude of reasons. Ms. Pence has done a stellar job in portraying the story of two precious little girls ripped from their living Mom and extended family. You will all be in my prayers, God rest Faith and Liberty's beautiful souls.
June 18, 2025
I love true crime in general but it’s rare to find a well written true crime book. Truman Capote is the exception not the norm apparently. And yet I keep coming back for more. This book unfortunately fell in line with the rest of the genre. Mediocre at best. Domestic cases are what I typically go for and this one fit the bill, maybe even too much. John Battaglia is the worst of the worst, having shot and killed his daughters in cold blood to get back at his ex-wife, their mother, after years of torment and abuse, which extended to his first ex-wife as well. A total downer of a case.
October 10, 2018
Never in my wildest dreams!!
True crime is one of my favorite subjects.. not only is this book superbly written, it is horrifying to think someone could actually do something like this to their own children! I have never heard of this particular case, but my heart breaks, knowing that it actually happened. There was no doubt the n anyone's mind, not even his parents. I could not imagine each and every person's personal hell this book shared.
True crime is one of my favorite subjects.. not only is this book superbly written, it is horrifying to think someone could actually do something like this to their own children! I have never heard of this particular case, but my heart breaks, knowing that it actually happened. There was no doubt the n anyone's mind, not even his parents. I could not imagine each and every person's personal hell this book shared.
January 12, 2020
Wow this was a very intense read. Well worth it, especially if you are interested in how the domestic violator behaves and how tough the justice system is on the "victim ". Nobody should have to be in this situation.
Wow this was a very intense read. Well worth it, especially if you are interested in how the domestic violator behaves and how tough the justice system is on the "victim ". Nobody should have to be in this situation.
Wow this was a very intense read. Well worth it, especially if you are interested in how the domestic violator behaves and how tough the justice system is on the "victim ". Nobody should have to be in this situation.
July 1, 2022
No, Daddy, Don't! was a bit of a hard one to rate. I listened to the audio version and have to say the narrator wasnt all that great. One thing I thought was super different - the first chapter of the book started with the main event. Then the rest of the book back tracked on John's (the "Father") life and how his unfortunate & disgusting soul unfolded to this heinous act.
Normally, I empathize with criminals and have compassion for the series of unfortunate events that basically groom them into their adult hood but I had ZERO ounce of empathy for John. He was smart, well educated and a charmer to the general public. His wives and children initially loved him despite his out lashes and yet he does the most unthinkable thing a "Father" could ever do.
Although I thought the story was interesting the style of writing was a bit of a bore.
Normally, I empathize with criminals and have compassion for the series of unfortunate events that basically groom them into their adult hood but I had ZERO ounce of empathy for John. He was smart, well educated and a charmer to the general public. His wives and children initially loved him despite his out lashes and yet he does the most unthinkable thing a "Father" could ever do.
Although I thought the story was interesting the style of writing was a bit of a bore.
July 26, 2022
Based on the title many people thought it was something else😳 However by the end I realized how much the title suits this book. Normally I would never read books like this, as I prefer to watch or listen to them. However, I loved this book its hard to make me cry or feel scared while reading. But this book did just that! Tugged on my heart while at the same time made me think about how close I could be to someone who is just like John.
October 18, 2024
It feels wrong to rate this book so high because the crime was so horrific. It's extremely descriptive when it comes to how abusive Battiglia was with his wives and children. It is one of the best true crime books I have read because it clearly shows the relationships, the progression of the abuse and then the arrest and trial. There were a lot of parts that were incredibly hard to read, but you have to understand how truly horrible this man was.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 130 reviews