Toxic Love

by Tomás Guillén

First to fall victim to the deadly "flu" was Duane Johnson, a big, strapping Omaha truck driver. Then it struck his infant nephew, Chad. Both suffered an agonizing death from a mystery illness that baffled medical personnel. As Duane's daughter and Chad's parents fell deathly ill, an Omaha cop began looking into this all-American family--for the killer in the midst. Photos.

Genres: True Crime, Nonfiction, Crime, Audiobook, Biography, Adult, Historical

368 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published May 1, 1995

About the author

Tomás Guillén is a Professor Emeritus at Seattle University.

He previously worked as a journalist at The Seattle Times, Omaha World-Herald, and the Tucson Citizen. In 1988 he and a colleague were Pulitzer Prize finalists for their articles on the Green River Killer.

​Guillén received his Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of Arizona and his Masters of Arts in Communication from the University of Washington.

Guillén and his wife live in Santa Fe, New Mexico and have three adult children: Natalie, Phillip and Anne.

Reviews

[Chrissie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Murder by cancer? This has to be a unique story!

A horrific method, and thankfully the mystery was solved.

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story itself is very interesting, but the book isn't especially good.

One of the most obvious issues, at least in the ebook version, is that the book has a decent number of errors. It's not unreadable, but it is a little distracting. They didn't really affect my reading too much except at one point where they called someone by the wrong name and a couple sentences that didn't really make sense. This is more of an objective problem.

Subjectively, there were also some choices I didn't like. At various points in the book, it will cast suspicion on Sandy, the wife of one of the victims, for being a conspirator in this crime but it never really presents any proof that she was involved. Since it was brought up multiple times, both by people in the story and the text, I expected it to lead up to something, but it never does. There could be outside sources that provide a better case against her since it seems like a lot of people were suspicious of her, but the book itself doesn't.

If you're interested in this crime already, this book might still be worth checking out. It does a good job explaining how they solved the case and how they proved it in a court of law. I watched the Forensic Files episode about this after reading and this goes into a lot more detail than that episode did. It also includes a lot of pictures and documents which could be good resources.

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good read, very sad. These cases most likely would never have been classified as homicides were it not for a nurse working at 2 hospitals that happened to come in contact with both patients & alerted authorities.
There are many sad aspects in this book, not only the murders.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

if garbage true crime books from the 90s have millions of fans, i am one of them. if garbage true crime books from the 90s have one fan, than I'M THAT ONE. if garbage true crime books from the 90s have no fans, that means i'm dead.

[MM Suarez · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read quite a bit of true crime but I have to say this is one of the most interesting cases I have come across, from the unusual method used to murder to the complete lack of focus and care of the killer, that while having a specific target chose to put so many others in harms way. It also made me think about the lack of security protocols in our research labs that would allow someone to get their hands on such deadly substances without much effort.

[Nancy Hudson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an extremely well written true crime book by Tomas Guillen who has prior awards in journalism including a Pulitzer nomination. He specializes in criminal justice issues.

This story was wild! I had never heard of it. It occurred in 1978. It is a very sad story in many ways. It destroyed many lives. I’m just surprised this type of crime doesn’t happen more often. I am assuming that steps have been taken since then to make it less likely to happen. The author does an excellent job in describing the background, the people involved, the investigation and the court trial as well as the aftermath. Very tight narrative. The book was riveting and makes for a fast read.

[Thomas Loop · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Toxic Love” is a real life story that reads like an action novel while telling a story that is so unique and bazar that few writers of fiction could tell a more intriguing and interesting story. The book is an incredible fast moving true crime story that kept me guessing the true perpetrator until near the end. It held my attention from the first paragraph until the end. It was written in a manner that allowed me to understand the personalities of the characters, know their motivations and their actions. It also made me feel that I was close to the story and close to the action.
The book appeared to me to be very well researched. It was precise in describing activities and interactions of the characters and details concerning characteristics of the toxin involved and the resulting effects of the toxin.
I enjoyed the book very much. I especially like nonfiction books like this one that continue after the main story with details of what subsequently happened in the lives of the main surviving characters.
I highly recommend the book to anyone who enjoys reading true crime stories with atypical twists.

[Monique · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good crime novel.

Imagine ways of homicide. will cancer enter your mind? I think not.

Sallie is a working mom
Steve Harper is always a goody-two-shoes, aiming to be a future vet.
Sandy is a blonde, magnet of trouble
Duane died.
Chad died.

Who did it?

Kept me asking the whole time and then i finally found out, and the manner that the killer did it never crossed my mind. Medicals researchers, pathologists, doctors and nurses couldnt figure out why the two died.

I'm happy i cam across this book in a thrift shop :)

[Alexis · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was such an insane true crime. I sped pretty quickly through it, because the nature of these crimes were so shocking. It’s a bit triggering because there are pet and infant deaths, but still a gripping true crime. A tale wrapped in obsession, depression, and pretty severe mental illness. It’s a tale of poisoning that really isn’t your run of the mill manslaughter. If you are a true crime buff than toxic love is a must read.

[Holly · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting story in desperate need of a proof reader.

[Laura · Rating 2 out of 5]

A MAN: murders four people, including a baby.
THIS BOOK: but really, isn't it his ex-girlfriend's fault for being a huge bitch?

[Stefanie Robinson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book covers the Johnson family: Duane, Sandy, Sherrie, and Michael. The family lived in Omaha, Nebraska. The family took ill suddenly one September morning, exhibiting symptoms of food poisoning or flu. Three other members of the family stopped by, but left promptly once Sandy told them she thought her family had the flu. Those three members became ill later that same day, exhibiting the same symptoms. One of those, an 11-month-old boy, died. Duane died the day after his nephew. A subsequent investigation into the root of the mysterious illnesses led back to the Johnson house, where tainted lemonade was determined to be the culprit. All signs pointed to a deliberate poisoning by DMN, a highly toxic chemical that can alter DNA and cause cancer. I won't spoil the book with the identity of the poisoner, but it was an interesting investigation. This book was informative and included more details than the episode of Forensic Files that it was on.

[Darcia Scates · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the first 200 pages of this book. in fact, I wanted to write the author a letter to tell him how much I loved it. Unfortunately, the second half started out rough and then he barely introduced more characters. And it just got to be confusing. And I was like, oh I should have taken out a notebook and a pen to keep up with these characters. The second half I feel was rushed. And I stopped enjoying the book and then it was like, hmm, I just want it over with. So overall, It's a good book, but somehow this second half got muddled. I would like to know more about the story. And I will read his other books but I can't give this book a 5 star rating.

[Lorie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unusual

is an understatement, for this crime. Well researched and well written account of a very strange mind at work. After learning of Steven's childhood accident, you can't help but feel sorry for him but his method for revenge was horrible. He clearly was not normal, who would put poison in a pitcher not knowing who would drink from it? He didn't know Sandy very well either, she didn't even drink lemonade. Hence, an unsettled and immature mind at work.

[Kenneth J. Olsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Difficult to believe it's not fiction!

Not quite sure what attracted picking this book to read. That it takes place in Omaha, NE kept me reading as had spent some time there. What takes place is mind boggling. The how, why and who unknowns keeps you turning pages. It really happened and the determination of an Omaha police detective brought justice. Great reading with in depth insight into how much digging is needed to obtain that justice. Highly recommend!

[Susan Harrison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ghastly story, but well written

This is a very sad story. An extremely toxic substance in the hands of thwarted lover becomes a weapon that eventually takes the lives of five victims as well as the murderer. Questions linger as to the love object; of all the persons in the ‘orbit’ of the attack, she is the only one to suffer no consequences. Puzzling.

[ErikaShmerika Wine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Even though they claim it’s the “FIRST MURDER BY CANCER!”, both in the title as well as in the text, they also include the story of a murder by cancer that previously happened in Germany….so, I guess that sums up my review. Oh, and Pee Ess- if you opt for the audiobook, be prepared for the pronunciation of centimeter as ‘sawn-toe-matter’ which is just…yeah.

[Lexi Sølvhammer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is absolutely jaw dropping.

I’ve never heard of a case like this. It’s both an evil and strange case.

There is some dry spot here and there in the book, and at some point I thought about giving up. However I didn’t and I’m glad so because I don’t think it’s impossible to find any other true crime book about this type of murder.

[Mary Willmuth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible

I've read a lot of true crime, but this book captured my attention so solidly that I couldn't put it down. Fortunately I was on vacation and didn't have to. Congratulations to the professionals in law enforcement, research and medicine for their tireless efforts in solving this crime and bringing justice to its victims.

[Bleachedblackcat · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this last year and the hows and whys of this murder still gets to me. While not the best true crime book I have ever read it it haunting and shows just how far assholes are willing to go and who they are willing to hurt.

[Pat Eroh · Rating 5 out of 5]

incredibly crazy

This is a very well written and compelling read. The documents at the end add credibility and support. I highly recommend this book to true crime fans and readers who enjoy a different type of killer.

[Belinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

fascinating story

The material subject of this book is fascinating. Tragic. Impossible to comprehend. Lives destroyed. It would have been a better read with better editing. So many typographical errors that it distracted the reader.

[Grace Lents]

Interesting book and very well written.

[Alexis Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great thriller and mystery book

It was a lot of fun to read and it really sucked me in! I recommend if you love medical mysteries.

[Misty · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story was interesting and sad. However, the multiple typos in the ebook version made me change from a 4 star to a 3 star review.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This sounded so familiar to me then I realized I saw a "Forensic Files" episode that dealt with this murder.

[Dianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Extremely interesting read !

[MoDonasChridhe · Rating 4 out of 5]

A twisted tale

Scary to think life can end so brutally and quickly and how suffering can last for years. Chilling take of a scorned lover and his revenge that killed innocents

[Rob · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bizarre.

[Tracey · Rating 3 out of 5]

I struggled to get through this book. Disjointedly written and its hard to keep track of who is doing what at times in the book.