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[(Love Me or Else: The True Story of a Devoted Pastor, a Fatal Jealousy, and the Murder That Rocked a Small Town )] [Author: Colin McEvoy] [Feb-2012]
Love Me or ElseColin McEvoyOn the outside, Mary Jane Fonder seemed like a kindly sixty-six-year-old congregant of the Lutheran church in Springfield Township, PA. But inside, she longed for the church's handsome Pastor Gregory Shreaves, a former golf pro who sparked her most sinful thoughts.When Mary Jane let her feelings be known, the Pastor gently pushed her away. But her obsession only grew stronger when she became convinced that he was romantically involved with a younger church member, a woman named Rhonda Smith.Rhonda was doing volunteer work in the church office one day when she was shot to death in cold blood. The trail of evidence led police to Mary Jane, and soon other suspicions were Was she also involved in the mysterious death of her own father fifteen years earlier? This is the shocking true story of love, worship, and murder in one American small town.
Unknown Binding
First published February 28, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
August 9, 2019
Well this little book shook me up a bit.
Every now and again I do enjoy reading a true crime novel. Some I cannot finish, if they are to graphic. Some are utterly fascinating, some fall flat. I'd say this one is in between.
It concerns a murderer of a Church congregant by a fellow church goer and really I had a tough time with this one. I am not sure why that is. But it was one I skimmed rather then read fully.
True crime readers may want to read it. It was creepy for sure especially since the murderer seemed so kindly. I am reading less true crime as I get older though, in part because some are just to painful and many follow a familiar script.
Every now and again I do enjoy reading a true crime novel. Some I cannot finish, if they are to graphic. Some are utterly fascinating, some fall flat. I'd say this one is in between.
It concerns a murderer of a Church congregant by a fellow church goer and really I had a tough time with this one. I am not sure why that is. But it was one I skimmed rather then read fully.
True crime readers may want to read it. It was creepy for sure especially since the murderer seemed so kindly. I am reading less true crime as I get older though, in part because some are just to painful and many follow a familiar script.
February 15, 2022
2/14 this was better the second time around it’s like Eleanor rigby gone all wrong
Woman delusional and obsessed with her young pastor. Decides to take out who she thinks is her competition.
Woman delusional and obsessed with her young pastor. Decides to take out who she thinks is her competition.
February 5, 2018
Although I think it could have been better-edited and shorter, LOVE ME boasts writing that is significantly better than that found in many true crime books, especially those in paperback format.
October 4, 2016
A nice well written true crime read.
To be honest I expected that more would happen because it was soon obvious who the culprit was but it took a bit longer because of Mary Jane could not stop talking. lol. I did not get annoyed and I just thought it was all quite interesting.
To be honest I expected that more would happen because it was soon obvious who the culprit was but it took a bit longer because of Mary Jane could not stop talking. lol. I did not get annoyed and I just thought it was all quite interesting.
January 1, 2022
I listened to the audiobook, narrated by Pam Ward, and really enjoyed this true crime story of a woman obsessed with the new pastor in a small close-knit church and community. You learn fairly quickly that Mary Jane Fonder has murdered church secretary Rhonda as she believes that Rhonda has somehow captured the eye of the pastor, and been the recipient of some assistance from the congregation that Mary Jane somehow felt she, rather than Rhonda, deserved.
The author does a great job of slowly unfolding the entire story, and giving us background and insight into the dynamics of the church, the strange disappearance of Mary Jane's father, and how the law enforcement officers work the case and gather evidence to bring Mary Jane to trial. The pace of the story is a bit slow, but I enjoyed the careful way the entire case is laid out.
The narrator really made the story for me. Her voicing of all characters - male or female, young or old - was excellent and listening to her become Mary Jane Fonder with her speech pattern and tone is great.
The author does a great job of slowly unfolding the entire story, and giving us background and insight into the dynamics of the church, the strange disappearance of Mary Jane's father, and how the law enforcement officers work the case and gather evidence to bring Mary Jane to trial. The pace of the story is a bit slow, but I enjoyed the careful way the entire case is laid out.
The narrator really made the story for me. Her voicing of all characters - male or female, young or old - was excellent and listening to her become Mary Jane Fonder with her speech pattern and tone is great.
April 1, 2021
I do like a true crime book. Saw this story on "Snapped" and decided to read it
August 4, 2018
Standard true crime. She should've gone with the insanity defense. She was crazy enough to pull it off.
March 8, 2012
The authors of this book are local journalists for an Easton, PA newspaper. Because my local library is hosting a book discussion next week with the authors in attendance, in anticipation of attending the session, I read this fascinating true crime story based on a local murder.
A debut novel for the journalists, it is exceedingly well written and engrossing. Rhonda Smith, a 42 year old attractive woman was murdered in cold blood, point blank with two gunshots to the head in a rural Springtown, PA church. The body was discovered by a friend, long-time member and cleaning person of the church. Her frantic 911 call alerted the police that something was wrong...very, very unusually wrong for an area known for its beautiful countryside and wholesome life style.
Saddened, terrified and concerned, the church members grew suspicious as they grieved the loss of a beloved parishioner. As the web of intrigue centered primarily on a 66, unattractive, socially inept choir member, the church and the community were increasingly in shock.
Stalked by Mary Jean Fonder, Rev. Gregory Shreaves previously alerted the church council that Mary Jean's behavior was frighteningly obsessive. Numerous rambling messages left on the pastor's answering machine were an indication that she needed to be told to cease. Acting as "Christians" the council did nothing.
Increasingly paranoiac and spinning out of control, Mary Jean held fast to the unfounded notion that her target was infatuated with Rhonda.
Using a gun previously purchased when she was fired from a local restaurant, Mary Jean Fonder slipped into the rural church when Rhonda was working in the office and eliminated what she believed to be her competition.
Sadly, Mary Jean's reality was not grounded in any reality.
When overwhelming evidence confirmed both the motive and the method, Mary Jean steadfastly claimed innocence.
A jury felt otherwise and today she serves a life sentence. As a side note, years prior to her murder of Rhonda, Mary Jean's father went missing. Facing severe health problems, it was highly unlikely that her father walked away from the property by himself. This case has never been solved.
Recommended!
A debut novel for the journalists, it is exceedingly well written and engrossing. Rhonda Smith, a 42 year old attractive woman was murdered in cold blood, point blank with two gunshots to the head in a rural Springtown, PA church. The body was discovered by a friend, long-time member and cleaning person of the church. Her frantic 911 call alerted the police that something was wrong...very, very unusually wrong for an area known for its beautiful countryside and wholesome life style.
Saddened, terrified and concerned, the church members grew suspicious as they grieved the loss of a beloved parishioner. As the web of intrigue centered primarily on a 66, unattractive, socially inept choir member, the church and the community were increasingly in shock.
Stalked by Mary Jean Fonder, Rev. Gregory Shreaves previously alerted the church council that Mary Jean's behavior was frighteningly obsessive. Numerous rambling messages left on the pastor's answering machine were an indication that she needed to be told to cease. Acting as "Christians" the council did nothing.
Increasingly paranoiac and spinning out of control, Mary Jean held fast to the unfounded notion that her target was infatuated with Rhonda.
Using a gun previously purchased when she was fired from a local restaurant, Mary Jean Fonder slipped into the rural church when Rhonda was working in the office and eliminated what she believed to be her competition.
Sadly, Mary Jean's reality was not grounded in any reality.
When overwhelming evidence confirmed both the motive and the method, Mary Jean steadfastly claimed innocence.
A jury felt otherwise and today she serves a life sentence. As a side note, years prior to her murder of Rhonda, Mary Jean's father went missing. Facing severe health problems, it was highly unlikely that her father walked away from the property by himself. This case has never been solved.
Recommended!
October 24, 2016
This story progresses like peeling layers of an onion, a style that makes for suspenseful reading as the mystery unfolds. It's less successful when the killer's identity becomes obvious--then things start to drag a bit; but overall the book is not bad at all. BTW, I feel compelled to mention that the pastor does not come off well; whenever faced with an unpleasant chore, he resorts to using intermediaries to deal with it, and his bizarre moral equivalence equates murder with purchasing goods from countries using child labor, and voting incorrectly (!).
December 15, 2014
It's hard to be a pastor.
December 28, 2019
WOW WHAT BOOK IAM SO THANKFUL THE TURETH IS FINALLY COMEING OUT ABOUT SOME OF THESE PASTORS EVEN THROUGH THERE IS STILL SOME REAL PASTOR S OUT THERE CAN YOU BELIEVE IAM WATCHING A MOVIE RIGHT NOW ABOUT THE JEALOUS PASTOR WHO MURDER HIS WIFE FOR HIS MISS’S THIS PASTOR GAVE HIS WIFE MEDS AND HAD THE NERVES TO PERFORM HER FUNERAL WHAT IS THIS WORLD COMEING TO IF WE CANNOT TRUST THE PASTORS WHO CAN WE TRUST. WE GREW UP TO BELIEVE IN THE PASTORS GOING TO CHURCH WAS THE 2TH PLACE TO HOME HOW SAD THE TEACHER S NOW THE PASTORS SHAME OWN YOU KARMA ALL WAYS KNOW. MY ANCESTORS CALL IT DEEDS. PRISON IS NOT A NICE PLACE JUST THINKING SOME ONE INMATE S JUST MIGHT BE WAITING OWN YOU THATS NOT FAIR. WRONG CANNOT MAKE IT RIGHT WRONG.
January 25, 2024
65 th yr old lady went to church. Inside she wanted the Pastor to love her which sparked sinful thoughts. The Pastor knew this and pushed her away. She was convinced he liked another lady in church, who was shot in cold blood. The evidence led police to this old lady. Shocking true story of love, worship and murder.
“. 15 years earlier her fathers death was mysterious, he just disappeared. They feel she might of murdered him. Sounds like they are still looking into it.
One of the better true crimes I’ve read”.
“. 15 years earlier her fathers death was mysterious, he just disappeared. They feel she might of murdered him. Sounds like they are still looking into it.
One of the better true crimes I’ve read”.
July 12, 2023
Story kept me intrigued. Not the best audible.
July 12, 2023
A bizzarre story
June 14, 2025
Eh. It's okay. Relates the facts of the case. I would have liked more insight into the murderer's psychological issues. I think someone with a degree could have offered some information.
August 23, 2025
A well written true crime novel.
August 24, 2025
Lackluster reporting
March 7, 2012
A good portion of this book was spent on the trial. I would have liked some more time spent on the back stiry of the perpatrator and the victim. That it was I find the most interesting.
March 29, 2012
Very well written book. So very sad that someone had to die.
August 31, 2012
Loved this book. I attended a book reading at a local library, and met the authors. Some of the individuals who were in attendence knew the woman who was killed...creepy, yet interesting!
September 13, 2012
OMG...what this congregation and Pastor endured was hard to fathom!
January 28, 2015
Congrats to Colin and Lynn on their first book!
June 14, 2012
Local crime provided interest-writing style so-so
April 4, 2014
Loved the book....informative, and kept me intrigued...couldn't put it down.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews