I'll Take Care of You

by Caitlin Rother

Rother is the next Ann Rule.--Gregg Olsen

Praise for Caitlin Rother

"A superb writer." --Los Angeles Times

"A star in the field of true crime." --The San Diego Union-Tribune

"Will keep you on the edge of your seat." --Aphrodite Jones

Nanette Johnston Packard, a sexy divorcee, liked to meet men at the gym and through personal ads. Soon after she began dating millionaire Bill McLaughlin, he moved her and her kids into his bay-front home in Newport Beach. But one man was never enough for Nanette. . .

Eric Naposki, her NFL linebacker lover, fulfilled Nanette's wilder cravings. Together they schemed to make her fiance's fortune their own. When McLaughlin was gunned down, authorities had suspicions--but no proof. Pulitzer-nominated writer Caitlin Rother explores this chilling story of a woman who seemed to have it all--until justice finally had its day.

Includes dramatic photos

Genres: True Crime, Nonfiction, Crime, Audiobook, Mystery

448 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 7, 2014

About the author

New York Times bestselling author Caitlin Rother has written or co-authored 14 books, ranging from narrative non-fiction crime to mystery and memoir. Her newest book is DEATH ON OCEAN BOULEVARD: Inside the Coronado Mansion Case (April 27, 2021). Her backlist includes HUNTING CHARLES MANSON; SECRETS, LIES, AND SHOELACES; LOVE GONE WRONG; DEAD RECKONING; THEN NO ONE CAN HAVE HER; I'LL TAKE CARE OF YOU; NAKED ADDICTION; POISONED LOVE; BODY PARTS; TWISTED TRIANGLE; LOST GIRLS; WHERE HOPE BEGINS and MY LIFE, DELETED. A Pulitzer Prize nominee, Rother worked as an investigative reporter at daily newspapers for 19 years before quitting the news biz in 2006 to write books full-time. Her journalism has been published in Cosmopolitan, the Los Angeles Times, The San Diego Union-Tribune, the Chicago Tribune, The Washington Post, The Boston Globe and The Daily Beast. She has done more than 200 appearances as a crime commentator on TV, radio and podcasts, ranging from "20/20," "People Magazine Investigates," "Nancy Grace," and "Crime Watch Daily," to shows on HLN, Oxygen Network, Investigation Discovery, C-SPAN, XM Radio and PBS affiliates. She also works as a writing-research-promotions coach and consultant.

Reviews

[Marla · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this book as a giveaway on Goodreads.

When I first saw the cover of this book and read the description, it didn't sink in that this was not fiction. Caitlin Rother did a great job of sucking me into the story immediately and keeping me hooked through the entire book. I know there are gold diggers out there who prey on wealthy men and women, but I was intrigued at just how far Nanette went to deceive the men. It's amazing how much money she stole and from everything I can tell that was presented in the book, I think she and Eric Naposki did kill Bill McLaughlin. This is a really good book and worth the read. Caitlin is a really good writer.

[Ceeceereads · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a real shocker of a true crime tale. Greed, lust, a younger woman, and a wealthy older man. It was a gripping account, I have been fascinated by the psychological insight into a very slippery individual. Excellent writing, it flowed and kept my attention throughout. A very twisted 5 stars.

[HR-ML · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF @34%.

Nanette was an attractive con woman. She seduced men
to get them to provide her with shelter and money. She
stole from men. She had multiple boyfriends. She ran up
their credit cards. She lied about her advanced degrees &
used her 2 kids as pawns.

Nanette conned millionaire Bill, with whom she lived. They
were together 3.5 yrs. Then Bill was murdered. This true
story was suspenseful in places & had good pacing, but after
awhile I could read no more about Nan. Nan & her former
NFL boyfriend were prime suspects for Bill's murder.

[Valerity (Val) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'll Take Care of You by Caitlin Rother, is a True Crime book about Nannette Johnston Packard who begins dating older man Bill McLaughlin, moving into his beautiful Bay front home in Newport Beach with her kids. But she's also juggling another man, a younger man, Eric Naposki an NFL linebacker. And eventually there's a tragic murder and Bill McLaughlin is found shot to death in his home. The book goes into the extremely long time it ends up taking to bring those at fault to justice.

[Jael · Rating 4 out of 5]

Every time I watch an episode of Snapped or 48 Hours I am stunned at the overwhelming stupidity and lack of humanity displayed by people who think they can get away with murder. Nanette Johnston Packard and Eric Naposki are prime examples. Both of them are responsible for the murder of millionaire Bill McLaughlin. It took 15 years before either of them saw the inside of the courtroom. Fortunately both of them are where they belong -- in prison. Caitlin Rother details the case in her latest book I'll Take Care You.

On December 15, 1994 Kevin McLaughlin made a call that no son should every have to make.


Read the rest of my review at: http://www.asiturnthepages.blogspot.c...

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

In her latest novel, I'll Take Care Of You, author Caitlin Rother takes the reader behind the scenes of a riveting true crime thriller for an in depth look at a highly publicized premeditated murder case set in Newport Beach, California.

On December 15, 1994, multi-millionaire entrepreneur Bill McLaughlin was fatally shot in his kitchen. His killer left behind several clues: a new key stuck in the front door and another on the doormat, and six 9-millimeter bullet casings littered the floor. Suspected of committing the murder was Bill's fiancee, Nanette Johnston and her secret boyfriend Eric Naposki, an ex-NFL linebacker/nightclub bouncer. This is a story of a fatal love triangle, and a couple's lethal greed and intricate web of lies, secrets, and deceptions that took seventeen years for the justice system to prevail.

I'll Take Care Of You is a riveting story that easily draws the reader in from the start, keeping them captivated as the author weaves a thoroughly intriguing and intricate recounting of a highly publicized murder case.

The author provides the reader with a fascinating and richly detailed and in depth look into the back stories and lives of each participant; an extensive research of the investigative, legal and financial aspects of the case; and a sixteen page photo insert.

You can't help but get drawn into the story, the intricate web of deceit by femme fatale Nanette Johnston and Eric Naposki is shocking, their ability to fly below the radar of the justice system for fifteen years is mindboggling, until it all came crashing down when the Orange County District Attorney's Office and the Newport Beach Police Department launched a review of the cold case and arrested them for murder in May 2009. After an extensive and determined investigation and pursuit of justice for the McLaughlin family, the reader follows a haunting tale of one woman's depth of greed and the senseless tragedy that ensued until her conviction and sentence of life in prison without the possibility of a parole in 2012.

I'll Take Care Of You is a gripping and chilling account of murder, greed, and deception that is a must read for all true crime fans.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author / publisher in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book release tour event hosted by the author.

http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot...

[Gerry · Rating 4 out of 5]

When divorcee Nanette Johnston met millionaire Bill McLaughlin the latter thought it was his lucky day. He very quickly moved Nanette and her family into his bay-front home in Newport Beach. But, sadly, it was the beginning of a tragedy about to unfold.

Nanette could not be satisfied with one man and behind Bill's back she dated numerous men she met at the gym and through her sexy advertising. One of these was one-time NFL linebacker Eric Naposki and she fed him some nonsense about Bill, whose house she told him she was living in purely for business reasons, making sexual advances towards her. Naposki took exception to this and it would seem that, between them, they planned to do something about it.

When Bill's son Kevin found his dad dead on the floor suspicion fell on Nanette, whose behaviour at the time of the death had been somewhat irrational. It gradually came out about her other liaisons and Eric Naposki then came under the investigative eye of the police.

But, despite extensive work by the Newport Beach Police Department nothing could be proved and time dragged on so much that the case was eventually put on the back burner with no sign of any guilty party.

Many years later it was reopened and further evidence was brought to light and the earlier evidence re-examined. This time the prosecutors felt that it was time to arrest Nanette, who by this time had married again and had further children, and Naposki. The latter was outraged, stressing that he had nothing whatsoever to do with the murder while Nanette kept a low profile, saying very little.

However, 18 years after the murder, the case was taken to court and after lengthy trials (the pair were tried separately) they were both found guilty and sentenced to life with parole.

Caitlin Rother captures the chilling story dramatically and it is certainly a story that keeps the reader interested right to the end; perhaps the only astonishing fact is that it took so long to finally identify the killers as the reader may well get the impression that the pair were guilty early in the piece.

[Jeanette · Rating 4 out of 5]

This demonstrates depth of information pertaining to the murder of William McLaughlin in 1994 at a California (Balboa Coves) location. He was a wealthy single with 3 offspring and they meet through an ad she put in the newspaper for single availability.

I skimmed this after the first half, because it was such depth and the murderers clearly evident. But proving it took many years, just about 18 actually, until the convictions occurred. Meanwhile they used his money to the hilt, leading high end lives for years.

Looking at the ad! Classy? What a trusting fool, and what a terrible price he paid for his companionship. His adult kids suffered for decades, as well. Beyond the horror of his son witnessing the immediate aftermath.

Evil can be right in front of your eyes. It can be.

[Gena Koehler · Rating 3 out of 5]

I started out really enjoying it & her writing, thinking I may have found my new favorite true crime author, but maybe halfway in it became so redundant & the timeline bounced around so much, I had a hard time remembering what happened and when.

[Bonnie Leberman · Rating 2 out of 5]

Disappointed

I have not read other books by this author and this book seemed to drone on and on; just plain boring.

[Jenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love reading about cases I’ve never heard of. This one was a doozy. Part of me wonders if Eric had anything to do with it, other than feeding off Nanette. And doing anything she asked. And helping spend money. Alligator boots and motorcycles - that’s a lot of money spent. He seemed egotistical and definitely not someone if chum around with. And as for Nanette - that’s whole other ball of wax. That woman could spend money like no other. Not to mention her knack of stealing it. And the boyfriends/husbands! She could sucker them easily too. I can officially say I detest them both.

[LORI CASWELL · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nanette Johnston Packard, a sexy divorcee, liked to meet men at the gym and through personal ads. Soon after she began dating millionaire Bill McLaughlin, he moved her and her kids into his bay-front home in Newport Beach. But one man was never enough for Nanette…Eric Naposki, her NFL linebacker lover, fulfilled Nanette’s wilder cravings. Together they schemed to make her fiance’s fortune their own. When McLaughlin was gunned down, authorities had suspicions – but no proof. Pulitzer-nominated writer Caitlin Rother explores this chilling story of a woman who seemed to have it all – until justice finally had its day.

Dollycas’s Thoughts
Rother is excellent at what she does with these stories, her book Dead Reckoning made my Best Reads of 2011 and Lost Girls was another awesome read.

I was not familiar with this case until I picked up this book. The author starts with a Prologue that gets everyone up to speed and I appreciate this.

Nanette Johnson Packard may not have completed high school but she was smart enough to draw several men into her web of lies. She even convinced one of them to kill for her. The scary thing is the way she lies reminds me of someone I personally know, which has me imagining the destruction this person could cause. That is what makes books like this so chilling, these are real people. People whose neighbors say they never noticed anything or there was no way that person would do that.

Rother investigates this story so completely and writes so well at times you forget this story is not fiction. The people she brings to life on these pages are REAL!!! These things actually took place. This time it was a cold case and they almost got away with it. The author takes us in depth into the case. The science that has evolved that helped solve the case. The truth the came to light because of hours of exhaustive investigation when the case was resurrected in 2008.

With true crime stories, you know the criminal(s), the killer(s), the outcome. Because I wasn’t familiar with this case though I was waiting for the final twist. This entire story was twisted. The lies, the deception, the greed. Thankfully the victim’s family finally received justice. But had someone not chosen to dig into this case more thoroughly the outcome could have been so different. This is family that truly suffered and deserved closure.

I started this book and it was after 2 in the morning when I finished. I just couldn’t put it down. I highly recommend this one and anything else written by this author.

[Sharon Chance · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's been a long time since I've read a true crime novel, but in the past I was a big fan of Ann Rule and Patricia Springer's books in this genre. So when I was asked to review Caitlin Rother's latest book, "I'll Take Care Of You," I was intrigued to see how the coverage of sensational crimes had evolved over the years. I was not disappointed!

Rother takes her readers right into the heart of the cold-case investigation of the murder of California millionaire Bill McLaughlin and follows the story of the two prime (and eventual convicted) suspects, McLaughlin's girlfriend Nanette Johnston and her boyfriend Eric Naposki. As she presents the stories of the people involved in this case, Rother weaves together a tale of greed, lies, and alibis gone wrong that brings this heartbreaking case to light - a case that took over seventeen years to come to a conclusion.

Gathering what must have been a monumental amount of documents, trial transcripts and interviewing family members, friends and professionals associated with this case, Rother presents all sides in a fascinating and riveting manner that proves why she is the up and coming queen of "true crime."

I highly recommend this book for those who enjoy true crime and novels involving true life situations. Mystery lovers will also find this novel mesmerizing.

[Maureen Timerman · Rating 5 out of 5]

An indepth look a premeditated murder. Caitlin Rother has brought this whole sordid affair into light, from the beginning to the end.
She explores how it took so very long to get justice for the deceased. We walk in each of the participants shoes, and some of them are not very nice.
We follow these individuals from way before the crime is committed to a long time later, waiting for the hands of justice to fall.
We find greed, but to a greater extent than most. We find sex used as a lure, and the killing of a man who rather saw it coming.
What I found very ironic was Bill McLaughlin's thriftiness with his first wife, the mother of his children, down to pennies. Then answering an add from a woman who stated she wanted a wealthy man. Makes you wonder what he was thinking, and how this Vixen Nanette, got away with what she did before the murder??
Come along and follow this trial, and crime from beginning to end, there are some great pictures. Once the book is picked up you can't wait to keep turning to the next riveting page.

I received this book through the Author, Caitlin Rother, and was not required to give a positive review.

[Destinys · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nanette Johnson Packard, is the most insane, despicable person I think ever walked this earth. She used her children and all the men involved just to get her own way and steal their money like little pawns in her game of chess. Nanette’s involvement with Eric Naposki, let me still with wonder if he really was the shooter, or If she had another man in the pond to do her bidding. Caitlin Rother’s story beings tons of details. Her investigations and talking to so many people who were involved or knew Nanette gives you a real inside look at what the going ons are more than even the stories in the paper or conversations you have heard from the grapevine. Very scary to know she was right up close to these demented people who she had to talk and spend hours with.

[CrabbyPatty · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nanette Johnson managed to convince a lot of men that she was their dream come true - "blonde and busty" was her stock-in-trade - and she caught a big fish in Bill McLaughlin, Newport Beach millionaire. But she and her lover Eric Naposki conspired to murder Bill and were finally brought to justice 17 years after the fact.

The author covers the trial very thoroughly, but I wish she had turned her focus on Nanette, who remains very much a mystery throughout. We know virtually nothing about this woman (although we do get a pretty complete picture of Eric Naposki) and I feel the book suffered for it. 3 stars.

Vist my new blog - I Love True Crime Books!

[David Brubaker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I sat through the Packard trial to observe the characters and the details of the crime. It should make for a compelling and fascinating book. I can hardly wait for it to come out.

[Christy · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

An outstanding true crime book, carefully researched and written, this is an account of a very interesting murder case. The evidence was almost entirely circumstantial but quite convincing. I especially enjoyed the descriptions of the trials. This is also a very sad story of a family’s long wait for justice.

[Leigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

After seeing several different true crime shows on this case I was looking for a good book to read, because that's what I do. See a good TV show or movie, the book will have even more information. Plus I heard Caitlin Rother was a good crime author and after reading this I would say that the comparisons to Ann Rule are fairly accurate. Rother has her own style, but she tells the story in a way similar to Ann Rule and makes it more like reading a crime novel instead of a non fiction story. Tragically this was not a fiction novel but all too real. Bill McLaughlin was a wealthy man, recently divorced after his wife left him. He had three children he adored and who obviously adored him. True some thought he was a pompous ass or worse, but to me this made him human. Honestly I've met people who worked with my dad and I'm sure they thought the same thing about him too. Anyway Bill finds an ad in a magazine for wealthy men only. Nanette Johnston enters his life and will change it forever. Nanette adores three things, Nanette, money and men and in that order too. Unbeknownst to Bill Nanette is dating one time NFL player Eric Naposki on the side, sort of playing one off the other and not really trying to hide what she was up to. In December of 1994 Bill is found shot dead in his kitchen by his son Kevin. The 911 call he made was heartbreaking to hear, as Kevin suffered a brain injury and this made it difficult for him to speak clearly especially when in an agitated state as anyone would be seeing a loved one bleeding to death in front of them. The police zero in on Nanette and Eric almost immediately but for reasons not completely clear no charges are filed for years. Some say the current prosecutor didn't feel she had the evidence to bring a winning case, while the prosecutor said that the cops didn't seem to want to file charges. Whatever the reason, enter Matt Murphy and the prosecuting team several years later, determined to bring justice to Bill's children, Kim and Jenny, (sadly Kevin would die before the case was brought to trial.) And so the case begins to unfold. Eric reminded me a bit of Diane Downs with his constant changing stories, a hitman did it (a bushy haired stranger sound familiar?) Too this day I am sure he continues to scream his innocence to whoever will listen. The evidence is compelling though, and although Rother manages to stay neutral, it becomes obvious that neither one of them has a shred of innocence or decency in them at all. A well told true crime story. Like the McLaughlin daughters, their friends and the prosecuting team I too believe they got the right people and justice prevailed in the end.

[MCS · Rating 5 out of 5]

I saw the 48 Hours episode about this case, and recently signed up for the trial subscription to Amazon Unlimited. This book was among the titles listed. I was in the mood for some true crime and I especially love true crime involving the rich and beautiful. This book did not disappoint.

"I'll Take Care Of You" explores the senseless and tragic murder of Bill McLaughlin, a wealthy fifty-something entrepreneur who was living the good life in Newport Beach, an affluent enclave of Orange County, California. Luxurious homes, expensive cars, even his own plane…Bill McLaughlin had it all. The only thing missing was some companionship/arm-candy.

Enter Nanette Maneckshaw Johnston…a beautiful 25-year-old divorcee and mother of two small children. Bill bought her cars, jewelry, designer outfits, and even gave her the use of one of his homes. But that wasn't enough for Nanette. With her boyfriend-on-the-side, former pro footballer Eric Naposki, she murdered Bill in cold blood and set out to steal his estate out from under his grown children.

Caitlin Rother is a very good writer and reporter. She sets the scene and then little by little, exposes the secrets until the big denouement. With true crime books, when the suspects have been arrested and the trial begins, I start to lose interest. This book held me until the last page.

I am a big fan of Ann Rule's early work, and with this book Rother proves herself to be a worthy successor. I look forward to reading more of her books!

[Peg · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is about a murder that took seventeen years to go to trial. There's a verdict at the end but still not a definite explanation of what really happened. That's not due to the author, but because the suspects involved couldn't tell the truth to save their lives. The book is written simply and factually and doesn't try to recreate events or conversations that they simply couldn't know about. She talked to a lot of people involved and I feel that whatever she wrote happened or was said.

[Tiffany Delahunt · Rating 4 out of 5]

I attended this trial and saw Caitlin there every day. She didn't miss a thing in her recreation of this 20-year mystery and it's final resolution. Satisfying to see justice finally done, but so sad for the horrific and needless ruin of so many innocent lives.
Side note to other reviewers: True crime books are NOT 'novels'. The word novel refers to made-up stories, otherwise known as fiction. This is non-fiction.
Sorry to vent but that just drives me nuts!! :)

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Have read this with mixture of feeling. Not my regular cup of tea in reading material. Compelled to read through to the end by the author's delivery of the volumious detail [of evidence] and a viseral need to know how justice finally caught up with these two guilty people. Enjoyed the characterization of the prosecutor, judge and defense attorneys.

[Melissalampkin · Rating 3 out of 5]

The behind the scene look at how dectives solve a crime is very very interesting. Much more in depth than those hour long police/law shown on tv. I don't even remember hearing about this crime when it happened. The lengths that people will go to when they are greedy just flapperghast's me. It was a very enjoyable book and I haven't heard that much of this genre, true crime that is.

[Jennifer Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew Nanette Johnston as our daughters were in competition cheer together. She was a super nice lady who, obviously duped a heck of a lot of people besides me. So, it was with great anticipation that I read this book.

The author did a wonderful job of researching the story, crafting a compelling narrative and keeping us in suspense until the end. Well done!

[Laurie · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent book about a tragic homicide. The story revolves around a woman whose only goal is life is herself and money.Nanette plans on looking after both but when her rich husband decides it's time for a divorce, she has to come up with a plan and fast. With the help of her handsome lover, they put a plan in motion! A good read.

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book through the First Reads giveaway program on Goodreads.

I'll Take Care Of You is the chilling account of millionaire Bill McLaughlin's murder. It is the true story of one woman's greed and deception that is a must read for all true crime fans.

[Anita Smith · Rating 2 out of 5]

Shoddy writing- jumped all over the place chronologically. Also, Caitlin? You might want to find another editor for your future books. Typos galore. My personal favorite was "girlfrield" for "girlfriend." That one made it to social media.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

THIS BOOK WAS WELL WRITTEN. IT WAS VERY GOOD AND I FOUND IT HARD TO PUT DOWN. MY HEART GOES OUT TO THE M.L. FAMILY. GOD BLESS. I WOULD RECOMMEND THIS BOOK TO EVERYONE.