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I Will Ruin You: The Twisted Truth Behind the Kit Martin Murder Trial

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Did the State of Kentucky convict an innocent man?

Moments before boarding a passenger flight on 11 May 2019 as the first officer, pilot Christian "Kit" Martin, a former army ranger, was arrested by a swarm of heavily armed officers for the murders of three of his neighbors. The arrest captured global attention as Martin's mugshot, clad in a pilot's uniform, spread across the internet, sparking a media firestorm with headlines such as "Monster in the Cockpit."

A combat helicopter pilot, Kit Martin had seen his life unravel after seeking a divorce. His wife's threatening words, "If you leave me, I will ruin your life …," overheard by his daughter, seemed to have become a grim reality, escalating to a court-martial and culminating in a high-stakes murder trial at which he was convicted.

I WILL RUIN YOU: The Twisted Truth Behind the Kit Martin Murder Trial delves into the complex circumstances behind Martin’s story. It looks beyond the sensational headlines and legal turmoil into the heart of this controversial case.

With an investigative journalist’s eye, author Emilio Corsetti III presents the facts of the crime that led to the arrest and the extraordinary lengths used to secure a conviction in this unforgettable true crime page-turner.

426 pages, Paperback

Published March 21, 2024

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About the author

Emilio Corsetti III

9 books76 followers
Emilio Corsetti III is a retired airline pilot and author. His work has appeared in regional and national publications, including the Chicago Tribune, Multimedia Producer, and Professional Pilot magazine. Emilio is a graduate of St. Louis University. For more information about the author, please visit the author's website at www.EmilioCorsetti.com.

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5 stars
76 (48%)
4 stars
51 (32%)
3 stars
26 (16%)
2 stars
3 (1%)
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2 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
Profile Image for Laura Thomas.
1,564 reviews107 followers
May 23, 2024
I’m a true crime junkie. I watch tons of shows on the telly and movies based on real events. I also read a lot of true crime books. So, when I come across one that keeps me glued to the story. Makes me keep reading til the wee hours. Has me rushing home from work to read some more before returning. And has me talking about it to anyone who will listen. That’s a sure fire 5 Star read for me.

There were a lot of players important to this case about a triple homicide. There’s the lawyers, both civil and military, and a plethora of witnesses. But, the key people are former army ranger and helicopter pilot, Kit Martin, and his wife, Joan. I thought Kit was a likable man. Honest, hard working and a good father. Joan. I thought she was bonkers, a pathological liar and dangerous. When she felt she was about to lose her meal ticket, she’d quickly run off with the next unsuspecting one she had in the wings.

The writing and research were so compelling. I felt like I was that proverbial ‘fly on the wall’. I was so tempted to go online and see what info was out there. I had heard of the case but wasn’t aware of the trial’s outcome. Now that I’ve shared my thoughts, I’m going to check it out. If you like true crime, this is an excellent choice for your next read.

I received a complimentary copy. My review is voluntarily given.
Profile Image for Country Mama.
1,742 reviews84 followers
May 20, 2024
I love to read true crime novels, so I will ruin you was a no-brainer for me. I was intrigued to read a new to me true crime about Kit Martin who was convicted of killing his 3 neighbors. Kit Martin was an airline pilot and going through a bitter divorce and relationship with his ex at the time.
The writing is fantastic for the true crime genre. The writing is up there with the writing of Ann Rule, who is one of my absolute favorite true crime writers, Ann Rule. The story of Kit Martin is a sad and tragic one as, the readers, have to see if Kit is guilty of the murders of the neighbors or not. Also, he started out as a pretty normal guy in the beginning of the book, so it was a journey to see how Kit gets to the point of murder.
This was such an interesting case read of Kit Martin, his life based around the murders at the time, and also his court case. I had never heard about this case before in the news or anywhere, so I was a pair of fresh eyes and let me tell you, there are some weird things about this case that don’t add up to me.
17 reviews
November 24, 2025
I enjoy true crime and this book was very interesting, however, it got very slow during the very detailed court process. I feel that the whole cause of trouble in this man’s life is Joan. Scorned women can be very revengeful. She said she would ruin his life and I believe she did. To me there was never any love from her and I feel that she must have just been looking for a “free” ride just like she did from the real husband that she never divorced. She seems like a very conniving woman. Do I know whether Kit killed the neighbors? No, I don’t, but to me he seemed like a responsible and truthful man based on his career. I think he wanted to just get on with his life and I do not doubt that everything bad that happened with him was all somehow set up by Joan. I feel sorry for Kit and what happened to him and his loved ones. Joan should’ve ashamed of all the lies she left in the trail behind her.
Profile Image for Cheryl Malandrinos.
Author 4 books73 followers
May 31, 2024
I Will Ruin You: The Twisted Truth Behind The Kit Martin Murder Trial by Emilio Corsetti III is a fascinating ripped-from-the-headlines true crime story that dives deep into heart of this controversial case.

In May 2019, pilot and former army ranger Christian "Kit" Martin, was arrested for the murder of his three neighbors in the small town of Pembroke, Kentucky, right before boarding a passenger flight. Having slowly and painfully rebuilt his life since his ex-wife threatened to ruin him if he divorced her, Kit finds himself facing new charges that chip away at all he fought so hard to rebuild.

Corsetti brings you through the life of Christian Martin from September 2012, when Kit told his then wife, Joan, he wanted a divorce. Joan's supposed response, "If you divorce me, I will ruin your career. I will ruin your life, and I know how to do it."

From that moment on, Kit's life spiraled into years of defending himself against a never-ending series of accusations hurled at him by Joan and her children surrounding claims of domestic abuse, child abuse, child molestation, sexual assault and mishandling of classified information that would lead to his court-marital in 2015. When his neighbors Calvin and Pam Phillips, along with another neighbor, Ed Dansereau, are found brutally murdered in the fall of 2015, right before Calvin is due to testify for the prosecution, Kit becomes the prime suspect.

For the most part, I felt Corsetti provided an even-handed deep dive into the Kit Martin case: the evidence that didn't quite add up, how the military's history of sweeping sexual assault claims under the rug led to a fervent pursuit of Martin, the missteps on both sides during the investigation and trial, and Kit and Joan's histories.

Some have said that news that broke less than a month after this book's release discredits the idea that Kit was a wrongly accused innocent man, but that is between Martin and his maker. The news does not lessen the compelling narrative, the superb scene setting, and the detailed personal stories that unfold.

If you love true crime, I Will Ruin You is an excellent choice.
Profile Image for Joey R..
401 reviews971 followers
June 6, 2024
4.5 stars— When I saw “I Will Ruin You” as a selection on Kindle Unlimited, I immediately knew I had to read it. Although I was unfamiliar with the case and the author, I knew this was the type of book I really enjoy. “I Will Ruin You’ is an extensively detailed account of the backstory and the triple murder trial of Christopher ‘Kit’ Martin.The author, Emilio Corsetti III, did an unbelievable job in both the research and writing of this book. I am not sure how he was able to get such detailed information about the crimes and the defendant’s complete (and I do mean complete) version of what happened (including his theory on how he was wrongfully convicted for a crime he claims was committed by his ex-wife, Joan). The author makes no bones about the fact that he is 100 percent convinced of Martin’s innocence and agrees with the defendant that Joan (and her accomplice(s)) set Kit up both at an earlier court martial that resulted in Kit’s dismissal from the military as well as the triple murder trial. But do not pick up this book expecting a balanced look at the evidence, witnesses and trial. He repeatedly accuses prosecutors, detectives and even witnesses of intentionally misrepresenting evidence in order to obtain a conviction in this case. He is also very critical of all of the attorneys who represented Kit and discusses in detail missed opportunities to overcome objections, present additional witnesses and arguments they should have made. And truthfully, Mr. Corsetti brings up some very good points that might have helped the defendant obtain an acquittal in a very circumstantial case. **When searching for more information about the case after finishing the book, I noticed in April of 2024 police discovered in a hiding place under the stairs at Martin’s former residence a gun and a silencer that they believe were used in the murder. They obtained information about this new evidence from monitoring Martin’s phone calls in prison. This new evidence is being tested for DNA and if any of the victims’ DNA is found on these items there will no longer be any dispute that Martin deserves to rot in jail for the remainder of his life,
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Gwen Stevens.
84 reviews3 followers
May 14, 2024
Intriguing. Addictive. True.

From podcasts to streaming video original documentaries that delve into puzzling homicides, it seems true crime has exploded and never been so popular. And if you’re a fan of the genre, I WILL RUIN YOU by Emilio Corsetti might be a great fit in that wheelhouse.

This book re-examines the Christian "Kit" Martin Murder Trial. Arrested for the murders of three neighbors, the former army ranger insisted he was innocent As to who or what he attributed all his woes, he pinned them on his ex-wife who had promised: “If you leave me, I will ruin your life.”

Mr. Corsetti does a great job of compiling a massive amount of evidence that is presented for re-examination. We become the fly on the wall, listening to the harsh words spoken, and divining the signs that what used to be a solid marriage is over. But perhaps the hardest thing to determine in these cases is what comment is meant, and what comment was only meant to cause wounding of feelings. And threats? Threats are even dicier since they’re more often than not flung in anger and usually not to be taken seriously. But which category do the words attributed to Martin’s ex-wife upon learning her husband is filing for divorce fall into? The answer to this question becomes central as to whether Kit Martin’s wife meant what she said this particular time.

I WILL RUIN YOU makes for a fascinating and completely absorbing ride. So put your thinking cap on and help determine if justice was done—or merely put in abeyance behind expediency. FOUR STARS and good luck to all armchair detectives who are up for the challenge.
Profile Image for Kathleen Riggs.
658 reviews20 followers
March 30, 2024
Fascinating And a Truly Gripping Book
I Will Ruin You by Emilio Corsetti III is the story of Kit Martin who has seen his life unravel after seeking a divorce. His wife’s threatening words, if you leave me, I will ruin your life.
This book is an amazing story as Christian Kit Martin soon found those words would come back to haunt him. Kit was arrested and was betrayed by the military based on false allegations made by his ex-bigamist wife.
Emilio Corsetti III then presents the facts of the crime that led to the arrest of Kit Martin for the murders of three of his neighbours after he was released from the military and the extraordinary lengths the prosecution used to secure a conviction is just unbelievable. It is scary how easy it is that even without any actual evidence, that a person can be convicted of murder and given life sentence in prison.
In both situations it appears that the attorneys and judges, hold so much bias that it was impossible to obtain a fair trial for Kit Martin. Why is his ex-wife being protected? I do not believe that Kit Martin is guilty, and I hope to hear more about this case in the future and that Kit Martin has found a way to appeal his case. Emilio Corsetti III has done an exceptional job researching the facts for this book. Thanks to WildBlue Press I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Profile Image for Nancy (The Avid Reader).
3,234 reviews146 followers
May 22, 2024
I Will Ruin You: The Twisted Truth Behind the Kit Martin Murder Trial is the first book by Emilio Corsetti III that I have read. When I read the summary for I Will Ruin You: The Twisted Truth Behind the Kit Martin Murder Trial I was very interested in seeing what lay between its covers but what I found was somewhat different than I expected.

I Will Ruin You: The Twisted Truth Behind the Kit Martin Murder Trial tells the story of Kit Martin and how his wife accused him of abusing her and her children. She set out to destroy him for leaving her. Did Kit Martin do all the things his wife accused him of? What is the true story? Who is right?

I Will Ruin You: The Twisted Truth Behind the Kit Martin Murder Trial is a dark and twisted story that will break your heart and fill you with rage on more than one occasion.

I Will Ruin You: The Twisted Truth Behind the Kit Martin Murder Trial is a real page-turner that will have you racing to the end to see what the truth really is. It will keep you locked in its grip until the last page is read.

If you are into true crime murder stories then I highly suggest that you grab a copy of I Will Ruin You: The Twisted Truth Behind the Kit Martin Murder Trial today!
1 review
April 1, 2024
This is a must read regarding the horrific events that led to an innocent American Major Army Ranger being wrongfully convicted of crimes he did not commit.

The book goes into great detail that lead to Kit Martin being betrayed by the military based solely on false accusations by his ex bigamist wife. It also shows the lengths the military and the political forces in Kentucky will go through to convict Kit Martin for a triple murder in Pembroke, KY. I believe Kit is innocent and I believe his ex wife is solely responsible for all that has happened. She threatened to ruin his life and his military career if he divorced her. She told him she knew how to do it and she made good on her threats. Political pressure, prosecutorial misconduct, biased judge and crooked law enforcement all conspired to convict this one man without a shred of evidence. Did the jury simple not understand reasonable doubt?

It’s hard to comprehend how something like this could happen to an individual but one vindictive woman and false accusations can end a man’s career and life. It could happen to any one of us.
Profile Image for Lily.
3,510 reviews130 followers
May 12, 2024
If you're a true crime junkie like me, you are going to get so wrapped up in this book that you'll be walking around your house more focused on reading than any of the chores that you're only half trying to accomplish. (Seriously, I almost walked into a wall.) Where do I start? Although this is non-fiction, it isn't dry or boring. I swear I could hear my favorite ID narrator as I was reading this. I can't say I have a clear memory of the trial, but I know so much about it now, including the events that led to it. The events are laid out so cleanly that you're able to draw your own conclusions. If you're a true crime lover like I am, or followed the trial and want to know everything that wasn't publicly covered, then you'll want to grab this!
11 reviews
June 4, 2024
Wow…..Did he do it?? Or was this one of the most inhumane examples of overzealous prosecutors?? Was it that Someone did it so they made the circumstantial evidence fit Kit Martin?? Was it that a truly innocent man was tried and convicted of murder thrice and sentenced to lwop?? Or was it that Kit Martin IS guilty?? On the one hand, it seems that he didn’t do it. On the other, are the alternative theories just to convoluted to actually believe as truth?? If Kit Martin IS innocent, then may the wheels of justice turn in the right direction to free him. If he is GUILTY then May the Lord God have mercy on his soul. Rest in peace to each and every victim. Fervent prayers extended to their families.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Red Book Review .
1,242 reviews44 followers
May 10, 2024
"Did the State of Kentucky convict an innocent man? "
I Will Ruin You was an amazing true crime story with twist that had me turning the pages till the very end. It was shocking and scary the things that happen in this book but yet they happened over and over again. The author did a great job writing this book and I hope to hear more about this case in the future. I highly enjoyed reading this book and highly recommend this to any true crime readers! Than you to the author and Pump Up Your Book Tours for this book in exchange of my review of I Will Ruin You.
67 reviews2 followers
June 17, 2024
Are you for real

I am completely blown away by this story. My heart is broken for this man, soldier and father. It is unbelievable that the judicial system can get away with this garbage…but my daughter lost her 5 babies because of one person in CPS. I was there the entire time and witnessed what she, not only done to my daughter but to me as well. I appreciate men like Chris Kit Martin, my heart and prayers are with you.
Profile Image for lisa.
49 reviews
June 20, 2024
Unbelievable!

I've yet to read a book that covers such an egregious account of prosecutorial misconduct as well as defense counsel failure. To think this innocent man sits in prison while the real perpetrators of the crime are right there amongst the police & the entire community is infuriating. This book gives one a cautionary tale; don't trust the police in Kentucky nor Army CID...and hell hath no fury like a woman scorned! Christian Carson is an innocent man.
Profile Image for Valerity (Val).
1,151 reviews2,774 followers
March 27, 2024
This is an amazing story with many twists to it. It seems it should be impossible for many things that happen in it, but they do, again and again. It’s scary how easy it appears to be that even without any actual evidence, a person can be convicted of murder and given life in prison. I hope to hear more about this case in the future.
10 reviews1 follower
Read
May 9, 2024
This book was very well written. It is really sad to see an innocent man go to prison for life for a crime that was shown he did not commit. I wonder if the jury had been given all of the available information if he would have even been found guilty?
39 reviews
June 15, 2024
Injustice

Unbelievable!!!! Why isn't Joan Harmon on trial and why didn't they check for her DNA. She not only ruined his life. She point blank took his freedom away.

This case shows how screwed up our justice system is. Kit, you're in my Prayers.

Carol Howell
Danville, VA
Profile Image for Diane E. Navratil.
62 reviews6 followers
August 10, 2024
This Goodreads win is going to my DNF pile. I gave it a shot but true crime is definitely not my genre. I got about 1/2 way through and dreaded finishing. Ther writing was good and held my interest until it didn’t.
1 review
April 8, 2024
Proof of Innocence

Corsetti does an excellent job proving this man should be free!
A must read and then get onboard to help find a way to appeal.
638 reviews4 followers
June 6, 2024
Unbelievable true story of an imbalanced woman's revenge and the toll it takes on her husband.
Profile Image for Jerry Gibbs.
5 reviews
August 31, 2024
Frustrating

Ridiculous trial and actions by police and judge, this is a joke. Please read and comment if you agree with
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews