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Till Death Do Us Part
Studies have shown that marriages typically thrive the most in the months after the wedding, a period known as "the honeymoon period."
Not these marriages.
Spousal murder is never acceptable, but newlywed murder seems to be on a completely different level. It is unconscionable to think someone could stand in front of his family and friends, pledging to honor and cherish another person for the rest of his life, and then kill his spouse in cold blood just months, weeks, or even days later. It happens more than you'd think--and, contrary to popular belief, it's not always the husband who acts as the aggressor.
In her third true crime book, bestselling author JJ Slate examines more than twenty true stories of newlywed murders, delving into the past of the victims and aggressors, searching for answers to the question everyone is asking: How does this sort of thing happen? These shocking cases of betrayal and murder might just make you think differently about those five sacred words, "till death do us part."
Not these marriages.
Spousal murder is never acceptable, but newlywed murder seems to be on a completely different level. It is unconscionable to think someone could stand in front of his family and friends, pledging to honor and cherish another person for the rest of his life, and then kill his spouse in cold blood just months, weeks, or even days later. It happens more than you'd think--and, contrary to popular belief, it's not always the husband who acts as the aggressor.
In her third true crime book, bestselling author JJ Slate examines more than twenty true stories of newlywed murders, delving into the past of the victims and aggressors, searching for answers to the question everyone is asking: How does this sort of thing happen? These shocking cases of betrayal and murder might just make you think differently about those five sacred words, "till death do us part."
220 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 28, 2015
61 people are currently reading
188 people want to read
About the author
J.J. Slate
8 books17 followersJJ Slate has been writing in some capacity for most of her life. Born in Massachusetts, she has always been fascinated with true crime stories, especially missing persons and cold cases. JJ currently lives with her husband in New England.
Check out RJ Parker's "Serial Killers Abridged." JJ wrote the final case file in the book, a summary of the Long Island Serial Killer case.
JJ is currently working on two books due to publish in 2014:
"Missing Wives, Missing Lives": Set to publish June 16, 2014, JJ's debut true crime book is a compilation of true cases about wives that have gone missing.
"Social Media Monsters: Internet Killers": JJ Slate and RJ Parker are co-authoring this book that highlights cases of killers who use social media to locate and lure their victims. Publishing in Fall 2014.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
April 26, 2019
This was a very good true crime book and I was impressed with the author of how she researched all the cases in this book!
Each chapter (which is about 24 chapters in all) is about newlyweds that after the wedding and honeymoon get so sick of each other that one or the other of them commits murder. In each chapter, the author gives a detailed account of the couple and what drove the spouse toward murder.
Almost all the chapters have pictures of the couples and they all look like happy "normal" people, but looks can be deceiving as what is contained within this book is about normal "wedded bliss" couples completely going off the rails and committing horrific acts of murder.
I loved the writing style of this author as she reminded me of one of the great true crime authors, Ann Rule. I will be looking for more books by this author and adding her to my list of true crime authors. Four stars for this one!
Each chapter (which is about 24 chapters in all) is about newlyweds that after the wedding and honeymoon get so sick of each other that one or the other of them commits murder. In each chapter, the author gives a detailed account of the couple and what drove the spouse toward murder.
Almost all the chapters have pictures of the couples and they all look like happy "normal" people, but looks can be deceiving as what is contained within this book is about normal "wedded bliss" couples completely going off the rails and committing horrific acts of murder.
I loved the writing style of this author as she reminded me of one of the great true crime authors, Ann Rule. I will be looking for more books by this author and adding her to my list of true crime authors. Four stars for this one!
December 10, 2017
People are twisted
What drives people to do this within months of marriage?? Seriously, reading this was disturbing. The cold, calculated way it was done and the clear misleading way the partner tried to cover it up.
What drives people to do this within months of marriage?? Seriously, reading this was disturbing. The cold, calculated way it was done and the clear misleading way the partner tried to cover it up.
December 27, 2015
Concise, well written vignettes of newlywed couples where one ends up dead. Chilling.
March 6, 2015
The new face of domestic violence!
I love the way this author writes... Not only does she give you all the facts, but she tells a story as she does it.
Domestic violence is becoming more and more out in the open then it did years ago.
What I loved about this book, among other things, is it addressed a part of domestic violence that hasn't been explored very much.
She told about the female being abusive... And I'm sure there is a lot more out there then most know about.
In my opinion women can be more vicious and abusive in many ways then men. They can be subtle and conniving about the abuse. Especially mental abuse.
When a female finally, and I say finally because statistics show it usually takes a long period of abuse before she steps forward, does step forward, she most likely will get sympathy, support and help through family and friends.
A male on the other hand, even if its not true, will think his friends and family will snicker or laugh at him because he wasn't man enough to stop the female.
Tho I'm sure some would snicker at him... I'd like to think that males would also be sympathetic and supportive to their male friends in this sistutation, and would commend the male for not taking violent action against even a violent female.
That in my opinion makes him even more of a good man.
What makes these crimes so very hard is that they occur so soon after marriage!
It is mind boggling to try to understand how you can harm some one so soon after wanting to marry them or why you'd even marry into that type of sistutation!
But I guess like my grampa always said... "If love goes up a cows butt.. Thats just were it is!" Lolol.
Great book and very thought provoking... This book will help others to face what is happening in the shadows of life!
I love the way this author writes... Not only does she give you all the facts, but she tells a story as she does it.
Domestic violence is becoming more and more out in the open then it did years ago.
What I loved about this book, among other things, is it addressed a part of domestic violence that hasn't been explored very much.
She told about the female being abusive... And I'm sure there is a lot more out there then most know about.
In my opinion women can be more vicious and abusive in many ways then men. They can be subtle and conniving about the abuse. Especially mental abuse.
When a female finally, and I say finally because statistics show it usually takes a long period of abuse before she steps forward, does step forward, she most likely will get sympathy, support and help through family and friends.
A male on the other hand, even if its not true, will think his friends and family will snicker or laugh at him because he wasn't man enough to stop the female.
Tho I'm sure some would snicker at him... I'd like to think that males would also be sympathetic and supportive to their male friends in this sistutation, and would commend the male for not taking violent action against even a violent female.
That in my opinion makes him even more of a good man.
What makes these crimes so very hard is that they occur so soon after marriage!
It is mind boggling to try to understand how you can harm some one so soon after wanting to marry them or why you'd even marry into that type of sistutation!
But I guess like my grampa always said... "If love goes up a cows butt.. Thats just were it is!" Lolol.
Great book and very thought provoking... This book will help others to face what is happening in the shadows of life!
March 1, 2015
See full review at The Crime Cove Book Review Blog
Its astonishing how often this happens. And sadly, I get the impression this book just gives us a hint as to how often it really does happen.
The cases chosen for this collection are diverse, well-researched and extremely compelling. Be prepared for an all-nighter my fellow crime buffs. In this book, you'll see cases where both men and women are the perpetrators; where a history of violence was visible, and some not; and where the couple were married for a very short time - as little as 4 days - when the murder took place, while others were almost a year. Some cases had the most intriguing circumstances surrounding the murders that they left me dumbfounded and speechless. Most have a resolution, however, there are a sad few where the victims families are still looking for answers.
Well-written and commonsensical, Till Death Do Us Part is a fabulous read for anyone - whether a true crime fan or not. In many of these cases, the warning signs are there before the couples got married. At the end of the book the author includes a list of these warning signs of domestic violence and where you can go for help. If you or a friend are in a situation like this, please seek help. Marriage will never make your situation better.
Its astonishing how often this happens. And sadly, I get the impression this book just gives us a hint as to how often it really does happen.
The cases chosen for this collection are diverse, well-researched and extremely compelling. Be prepared for an all-nighter my fellow crime buffs. In this book, you'll see cases where both men and women are the perpetrators; where a history of violence was visible, and some not; and where the couple were married for a very short time - as little as 4 days - when the murder took place, while others were almost a year. Some cases had the most intriguing circumstances surrounding the murders that they left me dumbfounded and speechless. Most have a resolution, however, there are a sad few where the victims families are still looking for answers.
Well-written and commonsensical, Till Death Do Us Part is a fabulous read for anyone - whether a true crime fan or not. In many of these cases, the warning signs are there before the couples got married. At the end of the book the author includes a list of these warning signs of domestic violence and where you can go for help. If you or a friend are in a situation like this, please seek help. Marriage will never make your situation better.
March 1, 2015
It is difficult to understand murder. It is especially difficult to understand murder when it happens between two people that are newly married. We all ask why. JJ does an excellent job, in this book, describing the circumstance that led to murder in each of these cases. While it may still not make sense to us, it does answer the question why. I love the style and conversational tone in which this book is written. By the end of each section you have gotten to know that couple, so when the murder occurs, you feel that loss. This book is a brilliant edition to any true crime library.
April 28, 2018
This was sad
So many stories, so sad. Most of them, one of the partners feel that they made a mistake. Unfortunately, too late for the person killed.
So many stories, so sad. Most of them, one of the partners feel that they made a mistake. Unfortunately, too late for the person killed.
January 23, 2018
This is the story of several couples that instead of celebrating their honeymoon were so desperate that found a way to kill their partner. Obviously I do not advocate murder but what I cannot understand is how people act and behave. No wonder they say that love is blind. Most of these couples were not of teenagers and the victim was usually the woman. Many of them were so infatuated, desperate to get married or "so much in love" that they never took the time to learn a little more of their "love". Many of them had been in jail, were crooks, junkies, had never worked, had several failed marriages, were abusive, and similar wonderful qualities. Some of them saw warning lights, but with their love they would change their spouse. I am sorry to say but many of them got the honeymoon they begged for.
June 6, 2017
I generally prefer
full length novels of true crime, however this collection of stories were short, precise and very interesting....as well as tragic. I've already purchased the internet collection...I might be a convert, at least for these, by this author.
full length novels of true crime, however this collection of stories were short, precise and very interesting....as well as tragic. I've already purchased the internet collection...I might be a convert, at least for these, by this author.
August 30, 2017
The same story over and over:
Some of the stories were interesting but I was left wanting more information and follow up. There was too much of the same thing over and over. Even though I enjoy a good true crime story this book was just too much of an inferior manuscript.
Some of the stories were interesting but I was left wanting more information and follow up. There was too much of the same thing over and over. Even though I enjoy a good true crime story this book was just too much of an inferior manuscript.
November 2, 2018
Till death do us part
Fascinating book. It's unfathomable to me that people would go to the extreme of marrying someone and then killing them. It's so disturbing to read things like this and yet I was fascinated and couldn't put the book down
Fascinating book. It's unfathomable to me that people would go to the extreme of marrying someone and then killing them. It's so disturbing to read things like this and yet I was fascinated and couldn't put the book down
April 6, 2021
I have a morbid interest in how anyone can kill another human being who isn’t threatening them or a loved one. This quick cases don’t delve deep into the real why, just the surface reasons, so I was disappointed.
September 15, 2017
Interesting
The cases were thrilling and the author gave just enough background information to keep it interesting. True crime book lovers will enjoy.
The cases were thrilling and the author gave just enough background information to keep it interesting. True crime book lovers will enjoy.
November 20, 2019
The plot was an interesting one. However, the writing was rather immature. One never knows someone until you are married.
September 1, 2021
What it says on the tin. A collection of real life stories about people murdering their newlywed spouses.
May 29, 2022
Interesting read. Hard to believe how some marriages end before they really begin.
March 6, 2016
This is a collection of brief recountings of marriages that have gone criminally wrong shortly after the wedding. These true crime narratives are very short on character analysis and read more like a series of newspaper feature articles.
There is a morbid curiosity in many folks as to how a romance could go from love to murder (or the attempt) in such a relatively brief time. The writer rightly focuses on early warning signs of physical and/or emotional abuse. However, it would likely also be correct to caution against dating someone with a felony criminal record who comes to your place of work to secure your signature on a life insurance policy.
This is not a style of writing that I find to be particularly engaging. I like to learn about the multiple sides of what is going on and delve into what the characters are thinking. The journalistic approach wears thin after a while.
Still, there is the curiosity factor. A cautionary tale is a good thing now and then.
There is a morbid curiosity in many folks as to how a romance could go from love to murder (or the attempt) in such a relatively brief time. The writer rightly focuses on early warning signs of physical and/or emotional abuse. However, it would likely also be correct to caution against dating someone with a felony criminal record who comes to your place of work to secure your signature on a life insurance policy.
This is not a style of writing that I find to be particularly engaging. I like to learn about the multiple sides of what is going on and delve into what the characters are thinking. The journalistic approach wears thin after a while.
Still, there is the curiosity factor. A cautionary tale is a good thing now and then.
November 8, 2015
An Interesting Selection of Case Histories
In most of the cases cited in this book either domestic violence and/or financial gain was at the core of the killing. In many cases the victim only knew their spouse for a short time prior to the marriage. The victim sometimes felt the marriage was a mistake or had second thoughts. The families and friends also often felt there were problems. The overall message is before taking this step listen to your feelings and those of family and friends who care for you. Take time to get to know your intended spouse. This is a major life commitment. Ask yourself the hard questions first. If you have the slightest clue something is wrong then don't take that step until your doubts are addressed. And if your spouse to be starts asking you to take out a big insurance policy you may want to run the other way as quickly as possible.
In most of the cases cited in this book either domestic violence and/or financial gain was at the core of the killing. In many cases the victim only knew their spouse for a short time prior to the marriage. The victim sometimes felt the marriage was a mistake or had second thoughts. The families and friends also often felt there were problems. The overall message is before taking this step listen to your feelings and those of family and friends who care for you. Take time to get to know your intended spouse. This is a major life commitment. Ask yourself the hard questions first. If you have the slightest clue something is wrong then don't take that step until your doubts are addressed. And if your spouse to be starts asking you to take out a big insurance policy you may want to run the other way as quickly as possible.
March 17, 2016
Shocking and Heartbreaking Cases
Till Death Do Us Part is true crime at its best, well researched and well written it manages to give detailed accounts of spousal murders in a succinct format. Some of the cases I was familiar with but most were new to me. Since most of these cases were preceded by hints of domestic violence in these relationships the author included a number of resources for people who know someone who is being abused or might be experiencing abuse themselves. These resources also include tips for spotting an abusive relationship which I thought was a smart addition to the book. While this subject matter is tragic I find true crime fascinating and have purchased another book by this author.
Till Death Do Us Part is true crime at its best, well researched and well written it manages to give detailed accounts of spousal murders in a succinct format. Some of the cases I was familiar with but most were new to me. Since most of these cases were preceded by hints of domestic violence in these relationships the author included a number of resources for people who know someone who is being abused or might be experiencing abuse themselves. These resources also include tips for spotting an abusive relationship which I thought was a smart addition to the book. While this subject matter is tragic I find true crime fascinating and have purchased another book by this author.
Read
July 1, 2015Definitely different. I had no idea so many people murdered their spouses in such a short time after marrying! This is a book for those who like to read true crime. Some of the stories are short on information, who really knows what causes a person to snap and murder? Others it is obvious from the start that the murder was planned from meeting the victim, and one wonders in some cases why on earth the couple ever married at all!
March 30, 2015
Why get married....
A very interesting subject, and well written. Why get married, just to murder the person you married? That makes no sense to me. You were supposed to love them and protect them... but these husbands and wives killed and took them away from people that loved them. It was a fascinating read, though! Can't wait for your next book!
A very interesting subject, and well written. Why get married, just to murder the person you married? That makes no sense to me. You were supposed to love them and protect them... but these husbands and wives killed and took them away from people that loved them. It was a fascinating read, though! Can't wait for your next book!
July 10, 2015
Well Told!
This was an excellent true crime book! Each story in this book had some unique aspect to it so it was pretty exciting. The facts were laid out very nicely, and the overall format of each story was outlined in such a way that it didn't seem repetitive. Great read for those who love true crime books!
This was an excellent true crime book! Each story in this book had some unique aspect to it so it was pretty exciting. The facts were laid out very nicely, and the overall format of each story was outlined in such a way that it didn't seem repetitive. Great read for those who love true crime books!
March 26, 2016
Page turner
I was sad when my kindle said I had 27% left in this book and then it ended. This was a great book to read just randomly because each chapter is a different story. But I sat down and read the last 50% and went through it fast. This book gave me reason #3692412 of why I'll probably never marry.
I was sad when my kindle said I had 27% left in this book and then it ended. This was a great book to read just randomly because each chapter is a different story. But I sat down and read the last 50% and went through it fast. This book gave me reason #3692412 of why I'll probably never marry.
March 30, 2016
I like this book because it is real life.you see these type of stories every day on the news.it makes you wonder how could one human being do this to some one they married and loved so much.
I gave this book a four star rating because I could not put it down .this is something you see everyday on the news.it is real.
I gave this book a four star rating because I could not put it down .this is something you see everyday on the news.it is real.
May 22, 2018
Interesting. This book was a good introduction to cases that I haven't heard of. The details were pretty basic, like information you could probably find from the news. I would have liked more details.
March 18, 2016
Very intriguing.
I really enjoyed this book. I think real life is much more fascinating than fiction. This was an easy read. I recommend it to women or men who suspect foul play in a relationship.
I really enjoyed this book. I think real life is much more fascinating than fiction. This was an easy read. I recommend it to women or men who suspect foul play in a relationship.
May 8, 2016
My guilty pleasure books are true crime. This one was very short stories, few more than 10 minutes to read. Full of spelling, grammatical, and other errors, it was a quick read but I'll stay away from this author in the future.
June 14, 2016
Great read!
This book was awesome from the first line of the story! As soon as I started reading it, I could not put it down! I have downloaded her other stories as I have become a HUGE fan!
This book was awesome from the first line of the story! As soon as I started reading it, I could not put it down! I have downloaded her other stories as I have become a HUGE fan!
March 6, 2015
Another wonderful read by author. Short, concise and quickly to the point. Why do people do this to each other?
April 7, 2015
Very good
Enjoyed this book immensely.as a true crime buff, it had some old favorites and new cases. An enjoyable read. I recommend.
Enjoyed this book immensely.as a true crime buff, it had some old favorites and new cases. An enjoyable read. I recommend.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews