Final Analysis: The Untold Story of the Susan Polk Murder Case

by Catherine Crier

In October 2002, Susan Polk, a housewife and mother of three, was arrested for the murder of her husband, Felix. The arrest in her sleepy northern California town kicked off what would become one of the most captivating murder trials in recent memory, as police, local attorneys, and the national media sought to unravel the complex web of events that sent this seemingly devoted housewife over the edge.

Now, with the exclusive access and in-depth reporting that made A Deadly Game a number one New York Times bestseller, Catherine Crier turns an analytical eye to the story of Susan Polk, delving into her past and examining how over twenty years of marriage culminated in murder. Tracing the family's history, Crier skillfully maneuvers the murky waters of the Polk's marriage, looking at the real story behind Susan, Felix, and their unorthodox courtship. When Susan was in high school, Felix, who was more than twenty years her senior, had been her psychologist, and it was during their sessions that the romantic entanglement began. From these troubling origins grew a difficult marriage, one which produced three healthy boys but also led to disturbing accusations of abuse from both spouses.

With extraordinary detail, Crier dissects this dangerous relationship between husband and wife, exposing their psychological motivations and the painful impact that these motivations had on their sons, Adam, Eli, and Gabriel. Drawing on sources from all sides of the case, Crier masterfully reconstructs the tumultuous chronology of the Polk family, telling the story of how Susan and Felix struggled to control their rambunctious sons and their disintegrating marriage in the years and months leading up to Felix's death.

But the history of the Polk family is only half the story. Here Crier also elucidates the methodical police work of the murder investigation, revealing never-before-seen photos and writings from the case file. In addition, she carefully scrutinizes the many twists and turns of the remarkable trial, exploring Susan's struggles with her defense attorneys and her shocking decision to represent herself.

Dark, psychological, and terrifying, Final Analysis is a harrowing look at the recesses of the human mind and the trauma that reveals them.

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

368 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2007

About the author

An Emmy and duPont-Columbia Award-winning journalist, and the youngest state judge to ever be elected in Texas, Catherine Crier is now a managing partner in Cajole Entertainment developing television, film and documentary projects.

A Dallas native, Crier earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in political science and international affairs from the University of Texas and her Juris Doctor from Southern Methodist University School of Law. She began her career in law in 1978 as an Assistant District Attorney then Felony Chief Prosecutor for the Dallas County District Attorney’s office. From 1982 to 1984, Crier was a civil litigation attorney with Riddle & Brown, handling complex business and corporate matters. In 1984, she was elected to the 162nd District Court in Dallas County, Texas as a State District Judge. During her tenure on the bench, Crier also served as Administrative Judge for the Civil District Courts and worked extensively with the ABA, National Judicial College, and Texas Legislature on legal issues. Shortly after her reelection to a second term on the bench, a chance meeting with a television news executive led to a dramatic career change.

In September, 1989, Crier was hired to co-anchor the premiere evening newscast on CNN. Additionally, she co-anchored Inside Politics, all election coverage, and hosted Crier & Company, a talk show covering news, politics and international issues.

Crier joined ABC News in 1993, where she served as a correspondent and as a regular substitute anchor for Peter Jennings on ABC’s World News Tonight, as well as a substitute host for Ted Koppel’s Nightline. She also worked as a correspondent on 20/20, the network’s primetime news magazine program. Crier was awarded a 1996 Emmy for Outstanding Investigative Journalism for her work on the segment “The Predators” which examined nursing home abuses throughout the United States.

In October of ’96, Crier became one of the founding television anchors for the Fox News Channel, with her prime time program, The Crier Report, a live, hour-long nightly show, during which she interviewed the leading newsmakers of the day. Additionally, she co-anchored the evening news, election coverage and Fox Files, a magazine news show aired on the parent network.

Catherine joined Court TV’s distinguished team of anchors in November 1999. She served as Executive Editor, Legal News Specials, in addition to hosting Catherine Crier Live, a fast-paced, live daily series, covering the day’s “front-page” stories, until joining Cajole Entertainment in 2007.

Crier released her first book, the NYTimes bestseller, The Case Against Lawyers in October, 2002. Her second book, A Deadly Game: The Untold Story of the Scott Peterson Investigation became a #1 NYTimes bestseller and was followed by Contempt—How the Right is Wronging American Justice, and Final Analysis: The Untold Story of the Susan Polk Murder Case. Her fifth book, Patriot Acts—What Americans Must Do to Save the Republic, is scheduled for publication on November 1, 2011.

Reviews

[E.J. Cullen · Rating 1 out of 5]

Aging fruitcake psychiatrist marries young fruitcake patient; they produce three fruitcake kids; ater 20 years of turmoil, fruitcake wife finally murders fruitcake husband, represents fruitcake self in court without attorney, loses; fruitcake kids sue for the estate and move on to a future most likely filled with fruitcake-dom.

[Elizabeth Cárdenas · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was soooo tedious & repetitive - I expected better from a journalist.

[Dee Eisel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow. Wow. Wow wow wow. I am appalled by this book. I am actively horrified by this book. It has all the triggers in the world! The killing part of the true crime is bad enough, with a mother killing her husband and then having her youngest teenage child find the body. That’s awful and callous and how can anyone do that to their child??? enough for me. But Susan Polk didn’t seem to mind at all, and she minded less trying to turn her children against one another. And terribly unfortunately, she is obviously mentally ill.

I don’t subscribe to the view of mental illness that is super-common in this society, where mentally ill people are the ones who are dangerous. Actual people out of touch with reality are far more likely to be a danger to themselves. It’s more often a failure of empathy than contact with reality that drives people into being killers. (And no, I don’t think that psychopaths or sociopaths are more likely to kill. I’ve actually known a few, and while they often enjoyed manipulation as a game - which is why we are no longer friends - they were not murderous in any way.) Susan Polk seems to be the exception for this rule. The farther I read into “Final Analysis,” the more I felt bad for her. She was clearly suffering, medically paranoid, and out of touch with the real world.

But I don’t feel all that sorry for the victim in this case. While Felix Polk seems to have been an OK father to their three boys, he was a reprehensible excuse for a human being. He started sleeping with Susan while she was a teenager and his patient! Sorry he was killed, and I ache for his kids, but he needed to be in prison himself for child abuse way back in the 70s. Instead he married Susan. As I would say to my friends, “This is 67 million kinds of wrong!”

To top it off, he used hypnosis with someone who was having major issues. I don’t know if he actually assaulted her while she was hypnotized or not, but even if he did not - and there is no evidence either way except for Susan’s recounting which may not be reality-based - hypnosis is contraindicated for use with people who are having issues contacting reality. That gets my professional dander up too, although not as much as the ethical breach of sleeping with a patient AND sleeping with an underage girl. It’s a complete disaster of a story.

I never watched Catherine Cryer while she was on Court TV. I think I’m glad, too, because that means I missed this trial while it was happening, which was a time I watched Court TV a lot during the day on my days off. This isn’t the best-written true crime book I’ve ever read, but it is certainly in the top three for completely messed up. If you’re looking for “Holy cow, she said what?!?” in your true crime, this is recommended highly. If you want to feel sorry for the victim or the killer, it is certainly not. If any of this is triggering, skip it. Four of five stars.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

#68
Borrowed from library.

FS: "Mom fuckin' shot dad with a shotgun! fifteen-year-old Gabriel Polk shouted into the receiver."

LS:

[Bill reilly · Rating 3 out of 5]

What a bizarre case we have in Final Analysis. A shrink with mental issues all his own is the centerpiece of this crime story. Dr. Felix Polk was a suicidal, delusional head doctor who specialized in adolescent patients; a perfect storm a brewin' here. Along came a troubled fifteen year-old client who was hypnotized by the forty year-old Svengali and soon a sexual relationship developed. Inexplicably, they married when Susan turned twenty-four. It all ended as a Shakespearean tragedy with the perverted crackpot dead from stab wounds. In the words of Louis Armstrong; "what a wonderful world." Their teenage son Gabriel made the 911 call and accused his "crazy mother" of killing his father. What a family! It starts off well but the book gets bogged down in endless detail regarding divorce and custody issues. I am here for the blood and guts, not a soap opera. The trial was farcical, with the delinquent my three sons called to testify both for and against mommy dearest. The entire family belonged at either Bellevue or the Bronx Zoo, safely apart from humanity. The book is too long but a passable read.

[Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

A woman kills her husband - a man who was formerly her child psychologist. Lots to analyze here

[Amy · Rating 1 out of 5]

Wild conjecture, weird Freudian overtones and no clear stance on whether Susan was a victim or a perpetrator. Author never uses the evidence to enrich their theories and doesn't use sources to back up their claims. Absolutely pointless.

[Kate · Rating 1 out of 5]

The story of Susan Polk, whose husband Felix was founded stabbed to death in their California home, centers around the couple's relationship, their family life, Felix's murder, and Susan's conviction for said murder. Susan and Felix met when Susan was a teenager and underwent psychiatric care with Felix, who was 20+ years her senior. Apparently during their therapy sessions, Felix would put Susan under hypnosis and sexually assault her. Somehow, she wound up marrying him, bearing 3 sons, and then, continuing to struggle with her mental health issues, went off the deep end and murdered him after years of alleged emotional and physical abuse. She decides to represent herself at trial and is convicted. (There is little doubt in my mind based on this book that she would have been cleared by reason of insanity had that been her defense and she would have allowed a competent lawyer to represent her)

This book stretched on for miles, included a lot of useless facts (ie what Susan wore to court every day, how she styled her hair, etc). Towards the end, Michael and I just wanted to be done with it and skipped over a chapter or two to reach the end. And I don't think we missed a damned thing. Awful. Singularly awful. Although it was entertaining to read, "Susan stabbed her husband in the chest and abdomen" out loud. hehe Catherine Crier, host of a show on CourTV, needs to take a few true crime writing lessons from John Grisham or someone. We just finally gave up. "Uncle!"

[Elisabeth Brookshire · Rating 4 out of 5]

Money and prestige meant nothing here

This book is a well written account of the Felix Polk murder at the hands of his much younger wife, Susan. There is so much that can be said here but what struck me the most was how two well educated, bright, and moneyed people could still suffer from so many problems ending in a violent showdown. If we were to look at their beautiful house, handsome sons, and prestigious career we might be envious thinking they "have it all". Yet that was further from the truth as can be. Felix abused his trusted position by effectively molesting Susan as a young teen and this only added to and worsened her fragile mental state. He broke up his first family to marry her and start another and that was a huge mistake. Susan never healed. She just grew exponentially more troubled over the years. All her sons had problems with school and authority at times, especially middle son, Eli. This book chronicles a tragic story that ended in death and imprisonment. Having money and a great job sometimes means nothing. It didn't help Felix or Susan Polk in the end and left their three boys basically as orphans. A must read for true crime fans.

[Sharon Parker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unusual true crime story

This story was soundly researched and well-written. The two major characters--husband and wife--are brilliant, flawed individuals. The family dynamics, involving a psychologist and his young patient who marry and bring three children into their family, are intensely stressful. And yet there are many passages in this story in which absurd, illogical situations are described in such details that I found myself guiltily laughing. I especially enjoyed the descriptions of the courtroom interactions between the accused wife, an unstable, delusional yet highly intelligent and provocatively feIisty woman is representing herself, and the beleaguered prosecutor is trying to keep from becoming an alcoholic due to her legal style. All in all, this was a thoroughly enjoyable read for a true crime fan.

[Catherine Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to this true crime book on audio, read by the author. It's the true story of a woman who killed her husband, supposedly in self-defense. The story is fascinating. The victim was a psychologist with his own set of psychological issues. Susan Polk, his wife, who killed him, also had a boatload of issues. And the intersection of those two led to a volatile marriage and eventually murder. Well-told and well-read.

[Ruth Turner · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a vast improvement on A Deadly Game by Catherine Crier that I recently finished.

Although a little wordy and occasionally repetitive, it was still an entertaining read.

During the last half of the book the poor victim was all but forgotten amongst the mayhem of the trial. I would love to have been a spectator.

[Gail Hedlund · Rating 4 out of 5]

WOW! Whatta crazy story. Well-written though!

I think if she would have tried a different tactic, she may have gotten a lesser sentence or been found not guilty. I think her hubby contributed greatly to his own demise.

[Theresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

True murder

True murder

Very well written book. It is amazing that the relationship between Susan and Felix was ever allowed to continue. Her mother turning a blind eye to it started the whole cycle.

[Anita Smith · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was a chore to get through. I finally just started skimming to get to the end. Not to mention there were several grammatical errors throughout the book. I'm so glad I only paid $1 for it, although if I could, I'd get my money back!

[Sarah Brecko · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was fun. It was a fucked up story of murder and family drama with great twists and turns. The perfect book version of the murder stories that engross my attention on television. Fun, light read.

[Diane hall]

Very good. I had not read a true crime book in a while and I've only ever read Ann Rule. This was an excellent book and kept my interest.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

Catherine Crier did an awesome job on this book.
She navigated through the mess of this case and parlayed it into a book that was easy to understand.

[Dana · Rating 4 out of 5]

a woman kills her husband - a man who was her childhood psychologist. Lots to analyze here.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read into the physics of a killer. The Polks certainly had a lot of dysfunctional behaviours happening. A bit long winded and repetitive, but would read another of Catherine's expose.

[D · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had never heard of this case, so how the book described the murder was all new to me. I found the book & narration somewhat dry. Because I wasn’t familiar with the case, it was a little confusing how they switched back & forth in time in the beginning of the book. Also, I liked knowing more about their childhoods, but how they were placed in the timeline of the book didn’t lend itself to the development of the story. Didn’t mind reading the book & it did inspire me to go online & read more about the crime, but otherwise I would not recommend this book.

[Eric · Rating 3 out of 5]

A rather well done analysis of the ultimate dysfunction in a family - the murder of a spouse. The children, who I think were little more than pawns in the family dynamic, will have probably spawned a couple more generations of dysfunction of which my grandchildren will yet read when all is said and done.

[Lydia Sigwarth · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

The case was fascinating and terrifying at the same time, but I have a bone to pick with how the author presented it, I felt like she expected the reader to already have some background on it while she skipped around the timeline. I would have preferred to have the story told more linear fashion.

[Kelly · Rating 1 out of 5]

I picked up and put down this book numerous times attempting to finish it. The information was slow and extremely repetitive. Probably one of the worst true crime novels I've ever read. Honestly I didn't even finish it, no part of me wants to drag myself further into this book. It's painful.

[Erica · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a well-written and well-documented story. However, unethical behavior and inexpertise in dealing with one's emotions, page after page, got me down. At this point I've had enough experience with dysfunction......

[Donna Humble · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written account of a wife accused of murdering her husband. The twists and turns in this book are interesting. Definitely gives insight to what can happen when a therapist, hired to help a troubled young girl, becomes her 1st lover and eventually her husband.

[Lils]

Both the victim and murderer are both horribly toxic (and the victim is just a disgusting man in general), but the amount of conspiracy and inconsistent details pouring out of Susan Polk's mouth had to be some of the wildest things.

[Frances C · Rating 4 out of 5]

fact based

The best , re sticking to the facts. I like a literary style of writing and in this I was disappointed On the other hand it was quite readable ; couldn’t put it down so her writing was still good. I recommend it

[Jessica · Rating 2 out of 5]

Mildly interesting, but repetitive. Most of the main players in this true crime novel are pretty despicable and I found myself muttering "gross" more than once.

[Candice · Rating 3 out of 5]

Listened as an audiobook, but I experienced it more as listening to a very long news feature. It was very dry. The subject is dynamic and interesting and this author didn’t do it justice.