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Deadly Pretender: The Double Life of David Miller
A New York Times–bestselling author and former Los Angeles Timesreporter’s account of a con artist and bigamist who resorts to murder to hide his double life.
David Miller had a dream job and a beautiful family. But one perfect life wasn’t enough. So he pretended to be an attorney, then a CIA agent. And he secretly married another woman. He juggled it all quite well—until the day his two wives found out about each other. Miller groped for ways to hold on to his finances and reputation. But when he tried using a gun to silence his second wife, his carefully constructed facade of power and wealth exploded.
In Deadly Pretender, New York Times–bestselling author Karen Kingsbury dives into the tangled world of deceit, greed, and lust to reveal what drove a seemingly upright citizen to live a double life, and then, to commit the unthinkable.
David Miller had a dream job and a beautiful family. But one perfect life wasn’t enough. So he pretended to be an attorney, then a CIA agent. And he secretly married another woman. He juggled it all quite well—until the day his two wives found out about each other. Miller groped for ways to hold on to his finances and reputation. But when he tried using a gun to silence his second wife, his carefully constructed facade of power and wealth exploded.
In Deadly Pretender, New York Times–bestselling author Karen Kingsbury dives into the tangled world of deceit, greed, and lust to reveal what drove a seemingly upright citizen to live a double life, and then, to commit the unthinkable.
336 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 12, 1993
1004 people are currently reading
1433 people want to read
About the author
Karen Kingsbury
208 books12k followersKaren Kingsbury, #1 New York Times bestselling novelist, is America’s favorite inspirational storyteller, with more than twenty-five million copies of her award-winning books in print. Her last dozen titles have topped bestseller lists and many of her novels are under development with Hallmark Films and as major motion pictures. Her Baxter Family books are being developed into a TV series slated for major network viewing sometime in the next year. Karen is also an adjunct professor of writing at Liberty University. In 2001 she and her husband, Don, adopted three boys from Haiti, doubling their family in a matter of months. Today the couple has joined the ranks of empty nesters, living in Tennessee near five of their adult children.
See more at: http://authors.simonandschuster.com/K...
See more at: http://authors.simonandschuster.com/K...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 129 reviews
January 30, 2015
The overall story was interesting but I am not a fan of when a author uses the same line again and again. If I read one more time a person's "eyes filled with tears" I was going to pack it all in. I'm also dubious when a true crime author adds to much word for word dialogue between people, how could they possibly know what was said in so many everyday conversations? Yes there are people they can interview but how accurate is this?
October 29, 2021
This was a chilling book to read. Based on the true facts of David Miller's life it was both horrifying and fascinating to "see" into the mind of someone so selfish and callous to others, definitely a con man. This had to be a difficult book to write but I thought Karen Kingsbury did a great job (I gave it 4 stars only because it was a difficult story to read). I liked the way she introduced characters and gave background on them. It was also interesting to keep in mind that much of this took place before there was the technology we have today in terms of tracking people and being in constant & easy contact. A very sad ending for two women looking to love and to be loved.
June 28, 2017
Great Read
Not your typical Karen Kingsbury, but very good none the less. It's interesting to see where she started, with True Crime, as a newspaper reporter turned writer. You see glimpses of her character development and redemption throughout. She searches for the good in even the most vile of characters because they are based on real life, they don't always turn out to be "good". She finds undercurrents you can sympathise with, dry with and laugh with. Others you would like to punch, just praying they get their due
I enjoy all of her books, yes these are different but still worth the read. One more to go, then back to the Baxters!!!
Thanks Karen for hours of enjoyment.
Not your typical Karen Kingsbury, but very good none the less. It's interesting to see where she started, with True Crime, as a newspaper reporter turned writer. You see glimpses of her character development and redemption throughout. She searches for the good in even the most vile of characters because they are based on real life, they don't always turn out to be "good". She finds undercurrents you can sympathise with, dry with and laugh with. Others you would like to punch, just praying they get their due
I enjoy all of her books, yes these are different but still worth the read. One more to go, then back to the Baxters!!!
Thanks Karen for hours of enjoyment.
May 20, 2025
I would have preferred to give this book 3 1/2 stars. It's quite a page turner but not great literature.
The (true) story is, however, fascinating, giving an insight into the actions and mindset of a man who is not content with a lifestyle that many would see as enviable, believing himself to be more deserving and more intelligent than most other people. He is the ultimate entitled narcissist, demanding endless attention and admiration, hence the double life.
It is amazing that, not only did he manage to hoodwink two inteligent women but, in the case of his first wife, he managed to do so for more than twelve years.
Then comes his downfall, due mainly to the fact that he has neglected his business and runs out of money. His downfall is more than justified; the end for his two wives is much more tragic.
The (true) story is, however, fascinating, giving an insight into the actions and mindset of a man who is not content with a lifestyle that many would see as enviable, believing himself to be more deserving and more intelligent than most other people. He is the ultimate entitled narcissist, demanding endless attention and admiration, hence the double life.
It is amazing that, not only did he manage to hoodwink two inteligent women but, in the case of his first wife, he managed to do so for more than twelve years.
Then comes his downfall, due mainly to the fact that he has neglected his business and runs out of money. His downfall is more than justified; the end for his two wives is much more tragic.
November 21, 2024
This was an excellent retelling of the true crime committed by David Miller against his second wife, Jane. David is a true narcissist who manipulated all those around him plus the two women he was simultaneously married to.
December 17, 2024
4.5 insane story seems impossible someone can lie that much and get away it for so long. Satisfying end even though it was tragic.
September 19, 2025
Based on a true story, not the author’s best, had to push myself to keep reading to know what happened
February 2, 2024
A very readable, fast-paced overview of a bigamist murderer who succeeded in wooing while masquerading as a CIA operative, Disney attorney, and more. His frantic conning and increasingly desperate ploys translates from the easy-to-read prose.
June 7, 2025
The more I read, the more I despised David Miller. What an unfeeling jerk.
The book was good. Sometimes the truth is stranger than fiction.
The book was good. Sometimes the truth is stranger than fiction.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 30, 2022
4.9/5 STARS
Profanity:4.5/5 (there was one word at the very end of the book B-word)
Plot: 5/5
Sexual content: 5/5 (There were no explicit scenes except when vague memories of real people where she say ‘made love’
Character arc: 5/5 The people who had to go through this were all portrayed in accurate lighting to the real events
Bonus (Faith): 5/5 I wasn’t expecting to see any faith but it was with the PI who has a very strong faith in Christ
STORY PLOT
This is a non-fiction but I think plot is still important because there needs to be a good sense of timeline in order to make a piece like this work. And let me tell you I felt like I was watching a special on Dateline!
The story begins in the hours just before Jayne’s death and then we are thrown into the begining of David Miller’s life and how he got to where he was. It was not only insightful, but I often forgot that I wasn’t reading fiction. We got commentary throughout on David's psyche and the key moment when David’s deceptions began to crumble and he started to panic.
It has been a long time since I have gotten goose bumps when reading a book but the end when we are able to hear the closing statement of the persecutor — WOW! I read it a couple more times and it had the same effect! I was unable to put this book down, I truly do feel sorry for the family of Jane and Dorothy. This was great to see how bad things happen all the time and that not everyone is perfect. This isn't biased, the victims still made mistakes and bad choices which I am very happy Karen Kinsgbury included in her overview of the case.
If you can get your hands on this one, I strongly suggest you do! (I found my copy on an only thriftbook shop)
PROFANITY
I found it a bit shocking since Karen Kingsbury is a Christian author. But she is also writing a nonfiction piece so I understand. She definitely skipped through 99.99999% of the profanity that she probably had to suffer through herself as researching for this book.
There is [One cuss-word] in the whole book on page 366 (If I remember) it is the B-word. And I believe is a copy and past direct statement from the witnesses who viewed the murder of Jayne. I shaved half a point for it simply being there, but honestly, it didn’t bother me too much.
SEXUAL CONTENT
There is no sexual content in this book. There are references to it Example: “When they made love” But it is rarely referenced as it isn’t the point of this piece. In the beginning when David Miller is living a more promiscuous life and it IS the center of his life for the first 60 pages or so, it is referred to as him ‘staying the night’ things like that, but again no detail, just sharing the fact of what he was doing in his life as a general report.
CHARACTER ARC
Some names were changed, but David Miller kept his. I thought everyone who was mentioned in this book was presented with respect and authenticity. The good, the bad and the ugly was all in here for every character, regardless of whether they were the victim or the predator. That was what I liked so much about this book.
Don't confuse me with implying this was filled with every detail of ‘drama and gossip’ that is not what I am implying at all. Rather, there were no missing pieces. Part of Jayne's death I think had to do with her own pride and disparity to not have another marriage fail and she let her anger get the best of her. Obviously not a christian woman but those in the faith know that Revenge is the Lord alone (Romans 12:19). Also she didn’t seem to listen to her family and friends who had never fallen fully under David’s trance. This is an example of what I mean but - good, bad and the ugly.
All the people were written this way so we could understand how someone could be stuck believing a lie or set of lies by one man for so long (in Dorthy’s case over a decade). I was able to really know who these people were or at least a basic view of who these people were and that really helped this true-crime retelling flourish.
(BONUS) FAITH
This isn’t a Christian book so I wasn't expecting to see any faith past the dedication page but I was pleasantly proven wrong. Although it is not a large piece we do get to be introduced to the private investigator who was able to help Jayne learn more about who her husband was and what he’d been up to. I will say that it was satisfying to see David’s tower of lie finally crumble to the ground.
But Kignsbury made sure to represent the private investigator in a light that he would have wanted, which was under the glory of God. It is a small segment (I believe only in one chapter) but during his interviews the Private Investagator proclaims that he was able to solve closed and/or forgotten cases only through prayer and aid of the Lord, and gives all credit to his Faith in Christ. Kingsbury also explains further that it was this ‘edge’ and faith in the Lord that allowed him to shine above the others in his field.
I appreciated it because had this been anyone else writing this piece, the investigator’s faith would have been overlooked or summed up as “the best in his field” to avoid the mentioning fo Christ which would have been unfortunate. I am very thankful that this was not the case though.
WOULD I RECOMMEND
Yes I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys true crime or maybe you enjoy Dateline and x-files and you want to get into reading more btu don’t know where to start and fear disappointment and boredom.
I would suggest this book to you. It may be hard to find but I am sure any older library and or thrift store would be able to find a copy. I am also sure there are kindle versions as well although they are a bit pricey.
Obviously I wouldn't’ recommend to a younger audience just because it is true crime and there is mentioning of promiscuity when necessary, however if there is a mature 13 or 14 year old out there who already knows about that stuff, I think it would be a great book to read with them and talk about the danger of lies and letting vanities dictate your life and how quickly it crumbles.
Profanity:4.5/5 (there was one word at the very end of the book B-word)
Plot: 5/5
Sexual content: 5/5 (There were no explicit scenes except when vague memories of real people where she say ‘made love’
Character arc: 5/5 The people who had to go through this were all portrayed in accurate lighting to the real events
Bonus (Faith): 5/5 I wasn’t expecting to see any faith but it was with the PI who has a very strong faith in Christ
STORY PLOT
This is a non-fiction but I think plot is still important because there needs to be a good sense of timeline in order to make a piece like this work. And let me tell you I felt like I was watching a special on Dateline!
The story begins in the hours just before Jayne’s death and then we are thrown into the begining of David Miller’s life and how he got to where he was. It was not only insightful, but I often forgot that I wasn’t reading fiction. We got commentary throughout on David's psyche and the key moment when David’s deceptions began to crumble and he started to panic.
It has been a long time since I have gotten goose bumps when reading a book but the end when we are able to hear the closing statement of the persecutor — WOW! I read it a couple more times and it had the same effect! I was unable to put this book down, I truly do feel sorry for the family of Jane and Dorothy. This was great to see how bad things happen all the time and that not everyone is perfect. This isn't biased, the victims still made mistakes and bad choices which I am very happy Karen Kinsgbury included in her overview of the case.
If you can get your hands on this one, I strongly suggest you do! (I found my copy on an only thriftbook shop)
PROFANITY
I found it a bit shocking since Karen Kingsbury is a Christian author. But she is also writing a nonfiction piece so I understand. She definitely skipped through 99.99999% of the profanity that she probably had to suffer through herself as researching for this book.
There is [One cuss-word] in the whole book on page 366 (If I remember) it is the B-word. And I believe is a copy and past direct statement from the witnesses who viewed the murder of Jayne. I shaved half a point for it simply being there, but honestly, it didn’t bother me too much.
SEXUAL CONTENT
There is no sexual content in this book. There are references to it Example: “When they made love” But it is rarely referenced as it isn’t the point of this piece. In the beginning when David Miller is living a more promiscuous life and it IS the center of his life for the first 60 pages or so, it is referred to as him ‘staying the night’ things like that, but again no detail, just sharing the fact of what he was doing in his life as a general report.
CHARACTER ARC
Some names were changed, but David Miller kept his. I thought everyone who was mentioned in this book was presented with respect and authenticity. The good, the bad and the ugly was all in here for every character, regardless of whether they were the victim or the predator. That was what I liked so much about this book.
Don't confuse me with implying this was filled with every detail of ‘drama and gossip’ that is not what I am implying at all. Rather, there were no missing pieces. Part of Jayne's death I think had to do with her own pride and disparity to not have another marriage fail and she let her anger get the best of her. Obviously not a christian woman but those in the faith know that Revenge is the Lord alone (Romans 12:19). Also she didn’t seem to listen to her family and friends who had never fallen fully under David’s trance. This is an example of what I mean but - good, bad and the ugly.
All the people were written this way so we could understand how someone could be stuck believing a lie or set of lies by one man for so long (in Dorthy’s case over a decade). I was able to really know who these people were or at least a basic view of who these people were and that really helped this true-crime retelling flourish.
(BONUS) FAITH
This isn’t a Christian book so I wasn't expecting to see any faith past the dedication page but I was pleasantly proven wrong. Although it is not a large piece we do get to be introduced to the private investigator who was able to help Jayne learn more about who her husband was and what he’d been up to. I will say that it was satisfying to see David’s tower of lie finally crumble to the ground.
But Kignsbury made sure to represent the private investigator in a light that he would have wanted, which was under the glory of God. It is a small segment (I believe only in one chapter) but during his interviews the Private Investagator proclaims that he was able to solve closed and/or forgotten cases only through prayer and aid of the Lord, and gives all credit to his Faith in Christ. Kingsbury also explains further that it was this ‘edge’ and faith in the Lord that allowed him to shine above the others in his field.
I appreciated it because had this been anyone else writing this piece, the investigator’s faith would have been overlooked or summed up as “the best in his field” to avoid the mentioning fo Christ which would have been unfortunate. I am very thankful that this was not the case though.
WOULD I RECOMMEND
Yes I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys true crime or maybe you enjoy Dateline and x-files and you want to get into reading more btu don’t know where to start and fear disappointment and boredom.
I would suggest this book to you. It may be hard to find but I am sure any older library and or thrift store would be able to find a copy. I am also sure there are kindle versions as well although they are a bit pricey.
Obviously I wouldn't’ recommend to a younger audience just because it is true crime and there is mentioning of promiscuity when necessary, however if there is a mature 13 or 14 year old out there who already knows about that stuff, I think it would be a great book to read with them and talk about the danger of lies and letting vanities dictate your life and how quickly it crumbles.
January 24, 2021
You couldn't make this stuff up!!
I became obsessed with this case many years ago when I watched a lifetime movie called "EVERY WOMAN'S DREAM" starring Kim Catrall and Jeff Fahey. The names and a few details are different in the movie, but after reading Miss Kingsbury's book I realized that the movie was pretty accurate. This guy David Miller is some piece of work and I really hope he's being evaluated regularly by a psychologist because something is definitely wrong in there. I am however, glad the outcome was as it was. This book, as all of those I have been privileged to read by Miss Kingsbury, was so well written that I literally couldn't put it down. She does an amazing job of drawing you in from the beginning paragraph, and keeping you moving from page to page wanting and needing more. I highly recommend this to all true crime lovers and anyone who has seen the lifetime movie about it. GREAT READ!
I became obsessed with this case many years ago when I watched a lifetime movie called "EVERY WOMAN'S DREAM" starring Kim Catrall and Jeff Fahey. The names and a few details are different in the movie, but after reading Miss Kingsbury's book I realized that the movie was pretty accurate. This guy David Miller is some piece of work and I really hope he's being evaluated regularly by a psychologist because something is definitely wrong in there. I am however, glad the outcome was as it was. This book, as all of those I have been privileged to read by Miss Kingsbury, was so well written that I literally couldn't put it down. She does an amazing job of drawing you in from the beginning paragraph, and keeping you moving from page to page wanting and needing more. I highly recommend this to all true crime lovers and anyone who has seen the lifetime movie about it. GREAT READ!
February 4, 2017
I didn't know until recently that KK had written true crime novels. I've been a fan of her Life Changing Fiction novels for years. I've always enjoyed shows like Dateline, etc. that tell true crime stories. Being a KK fan, I was really interested to dive into a true crime story written by one of my favorite writers. I enjoyed the book, thought it was well done and look forward to reading the other novels like it that have been written by KK.
October 29, 2019
Gripping.I don't know how I ended up with this book other than I love Karen Kingbury's writing. Once I started this book I could not put it down. It gives great insight as to how gullible we can be when we love someone.
If you are a fan of Kingsbury, this is a great read to see how she started and why she chose to bring the light of redemption to her works.
If you are a fan of Kingsbury, this is a great read to see how she started and why she chose to bring the light of redemption to her works.
November 14, 2021
A true story of a man who was a bigamist and con artist. I'm giving it 4 stars for the writing and for being hard-to-put-down. However, I hated the subject matter. David Miller was an evil man and he ruined two families' lives.
June 12, 2021
I like reading true stories but if I'm reading a non-fiction book, then I need it to read like non-fiction and not a "dialogued" conversation fictional story.
I have always wondered how people are able to lead dual lives with separate wives and/or families. Now the answer is clear -- NOT EASILY. It was interesting watching the protagonist's (male) mind try to justify actions and energy put into covering up tracks. He wasn't dealing with a sensible or an undisturbed mind (obviously) or else he would have never have treaded so heavily in a life of deceit in both his childhood and adult life. I had to question the vulnerability of some of these women, but I suppose love can play tricks on what we see and hear.
The outcome was sad but much like many criminals who are on the edge of being apprehended, they end up taking the life of an innocent person while saving their own. (So they are not only without feelings for others and but only for themselves, they are cowards as well.)
My biggest objection to the story -- and it wasn't the story itself -- was that, for me, it read like a beginner novel writer. I can't explain why it hit me that hard, but the more I read, the more the story progressed, the more profound it felt. Perhaps I should try another book by this author that is a pure fiction so that I could enjoy the story build, rather than knowing she is telling a true story and not trying to make a story out of court reports, testimony, journalistic articles, etc.
I have always wondered how people are able to lead dual lives with separate wives and/or families. Now the answer is clear -- NOT EASILY. It was interesting watching the protagonist's (male) mind try to justify actions and energy put into covering up tracks. He wasn't dealing with a sensible or an undisturbed mind (obviously) or else he would have never have treaded so heavily in a life of deceit in both his childhood and adult life. I had to question the vulnerability of some of these women, but I suppose love can play tricks on what we see and hear.
The outcome was sad but much like many criminals who are on the edge of being apprehended, they end up taking the life of an innocent person while saving their own. (So they are not only without feelings for others and but only for themselves, they are cowards as well.)
My biggest objection to the story -- and it wasn't the story itself -- was that, for me, it read like a beginner novel writer. I can't explain why it hit me that hard, but the more I read, the more the story progressed, the more profound it felt. Perhaps I should try another book by this author that is a pure fiction so that I could enjoy the story build, rather than knowing she is telling a true story and not trying to make a story out of court reports, testimony, journalistic articles, etc.
October 29, 2022
This book surprised me. Several chapters into it I had to make sure this was really Karen Kingsbury. I sure didn’t expect this. It is simply nothing like what I’ve ever read by Ms. Kingsbury before. This was a true-life drama about an egotistical man without conscience. Living with one woman until they eventually got married, he moved her to another state and began an affair with someone else, until he married her too!! Lie upon lie upon lie, this man made up a life, actually innumerable lives. He sold everyone a pack of lies so that not a single person knew who he really was, not even his parents.
This was an actual story Ms. Kingsbury followed years ago when she was a journalist for Los Angeles Times as a crime reporter. The story begins with one wife telling him she knew about the other wife, so I’m not really giving anything away.
I appreciate her honesty, and her disappointment in some of the language added without her consent.
I had to stop reading the book about halfway into it. It was too much to absorb. So far removed from my comfortable life of truth, this was just too strange for me. Months later I picked it back up simply to finish it rather than leave in limbo.
This book was written, along with three other true crime novels, before she decided it was all so dark. She came to the conclusion that she wanted to be the bearer of light instead of darkness. I for one am glad she did!
This was an actual story Ms. Kingsbury followed years ago when she was a journalist for Los Angeles Times as a crime reporter. The story begins with one wife telling him she knew about the other wife, so I’m not really giving anything away.
I appreciate her honesty, and her disappointment in some of the language added without her consent.
I had to stop reading the book about halfway into it. It was too much to absorb. So far removed from my comfortable life of truth, this was just too strange for me. Months later I picked it back up simply to finish it rather than leave in limbo.
This book was written, along with three other true crime novels, before she decided it was all so dark. She came to the conclusion that she wanted to be the bearer of light instead of darkness. I for one am glad she did!
April 9, 2025
Interesting subject but bland retelling
Firstly I was interested in David Miller and his crimes and that's why I completed reading this book. But I was frustrated at the pedestrian and rather bland telling of the story. It felt laboured and about 100 pages too long. I've read Kingsbury's Christian fiction and enjoyed it - her writing style is more suited to that genre I think rather than true crime. My overwhelming opinion of this book is that it was gentle , I read a lot of true crime and it's often far more dramatic in tone, more sensationalized , perhaps it was the lack of judgement by the author ( befitting her Christian ethos) that made it feel bland. The writing style is very simplistic , again suited more to the Christian genre, and I felt it detracted from the absolute horror of Miller's crimes and character. He was a psychopath at the end of the day, an evil killer and narcissist . I understand Kingsbury's choice of narrative , it reflects her Christian stance, but it doesn't lend itself to crime writing in my opinion
Firstly I was interested in David Miller and his crimes and that's why I completed reading this book. But I was frustrated at the pedestrian and rather bland telling of the story. It felt laboured and about 100 pages too long. I've read Kingsbury's Christian fiction and enjoyed it - her writing style is more suited to that genre I think rather than true crime. My overwhelming opinion of this book is that it was gentle , I read a lot of true crime and it's often far more dramatic in tone, more sensationalized , perhaps it was the lack of judgement by the author ( befitting her Christian ethos) that made it feel bland. The writing style is very simplistic , again suited more to the Christian genre, and I felt it detracted from the absolute horror of Miller's crimes and character. He was a psychopath at the end of the day, an evil killer and narcissist . I understand Kingsbury's choice of narrative , it reflects her Christian stance, but it doesn't lend itself to crime writing in my opinion
August 10, 2022
Reading this true-crime book was like watching a train wreck or Maury Povich; I find it difficult to look away from either. It’s no surprise that when a man marries two women and must lead a double life that he’s crazy. The bigamist David Miller had his first wife believing he was a top-secret agent for the CIA and was absent long stretches of time from home while he conducted government business. He was handsome, charming, and, at first, had lots of money. He juggled girlfriends along with his two wives. When that life became too stressful to manage, he kills one of the wives. Problem solved. This true-crime book proves how some women blinded by a man’s good looks, lies and money can be so easily fooled. Author Karen Kingsbury began her career writing true-crime books but because the books affected her “too much emotionally due to darkness associated with them” she switched to writing novels with a Christian emphasis. Some of her novels are Hallmark Channel movies.
July 7, 2022
Karen Kingsley shows by her writing how David Miller implements a silent, nonviolent form of domestic abuse with two different women at the decision time of selecting his targets. Adding gaslighting enhances David’s ability to control the women accordingly to their personality. I found Karen’s ability to show the difference and similarities among the two women fascinating, easily definable between the two, and humorous yet tragic —easy to visualize. As well, I could visually see the wheels of David’s mind turn or lock-up, whichever the case, during the times master planning his manipulating and gaslighting phases. Great example of nonviolent domestic abuse (emotional, spiritual, gaslighting)!
May 20, 2023
Pulled From The Headlines
I was not aware that Karen Kingsbury won't something other than fiction. This story is based on an actual murder case where the murderer was a bigamist. He led double lives and was very creative and deceptive in his life.
Karen Kingsbury makes the story of what took place a start far away from each side and developed each character so you had a true feeling of what the person was going through. This includes business associates, both wives, the families, and the neighbors. It gives a incredible inside as to why women stay in relationships that are unhealthy. In most cases they want to give the benefit of the doubt to their spouse because they do in fact love them. It's easy read and it's well worth the time to read it.
I was not aware that Karen Kingsbury won't something other than fiction. This story is based on an actual murder case where the murderer was a bigamist. He led double lives and was very creative and deceptive in his life.
Karen Kingsbury makes the story of what took place a start far away from each side and developed each character so you had a true feeling of what the person was going through. This includes business associates, both wives, the families, and the neighbors. It gives a incredible inside as to why women stay in relationships that are unhealthy. In most cases they want to give the benefit of the doubt to their spouse because they do in fact love them. It's easy read and it's well worth the time to read it.
January 30, 2024
3.5 Stars.
A slightly different way to do True Crime, and I enjoyed it! This reads more like a novel than a normal True Crime book, and I think that was a good way to tell this story. There are lots of different threads and lies that David tells, and having the story told A to B is a much easier way of understanding what went on.
This was an interesting, and unbelievable story, and many times David Miller's lies were just so brazen. I liked the peek into his psyche and his potential motives and how everything he did seemed to be tied up in being better than a normal man, and looking like the greatest man of all time.
A shame there were no photos of the main players, but this was a really interesting and engaging book overall.
A slightly different way to do True Crime, and I enjoyed it! This reads more like a novel than a normal True Crime book, and I think that was a good way to tell this story. There are lots of different threads and lies that David tells, and having the story told A to B is a much easier way of understanding what went on.
This was an interesting, and unbelievable story, and many times David Miller's lies were just so brazen. I liked the peek into his psyche and his potential motives and how everything he did seemed to be tied up in being better than a normal man, and looking like the greatest man of all time.
A shame there were no photos of the main players, but this was a really interesting and engaging book overall.
February 20, 2025
Well written nonfiction account of a #1 conman.
Set in the 80s-early 90s, this is an absolute unbelievable true story. It made me grind my teeth simply from how naive and trusting the female (wives) the victims were. Nobody, absolutely nobody, deserves to be murdered... But one must ask themselves if this victim didn't actually kinda go looking for it. She literally couldn't have been more greedy, stupid, and overtly purposely powerless. It was a golddigger who should have known better and if the God awful love for the Almighty dollar hadn't blinded her- she would have lived.
and this man: one sicko I would have seen from a mile away.
Set in the 80s-early 90s, this is an absolute unbelievable true story. It made me grind my teeth simply from how naive and trusting the female (wives) the victims were. Nobody, absolutely nobody, deserves to be murdered... But one must ask themselves if this victim didn't actually kinda go looking for it. She literally couldn't have been more greedy, stupid, and overtly purposely powerless. It was a golddigger who should have known better and if the God awful love for the Almighty dollar hadn't blinded her- she would have lived.
and this man: one sicko I would have seen from a mile away.
September 6, 2019
In this non-fiction True Crime by Karen Kingsbury, she takes on the storyline of a David Miller, a man who seems to be managing living a double life. What happens when his worlds collide and all of his desires for the excitement and risk come crashing down around him. What is he willing to do to save the world he has created for himself?
I enjoyed reading this non-fiction Kingsbury book. I’m used to her Christian Fiction work and this was a nice change of pace from one of my favorite authors.
I enjoyed reading this non-fiction Kingsbury book. I’m used to her Christian Fiction work and this was a nice change of pace from one of my favorite authors.
October 18, 2021
A view into evil
This very suspenseful story by Karen Kingsbury is so different from her usual novels as she explains to the readers at the end. Kingsbury writes an enthralling description of a mentally ill man and his deception of himself and almost everyone he met. David Miller is finally destroyed by his own manipulated life. Kingsbury is faithful to avoid offensive language and descriptions of events so that her usual readers can experience this unusual crime novel.
This very suspenseful story by Karen Kingsbury is so different from her usual novels as she explains to the readers at the end. Kingsbury writes an enthralling description of a mentally ill man and his deception of himself and almost everyone he met. David Miller is finally destroyed by his own manipulated life. Kingsbury is faithful to avoid offensive language and descriptions of events so that her usual readers can experience this unusual crime novel.
December 15, 2021
Wow
This was a totally unexpected story written by Karen Kingsbury. I have read so many of her inspirational books, and this change came as quite a shock. It took time for me to get used to the writing style, but I was totally absorbed from page 1.
What a talent, to be able to weave David’s stories together, and make them fascinating!
I will continue to read many more of Karen‘s books. This was beyond excellent!
This was a totally unexpected story written by Karen Kingsbury. I have read so many of her inspirational books, and this change came as quite a shock. It took time for me to get used to the writing style, but I was totally absorbed from page 1.
What a talent, to be able to weave David’s stories together, and make them fascinating!
I will continue to read many more of Karen‘s books. This was beyond excellent!
April 28, 2024
great book
This book was very different and not your usual romance book. It had mystery, intrigue, humor, sadness and real life lines throughout the story. You wonder how anyone could possibly live a double life and survive without going crazy. This was an amazing story that leaves you feeling quite sad for the two women he married but also feeling he really deserves the verdict he got for killing the one wife. Lies never win. The truth will always come out and win!
This book was very different and not your usual romance book. It had mystery, intrigue, humor, sadness and real life lines throughout the story. You wonder how anyone could possibly live a double life and survive without going crazy. This was an amazing story that leaves you feeling quite sad for the two women he married but also feeling he really deserves the verdict he got for killing the one wife. Lies never win. The truth will always come out and win!
January 18, 2025
"I thoroughly enjoyed reading Deadly Pretender. While the ending wasn’t surprising after David’s actions, it was still satisfying. I did anticipate a bit more drama in the conclusion, but overall, it was a compelling read. David's character resonates deeply with me, reminding me of someone very close and dear to my heart. The storyline felt incredibly real and brought back memories of my own past. Just wait until I write my book—there’s so much I’m eager to share!"
June 11, 2025
This was such a sad story from beginning to end – probably because it was obvious from the start that it would not have a positive outcome. The only positive to come in this book was knowing that David Miller will. be locked away forever. Knowing what a narcissist he is, the fact that he will not be in the spotlight may be the biggest punishment for him. His victim – blaming was utterly disgusting, and my heart aches for those who were hurt by his evil actions.
October 27, 2019
An awful story but KK writes the account masterfully. I can’t begin to fathom the way this man schnockered everyone with his lies and evil behaviors. Twenty-five years have passed—has he been granted parole? I sincerely hope not, for the sake of Dorothy and her children and for Jayne’s family and friends.
January 20, 2020
I couldn’t put this book down.
This true story is very well written. The author provides details of the lives of the people involved without ever boring you with too much detail. This is the account of a very devious man and the innocent people who were hurt along the way. It’s amazing how gullible people can be when they want to believe someone they love.
This true story is very well written. The author provides details of the lives of the people involved without ever boring you with too much detail. This is the account of a very devious man and the innocent people who were hurt along the way. It’s amazing how gullible people can be when they want to believe someone they love.
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