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In Plain Sight: The Kaufman County Prosecutor Murders
JUDGE. JURY. EXECUTIONER.
On a cold January morning, the killer executed Assistant District Attorney Mark Hasse in broad daylight. Eight shots fired a block from the Kaufman County Courthouse. Two months later, a massacre. The day before Easter, the couple slept. Bunnies, eggs, a flower centerpiece gracing the table. Death rang their doorbell and filled the air with the rat-a-tat-tat of an assault weapon discharging round after round into their bodies.
Eric Williams and his wife, Kim, celebrated the murders with grilled steaks. Their crimes covered front pages around the world, many saying the killer placed a target square on the back of law enforcement. Williams planned to exact revenge on all those who had wronged him, one at a time. Throughout the spring of 2013, Williams sowed terror through a small Texas town, and a quest for vengeance turned to deadly obsession. His intention? To keep killing, until someone found a way to stop him.
On a cold January morning, the killer executed Assistant District Attorney Mark Hasse in broad daylight. Eight shots fired a block from the Kaufman County Courthouse. Two months later, a massacre. The day before Easter, the couple slept. Bunnies, eggs, a flower centerpiece gracing the table. Death rang their doorbell and filled the air with the rat-a-tat-tat of an assault weapon discharging round after round into their bodies.
Eric Williams and his wife, Kim, celebrated the murders with grilled steaks. Their crimes covered front pages around the world, many saying the killer placed a target square on the back of law enforcement. Williams planned to exact revenge on all those who had wronged him, one at a time. Throughout the spring of 2013, Williams sowed terror through a small Texas town, and a quest for vengeance turned to deadly obsession. His intention? To keep killing, until someone found a way to stop him.
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First published September 15, 2015
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About the author
Kathryn Casey
33 books647 followersAn award-winning journalist and a critically acclaimed bestselling author, Kathryn Casey has written eleven true crime books and is the creator of the Sarah Armstrong and Clara Jefferies mystery series. ANGEL FALLS, her first historical fiction, was inspired by the life of Ruth Robertson, who in 1949 measured the world’s tallest waterfall.
Casey’s books have been Literary and Mystery Guild selections, and DEADLY LITTLE SECRETS was made into a Lifetime movie. Her first novel, SINGULARITY, was named a Best Crime Novel Debut by Booklist, and Library Journal chose THE KILLING STORM for its annual list of Best Mysteries. Elle Magazine picked DIE, MY LOVE as one of the ten best thrillers and crime books written by a woman. True crime matriarch Ann Rule praised Casey as "one of the best," and #1 NY Times bestselling author Gregg Olsen has called Casey "a true crime great."
In addition, Casey has written more than a hundred national magazine articles and pieces for The Washington Post, the Boston Globe, and the Houston Chronicle. In 2022, Casey was featured on the top ten Netflix limited documentary series “Crime Scene: The Texas Killing Fields.” She’s appeared on dozens of television and radio programs, including The Today Show, Good Morning America, 20/20, 48 Hours, Oprah, Investigation Discovery, the Travel Channel, A&E, and other venues.
Casey’s books have been Literary and Mystery Guild selections, and DEADLY LITTLE SECRETS was made into a Lifetime movie. Her first novel, SINGULARITY, was named a Best Crime Novel Debut by Booklist, and Library Journal chose THE KILLING STORM for its annual list of Best Mysteries. Elle Magazine picked DIE, MY LOVE as one of the ten best thrillers and crime books written by a woman. True crime matriarch Ann Rule praised Casey as "one of the best," and #1 NY Times bestselling author Gregg Olsen has called Casey "a true crime great."
In addition, Casey has written more than a hundred national magazine articles and pieces for The Washington Post, the Boston Globe, and the Houston Chronicle. In 2022, Casey was featured on the top ten Netflix limited documentary series “Crime Scene: The Texas Killing Fields.” She’s appeared on dozens of television and radio programs, including The Today Show, Good Morning America, 20/20, 48 Hours, Oprah, Investigation Discovery, the Travel Channel, A&E, and other venues.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 161 reviews
June 24, 2018
4.5 Stars
In Plain Sight is my first Kathryn Casey book but it will not be my last. I watch a lot of news, I prefer crime news and of course politics. The case covered in this book is a mixture of both. Throughout the spring of 2013 a small Texas town had to deal with the mysterious murders of two of the towns most well known people. I won't tell you too much about this book because its best to go in blind.
Ms. Casey writes True Crime with the suspense that great Mystery Fiction writers do. I was on the edge of my seat while reading this. I actually slowed down reading this book because I didn't want it to end. Ms. Casey's writing brought the victims back to life on the page.
As I said at the beginning of my review Kathryn Casey is an author I will definitely be reading again.
I recommend In Plain Sight to True Crime lovers and Mystery/Suspense lovers.
Around the Year in 52 Books: A Book Related To The 7 Deadly Sins.
Hooked On Books June Read-A-Thon.
Obsessed With True Crime BOTM.
In Plain Sight is my first Kathryn Casey book but it will not be my last. I watch a lot of news, I prefer crime news and of course politics. The case covered in this book is a mixture of both. Throughout the spring of 2013 a small Texas town had to deal with the mysterious murders of two of the towns most well known people. I won't tell you too much about this book because its best to go in blind.
Ms. Casey writes True Crime with the suspense that great Mystery Fiction writers do. I was on the edge of my seat while reading this. I actually slowed down reading this book because I didn't want it to end. Ms. Casey's writing brought the victims back to life on the page.
As I said at the beginning of my review Kathryn Casey is an author I will definitely be reading again.
I recommend In Plain Sight to True Crime lovers and Mystery/Suspense lovers.
Around the Year in 52 Books: A Book Related To The 7 Deadly Sins.
Hooked On Books June Read-A-Thon.
Obsessed With True Crime BOTM.
July 9, 2018
3.5 stars rounded up for the incredible amount of detail for the lives of the prime 6 principles in this.
Often you will find non-fiction crime or true crime documentation with this depth to the criminal in much more abbreviated fashion. Both to time periods and to crime reactive. This is more than that "norm". It covers the dozens of people involved. Including the murdered, their families, and also nearly every official in judicial or police related court work within Kaufman County Tx. As animosity itself becomes embedded within those entities. Not entirely but in close associations or tangent knowledge, but still "there".
It's a very long read. The first half was so rich for nuance that I couldn't put it down. (Psychologically and within military/ criminal social justice mores.) But then for nearly 100 pages there was just a kind of "paused" supposition after Eric was accused of stealing. And that 100 or 120 pages was much more a plodding kind of circling. 3 star at the most and its length should have been better edited; not as jumpy to person/person/person "eyes" for the various reactions.
But then the crimes themselves, the forensics and the reactive and widespread demographics to all these inter-related elements involved and affected;neighbors, workmates, friends etc. - that step by step approach to Kim's inquiry and the results of it- they were very good. Nearly 5 star. So much of research and minutia served with proofs and endless hours of searching in all these months of time. Diving in murky waters to searching storage facilities and even then, in some of the more "ending" days- STILL- some fractured divisions within the "searchers" and authority positions. Kim Williams- herself, her story, her life, her outcomes- that was a 5 star "look", IMHO. How she rationalized? Absolutely despicable.
After reading this book, I'm going to be looking up Williams' fate over time. I sure hope they don't ever let him out.
Also throughout the soft paperback there are set right into the printed word- photos, letters, etc. Dozens of photos that speak 1000 words each, for sure. Physical appearances to facial expressions to "dress up" trivialities- all were huge windows to see what was there, IMHO.
This author is long-winded (she does become redundant too at times to emphasize her prime points) but also includes dozens of witness for criteria and interchange of years that mean the most in this genre. You need patience to read it too- it's long and quite a "window".
Often you will find non-fiction crime or true crime documentation with this depth to the criminal in much more abbreviated fashion. Both to time periods and to crime reactive. This is more than that "norm". It covers the dozens of people involved. Including the murdered, their families, and also nearly every official in judicial or police related court work within Kaufman County Tx. As animosity itself becomes embedded within those entities. Not entirely but in close associations or tangent knowledge, but still "there".
It's a very long read. The first half was so rich for nuance that I couldn't put it down. (Psychologically and within military/ criminal social justice mores.) But then for nearly 100 pages there was just a kind of "paused" supposition after Eric was accused of stealing. And that 100 or 120 pages was much more a plodding kind of circling. 3 star at the most and its length should have been better edited; not as jumpy to person/person/person "eyes" for the various reactions.
But then the crimes themselves, the forensics and the reactive and widespread demographics to all these inter-related elements involved and affected;neighbors, workmates, friends etc. - that step by step approach to Kim's inquiry and the results of it- they were very good. Nearly 5 star. So much of research and minutia served with proofs and endless hours of searching in all these months of time. Diving in murky waters to searching storage facilities and even then, in some of the more "ending" days- STILL- some fractured divisions within the "searchers" and authority positions. Kim Williams- herself, her story, her life, her outcomes- that was a 5 star "look", IMHO. How she rationalized? Absolutely despicable.
After reading this book, I'm going to be looking up Williams' fate over time. I sure hope they don't ever let him out.
Also throughout the soft paperback there are set right into the printed word- photos, letters, etc. Dozens of photos that speak 1000 words each, for sure. Physical appearances to facial expressions to "dress up" trivialities- all were huge windows to see what was there, IMHO.
This author is long-winded (she does become redundant too at times to emphasize her prime points) but also includes dozens of witness for criteria and interchange of years that mean the most in this genre. You need patience to read it too- it's long and quite a "window".
April 6, 2018
Thank you so much to William Morrow for providing my free copy of IN PLAIN SIGHT by Kathryn Casey - all opinions are my own.
This is true crime at its finest. On a January morning, District Attorney Mike Hasse was gunned down and killed in front of Kaufman County Courthouse and that’s how the killings began.
Eric Lyle Williams was born in April 1967. Three years later his family moved to Azle just outside of Fort Worth Texas. Even though his parents showed little emotion, by all accounts, Eric had a happy childhood. A few years later, his sister was born, but he was not very interested her. Eric was a Boy Scout, extremely intelligent and had an aptitude for computers. He played trumpet, was on the math team, and hung out with the other bright kids in his class. He rarely talked and was socially aloof, but when he said something it was always the “perfect punchline” that made his friends laugh.
Around age fourteen, he became obsessed with Dungeons and Dragons and all his friends wanted him in their guilds. He made Eagle Scout, won awards, and made his parents very proud. But when his parents were not around, he tormented his younger sister and had an obsession with guns and hunting small animals including stray cats.
He graduated high school then went to his father’s alma mater, Texas Christian University, where he graduated with a degree in Criminal Justice. He also received a diploma with the Army’s MP school, but was passed over for the actual Army. He also was fired from two jobs at two different police departments - all this by the age twenty four. Finally, he interviewed with a judge for a court coordinator position at the courthouse in Kaufman, Texas, a small town with a population of less than 7,000. From here, his career skyrocketed and he eventually became an attorney. One day, he posted on an Internet message board where he met a woman by the name of Kim Johnson. They quickly became romantically involved.
Casey writes nonfiction as seamlessly as fiction. The dialogue flows effortlessly which makes this a very fast paced read. Nothing is ever dry or boring in this true crime masterpiece and every facet is well researched. Casey conducted interviews with Williams and most of the people in his life. There are an abundance of photographs included from his childhood onward, a must in any good true crime novel. I particularly love the quotes included at the beginning of each chapter. This is a very gripping and addictive book, and even though I had never heard of these crimes, I was particularly enthralled by the “husband and wife” aspect of this case. Although Eric is the brains of the operation, Kim went right along and celebrated it. It’s horrific and these two are chilling right down to the bone. Williams hits every single statistic and cliché of a natural born killer. He will not tolerate hearing the word “no” without exacting revenge.
This is true crime at its finest. On a January morning, District Attorney Mike Hasse was gunned down and killed in front of Kaufman County Courthouse and that’s how the killings began.
Eric Lyle Williams was born in April 1967. Three years later his family moved to Azle just outside of Fort Worth Texas. Even though his parents showed little emotion, by all accounts, Eric had a happy childhood. A few years later, his sister was born, but he was not very interested her. Eric was a Boy Scout, extremely intelligent and had an aptitude for computers. He played trumpet, was on the math team, and hung out with the other bright kids in his class. He rarely talked and was socially aloof, but when he said something it was always the “perfect punchline” that made his friends laugh.
Around age fourteen, he became obsessed with Dungeons and Dragons and all his friends wanted him in their guilds. He made Eagle Scout, won awards, and made his parents very proud. But when his parents were not around, he tormented his younger sister and had an obsession with guns and hunting small animals including stray cats.
He graduated high school then went to his father’s alma mater, Texas Christian University, where he graduated with a degree in Criminal Justice. He also received a diploma with the Army’s MP school, but was passed over for the actual Army. He also was fired from two jobs at two different police departments - all this by the age twenty four. Finally, he interviewed with a judge for a court coordinator position at the courthouse in Kaufman, Texas, a small town with a population of less than 7,000. From here, his career skyrocketed and he eventually became an attorney. One day, he posted on an Internet message board where he met a woman by the name of Kim Johnson. They quickly became romantically involved.
Casey writes nonfiction as seamlessly as fiction. The dialogue flows effortlessly which makes this a very fast paced read. Nothing is ever dry or boring in this true crime masterpiece and every facet is well researched. Casey conducted interviews with Williams and most of the people in his life. There are an abundance of photographs included from his childhood onward, a must in any good true crime novel. I particularly love the quotes included at the beginning of each chapter. This is a very gripping and addictive book, and even though I had never heard of these crimes, I was particularly enthralled by the “husband and wife” aspect of this case. Although Eric is the brains of the operation, Kim went right along and celebrated it. It’s horrific and these two are chilling right down to the bone. Williams hits every single statistic and cliché of a natural born killer. He will not tolerate hearing the word “no” without exacting revenge.
June 26, 2020
"One of the best true crime writers today." ~ Ann Rule, about Kathryn Casey.
I finally finished reading the book!! It took me much longer to finish reading this book than I normally take (will explain why).
First of all, I am a huge fan of Ann Rule (although I disagree with her on a few points). And, that was the reason I read this book. She mentioned Casey as a great true crime writer and that was enough for me. So, it's the first book for me by Kathryn Casey!
It is a true crime book which tells the story of Eric Williams who, with the help of his wife Kim, murdered two prosecutors and the wife of one of them. Eric was a lawyer, a judge of the peace who was a respected figure in the community and he also earned good money. Everything he worked hard for years was taken away from him after those two prosecutors insisted on prosecuting him for stealing $600 computer monitors (there was some political history involved). It was said that he was pushed too hard and that he "snapped". It was a hate crime.
Some early odd behavior of Eric was highlighted in the book, but nothing that's too alarming. I'm not going to focus on the story since it was well covered in the media (if you're American). And, there's nothing much to say.
Let's move to the book and the author:
1- I have to praise Kathryn for her excellent and meticulous research. Also, she was the only person who Eric and Kim agreed to meet with behind bars. She visited them many times.
2- Kathryn is a matter-of-factly person. It's rare to read an opinion of her throughout the book (maybe the last few pages in just a few lines). So, if you are among those who prefer dry facts in true crime, then you will like her writing style. It can feel dry and without a soul at times though. Some readers criticized Ann Rule for dropping in her opinions frequently, which is something I disagree with although Casey is more about just facts for sure.
3- My main problem with this book is the lack of suspense. This is why it took me so long. By the way, I have not heard of the crime before so it should have been suspenseful. I knew exactly what was going to happen next throughout the book and even the ending right from the first few chapters. It is not a page-turner and did not keep me up late to read which was too bad because Casey's research was excellent.
Something to note here -- Writing a true crime book can be tricky compared to fiction crime in my opinion. In true crime, it's not the author's story. The author has facts, dates, information, etc...so to make it suspenseful you have to add your touch or 'magic touch'. Casey seems like a person who wants to tell it as it is - which many readers love. In fiction crime, its the author's story so they can play with the plot the way they want to make it suspenseful. I prefer Rule's writings since she gives a soul to her book without fabricating any detail :) It depends on your taste really.
4- The word psychopath is overly used in crime books. Again, the author did not add her opinion, but that was the description of some characters in the book of Eric. In my opinion, he is not a psychopath yet an egotistical SOB who held grudges and hate towards whoever tried to scratch his fragile ego. He lived in his own world by his own rules. He was too absorbed with movies and games, thinking of weapons as his toys and people as things. He could do whatever he wanted. Of course there was a mention that he killed cats as a young boy, something most writers focus on to lead you to think of psychopathy early on.
As for Kim, she was a typical weak, weak woman who fed off Eric. I never accept excuses like "I wasn't in my right mind", "I was afraid of him", "I was living on liquid morphine so I just did what he wanted me to do", etc..How about taking away the lives of innocent people? Haven't you thought about it? Let's be honest, of course she was mad too because the prosecutors took away the dinero $$. What angered him angered her. And being weak helped. Good she testified though. And, she looks much better in prison than when she lived with him. She's weak.
5- There wasn't any psychology tests/psychoanalysis of Eric mentioned in the book (don't know if there was any done to him) which was too unfortunate for me. To all fans of true crime who look for the psychology/human behavior part in true crime books, there isn't much there.
6- One thing Rule's fans criticized her for was her continuous praise of the looks of the victims in all her stories. They were all so pretty. Casey, again, describes them as they are which is far better for sure.
All in all, I thank Kathryn for her incredible research (4 stars for that even though it wasn't a very enjoyable read). I will definitely be reading more books by her!!
I hope my review was useful :)
Happy reading!!
I finally finished reading the book!! It took me much longer to finish reading this book than I normally take (will explain why).
First of all, I am a huge fan of Ann Rule (although I disagree with her on a few points). And, that was the reason I read this book. She mentioned Casey as a great true crime writer and that was enough for me. So, it's the first book for me by Kathryn Casey!
It is a true crime book which tells the story of Eric Williams who, with the help of his wife Kim, murdered two prosecutors and the wife of one of them. Eric was a lawyer, a judge of the peace who was a respected figure in the community and he also earned good money. Everything he worked hard for years was taken away from him after those two prosecutors insisted on prosecuting him for stealing $600 computer monitors (there was some political history involved). It was said that he was pushed too hard and that he "snapped". It was a hate crime.
Some early odd behavior of Eric was highlighted in the book, but nothing that's too alarming. I'm not going to focus on the story since it was well covered in the media (if you're American). And, there's nothing much to say.
Let's move to the book and the author:
1- I have to praise Kathryn for her excellent and meticulous research. Also, she was the only person who Eric and Kim agreed to meet with behind bars. She visited them many times.
2- Kathryn is a matter-of-factly person. It's rare to read an opinion of her throughout the book (maybe the last few pages in just a few lines). So, if you are among those who prefer dry facts in true crime, then you will like her writing style. It can feel dry and without a soul at times though. Some readers criticized Ann Rule for dropping in her opinions frequently, which is something I disagree with although Casey is more about just facts for sure.
3- My main problem with this book is the lack of suspense. This is why it took me so long. By the way, I have not heard of the crime before so it should have been suspenseful. I knew exactly what was going to happen next throughout the book and even the ending right from the first few chapters. It is not a page-turner and did not keep me up late to read which was too bad because Casey's research was excellent.
Something to note here -- Writing a true crime book can be tricky compared to fiction crime in my opinion. In true crime, it's not the author's story. The author has facts, dates, information, etc...so to make it suspenseful you have to add your touch or 'magic touch'. Casey seems like a person who wants to tell it as it is - which many readers love. In fiction crime, its the author's story so they can play with the plot the way they want to make it suspenseful. I prefer Rule's writings since she gives a soul to her book without fabricating any detail :) It depends on your taste really.
4- The word psychopath is overly used in crime books. Again, the author did not add her opinion, but that was the description of some characters in the book of Eric. In my opinion, he is not a psychopath yet an egotistical SOB who held grudges and hate towards whoever tried to scratch his fragile ego. He lived in his own world by his own rules. He was too absorbed with movies and games, thinking of weapons as his toys and people as things. He could do whatever he wanted. Of course there was a mention that he killed cats as a young boy, something most writers focus on to lead you to think of psychopathy early on.
As for Kim, she was a typical weak, weak woman who fed off Eric. I never accept excuses like "I wasn't in my right mind", "I was afraid of him", "I was living on liquid morphine so I just did what he wanted me to do", etc..How about taking away the lives of innocent people? Haven't you thought about it? Let's be honest, of course she was mad too because the prosecutors took away the dinero $$. What angered him angered her. And being weak helped. Good she testified though. And, she looks much better in prison than when she lived with him. She's weak.
5- There wasn't any psychology tests/psychoanalysis of Eric mentioned in the book (don't know if there was any done to him) which was too unfortunate for me. To all fans of true crime who look for the psychology/human behavior part in true crime books, there isn't much there.
6- One thing Rule's fans criticized her for was her continuous praise of the looks of the victims in all her stories. They were all so pretty. Casey, again, describes them as they are which is far better for sure.
All in all, I thank Kathryn for her incredible research (4 stars for that even though it wasn't a very enjoyable read). I will definitely be reading more books by her!!
I hope my review was useful :)
Happy reading!!
December 2, 2020
Finally a very good true crime book in my hands.. I thought it was me, that I just did not enjoy true crime as much but then my mum told me she had the same feeling because of the books I've sent her (Yeah yeah blame me:-) )I realized it is not that I am sick of true crime. I am sick of badly written true crime and I am also sick of average true crime books!!
This book was good.Of course I skipped the prologue and you should do too if you do not like spoilers (Yes even though it is true crime it is still nice to not know what is going to happen next.)So I did not know what was exactly going to happen and it turned out to be a great read where the story slowly becomes clear. Interesting and well written and worth a book.
This book was good.Of course I skipped the prologue and you should do too if you do not like spoilers (Yes even though it is true crime it is still nice to not know what is going to happen next.)So I did not know what was exactly going to happen and it turned out to be a great read where the story slowly becomes clear. Interesting and well written and worth a book.
August 11, 2023
True crime dramas aren't everyone's cup of tea. The topic is morbid and the central characters are usually psychopaths.
But Kathryn Casey is a remarkable writer and her pacing is perfect.
So, unsurprisingly here, the killer in this book is a narcissist and sociopath. We know who is the killer from page one. For anyone who has known someone with Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) this book will have added meaning.
One refrain from the acquaintances of Eric Williams, the killer at the center of this book,is that his rampage must have been triggered. If only those mean prosecutors hadn't thrown the book at him. In this case Williams lost his justice of the peace position and his law license when he was found stealing computer equipment. We aren't talking PTSD or excusable behavior here. This kind of brazen theft by a person in a position of public trust and was caught on camera should have been a major flag to everyone. To some, those who prosecuted him, they did view it as a major flag. It disheartens me that so few people understand that narcissism is an incurable disorder and many people who have NPD measure high in cognitive empathy. As a result there are many people to vouch for Williams thinking he was normal and even likable. Such people seem normal because they often say the right things. But they show their fangs when they think they can get away with it. The warning signs with Eric were there along from way back in high school. In this case there was also a spouse who had her own grievances and they seemed to feed off each other with their grievances against the system, i.e. prosecutors.
4.5 stars. This is a dark book but so good. Some really useful insights into sociopathy and narcissism.
But Kathryn Casey is a remarkable writer and her pacing is perfect.
So, unsurprisingly here, the killer in this book is a narcissist and sociopath. We know who is the killer from page one. For anyone who has known someone with Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) this book will have added meaning.
One refrain from the acquaintances of Eric Williams, the killer at the center of this book,is that his rampage must have been triggered. If only those mean prosecutors hadn't thrown the book at him. In this case Williams lost his justice of the peace position and his law license when he was found stealing computer equipment. We aren't talking PTSD or excusable behavior here. This kind of brazen theft by a person in a position of public trust and was caught on camera should have been a major flag to everyone. To some, those who prosecuted him, they did view it as a major flag. It disheartens me that so few people understand that narcissism is an incurable disorder and many people who have NPD measure high in cognitive empathy. As a result there are many people to vouch for Williams thinking he was normal and even likable. Such people seem normal because they often say the right things. But they show their fangs when they think they can get away with it. The warning signs with Eric were there along from way back in high school. In this case there was also a spouse who had her own grievances and they seemed to feed off each other with their grievances against the system, i.e. prosecutors.
4.5 stars. This is a dark book but so good. Some really useful insights into sociopathy and narcissism.
April 16, 2018
The only bad thing about finishing a Kathryn Casey book is having to wait for the next one to come out. But, the wait is always well worth it because all of her books (and I have read them all) are well researched, well written, and very interesting. If you are fan of true crime, it doesn't get any better than KC.
May 19, 2018
As usual, Kathryn Casey has hit it out of the ballpark with this book. It is one of the best I have read in a while. Her research is top-notch, second to none. The writing is excellent, as always. She made the story interesting, hard to put down. Excellent book!
May 7, 2018
Yikes, what a hard slog getting through this. The book moved along at a fast pace until the first murder. And then the author dragged out the investigation and how the next victim felt about it and who he suspected endlessly and kept repeating the same conclusions investigators had over and over ad nauseam. Yeah, we know the Mexican Mafia and the Aryan Brotherhood and the Texas State Guard had nothing to do with it, you already told us who did it at least a zillion times from page 1 on. Since I was reading on a Kindle I fast-forwarded through every page where I saw those above three groups mentioned by the FBI, the local investigators, the state investigators, even the locals. And finally it got to the point where I just didn't care who killed the quilting lady.
April 25, 2018
Kathryn Casey is an amazing writer. Part of me wants to sympathize with Eric Williams because I feel like he was over-charged in the theft case. But that doesn't give you the right to commit murder. And Kim Williams? She totally made me mad. She could have stopped all of the madness. She was extremely selfish and find her just as guilty as her husband.
May 28, 2018
While well researched and in depth, this book was a real slog. I picked it up and put it down probably three times and it was painful to get through the end. Too much detail.
June 17, 2018
An unusual story about what I hope is a unique criminal case. I found myself feeling frustrated at all the unanswered questions in what superficially is a cleared and closed case. What is up with these people? How did it ever, for one minute, make sense for them to do what they did? It's a real head-scratcher, and if that's what you're looking for in a true crime story you've come to the right place.
October 19, 2019
I made it through about half of this book. I remember the early news stories of the Kaufman County murders so I was slightly interested in this book when one of my book clubs chose it. In the end I decided not to finish it because I just did not really like any of the characters didn't care about all of the details. I spot read until the end and looked at all of the pictures to get the basics how the story ended. If you love all of the nitty-gritty details of a true crime including investigation and trials, this book is for you, especially since the author was able to get the accused to talk to her when they have refused to talk to others. It was too much for me. So sorry for those who died and those hurt by the crimes. May Our Lord have mercy on each involved.
August 7, 2025
This true crime novel reads like fiction! I remember the beginnings of this case but with he Marathon Bombing happening down the street from my office, it dropped off my radar. Casey has amazing writing skills to get this to read like a made up police procedural instead of the truly horrifying real life case of assassination!
April 1, 2018
True crime
I don’t often read true crime stories. I’m a criminal lawyer with more than two decades of experience (prosecutor, municipal judge, & defense attorney). I usually try to avoid any books or shows about the criminal justice system. I get my fill at work. I would prefer to escape from it all during my free time. Still, I wanted to read this book because these historical events interspersed with my own life. I worked in two counties that border western Kauffman County (Navarro and Ellis). And I know several of the lawyers involved. I remember the profound effect that Mr. Hasse’s murder had on my legal community. I can recall the fear and buzz that consumed our courthouse, especially after the other two murders. Although we had all considered that such events could happen, it had never actually happened before. Family law cases tend to be the ones that attract people that are out for revenge against an individual attorney. In my experience, most people understand that prosecutors, law enforcement, and even defense attorneys are just doing their job. Even when defending a killer, jurors and victims families have never made any threats to me. And the reality of these murders happening so close to home made it all the more shocking. I’ve witnessed first hand, on many occasions, the extra effort that comes from law enforcement when one of their own or even a friend or family member is a victim. It’s a full court press with very very powerful forces. Think of any major crime where law enforcement has been the victim. It’s on and they will get their man. So, the fact that the killers were not captured relatively quickly and were able to strike again was unfathomable.
Beyond my personal experience, this book was extremely well written. The author did an excellent job at trying to be objective and telling all sides of the facts. It was well paced, well researched, and spot on with regard to the culture surrounding rural counties/the Texas criminal justice system. I’ve never read anything more accurate. For someone interested in true crime books, I can’t recommend this book enough.
I don’t often read true crime stories. I’m a criminal lawyer with more than two decades of experience (prosecutor, municipal judge, & defense attorney). I usually try to avoid any books or shows about the criminal justice system. I get my fill at work. I would prefer to escape from it all during my free time. Still, I wanted to read this book because these historical events interspersed with my own life. I worked in two counties that border western Kauffman County (Navarro and Ellis). And I know several of the lawyers involved. I remember the profound effect that Mr. Hasse’s murder had on my legal community. I can recall the fear and buzz that consumed our courthouse, especially after the other two murders. Although we had all considered that such events could happen, it had never actually happened before. Family law cases tend to be the ones that attract people that are out for revenge against an individual attorney. In my experience, most people understand that prosecutors, law enforcement, and even defense attorneys are just doing their job. Even when defending a killer, jurors and victims families have never made any threats to me. And the reality of these murders happening so close to home made it all the more shocking. I’ve witnessed first hand, on many occasions, the extra effort that comes from law enforcement when one of their own or even a friend or family member is a victim. It’s a full court press with very very powerful forces. Think of any major crime where law enforcement has been the victim. It’s on and they will get their man. So, the fact that the killers were not captured relatively quickly and were able to strike again was unfathomable.
Beyond my personal experience, this book was extremely well written. The author did an excellent job at trying to be objective and telling all sides of the facts. It was well paced, well researched, and spot on with regard to the culture surrounding rural counties/the Texas criminal justice system. I’ve never read anything more accurate. For someone interested in true crime books, I can’t recommend this book enough.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 20, 2018
Kathryn Casey is an amazing writer!! I've read all of her true crime books and this one was such a great read! The case itself is unique because of the people involved and just how chilling this killer is. And scary that his wife, through a drugged stupor, blindly aided her husband in the murders.
Mind boggling! Kathryn Casey's books don't rely on page after page of trial transcripts, like so many authors. Her research into trying to document each person accurately shows through, page after page. For me, the book was so good, I hated to finish it, as I feel sure the next book I read won't be nearly as good!!!
Mind boggling! Kathryn Casey's books don't rely on page after page of trial transcripts, like so many authors. Her research into trying to document each person accurately shows through, page after page. For me, the book was so good, I hated to finish it, as I feel sure the next book I read won't be nearly as good!!!
December 6, 2018
When I put this on my to-read shelf, I did not realize I'd already watched a TV show covering these events. However, that did not take away from my appreciation of such a well documented and well written true-crime book.
Giving this book 5 stars makes me feel guilty in that heinous crimes were committed in order for this book to even exist, and that makes me sad. Eric Williams gets none of the stars. He's a monster, and I'm glad the jury made their decision. This book is so well researched, and the events are laid out in a very readable and easy to follow manner, leading this book to be one that I would recommend to any true crime fan.
Giving this book 5 stars makes me feel guilty in that heinous crimes were committed in order for this book to even exist, and that makes me sad. Eric Williams gets none of the stars. He's a monster, and I'm glad the jury made their decision. This book is so well researched, and the events are laid out in a very readable and easy to follow manner, leading this book to be one that I would recommend to any true crime fan.
April 8, 2018
Despite presenting the basic facts up front, the author manages to create a gripping and suspenseful storyline for nearly 500 pages. If you've forgotten the case from the news coverage, it's about a bunch of obnoxious lawyers, one of whom manages to be far worse than all the others. Casey's A WARRANT TO KILL is also quite good.
April 25, 2019
Phenomenally written. The amount of detail in this book is great. Kathryn Casey again has written a fantastic book
July 14, 2021
I am turning into a Kathryn Casey fan.
So many true crime stories are very black and white: you have the killer on a clear trajectory to the unspeakable, you have your victims, who are most often the innocent bystanders of the wrong place wrong time variety, and a definitive psychological malady of the murderer tying the whole tragedy together in a neat bow.
Stories where there are tons of complexity, long term relationships, and non-sexual charged dynamics are rarer though.
Ms. Casey took this story, interviewed the living players, and was able to show all the nuance of an emotionally and ego charged situation without being overly sympathetic to the perpetrators, or excusing their actions. Yet she did so without oversimplifying the relationships and situation between three men in particular that led to the murders. In Plain Sight does a fine job of tracing the lives of all three men up to the point they intersect, and then what happens becomes almost like watching a car wreck in slow motion.
I honestly was prepared to bit a bit bored with this book simply due to the initial criminal charge that kicked it all off being so mundane, but I was anything but bored. Kathryn Casey painted a very full picture, and also dipped into what happens when media fueled speculation takes off and how it can give its own life to an investigation and divert from the seemingly obvious writing on the wall. I thought this was a well done, well rounded look at the Kaufman County Murders.
If you're looking for a gripping True Crime read, In Plain Sight should definitely be on your To Read list.
So many true crime stories are very black and white: you have the killer on a clear trajectory to the unspeakable, you have your victims, who are most often the innocent bystanders of the wrong place wrong time variety, and a definitive psychological malady of the murderer tying the whole tragedy together in a neat bow.
Stories where there are tons of complexity, long term relationships, and non-sexual charged dynamics are rarer though.
Ms. Casey took this story, interviewed the living players, and was able to show all the nuance of an emotionally and ego charged situation without being overly sympathetic to the perpetrators, or excusing their actions. Yet she did so without oversimplifying the relationships and situation between three men in particular that led to the murders. In Plain Sight does a fine job of tracing the lives of all three men up to the point they intersect, and then what happens becomes almost like watching a car wreck in slow motion.
I honestly was prepared to bit a bit bored with this book simply due to the initial criminal charge that kicked it all off being so mundane, but I was anything but bored. Kathryn Casey painted a very full picture, and also dipped into what happens when media fueled speculation takes off and how it can give its own life to an investigation and divert from the seemingly obvious writing on the wall. I thought this was a well done, well rounded look at the Kaufman County Murders.
If you're looking for a gripping True Crime read, In Plain Sight should definitely be on your To Read list.
April 25, 2021
Kathryn Casey's well-researched true-crime book, In Plain Sight, is probably one of many true-crime and courtroom-trial books that are overlooked and under-appreciated when compared to the fictional best-sellers of, for example, Michael Connelly and David Baldacci. Casey's novel-like history of Eric Williams' psychopathic revenge killings that terrorized a Texas county for two years is as compelling as any murder mystery I've ever read, and better than some, even though I knew the outcome in advance.
Unlike some murder mystery novels and police procedurals, In Plain Sight follows the investigation into the three murders step by step, including the real-life frustrations, failures and the hard-to-come-by breakthroughs of the case--realistic, in the way that teams of police, detectives and multi-agency task forces experience on a day-to-day basis in big cases. Casey also explores the personal backgrounds of all of the key individuals in the Kaufman County murders in a way that doesn't drag down the narrative. Casey's reporting and writing are solid and the photographs, included throughout the text, are a nice addition. I am hoping I can find some of her other books. I highly recommend this one.
Unlike some murder mystery novels and police procedurals, In Plain Sight follows the investigation into the three murders step by step, including the real-life frustrations, failures and the hard-to-come-by breakthroughs of the case--realistic, in the way that teams of police, detectives and multi-agency task forces experience on a day-to-day basis in big cases. Casey also explores the personal backgrounds of all of the key individuals in the Kaufman County murders in a way that doesn't drag down the narrative. Casey's reporting and writing are solid and the photographs, included throughout the text, are a nice addition. I am hoping I can find some of her other books. I highly recommend this one.
April 6, 2025
3.5 stars. The 2014 Texas case of a murderous ex judge with a grudge against ex colleagues who wronged him. There were lots of layers to the story and I did find it incredibly interesting for the most part. There could be times when it got a little detail heavy. Lots of legal terms and different people in many different positions within the government workplace and it could lose me a little.
It was meticulously researched and Kathryn Casey is an excellent true crime writer. I usually lean towards a slightly different genre of true crime such as a homicide case against a spouse as I find the criminal psychology and exploration of betrayal, adultery and narcissism to be of interest. Because of this, I did find the marriage between Eric, the perpetrator and his co defendant wife Kim to be extremely interesting.
I think because of the complexity and many characters, it did drag a bit and I was ready for the book to be finished before it was.
It was meticulously researched and Kathryn Casey is an excellent true crime writer. I usually lean towards a slightly different genre of true crime such as a homicide case against a spouse as I find the criminal psychology and exploration of betrayal, adultery and narcissism to be of interest. Because of this, I did find the marriage between Eric, the perpetrator and his co defendant wife Kim to be extremely interesting.
I think because of the complexity and many characters, it did drag a bit and I was ready for the book to be finished before it was.
December 22, 2020
Kathryn Casey is probably my favorite true crime author. I have read most of her books and was thrilled to see that she had put a book out in 2018 which I had missed. It was about the prosecutor murders in Kaufman Texas. The book was exceptionally good as usual. Casey always does thorough research on these cases and her writing is excellent. She presents the case in a linear fashion which is easy to follow. She presents a lot of detail but the story is usually so compelling that you can’t stop reading until you have reached the end. Can’t wait for her next book!
April 3, 2021
From reading a small selection of rural true crime novels I have formed the opinion that:
1. It is rarely a whodunnit. The myth of the bewildered neighbour being interviewed by reporters and saying, “but he was such a normal guy”, is just that. The friends/neighbours/coworkers know something is up. Like, “yeah, he did have a huge cache of weapons, seemed strange, threatened to kill people and the people he killed repeatedly warned us he was going to kill them”.
2. America’s gun obsession is incomprehensible to outsiders.
3. If you are accused of a crime volunteer nothing and defer to your lawyer (which is the problem with being unable to afford one).
1. It is rarely a whodunnit. The myth of the bewildered neighbour being interviewed by reporters and saying, “but he was such a normal guy”, is just that. The friends/neighbours/coworkers know something is up. Like, “yeah, he did have a huge cache of weapons, seemed strange, threatened to kill people and the people he killed repeatedly warned us he was going to kill them”.
2. America’s gun obsession is incomprehensible to outsiders.
3. If you are accused of a crime volunteer nothing and defer to your lawyer (which is the problem with being unable to afford one).
July 2, 2022
There is a painful amount of detail in this book. Like Casey felt obligated to include every single thing anyone said to her in all her interviews. It almost became comical. Definitely tedious. Yet I was clearly in, finishing relatively quickly. I had this on my shelf for years. It was fine. But I won’t be reading any more books by this author.
December 17, 2020
Fascinating and really well done. Sometimes true crime books get bogged down with too many details, or parts of the story that just don't matter. This had the perfect amount of everything.
October 14, 2019
Kathryn Casey does another great job at writing a true crime book. She is one of the few truly good true crime writers. She gives you the background information on the players, the pertinent information, and the playbook. There is nothing superfluous in her writing. She gives you what you need to know, when you need to know it and how you need to know it. It is such a pleasure reading one of her books because you are going to get the story right the first time.
In Plain Sight is about an attorney in a small county that has expectations of moving up the county ladder of politics but is hindered by his hatred of the new County Prosecutor. He finds himself on the wrong end of criminal charges that have ended his career as an attorney and decides to take justice into his own hands.
If you are a true crime fan or looking to read your first true crime book, this is a great book to read.
In Plain Sight is about an attorney in a small county that has expectations of moving up the county ladder of politics but is hindered by his hatred of the new County Prosecutor. He finds himself on the wrong end of criminal charges that have ended his career as an attorney and decides to take justice into his own hands.
If you are a true crime fan or looking to read your first true crime book, this is a great book to read.
October 23, 2025
Audiobook. Very interesting true crime
January 16, 2019
This book was an interesting read. At times, it was hard to put down. However, the one aspect I did not like was I got the distinct impression throughout the book that the author felt "sorry" for the wife. Kim had every opportunity to turn her husband in, stop him, tell someone after the first murder; but yet, in a drug induced state or not and fearful of her husband or not, she chose to support him. Even after they were both initially arrested. I do believe she feels remorse now; however, that doesn't bring back the 3 lives she helped her husband take from this world.
March 26, 2020
What a wild ride.
I wasn't familiar with this story going in, which helped to build suspense - though it's pretty clear how things are going to end up, I didn't know when or how the murders would take place. In Plain Sight clips along at a good pace (it was fairly easy to sink into this one; I read it in a day or two).
As with some of the other nonfiction I've read, this one's biggest drawback is pockets where it's over-detailed. There are just certain bits of information that detract from rather than serve the overall narrative.
Still, I'd recommend In Plain Sight to those who enjoy true crime. It's gripping (and heartbreaking). And I'm still not quite sure how I feel about Kim...
I wasn't familiar with this story going in, which helped to build suspense - though it's pretty clear how things are going to end up, I didn't know when or how the murders would take place. In Plain Sight clips along at a good pace (it was fairly easy to sink into this one; I read it in a day or two).
As with some of the other nonfiction I've read, this one's biggest drawback is pockets where it's over-detailed. There are just certain bits of information that detract from rather than serve the overall narrative.
Still, I'd recommend In Plain Sight to those who enjoy true crime. It's gripping (and heartbreaking). And I'm still not quite sure how I feel about Kim...
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