Murder So Cold: A Father's Dea

by Patricia Springer

Brings to life the disturbing true story of Russ Smith, who, unbeknownst to his neighbors and friends, murdered his wife of eight years, but told everyone, including his young daughter, that she ran away with another man--a crime that remained unsolved until "cold case" investigators discovered the truth. Original.

Genres: True Crime, Nonfiction

320 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 2004

Reviews

[Eva-Marie Nevarez · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the average true crime book, nothing outstanding. Springer is one of the better t.c. authors and I do have to admit this kept my attention longer than I expected. The part of the story where Smith is in court is kept to a minimum which is a plus for readers like myself who are more interested in the lives - and deaths - of the people involved.
The description is slightly off. I don't remember any one crucial statement and I only put the book down a half an hour ago. It's surprising Smith got away with it for so long.
My sympathy is for the child. She went through a living hell and all because of this mans rage. I would have liked to know if Smith did indeed molest his daughter. The reader is able to make their own assumptions based on certain facts. I believe he did.
I guess it really wouldn't have been the place but I wouldn't have minded more at the end concerning the cold case team whose first case together was the Smith case. A few paragraphs about a few cases are thrown in, not much at all. Apparently at the time they were 8 for 8 with the cases they reopened which is impressive to say the least.
I've been rather disinterested in t.c. lately so I'd have to say this is worth reading.
Reading the story you also get a smallish glimpse into the kind of woman who would date someone like Smith, the kind of woman who would put her child in harms way, the kind most of us know. It's scary how many needy women are out there claiming love for their babies yet allowing men like Smith access to them. :-(

[David Carniglia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty interesting story of a feuding couple, with deadly consequences for the wife, Khris, who disappears. She and Russ, her husband, were both unfaithful, and both had psychological issues. All of this directly impacted their young daughter, Lisa.

There's a lot going on here; and several years goes by until everything comes to light; that is, until Kyrie's fate is determined. The author gives us a straightforward chronological account of events. Maybe a little too straightforward; the writing is clear enough, but almost clinically flat and unemotional. Descriptions are cliched and repetitive (the fall leaves, the body types of various people).

That's ok, but this reads more like a case history from a text book rather than a carefully nuanced true crime story. Worth reading and very accessible; maybe not quite as good as it could have been. It's a professional attempt; the pictures, for example, contribute some familiarity to the narrative. Would like to try something else from this author.

[Debbie Best · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book could have been written a little better. I grew up a street over from the daughter once she moved in with her grandparents and was shocked to read this book as an adult. Definitely made you feel for her. The book just seemed not very well thought out and tended to be kind of all over the place at times.

[Sherry Haning · Rating 5 out of 5]

Patricia Springer is a great author. I like the way she got into the characters' heads.

[Stacy Simpson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm glad justice was finally served in this case. What a true piece of shit this guy is with luck I hope he dies in prison.

A lot of background talking to different people slowed the book down but I plugged through it.

I pray for the poor daughter Lisa and I hope she is moving on with life as best as possible.

[Azura Mustafa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Its shocking how people can react out of rage. After 4 years, Russ Smith who taught he can get away with murder, but instead he was captured and tell everything to the cold case team. Its a heartbreaking non fiction murder case occured about 18 years ago.

[Terri · Rating 2 out of 5]

A typical "we know he did it and can't prove it" true story. Wouldn't bother reading it again.

[Rebecca · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was not very well written and difficult to follow.

[Kindra Zepeda Rodriguez · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just ok.

[Donna Humble · Rating 4 out of 5]

interesting look at a murder investigation that starts off from the beginning, turns into a cold case, and finally has an ending.

[JoAnne Thornton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Probably one of the most chilling books I have ever read. True story. Details stayed with me for a very long time. The only book that ever gave me nightmares.