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Love Her to Death: The True Story of a Millionaire Businessman, His Gorgeous Wife, and the Divorce That Ended in Murder
A MARRIAGE: DESTROYED They were a picture-perfect family—until a bitter divorce drove Darren Mack over the edge. A Reno millionaire, Mack was ordered by the court to pay his wife $10,000 a month in alimony. Instead, he stabbed her in the garage while their daughter watched TV upstairs.
A JUDGE: TARGETED The only person Mack hated more than his wife was the family court judge who presided over their divorce. So, after killing his wife, he loaded his gun and went after the judge... and headed for Mexico with a stash of concealed weapons.
A KILLER: WANTED So began an international manhunt for a rage-filled fugitive—featured on “America’s Most Wanted”—that eventually ended in Mack’s capture. In a dramatic trial, the public would learn shocking details of the swinging lifestyle that ended his marriage, the ugly divorce that fueled his anger, and the final straw that triggered his bloody spree.
A JUDGE: TARGETED The only person Mack hated more than his wife was the family court judge who presided over their divorce. So, after killing his wife, he loaded his gun and went after the judge... and headed for Mexico with a stash of concealed weapons.
A KILLER: WANTED So began an international manhunt for a rage-filled fugitive—featured on “America’s Most Wanted”—that eventually ended in Mack’s capture. In a dramatic trial, the public would learn shocking details of the swinging lifestyle that ended his marriage, the ugly divorce that fueled his anger, and the final straw that triggered his bloody spree.
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First published April 1, 2012
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About the author
John Glatt
38 books737 followersEnglish-born John Glatt is the author of Golden Boy Lost and Found, Secrets in the Cellar, Playing with Fire, and many other bestselling books of true crime. He has more than 30 years of experience as an investigative journalist in England and America. Glatt left school at 16 and worked a variety of jobs—including tea boy and messenger—before joining a small weekly newspaper. He freelanced at several English newspapers, then in 1981 moved to New York, where he joined the staff for News Limited and freelanced for publications including Newsweek and the New York Post. His first book, a biography of Bill Graham, was published in 1981, and he published For I Have Sinned, his first book of true crime, in 1998. He has appeared on television and radio programs all over the world, including ABC- 20/20Dateline NBC, Fox News, Current Affair, BBC World, and A&E Biography. He and his wife Gail divide their time between New York City, the Catskill Mountains and London.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/johnglatt
http://us.macmillan.com/author/johnglatt
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
November 5, 2020
Overall, informative but I felt that the first half of the story painted a different picture than the second half. Darren was certainly the villain in the beginning, but when the story pivoted to the trial, he was painted with a less critical brush. It really stood out to me and sort of pulled me from the story at times trying to figure out what was the angle.
February 28, 2022
This killer is a perfect example of how projection works- how he accused his wife of doing everything that he did, as though looking in a mirror he was seeing her. Chilling.
May 5, 2024
In "Love Her to Death: The True Story of a Millionaire Businessman, His Gorgeous Wife, and the Divorce That Ended in Murder," John Glatt delivers a riveting account of a high-profile murder case that captivated the nation. Despite the grim subject matter, Glatt's narrative is compelling and meticulously researched, offering readers a glimpse into the complexities of love, greed, and ultimately, betrayal.
From the very first page, Glatt draws readers into the tumultuous world of the Hauptmann family, whose lives are shattered by a brutal act of violence. Through skillful storytelling and vivid prose, he reconstructs the events leading up to the tragic murder, painting a vivid portrait of the key players involved.
What sets "Love Her to Death" apart is Glatt's attention to detail and his ability to humanize the individuals at the center of the story. Rather than sensationalizing the events for shock value, he delves into the psychology of the characters, exploring their motivations and inner conflicts with empathy and nuance.
Additionally, Glatt navigates the intricacies of the legal proceedings with clarity and precision, making it easy for readers to follow along as the case unfolds. He meticulously examines the evidence, providing a balanced perspective that allows readers to form their own conclusions about the guilt or innocence of the accused.
Furthermore, "Love Her to Death" serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked ambition and the consequences of letting greed consume one's moral compass. Through the lens of this tragic murder, Glatt explores larger themes of love, betrayal, and the fragility of human relationships, leaving readers with much to ponder long after they've finished the book.
In conclusion, "Love Her to Death" is a gripping and thought-provoking read that offers insight into the darkest recesses of the human psyche. John Glatt's skillful storytelling and meticulous research elevate this true crime narrative, making it a compelling addition to the genre. While the subject matter may be grim, the book ultimately leaves readers with a deeper understanding of the complexities of human nature and the enduring power of love.
From the very first page, Glatt draws readers into the tumultuous world of the Hauptmann family, whose lives are shattered by a brutal act of violence. Through skillful storytelling and vivid prose, he reconstructs the events leading up to the tragic murder, painting a vivid portrait of the key players involved.
What sets "Love Her to Death" apart is Glatt's attention to detail and his ability to humanize the individuals at the center of the story. Rather than sensationalizing the events for shock value, he delves into the psychology of the characters, exploring their motivations and inner conflicts with empathy and nuance.
Additionally, Glatt navigates the intricacies of the legal proceedings with clarity and precision, making it easy for readers to follow along as the case unfolds. He meticulously examines the evidence, providing a balanced perspective that allows readers to form their own conclusions about the guilt or innocence of the accused.
Furthermore, "Love Her to Death" serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked ambition and the consequences of letting greed consume one's moral compass. Through the lens of this tragic murder, Glatt explores larger themes of love, betrayal, and the fragility of human relationships, leaving readers with much to ponder long after they've finished the book.
In conclusion, "Love Her to Death" is a gripping and thought-provoking read that offers insight into the darkest recesses of the human psyche. John Glatt's skillful storytelling and meticulous research elevate this true crime narrative, making it a compelling addition to the genre. While the subject matter may be grim, the book ultimately leaves readers with a deeper understanding of the complexities of human nature and the enduring power of love.
April 22, 2022
** 4 stars**
This was the second John Glatt true crime novel that I have read. Both have been well written and well researched.
Darren Mack is a truely despicable human being and I can't believe he never took ownership over what he did. I don't understand how the Mack family continue to stand by him after he admitted to killing Charla.
RIP Charla Mack. I really hope that Erika was able to grow up with some sense of security and normalcy.
This was the second John Glatt true crime novel that I have read. Both have been well written and well researched.
Darren Mack is a truely despicable human being and I can't believe he never took ownership over what he did. I don't understand how the Mack family continue to stand by him after he admitted to killing Charla.
RIP Charla Mack. I really hope that Erika was able to grow up with some sense of security and normalcy.
February 18, 2023
Darren Mack had everything until he decided he didn’t want it anymore. I am always curious if the criminals are ever diagnosed with something to explain why they turn on their loved ones. In this case, Charla knew he would kill her one day. I hadn’t heard of this case until I read this book so it was very interesting to me.
May 15, 2022
The writing was so so.
September 18, 2024
I have read numerous true crime stories in which the wife is murdered like Then no one can have her (Caitlin Rother) about Steven DeMocker; Blind Faith (Joe McGinniss) about Rob Marshall; A deadly game (Catherine Crier) about Scott Peterson to name a few. Most of them were quite gruesome, but I was particularly horrified by the murder of Charla Mack by her husband Darren Mack in June 2006. Reading the book, it was like a movie, I was seeing the scene in the garage as if I was watching a movie. It shocked me, and I had seen the face of Darren Mack in the family court on TV before I read the book «Love her to death».
All the wife killers share the same psychopathic traits, but some are definitely more despicable than others and Darren Mack really is a callous controlling sociopath who did not accept that a woman would tell him no. Enraged by the judge’s ruling in the divorce settlement, he decided to ambush and kill his wife and on the same day attempted to kill the family court judge.
Darren Mack’s lawyers tried all sorts of defense (insane, not insane, self-defense, no self-defense) to explain what had happened the day Charla died in order to have their client acquitted, but there was an incredible amount of evidence pointing to Darren Mack as the one responsible for Charla’s death and the attempted assassination of the family court judge, one of them being that he fled to Mexico just after the horrific murder.
He is now where he belongs, as he has been sentenced to a minimum of 36 years behind bars.
This was my first book by John Glatt and I think he is a good writer. Unfortunately, there were lots of typos in that book but I will still read at least another of his true crime stories hoping that editing has improved.
All the wife killers share the same psychopathic traits, but some are definitely more despicable than others and Darren Mack really is a callous controlling sociopath who did not accept that a woman would tell him no. Enraged by the judge’s ruling in the divorce settlement, he decided to ambush and kill his wife and on the same day attempted to kill the family court judge.
Darren Mack’s lawyers tried all sorts of defense (insane, not insane, self-defense, no self-defense) to explain what had happened the day Charla died in order to have their client acquitted, but there was an incredible amount of evidence pointing to Darren Mack as the one responsible for Charla’s death and the attempted assassination of the family court judge, one of them being that he fled to Mexico just after the horrific murder.
He is now where he belongs, as he has been sentenced to a minimum of 36 years behind bars.
This was my first book by John Glatt and I think he is a good writer. Unfortunately, there were lots of typos in that book but I will still read at least another of his true crime stories hoping that editing has improved.
July 18, 2023
a veritable king of projection. i understand his family standing behind him because they love him but to call him “innocent” after he was sentenced and how he’s “doing time for a crime he didn’t commit” ? that’s just delusional at best and horrifically disrespectful at worst. how can you listen to him describe pinning her down with his knee on her head after he slit her throat just so he could watch her bleed out and think anything about that was self defence? anyway, 3 stars because although Glatt was meticulously researched as usual this one was just so repetitive. that’s always a thing when you have the first half describing the crime and the second half describing the trial which will of course reconstruct the crime but the amount of repeats in this particular book was on another level and ultimately unnecessary.
October 13, 2020
Very repetitive sequences throughout. The court sections of the book (so, the second half) were almost verbatim repeats of the first half of the book. Not necessarily entertaining; more informative, like a news article, which isn't bad, but not what I expected given how dramatic the synopsis is. Would've been much better as a shorter novel, and with some proofreading to catch mistakes (i.e. The year an event occurred, and an instance where an individual's name was swapped with an unrelated individual.
June 16, 2021
This was a typical (sad that there is a typical in this situation) story of a man who decided he didn't want to be married anymore but he also didn't want his soon to be ex to get any of his money so he kills her. Obvs he's a pos.
I did the audio book and it was sooooo dry. Also, although I enjoyed the Australian accent of the narrator, I was a bit confused as to why an American murder was narrated by an Aussie. Not that I'm complaining. Just threw me for a bit because I kept thinking "Is there an Aussie Reno?"
I did the audio book and it was sooooo dry. Also, although I enjoyed the Australian accent of the narrator, I was a bit confused as to why an American murder was narrated by an Aussie. Not that I'm complaining. Just threw me for a bit because I kept thinking "Is there an Aussie Reno?"
February 9, 2023
EXCELLENT
This is true crime writing at its best! John Glatt has done an excellent job writing about this very complicated crime in a way that makes it both interesting and understandable. This book is full of details about all aspects of this crime. I have read many of the books this author has written but this is one of his very best. It is a must read for any true crime buff.
This is true crime writing at its best! John Glatt has done an excellent job writing about this very complicated crime in a way that makes it both interesting and understandable. This book is full of details about all aspects of this crime. I have read many of the books this author has written but this is one of his very best. It is a must read for any true crime buff.
January 1, 2021
I thought this was a well written book about a tragic murder. It spent a lot of time on the trail, but the husband was so ridiculous in his excuses that he made the actual trial long too. So glad he was brought to justice! What a total narcissist!
May 1, 2018
It's about a high-profile case which is about a divorce that lead's to an explosive, violent conclusion. The story is the prime example for a true-crime that hook's you in.
January 29, 2021
A true story of how reaching the peak of success cannot bring happiness. Darren Mack's addiction to pornography, swinging sex lifestyle and drugs drove him to murder and insanity.
April 23, 2023
Almost impossible to understand how a hedonistic lifestyle can play out against a supposedly normal family
April 2, 2016
The whole time I read reading this book, I coukd not be subjective. The husband is a huge @$$ and I'm glad he got what he deserved. I'm reading this going - how could someone be so cold and cruel?! The emails back and forth between them.. how he tried to control her spending. Truthfully, regardless of her not having a job or anything - you do whatever you need to do, to take care of yourself and your kids. Get a job. Don't depend on a man to do it for you, that was Charla's biggest mistake. And not getting out sooner. The while "swinging" lifestyle was just ridiculous. Every weekend almost out partying? You have responsibilities. Grow up and get your acts together, I wanted to say to BOTH of them, throughout the book. This one definitely had me yelling and shaking my head throughout.
March 19, 2021
A wealthy Reno pawnbroker goes after his soon-to-be ex-wife AND the judge presiding over the divorce settlement. Not Glatt's best book (LOTS of divorce minutiae), but still interesting.
May 10, 2018
Too long. The Prince of Paradise is Glatt's best work.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews