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Kiss of the She-Devil
“Phelps shows how the ugliest crimes can take place in the quietest of suburbs.” --Library Journal
When librarian Martha Gail Fulton was gunned down in a Michigan parking lot on a quiet evening, there were two obvious suspects—Gail’s husband George, a former military officer . . . and George’s mistress, the flashy businesswoman Donna Kay Trapani. Police were baffled to find that both had ironclad alibis. Yet evidence showed the shooter, a male, had an accomplice—a mystery woman. Now, M. William Phelps recounts the compelling real-life drama of a twisted love triangle that ended in bloody murder, and the riveting investigation that brought to light a master manipulator’s trail of deadly deceit.
When librarian Martha Gail Fulton was gunned down in a Michigan parking lot on a quiet evening, there were two obvious suspects—Gail’s husband George, a former military officer . . . and George’s mistress, the flashy businesswoman Donna Kay Trapani. Police were baffled to find that both had ironclad alibis. Yet evidence showed the shooter, a male, had an accomplice—a mystery woman. Now, M. William Phelps recounts the compelling real-life drama of a twisted love triangle that ended in bloody murder, and the riveting investigation that brought to light a master manipulator’s trail of deadly deceit.
433 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 5, 2013
362 people are currently reading
449 people want to read
About the author
M. William Phelps
88 books1,158 followersCrime, murder and serial killer expert, creator/producer/writer and former host of the Investigation Discovery series DARK MINDS, acclaimed, award-winning investigative journalist M. William Phelps is the New York Times best-selling author of 30 books and winner of the 2013 Excellence in (Investigative) Journalism Award and the 2008 New England Book Festival Award. A highly sought-after pundit, Phelps has made over 100 media-related television appearances: Early Show, The Today Show, The View, Fox & Friends, truTV, Discovery Channel, Fox News Channel, Good Morning America, TLC, BIO, History, Oxygen, OWN, on top of over 100 additional media appearances: USA Radio Network, Catholic Radio, Mancow, Wall Street Journal Radio, Zac Daniel, Ave Maria Radio, Catholic Channel, EWTN Radio, ABC News Radio, and many more.
Phelps is also a member of the Multidisciplinary Collaborative on Sexual Crime and Violence (MCSCV), also known as the Atypical Homicide Research Group (AHRG) at Northeastern University, maintained by NU alumni Enzo Yaksic.
Phelps is one of the regular and recurring experts frequently appearing on two long-running series, Deadly Women and Snapped. Radio America calls Phelps “the nation’s leading authority on the mind of the female murderer,” and TV Rage says, “M. William Phelps dares to tread where few others will: into the mind of a killer.” A respected journalist, beyond his book writing Phelps has written for numerous publications—including the Providence Journal, Connecticut Magazine and Hartford Courant—and consulted on the first season of the hit Showtime cable television series Dexter.
Phelps grew up in East Hartford, CT, moved to Vernon, CT, at age 12, where he lived for 25 years. He now lives in a reclusive Connecticut farming community north of Hartford.
Beyond crime, Phelps has also written several history books, including the acclaimed, New York Times bestselling NATHAN HALE: The Life and Death of America’s First Spy, THE DEVIL’S ROOMING HOUSE, THE DEVIL’S RIGHT HAND, MURDER, NEW ENGLAND, and more.
Phelps is also a member of the Multidisciplinary Collaborative on Sexual Crime and Violence (MCSCV), also known as the Atypical Homicide Research Group (AHRG) at Northeastern University, maintained by NU alumni Enzo Yaksic.
Phelps is one of the regular and recurring experts frequently appearing on two long-running series, Deadly Women and Snapped. Radio America calls Phelps “the nation’s leading authority on the mind of the female murderer,” and TV Rage says, “M. William Phelps dares to tread where few others will: into the mind of a killer.” A respected journalist, beyond his book writing Phelps has written for numerous publications—including the Providence Journal, Connecticut Magazine and Hartford Courant—and consulted on the first season of the hit Showtime cable television series Dexter.
Phelps grew up in East Hartford, CT, moved to Vernon, CT, at age 12, where he lived for 25 years. He now lives in a reclusive Connecticut farming community north of Hartford.
Beyond crime, Phelps has also written several history books, including the acclaimed, New York Times bestselling NATHAN HALE: The Life and Death of America’s First Spy, THE DEVIL’S ROOMING HOUSE, THE DEVIL’S RIGHT HAND, MURDER, NEW ENGLAND, and more.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
February 24, 2023
This story and the pace of writing isn’t really grabbing me unfortunately.
December 23, 2015
I think a better title would have been The Jackass, the Lunatic and the Pushover. No offense to the victim meant, but I still don't understand why someone would stay in a miserable relationship even if they're religious. I can't say this book is well-written. I felt there was too much repitition, especially with the tirades the "She-Devil" had. The author puts too much of himself into the book with snarky comments, although the people were so loathesome I didn't mind very much. Also, the daughter's "psychic" nature, what was up with that? I'm reading true crime, and whether or not she actually has some ability, I couldn't care less and found it completely unnecessary to the story. Overall, the book is too long and redundant but not the worst thing I've read.
November 7, 2020
As prep for reviewing Phelps' newest book We Thought We Knew You: A Terrifying True Story of Secrets, Betrayal, Deception, and Murder, I quickly read his 2013 account of the senseless murder of Martha Gail Fulton by Donna Kay Trapani.
Gail Fulton was a good Catholic woman, married to George for over 25 years and mother of 3 good kids. When her husband George began an affair with his boss, Donna Trapani, he opened a Pandora's box of craziness caused by this psychopath who lied horrifically, stalked his family and hired killers to shoot her rival Gail.
The story is fairly straightforward with the case and trial never in doubt, but what I found especially difficult to read is how Gail's husband George had no concept - or just didn't care - how his actions brought about Gail's death. He cheated on his wife, strung Donna along when he did not want to make a decision about leaving Gail, strung Gail along and expected her to make enormous concessions, lied to his children, etc. George's actions are deplorable throughout and his lack of judgment is appalling.
Phelps gives us all the facts, but at times his writing style is fragmented and doesn't always read smoothly. He is very dismissive of Donna Trapani, which is understandable given her behavour and action, but I would have preferred a bit more distance and less strong opinion.
However, at the end of the day, this book does what it needs to do. It tells the story of a family shattered by poor decisions and actions on the part of George Fulton, and full-blown insanity from Donna. 3.5 stars.
Visit my new blog "I Love True Crime Books"
Gail Fulton was a good Catholic woman, married to George for over 25 years and mother of 3 good kids. When her husband George began an affair with his boss, Donna Trapani, he opened a Pandora's box of craziness caused by this psychopath who lied horrifically, stalked his family and hired killers to shoot her rival Gail.
The story is fairly straightforward with the case and trial never in doubt, but what I found especially difficult to read is how Gail's husband George had no concept - or just didn't care - how his actions brought about Gail's death. He cheated on his wife, strung Donna along when he did not want to make a decision about leaving Gail, strung Gail along and expected her to make enormous concessions, lied to his children, etc. George's actions are deplorable throughout and his lack of judgment is appalling.
Phelps gives us all the facts, but at times his writing style is fragmented and doesn't always read smoothly. He is very dismissive of Donna Trapani, which is understandable given her behavour and action, but I would have preferred a bit more distance and less strong opinion.
However, at the end of the day, this book does what it needs to do. It tells the story of a family shattered by poor decisions and actions on the part of George Fulton, and full-blown insanity from Donna. 3.5 stars.
Visit my new blog "I Love True Crime Books"
January 28, 2013
Wow, Phelps has the ability to really remind me just how much we don't know about other people. Gail Fulton is murdered as she leaves work one Monday night and at first it seems simple. Her husband George had been having an affair, most likely he decided to take his wife out of the picture. However, as the picture forms and facts come to light, readers begin to understand that George, while not completely an innocent bystander, was blindsided by his wife's death. His mistress, Donna is a different story. When police first call to question her, she doesn't even ask why, as if she knows the crime they are questioning her about.
This is the third or fourth book by Phelps that I've read so by now I'm used to his writing. The only negative, which is especially evident in this new book, is how he inserts his opinions about the guilty parties. By the end of the book, his complete and utter dislike for the guilty is obvious and slightly off-putting. Even so, it isn't off-putting enough to stop reading. Phelps has a way of slightly sensationalizing the crimes he covers without making it into an enjoyable story. It only serves to benefit his books though as many true crime novels can by very slow and dry.
This is the third or fourth book by Phelps that I've read so by now I'm used to his writing. The only negative, which is especially evident in this new book, is how he inserts his opinions about the guilty parties. By the end of the book, his complete and utter dislike for the guilty is obvious and slightly off-putting. Even so, it isn't off-putting enough to stop reading. Phelps has a way of slightly sensationalizing the crimes he covers without making it into an enjoyable story. It only serves to benefit his books though as many true crime novels can by very slow and dry.
June 4, 2015
When Martha Gail Fulton left her part-time job at the library and discovered she had a flat tire, she drove back into the empty parking lot, upon leaving her vehicle, a car with three people drove into the parking lot, a man got out, approached Gail and shot her to death.
From the very beginning it was obvious this was not a random shooting, Gail was targeted by persons unknown. Two obvious suspects were her husband George and George’s mistress Donna Kay Trapani. Both however, had alibis. As police investigated however, they uncovered a conspiracy and a mistress that was quite the woman scorned. You know what is said about a woman scorned. Donna Kay Trapani would do whatever she needed to ‘get her man’.
Despite the lurid title, this is a solidly told tale of an adulterous mate, a long suffering wife and how it led to murder for hire. M. Phelps has done his usual solid job of research and his narrative is captivating and compelling. He has little respect for men who mistreat women and lets you know it, this includes unfaithful husbands. Although George had nothing to do with Gail’s murder, his affair set events in motion that led to it. I don’t want to say any more. Just know this is a very interesting account and M. Phelps has told it well.
From the very beginning it was obvious this was not a random shooting, Gail was targeted by persons unknown. Two obvious suspects were her husband George and George’s mistress Donna Kay Trapani. Both however, had alibis. As police investigated however, they uncovered a conspiracy and a mistress that was quite the woman scorned. You know what is said about a woman scorned. Donna Kay Trapani would do whatever she needed to ‘get her man’.
Despite the lurid title, this is a solidly told tale of an adulterous mate, a long suffering wife and how it led to murder for hire. M. Phelps has done his usual solid job of research and his narrative is captivating and compelling. He has little respect for men who mistreat women and lets you know it, this includes unfaithful husbands. Although George had nothing to do with Gail’s murder, his affair set events in motion that led to it. I don’t want to say any more. Just know this is a very interesting account and M. Phelps has told it well.
December 5, 2014
Disclaimer: This ARC was given to me for free in exchange for an honest review from Netgalley.
This book is far from an unbiased source, instead it's misogynistic and tries to be appear scandalous.
This book is far from an unbiased source, instead it's misogynistic and tries to be appear scandalous.
October 15, 2016
I normally love M. William Phelps books... this one fell short.
April 7, 2022
This book was good, but also really sad. It also angered me not only because Donna Trapani wanted her lover's wife killed, but because of what all she had done.
October 10, 2020
Author is a sarcastic misogynist but the topic is p gripping imo
August 30, 2018
I have to say, I do not understand the rave reviews of this book. The story is a good one -- if a little predictable. But the writing is not very good. The author inserts himself into the narrative -- sometimes explicitly! with little snarky comments -- and this takes the reader out of the story. I found the writing juvenile and (as one person noted below) pretty sexist (I guess I could have guessed that from the title, but I thought maybe that was just publisher sensationalizing). This author has a pretty serious Madonna/whore thing happening, which irritated me no end. I won't read another book of his.
August 3, 2016
Love all of M. William Phelps books
However, this one gave way too much information ,over and over. Sorry, but I felt we didn't need all of the e-mails or all of the phone calls. You know I love all of your books and really miss Dark Minds, but this one was just too long and got a little boring.
However, this one gave way too much information ,over and over. Sorry, but I felt we didn't need all of the e-mails or all of the phone calls. You know I love all of your books and really miss Dark Minds, but this one was just too long and got a little boring.
June 23, 2013
A good story about a despicable human being. The book felt way too long though, as if the author was trying to follow publisher guidelines. The book would have had more impact if it had been a bit shorter.
September 22, 2013
Phelps writes about some great crimes. This was a good story but he needs a better editor. He tends to get repetitive and it feels like he has a word quota to reach. He could have cut at least fifty pages from this book. His writing is not as tight as it used to be.
July 12, 2021
Very engaging, addictive book
This author tells the story well and keeps it moving fast, keeps it interesting.
One thing that does distract from the story in almost every book is that he has an odd inability to understand colloquial expressions, and his copy editors aren't doing him any favors because they aren't spotting them. He inevitably misquoted expressions. For example he'll say that, "She said her peace", when the expression is actually, "She said her piece".
If happens in every book and gets on my nerves. He's an excellent writer in every other respect, so why this strange quirk?
I like that he writes quite often about female killers, and in this book he does a great job of describing the classic narcissist who gets joy from causing pain, and feels absolutely no remorse, instead, when destroying someone else's life, she manages to somehow feel sorry for herself. That's quite a feat, and he describes it very well.
I read the book all night because I couldn't put it down
This author tells the story well and keeps it moving fast, keeps it interesting.
One thing that does distract from the story in almost every book is that he has an odd inability to understand colloquial expressions, and his copy editors aren't doing him any favors because they aren't spotting them. He inevitably misquoted expressions. For example he'll say that, "She said her peace", when the expression is actually, "She said her piece".
If happens in every book and gets on my nerves. He's an excellent writer in every other respect, so why this strange quirk?
I like that he writes quite often about female killers, and in this book he does a great job of describing the classic narcissist who gets joy from causing pain, and feels absolutely no remorse, instead, when destroying someone else's life, she manages to somehow feel sorry for herself. That's quite a feat, and he describes it very well.
I read the book all night because I couldn't put it down
June 6, 2019
Well done, again Mr. Phelps
As far as the comment concerning Kevin Oulette (sp?) his last picture, saying today he's not the same man he was. Was that based on his pic or has Phelps been in touch since the printing of this book? I wonder, because he seemed like such an unlikely killer, then again, not much background on him, so gotta be cold hearted.
Wow, that Donna Trapani, what a nut case, and sorry George, but you are\were a terrible judge of character. To Emily, I know what you mean, I feel the things you've seen, I'm no psychic, I believe some people are acutely observant and pick up on behaviors and mannerisms by virtue of their personality, etc. Smart young woman, either way.
I enjoy M.W.P's writing because he writes the way he speaks, so reading is much like hearing him talk.
As far as the comment concerning Kevin Oulette (sp?) his last picture, saying today he's not the same man he was. Was that based on his pic or has Phelps been in touch since the printing of this book? I wonder, because he seemed like such an unlikely killer, then again, not much background on him, so gotta be cold hearted.
Wow, that Donna Trapani, what a nut case, and sorry George, but you are\were a terrible judge of character. To Emily, I know what you mean, I feel the things you've seen, I'm no psychic, I believe some people are acutely observant and pick up on behaviors and mannerisms by virtue of their personality, etc. Smart young woman, either way.
I enjoy M.W.P's writing because he writes the way he speaks, so reading is much like hearing him talk.
November 27, 2021
I only finished reading this book because I had hopes something would change. Nothing changed once the murder happened. I thought the way the timeline of evidence presented to the reader was confusing, jumping around and making it difficult to follow. There were way too many phrases in quotes and very few if any complete sentences in quotes. I felt the police procedure was flawed, but by the end it seemed the writing of that procedure was the problem. The court proceedings also seemed to have many problems, especially considering the prosecutor and primary lawyer were described is very experienced. Another issue was the hint at an issue with the cause of death early on, then towards the end the cause was described almost as expected (no spoiler here, I think). Finally, the cheating husband did not seem to understand his girlfriend until the second to last sentence before the epilog.
November 24, 2020
This was my first book by M. William Phelps and I'm pretty underwhelmed considering I see that he has at least 20 books under his belt.. I'm not sure if this was one of the first when he was first figuring out how to write or if it's one of the ones that he got pushed into from a publisher eager for more cash. The writing is not great and I didn't really appreciate all the sarcastic comments inserted by the author also this story was not all that interesting as far as true crime goes; a love triangle w/one of the participants being jealous/crazy.. The story was also very repetitive; George is back and forth from Michigan to Florida, Donna is sending crazy messages, etc..
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 22, 2020
Chilling story
Such a chilling account of a web of secrets. Gail sounded like a remarkable person. George was definitely out of his league. Donna is clearly a sick twisted individual who just couldn't stand to get rejected. This account was investigated well. Just wish the ending had been different for the per d on s who committed this senseless crime.
Such a chilling account of a web of secrets. Gail sounded like a remarkable person. George was definitely out of his league. Donna is clearly a sick twisted individual who just couldn't stand to get rejected. This account was investigated well. Just wish the ending had been different for the per d on s who committed this senseless crime.
June 26, 2021
Quick impressions: A book I picked up out of curiosity. I do read some books in true crime, but this author was new to me. I get the impression based on reviews and observation this author is popular among true crime readers. Overall I liked the book, and it was an easy read. It also reinforces that yes more often than not criminals really are dumb.
(Full review on my blog later)
(Full review on my blog later)
July 16, 2025
good review of the crime
As usual Phelps book is very well researched. He occasionally adds a line of humor but mostly he relates the story very factually. Well constructed as usual but still certain expressions are just wrong. And once George Fulton was referred to as George Foster.
As usual Phelps book is very well researched. He occasionally adds a line of humor but mostly he relates the story very factually. Well constructed as usual but still certain expressions are just wrong. And once George Fulton was referred to as George Foster.
April 26, 2019
Honestly, I was skeptical because some of his books jump all over the place. This one, however, was a brilliant novel. He really did tell a story in this book instead of throwing facts everywhere. I was surprised and impressed!
March 1, 2022
Loved this book...
I live in Michigan so I loved the connection to my home state. M.William Phelps tells a good story that explains the, "why" of the crime while focusing on the victims. Couldn't put it down. Read most of it in two days.
I live in Michigan so I loved the connection to my home state. M.William Phelps tells a good story that explains the, "why" of the crime while focusing on the victims. Couldn't put it down. Read most of it in two days.
October 24, 2022
Idiocy
What a sad tale about so many people who should have "zigged" but instead they " zagged " coz they were too stupid selfish and thoughtless to just stop,breathe and ask themselves if they were doing the right thing, even Gail Fulton sadly.
What a sad tale about so many people who should have "zigged" but instead they " zagged " coz they were too stupid selfish and thoughtless to just stop,breathe and ask themselves if they were doing the right thing, even Gail Fulton sadly.
May 5, 2023
Good Story
I enjoyed this book but I found that it dragged on in a few places. Seemed to be a lot of repetitive information, which I skimmed past. All in all, it was a good read tho.
I enjoyed this book but I found that it dragged on in a few places. Seemed to be a lot of repetitive information, which I skimmed past. All in all, it was a good read tho.
January 9, 2018
Excellent book By Phelps. I love true crime and the amount of research that Phelps puts into his true crime novels...one of my favorites!
October 14, 2019
Apparently, I’m not a fan of true crime. There are so many positive, uplifting stories to read and most of this book was about the crazy person. Why would I want to waste my time on her story?
July 15, 2020
A true crime story of psychotic Donna Trapani, who manipulated three people, her friend Sybil, Sybil’s boyfriend Patrick and killer Kevin to take out her ex lover’s wife, Gail Fulton.
December 15, 2023
The writing style confusing at times as well as informal, using sarcasm etc. There isn’t much to the plot and the book is bolstered by including a lot of details from correspondence between people.
October 25, 2024
It is really sad when you lose a loved one. I’m sure George regrets ever getting involved with that looney Donna.
November 20, 2024
Love this author and how he writes. Sad story, but it well written.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews