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American Mother: The True Story of a Troubled Family, Motherhood and the Cyanide Poisonings That Shook the World
From the #1 bestselling author comes the shocking true-crime story of a mother and wife, her disturbing family secrets and how she became a cold-hearted killer.
At 5.02 pm on June 5th, 1986, a call came into the local sheriff office in the small town of Auburn, Washington State from Stella Nickell. Her husband Bruce was having a seizure. As the officers arrived on the scene, Bruce was already dead.
Forensics identified that Bruce had consumed headache pills laced with cyanide and in an attempt to cover her tracks, Stella saw to it that a stranger would also become her next victim of the cyanide-tainted painkillers.
What would drive a seemingly normal outgoing and popular mum and wife to kill?
As the investigation began to unfold, Stella’s daughter Cynthia notified federal agents of her mother’s crimes. But she didn’t reveal everything…
At 5.02 pm on June 5th, 1986, a call came into the local sheriff office in the small town of Auburn, Washington State from Stella Nickell. Her husband Bruce was having a seizure. As the officers arrived on the scene, Bruce was already dead.
Forensics identified that Bruce had consumed headache pills laced with cyanide and in an attempt to cover her tracks, Stella saw to it that a stranger would also become her next victim of the cyanide-tainted painkillers.
What would drive a seemingly normal outgoing and popular mum and wife to kill?
As the investigation began to unfold, Stella’s daughter Cynthia notified federal agents of her mother’s crimes. But she didn’t reveal everything…
497 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 1993
7416 people are currently reading
6410 people want to read
About the author
Gregg Olsen
116 books7,085 followersThroughout his career, Gregg Olsen has demonstrated an ability to create a detailed narrative that offers readers fascinating insights into the lives of people caught in extraordinary circumstances.
A #1 New York Times bestselling author, Olsen has written ten nonfiction books, ten novels, and contributed a short story to a collection edited by Lee Child.
The award-winning author has been a guest on dozens of national and local television shows, including educational programs for the History Channel, Learning Channel, and Discovery Channel. He has also appeared on Good Morning America, The Early Show, The Today Show, FOX News; CNN, Anderson Cooper 360, MSNBC, Entertainment Tonight, CBS 48 Hours, Oxygen’s Snapped, Court TV’s Crier Live, Inside Edition, Extra, Access Hollywood, and A&E’s Biography.
In addition to television and radio appearances, the award-winning author has been featured in Redbook, USA Today, People, Salon magazine, Seattle Times, Los Angeles Times and the New York Post.
The Deep Dark was named Idaho Book of the Year by the ILA and Starvation Heights was honored by Washington’s Secretary of State for the book’s contribution to Washington state history and culture.
Olsen, a Seattle native, lives in Olalla, Washington with his wife and Suri (a mini dachshund so spoiled she wears a sweater).
A #1 New York Times bestselling author, Olsen has written ten nonfiction books, ten novels, and contributed a short story to a collection edited by Lee Child.
The award-winning author has been a guest on dozens of national and local television shows, including educational programs for the History Channel, Learning Channel, and Discovery Channel. He has also appeared on Good Morning America, The Early Show, The Today Show, FOX News; CNN, Anderson Cooper 360, MSNBC, Entertainment Tonight, CBS 48 Hours, Oxygen’s Snapped, Court TV’s Crier Live, Inside Edition, Extra, Access Hollywood, and A&E’s Biography.
In addition to television and radio appearances, the award-winning author has been featured in Redbook, USA Today, People, Salon magazine, Seattle Times, Los Angeles Times and the New York Post.
The Deep Dark was named Idaho Book of the Year by the ILA and Starvation Heights was honored by Washington’s Secretary of State for the book’s contribution to Washington state history and culture.
Olsen, a Seattle native, lives in Olalla, Washington with his wife and Suri (a mini dachshund so spoiled she wears a sweater).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 580 reviews
November 10, 2022
2.5 stars (bc I am in a generous mood)
My goodness! This book drew out every detail to the ultimate point and made for what I would eventually call a laborious task. I do love true crime, but this book, with its length and details made me less of a fan.
Bruce Nickell and Sue Snow are dead having ingested cyanide laced Tylenol pills. Stella Nickell is eventually the prime suspect. She is a pretty slick cookie though. At the time, 1986, this started a panic since no one knew who had tampered with the pills and Tylenol capsules were recalled causing a nationwide panic.
Eventually slick Sue a "manizer", was prosecuted and found guilty for a number of assorted crimes, not only murder but also tampering with drugs, a federal offense for which she received a ninety year sentence. The supposed reason for her killing her husband was for the insurance money.
Stella was a cool cucumber, very smart with her answers, but with a basic lack of morality and care for her children. She thought all of this would go away but investigators outsmarted Stella and she is in federal prison. She recently filed to be released because of health reasons. In her letter she finally admitted her guilt. “I am now mentally and emotionally cognizant of the immoral heinous act I committed … I truly and sincerely regret being responsible for the loss of those two precious lives. I pray for forgiveness. There is nothing in this life that can or will cause me to commit another crime.”
The "jury" is still out considering her petition.
This had all the makings of an excellent crime thriller, but the author threw in every minute detail that weighed the story down and made for a labor intensive read. I feel a good 40-50 percent of the book could have been cut down and would have made for a harrowing tale. Sadly, it's not!
Thank you to Gregg Olsen, Grand Central Publishing, and NetGalley for a copy of this tale which I listened to.
My goodness! This book drew out every detail to the ultimate point and made for what I would eventually call a laborious task. I do love true crime, but this book, with its length and details made me less of a fan.
Bruce Nickell and Sue Snow are dead having ingested cyanide laced Tylenol pills. Stella Nickell is eventually the prime suspect. She is a pretty slick cookie though. At the time, 1986, this started a panic since no one knew who had tampered with the pills and Tylenol capsules were recalled causing a nationwide panic.
Eventually slick Sue a "manizer", was prosecuted and found guilty for a number of assorted crimes, not only murder but also tampering with drugs, a federal offense for which she received a ninety year sentence. The supposed reason for her killing her husband was for the insurance money.
Stella was a cool cucumber, very smart with her answers, but with a basic lack of morality and care for her children. She thought all of this would go away but investigators outsmarted Stella and she is in federal prison. She recently filed to be released because of health reasons. In her letter she finally admitted her guilt. “I am now mentally and emotionally cognizant of the immoral heinous act I committed … I truly and sincerely regret being responsible for the loss of those two precious lives. I pray for forgiveness. There is nothing in this life that can or will cause me to commit another crime.”
The "jury" is still out considering her petition.
This had all the makings of an excellent crime thriller, but the author threw in every minute detail that weighed the story down and made for a labor intensive read. I feel a good 40-50 percent of the book could have been cut down and would have made for a harrowing tale. Sadly, it's not!
Thank you to Gregg Olsen, Grand Central Publishing, and NetGalley for a copy of this tale which I listened to.
September 18, 2022
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A few years ago I read the fiction book Lying Next to Me by Gregg Olsen and absolutely loved it. I am so pleased to report that Olsen's non-fiction did not disappoint. Apparently this is an updated version of Bitter Almonds. I remember the Tylenol package tampering cases, in Chicago, in 1982, this case happened in 1986, so obviously it is a copycat, but a lot closer to home.
Wow, what a story this was. This is the type of book you wouldn't believe if it was fiction, you'd say to yourself no way is that even possible. Well let me tell you, it IS possible. The book isn't just about the murder itself, although Olsen does a great job of researching and telling that story.
What I really found compelling was the relationships, especially the mother/daughter ones, and Stella's and Cindy's is at the forefront. What would YOU do if you suspect your mother of murdering your stepdad? Would you turn her in? Or would you stand by her side? That is the question Cindy has to ask herself and what she did next completely shocked me.
I loved Olsen's writing style, he details the little things so it is easy to imagine what is taking place and what the family members and friends look like. The way he describes their homes, clothes, and demeanor was amazing. It is very obvious Mr. Olsen did an enormous amount of research. I also appreciated that the chapters were short as it made it so easy to "read just one more" and before I knew it I had finished the 400+ page book.
In the afterward, the author mentions how he heard from Cindy, finally, and that he kept up with the goings on of the two families who had members die from tainted Excedrin. He also mentions photos and I wish some of them were included, other than that this was a well-thought-out and researched true crime book.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Gregg Olsen, and Thread Books for the giving of the ARC.
#AmericanMother #NetGalley
A few years ago I read the fiction book Lying Next to Me by Gregg Olsen and absolutely loved it. I am so pleased to report that Olsen's non-fiction did not disappoint. Apparently this is an updated version of Bitter Almonds. I remember the Tylenol package tampering cases, in Chicago, in 1982, this case happened in 1986, so obviously it is a copycat, but a lot closer to home.
Wow, what a story this was. This is the type of book you wouldn't believe if it was fiction, you'd say to yourself no way is that even possible. Well let me tell you, it IS possible. The book isn't just about the murder itself, although Olsen does a great job of researching and telling that story.
What I really found compelling was the relationships, especially the mother/daughter ones, and Stella's and Cindy's is at the forefront. What would YOU do if you suspect your mother of murdering your stepdad? Would you turn her in? Or would you stand by her side? That is the question Cindy has to ask herself and what she did next completely shocked me.
I loved Olsen's writing style, he details the little things so it is easy to imagine what is taking place and what the family members and friends look like. The way he describes their homes, clothes, and demeanor was amazing. It is very obvious Mr. Olsen did an enormous amount of research. I also appreciated that the chapters were short as it made it so easy to "read just one more" and before I knew it I had finished the 400+ page book.
In the afterward, the author mentions how he heard from Cindy, finally, and that he kept up with the goings on of the two families who had members die from tainted Excedrin. He also mentions photos and I wish some of them were included, other than that this was a well-thought-out and researched true crime book.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Gregg Olsen, and Thread Books for the giving of the ARC.
#AmericanMother #NetGalley
November 1, 2022
3⭐
This was originally published back in 1993 and titled Bitter Almonds .
How scary to think that medicine you rely on for headaches or a 'caffeine boost' has been tampered with and could have fatal consequences.
Featuring ~ true crime murder story from the 1980's, cyanide poisoning, 2 main families ~ with MULTIPLE side characters, dual timeline, references to molestation & child abuse & child neglect & infidelity, court proceedings
Sometimes books are slow going for me, but then pick up ~ vice versa for this one. I enjoyed the beginning, but then it got super draggy and too informative and I was just ready to be done, so I bumped er up to 2.5x. The excessive amount of information makes for a longer read/listen, which I suppose might be common with non-fiction. It was narrated by Karen Peakes for 14 hours and 17 minutes. Her male voices were okay.
*Thanks to Bookouture Audio, Gregg Olsen and NetGalley for the advance audiobook. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
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This was originally published back in 1993 and titled Bitter Almonds .
How scary to think that medicine you rely on for headaches or a 'caffeine boost' has been tampered with and could have fatal consequences.
Featuring ~ true crime murder story from the 1980's, cyanide poisoning, 2 main families ~ with MULTIPLE side characters, dual timeline, references to molestation & child abuse & child neglect & infidelity, court proceedings
Sometimes books are slow going for me, but then pick up ~ vice versa for this one. I enjoyed the beginning, but then it got super draggy and too informative and I was just ready to be done, so I bumped er up to 2.5x. The excessive amount of information makes for a longer read/listen, which I suppose might be common with non-fiction. It was narrated by Karen Peakes for 14 hours and 17 minutes. Her male voices were okay.
*Thanks to Bookouture Audio, Gregg Olsen and NetGalley for the advance audiobook. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
Follow me here ➡ Blog ~ Facebook
November 1, 2022
Admittedly I did not have any prior knowledge about the famous Cyanide murders before listening to this audiobook. I was shocked but kept turning the pages to find out if she did it. I found that Greg obviously did a lot of research for this one and appreciated his thoughts at the end of the book. Greg portraited a very entertaining read. The writing really brought the characters to life and told this story with great passion. I liked it.
Thank you Netgalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to review this ARC.
Thank you Netgalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to review this ARC.
November 27, 2022
This is a very informative review of the events that happened in Washington State several decades ago. A woman murders her husband and another innocent woman with cyanide laced capsules, similar to the Tylenol murders. The information contained in this book is extremely thorough and difficult to keep straight at times, but well worth the effort!
October 31, 2022
This is no fictional story but a true crime tale involving real people, real emotions, real situations and actual deaths and arrests of individuals.
American Mother is about the cyanide killings done through product tampering of a medicine in the decade of 1980s. The book begins with the crime scene of the death of the individuals following with their background details. And then it continues with the FBI, FDA, SEIB investigations that take place to ascertain whether the deaths were through natural cause or a sinister mind was at play. The master mind behind this cruel killings - was it really the one who was blamed or was it someone who categorically shifted the blame on someone else? Nickell family gets embroiled in this epic case due to hordes of reasons and what follows are numerous interviews, jury trial, indictments, verdicts and confessions.
It has been my first experience of reading a true crime story and I have been blown out by the detailing of the author. Facts were laid out as they actually were. While at some point the details did become overwhelming with so many names and people involved; but it couldn’t be helped since this was a reality in the past. I especially got pulled in once the FBI folks started investigating in earnest and taking interviews of multiple people. The actual transcripts shown in italics was also a lovely addition. It gave so much more authenticity to the work to actually read the diary entries or letter communications etc. The book is lengthy and I feel such true crime stories have their own niche audience. Pick this up if you love solving real life cases, like getting into details and like analysing people and their psychology.
Thanks to Thread Books and Netgalley for sharing the eARC in exchange for honest review.
American Mother is about the cyanide killings done through product tampering of a medicine in the decade of 1980s. The book begins with the crime scene of the death of the individuals following with their background details. And then it continues with the FBI, FDA, SEIB investigations that take place to ascertain whether the deaths were through natural cause or a sinister mind was at play. The master mind behind this cruel killings - was it really the one who was blamed or was it someone who categorically shifted the blame on someone else? Nickell family gets embroiled in this epic case due to hordes of reasons and what follows are numerous interviews, jury trial, indictments, verdicts and confessions.
It has been my first experience of reading a true crime story and I have been blown out by the detailing of the author. Facts were laid out as they actually were. While at some point the details did become overwhelming with so many names and people involved; but it couldn’t be helped since this was a reality in the past. I especially got pulled in once the FBI folks started investigating in earnest and taking interviews of multiple people. The actual transcripts shown in italics was also a lovely addition. It gave so much more authenticity to the work to actually read the diary entries or letter communications etc. The book is lengthy and I feel such true crime stories have their own niche audience. Pick this up if you love solving real life cases, like getting into details and like analysing people and their psychology.
Thanks to Thread Books and Netgalley for sharing the eARC in exchange for honest review.
September 2, 2022
Thanks to netgally and the published for this ARC
It`s obvious that the author has done a lot of research about the cyanid killings, the books is detailed and you feel like you`re there in the courtroom. It was built up logically, but you had to be very concentrated to not be confused by all the different people introduced. I also got a bit sleepy when the trials started. There was a lot of details, going back to previous interviews and information, and it got repetivite at some points. Especially when it came to the insurance claims. I must admit to skimming parts of it and I think the author could have skipped some parts of the trial to keep the readers interest. Others might love it, so this is just my personal experience.
It was interesting to read about Stella and her daughter. I also loved the afterword because it showed how involved and dedicated the author has been. I think it would have been better if this information came at the beginning because it’s exciting to know that the author has met some of the people he writes about. It brings life to the story and makes it more real.
The writing was a bit dry at times, with a lot of conversations. The author tried to describe the characters, but sometimes you had to guess what they were thinking.
Overall I learnt something new but felt I didn’t need all the details.
It`s obvious that the author has done a lot of research about the cyanid killings, the books is detailed and you feel like you`re there in the courtroom. It was built up logically, but you had to be very concentrated to not be confused by all the different people introduced. I also got a bit sleepy when the trials started. There was a lot of details, going back to previous interviews and information, and it got repetivite at some points. Especially when it came to the insurance claims. I must admit to skimming parts of it and I think the author could have skipped some parts of the trial to keep the readers interest. Others might love it, so this is just my personal experience.
It was interesting to read about Stella and her daughter. I also loved the afterword because it showed how involved and dedicated the author has been. I think it would have been better if this information came at the beginning because it’s exciting to know that the author has met some of the people he writes about. It brings life to the story and makes it more real.
The writing was a bit dry at times, with a lot of conversations. The author tried to describe the characters, but sometimes you had to guess what they were thinking.
Overall I learnt something new but felt I didn’t need all the details.
September 26, 2022
'The true story of a troubled family'... Well, not so much troubled I thought about having read 40% of the book, but since I'm not an authority, I cannot find a better word. The book started out fine, with describing how two unrelated people died from poisoning, and how local police and FBI are trying to find answers to the why, and how.
So far, I liked the clear way in which the facts were presented and the characters introduced. But then! This was followed by page after page with descriptions about an ever growing family where the men hardly ever worked, and if they did, they used their money for drink and women other than their own wives. The women sometimes worked but were more busy with getting pregnant (especially at a very, very young age), getting married, divorced and pregnant again, drinking a lot but not with their own husbands and so on and so on.
This description was complicated further because they all seemed to change names as easy as haircuts, using family names that were not their own, or keeping all family names of the husbands they married and divorced. Very, very confusing. There was just not one slightly 'normal' person. They moved around the country many times, which is also very strange because where did they get the money to move to different homes every few years? They never had any money and if they had, they spend it on drink.
In short: by the time I more or less got used to this bunch of characters, I lost all interest in the story. I just didn't want to spend any more time reading about horrible people doing horrible things to each other, to live such a useless life without ever trying to better themselves.
I can appreciate the author trying to give a clear account of what happened, and why, but frankly, why should this be interesting?
I gave the book three stars because I liked the style and I could see that a lot of research was involved.
Thanks to Netgalley and Thread Books for this review copy.
So far, I liked the clear way in which the facts were presented and the characters introduced. But then! This was followed by page after page with descriptions about an ever growing family where the men hardly ever worked, and if they did, they used their money for drink and women other than their own wives. The women sometimes worked but were more busy with getting pregnant (especially at a very, very young age), getting married, divorced and pregnant again, drinking a lot but not with their own husbands and so on and so on.
This description was complicated further because they all seemed to change names as easy as haircuts, using family names that were not their own, or keeping all family names of the husbands they married and divorced. Very, very confusing. There was just not one slightly 'normal' person. They moved around the country many times, which is also very strange because where did they get the money to move to different homes every few years? They never had any money and if they had, they spend it on drink.
In short: by the time I more or less got used to this bunch of characters, I lost all interest in the story. I just didn't want to spend any more time reading about horrible people doing horrible things to each other, to live such a useless life without ever trying to better themselves.
I can appreciate the author trying to give a clear account of what happened, and why, but frankly, why should this be interesting?
I gave the book three stars because I liked the style and I could see that a lot of research was involved.
Thanks to Netgalley and Thread Books for this review copy.
September 5, 2022
Gregg Olson's book American Mother is about the 1986 murders of Bruce Nickell and Sue Snow when they unknowingly took cyanide-laced headache pain relievers. This well researched novel is the story of the investigation surrounding the victims and those accused of the murders.
As a true crime reader, I am well aware of the circumstances surrounding this case. Gregg Olsen previously wrote a book called Bitter Almonds that covered the story as it unfolded. As I began reading American Mother, I questioned why Olsen would release a brand-new book on the topic that is readily available online. However, since Olsen wrote Bitter Almonds fascinating brand-new information has come out to tie up the loose ends of the situation involving the accused Stella Nickell.
Whether or not you are familiar with this crime, Gregg Olsen offers a fresh perspective and answers questions with the latest shocking facts. This account includes the relationship between Stella Nickell and her daughter Cynthia. The in-depth look back at the psychological aspects and relationships of all those involved including the innocent bystanders is an interesting read for true crime fans. Gregg Olsen leaves no stone unturned in his intriguing account of the premeditated brutal murders.
American Mother by Gregg Olsen is available on November 8th
Thank you, NetGalley and Thread Books, for sharing this informative true crime book. I appreciate your kindness.
As a true crime reader, I am well aware of the circumstances surrounding this case. Gregg Olsen previously wrote a book called Bitter Almonds that covered the story as it unfolded. As I began reading American Mother, I questioned why Olsen would release a brand-new book on the topic that is readily available online. However, since Olsen wrote Bitter Almonds fascinating brand-new information has come out to tie up the loose ends of the situation involving the accused Stella Nickell.
Whether or not you are familiar with this crime, Gregg Olsen offers a fresh perspective and answers questions with the latest shocking facts. This account includes the relationship between Stella Nickell and her daughter Cynthia. The in-depth look back at the psychological aspects and relationships of all those involved including the innocent bystanders is an interesting read for true crime fans. Gregg Olsen leaves no stone unturned in his intriguing account of the premeditated brutal murders.
American Mother by Gregg Olsen is available on November 8th
Thank you, NetGalley and Thread Books, for sharing this informative true crime book. I appreciate your kindness.
August 17, 2022
I was excited to get my hands on this true crime book from NY Times bestselling author Gregg Olsen. Although it was clearly very well-researched, I’m sorry to say it did not live up to my expectations or the high caliber of Olsen’s other work. I'll note that this is a reprinting of one of Olsen's much earlier works, "Bitter Almonds", he's come a long way since then!
The case of Stella Nickell and her husband’s death by cyanide poisoning sounded fascinating, but this book suffers from two related problems. First, even though the crime itself is interesting, there just isn’t enough subject matter for a book-length treatment. This leads to the second issue: so.much.repetition. Events are rehashed multiple times, and then once more for good measure during the trial.
Also – and this may be just a “me” thing – but there are so many family members and side characters introduced that I had a hard time keeping them straight. I understand that the author was trying to show us the true depth of Stella’s dysfunctional family, but I found myself frequently referring back to earlier mentions in the story to figure out who the individuals were. A list of characters and their relationships to Stella, or even a family tree of Stella’s family, would be a very helpful addition.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Thread Books for providing me an advance copy of this book.
The case of Stella Nickell and her husband’s death by cyanide poisoning sounded fascinating, but this book suffers from two related problems. First, even though the crime itself is interesting, there just isn’t enough subject matter for a book-length treatment. This leads to the second issue: so.much.repetition. Events are rehashed multiple times, and then once more for good measure during the trial.
Also – and this may be just a “me” thing – but there are so many family members and side characters introduced that I had a hard time keeping them straight. I understand that the author was trying to show us the true depth of Stella’s dysfunctional family, but I found myself frequently referring back to earlier mentions in the story to figure out who the individuals were. A list of characters and their relationships to Stella, or even a family tree of Stella’s family, would be a very helpful addition.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Thread Books for providing me an advance copy of this book.
May 7, 2023
3.5 Stars
I love crimes from the 1980's, I just think that decade had the most fascinating crimes....maybe it was all the cocaine. I had only recently learned about the Tylenol Murders. In 1982, 7 people died after ingesting poisoned Tylenol. The case remains unsolved till this day and it's because of this case that we have tamper proof bottles. American Mother is not about the Tylenol Murders but it does involve poisoned medicine.
American Mother was too long. This book didn't need to be nearly 500 pages, you could've cut this book in half and told the same story. In 1986, Bruce Nickell and Sue Snow died from what would turn out to be cyanide tainted Excederin. Neither seemly had any enemies but if you read or watched enough True Crime then you know that it's often those closest to you who mean you the most harm.
This case and the Tylenol Murders truly terrify me. The thought of being poisoned is an irrational fear of mine....and in this case it was double terrifying because I take Excederin all the time. This is Nonfiction but the people in this book often seemed like fictional characters. That's not the fault of the author, these people were just really over the top characters. I didn't particularly like anyone in this book and given the behavior of one group of characters they definitely became the stars of the book but I felt like the other people kinda got left behind.
If you like True Crime and dysfunctional families than American Mother, might be the book for you.
Also this book was originally published as Bitter Almonds.
I love crimes from the 1980's, I just think that decade had the most fascinating crimes....maybe it was all the cocaine. I had only recently learned about the Tylenol Murders. In 1982, 7 people died after ingesting poisoned Tylenol. The case remains unsolved till this day and it's because of this case that we have tamper proof bottles. American Mother is not about the Tylenol Murders but it does involve poisoned medicine.
American Mother was too long. This book didn't need to be nearly 500 pages, you could've cut this book in half and told the same story. In 1986, Bruce Nickell and Sue Snow died from what would turn out to be cyanide tainted Excederin. Neither seemly had any enemies but if you read or watched enough True Crime then you know that it's often those closest to you who mean you the most harm.
This case and the Tylenol Murders truly terrify me. The thought of being poisoned is an irrational fear of mine....and in this case it was double terrifying because I take Excederin all the time. This is Nonfiction but the people in this book often seemed like fictional characters. That's not the fault of the author, these people were just really over the top characters. I didn't particularly like anyone in this book and given the behavior of one group of characters they definitely became the stars of the book but I felt like the other people kinda got left behind.
If you like True Crime and dysfunctional families than American Mother, might be the book for you.
Also this book was originally published as Bitter Almonds.
November 23, 2022
I was not familiar with the Stella Nickell’s case until I read the synopsis for this book. The 1980’s cyanide murders is an extremely fascinating case about a woman looking to kill two birds with one stone, receive a large sum of money, while also ridding herself of a husband she hated. She used the very famous Tylenol murder case as the vehicle to do so.
I liked the overall format and layout of this book. We begin with the actual crimes and immediate aftermath, and are then taken through Stella Nickell’s upbringing as well as her relationship with several men. We also take a deep dive into her relationship with her daughter Cindy, whom she physically abused, and who ultimately brought Stella to justice.
My only criticism of this book is that it felt long. Coming in at 500 pages, there were parts of the book, Stella’s history for one, that dragged on a bit. I think it would have benefited from being 100-150 pages shorter. I still really enjoyed it and would recommend it, especially to any true crime junkies out there.
Thank you Grand Central Publishing for my #gifted finished copy and NetGalley and MacMillan audio for the ALC in exchange for my honest review.
I liked the overall format and layout of this book. We begin with the actual crimes and immediate aftermath, and are then taken through Stella Nickell’s upbringing as well as her relationship with several men. We also take a deep dive into her relationship with her daughter Cindy, whom she physically abused, and who ultimately brought Stella to justice.
My only criticism of this book is that it felt long. Coming in at 500 pages, there were parts of the book, Stella’s history for one, that dragged on a bit. I think it would have benefited from being 100-150 pages shorter. I still really enjoyed it and would recommend it, especially to any true crime junkies out there.
Thank you Grand Central Publishing for my #gifted finished copy and NetGalley and MacMillan audio for the ALC in exchange for my honest review.
July 5, 2015
Well, I'm giving it three stars because I finished it and I didn't hate it as much as other two star books I've read. However, this work is deeply flawed. Despite its tagline, it focuses almost exclusively on Stella's (the murderer) family and very little on Sue Snow's (one of the victims, the other being Stella's husband). I understand what he's trying to do--showing how abuse is passed down through generations and how this might influence behavior like Stella's--but he ultimately fails. There's a real opportunity here to talk about class divides as well; Stella and her family are characterized by crippling debt and low social status while Sue Snow lives a comfortable middle class existence devoid of abuse, but this rich vein never really gets the mining it deserves. I also feel like the family dynamics in Stella's case are too detailed. I don't really need to know every single argument Stella and her daughter ever had, or what she eats for breakfast, or what her ex husband thinks of her. I felt as if he should have just chosen a couple of the most illustrative examples rather than bogging down the narrative with everything from CB radio to bar hopping to what books Stella likes to read.
Furthermore, the appearance of all the female characters is detailed with almost obsessive precision. Granted, part of this is because Stella often uses looks and sex to manipulate the men in her life, and in that context it's worth discussing. But I feel the author goes too far, as if he's really trying to drive home how pathetic Stella is for dying her hair black and wearing bright red lipstick in her forties. One or two mentions germane to her methods is fine. Forty mentions, not so much. He also delves in to how pretty her daughters are and what the people at work think of their appearances.
It takes an extraordinary long time therefore to get to the crime itself, which is why I bought the damn thing. Of course back story is needed in these types of books, but this book doesn't hold a candle to the great titles that balance the criminal, the victims, and the crimes. It's bloated and meandering and ultimately, these traits doom it.
Furthermore, the appearance of all the female characters is detailed with almost obsessive precision. Granted, part of this is because Stella often uses looks and sex to manipulate the men in her life, and in that context it's worth discussing. But I feel the author goes too far, as if he's really trying to drive home how pathetic Stella is for dying her hair black and wearing bright red lipstick in her forties. One or two mentions germane to her methods is fine. Forty mentions, not so much. He also delves in to how pretty her daughters are and what the people at work think of their appearances.
It takes an extraordinary long time therefore to get to the crime itself, which is why I bought the damn thing. Of course back story is needed in these types of books, but this book doesn't hold a candle to the great titles that balance the criminal, the victims, and the crimes. It's bloated and meandering and ultimately, these traits doom it.
August 19, 2022
I read this book long ago under its original title. Much of it was like reading a new book for me, as my memory isn’t what it used to be. I would have preferred a new true crime story from this author. I’ve read and liked many of his other non-fiction crime reads through the years, but it seems like he’s been into crime fiction more in recent years. This remains a good read for this genre, about a case so many remember.
November 19, 2022
Strange
You just have no idea what goes on behind closed doors. And when it's a mother and daughter, who really knows?
This is a drama filled story. It's heart wrenching. I wanted to take a side and have confidence, but I mean, who knows? Mother and daughter were close, it blew up, and two people died. Is there more? Another Mother, perhaps?
This story is sad and tragic. I'll be wondering about this for a long time. Really, really strange this story.
You just have no idea what goes on behind closed doors. And when it's a mother and daughter, who really knows?
This is a drama filled story. It's heart wrenching. I wanted to take a side and have confidence, but I mean, who knows? Mother and daughter were close, it blew up, and two people died. Is there more? Another Mother, perhaps?
This story is sad and tragic. I'll be wondering about this for a long time. Really, really strange this story.
November 22, 2022
Another exceptional and engrossing true crime novel from Gregg Olsen! I had a hard time putting this one down and wanted to immediately get back into it when I needed to! I highly recommend it! I hope the author continues to write these kind of books because they are all great reads.
𝗕𝗘 𝗔𝗗𝗩𝗜𝗦𝗘𝗗: This is a previously released novel. The first title of the book was Bitter Almonds. So if you've read that one then you don't need to read this as it's the same book.
𝗕𝗘 𝗔𝗗𝗩𝗜𝗦𝗘𝗗: This is a previously released novel. The first title of the book was Bitter Almonds. So if you've read that one then you don't need to read this as it's the same book.
September 1, 2022
This was a very detailed and well-researched book. This is the second I've read by Gregg Olsen, and it's clear he really dives into his subject's lives, and tries to get as much information as possible from the people around them. Unfortunately, I found this confusing because there were so many acquaintances, family members, and witnesses that it was hard to keep track of. I enjoyed the first half of the book, but when it gets to the trial, a lot of the information is gone over again (in detail), and so I found it to be repetitive. Probably didn't need to be as long as it was.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 4, 2022
I still cannot figure out if she was guilty or not!! I’m so on the fence about it. Someone else read this so we can discuss and figure it out! This one is good for anyone who enjoys true crime. It dogs deep into history to give us the full picture of what happened.
🌀Synopsis
It’s June 1986 and there have just been two deaths from cyanide poisoning. They both have some odd circumstances surrounding them and facts don’t seem to be lining up.
Finally, the picture starts to come together and a potential perpetrator is identified. Stella Nickell. She has a tumultuous past and her daughter is claiming she knows her mother killed her husband.
They go to trial where mother is against daughter. It’s intense and the evidence swings either way. The jury feels that and gets slightly hung up. When a juror comes forward about a call she received, the whole trial is at risk. The lawyers decide to move forward and now Stella will learn her fate.
🌀Synopsis
It’s June 1986 and there have just been two deaths from cyanide poisoning. They both have some odd circumstances surrounding them and facts don’t seem to be lining up.
Finally, the picture starts to come together and a potential perpetrator is identified. Stella Nickell. She has a tumultuous past and her daughter is claiming she knows her mother killed her husband.
They go to trial where mother is against daughter. It’s intense and the evidence swings either way. The jury feels that and gets slightly hung up. When a juror comes forward about a call she received, the whole trial is at risk. The lawyers decide to move forward and now Stella will learn her fate.
October 15, 2022
After finishing American Mother, I was not sure what this book was supposed to do or why this story had to be told. This is a sad story of lives thrown off kilter and a daughter Vs mother courtroom testimony.
In 1986, 911 gets a call from a woman, Stella, who "seemed calm" while her husband was lying there dying. A week later another family, a mom collapses on the floor and the autopsy reveals she had been posioned with Cyanide in her headache pills. While the husband is being investigated as well as product recall of the batch is initiated, Stella calls in saying she found the same batch.
Following the investigation by Police, the FDA, the FBI and an insurance agent, the book tries to build a case to explain away the deaths. The personal lives of the people is probably hearsay and confusing and everyone in the case seems to be marrying or having affair or not caring for the family. And when the courtroom part starts, it becomes repetitive and detailing that doesn't add layers.
I was a bit concerned on the title - I mean what is American Mother supposed to mean? After everything is done, the author tries to wonder if it was right and were there other theories - but then there seems to very little conviction in the tone.
While true crime helps in understanding human thought process, this books successfully keep people in the dark. Okayish.
In 1986, 911 gets a call from a woman, Stella, who "seemed calm" while her husband was lying there dying. A week later another family, a mom collapses on the floor and the autopsy reveals she had been posioned with Cyanide in her headache pills. While the husband is being investigated as well as product recall of the batch is initiated, Stella calls in saying she found the same batch.
Following the investigation by Police, the FDA, the FBI and an insurance agent, the book tries to build a case to explain away the deaths. The personal lives of the people is probably hearsay and confusing and everyone in the case seems to be marrying or having affair or not caring for the family. And when the courtroom part starts, it becomes repetitive and detailing that doesn't add layers.
I was a bit concerned on the title - I mean what is American Mother supposed to mean? After everything is done, the author tries to wonder if it was right and were there other theories - but then there seems to very little conviction in the tone.
While true crime helps in understanding human thought process, this books successfully keep people in the dark. Okayish.
January 15, 2023
After having read a couple of Greg Olsen’s true crime/ non fiction reads, I was excited to request this on Netgalley. However, while the writing was good, I found I wasn’t that invested in the story. Where it’s such a wide net for a crime, it didn’t have that personal feel and I’ve realized that is something I tend to find the most interesting. The intricacies and psychology. I’m also not interested in reading about the Unabomber so I think this is just personal preference here. I didn’t enjoy it as much as I thought I would. Thanks to Netgalley for the arc.
August 10, 2013
Man. Could Mr. Olsen have written a more boring and dull book because, seriously, I don't think he was trying hard enough...
This is so incredibly long. It delves way too deep in the history of everyone who Stella might've once acknowledged. I thought I had a high tolerance to the length of inane details some true crime authors will go to but I think I've met my match here.
In fact, at this point, I don't think I'll ever pick up another one of his books.
This is so incredibly long. It delves way too deep in the history of everyone who Stella might've once acknowledged. I thought I had a high tolerance to the length of inane details some true crime authors will go to but I think I've met my match here.
In fact, at this point, I don't think I'll ever pick up another one of his books.
November 11, 2022
I usually love this author's true crime but for me it did not reach the mark. At first I was intrigued but American Mother was an information overload. I was soon overwhelmed and then very confused. I did finish it as I thought I owed it to the author. Not one of his best books. This is how I personally felt and I am sure other readers will enjoy it more just not for me.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.
November 18, 2022
Originally published as Bitter Almonds: The True Story of Mothers, Daughters, and the Seattle Cyanide Murders in 1993, American Mother: The True Story of a Troubled Family, Motherhood, and the Cyanide Murders That Shook the World is a revised and updated edition from Gregg Olsen.
On June 5th in 1986, emergency services were called to the mobile home of Stella and Bruce Nickell in Auburn, Alabama. Bruce had collapsed and was struggling to breathe. When asked by the paramedics trying to make sense of his symptoms, Stella, calmly sipping her coffee, claimed he’d taken nothing other than Asprin. Despite best efforts, Bruce passed away, and the M.E. attributed hid death to emphysema.
Bank accounts manager, wife and mother, Susan Snow took two Extra Strength Excedrin as was her habit while getting ready for work on the morning of June 11th 1986. Fifteen year old Hayley, heard her mother fall and rushed in to the bathroom to find her unresponsive and gasping for breath. Sue was rushed to hospital but slipped into a coma before being declared brain dead shortly awards. Electrocution, heart arrhythmia or stroke were suspected causes but during the autopsy, the M.E.’s assistant detected an unmistakable if faint odour of bitter almonds, and to everyone’s shock, toxicology tests confirmed a fatal level of cyanide in the blood.
Though Detective Dunbar strongly suspected Sue’s husband of poisoning his wife, the FDA could not risk a repeat of the Chicago Tylenol tampering case in 1982 and a recall was issued of Extra Strength Excedrin bottles, especially batch #5H102. That evening a patrol officer was dispatched to a hysterical caller. Stella Nickells informed him that her husband had died two weeks earlier, shortly after taking Excedrin capsules from a batch matching media reports. Tests quickly revealed that the some of the capsules were contaminated and though Bruce had already been buried, a blood sample was fortunately available which showed Stella’s husband was the first victim of cyanide poisoning from tainted capsules.
Olsen presents a comprehensive account of the case and the people involved. The first half of the book focuses on two things after establishing the facts of the crime – the investigation by local and federal agencies, and a portrait of the victims and their family’s, while the second half focuses on the trial that found Stella Nickell guilty of the murder of her husband and Sue Snow.
To shed light on Stella’s actions, Olsen delves deeply into her life. Drawing on interviews with her family, friends and acquaintances, he reveals a complex, sad tale of generational dysfunction and trauma. Of particular interest to Olsen is Stella’s relationship with her eldest daughter, Cindy, who eventually testified against her.
Olsen’s extensive research into every facet of this case is evident, but the huge amount of detail he includes can sometimes be overwhelming. I thought the narrative was generally well organised, though some repetition is noticeable, especially with the account of the court case as it presents much of the same material Olsen had already disclosed. I feel photographs, and a timeline of evidentiary events, would have been beneficial inclusions.
From the evidence shared in American Mother, it seems obvious to me that Stella, who was sentenced to 90 years imprisonment and who remains incarcerated in 2022, is responsible for the deaths of her husband and Sue Snow. I believe Cindy was at least aware of her mothers intent to kill Bruce but I remain undecided about her direct complicity in the execution of the crime.
American Mother is an absorbing exposé of a shocking true crime and the woman found responsible, both an interesting and entertaining (in a morbid sort of way) read.
On June 5th in 1986, emergency services were called to the mobile home of Stella and Bruce Nickell in Auburn, Alabama. Bruce had collapsed and was struggling to breathe. When asked by the paramedics trying to make sense of his symptoms, Stella, calmly sipping her coffee, claimed he’d taken nothing other than Asprin. Despite best efforts, Bruce passed away, and the M.E. attributed hid death to emphysema.
Bank accounts manager, wife and mother, Susan Snow took two Extra Strength Excedrin as was her habit while getting ready for work on the morning of June 11th 1986. Fifteen year old Hayley, heard her mother fall and rushed in to the bathroom to find her unresponsive and gasping for breath. Sue was rushed to hospital but slipped into a coma before being declared brain dead shortly awards. Electrocution, heart arrhythmia or stroke were suspected causes but during the autopsy, the M.E.’s assistant detected an unmistakable if faint odour of bitter almonds, and to everyone’s shock, toxicology tests confirmed a fatal level of cyanide in the blood.
Though Detective Dunbar strongly suspected Sue’s husband of poisoning his wife, the FDA could not risk a repeat of the Chicago Tylenol tampering case in 1982 and a recall was issued of Extra Strength Excedrin bottles, especially batch #5H102. That evening a patrol officer was dispatched to a hysterical caller. Stella Nickells informed him that her husband had died two weeks earlier, shortly after taking Excedrin capsules from a batch matching media reports. Tests quickly revealed that the some of the capsules were contaminated and though Bruce had already been buried, a blood sample was fortunately available which showed Stella’s husband was the first victim of cyanide poisoning from tainted capsules.
Olsen presents a comprehensive account of the case and the people involved. The first half of the book focuses on two things after establishing the facts of the crime – the investigation by local and federal agencies, and a portrait of the victims and their family’s, while the second half focuses on the trial that found Stella Nickell guilty of the murder of her husband and Sue Snow.
To shed light on Stella’s actions, Olsen delves deeply into her life. Drawing on interviews with her family, friends and acquaintances, he reveals a complex, sad tale of generational dysfunction and trauma. Of particular interest to Olsen is Stella’s relationship with her eldest daughter, Cindy, who eventually testified against her.
Olsen’s extensive research into every facet of this case is evident, but the huge amount of detail he includes can sometimes be overwhelming. I thought the narrative was generally well organised, though some repetition is noticeable, especially with the account of the court case as it presents much of the same material Olsen had already disclosed. I feel photographs, and a timeline of evidentiary events, would have been beneficial inclusions.
From the evidence shared in American Mother, it seems obvious to me that Stella, who was sentenced to 90 years imprisonment and who remains incarcerated in 2022, is responsible for the deaths of her husband and Sue Snow. I believe Cindy was at least aware of her mothers intent to kill Bruce but I remain undecided about her direct complicity in the execution of the crime.
American Mother is an absorbing exposé of a shocking true crime and the woman found responsible, both an interesting and entertaining (in a morbid sort of way) read.
August 27, 2022
Thank you to Gregg Olsen, Thread Books and Netgalley for this advance copy.
An interesting read and account of some shocking events surrounding cyanide killings in America. An engaging story which I sometimes felt confused by due to the multiple characters and the way the story unfolded but on the whole an engaging story.
An interesting read and account of some shocking events surrounding cyanide killings in America. An engaging story which I sometimes felt confused by due to the multiple characters and the way the story unfolded but on the whole an engaging story.
January 6, 2023
Interesting - to a point. But too too too too too too loooong. No one needs that many details. WHEW!!!Glad that’s over. (If you know me at all, look at how long that took me to read. That should tell you something…)
March 5, 2023
Quite disappointed again by this author. Some of his earlier stuff I was disheartened by as there were always far too many errors in work I was paying for. Then he released If You Tell and that was superb and I thought he'd changed his publisher or proofreader, whereupon I paid for 2 more of his books. This is the first I've picked up of that two. And once again it has way too many errors and I am cheesed off with it. I wouldn't mind but we're informed his books are selling VERY well, in which case he could well afford a decent proofreader or editor !! So I've been totally sucked in......
I noted only 45 pages in that the writing was already very scrappy, in that he sort of hops around in the timeline and I really had no idea whatsoever how Sue fitted into the whole timeline or who she was, etc.....
Stella the killer in this book is a nightmare and she raised her daughter right after a fashion, though I bet she regretted that in the end. If she'd not been such a pisspoor parent and a nicer person then I am sure Cindy may well have kept her secrets for her.
He refers to the original product-tampering case as Capmurs, when I have only ever heard it referred to as Tymurs. We got to learn a great deal about Stella's mother and her own upbringing.......then further in the author just throws in that Cora had lost 2 children to tragic accidents !! Yet not a word was mentioned about this as we laboured through the chapters going into her whole life !! Quite the omission.....Sadly, we didn't get to learn much about Leah, either, aside from the fact that Cindy was more like her mother and took better care of her than Stella ever did. I had to wonder why any of these women EVER had kids, as they all preferred to be party girls as opposed to mothers. Stella also had a dire memory for such a profligate liar....He also threw in a mention of a passed polygraph, which we hadn't even been informed had been undertaken ! Then again, someone was suddenly testifying before a grand jury and we'd heard not one mention of that, either, till this passing reference ! It was never properly explained, to my satisfaction at least, as to why there was no court transcript available for jurors to consult, either. WHY not ???
Throughout we hear how Stella was so attractive, etc.....but I looked her up and couldn't see it myself. I think Cindy was way more pretty than her mother.
However, I saw photos of Sue Snow and she was beautiful......a lovely-looking lady who we never heard enough about in the story, really. I mean, Bruce was an innocent victim but HE'D chosen his prize. Poor Sue didn't even know Stella !!
This passage I probably reread a dozen times, and on differing days to see if I "got it" better on another day and still it made absolutely sod all sense......see how you cope:
"Sodium from the irksome green specks made it impossible to "fingerprint" the manufacturer. The green specks made it impossible to trace the manufacturer, as they contained sodium, which was the trace element in the potassium cyanide that SA Roger Martz needed to determine the source of manufacture. The presence of sodium in the green specks interfered with this process and made identification of the source impossible." Now !!! I've read some nonsense in my life but that paragraph takes the biscuit !!!
There are misplaced or dropped commas and fullstops and apostrophes as well.....all a bit sloppy.
There WAS a lovely little passage talking about Bruce's parents which had me howling.....it was very sweet indeed.
The case is an interesting one but the presentation of it is pretty frightful, really.
I noted only 45 pages in that the writing was already very scrappy, in that he sort of hops around in the timeline and I really had no idea whatsoever how Sue fitted into the whole timeline or who she was, etc.....
Stella the killer in this book is a nightmare and she raised her daughter right after a fashion, though I bet she regretted that in the end. If she'd not been such a pisspoor parent and a nicer person then I am sure Cindy may well have kept her secrets for her.
He refers to the original product-tampering case as Capmurs, when I have only ever heard it referred to as Tymurs. We got to learn a great deal about Stella's mother and her own upbringing.......then further in the author just throws in that Cora had lost 2 children to tragic accidents !! Yet not a word was mentioned about this as we laboured through the chapters going into her whole life !! Quite the omission.....Sadly, we didn't get to learn much about Leah, either, aside from the fact that Cindy was more like her mother and took better care of her than Stella ever did. I had to wonder why any of these women EVER had kids, as they all preferred to be party girls as opposed to mothers. Stella also had a dire memory for such a profligate liar....He also threw in a mention of a passed polygraph, which we hadn't even been informed had been undertaken ! Then again, someone was suddenly testifying before a grand jury and we'd heard not one mention of that, either, till this passing reference ! It was never properly explained, to my satisfaction at least, as to why there was no court transcript available for jurors to consult, either. WHY not ???
Throughout we hear how Stella was so attractive, etc.....but I looked her up and couldn't see it myself. I think Cindy was way more pretty than her mother.
However, I saw photos of Sue Snow and she was beautiful......a lovely-looking lady who we never heard enough about in the story, really. I mean, Bruce was an innocent victim but HE'D chosen his prize. Poor Sue didn't even know Stella !!
This passage I probably reread a dozen times, and on differing days to see if I "got it" better on another day and still it made absolutely sod all sense......see how you cope:
"Sodium from the irksome green specks made it impossible to "fingerprint" the manufacturer. The green specks made it impossible to trace the manufacturer, as they contained sodium, which was the trace element in the potassium cyanide that SA Roger Martz needed to determine the source of manufacture. The presence of sodium in the green specks interfered with this process and made identification of the source impossible." Now !!! I've read some nonsense in my life but that paragraph takes the biscuit !!!
There are misplaced or dropped commas and fullstops and apostrophes as well.....all a bit sloppy.
There WAS a lovely little passage talking about Bruce's parents which had me howling.....it was very sweet indeed.
The case is an interesting one but the presentation of it is pretty frightful, really.
November 7, 2022
American Mother by Gregg Olsen
I give this book 4 stars
At 5.02 pm on June 5, 1986, an emergency call came into the local sheriff’s office in the small town of Auburn, Washington State. A distressed housewife, Stella Nickell, said her husband Bruce was having a seizure.
As Stella became the beneficiary of over $175,000 in a life insurance pay-out, forensics discovered that Bruce had consumed painkillers laced with cyanide.
A week later, fifteen-year-old Hayley was getting ready for another school day. Her mom, Sue, called out ‘I love you’ before heading into the bathroom and moments later collapsed on the floor. Sue never regained consciousness, and the autopsy revealed she had been poisoned by cyanide-tainted headache pills.
Are the two cases related!
A extremely well researched and detailed account of a horrifying true story. I’m in the UK so have no recollection of this happening. The author does a great job of including everyone who was involved so you get the whole story and the circumstances described are all true.
Its told through several timeframes (so you need to concentrate) The clever writing style makes it feel like you are reading more of a non fiction crime and l had to remind myself this actually happened.While exploring the toxic mother and daughter relationship between Stella and Cynthia at times I was unsure who to believe because there are lots of inconsistencies and loose ends. I found the trial part fascinating.
Make sure to read the authors afterword at the end it’s very enlightening.
A shockingly addictive read if you like true crime this one’s not to be missed.!
Thank you to Netgalley,Gregg Olsen and Thread Books for my chance to read and review this book.
I give this book 4 stars
At 5.02 pm on June 5, 1986, an emergency call came into the local sheriff’s office in the small town of Auburn, Washington State. A distressed housewife, Stella Nickell, said her husband Bruce was having a seizure.
As Stella became the beneficiary of over $175,000 in a life insurance pay-out, forensics discovered that Bruce had consumed painkillers laced with cyanide.
A week later, fifteen-year-old Hayley was getting ready for another school day. Her mom, Sue, called out ‘I love you’ before heading into the bathroom and moments later collapsed on the floor. Sue never regained consciousness, and the autopsy revealed she had been poisoned by cyanide-tainted headache pills.
Are the two cases related!
A extremely well researched and detailed account of a horrifying true story. I’m in the UK so have no recollection of this happening. The author does a great job of including everyone who was involved so you get the whole story and the circumstances described are all true.
Its told through several timeframes (so you need to concentrate) The clever writing style makes it feel like you are reading more of a non fiction crime and l had to remind myself this actually happened.While exploring the toxic mother and daughter relationship between Stella and Cynthia at times I was unsure who to believe because there are lots of inconsistencies and loose ends. I found the trial part fascinating.
Make sure to read the authors afterword at the end it’s very enlightening.
A shockingly addictive read if you like true crime this one’s not to be missed.!
Thank you to Netgalley,Gregg Olsen and Thread Books for my chance to read and review this book.
November 7, 2022
ARC audiobook provided in exchange for an honest review.
This book was originally published in 1993 but is now being released as an audiobook. I really enjoyed the narrator and the intro from the author was great for context before getting to the bill of the story. I watched a show about these cyanide murders on investigation discovery so I was familiar with the case but had no idea of the family’s backstory. It was very detailed and informative and if you’re into true crime, I would definitely give this a listen!
This book was originally published in 1993 but is now being released as an audiobook. I really enjoyed the narrator and the intro from the author was great for context before getting to the bill of the story. I watched a show about these cyanide murders on investigation discovery so I was familiar with the case but had no idea of the family’s backstory. It was very detailed and informative and if you’re into true crime, I would definitely give this a listen!
November 15, 2022
Narrated by Karen Peakes ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
by Gregg Olsen ⭐⭐⭐
This book was ok, but by no means is the story shocking. I don't know if because in the age we are currently living it we have heard a lot worse things. But if you like true crime as just something to listen too then you'll enjoy this.
by Gregg Olsen ⭐⭐⭐
This book was ok, but by no means is the story shocking. I don't know if because in the age we are currently living it we have heard a lot worse things. But if you like true crime as just something to listen too then you'll enjoy this.
March 23, 2023
RATING: 3.5
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