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Bone Deep: Untangling the Betsy Faria Case
Two days after Christmas, 2011, Russel Faria returned to his Troy, Missouri, home to find his wife, Betsy, dead, a knife still lodged in her neck. She had been stabbed fifty-five times in a brutal murder that would set off a chain of events leading to one man's wrongful conviction and imprisonment, another man's death, the revelation of a diabolical scheme, and an astounding miscarriage of justice left unresolved for another ten years. First responders concluded that Betsy was dead for hours when Russ discovered her. No blood was found implicating Russ, and surveillance video, receipts, and friends' testimony all supported his alibi. Yet incredibly, police and the prosecuting attorney ignored the evidence. In their minds, Russ was guilty. But prominent defense attorney Joel J. Schwartz quickly recognized the real killer. The motive was clear. Days before her murder, the terminally ill Betsy replaced her husband with her friend, Pamela Hupp, as her life insurance beneficiary. Still, despite the prosecution's flimsy case and Hupp's transparent lies, Russ was convicted--leaving Hupp free to kill again. Bone Deep takes listeners through the perfect storm of miscalculations and missteps that led to an innocent man's conviction--and recounts Schwartz's successful battle to have that conviction overturned.
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First published February 22, 2022
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About the author
Charles Bosworth Jr.
7 books159 followersCharlie Bosworth is a New York Times and Amazon bestselling author of seven true-crime books, with millions of books in print, as ebooks, and audiobooks. His first book, Precious Victims, was produced as a TV movie for CBS. He has appeared in a number of true-crime television shows.
He developed an expertise in writing about crime and the courts in twenty-seven years as a daily newspaper reporter, including twenty years with the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, covering hundreds of state and federal trials and criminal cases. He also has reported for the New York Times and the Chicago Tribune.
He spent years in corporate communications with a number of global companies and a leading St. Louis law firm, and as a vice president for one of the world’s leading PR and communications agencies.
He lives in Southwestern Illinois in the metro St. Louis area.
He developed an expertise in writing about crime and the courts in twenty-seven years as a daily newspaper reporter, including twenty years with the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, covering hundreds of state and federal trials and criminal cases. He also has reported for the New York Times and the Chicago Tribune.
He spent years in corporate communications with a number of global companies and a leading St. Louis law firm, and as a vice president for one of the world’s leading PR and communications agencies.
He lives in Southwestern Illinois in the metro St. Louis area.
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April 17, 2022
Bone Deep by Charles Bosworth; Joel Schwartz
Narrated by Gary Bennett
If this book were a novel, I'd call it preposterous, but sadly, the things that happened in this book happened in real life. December 27, 2011, Russel Faria arrived home to find his wife dead, her body bloody, a knife sticking out of her neck. Terminally ill Betsy had always fought depression and had threatened suicide in the past, so Russ, seeing knife wounds on her arms and neck, thought Betsy had committed suicide.
From the moment Russ made the 911 call to to report his upsetting find, Russ was under scrutiny. Every action by and every word from Russ was analyzed and found at fault by investigators who instantly decided Russ had killed his wife. Wrong minded decisions to blame Russ for Betsy's murder kept investigators, and those prosecuting Russ, from considering the chance that anyone else could have murdered Betsy. With a clear alibi, evidence, and witnesses that Russ could NOT have murdered Betsy, he was still charged with her murder.
With all evidence on the table, Pamela Hupp, a friend of Betsy and the last person to see her alive, should have been a suspect. Thank goodness Russ had good people behind him, working not only to clear Russ's name but also to bring to justice the real murderer of Betsy. But this would take years and Pamela wasn't finished with her wicked ways. This audiobook lays it all out for us, how Russ and his defenders were up against a brick wall of legal incompetence, lies, made up "facts", and the evilness of a woman named Pamela Hupp.
Pub February 22nd 2022
Thank you to Tantor Audio and NetGalley for this ARC.
Narrated by Gary Bennett
If this book were a novel, I'd call it preposterous, but sadly, the things that happened in this book happened in real life. December 27, 2011, Russel Faria arrived home to find his wife dead, her body bloody, a knife sticking out of her neck. Terminally ill Betsy had always fought depression and had threatened suicide in the past, so Russ, seeing knife wounds on her arms and neck, thought Betsy had committed suicide.
From the moment Russ made the 911 call to to report his upsetting find, Russ was under scrutiny. Every action by and every word from Russ was analyzed and found at fault by investigators who instantly decided Russ had killed his wife. Wrong minded decisions to blame Russ for Betsy's murder kept investigators, and those prosecuting Russ, from considering the chance that anyone else could have murdered Betsy. With a clear alibi, evidence, and witnesses that Russ could NOT have murdered Betsy, he was still charged with her murder.
With all evidence on the table, Pamela Hupp, a friend of Betsy and the last person to see her alive, should have been a suspect. Thank goodness Russ had good people behind him, working not only to clear Russ's name but also to bring to justice the real murderer of Betsy. But this would take years and Pamela wasn't finished with her wicked ways. This audiobook lays it all out for us, how Russ and his defenders were up against a brick wall of legal incompetence, lies, made up "facts", and the evilness of a woman named Pamela Hupp.
Pub February 22nd 2022
Thank you to Tantor Audio and NetGalley for this ARC.
February 11, 2022
Imagine arriving home after a night out with friends to find your wife dead, stabbed 55 times, and a knife sticking out of her neck? Imagine the police so convinced you are guilty they ignore evidence that doesn’t fit their narrative, and you are charged with murder. Imagine going to trial with an inexperienced prosecutor and judge who prevents the jury from hearing key evidence. Imagine a prosecutor guilty of misconduct in the courtroom, yet allowed by the judge. Imagine a case based only on conjecture, without a shred of evidence against you, but plenty of evidence that it would have been virtually impossible for you to have murdered your wife. Imagine, despite all of this, being convicted and sent to prison.
Sounds like an implausible premise for a fictional novel, doesn’t it? Unfortunately, it happened to Russ Faria when his wife Betsy was murdered in December of 2011. The case has been in the news for years, was featured on Dateline six times, a podcast aired in 2019, and a limited series will air in March of 2022.
With so much already out there about this case, do we need a book about it? Yes, we do. One of the authors is Joel Schwartz, Russ’s defense lawyer. It’s an insider’s look into this unbelievable case from start to finish with new revelations and previously undisclosed evidence. It details what can happen when those who are sworn to defend the rights of victims and the innocent fail to do their duty. It gives us the details of a person so evil and diabolical, someone who lies and changes their story multiple times, yet not one second was spent by investigators making sure her story checked out.
But it also demonstrates what happens when a defense attorney and reporter is dogged in their determination to make sure that justice prevails. It demonstrates the power of national media attention. But it also highlights the terror of what might happen to the wrongly convicted if they have no one on their side. Despite a judge and prosecutor who were seemingly determined to make sure Russ did not get a fair trial, the defense team and reporters made sure that after this sham of a trial, justice would be served. The conviction was overturned and a new trial was scheduled. But this time key evidence was disclosed. It was gratifying to read the evidence properly disclosed and the rule of law followed in court. Fortunately for Russ, he was found not guilty. Unfortunately for Russ, he spent three long years in prison for a crime he did not, and could not, have committed.
Marialyce and I found this a riveting story from beginning to end, rivaling many crime fiction books. At times, I could hardly believe what I was reading. The sheer incompetence and hubris of the judge and prosecutor was mind-boggling and if I were to read this in a fiction book, I would call it silly and implausible. Scooby-Doo would have done a better job.
This is gripping and a must read for fans of true crime and courtroom dramas. The story is told based on transcripts and audio/video recordings, with every word based on truth, not memory.
Having served on a jury for a few times, I often say that if I ever had to go before a jury I want them all to undergo an IQ test to make sure they are indeed a jury of my peers. But how do you protect yourself against an incompetent prosecutor and judge? A frightening scenario that makes one wonder how many innocent people are imprisoned with no recourse open to them to prove their innocence.
Russ now spends time giving back and paying forward by working on behalf of the wrongly imprisoned via the Innocence Project: https://innocenceproject.org
*I received a digital copy for review via NetGalley. All opinions are my own
* Publication date February 22, 2022 by Citadel Press
Sounds like an implausible premise for a fictional novel, doesn’t it? Unfortunately, it happened to Russ Faria when his wife Betsy was murdered in December of 2011. The case has been in the news for years, was featured on Dateline six times, a podcast aired in 2019, and a limited series will air in March of 2022.
With so much already out there about this case, do we need a book about it? Yes, we do. One of the authors is Joel Schwartz, Russ’s defense lawyer. It’s an insider’s look into this unbelievable case from start to finish with new revelations and previously undisclosed evidence. It details what can happen when those who are sworn to defend the rights of victims and the innocent fail to do their duty. It gives us the details of a person so evil and diabolical, someone who lies and changes their story multiple times, yet not one second was spent by investigators making sure her story checked out.
But it also demonstrates what happens when a defense attorney and reporter is dogged in their determination to make sure that justice prevails. It demonstrates the power of national media attention. But it also highlights the terror of what might happen to the wrongly convicted if they have no one on their side. Despite a judge and prosecutor who were seemingly determined to make sure Russ did not get a fair trial, the defense team and reporters made sure that after this sham of a trial, justice would be served. The conviction was overturned and a new trial was scheduled. But this time key evidence was disclosed. It was gratifying to read the evidence properly disclosed and the rule of law followed in court. Fortunately for Russ, he was found not guilty. Unfortunately for Russ, he spent three long years in prison for a crime he did not, and could not, have committed.
Marialyce and I found this a riveting story from beginning to end, rivaling many crime fiction books. At times, I could hardly believe what I was reading. The sheer incompetence and hubris of the judge and prosecutor was mind-boggling and if I were to read this in a fiction book, I would call it silly and implausible. Scooby-Doo would have done a better job.
This is gripping and a must read for fans of true crime and courtroom dramas. The story is told based on transcripts and audio/video recordings, with every word based on truth, not memory.
Having served on a jury for a few times, I often say that if I ever had to go before a jury I want them all to undergo an IQ test to make sure they are indeed a jury of my peers. But how do you protect yourself against an incompetent prosecutor and judge? A frightening scenario that makes one wonder how many innocent people are imprisoned with no recourse open to them to prove their innocence.
Russ now spends time giving back and paying forward by working on behalf of the wrongly imprisoned via the Innocence Project: https://innocenceproject.org
*I received a digital copy for review via NetGalley. All opinions are my own
* Publication date February 22, 2022 by Citadel Press
February 22, 2022
True crime, why can’t I quit you?!
I’m trying to cut back on these types of books, I really am. But I started to see 5-star early reviews for Bone Deep the same week I saw the teaser trailer for the upcoming NBC scripted mini-series of the case it covers (“The Thing About Pam” starring none other than Renée Zellweger). And here we are.
In 2011, Russell Faria came home from a game night with the fellas to find his wife Betsy dead, having been stabbed more than 50 times with a knife still sticking out of her neck. He called 911, immediately became a suspect, was arrested and convicted, and went to prison. Sounds like pretty efficient police and prosecutor work, except for the fact that he didn’t do it. To his defense attorney, Joel Schwartz, it was obvious from day one that the true killer was Betsy’s friend Pam Hupp. To say she’s an interesting (real life) character would be an understatement.
Bone Deep is one of those “stranger than fiction” true crime books that exposes the ineptitude of the US justice system when the people tasked with enforcing it are completely incompetent. Fans of the genre will be captivated from start to finish, despite its absolutely dreadful cover (seriously, so bad) and off-putting title. I breezed through the audiobook in just over a day, needing to hear how true justice would prevail.
So yeah, I do recommend Bone Deep to murderinos like me. Though my growing discomfort with the genre certainly flared up while listening. Having the victim’s postmortem body dissected and detailed feels a whole lot more like exploitation than justice. I sure hope my death doesn’t end up being covered by multiple Dateline NBC episodes, a podcast series, a scripted prime time television show, and a book like this. (Even if Ghost Regina would totally watch/listen/buy all of those things if it did.)
My thanks to Tantor Audio for the gifted copy to review via NetGalley. Bone Deep is now available.
Blog: https://www.confettibookshelf.com/
I’m trying to cut back on these types of books, I really am. But I started to see 5-star early reviews for Bone Deep the same week I saw the teaser trailer for the upcoming NBC scripted mini-series of the case it covers (“The Thing About Pam” starring none other than Renée Zellweger). And here we are.
In 2011, Russell Faria came home from a game night with the fellas to find his wife Betsy dead, having been stabbed more than 50 times with a knife still sticking out of her neck. He called 911, immediately became a suspect, was arrested and convicted, and went to prison. Sounds like pretty efficient police and prosecutor work, except for the fact that he didn’t do it. To his defense attorney, Joel Schwartz, it was obvious from day one that the true killer was Betsy’s friend Pam Hupp. To say she’s an interesting (real life) character would be an understatement.
Bone Deep is one of those “stranger than fiction” true crime books that exposes the ineptitude of the US justice system when the people tasked with enforcing it are completely incompetent. Fans of the genre will be captivated from start to finish, despite its absolutely dreadful cover (seriously, so bad) and off-putting title. I breezed through the audiobook in just over a day, needing to hear how true justice would prevail.
So yeah, I do recommend Bone Deep to murderinos like me. Though my growing discomfort with the genre certainly flared up while listening. Having the victim’s postmortem body dissected and detailed feels a whole lot more like exploitation than justice. I sure hope my death doesn’t end up being covered by multiple Dateline NBC episodes, a podcast series, a scripted prime time television show, and a book like this. (Even if Ghost Regina would totally watch/listen/buy all of those things if it did.)
My thanks to Tantor Audio for the gifted copy to review via NetGalley. Bone Deep is now available.
Blog: https://www.confettibookshelf.com/
February 22, 2022
Heart-pounding. Sick beyond fiction.
I don't consider myself a true crime reader. "Bone Deep" is probably my second book. If this was fiction, I would've DNF because it's convoluted, eye-rolling, just plainly too farfetched.
Russ Faria came home from game night to find his wife Betsy dead with multiple knife wounds on her arm. He thought she committed suicide because she went through depression and was terminally ill with cancer. He called 911.
Betsy was stabbed 55 times and Russ became the sole suspect. Even though crime scene evidence and friends' testimony supported his claim, Russ was charged with murder and was found guilty by the jury.
You would have to read it for yourself because it's just unbelievable. No freaking way!! How did everything go so wrong? Russ's attorney, Joel J. Schwartz wouldn't give up and worked diligently to get Russ out and to reveal the true killer. The last person who saw Betsy alive and the sole beneficiary of her life insurance policy.
I didn't think I'm a true crime reader. I don't see the point if you already know the story and the ending? It's about the details. Reading wiki or the news just doesn't cut it. Omg, I'm still frustrated and wanted to pull my hair!! This book has changed my mind! Highly recommend it if you want to try non-fiction, or if you're into crime, mystery, or legal thrillers. Gary Bennett was perfect with the narration. I'll probably find a print copy once this is published to see the photos etc. AND I'm looking forward to watching the limited crime drama series with Renée Zellweger, and Josh Duhamel in March!
Thank you Val's great review and for encouraging me to give it a try.
Thank you Tantor audio and Netgalley for the audio advance copy.
Available 02-22-22!
I don't consider myself a true crime reader. "Bone Deep" is probably my second book. If this was fiction, I would've DNF because it's convoluted, eye-rolling, just plainly too farfetched.
Russ Faria came home from game night to find his wife Betsy dead with multiple knife wounds on her arm. He thought she committed suicide because she went through depression and was terminally ill with cancer. He called 911.
Betsy was stabbed 55 times and Russ became the sole suspect. Even though crime scene evidence and friends' testimony supported his claim, Russ was charged with murder and was found guilty by the jury.
You would have to read it for yourself because it's just unbelievable. No freaking way!! How did everything go so wrong? Russ's attorney, Joel J. Schwartz wouldn't give up and worked diligently to get Russ out and to reveal the true killer. The last person who saw Betsy alive and the sole beneficiary of her life insurance policy.
I didn't think I'm a true crime reader. I don't see the point if you already know the story and the ending? It's about the details. Reading wiki or the news just doesn't cut it. Omg, I'm still frustrated and wanted to pull my hair!! This book has changed my mind! Highly recommend it if you want to try non-fiction, or if you're into crime, mystery, or legal thrillers. Gary Bennett was perfect with the narration. I'll probably find a print copy once this is published to see the photos etc. AND I'm looking forward to watching the limited crime drama series with Renée Zellweger, and Josh Duhamel in March!
Thank you Val's great review and for encouraging me to give it a try.
Thank you Tantor audio and Netgalley for the audio advance copy.
Available 02-22-22!
March 2, 2022
This is a true crime story about the murder of Betsy Faria, her husband who was wrongly accused, and the woman who really committed the crime.
In December 2011, Russ Faria returned to his home in Troy, Missouri after visiting with friends. He found his wife, Betsy, dead in the living room…stabbed 55 times with the knife still embedded in her neck.
Authorities quickly zeroed in on Russ as the prime suspect even though he had a solid alibi and legitimately could not have committed the murder in the timeframe it occured. Nevertheless, he was arrested and rapidly convicted.
Mindblowingly, the officers and those on the prosecutor’s side failed to realize that the real killer was there all along, with plenty of motive and opportunity to commit the murder. Her name is Pam Hupp, and she was a close friend of Betsy’s who also happened to be named as her life insurance beneficiary days before the murder.
Defense attorney Joel Schwartz knew right away that something was seriously amiss with this case, and spent years working with Russ to have his conviction overturned and putting the right person behind bars. Unfortunately, it took more killing for that to happen.
“That investigation was mismanaged from the beginning.”
That is a VAST understatement. Prepare to be frustrated and incredibly baffled to see how wrong the authorities and prosecutors got on so many things that would’ve been glaringly obvious to even a 5th grader. If you didn’t know this was a true crime, you’d think this was an over the top fiction tale.
Authors Charles Henry Bosworth and Joel J. Schwarz (Russ’s attorney) do an excellent job digging into court records, police reports, court transcripts, media reports, etc., presenting the full story and delving deep into the histories of all the pertinent people involved.
The first half is a bit repetitive and dry, and yet incredibly detailed. I felt the need to step away more than once. However, the second half really ramps up as the focus is turned to Pam even more after the conviction of Russ. I could hardly believe what I was reading, and couldn’t put it down.
I’m not sure one can say they “enjoy” a true crime story, but it was riveting and gripping…leaving no stone left unturned.
NBC will be airing a limited series based on this crime called The Thing About Pam, starring Renee Zellweger as Pam Hupp. It premieres 3/8/22.
In the meantime, I will be going down a rabbit hole of watching the numerous Dateline episodes about the case and seeing what I can find on YouTube.
3.5 stars rounded up.
Thank you to Citadel and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Now available.
Review also posted at: https://bonkersforthebooks.wordpress.com
In December 2011, Russ Faria returned to his home in Troy, Missouri after visiting with friends. He found his wife, Betsy, dead in the living room…stabbed 55 times with the knife still embedded in her neck.
Authorities quickly zeroed in on Russ as the prime suspect even though he had a solid alibi and legitimately could not have committed the murder in the timeframe it occured. Nevertheless, he was arrested and rapidly convicted.
Mindblowingly, the officers and those on the prosecutor’s side failed to realize that the real killer was there all along, with plenty of motive and opportunity to commit the murder. Her name is Pam Hupp, and she was a close friend of Betsy’s who also happened to be named as her life insurance beneficiary days before the murder.
Defense attorney Joel Schwartz knew right away that something was seriously amiss with this case, and spent years working with Russ to have his conviction overturned and putting the right person behind bars. Unfortunately, it took more killing for that to happen.
“That investigation was mismanaged from the beginning.”
That is a VAST understatement. Prepare to be frustrated and incredibly baffled to see how wrong the authorities and prosecutors got on so many things that would’ve been glaringly obvious to even a 5th grader. If you didn’t know this was a true crime, you’d think this was an over the top fiction tale.
Authors Charles Henry Bosworth and Joel J. Schwarz (Russ’s attorney) do an excellent job digging into court records, police reports, court transcripts, media reports, etc., presenting the full story and delving deep into the histories of all the pertinent people involved.
The first half is a bit repetitive and dry, and yet incredibly detailed. I felt the need to step away more than once. However, the second half really ramps up as the focus is turned to Pam even more after the conviction of Russ. I could hardly believe what I was reading, and couldn’t put it down.
I’m not sure one can say they “enjoy” a true crime story, but it was riveting and gripping…leaving no stone left unturned.
NBC will be airing a limited series based on this crime called The Thing About Pam, starring Renee Zellweger as Pam Hupp. It premieres 3/8/22.
In the meantime, I will be going down a rabbit hole of watching the numerous Dateline episodes about the case and seeing what I can find on YouTube.
3.5 stars rounded up.
Thank you to Citadel and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Now available.
Review also posted at: https://bonkersforthebooks.wordpress.com
February 22, 2022
On December 27th 2011, first responders attending the scene of Betsy Faria’s death, concluded that she’d been dead for some hours. Her husband Russ arrived home and found her covered in blood with a knife protruding from her neck. He called emergency services immediately, and even though no evidence was found to support Russ’s guilt, the police nevertheless chose to ignore that fact and charged him with murder.
This is the shocking true story of what can happen when the Criminal justice system fails in their duty to protect the innocent.
As a layperson it was obvious to me who the real killer was, and fortunately, Russ Faria’s defence attorney, Joel Schwartz, fought Russ’s case with huge determination to right this grievous wrong.
A little repetitive at times, but nevertheless engrossing and highly recommended.
*Thank you to Netgalley and Kensington Books for an ARC in exchange for an honest unbiased review *
This is the shocking true story of what can happen when the Criminal justice system fails in their duty to protect the innocent.
As a layperson it was obvious to me who the real killer was, and fortunately, Russ Faria’s defence attorney, Joel Schwartz, fought Russ’s case with huge determination to right this grievous wrong.
A little repetitive at times, but nevertheless engrossing and highly recommended.
*Thank you to Netgalley and Kensington Books for an ARC in exchange for an honest unbiased review *
March 6, 2022
Bone Deep: Untangling the Betsy Faria Murder Case by Charles Bosworth Jr., and Joel J. Schwartz is a 2022 Citadel Press publication.
True crime fans will have heard of this case, especially if you watch ‘Dateline’- or listen to their podcasts. This book takes a deeper dive into the murder of Betsy Faria, in an effective, thorough, organized, and straightforward approach.
The author outlines the case, gives background information on the victim and her family, explains the police investigation, the trial of Russ Faria, and how eventually law enforcement woke up, thanks in part to a reporter who knew the jury didn't hear important information, and realized they had convicted the wrong person, and the real murderer had been right under their noses all along. (I’m going to spare you any diatribes about this investigation-but I’m sure you can guess what my opinion of that is.)
Background:
Betsy Faria, after receiving treatment for terminal breast cancer, was offered a ride home from her friend, Pam Hupp, and she accepted.
Meanwhile, her husband, Russ, was attending a weekly ‘game night’ with a group of friends. They all watched movies instead of participating in their usual role-playing game, as they were a person short.
When Russ arrived home, he found Betsy dead, initially thinking she had committed suicide. If that weren’t bad enough, he would spend the night under intense interrogation by the police who were confident he murdered Betsy, despite a plethora of evidence that said otherwise.
Unbelievably, despite hearing all the evidence that pointed away from Russ and towards Pam Hupp, who had become the new recipient of Betsy’s life insurance policy, a jury found him guilty of murdering his wife.
If all of this isn’t crazy enough for you- it gets even more bizarre from there.
Joel J. Schwartz, Russ’s attorney, knew it was Pam- but couldn’t get anyone to listen-least of all law enforcement. Thus, began a near decade long journey for the attorney to exonerate an innocent man and see justice done…
This is one the cases I’ve followed on and off over the years, via ‘Dateline’ episodes. There is a super popular podcast too, I’m told, but I haven’t listened to it. If you haven’t seen the shows or listened to the podcast, this book covers everything all in one place, and of course add many more details.
The author did a great job in telling this incredible, ‘truth is stranger than fiction’ story. It’s riveting, even if you are familiar with the material, you’ll still find this story… and Pam Hupp… shocking- and I’m not usually surprised by much in the true crime realm anymore.
If you are a fast reader, you can get yourself acquainted, or reacquainted, with the story before the much-anticipated miniseries starts on NBC- starring an unrecognizable Rene Zellweger as Pam Hupp. (March 8, 2022)
Overall, this one of the most frustrating, strange, and incredible true crime sagas I’ve followed. You’ll have to read this one to believe it!!
4.5 stars
True crime fans will have heard of this case, especially if you watch ‘Dateline’- or listen to their podcasts. This book takes a deeper dive into the murder of Betsy Faria, in an effective, thorough, organized, and straightforward approach.
The author outlines the case, gives background information on the victim and her family, explains the police investigation, the trial of Russ Faria, and how eventually law enforcement woke up, thanks in part to a reporter who knew the jury didn't hear important information, and realized they had convicted the wrong person, and the real murderer had been right under their noses all along. (I’m going to spare you any diatribes about this investigation-but I’m sure you can guess what my opinion of that is.)
Background:
Betsy Faria, after receiving treatment for terminal breast cancer, was offered a ride home from her friend, Pam Hupp, and she accepted.
Meanwhile, her husband, Russ, was attending a weekly ‘game night’ with a group of friends. They all watched movies instead of participating in their usual role-playing game, as they were a person short.
When Russ arrived home, he found Betsy dead, initially thinking she had committed suicide. If that weren’t bad enough, he would spend the night under intense interrogation by the police who were confident he murdered Betsy, despite a plethora of evidence that said otherwise.
Unbelievably, despite hearing all the evidence that pointed away from Russ and towards Pam Hupp, who had become the new recipient of Betsy’s life insurance policy, a jury found him guilty of murdering his wife.
If all of this isn’t crazy enough for you- it gets even more bizarre from there.
Joel J. Schwartz, Russ’s attorney, knew it was Pam- but couldn’t get anyone to listen-least of all law enforcement. Thus, began a near decade long journey for the attorney to exonerate an innocent man and see justice done…
This is one the cases I’ve followed on and off over the years, via ‘Dateline’ episodes. There is a super popular podcast too, I’m told, but I haven’t listened to it. If you haven’t seen the shows or listened to the podcast, this book covers everything all in one place, and of course add many more details.
The author did a great job in telling this incredible, ‘truth is stranger than fiction’ story. It’s riveting, even if you are familiar with the material, you’ll still find this story… and Pam Hupp… shocking- and I’m not usually surprised by much in the true crime realm anymore.
If you are a fast reader, you can get yourself acquainted, or reacquainted, with the story before the much-anticipated miniseries starts on NBC- starring an unrecognizable Rene Zellweger as Pam Hupp. (March 8, 2022)
Overall, this one of the most frustrating, strange, and incredible true crime sagas I’ve followed. You’ll have to read this one to believe it!!
4.5 stars
May 17, 2022
This book is one that, if I didn't know it was true, I would be shaking my head at the sheer implausibility of it.
I had seen a number of great reviews for this one, so I requested the audiobook in order to hear it for myself. I had never heard of this case before (it took me literally 25% into the book to realize that Russ Faria was not actor Dennis Farina) and after my jaw hit the floor multiple times I had to Google the case and get the lay of the land before I continued. I vaguely recall watching at least one of the Dateline episodes featuring this case, but this book covers events up through the summer of 2021, so obviously there have been many developments over the ten years since Betsy was murdered.
If you're like me and have a very low tolerance for wrongly accused people (gives me extreme anxiety), let me tell you that this case comes out all right in the end. It takes a long time to get there, and the ineptitude and corruption in the legal system are shown in glaring light throughout. I realize that this book was co-written by Russ Faria's defense attorney, so it may not be as unbiased as it could be, but I also greatly appreciated his efforts to not back down from the fight because he truly believed that Faria did not get a fair trial and that someone else was obviously guilty of the crime because all evidence pointed to his innocence.
Like I said at the beginning, when I got to the end I was absolutely astounded that this actually occurred. Russ Faria now works with The Innocence Project, helping those who are wrongly incarcerated. This book did remind me somewhat of Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption, in the realization that so many people are convicted of crimes that they could not have committed and how there must be accountability and reform in the justice system
Gary Bennett did a superb job with the narration of the audiobook, although his natural speech speed is quite slow and meandering. When I increased the speed, the book seemed to move at a pace that was easier to listen to and experience.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
I had seen a number of great reviews for this one, so I requested the audiobook in order to hear it for myself. I had never heard of this case before (it took me literally 25% into the book to realize that Russ Faria was not actor Dennis Farina) and after my jaw hit the floor multiple times I had to Google the case and get the lay of the land before I continued. I vaguely recall watching at least one of the Dateline episodes featuring this case, but this book covers events up through the summer of 2021, so obviously there have been many developments over the ten years since Betsy was murdered.
If you're like me and have a very low tolerance for wrongly accused people (gives me extreme anxiety), let me tell you that this case comes out all right in the end. It takes a long time to get there, and the ineptitude and corruption in the legal system are shown in glaring light throughout. I realize that this book was co-written by Russ Faria's defense attorney, so it may not be as unbiased as it could be, but I also greatly appreciated his efforts to not back down from the fight because he truly believed that Faria did not get a fair trial and that someone else was obviously guilty of the crime because all evidence pointed to his innocence.
Like I said at the beginning, when I got to the end I was absolutely astounded that this actually occurred. Russ Faria now works with The Innocence Project, helping those who are wrongly incarcerated. This book did remind me somewhat of Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption, in the realization that so many people are convicted of crimes that they could not have committed and how there must be accountability and reform in the justice system
Gary Bennett did a superb job with the narration of the audiobook, although his natural speech speed is quite slow and meandering. When I increased the speed, the book seemed to move at a pace that was easier to listen to and experience.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
February 22, 2022
I had not heard of the Betsy Faria murder case before reading this true crime book. I don't follow true crime programs either, but when I saw this was featured as a Dateline series called
Stranger Than Fiction
and an upcoming March 8 premiere on NBC called
The Thing About Pam
starring Renée Zellweger. Count me in!
Well written and detailed, I flew through parts of it and other parts were a little bogged down with the repetition of some facts. I didn't really mind because of the depth and incredible research involved.
No one could ask for a more competent defence attorney than Joel Schwartz. He was unfailing in his pursuit of the truth and confident that the facts would prevail. After finishing the book, I was able to find some clips on YouTube and see all the real life people who were caught up in this most chilling murder. The reporter, Chris Hayes of Fox 2 was also credited in his investigative reporting that brought justice.
The Author's note mentions that most of the dialogue among the sources were taken verbatim from court transcripts, depositions, and video/audio recordings.
p.s. Thanks to Jan B, Marialyce and Regina for your excellent reviews that put this on my tbr.
Fascinating!
Thanks to NG and Kensington books for my ARC. OUT Feb 22, 2022
Well written and detailed, I flew through parts of it and other parts were a little bogged down with the repetition of some facts. I didn't really mind because of the depth and incredible research involved.
No one could ask for a more competent defence attorney than Joel Schwartz. He was unfailing in his pursuit of the truth and confident that the facts would prevail. After finishing the book, I was able to find some clips on YouTube and see all the real life people who were caught up in this most chilling murder. The reporter, Chris Hayes of Fox 2 was also credited in his investigative reporting that brought justice.
The Author's note mentions that most of the dialogue among the sources were taken verbatim from court transcripts, depositions, and video/audio recordings.
p.s. Thanks to Jan B, Marialyce and Regina for your excellent reviews that put this on my tbr.
Fascinating!
Thanks to NG and Kensington books for my ARC. OUT Feb 22, 2022
August 16, 2022
This is a True Crime Book. This book will stay with me for a long time. This is a true crime book that will make you really think investigation and what judges are leaving out at a trail. I really feel that this book shows that the people that is said to bring justice for people without voices anymore let down Betsy Faria and her husband. I felt this book was written in away that was easy to read and get into the story. It covered some really hard things, but the author did it in away that brought light to the subject and made it easy for most people to still be able to read this book. I really loved this book. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (Kensington Books) or author (Charles Henry Bosworth) via NetGalley, so I can give an honest review about how I feel about this book. I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.
January 1, 2022
Two days after Christmas in 2011
Russell Faria returned home to find his wife's dead body on the floor -stabbed 55 times with a knife still wedged in her neck. First responders concluded that Betsy had been dead for hours. There was no blood on his clothing, friend's testimony, receipts, and surveillance video showed that Russel (Russ) was nowhere near his home when his wife was viciously murdered.
And yet, the police officers involved in the investigation didn't feel he was crying real tears, his grief was not enough at times and other times too over the top for them. There must be some secret "how to cry when you find your loved one butchered" book out there that only these police officers in Troy, Michigan knew about. Gesh. Along with the prosecuting attorney, they decided he was guilty, ignoring the evidence and his alibis. In their minds they had their man, and the truth was not going to get in their way!
Talk about a mess and total devastation for Russ. He lost his wife first and then his freedom when he is tried and convicted for killing her. Can you even imagine?
Thankfully prominent defense attorney Joel J. Schwartz saw things differently. He saw the truth, the evidence, and the path to the real killer.
Don't confuse this book with fiction. This is a True Crime, and you may have even watched this case being told on Dateline. The author tells readers in the author's note that "Nearly all of the dialogue and conversation among sources in this book are taken verbatim from court transcripts, deposition transcripts, and video and/or audio recordings of police or attorney interviews."
This book shows what happens when those in power fail the innocent. It also shows how diabolical the real killer was.
This was a gripping and riveting book. The authors' attention to detail, research, and telling of this case was outstanding. I thought they did a tremendous job in presenting what happened, the evidence, and input from Russ himself. True crime fans will love this book. It reads like an episode of Dateline or 20/20. It is very easy to follow, engaging and if you do not know about this murder case, you will be very educated on it by the end of the book.
**This book was written with Russell Faria's cooperation
Thank you to Citadel Press and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
***There is also going to be a limited series titled "The Thing about Pam" about Betsy's murder and the conviction of the killer coming out in March.
Russell Faria returned home to find his wife's dead body on the floor -stabbed 55 times with a knife still wedged in her neck. First responders concluded that Betsy had been dead for hours. There was no blood on his clothing, friend's testimony, receipts, and surveillance video showed that Russel (Russ) was nowhere near his home when his wife was viciously murdered.
And yet, the police officers involved in the investigation didn't feel he was crying real tears, his grief was not enough at times and other times too over the top for them. There must be some secret "how to cry when you find your loved one butchered" book out there that only these police officers in Troy, Michigan knew about. Gesh. Along with the prosecuting attorney, they decided he was guilty, ignoring the evidence and his alibis. In their minds they had their man, and the truth was not going to get in their way!
Talk about a mess and total devastation for Russ. He lost his wife first and then his freedom when he is tried and convicted for killing her. Can you even imagine?
Thankfully prominent defense attorney Joel J. Schwartz saw things differently. He saw the truth, the evidence, and the path to the real killer.
Don't confuse this book with fiction. This is a True Crime, and you may have even watched this case being told on Dateline. The author tells readers in the author's note that "Nearly all of the dialogue and conversation among sources in this book are taken verbatim from court transcripts, deposition transcripts, and video and/or audio recordings of police or attorney interviews."
This book shows what happens when those in power fail the innocent. It also shows how diabolical the real killer was.
This was a gripping and riveting book. The authors' attention to detail, research, and telling of this case was outstanding. I thought they did a tremendous job in presenting what happened, the evidence, and input from Russ himself. True crime fans will love this book. It reads like an episode of Dateline or 20/20. It is very easy to follow, engaging and if you do not know about this murder case, you will be very educated on it by the end of the book.
**This book was written with Russell Faria's cooperation
Thank you to Citadel Press and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
***There is also going to be a limited series titled "The Thing about Pam" about Betsy's murder and the conviction of the killer coming out in March.
April 8, 2022
Would you kill for $150,000? Could you stab your victim over fifty-five times in what seems like a fit of rage! Could a husband, a friend, or anyone do such a thing? The case of Russ Faria is one that will go down in the annals of criminal injustice. Russ was accused of brutally killing his wife, Betsy, a woman who was just diagnosed with stage four cancer. However, Russ had an ironclad reason he could not have done such a thing. Yet, the police team in Troy, Missouri, along with the prosecutor, Leah Askey (Cheney), were certain they had their man. They didn't and fiasco of a trial ensued led by an incompetent judge. Russ was defended by Joel Schwartz, who firmly believed Russ was innocent and is one on the coauthors of this book, the other being, Charles Bosworth Jr. These two assembled a book that will make you question how this defendant couldn't have received a fair trial.
Then there is Betsy’s best (or so she claimed) friend, Pam Huff, who seemed to possess a shield that deflected any eyes turning in her direction. She was the master deflector, claiming a plethora of injuries and an even bigger story changer that was summarily ignored by the prosecution and police.
Why was this sham and what followed allowed to happen? How could the prosecutor, the judge, and even the jury been so wrong?
This book is a true crime story and one that made me wonder, is this fiction? The utter incompetence, the disregarding of facts, the sheer hypocrisy of this trial left me breathless. Then I found myself asking why? Why would they fixate on Russ? Why would they not cast a questioning eye at Pam Huff? Why would they possibly seem to frame Russ for a crime he obviously didn’t commit?
Jan and I were beyond appalled that our criminal system could produce a prosecuting attorney and judge such as the ones assigned Russ’s trial. We were in awe of the sheer railroading of Russ and the total lack of fairness.
It was beyond frustrating as we could feel Joel Schwartz realizing that not only his hands, but also his feet were tied. He believed in Russ and fought valiantly for him. However, they had gotten their "man” and were not going to change a thing, facts be dammed, and truths be buried.
I could say more about how this effected me and brought out so many strong emotions. There is so much to this tale, that one needs to be encouraged to read. They say truth is sometimes stranger than fiction and, in this case, truth takes a seat far back in this courtroom. You are going to ask yourself, how could this have happened and yet it did!
Bottom line is truth is stranger than fiction!
This story is soon to be a series on NBC staring Rene Zwellinger as Pam Huff.
Thank you to Charles Henry Bosworth, and Joel Schwartz, Citadel Press, and NetGalley for a copy of this tale due out February 22, 2022.
Then there is Betsy’s best (or so she claimed) friend, Pam Huff, who seemed to possess a shield that deflected any eyes turning in her direction. She was the master deflector, claiming a plethora of injuries and an even bigger story changer that was summarily ignored by the prosecution and police.
Why was this sham and what followed allowed to happen? How could the prosecutor, the judge, and even the jury been so wrong?
This book is a true crime story and one that made me wonder, is this fiction? The utter incompetence, the disregarding of facts, the sheer hypocrisy of this trial left me breathless. Then I found myself asking why? Why would they fixate on Russ? Why would they not cast a questioning eye at Pam Huff? Why would they possibly seem to frame Russ for a crime he obviously didn’t commit?
Jan and I were beyond appalled that our criminal system could produce a prosecuting attorney and judge such as the ones assigned Russ’s trial. We were in awe of the sheer railroading of Russ and the total lack of fairness.
It was beyond frustrating as we could feel Joel Schwartz realizing that not only his hands, but also his feet were tied. He believed in Russ and fought valiantly for him. However, they had gotten their "man” and were not going to change a thing, facts be dammed, and truths be buried.
I could say more about how this effected me and brought out so many strong emotions. There is so much to this tale, that one needs to be encouraged to read. They say truth is sometimes stranger than fiction and, in this case, truth takes a seat far back in this courtroom. You are going to ask yourself, how could this have happened and yet it did!
Bottom line is truth is stranger than fiction!
This story is soon to be a series on NBC staring Rene Zwellinger as Pam Huff.
Thank you to Charles Henry Bosworth, and Joel Schwartz, Citadel Press, and NetGalley for a copy of this tale due out February 22, 2022.
September 14, 2024
On December 27, 2011, Russ Faria was at his usual Tuesday evening game night, where he and his friends enjoyed role-playing board games and watching movies. On the way back to his house in Troy, Missouri, Russ had two sandwiches from Arby's and texted his wife Betsy that he was on his way back. Russ received no response and assumed his wife had gone to sleep after a tiring chemotherapy session for her cancer.
Russ Faria
Betsy Faria
Russ and Betsy Faria
Instead of finding Betsy peacefully asleep Russ found her dead in the living room, with multiple stab wounds and a knife sticking out of her neck. Knowing that Betsy had been depressed about her health, Russ called 911 and cried, "I just got home from a friend's house and my wife killed herself."
Police detectives soon determined that Betsy was murdered, and in fact, the stiffness of the body indicated Betsy had been dead for some time. Nevertheless, the cops immediately dubbed Russ Faria the killer despite the fact he had a rock solid alibi for the time of death. The events that followed, with willfully blind cops, an obstinate district attorney, and an inexperienced judge are tragic.
Russ Faria was immediately Prime Suspect #1
If you're unfamiliar with the Russ Faria case, there are spoilers ahead.
SPOILER ALERT SPOILER ALERT SPOILER ALERT
Russ should have called a lawyer before speaking to the police, but hindsight is 20/20 and Russ allowed himself to be questioned by detectives for hours and hours, not realizing that every word he said was twisted to 'prove' his guilt.
When Russ finally got a defense attorney, Armani-clad Joel Schwartz, the lawyer immediately saw the obvious.
Attorney Joel Schwartz
In Schwartz's view, the major suspect for Betsy's murder should be Betsy's 'friend' Pamela Hupp. On the day of Betsy's death Pam maneuvered to drive Betsy home; Pam was the last person to see Betsy alive; Pam made a series of suspicious phone calls; Pam stood to gain $150,000 as the new beneficiary of Pam's life insurance policy; and Pam's story about what happened that night changed from minute to minute. Moreover, Pam went out of her way to badmouth Russ and to point the police in his direction.
Pamela Hupp
In this book, Schwartz and his co-author Charles Bosworth, Jr. give a step-by-step account of Russ's activities on the night of Betsy's murder; the police questioning of witnesses; the police/district attorney manipulation of witnesses; the lies that were told; and the trials and re-trials that followed. In the midst of the hubbub, the NBC program 'Dateline' became interested in Betsy's story: "A popular, outgoing woman already stricken with terminal cancer stabbed fifty-five times in her home in a quiet Midwest town....A husband arrested despite a seemingly ironclad alibi that put him thirty miles away....A good friend who became the life insurance beneficiary days before the murder and was the last one to see the victim alive." Dateline may well have been instrumental in inflaming public opinion and securing Russ a second trial.
This is a fascinating tale of justice subverted, a debacle that left Pam Hupp free to commit additional crimes. If this was fiction, you'd say it stretched believability to the breaking point. In any case, this is now a HULU mini-series called "The Thing About Pam", starring Renée Zellweger as Pam Hupp and Josh Duhamel as Joel Schwartz.
Renée Zellweger as Pamela Hupp
Josh Duhamel as Joel Schwartz
The book is highly recommended to true crime fans.
Thanks to Netgalley, Joel Schwartz and Charles Bosworth, Jr., and Kensington Books for a copy of the book.
You can follow my reviews at https://reviewsbybarbsaffer.blogspot.com
March 5, 2022
Man and I thought the Ada police department was incompetent, convicting a person based on dreams. I have seen this case on Dateline, and I am still shocked on how the police plus the prosecution just ignored the real facts. They all were determined to railroad the husband Russ straight into prison without passing Go or collecting two hundred dollars. I bet to this day they all claim they didn't make any mistakes. Just gross. Excellent information on the case. It had to be hard to collect all of Pam's lies in one place. I hope she enjoys prison. Hopefully she is housed with Bertha, who enjoys slapping her around daily.
April 18, 2022
Audiobook…..read by Gary Bennett
……11 hours and 20 minutes
Geeeee…..unbelievable!!!
I rarely read true crime stories- and I never watch Dateline true crime TV shows…..
I knew nothing about this story, until the outstanding endorsement review by Marialyce.
And many thanks to others in the Goodreads community …
WHAT A PAGE TURNER!!!!!!
Holy Baloney!!!
The last True Crime book I read was “Just Mercy”, written by Bryan Stevenson ….
There are defamation chilling similarities—innocent men who were wrongfully accused and unwrongfully convicted.
Joel Schwartz — defense lawyer in this case is the hero who fought for Russ Faria. It was clear, obvious …..
that Russ, husband of his wife Betsy (who had terminal cancer), was innocent—
but ….
with cockeyed crooked cops, a deranged prosecutor, and an incompetent judge….Russ
was found guilty …..
In the meantime, the true killer — Pam Hupp —not only goes free — but kills two more times again.
It’s an intense, riveting, *mesmerizing* well written account of the horrific murder Betsy Faria, that even a teenage son could see the hard evidence ….. and an insane judicial botched job travesty….
Horrific injustice!!!
Thankfully…..
* Joe Schwartz’s* tenacity- finally- brought justice to Russ Faria and his family.
Author, Charles Bosworth did a phenomenal job telling the ‘day-by-day details. I honestly could not put this book down ….
It was crazily fascinating.
My question is now is…has anyone seen the mini series? Thoughts? Worth watching?
……11 hours and 20 minutes
Geeeee…..unbelievable!!!
I rarely read true crime stories- and I never watch Dateline true crime TV shows…..
I knew nothing about this story, until the outstanding endorsement review by Marialyce.
And many thanks to others in the Goodreads community …
WHAT A PAGE TURNER!!!!!!
Holy Baloney!!!
The last True Crime book I read was “Just Mercy”, written by Bryan Stevenson ….
There are defamation chilling similarities—innocent men who were wrongfully accused and unwrongfully convicted.
Joel Schwartz — defense lawyer in this case is the hero who fought for Russ Faria. It was clear, obvious …..
that Russ, husband of his wife Betsy (who had terminal cancer), was innocent—
but ….
with cockeyed crooked cops, a deranged prosecutor, and an incompetent judge….Russ
was found guilty …..
In the meantime, the true killer — Pam Hupp —not only goes free — but kills two more times again.
It’s an intense, riveting, *mesmerizing* well written account of the horrific murder Betsy Faria, that even a teenage son could see the hard evidence ….. and an insane judicial botched job travesty….
Horrific injustice!!!
Thankfully…..
* Joe Schwartz’s* tenacity- finally- brought justice to Russ Faria and his family.
Author, Charles Bosworth did a phenomenal job telling the ‘day-by-day details. I honestly could not put this book down ….
It was crazily fascinating.
My question is now is…has anyone seen the mini series? Thoughts? Worth watching?
February 20, 2022
True crime!
I really don’t read much true crime. The last one I think I read was about 15 years ago but hey ho, it satisfied the “something different” itch. And what a story this is - a story of a monstrous travesty of justice! It’s hard to believe this is a true story. I understand it was widely covered in American media but, being from the antipodes, I had heard nothing about it.
Russ Faria returned home from his regular Tuesday game night night with friends to find his wife dead with a knife sticking out of her neck. He was shocked and horrified. He called 911. He assumed Betsy had killed herself as she had terminal cancer, had been depressed and had attempted suicide before. This assumption cost him dearly because under the blanket covering her were 55 stab wounds. The police believed Russ was trying to cover up the fact he murdered her and from then on they fitted him up for the crime, ignoring evidence that he could not have been present when she died and ignoring any possibility that another, very plausible, suspect was available. So Russ is charged with murder and eventually the case proceeds to trial.
Russ was very lucky he had such a good and staunch lawyer. Joel Schwartz saw straight away that Russ could not be guilty and believed the case would prove him right. Unfortunately Russ was saddled with a very inexperienced judge - how does a judge with no experience in criminal trials get to cut their teeth in such a high profile murder case? But worse was that the prosecutor was so convinced Russ was guilty that she twisted every bit of evidence or lack thereof to her purpose. Luckily the judge and prosecutor were so blatantly biased and plain wrong on many points of law that Schwartz had every confidence of getting a mistrial granted or, at the very least, having grounds for an appeal.
Russ was eventually exonerated but he had spent some years in jail and the real killer had gone on to kill again. It was a horrific story and you have to wonder how many people, who didn’t have such a determined lawyer, are wrongly sitting in a cell right now. This is why I am opposed to the death penalty. Mistakes do happen. Many thanks to Netgalley and Kensington Books for the much appreciated arc which I reviewed voluntarily and honestly.
I really don’t read much true crime. The last one I think I read was about 15 years ago but hey ho, it satisfied the “something different” itch. And what a story this is - a story of a monstrous travesty of justice! It’s hard to believe this is a true story. I understand it was widely covered in American media but, being from the antipodes, I had heard nothing about it.
Russ Faria returned home from his regular Tuesday game night night with friends to find his wife dead with a knife sticking out of her neck. He was shocked and horrified. He called 911. He assumed Betsy had killed herself as she had terminal cancer, had been depressed and had attempted suicide before. This assumption cost him dearly because under the blanket covering her were 55 stab wounds. The police believed Russ was trying to cover up the fact he murdered her and from then on they fitted him up for the crime, ignoring evidence that he could not have been present when she died and ignoring any possibility that another, very plausible, suspect was available. So Russ is charged with murder and eventually the case proceeds to trial.
Russ was very lucky he had such a good and staunch lawyer. Joel Schwartz saw straight away that Russ could not be guilty and believed the case would prove him right. Unfortunately Russ was saddled with a very inexperienced judge - how does a judge with no experience in criminal trials get to cut their teeth in such a high profile murder case? But worse was that the prosecutor was so convinced Russ was guilty that she twisted every bit of evidence or lack thereof to her purpose. Luckily the judge and prosecutor were so blatantly biased and plain wrong on many points of law that Schwartz had every confidence of getting a mistrial granted or, at the very least, having grounds for an appeal.
Russ was eventually exonerated but he had spent some years in jail and the real killer had gone on to kill again. It was a horrific story and you have to wonder how many people, who didn’t have such a determined lawyer, are wrongly sitting in a cell right now. This is why I am opposed to the death penalty. Mistakes do happen. Many thanks to Netgalley and Kensington Books for the much appreciated arc which I reviewed voluntarily and honestly.
September 17, 2023
Wow! Truth is definitely stranger than fiction. Bone Deep: Untangling the Betsy Faria Murder Case is a riveting true-crime story of the death of Betsy Faria. Although Betsy's husband had an airtight alibi, the police focus exclusively on him. Betsy's friend, Pam, was the last person to see Betsy alive.
The story continues to amaze with so many different pieces of evidence. It is now a mini-series called The Thing About Pam. I definitely want to watch the series.
Highly recommend!
The story continues to amaze with so many different pieces of evidence. It is now a mini-series called The Thing About Pam. I definitely want to watch the series.
Highly recommend!
November 27, 2022
From the book blurb: "On December 27th, 2011, Russell Faria returned to his Troy, Missouri, home after his weekly game night with friends to an unthinkable, grisly scene: His wife, Betsy, lay dead, a knife still lodged in her neck. She’d been stabbed fifty-five times."
I wanted to watch "The Thing about Pam" but we don't seem to get whatever network it's on so I decided to read the book which was free with Kindle Unlimited. I haven't read much true crime lately although I used to love it. Like they say, sometimes truth is stranger than fiction and I'd say this book proves that. I was totally amazed by the first trial of Russ Faria. It's hard to believe the police, the prosecutor, the judge and the jury could paint such a skewed picture of what happened the night Betsy Faria died. You know how sometimes you say you need to wear your disbelief suspenders when reading a book? That's how I felt about this one, and it's a true story! Although there's some repetition which is probably necessary, the book is well written and held my interest. If you have an interest in true crime I highly recommend this book. There were even pictures included at the end of the Kindle version! I'll still be keeping an eye out for The Thing About Pam on one of the streaming services we have.
I wanted to watch "The Thing about Pam" but we don't seem to get whatever network it's on so I decided to read the book which was free with Kindle Unlimited. I haven't read much true crime lately although I used to love it. Like they say, sometimes truth is stranger than fiction and I'd say this book proves that. I was totally amazed by the first trial of Russ Faria. It's hard to believe the police, the prosecutor, the judge and the jury could paint such a skewed picture of what happened the night Betsy Faria died. You know how sometimes you say you need to wear your disbelief suspenders when reading a book? That's how I felt about this one, and it's a true story! Although there's some repetition which is probably necessary, the book is well written and held my interest. If you have an interest in true crime I highly recommend this book. There were even pictures included at the end of the Kindle version! I'll still be keeping an eye out for The Thing About Pam on one of the streaming services we have.
March 3, 2022
“Untangling” is an understatement…
Absolutely unbelievable!
If I had read this not knowing that it was all 100% true, but as a fictionalization, I would’ve given it 2-stars for its sheer unbelievability. Russ Faria experienced the most severe example of miscarriage of justice that I have ever seen & this should never have been allowed to happen… yes, allowed! If not for the dedication and determination of Joel Schwartz, Russ’s story would’ve had a very different ending.
The actual writing was good, however, the legal jargon did bog down the first half. I confess to skimming some of the first trial. That said, the second half was a whirlwind thanks to Pam Hupp and all her craziness.
I listened to this on audio and I think that this would’ve been better suited to the print version. The audio was for review through Netgalley and their app gave limited options for speed. I usually listen to audios at 1.25, however, only 1/1.5 were options. I chose 1.5 which made the narration run together, but 1 was too slow. All that said, I think if it were listened to at my preferred 1.25 the narration would’ve worked much better.
A truly crazy journey that I can’t wait to see played out on screen. 4 stars.
***ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Absolutely unbelievable!
If I had read this not knowing that it was all 100% true, but as a fictionalization, I would’ve given it 2-stars for its sheer unbelievability. Russ Faria experienced the most severe example of miscarriage of justice that I have ever seen & this should never have been allowed to happen… yes, allowed! If not for the dedication and determination of Joel Schwartz, Russ’s story would’ve had a very different ending.
The actual writing was good, however, the legal jargon did bog down the first half. I confess to skimming some of the first trial. That said, the second half was a whirlwind thanks to Pam Hupp and all her craziness.
I listened to this on audio and I think that this would’ve been better suited to the print version. The audio was for review through Netgalley and their app gave limited options for speed. I usually listen to audios at 1.25, however, only 1/1.5 were options. I chose 1.5 which made the narration run together, but 1 was too slow. All that said, I think if it were listened to at my preferred 1.25 the narration would’ve worked much better.
A truly crazy journey that I can’t wait to see played out on screen. 4 stars.
***ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
March 8, 2022
Okay, so I’m not known for writing reviews of my true crime books unless I have found them to be particularly heinous or may need to announce triggers. I give just about every book I read a star rating though, and most of my crime gets three stars, again reasoning above. I feel like it’s disrespectful to the victims’ families to give opinions on their anger, frustration, and grief.
But this book I just got from Audible and I’ve noticed that several of my friends have also and given it four or five stars. So I’m wondering if in this instance I just need to listen again. So that’s what I’m doing.
Oh so now I get it! She has her own posthumous pod cast and miniseries. That’s what’s up with the stars…
I can honestly say that with my re-listen I absorbed much more of the story behind this ruthless crime. This is one book that truly needs to be read without distraction and probably not in audio format. I think the audio didn’t give it justice. I hate saying that because I have so many audiobooks.
But this book I just got from Audible and I’ve noticed that several of my friends have also and given it four or five stars. So I’m wondering if in this instance I just need to listen again. So that’s what I’m doing.
Oh so now I get it! She has her own posthumous pod cast and miniseries. That’s what’s up with the stars…
I can honestly say that with my re-listen I absorbed much more of the story behind this ruthless crime. This is one book that truly needs to be read without distraction and probably not in audio format. I think the audio didn’t give it justice. I hate saying that because I have so many audiobooks.
March 6, 2022
This true crime documentary follows the Dateline true crime saga that is the basis for NBC’s ‘The Thing About Pam’ starring Renée Zellweger as Pam Hupp. Pam diabolically premeditated the murder of her ‘best friend’ Betsy Faria so that the evidence pointed to Russ Faria, Betsy’s husband. The co-author Joel Schwartz defended Russ, but incompetence by the Judge disallowed key evidence and allowed the prosecutor to present conjecture unsupported by facts. Oh, and the police’s investigation was incomplete. Russ was convicted and went to prison for four long years before Schwartz was granted a retrial for Russ. He was subsequently acquitted. The writing is well written and compelling.
February 23, 2022
My, my, my! Such an evil story, yet true and fascinating. I hadn’t heard of this one prior to digging in, and it was such a good read. A man wrongly convicted of the murder of his already terminally ill wife Betsy. Russ Faria just couldn’t get a fair shake when it came to the investigation. A riveting book written by Faria’s defense attoryney Joel J. Schwartz. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 22, 2022
This review can also be found at https://carolesrandomlife.com/
I found this book to be interesting. I live in St. Louis and this case happened locally. It was covered very heavily by the local news stations and it is such a strange case that I was eager to read a more in-depth look at what really happened. This is definitely one case that is stranger than anything you could make up. I do feel like I have a much better understanding of the case after reading this book.
I am not going to rehash all of the details of the case but it is rather sad. After finding his wife dead, Russell Faria was suspected and eventually convicted of her murder. This is despite the fact that the last person to see her alive was the same woman who had just become the beneficiary of her life insurance policy. At the second trial, he was found not guilty only to have the same woman attempt to frame him for a second murder. It is really amazing what Pam Hupp was almost able to get away with.
I knew a lot about the case going into the book since I have seen quite a lot of the coverage so the book started out rather dry for me since it was rehashing things I already knew for the most part. Things did get more interesting as the book progressed and I did learn a lot of things that I didn’t know before picking up the book. I do want to mention that one of the co-authors is actually Russ Faria’s defense attorney. I think that is important not only because he had a lot of knowledge about the case from an insider’s point of view very early on but also because of the possibility of some bias in the narrative.
I would recommend this book to others. I found this to be an eye-opening account of a case that I wanted to know a bit more about. I am glad I decided to give this book a try.
I received a digital review copy of this book from Kensington Books via NetGalley.
I found this book to be interesting. I live in St. Louis and this case happened locally. It was covered very heavily by the local news stations and it is such a strange case that I was eager to read a more in-depth look at what really happened. This is definitely one case that is stranger than anything you could make up. I do feel like I have a much better understanding of the case after reading this book.
I am not going to rehash all of the details of the case but it is rather sad. After finding his wife dead, Russell Faria was suspected and eventually convicted of her murder. This is despite the fact that the last person to see her alive was the same woman who had just become the beneficiary of her life insurance policy. At the second trial, he was found not guilty only to have the same woman attempt to frame him for a second murder. It is really amazing what Pam Hupp was almost able to get away with.
I knew a lot about the case going into the book since I have seen quite a lot of the coverage so the book started out rather dry for me since it was rehashing things I already knew for the most part. Things did get more interesting as the book progressed and I did learn a lot of things that I didn’t know before picking up the book. I do want to mention that one of the co-authors is actually Russ Faria’s defense attorney. I think that is important not only because he had a lot of knowledge about the case from an insider’s point of view very early on but also because of the possibility of some bias in the narrative.
I would recommend this book to others. I found this to be an eye-opening account of a case that I wanted to know a bit more about. I am glad I decided to give this book a try.
I received a digital review copy of this book from Kensington Books via NetGalley.
June 19, 2022
3.5 Stars
This was such an incredible case that describes a huge failure in police investigation. The case itself is fascinating, but unfortunately the narrative of the book is rather weak. The facts are frequently repeated, particularly doing the trial sections, that made this incredible story feel exhaustive. If you aren't familiar with the case, then you should definitely check it out even if the book could have been better edited.
This was such an incredible case that describes a huge failure in police investigation. The case itself is fascinating, but unfortunately the narrative of the book is rather weak. The facts are frequently repeated, particularly doing the trial sections, that made this incredible story feel exhaustive. If you aren't familiar with the case, then you should definitely check it out even if the book could have been better edited.
April 30, 2023
Really bizarre true story that went beyond Betsy's murder. It was frustrating to read because of the source material and the dry way it was represented. Thankfully it was a prime reading borrow.
December 12, 2021
In Troy, Missouri in December 2011, and just days after Christmas, Russ Faria returned home to find his wife deceased on the living room couch from what he believed to be self-inflicted wounds and with the knife still protruding from her neck.
Because of Betsy’s history of depression and facing terminal cancer, Russ initially believed her death to be self-inflicted and reported her death as a believed suicide to an operator after calling 911.
The first responding police officer immediately identified the death of Betsy to be that of homicide, not suicide, and soon after that, Russ became the number one suspect in the eyes of authorities.
It is not a spoiler to reveal Bone Deep is the true-life recounting of the murder of Betsy Faria and how her husband Russ Faria was investigated and arrested for her murder while obviously innocent of the crime. The book also shines a light on the true suspect and how almost immediately after the murder, this subject was not only completely ignored by law enforcement personnel, including the main prosecutor, but also how these officials actively resisted even to examine this person as a potential suspect even when preliminary information pointed directly in her direction.
While in cases similar to this one, it is not unusual for authorities to focus on a person closest to the deceased as a suspect, however in this murder, what was unusual was how investigating authorities and later court authorities, seem to have completely ignored not just ample evidence, but instead, overwhelming evidence that Russ Faria was not a viable suspect at all.
Types of evidence, both ignored and discounted, clearly excluding him from being any sort of suspect, included both eyewitness and physical evidence and was available from the very start of the investigation.
One part of me dislikes reading true-crime books as Bone Deep. This is not because books like this are bad, on the contrary, books like Bone Deep often are quite good. The disliking part is when these books reveal an avoidable and complete failure in our humanly created institutions, especially when there is no credible explanation for such failures to exist and when these failures have horrible repercussions for those sucked into these black holes of failure.
This is especially true when the information provided by modern technologies and advancements quickly introduces facts and evidence that easily exonerates a suspect such as Russ Faria. What adds to this dislike is when such information and evidence exists and is easily accessible and still, authorities do whatever they can to actively dismiss or ignore these facts and evidence out of self-interest, incompetence, or frankly, outright criminality.
While not excusing incompetence, one can almost understand how it can impede a criminal investigation, but to ignore factual evidence like what was done in the Betsy Faria murder should result in stringent penalties of some sort for those that discounted such evidence.
What happened in the Betsy Faria murder case raised my ire, as it should all people when familiarizing themselves with incidents such as these.
Bone Deep is an engaging true-crime book that exposes failures in the American criminal justice system while putting a human face on those involved and is recommended to those that enjoy well-researched books on subjects such as this.
Netgalley provided a copy of Bone Deep in return for a fair review and is set to be published in February 2022.
This review was originally published at MysteryandSuspense.com.
Because of Betsy’s history of depression and facing terminal cancer, Russ initially believed her death to be self-inflicted and reported her death as a believed suicide to an operator after calling 911.
The first responding police officer immediately identified the death of Betsy to be that of homicide, not suicide, and soon after that, Russ became the number one suspect in the eyes of authorities.
It is not a spoiler to reveal Bone Deep is the true-life recounting of the murder of Betsy Faria and how her husband Russ Faria was investigated and arrested for her murder while obviously innocent of the crime. The book also shines a light on the true suspect and how almost immediately after the murder, this subject was not only completely ignored by law enforcement personnel, including the main prosecutor, but also how these officials actively resisted even to examine this person as a potential suspect even when preliminary information pointed directly in her direction.
While in cases similar to this one, it is not unusual for authorities to focus on a person closest to the deceased as a suspect, however in this murder, what was unusual was how investigating authorities and later court authorities, seem to have completely ignored not just ample evidence, but instead, overwhelming evidence that Russ Faria was not a viable suspect at all.
Types of evidence, both ignored and discounted, clearly excluding him from being any sort of suspect, included both eyewitness and physical evidence and was available from the very start of the investigation.
One part of me dislikes reading true-crime books as Bone Deep. This is not because books like this are bad, on the contrary, books like Bone Deep often are quite good. The disliking part is when these books reveal an avoidable and complete failure in our humanly created institutions, especially when there is no credible explanation for such failures to exist and when these failures have horrible repercussions for those sucked into these black holes of failure.
This is especially true when the information provided by modern technologies and advancements quickly introduces facts and evidence that easily exonerates a suspect such as Russ Faria. What adds to this dislike is when such information and evidence exists and is easily accessible and still, authorities do whatever they can to actively dismiss or ignore these facts and evidence out of self-interest, incompetence, or frankly, outright criminality.
While not excusing incompetence, one can almost understand how it can impede a criminal investigation, but to ignore factual evidence like what was done in the Betsy Faria murder should result in stringent penalties of some sort for those that discounted such evidence.
What happened in the Betsy Faria murder case raised my ire, as it should all people when familiarizing themselves with incidents such as these.
Bone Deep is an engaging true-crime book that exposes failures in the American criminal justice system while putting a human face on those involved and is recommended to those that enjoy well-researched books on subjects such as this.
Netgalley provided a copy of Bone Deep in return for a fair review and is set to be published in February 2022.
This review was originally published at MysteryandSuspense.com.
April 26, 2022
This is one of the most bizarre true crime books I have ever read/listened to.
I hadn't heard of the Betsy Faria murder case before, but the blurb intrigued me and looked right up my street.
Wow. You start listening to this, and you can have no idea where the book will take you. I finished this weeks ago, and I am still finding myself thinking about it now.
This book was crazy. Bat-**** insane. I would have called it completely implausible had I not looked the case up online.
True crime fans will LOVE this.
I hadn't heard of the Betsy Faria murder case before, but the blurb intrigued me and looked right up my street.
Wow. You start listening to this, and you can have no idea where the book will take you. I finished this weeks ago, and I am still finding myself thinking about it now.
This book was crazy. Bat-**** insane. I would have called it completely implausible had I not looked the case up online.
True crime fans will LOVE this.
July 16, 2022
If Gillian Flynn wrote this story as fiction, people would pan it and accuse her of writing a far fetched novel.....
And yet this story is 100% true.
On December 27th 2011, Russ Faria returned home to find a horror scene. His wife Betsy lay dead with a knife sticking out of her neck. She has been stabbed 55x.
First responders immediately decided that Russ had killed Betsy and no amount of evidence proving his innocence would change that. He was tried and convinced based almost solely on the testimony of one person...Pam Hupp.
Bone Deep is an insiders account of the case told by Russ Faria's defense lawyer Joel Schwartz. This true story has more plot twists than most Thriller novels I've read. I went into this book knowing the story, as I had watched the Dateline episodes about the case and I listened to podcast The Thing About Pam. And yet I still learned more about this case.
I was infuriated reading this book. Police and Prosecutor corruption always makes me mad. The fact that law enforcement and Prosecutors can knowingly send an innocent man to jail and face no repercussions is infuriating.
I loved this book. I couldn't put it down and I highly recommend it!
And yet this story is 100% true.
On December 27th 2011, Russ Faria returned home to find a horror scene. His wife Betsy lay dead with a knife sticking out of her neck. She has been stabbed 55x.
First responders immediately decided that Russ had killed Betsy and no amount of evidence proving his innocence would change that. He was tried and convinced based almost solely on the testimony of one person...Pam Hupp.
Bone Deep is an insiders account of the case told by Russ Faria's defense lawyer Joel Schwartz. This true story has more plot twists than most Thriller novels I've read. I went into this book knowing the story, as I had watched the Dateline episodes about the case and I listened to podcast The Thing About Pam. And yet I still learned more about this case.
I was infuriated reading this book. Police and Prosecutor corruption always makes me mad. The fact that law enforcement and Prosecutors can knowingly send an innocent man to jail and face no repercussions is infuriating.
I loved this book. I couldn't put it down and I highly recommend it!
January 19, 2022
My thanks to @Kensington Books, as well as to @NetGalley, for the opportunity to read and review an early copy of Bone Deep - Untangling the Betsy Faria Murder Case.
4.5 Stars
I thought I knew a lot about the Betsy Faria murder case. I didn't. What a fascinating book, whether one is familiar with the case, or not.
When Russell Faria arrives at his Troy, Missouri home a couple of days after Christmas, it's to find his wife, Betsy, dead, a knife still lodged in her neck. What follows is a horrific and majorly frustrating ride as Russ is taken to an interview room and grilled for thirty-three hours. The police “know” that he is guilty, and bend the facts to prove it. The prosecuting attorney "knows" he is guilty and bends the facts to prove it. The judge, who is overseeing her very first trial, seems determined to do everything in her power to make sure Russ's attorneys are denied the right to ask any questions about a much more likely suspect, Pamela Hupp. Seriously, I wanted to SCREAM! When Russ is convicted, his attorney (Joel Schwartz) promises him that it isn't over. He is going to continue to fight for Russ. This description just scratches the surface of everything that happened. It almost seems as though it must be fiction. Nope. It's true.
At times the court proceedings were a little dry but for the most part, I didn't want to put the book down!! (FYI: on March 8th Renée Zellweger stars in a riveting, limited series inspired by one of the most popular and compelling sagas ever told on "Dateline NBC." It's called "The Thing About Pam" and I will be watching it!)
#BoneDeep #NetGalley
4.5 Stars
I thought I knew a lot about the Betsy Faria murder case. I didn't. What a fascinating book, whether one is familiar with the case, or not.
When Russell Faria arrives at his Troy, Missouri home a couple of days after Christmas, it's to find his wife, Betsy, dead, a knife still lodged in her neck. What follows is a horrific and majorly frustrating ride as Russ is taken to an interview room and grilled for thirty-three hours. The police “know” that he is guilty, and bend the facts to prove it. The prosecuting attorney "knows" he is guilty and bends the facts to prove it. The judge, who is overseeing her very first trial, seems determined to do everything in her power to make sure Russ's attorneys are denied the right to ask any questions about a much more likely suspect, Pamela Hupp. Seriously, I wanted to SCREAM! When Russ is convicted, his attorney (Joel Schwartz) promises him that it isn't over. He is going to continue to fight for Russ. This description just scratches the surface of everything that happened. It almost seems as though it must be fiction. Nope. It's true.
At times the court proceedings were a little dry but for the most part, I didn't want to put the book down!! (FYI: on March 8th Renée Zellweger stars in a riveting, limited series inspired by one of the most popular and compelling sagas ever told on "Dateline NBC." It's called "The Thing About Pam" and I will be watching it!)
#BoneDeep #NetGalley
February 23, 2022
Oh, how I love a well-written true crime story and this one hits all the marks proving that truth is indeed stranger than fiction. If I had read this as a novel, I would be scoffing in disbelief at all that happened to those involved in this case, but, indeed it did. I hope to be able to see the 6-part TV series that is meant to debut in March, 2022, and plan to listen to the Dateline podcast shortly. So good to feel that justice was finally served.
Russ Faria came home from a game night with friends to find his wife, Betsy, dead. In his panic, he called 911 and told the dispatcher that he thinks she’s committed suicide. In fact, Betsy was murdered — stabbed over 55 times — and for some reason, the cops think Russ did it. Over the next few months, the police do everything they can to get him arrested and charged with first degree murder. In this pursuit, they are aided by the prosecuting attorney. All conveniently and willfully ignore evidence that exonerates Russ and actually might point to the true killer. It was a travesty that he was imprisoned, found guilty in his first trial, and was only eventually found innocent by the dedication and hard work of his defense attorneys and some steadfast supporters.
If you enjoy this type of book, don’t miss this fascinating and frustrating tale of evil and greed, false accusations, and miscarriage of justice.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for inviting me to read and review this title.
Russ Faria came home from a game night with friends to find his wife, Betsy, dead. In his panic, he called 911 and told the dispatcher that he thinks she’s committed suicide. In fact, Betsy was murdered — stabbed over 55 times — and for some reason, the cops think Russ did it. Over the next few months, the police do everything they can to get him arrested and charged with first degree murder. In this pursuit, they are aided by the prosecuting attorney. All conveniently and willfully ignore evidence that exonerates Russ and actually might point to the true killer. It was a travesty that he was imprisoned, found guilty in his first trial, and was only eventually found innocent by the dedication and hard work of his defense attorneys and some steadfast supporters.
If you enjoy this type of book, don’t miss this fascinating and frustrating tale of evil and greed, false accusations, and miscarriage of justice.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for inviting me to read and review this title.
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