The Officer's Wife

by Michael Fleeman

A MAN IN UNIFORM
He was a captain in the U.S. Air Force. She was a psychologist in Fayetteville, North Carolina. On the surface, Marty and Michelle Theer appeared to be the perfect married couple. But no one knew of the double life Michelle was leading. Tired of spending one too many nights apart from Marty who was often away on his flight missions, Michelle turned to the Internet to meet men and relieve her loneliness. With each encounter, Michelle became more daring in her sexual escapades. But one man stood out among all the former U.S. Army Staff Sergeant John Diamond. A WOMAN IN HEAT
The more time Michelle spent with Diamond, the less she wanted to be with her husband. Then on December 17, 2000, Marty was gunned down on a street outside of Michelle's office building. Suspicion first turned to Diamond, and she watched him take the fall for a murder she had masterminded. When authorities went after her, Michelle vanished. For months, federal marshals hunted desperately for Michelle, who had resorted to plastic surgery to avoid the law. In 2002, authorities finally captured her. A CASE THAT SHOCKED THE AMERICAN MILITARY COMMUNITY
For three months, a jury would hear graphic testimony delving into the sordid details of Michelle's swinging sex life as the happy veneer of the Theers's marriage was quickly peeled away. But when it came time to decide Michelle Theer's fate, her own shocking actions would finally seal her doom...

Genres: True Crime, Nonfiction, Crime, Audiobook

320 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published June 1, 2006

Reviews

[Bren fall in love with the sea. · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was actually very interesting. I occasionally read true crime books and I chose this one because the person written about was a psychologist. That did interest me. This book seemed to be very well researched and really did keep me reading until the end. I usually give True crime books a 3 or so rating if I like them and I did like this book. So if you are a True crime reader you may like this as it is much better written then many others in the genre that I have read.

[Suzanne · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book just didnt do it for me. I love my true crime. Way too much about the court case. It waffled on too much for me. It was repititive and I found myself skipping through pages just to finish the book. It didnt hold my interest at all.

[♥ Marlene♥ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Been reading this and so far (71% in) very good although sometimes a bit repetitive

Finished this book last week and this was another very good true crime book. I do find it always quite intriguing when it is the other way around and women kill men but I was glad with the outcome. Michael Fleeman is an excellent true crime writer.

(and skip the remark about it being repetitive. Just finished Frozen Tears about the Fort Leonard Wood MP Murders and if you talk about it being repetitive that is the book to show)

[Catherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very well done true crime account of a pair of astonishingly shallow, entitled, untruthful and adulterous lovers and the murder that resulted from their connection. I’d love to know which one the author believes pulled the trigger, but otherwise thought this book excellent. If you like detailed true crime tales about really bad people, that is.

[Charity · Rating 2 out of 5]

This story was a fascinating and tragic tale of high school sweethearts achieving the American dream and a spouse’s betrayal in the worst way. That being said, I’ve noticed this author’s true crime books lack in personalizing the victims and the necessary background information/legwork to delve deep into the lives and experiences of his subjects. His source appears to be court transcripts rather than personal interviews with those who knew and loved these people and understood the storm that was brewing. For instance, I would have loved to have known more of Capt. Marty Theer, yet the author only presented three details about the man, he loved his grandparents because his father was absent, wanted to have children and (according to his wife) watched online porn. He appeared to be a side note in the story, which again, seems to be common with this author. While I did find the entire story fascinating and haunting, this book left a lot to be desired.

[Irene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating story of a woman who thought she was smarter than everyone else, and an ironic study of a psychologist who had real psychological issues of her own. Although no one can really know all the details of this story and what motivated this woman, it is also a tragic tale of a man who lost his life because of the twisted desires of a disturbed and manipulative personality.

[Ronnie Cramer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another one of those books that you read and wonder, "Why didn't they just get a divorce? Why was murder 'necessary'"? I read this years ago but couldn't remember most of the details so I gave it another shot; it's another good one from Michael Fleeman. I've read and enjoyed all his other books, but they're always good on a second or third reading, so I guess it's time to re-read a couple other Fleeman books, including THE STRANGER IN MY BED. Update: I read THE OFFICER'S WIFE again (finishing 3-13-21) and once again enjoyed it immensely.

[Dorel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 1st book I read by Michael Fleeman. I wanted read this after seeing it on TV 📺. This book's storyline was good. This book's storyline is sad 😞. Michelle was something else. My heart breaks 💔 for Marty's family 👪. This book had me interested from the beginning to the end.

[Angela White · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book seems incomplete. The ending was abrupt, and did not seem to finish covering the story. Also, my Kindle edition had no pictures which was a disappointment. The book did not always flow in a sensible way. Otherwise, I recommend the book. It has interesting information.

[Jill H. · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book should spell the end of my true crime book binge. I got what I deserved with this one as it is a mess in many ways. Written by someone I never heard of, it is so full of errors (names, places, grammar, etc.) that it is almost funny. I think when a crime that garners media attention is committed, some author will jump on it and write a fast book to play on the publicity. I think this is what happened here and someone forgot to proofread or edit it before it was published.

The story is another ho-hum murder of the husband in a love triangle and becomes a "he said, she said" situation when the perpetrators are brought to trial. The story really isn't even that interesting but I finished it just to say that this can finally teach me to quit reading this genre unless it was written by the late Ann Rule!!!

[Ronnie Cramer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another one of those books that you read and wonder, "Why didn't they just get a divorce? Why was murder 'necessary'"? I read this years ago but couldn't remember most of the details so I gave it another shot; it's another good one from Michael Fleeman. I've read all his other books with the exception of LACI: Inside the Laci Petersen Murder, so I guess it's time to read that one. I also want to re-read a couple other Fleeman books, including THE STRANGER IN MY BED. Update: I read this again (finishing 3-13-21) and once again enjoyed it immensely.

[Jose Urena · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm a retired Soldier who was once stationed at Fort Bragg, NC. I've got to say. This is one of the stories that totally brings out the dark side of the military lifestyle. Being a military couple or family isn't easy, but it's worth it. Military spouses don't have it quite easy by any means. They have to deal with the long deployments of their military service member. It takes a lot of sacrifices. These are the stories that we do not want to deal with. This is a must read for anyone who serves in the military, no matter what branch. It clearly shows why it's important for military families to be committed and understanding of what we do for a living.

[Cindy Moore · Rating 4 out of 5]

Who Really Knows?

I really enjoyed this book. I only gave it four stars because I have read many True Crime stories that were more enjoyable. Their was just to much he said she said. Nothing that really made me feel like I could believe one of the other. But like I said I did enjoy in fact I had a problem putting it down. If you like True Crime books I definitely think you would like it!

[Kimberly Shifflett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read but I wanted to know more

I enjoyed this book however there were quite a few grammatical errors which made understanding certain parts difficult. I wanted to know more about Michelle Theers trial also. Like what was her explaining changing appearances and what we're her honest thoughts of John Diamond.

[Jimmy Chaillot · Rating 4 out of 5]

This case is the ultimate ”why didn’t you just get a divorce” case. It boggles the mind when both spouses have a career and one of them decides that the other has to die.

The emails that the author got painted the portrait of a person who didn’t want to be married anymore. It also made the book really interesting.

I recommend it. Solid book

[Janna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mmmm, my guilty pleasure - true crime novels. This one was well-crafted, although there were quite a few errors in the book (spelling, as well as changing a character's name just two paragraphs apart). All in all a good read though.

[Dawn Huffines medley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very good book. I love books based on true stories. I can see how people could get sucked in by Michelle. I do believe she killed her husband and I believe she used the army guy as her escape goal. Hopefully some day the truth will be told.

[Sharron · Rating 4 out of 5]

Evil

The things people do for love never cease to amaze me. It had no closure for any of the families and ended the life of a good man as portrayed in this book. You be the judge of the innocent and guilty parties

[Angel Garlinger · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great book. It got me hooked and I couldn't put it down but it's sad to think this really happened to the poor husband.

[Annamaria · Rating 4 out of 5]

I couldn't finish to read it,because you cut me off

Because you wouldn't let me finish the book.it's my book i bought it,quit cutting me off when I am almost done

[Sarah Jensen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book Review: A Feminist Perspective on The Officer’s Wife
Michael Fleeman’s The Officer’s Wife: A True Story of Unspeakable Betrayal and Cold-Blooded Murder is a true-crime narrative that dissects the shocking 2000 murder of Air Force Captain Marty Theer, allegedly orchestrated by his wife, psychologist Michelle Theer. While the book delivers a gripping, meticulously researched account of the crime and trial, a feminist reading reveals problematic framing in its portrayal of female culpability, agency, and the broader societal lens through which “monstrous” women are judged.

The “Femme Fatale” Trope and Gendered Villainy
Michelle Theer is presented as a calculating adulteress whose alleged manipulation of her lover into murdering her husband aligns with the classic femme fatale archetype. Fleeman’s narrative leans into sensationalized tropes—the deceptive, sexually voracious woman who weaponizes her allure—rather than probing deeper into Michelle’s psychology or the structural pressures (military culture, marital strife) that may have shaped her actions. True crime often reduces women to binaries: victims or villains. Here, Michelle’s complexity is overshadowed by her demonization, reinforcing the idea that women who transgress domestic ideals are inherently unnatural or evil.

Agency vs. Victimhood: Whose Story Is It?
The book centers Marty Theer as the tragic hero—a dedicated officer betrayed—while Michelle’s voice is mediated through courtroom testimony and others’ perspectives. This asymmetry raises questions about whose suffering is deemed legitimate. Even in stories of female perpetrators, true crime tends to prioritize male victimhood, minimizing narratives of female anger or desperation. A more nuanced approach might have explored Michelle’s professional life as a psychologist, interrogating how power dynamics in her marriage or the military’s patriarchal hierarchy could have contributed to her unraveling.

The Absence of Systemic Critique
Fleeman’s focus on the crime’s salacious details (affairs, murder-for-hire) sidelines broader feminist questions: How does the military justice system handle cases involving women? How are women in positions of authority (like Michelle, a mental health professional) scrutinized differently when accused of violence? The book’s failure to contextualize the case within systems of gender and power leaves readers with a voyeuristic true-crime tale rather than a critical examination of misogyny in legal and media narratives.

Conclusion: Compelling but Unreflective
The Officer’s Wife is a page-turner, but its uncritical reliance on gendered stereotypes undermines its potential as a meaningful commentary on women, violence, and justice. For readers seeking a lurid tale of betrayal, it delivers; for those hoping for a feminist interrogation of female criminality or the biases of true crime itself, it falls short.

Rating: 3/5 (A well-paced but ideologically conventional true-crime account.)

[Latoya Lawrence · Rating 4 out of 5]

I first purchased the paperback version of this title in the year 2011 when I was reading books back to back from St. Martin's True Crime Library. However, I did not get a chance to read this one back then. It had gotten thrown away.

After all these years later, I just read and finished the ebook and The Officer's Wife was very good as I thought it would be just as the certain other true crime novels that I had read from the publisher at the time.

The story was very detailed and informative as it delved into the lives and minds of yet another account that involved sick individuals who went to the extremes--though in less gruesome methods compared to some of the other crime stories that I read in the series.

The only thing I was disappointed in was that the ebook did not show any photos of the crime scenes, investigation, evidence, forensics and suspects as the print books usually do.

[Stefanie Robinson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Captain Marty Theer was murdered in the vestibule of his wife's office building. During the investigation, it was discovered that the wife was cheating on him while he was overseas and away for trainings. The lover of his wife, SSG John Diamond, was convicted of the murder. Investigators believed strongly that his wife had something more to do with his murder and spent the next six years investigating her to get justice for Captain Theer.

This case was featured on Dateline, for those of you interested in the Dateline reading list. It had more details than the episode did, however, I preferred the narration of the Dateline cast. The book was a decent true crime book, providing details in a respectful and unbiased way.

[Pegeen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not enough about Marty, or even John , the son of a Viet Nam “ tunnel rat”. I think the idea of how hard a military life can be with moves and long separations needed more exploration and contrast to those ( most) who do make it work, certainly those that do not resort to murder. Screw loose somewhere which was not explored. This is as if the writer originally sat thru the trial (s) then went back and did surface journalism: what did the building look like , for example, without garnering any interviews with family and friends to help explain the “ Why”.

[James Burack Jr]

Love is blind

Diamond in the book came off as a young teenager who just had sex the first time, with the mental attitude that you need to pass Ranger School and to become a Sniper, how did he pass the mental exams to get the far in the Army, I spent 15 years in the 82nd Airborne Division Nd never ran across anybody like him. Also There proves the hype that people who become professionals in her field have issues. both need to stay in prison for the rest of their lives, also no Academy Award to her lawyer for his tears.

[Sandy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting topic but poorly presented

I find most "true crime" books fascinating, but I was disappointed in the organization of this book. It was confusing and redundant in parts. In the end, I had no feelings for any of the people, perhaps it was more clinical than a portrayal of emotions.

[veda]

The officer’s wife in name only

This book had me doubting myself on many occasions,l would have thought that her real could see her for the woman she really was. She was a manipulative liar .She self serviced in everything trying to cover her ass , in the many people were left with bad feelings . I would read John’s retrial if it came up. Justice needed her.

[Imani · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best true crime book I've read in a very long while. The writer manages to balance exceptionally detailed research, with brilliantly crafted storytelling. I really like that he didn't go too deep into the swinging lifestyle, which would have been salacious but completely redundant to the heart of the story.

Brilliant read.

[Teresa Mealer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Intriguing

This book is very long to read. It does not however ( in my opinion) finally describe the final guilty person.
I feel there is so much that could have been taken out, as it was repeated over and over again.

[Beth Ann Garcia · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good rendition of the story despite a few typos. The trial coverages were riveting. However, the story was told out of sequence, which left the story disjointed for me.