Janette E. (luvbooks) reviewed Heart Full of Lies : A True Story of Desire and Death on + 126 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3
This is the first book that I have read by Ann Rule. It grabbed my attention from the first page! Liysa was a total sociopathic liar and a killer, not a victim. Excellent read!!
Helpful Score: 3
I could not put this book down. Ann Rule writes true life murder in a compelling way which takes you into the psyche of the characters.
Helpful Score: 2
Ann Rule is without a doubt the queen of true crime writers. All of her books are well written and this one is no exception. She fleshes out the people in her stories so well the reader feels she has insight into what makes each of them tick. Her books are must reads for any fan of non fiction.
Helpful Score: 1
I've read most all of Ann Rule's books and Heart Full of Lies is written with the same investigative excellence and style!
Helpful Score: 1
One of Rule's better-written books, not as lengthy, and more controlled than her other books.
From the front dust jacket: "A true story of desire and death "Heart Full of Lies" by Ann Rule Bestselling author of "Every Breath you Take""
from inside the dust jacket:
In perrhaps the most profound character portrait she has ever drawn,Ann Rule asks: Can the female really be deadlier thant he male? In this story, she answers that question in one of her ost intriguing tales ever--a riveting true story of seduction, betrayal, and murder.
...On a sunny morning in Oct 2000, Chris Northon (athletic and handsome blond-haired pilot for Hawaiian Airlines) lay dead in a sleeping bag at a campsite beside a pristine river, while his wife drove four hours to a friend's house, sobbing inconsolably. She appeared to have been beaten, and had a black eye and bruises on her knee. Was Chris's death a tragic accident or a deliberate homicide? Was his wife involved? Oregon state detectives were suspicious, but her family and friends stood staunchly by her incredulous that anybody would ask such questions.
From Back cover:
From the front dust jacket: "A true story of desire and death "Heart Full of Lies" by Ann Rule Bestselling author of "Every Breath you Take""
from inside the dust jacket:
In perrhaps the most profound character portrait she has ever drawn,Ann Rule asks: Can the female really be deadlier thant he male? In this story, she answers that question in one of her ost intriguing tales ever--a riveting true story of seduction, betrayal, and murder.
...On a sunny morning in Oct 2000, Chris Northon (athletic and handsome blond-haired pilot for Hawaiian Airlines) lay dead in a sleeping bag at a campsite beside a pristine river, while his wife drove four hours to a friend's house, sobbing inconsolably. She appeared to have been beaten, and had a black eye and bruises on her knee. Was Chris's death a tragic accident or a deliberate homicide? Was his wife involved? Oregon state detectives were suspicious, but her family and friends stood staunchly by her incredulous that anybody would ask such questions.
From Back cover:
Mark H. (mxh) reviewed Heart Full of Lies : A True Story of Desire and Death on + 15 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Fascinating look at the life of a brilliant woman who successfully manipulates everyone she meets until she creates her own downfall. Like all of Ann Rules books, this one is very well written.
Rhonda M. (siswtch) reviewed Heart Full of Lies : A True Story of Desire and Death on + 81 more book reviews
Another really good book by ann Rule!
Jerrie S. (ZenaCat) reviewed Heart Full of Lies : A True Story of Desire and Death on + 67 more book reviews
I thought this was one of Anne Rule's better books.
Melissa B. (Missy) reviewed Heart Full of Lies : A True Story of Desire and Death on + 35 more book reviews
When Chris Northon married Liysa, it seemed the beginning of "happily ever after" for both of them. But marriage seemed to bring out a dark side of her that few had seen. When Chris was found fatally shot at a remote Oregon campsite, Liysa cried domestic abuse and claimed that she had acted in self-defense when she killed her husband. This book tells the tale of the investigators who painstakingly worked to unravel the truth in this complicated case, as well as the numerous members of Chris's family, who wanted his name cleared and justice to be served. This is an amazing book for anyone who is a fan of Ann Rule or true crime in general.
Dana E. (DfromGA) reviewed Heart Full of Lies : A True Story of Desire and Death on + 13 more book reviews
True to form, another great Ann Rule book.
Debra H. (a-gold-star) reviewed Heart Full of Lies : A True Story of Desire and Death on + 15 more book reviews
In the story of Liysa Northon, a woman who murdered her third husband, Chris Northon, in order to collect his insurance money, Rule has found a real-life soap opera.
In the fall of 2000, Liysa convinced Chris to go on a camping trip with her and their small son in the remote forests of Oregon.
But the idyllic vacation didn't last long; Liysa would later admit to ending her husband's life by shooting him in the head in an act of "self-defense." From where she sits today (in an Oregon state prison), she still professes to have shot Chris only in innocence and fear-emotions she said were caused by her years as a victim of domestic violence.
But according to her husband's parents and other sources, Liysa is a manipulative sociopath who spent years crafting a public façade of abuse persuasive enough to justify the cold-blooded murder of her husband.
Rule has done an impressive amount of research to reconstruct the history of Liysa's crime and the stories of the main people involved, interviewing dozens of police officers, investigators and private citizens across the country.
In the fall of 2000, Liysa convinced Chris to go on a camping trip with her and their small son in the remote forests of Oregon.
But the idyllic vacation didn't last long; Liysa would later admit to ending her husband's life by shooting him in the head in an act of "self-defense." From where she sits today (in an Oregon state prison), she still professes to have shot Chris only in innocence and fear-emotions she said were caused by her years as a victim of domestic violence.
But according to her husband's parents and other sources, Liysa is a manipulative sociopath who spent years crafting a public façade of abuse persuasive enough to justify the cold-blooded murder of her husband.
Rule has done an impressive amount of research to reconstruct the history of Liysa's crime and the stories of the main people involved, interviewing dozens of police officers, investigators and private citizens across the country.
Celia Y. (cay) reviewed Heart Full of Lies : A True Story of Desire and Death on + 63 more book reviews
Ann Rule does another great job of presenting the facts surrounding a domestic murder case; and this time the alleged killer is a female.
Naomi J. (nomi) reviewed Heart Full of Lies : A True Story of Desire and Death on + 31 more book reviews
All of Ann Rules books are well researched accounts of true crimes, usually murders. She gives us insight into the criminal mind. Ann Rule is "America's best true crime writer". I have thoroughly enjoyed all of her books.
chilling
Wendy N. (evansmom) reviewed Heart Full of Lies : A True Story of Desire and Death on + 52 more book reviews
Ann Rule's gripping bestseller illuminates the lethal deceit inside a dream marriage, and asks: can a woman be deadlier than a man?
"A convincing portrait of a meticulous criminal mind" Washington Post
"A convincing portrait of a meticulous criminal mind" Washington Post
Karen W. (Ilvbooks) reviewed Heart Full of Lies : A True Story of Desire and Death on + 275 more book reviews
Another great read by the queen of the true story writers. Better than the movie.
I could not put the book down. I love Ann Rule's books!
Cindy D. (absolutbeauty) reviewed Heart Full of Lies : A True Story of Desire and Death on + 15 more book reviews
very good book.
Jennie B. (MyLikeIt) reviewed Heart Full of Lies : A True Story of Desire and Death on + 450 more book reviews
Ann Rule always fascinates.
True story of Liysa Northon who is convicted to killing her husband. Very interesting study of deceit and deception and as The Washington Post says, "A convincing portrate of a meticulous criminal mind."
Christine S. (JrZyChris) reviewed Heart Full of Lies : A True Story of Desire and Death on + 36 more book reviews
Another great by Ann Rule. A true story of greed, desire and death.
Aimee S. (Ariadnae) reviewed Heart Full of Lies : A True Story of Desire and Death on + 356 more book reviews
Great Ann Rule true crime story!
Former Seattle police officer and crime author Rule (Small Sacrifices; Dead by Sunset, etc.) knows a good drama when she finds one: it involves love, betrayal, greed and violence. In the story of Liysa Northon, a woman who murdered her third husband, Chris Northon, in order to collect his insurance money, Rule has found a real-life soap opera. In the fall of 2000, Liysa convinced Chris to go on a camping trip with her and their small son in the remote forests of Oregon. But the idyllic vacation didn't last long; Liysa would later admit to ending her husband's life by shooting him in the head in an act of "self-defense." From where she sits today (in an Oregon state prison), she still professes to have shot Chris only in innocence and fear-emotions she said were caused by her years as a victim of domestic violence. But according to her husband's parents and other sources, Liysa is a manipulative sociopath who spent years crafting a public façade of abuse persuasive enough to justify the cold-blooded murder of her husband.
Cheryl G. (CherTLC4u) reviewed Heart Full of Lies : A True Story of Desire and Death on + 8 more book reviews
An idyllic Hawaiian wedding held the promise of a wonderful future for handsome Chris Northon, an airline pilot and confirmed bachelor. Then he met Liysa, an acclaimed surf photographer, loving mother and aspiring Hollywood screenwriter. But few had seen Liysa's other side -- her controlling behavior and dark moods, her insatiable hunger for money and property. And no one anticipated the fatal outcome of a family camping trip in Oregon forest. Liysa soon revealed herself as a victim of domestic abuse that culminated at the campsite where she shot Chris.
Very good book!
Very good book!
a true story of desire and death
ann rules gripping bestseller illuminates the lethal deceit inside a drean marriage, and asks: can a woman be deadlier than a man?
ann rules gripping bestseller illuminates the lethal deceit inside a drean marriage, and asks: can a woman be deadlier than a man?
Marilynn L. (WildOrchid) reviewed Heart Full of Lies : A True Story of Desire and Death on + 222 more book reviews
Abridged 4 cassettes approx 6 hrs
Gina R. (Gina) reviewed Heart Full of Lies : A True Story of Desire and Death on + 13 more book reviews
True Story of a woman who kills her husband. Good book you really can't put down.
Emmagene D. reviewed Heart Full of Lies : A True Story of Desire and Death on + 216 more book reviews
I have beome an Ann Rule fan is just the last couple of years. This tale of a truly psychotic woman was very good.
Heather C. (Razmotas1) reviewed Heart Full of Lies : A True Story of Desire and Death on + 23 more book reviews
If you like true crime books, this is one for your collection. Ann Rule, as expected draws you in and almost puts you right in the middle of the crime. I couldn't put the book down.
Christa P. (romeo) reviewed Heart Full of Lies : A True Story of Desire and Death on + 334 more book reviews
Liysa and Chris Northon seemed the epitome of idyllic lovers when they married on a moonlit beach in Hawaii. Their friends admired the romantic couple:Chris-tall, athletic, handsome with a thatch of blond hair, a pilot for Hawaiian Airlines-and Liysa-attractive, charismatic, seductive, an acclaimed surf photographer, with a tanned, perfect body. Their son, Bjorn, looked just like his dad, and they were raising Liysa's son by a previous marriage. They had beautiful homes on the mainland and in Hawaii. But it wasn't long before Chris saw a side of Liysa that he hadn't glimpsed before. Nothing was quite good enough for her-she wanted more money, more property, and a future that included fame as a Hollywood screenwriter. She complained to her friends that her husband was a heavy drinker who beat her. The marriage seemed to be unraveling, but Chris struggled to hold it together, afraid he'd be separated from Bjorn and Liysa's son, Papako. And then the worst happened. On a sunny morning in October 2000, Chris lay dead in a sleeping bag at a campsite beside a pristine river, while his wife drove four hours to a friend's house, sobbing inconsolably. She appeared to have been beaten, and had a black eye and bruises on her knee. Was Chris's death a tragic accident or a deliberate homicide? Was Liysa involved? Questions arose that made Oregon State detectives suspicious, yet her family and friends stood staunchly by her, incredulous that anybody would ask such questions.
overall, it was a little long, but it was a good story.
Vicki S. (baileyrose) reviewed Heart Full of Lies : A True Story of Desire and Death on + 80 more book reviews
In perhaps the most profound character portrait she has ever drawn, America's best selling true crime writer, Ann Rule, asks, can the female really be deadlier than the male? In Heart Full of Lies, she answers that question in one of her most intriguing tales ever-a riviting story of seduction, betrayal, and murder.
This woman is an amazing author. Very well written as usual.
This woman is an amazing author. Very well written as usual.
Rebecca C. (blueeyes371) reviewed Heart Full of Lies : A True Story of Desire and Death on + 3 more book reviews
Another great book by Ann Rule. Very particular in detail but it is necessary to understand fully the characters in the book. Very shocking
audiolady -
This story was intriguing. If you like Snapped on the Oxygen Network, you will enjoy this. I am really into human interest stories and this one certainly delivered what I was looking for.
Judy (DimensionX) reviewed Heart Full of Lies : A True Story of Desire and Death on + 65 more book reviews
I've read almost all of Ann Rule's books, and this was not one of her best. The story starts to drag on and get boring.
Yvonne D. (pennysmom) reviewed Heart Full of Lies : A True Story of Desire and Death on + 2 more book reviews
Love Ann Rule. Everything she writes is terrific.
The reader is very good on this audio and I really enjoyed it. I rated the book a 4.5/5.
A true story of desire and death.
Dyane M. (dyanemcs) reviewed Heart Full of Lies : A True Story of Desire and Death on + 22 more book reviews
From the back:
An idyllic Hawaiian wedding held the promise of a wonderful future for handsome, athletic Chris Northon, an airline pilot, a confirmed bachelor-turned-devoted family man; and Liysa, an acclaimed surf photographer, loving mother & aspiring Hollywood screenwriter. But few, including Chris, had seen Liysa's other side - her controlling behavior, her insatiable hunger for money and property. And no one anticipated the fatal outcome of a family camping trip in an Oregon forest. Liysa soon revealed herself as a victim of domestic abuse that culminated at the campsite, where she shot Chris in self-defense. But crime scene evidence led the detectives to wonder if Liysa was a killer, not a victim. Her controversial trial stunned all who thought they knew her. A lifetime of sociopathic manipulations and lies had been expertly hidden behind her facade of perfection - as was her rage to destroy any obstacle to her ultimate happiness, even if it was the man she vowed to love forever.
An idyllic Hawaiian wedding held the promise of a wonderful future for handsome, athletic Chris Northon, an airline pilot, a confirmed bachelor-turned-devoted family man; and Liysa, an acclaimed surf photographer, loving mother & aspiring Hollywood screenwriter. But few, including Chris, had seen Liysa's other side - her controlling behavior, her insatiable hunger for money and property. And no one anticipated the fatal outcome of a family camping trip in an Oregon forest. Liysa soon revealed herself as a victim of domestic abuse that culminated at the campsite, where she shot Chris in self-defense. But crime scene evidence led the detectives to wonder if Liysa was a killer, not a victim. Her controversial trial stunned all who thought they knew her. A lifetime of sociopathic manipulations and lies had been expertly hidden behind her facade of perfection - as was her rage to destroy any obstacle to her ultimate happiness, even if it was the man she vowed to love forever.
If you like true crime, Ann Rule is one of the best.
Sandy D. (genieladyluvsbooks) reviewed Heart Full of Lies : A True Story of Desire and Death on + 13 more book reviews
Can a woman be deadlier than a man? An idyllic Hawaiian wedding held the promise of a wonderful future for Chris and Liysa, but no one anticipated the fatal outcome of a family camping trip in an Oregon forest.
Sarah C. (bandaid) reviewed Heart Full of Lies : A True Story of Desire and Death on + 10 more book reviews
First time reading Ann Rule & true crime stories... Great writing style.. definately gave me the creeps while reading it!
Maudie K. (maudiek) reviewed Heart Full of Lies : A True Story of Desire and Death on + 43 more book reviews
Another great book by Ann Rule. Profiles a manipulative woman who seems to have totally fooled many close to her.
Ann Rule's gripping best seller illuminates the lethal deceit inside a dream marriage, and asks: Can a woman be deadlier than a man?
Joey S. (Joey) reviewed Heart Full of Lies : A True Story of Desire and Death on + 404 more book reviews
Another compelling true crime by Ann Rule. copyright 2003
K E M. (Rampallion) reviewed Heart Full of Lies : A True Story of Desire and Death on + 158 more book reviews
True story that took place in Hawaii, Oregon, and California, among surf photographers, airline pilots, screenwriters, a firefighter, and many other interesting and unusual people.
Unlike most crimes that Ann Rule writes about, it wasn't immediately clear whether it was premeditated murder, manslaughter, self-defense, or accidental death.
Unlike most crimes that Ann Rule writes about, it wasn't immediately clear whether it was premeditated murder, manslaughter, self-defense, or accidental death.
Marie N. (shesfine) reviewed Heart Full of Lies : A True Story of Desire and Death on + 56 more book reviews
Ideal marriage, devoted husband, loving wife & mother - then a family camping trip and the fatal shot killing the husband when she shot him in "self-defense". BUT was she the killer or victim???? Exciting......
Maudeen W. (Beachreader) reviewed Heart Full of Lies : A True Story of Desire and Death on + 12 more book reviews
A compelling story set in Paradise; this woman had it all and squandered it in the worst way. Ann Rule is a wonderful writer and this is one of her best.
WANDA C. (rubuhroom) -
Another great book by Rule. I always enjoy the end of her books where she talks about the mental disorder that causes these murderers to what they do. This murder is about greed and selfishness, plain and simple.
Janet M. (Janny) reviewed Heart Full of Lies : A True Story of Desire and Death on + 21 more book reviews
I found this to be a very interesting story to read!
True crime....good story as usual for Ann Rule
Michelle (ShellyD77) -
I couldn't get into this. I had a hard time focusing on it and it didn't interest me as much as I thought it would
Deborah S. (deborella) reviewed Heart Full of Lies : A True Story of Desire and Death on + 68 more book reviews
Great fan of Ann Rule. Was glued to the page from start to finish.
Becky W. (Beckaru) reviewed Heart Full of Lies : A True Story of Desire and Death on + 19 more book reviews
More like book full of lies. The saving grace for this book is that it was well-written. The author seemed to discount a lot of facts in the case, which inspired me to do a lot of research. I found that she ended up paying thousands of dollars in lawsuits. There are nearly 300 errors in the book, which are all documented by court records. It made me wonder if she actually did any research or just made it up. Ann Rule is/was one of my favorite authors. But, she missed the boat big time with this book.
Sandra H. (Sanandee) reviewed Heart Full of Lies : A True Story of Desire and Death on + 715 more book reviews
First time in p/b, purchased bookstore late 05. Cast of Characters on first few pp's helpful. Ann Rule writes very descriptive stories and spins a great tale. Includes trial and examination of the sociopathic personality. Update and excerpt from Green River, Running Red.
This book was particularly ramboly for Ann Rule. She repeated herself constantly, and all of her investigative work sounded like gossip. "The women from her pool group said this, but no one knew that his friend's where hearing just the opposite." I would rather read 100 pages of well written work than 420 pages of broken record.
And Liysa is NOT intelligent! If she was intelligent Ann Rule would have been writing about how this courageous woman fought back and killed her secretly psychotic husband. Instead Liysa couldn't even finish her trial because all of the evidence was so damning.
And Liysa is NOT intelligent! If she was intelligent Ann Rule would have been writing about how this courageous woman fought back and killed her secretly psychotic husband. Instead Liysa couldn't even finish her trial because all of the evidence was so damning.
Lynda C. (Readnmachine) reviewed Heart Full of Lies : A True Story of Desire and Death on + 1474 more book reviews
On October 8, 2000, commercial pilot Chris Northon was shot to death at a remote Oregon campground by his wife. Rule does her usual fine job of investigating the people and events leading up to the killing in an attempt to determine if Liysa Northon was an abused wife or a manipulative monster.
Claire G. (CGinKY) reviewed Heart Full of Lies : A True Story of Desire and Death on + 74 more book reviews
Affecting, tense, and smart true crime - A case study of the classic American con man crossed with the more exotic strains of the sociopath.
Gina G. (norm) -
When Liysa is tired of her husbands, she divorces...Except this time he's worth more dead. Was she a battered wife or a greedy wife?
Thelma (smoothtruck) -
One of Ann Rule's really good books.
Cora M. (cmartinez) reviewed Heart Full of Lies : A True Story of Desire and Death on + 4 more book reviews
Not one of Ann Rule's best.
Ann Rule- always an enjoyable read.
Christa P. (romeo) reviewed Heart Full of Lies : A True Story of Desire and Death on + 334 more book reviews
An idyllic Hawaiian wedding held the promise of a wonderful future for handsome, athletic Chris Northon, an airline pilot, a confirmed bachelor-turned-devoted-family man; and Liysa, an acclaimed surf photagrapher, loving mother, and aspiring hollywood screenwriter. But few, including Chris, had seen Liysa's other side-her controlling behavior and dark moods, her insatiable hunger for money and property. And no one anticipated the fatal outcome of a family camping trip in an Oregon forest. Liysa soon revealed herself as a victim of domestic abuse that culminated at the campsite, where she shot Chris in self-defense. But crime scene evidence led detectives to wonder if Liysa was a killer, not a victim. Her controversial trial stunned all who thought they knew her. A lifetime of sociopathic manipulations and lies had been expertly hidden behind her facade of perfection-as was her rage to destroy any obstacle to her ultimate happiness, even if if was the man she vowed to love forever.
Good book.
Debbi F. (debbifen) reviewed Heart Full of Lies : A True Story of Desire and Death on + 49 more book reviews
I love Ann Rule!
