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Poisoned Love

by Caitlin Rother

3.59 · rating details · 59 ratings · 20 reviews

- This case was featured on Inside Edition, Good Morning America, and 48 Hours.
- Author is a Pulitzer Prize-nominated journalist who covered this case from arrest to sentencing for The San Diego Union-Tribune.
- Can be compared to Perfect Poison (Pinnacle 6/03), as a beautiful woman uses poison to kill in cold blood.
- Includes sixteen pages of shocking photos.

Mass Market Paperbound, 475 pages

Published July 1st 2005 by Pinnacle Books

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True Crime--Wife killing Husband

10th out of 15 books — 4 voters

A Rage To Kill and Other True Cases by Ann Rule

Serial Killers and Sadistic Murderers Up Close and Personal by Jack Levin

Mass Murder

7th out of 28 books — 5 voters

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Community Reviews

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Dec 05, 2011

Kathleen Kelly rated it

This chilling account of Kristin Rossum and the murder of her husband Greg
de Villers is a fast paced, very well researched book. This is a true account involving the San Diego County Medical Examiner's Office, the Rossum and the de Villers families. The book also displays the human emotions and heartbreak of the families and friends on both sides. I was especially impressed when I read in the back of the book the countless hours spent by the author researching this case so she could tell ...more

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Jan 29, 2012

Lori rated it

Shelves: true-crime

Fans of the true crime genre will rejoice with another entry to add to their library, Poisoned Love by Caitlin Rother. In the style of Ann Rule, a true crime favorite of mine, Ms. Rother delves deep into the background and psyche of not only the accused but the victims as well and provides painstaking detail of the crime, the trial and the aftermath.

Reading Poisoned Love will make it clear to the reader that Ms. Rother spent an inordinate amount of time on her research and w...moreFans of the true crime genre will rejoice with another entry to add to their library, Poisoned Love by Caitlin Rother. In the style of Ann Rule, a true crime favorite of mine, Ms. Rother delves deep into the background and psyche of not only the accused but the victims as well and provides painstaking detail of the crime, the trial and the aftermath.

Reading Poisoned Love will make it clear to the reader that Ms. Rother spent an inordinate amount of time on her research and with admirable results. Every person introduced in her work has a voice, not just "friend of the victim", "co-worker of the accused", etc. This is perhaps the strongest point of Poisoned Love in my opinion - - rather than merely being "the victim", Greg de Villers is presented as a real human being, with thoughts, dreams and aspirations and you feel sadness and even grief at his life ending prematurely. Ms. Rother also does a good job at presenting the de Villers family's sense of loss and helplessness as Greg's brother Jerome fights to prove his brother did not take his own life.

The accused, Kristin Rossum, remained an enigma for me even after finishing the book. She exemplified the brainy beauty who should have had it all but threw it all away for drugs, for an illicit affair, and/or for narcissism. She was frightening to a degree in her cold natured indifference and the void that seemed to be present in her makeup.

While Ms. Rother's attention to detail is commendable, for some readers it may be a bit too much. The book itself is hefty (coming in at just under 500 paperback pages) and there were a few sections where I felt it dragged a bit and portions could likely have been minimized or cut so as to keep the story moving fluidly.

Even having watched a true crime program or two on this case and knowing the outcome, I was drawn into the book and learned many facts of the case I had not previously known. In short, I thought Poisoned Love was extremely well written and researched and one of the better true crime books for those who want an in-depth look at the case rather than merely glorified violence.

I would not hesitate to recommend Poisoned Love to a true crime buff or to any reader looking to explore the genre. Caitlin Rother is certainly an author to watch out for and one that will be on my "must read" list.

Review Copyright © Psychotic State Book Reviews
http://www.psychoticstate.net

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Dec 29, 2011

Molly rated it

So, my mom and I are totally addicted to the true crime shows like Snapped and Disappeared and all those shows like that. On top of watching the shows, we totally love reading the true crime books. Caitlin Rother is one of the most talented in writing a true crime book that is absolutely addictive. My mom and I had this one read in less than two days and we LOVED it. Rother penned the events, the trial, the murder, the people all perfectly and really held us captive til the end.

Seeing ...more

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Dec 17, 2011

Anagha rated it

Recommends it for: Adults; Fans of true crime and Ann Rule

Shelves: posted

Originally posted on my blog: http://book-spark.blogspot.com/2011/12/r...

Review: My 5-word description: Suspenseful but not well executed

Plot: One should keep in mind while reading this book that it is a true crime novel and thus everything recounted in it has actually happened. I though that this book had a marvelous plot, especially with the nonfiction aspect, and both the investigation and court case were authentic and well-written.

Characters: The protagonists we...moreOriginally posted on my blog: http://book-spark.blogspot.com/2011/12/r...

Review: My 5-word description: Suspenseful but not well executed

Plot: One should keep in mind while reading this book that it is a true crime novel and thus everything recounted in it has actually happened. I though that this book had a marvelous plot, especially with the nonfiction aspect, and both the investigation and court case were authentic and well-written.

Characters: The protagonists were fairly likable. You can’t feel for the antagonist, Kristin, at all. Okay, so she’s the antagonist and we’re not supposed to sympathize with her, but I feel like the author should have given us something to help us understand her actions a bit better. There is certain something missing in the development of the characters.

Style of Writing: One of the unique things about Caitlyn’s books is that she just lays out the whole story for the reader without any of the descirbing emotions (she’s a bit like Hemingway for that reason) most authors use. Her journalist background is the reason for this unemotional retelling of events in Poisoned Love. She spent innumerable hours just researching the case and getting all the facts straight. That’s one thing I admire about the book. It is filled with those minute details that make a crime story believable. Also, a bit of an academic tone through the narration, with few instances of everyday language. Although this is unique, it isn’t something I particularly enjoyed. I actually like having the author use a conversational and informal tone while narrating.

Descriptiveness: Rother lays out everything for you in a journalistic tone, but she isn’t overly sentimental. She does however add in innumerable detail, a lot of which wasn’t actully necessary to understand the background. In fact, all the detail kind of detracted from the suspense. I don’t think the book needed 500 pages to explain the case: after about 150 pages, Rother starts to get really redundant, and that really starts to get on my nerves. The book also contains a few pictures of the Greg and Kristin earlier in their life, and some of the investigation and court case. This was one of my favorite parts of the book because it's so shocking and you realize just how real this story is.

Recommended for: Adults; fans of true crime and Ann Rule
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Nov 12, 2011

Krystal rated it

Looking for a crime book? Maybe you want a book that contains mystery, crime fiction, and suspense? This book is perfect for you. The author skillfully tells the tale of an "American Beauty" who had a great life and proceeded to lose that life on the basis of a ridiculous choice.

Kristin Rossum is exactly as described on the back cover of this book. She is the typical California "Golden Girl." She did not want for much of anything, she was pretty and i...more

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Dec 08, 2011

Jael rated it

I must have missed the Snapped episode on Kristin Rossum. Whenever Oxygen airs a marathon, I'm right there. So it was quite easy for me to get sucked into Poisoned Love by Caitlin Rother.

The book opens with the death of Kristin Rossum's husband Greg de Villers. Before Rother even delves into the details of his death, I was suspicious of Kristin's "story." She alleges Greg must of have committed suicide. He was also covered in roses. Which sounded very strange. What guy is go...moreI must have missed the Snapped episode on Kristin Rossum. Whenever Oxygen airs a marathon, I'm right there. So it was quite easy for me to get sucked into Poisoned Love by Caitlin Rother.

The book opens with the death of Kristin Rossum's husband Greg de Villers. Before Rother even delves into the details of his death, I was suspicious of Kristin's "story." She alleges Greg must of have committed suicide. He was also covered in roses. Which sounded very strange. What guy is going to kill himself that way? He also didn't leave a note, while not extremely suspicious, but why be so dramatic and not leave a note? Plus the grieving widow was also a toxicologist. Hmmmmmm. No way she would know what can kill a person.

Rother then details how Kristin and Greg found each other. Kristin seemed to have it all. She came from an affluent family. It was also a family that seemed to obsessed with social standing and appearances, especially her mother. But in her late teens she went off the path. She became addicted to crystal meth, maybe that was her way to take some control away from her parents. I wondered if the details of her addiction were supposed to make readers feel sorry for Kristin? I tried to have sympathy for her, but I just couldn't. She just comes off as a spoiled brat. Her parents were no better. They were in such deep denial. They seemed to feel that an education and a career would fix everything. Those are certainly great goals, but they didn't solve Kristin's problems.

In addition to her meth addiction, she seemed to have an addiction to men also. She used a lot of men to get what she wanted. Whether it be housing, food, money or drugs she found a way to get it.

In the beginning, she used Greg. It wasn't love that drew Kristin to Greg. He had an apartment and she needed a place to live. But as the relationship grew, he helped her get off drugs -- something her parents were grateful for. Just before they got married Kristin tried to call off the wedding. If she did, her husband would still be alive.

She tried the marriage route for awhile, but Kristin was tempted once again. Not just by drugs, but also by another man. She had an affair with her boss Michael Robertson. An affair they didn't try to hide very well even after Greg's death. People who knew Greg refused to believe the suicide story, especially his brother Jerome. Greg was the type who didn't even like to aspirin. For him to commit suicide with, fentanyl -- a drug generally used in surgical settings and for cancer patients, didn't make sense. But it makes a lot of sense for a toxicologist for the Medical Examiner's Office with ample access to drugs could kill her husband. I don't understand people like this. Why is murder the answer? Why is divorce off the table? Is it really worth your freedom?

Overall, I must admit there is reasonable doubt. There is no proof that Kristin stole drugs from her office, but it's just too big of a coincidence. Most of the true crime books I've read have been by Ann Rule (Dead by Sunset, Small Sacrifices and If You Really Loved Me), so it's nice read another author's take on the genre. The book is very detailed. Kristin's side is told and Greg's side is told. Her parents talked a lot to the press, perhaps too much. Greg's family, especially his brother, refused to let the police give up. Fans of true crime should definitely pick this one up.

Rating: Superb

Note: I received a copy of the book from (Pump up Your Book) as part of a blog tour(less)

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Dec 14, 2011

Heavensent1 rated it

Recommended to Heavensent1 by: ARC

Poisoned Love is a True Crime Mystery.

Kristin Rossum was the All-American girl, coming from a wealthy family who coddled her every need, popular in school, pretty, charming, to name just a few of the characteristics associated with her early years. She was a go-getter, an over-achiever in all aspects of her life, from her academics to ballet, Kristin had to excel in everything she did or she would feel like a failure.

On the day that Kristin tears the muscle ligaments in her ...more

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Dec 06, 2011

Kari rated it

Shelves: 2011

Even though I am not a big fan of non-fiction, I have always been a reader of true crime novels. Poisoned Love explores the life of Kristin Rossum and the murder of her husband Greg. A murder that she tried to make look like a suicide. Ms. Rother provides an in-depth look into Kristin's past and her affair with her boss, Michael. I found the events leading up to her arrest and eventual conviction very interesting. Originally published in 2006, this newer version provides updates into what h...more

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Jan 02, 2009

Jackie rated it

Shelves: true-crime

I will never understand why Kristin Rossum -- a smart, young, pretty toxicologist who seemed to have it all -- poisoned her husband rather than divorcing him. As I read the book, I wanted to reach the conclusion that she didn't do it, but the evidence turned out to be pretty overwhelming. Rossum had a fascination with roses and even covered her husband's body with rose petals -- I loved the Steve Breen cartoon that was published in the San Diego Union-Tribune's editorial pages after she was co...more

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Oct 22, 2010

SenoraG rated it

Shelves: 2010, ebook, non-fiction, not-for-me, nook-book

As I always say, I don't like to tear a book down, just because I did not like it means nothing and I don't like swaying anyone else. That being said, short and sweet here.........

I love True Crime, I did not love this book. It started out well then just flopped about 100 pages in. I found the author very repetitive in her writing, retelling details again and again. It took me weeks to get through this. I finally wound up skipping towards the end just to see what the ver...more

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Jun 27, 2008

Stephanie rated it

Shelves: one-night-stands, true-crime, i-bought-this

Yes I bought it but I only paid 50 cents for it...this is another telling of the story in "Deadly American Beauty" of Kristin Rossum, the toxicologist in San Diego who murdered her husband...complete with rose petals, stupidity, a boyfriend who I am sure was in on it (her boss, also a toxicologist) and who subsequently went to Australia or New Zealand and basically got away with murder.

Interesting, and this version, told by the writer for the SD newspaper who covered the wh...more

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Jan 29, 2012

Marianne Stehr rated it

Shelves: marianne-s-144

This is a good book that tells a true story without getting too technical in the court room part (which I find many true crimes to do). It was interesting even if you knew the story and the outcome. Still some unanswered questions.

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Nov 18, 2009

Robyn Dones rated it

Read in 2009

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Dec 07, 2011

April rated it

Great read!

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Jan 22, 2012

Stephanie Chu rated it

Fascinating story. It really show that how drugs can ruin a person's life. Drugs really aren't worth it.

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Nov 23, 2011

Kathleen Kelly rated it

· review of another edition

review to come

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Nov 07, 2008

Eva rated it

Recommends it for: true crime readers

Recommended to Eva by: myself

Shelves: b-true-crime

I wish I could remember enough from this to give details but it's been a lot of years since I've read this. With me having read so many true crime books I usually can remember a book I don't like more then one I did like and this is definitely one worth reading if you're into true crime.

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Apr 27, 2011

Stacey rated it

I tend to like true crime but I found this book painfully boring at parts. The author included incredible detail that did not add to the story. I found myself scanning just to get through it.

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Aug 25, 2008

Kristen Doherty rated it

Recommends it for: true crime readers

Kristin was a smart and beauitful women addicted to meth, cheated on her husband, and eventually kills him with poison.

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Oct 28, 2009

Shaina rated it

Recommends it for: anyone who likes true crime

I love true crime. That's the main reason this book took my interest. This was quite the page turner and pretty informative about more scientific/medical things like the drug fentynyl. I loved this book.

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Feb 10, 2012

Daisy marked it as to-read

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About Caitlin Rother

Caitlin Rother is the author of true crime books DEAD RECKONING, BODY PARTS, TWISTED TRIANGLE and POISONED LOVE and the thriller NAKED ADDICTION. She is the co-author of WHERE HOPE BEGINS and MY LIFE, DELETED, which will be released in October 2011. She is currently working on THE MAKINGS OF A MONSTER, which tells the story behind the rape and murder of beloved teenagers Chelsea King and Amber Dub...more

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Twisted Triangle: A Famous Crime Writer, a Lesbian Love Affair, and the FBI Husband's Violent Revenge

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