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Honeymoon With A Killer
The shocking true crime story of a California bride who took her wealthy husband for everything he had—including his life.
Everything She Wanted . . .
Rebecca Salcedo had an easy smile, a sexy body, and strong appetites—she wanted the world. Bruce Cleland, she decided, would buy it for her. The shy engineer quickly fell victim to her charms, getting her whatever she wanted. A new car. A boat. A house. But he wasn’t Rebecca’s only admirer . . .
She Got . . .
Even after Rebecca manipulated Bruce into marrying her, hoping to divorce him and take him for everything he had, she occupied herself with a series of lovers. Male strippers, women . . . they all spent time in Rebecca’s bed. But when she learned that a divorce would only get her a few pennies, she knew she had to find another way to secure Bruce’s fortune.
Even Murder . . .
Enlisting two family members as killers-for-hire, Rebecca set in motion her solution to the problem. While she watched, the first bullet hit Bruce in the face. Three more would follow. But while Rebecca kept the blood off her hands, she could not conceal evidence that led straight to her, culminating in a trial that would shock a community.
With sixteen pages of shocking photos
Praise for Honeymoon with a Killer
“The sordid tale of an innocent man and the woman who plotted his murder. . . . Lasseter and Bowers provide readers with a highly detailed depiction of events leading up to and following the gruesome murder of Bruce Cleland. True crime aficionados will savor this riveting read.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review
Everything She Wanted . . .
Rebecca Salcedo had an easy smile, a sexy body, and strong appetites—she wanted the world. Bruce Cleland, she decided, would buy it for her. The shy engineer quickly fell victim to her charms, getting her whatever she wanted. A new car. A boat. A house. But he wasn’t Rebecca’s only admirer . . .
She Got . . .
Even after Rebecca manipulated Bruce into marrying her, hoping to divorce him and take him for everything he had, she occupied herself with a series of lovers. Male strippers, women . . . they all spent time in Rebecca’s bed. But when she learned that a divorce would only get her a few pennies, she knew she had to find another way to secure Bruce’s fortune.
Even Murder . . .
Enlisting two family members as killers-for-hire, Rebecca set in motion her solution to the problem. While she watched, the first bullet hit Bruce in the face. Three more would follow. But while Rebecca kept the blood off her hands, she could not conceal evidence that led straight to her, culminating in a trial that would shock a community.
With sixteen pages of shocking photos
Praise for Honeymoon with a Killer
“The sordid tale of an innocent man and the woman who plotted his murder. . . . Lasseter and Bowers provide readers with a highly detailed depiction of events leading up to and following the gruesome murder of Bruce Cleland. True crime aficionados will savor this riveting read.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review
350 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2009
153 people are currently reading
279 people want to read
About the author
Don Lasseter
32 books39 followersDon Lasseter has written five true crime books for Pinnacle plus 16 magazine articles that were reprinted in Pinnacle's anthology books about murders. In addition to being a crime writer, Mr. Lasseter is a WWII historian who frequently lectures on the subject in schools, at service clubs, and for veteran's groups. He accompanies his talks with slide packages titled "WWII, Then and Now", consisting of photos he took while actually retracing most major battles in Western Europe and in the South Pacific. Taking black and white combat photos with him, Mr. Lasseter laboriously searched for the exact spots on which the photographers stood and shot the same scenes as they look today. He accumulated over 1500 such pictures associated with various battles including the Normandy invasion, Battle of the Bulge, crossing the Rhine, taking Berlin, and other major engagements.
A native Californian, Mr. Lasseter resides in Orange County. He has served as guest lecturer in criminology classes at California State University, Fullerton. Hollywood history is Mr. Lasseter's third major interest. His personal library includes an extensive collection of movie books, and he takes pride in being able to name hundreds of old character actors whose faces are often seen in classic films. One day, Lasseter says, he will write books, both fiction and non-fiction, about the golden era of film production and the people involved.
A native Californian, Mr. Lasseter resides in Orange County. He has served as guest lecturer in criminology classes at California State University, Fullerton. Hollywood history is Mr. Lasseter's third major interest. His personal library includes an extensive collection of movie books, and he takes pride in being able to name hundreds of old character actors whose faces are often seen in classic films. One day, Lasseter says, he will write books, both fiction and non-fiction, about the golden era of film production and the people involved.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
August 30, 2016
This is a true crime story about a woman who marries a man only for his money and what he could give her in material goods. Rebecca Salcedo is now 46 years old, but at the time she met and married Bruce Cleland, her unfortunate husband, she was about 28. She had met him at a flea mart and he was immediately smitten with her, as many men and even women were. (She had the reputation of being a party girl from the time she was very young, and grew up in an extremely dysfunctional family. Her mother married the man who raped her in Mexico and had three girls by him before he abandoned the family). Rebecca learned to use her body and her seemingly endearing and fun personality to get what she wanted from people. She slept with many men and some women also, but she would not sleep with her husband-to-be, Bruce, because she told him that it was sinful for a woman from a Hispanic family to do so. When she finally married him, first in a civil ceremony in late 1996, and then in a big church wedding in January 1997, she complained to friends that she couldn't stand him touching her, one reason being he was a 43 year old virgin, and she looked down upon him for that reason. He had taken her on several vacation trips, bought her a boat, cars, and finally a house. All the while, she was planning to divorce him and keep everything that was essentially community property. When she found out that a divorce would not get her what she wanted, she enlisted the help of two male cousins to murder Bruce, and they did. The couple had split up in the meantime, and Rebecca urged Bruce to go to dinner with her so they could talk about a reconciliation. However, after they left the restaurant, when the vehicle was stopped at a red light, Bruce was shot several times as he tried to get away. Rebecca claimed she was knocked unconscious, although there was no physical evidence of that. The police traced cell phone calls that she had made to her cousins and others, and she and the two men were finally brought to trial after they were arrested in February 1998. The three were convicted; however, reading on the internet, I found that Rebecca and one of the cousin's convictions were overturned because the police did not know that the two men in the backseat they were transporting were cousins (they lied). It was determined that "the use of the defendants’ post-arrest silence as affirmative evidence of their guilt violated their rights not to be witnesses against themselves. And the violation was compounded, the presiding justice wrote, by the comments of the prosecutor. " I could not believe that someone could get away with such an evil crime (Bruce's parents lost their only daughter to cancer not long before Bruce was murdered). There were retrials, and Rebecca was again found guilty as was her cousin Jose, and the same appellate court that overturned the original conviction affirmed the new ones in 2008, 11 years after Bruce was murdered. At least there was some measure of justice meted out to these people who conspired to commit a terrible crime. I was very glad to read that all three of these people will be spending the rest of their natural lives imprisoned for what they did. The book was by turns, sickening, interesting, dramatic and was also well written.
August 6, 2020
Aha. Another book I've read but forgot to journal. Enjoyed reading this book but what a sad story.
How can people be so cold-hearted. This man did not have any experience really with women so he was so easy for her to handle.
Over the last years I have noticed I have gotten a real dislike to read books about women being abused but reading this book, I now know it is not just women or children but also men.I hate reading about humans and animals being abused.
It seems how older I get the harder I find to read about abuse.
A very good book by Don Lasseter and I am pleased because he and Gary C. King were the authors of my first English written true crime books.
How can people be so cold-hearted. This man did not have any experience really with women so he was so easy for her to handle.
Over the last years I have noticed I have gotten a real dislike to read books about women being abused but reading this book, I now know it is not just women or children but also men.I hate reading about humans and animals being abused.
It seems how older I get the harder I find to read about abuse.
A very good book by Don Lasseter and I am pleased because he and Gary C. King were the authors of my first English written true crime books.
December 6, 2016
I enjoyed the story telling about how she met Bruce and the back stories of Bruce and Rebecca. I loved Bertha Awana. I think she was fantastic.
I did not like that the case and the court were too long and could be very boring. The only exception being Rebecca post-murder and her arrest and also the prosecution's case.
I enjoyed the book honestly.
R.I.P Bruce Cleland <3
I did not like that the case and the court were too long and could be very boring. The only exception being Rebecca post-murder and her arrest and also the prosecution's case.
I enjoyed the book honestly.
R.I.P Bruce Cleland <3
May 4, 2017
Pretty good
rendering of a twisted and convoluted life, lives rather; the unmitigated greed of this woman and her cohorts is mind boggling. The only doubt I have is whether she got what she deserved, then again the hope she no doubt held towards her second trial and subsequent conviction, provides a little satisfaction, but not nearly enough. I prefer more background information on individuals in a true crime telling, this narrative lacked in that regard.
rendering of a twisted and convoluted life, lives rather; the unmitigated greed of this woman and her cohorts is mind boggling. The only doubt I have is whether she got what she deserved, then again the hope she no doubt held towards her second trial and subsequent conviction, provides a little satisfaction, but not nearly enough. I prefer more background information on individuals in a true crime telling, this narrative lacked in that regard.
April 23, 2021
Honeymoon with a Killer.
Fascinating And A Truly Gripping Book
True crime author Don Lasseter and retired L.A. County prosecutor Ronald Bowers have produced yet another classic true crime book It was written so well I felt like I was there in court watching the events roll out as the book drew me further and further into the life of Rebecca Salcedo, and her boyfriend Bruce Cleland. In December 1995, at a swap meet near Pasadena, California Bruce meets Rebecca and her smile changes Bruce forever. Bruce is a hardworking and successful person but when it comes to the matters of the heart Bruce is smitten and Rebecca can do no wrong in his eyes.
The story is so sad as Rebecca just wants to marry Bruce for his money so after their wedding the besotted Bruce finds himself tangled up in a divorce a few months later. The story is powerful, full of hate, greed, sex, false sex accusations, and plenty more, without giving any more away The authors give in-depth information on the trials of the three conspirators involved in the murder and the outcomes of those trials which are extensively researched by the authors A book I just could not put down and highly recommend.
Fascinating And A Truly Gripping Book
True crime author Don Lasseter and retired L.A. County prosecutor Ronald Bowers have produced yet another classic true crime book It was written so well I felt like I was there in court watching the events roll out as the book drew me further and further into the life of Rebecca Salcedo, and her boyfriend Bruce Cleland. In December 1995, at a swap meet near Pasadena, California Bruce meets Rebecca and her smile changes Bruce forever. Bruce is a hardworking and successful person but when it comes to the matters of the heart Bruce is smitten and Rebecca can do no wrong in his eyes.
The story is so sad as Rebecca just wants to marry Bruce for his money so after their wedding the besotted Bruce finds himself tangled up in a divorce a few months later. The story is powerful, full of hate, greed, sex, false sex accusations, and plenty more, without giving any more away The authors give in-depth information on the trials of the three conspirators involved in the murder and the outcomes of those trials which are extensively researched by the authors A book I just could not put down and highly recommend.
July 4, 2022
Riveting
As complicated as this case was; and with all the twists and turns presented via legal maneuvering, the author kept this story interesting and relevant.
The strength of this work lies in the authors summation of all the key events of three complicated trials. The highlights of the court transcripts were relevant and informative. Usually when you have a case of this nature, the transcripts presented are full of minutia and makes the reading boring. Not the case in this book. Facts and testimony were expertly detailed in an informative and concise manner.
Even though this was a heartless crime and would be unthinkable by the average human being, the depth and detail of this book makes it a must for readers interested in true crime study.
An excellent book.
As complicated as this case was; and with all the twists and turns presented via legal maneuvering, the author kept this story interesting and relevant.
The strength of this work lies in the authors summation of all the key events of three complicated trials. The highlights of the court transcripts were relevant and informative. Usually when you have a case of this nature, the transcripts presented are full of minutia and makes the reading boring. Not the case in this book. Facts and testimony were expertly detailed in an informative and concise manner.
Even though this was a heartless crime and would be unthinkable by the average human being, the depth and detail of this book makes it a must for readers interested in true crime study.
An excellent book.
July 1, 2017
After reading this book, I kept thinking why in the world that Bruce went back to the spice stall that day? If he never had been with any woman for the last 41 years, what compelled him to do that? It was such a fateful meeting. Fate... what an elusive thing. The moment you think there is no such thing, something like this presents itself and make you wonder... yet again. It will keep me wondering for some time, I'm sure.
January 18, 2021
Fascinating book!
The murder of Bruce Cleland in 1997 in Southern California is detailed in this book. Cleland's murder was arranged by his wife, Rebecca Salcedo Cleland. The authors also give in-depth information on the trials of the three conspirators involved in the murder and the outcomes of those trials. The authors have done extensive research on their topic. I highly recommend this book to other true crime readers.
The murder of Bruce Cleland in 1997 in Southern California is detailed in this book. Cleland's murder was arranged by his wife, Rebecca Salcedo Cleland. The authors also give in-depth information on the trials of the three conspirators involved in the murder and the outcomes of those trials. The authors have done extensive research on their topic. I highly recommend this book to other true crime readers.
November 13, 2021
A long story!
This book was not the best true crime book I've ever read and it is not the worst. At times it seemed slow and it seemed to drag. Without wanting to give away the ending, I'll just say that as the final verdict seemed farther and farther away I began to lose interest but the author successfully brought the ending together quickly. I would recommend it to other true crime buffs.
This book was not the best true crime book I've ever read and it is not the worst. At times it seemed slow and it seemed to drag. Without wanting to give away the ending, I'll just say that as the final verdict seemed farther and farther away I began to lose interest but the author successfully brought the ending together quickly. I would recommend it to other true crime buffs.
October 12, 2017
Excellent read.
Would recommend to others. Pictures at end of book which is unusual for eBook. Thoroughly investigated. Trials take up a good part of the book but I found them interesting. Retrials were summarized, otherwise book would have been boring since the same evidence was presented by prosecutors in subsequent trials.. Book meets or exceeds Ann Rule's writing style.
Would recommend to others. Pictures at end of book which is unusual for eBook. Thoroughly investigated. Trials take up a good part of the book but I found them interesting. Retrials were summarized, otherwise book would have been boring since the same evidence was presented by prosecutors in subsequent trials.. Book meets or exceeds Ann Rule's writing style.
August 8, 2022
What a story of greed and hubris
Rebecca is so evil it's sad to think that Bruce could be so blinded to her motives. The cast of characters around her are unbelievable. It demonstrates how people can be so slow to go police when they know a murder is about not be committed. Well written story.
Rebecca is so evil it's sad to think that Bruce could be so blinded to her motives. The cast of characters around her are unbelievable. It demonstrates how people can be so slow to go police when they know a murder is about not be committed. Well written story.
October 9, 2017
True Crime
My goodness, what a story. A tale of romance and marriage, of greed and hatred. Did the bride kill the groom? How did their trials turn out? It is an interesting book, with enough twists and turns to keep a reader going.
My goodness, what a story. A tale of romance and marriage, of greed and hatred. Did the bride kill the groom? How did their trials turn out? It is an interesting book, with enough twists and turns to keep a reader going.
October 17, 2017
Wow What an Evil Story
Woman married a man strictly for his wealth. He had worked very hard and long to reach his current financial status. However the honeymoon was not a good one. Did either or both of them survive the honeymoon?
Woman married a man strictly for his wealth. He had worked very hard and long to reach his current financial status. However the honeymoon was not a good one. Did either or both of them survive the honeymoon?
February 10, 2022
Excellent book
Highly recommend this book. Full of surprises. Horrible to know how cruel someone can be _ all for money. Looking for a book that you can't put down?? This is that book.
Highly recommend this book. Full of surprises. Horrible to know how cruel someone can be _ all for money. Looking for a book that you can't put down?? This is that book.
November 10, 2023
A stupid criminal story.
This women and her 2 cousins committed a murder and gave the dumbest answers as to why they couldn't have done it. It always astounds me on what people think you will believe.
This women and her 2 cousins committed a murder and gave the dumbest answers as to why they couldn't have done it. It always astounds me on what people think you will believe.
October 22, 2017
Good Book
This was a good book. I would have given it 5 stars but in some parts it was hard to hold interest.
This was a good book. I would have given it 5 stars but in some parts it was hard to hold interest.
November 8, 2017
Interesting but unsettling. A lot of repetition of the story in the last few chapters going through the trial.
January 24, 2021
A Good Read
I thought it was a pretty good book. The trial part did not contain detailed scientific research which I would find boring, but kept me interested.
I thought it was a pretty good book. The trial part did not contain detailed scientific research which I would find boring, but kept me interested.
July 25, 2021
A fantastic read that has everything: murder, greedy wife after her hubby's money, and suspense.
December 22, 2021
Good read
Tells the story in a way that you want to keep reading, not boring or long winded, just a good read
Tells the story in a way that you want to keep reading, not boring or long winded, just a good read
September 25, 2022
Honeymoon With a Killer
A very good example of murder trials. The writing is excellent and was to follow will read other books by Lasseter and Bowers.
A very good example of murder trials. The writing is excellent and was to follow will read other books by Lasseter and Bowers.
August 15, 2024
I went through this book in lightning speed.
June 15, 2022
Historia okropna, pokazująca najgorsze ludzkie cechy - głównie z tego względu czytało mi się w pewnym momencie bardzo opornie. Po prostu wszelkie pojęcie przechodzą granice naiwności Clealanda, chciwości, bezwzględności i zła Rebeki, jeżeli ktoś nie irytuje się podczas czytania opisów relacji tej dwójki to czapki z głów, ja miałam ochotę zostawić tę książkę. Jak dotarłam do mniej więcej połowy książki, to zdziwiłam się, że jeszcze tyle przede mną, mimo że już dowiedziałam się co się stało, jak i kto za tym stał. Nie spodziewałam się, że tyle zajmie opis procesów o śmierć Bruce'a. Myślę, że trochę można było sobie darować z tego wątku, książka niewiele by na tym straciła, ale cóż. Chociaż nawet gdyby Autor zmniejszył objętość części procesowej, to oceny wyższej nie mogłabym dać.
December 5, 2014
True murder
This woman was out for the money and her poor husband loved her so much he couldn't see it. He was very naive right until the end.
This woman was out for the money and her poor husband loved her so much he couldn't see it. He was very naive right until the end.
January 28, 2015
Informative
Fast paced. Keep me reading. All the facts were compelling and easy to follow. I recommend Honeymoon With A Killer.
Fast paced. Keep me reading. All the facts were compelling and easy to follow. I recommend Honeymoon With A Killer.
November 17, 2016
Very well written
Read
November 18, 2016Very good book. I couldn't put it down.
April 9, 2017
Reading about this crime and the lives of the people involved was interesting simply because it is a true story. Nevertheless, reading the second half of the book was redundant because it was just the details of the court case when we already knew the story of what happened. It was necessary for the entirety of the story, but not as intriguing for the reader. The ending however did offer some interesting tidbits due to the sentencing of the defendants and the special circumstances. This is not a book I'd recommend or read again but it did make me open to reading another true crime novel in the future.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews