Killing in the Family: A True Story of Love, Lies and Murder

by Stephen Singular, Tim Hill

The tie-in to the first blockbuster true-crime miniseries of 1991--featuring Cheryl Lee (Laura Palmer on Twin Peaks), Moira Kelly, and Clancy Brown. Three years after being sentenced to life imprisonment, 17-year-old Cinnamon Brown tells the horrific true story behind the death of her mother--a story of love and lies, incest and murder. 8-page photo insert.

Genres: True Crime, Nonfiction

281 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 1991

About the author

Stephen Singular is the author or co-author of 22 non-fiction books, many of them about high-profile criminal cases. He’s also written sports and business biographies and social commentary. Two of the books have been “New York Times” bestsellers.

His first book, Talked to Death, set the tone for his journalistic career. Published in 1987, it chronicled the assassination of a Denver Jewish talk show host, Alan Berg, by a group of neo-Nazis known as The Order. The book was nominated for a national award — the Edgar for true crime — and became the basis for the 1989 Oliver Stone film, “Talk Radio.” Talked to Death was translated into several languages and explored the timeless American themes of racism, class, violence, and religious intolerance.

Reviews

[Jess Wisloski · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a potential true crime writer, I've been dipping my toe in all non-fiction accounts of crimes and trials. This was from a library that was closing down, and free, but what a great find. Singular is a perfect writer for this kind of story - he keeps it fast-paced and mysterious throughout, but also, given it was about a 1980's schemer managed to veer away from any feelings of datedness. Pervy and disturbed David Brown, 32 came home one night to find his wife Linda, 23, shot to death in her bed, and his adoptive daughter Patti, 17, shaking with their toddler in her arms, claiming his younger daughter Cinnamon, 14, did the deed. But as the DA's office soon learns, there was much more than immediately visible going on with that strange family. Good, fast read - on busy weekend I still finished in a few days.

[Patricia Atkinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

on march 19th 1985 in garden grove california a father comes home after giong for a drive and his wifes sister patti meets him at the door she hear a gun go off in her sisters room and was afraid to go in to check it out...her husband calls his parents to come over hes not sure what to do. than they phone the police. the police find the 14 year old daughter cinnamen laying in the dog house out back. she is arrested for killing her dads wife linda but thinks are not as they seem cinnamons dad told her or patti to kill his wife...but cinnamen takes the blame for the murder as time goes on she realized her dad has left her hanging and continued on with his life with his wifes sister patti... this is a story of what a daughter will do to protect and please her father no matter the cost...

[Tom Schulte · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'd do 3.5 stars if I could do halves, but what set this above most good true crime reads for me is the unfolding confessions over many years makes a compelling and very human tale of this insidious plot of manipulation and murder, the basis for Love, Lies and Murder. Also, I find interesting that like a tragic opera, this devolves into interpersonal relationships and their erosion with little to know forensic analysis. Bonus points for a supporting role of a outlaw biker turned jailhouse snitch turned street preacher.

[Tereasa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great true crime story that unfolds overtime.

[Brian Carrigan · Rating 5 out of 5]

very good

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have seen this the movie based on this book. the movie was called: LOVE, LIES AND MURDER.
this is a true story