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Fatal Charm: The Shocking True Story of Serial Wife Killer Randy Roth
Smith, a prize-winning reporter for The Seattle Times, was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in investigative reporting for his coverage of the Green River Killer case. Now he reveals the shocking true story of serial wife killer Randy Roth, the alluring, handsome man who was caught after his fourth wife "accidentally" drowned. Photos.
384 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published July 1, 1993
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745 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews
September 25, 2024
Listened to on audio. It’s an older true crime. I’d never heard about this case and I found it very interesting. The author did a good job, but it did get kinda bogged down with details at certain points. Narration was typical old school, which I don’t have a problem with. Moral of the story: childhood is very important, its problems can last forever, affecting future generations.
January 30, 2019
The devil in disguise
This is a well-written account of wife-killer Randy Roth who lived and murdered in King County, Washington.
Roth was married four times. His first marriage to Donna Sanchez lasted five years and produced one son. His second marriage to Janis Miranda ended after eight months when Janis fell to her death from Beacon Rock. His third marriage to Donna Clift lasted four months. His fourth marriage to Cynthia Baumgartner ended in less than a year when she drowned.
The hard work of detectives and prosecutors is to be much admired. The depth of their investigation is apparent in the staggering amount of evidence they produced.
17
This is a well-written account of wife-killer Randy Roth who lived and murdered in King County, Washington.
Roth was married four times. His first marriage to Donna Sanchez lasted five years and produced one son. His second marriage to Janis Miranda ended after eight months when Janis fell to her death from Beacon Rock. His third marriage to Donna Clift lasted four months. His fourth marriage to Cynthia Baumgartner ended in less than a year when she drowned.
The hard work of detectives and prosecutors is to be much admired. The depth of their investigation is apparent in the staggering amount of evidence they produced.
17
December 6, 2017
Very well written, impeccably researched, it's the story of man who murdered his wives for money.
March 9, 2018
Another solid true crime book by the late Carlton Smith. This one is about a creepy guy with a habit of murdering his wives for insurance money.
December 4, 2023
Book Rating 3.5 stars
When a woman drowns and her husband acts oddly, the police look into her death and the mysterious death of one of his other wives.
This book detailed Randy's life in-depth, but I would have liked more on the victims. Randy was a con man only in love with the money.
Overall, the book was pretty good with decent writing.
Narrator Rating: 3.75 stars
The narrator was pretty good. Nothing special but better than some true crime narrators!
Extra ratings: Fluff - NA Heartfelt- 3/5 Helpful-0/5 Horror -NA Inspiration -0/5 Love aka Romance- NA Mystery - NA Predictability - NA Spice - NA Suspense - NA Tear- 2/5 Thrill - NA Humor-0/5
When a woman drowns and her husband acts oddly, the police look into her death and the mysterious death of one of his other wives.
This book detailed Randy's life in-depth, but I would have liked more on the victims. Randy was a con man only in love with the money.
Overall, the book was pretty good with decent writing.
Narrator Rating: 3.75 stars
The narrator was pretty good. Nothing special but better than some true crime narrators!
Extra ratings: Fluff - NA Heartfelt- 3/5 Helpful-0/5 Horror -NA Inspiration -0/5 Love aka Romance- NA Mystery - NA Predictability - NA Spice - NA Suspense - NA Tear- 2/5 Thrill - NA Humor-0/5
January 10, 2018
True life story of a serial murderer and insurance fraud perpetrater Randy Roth. An awful story of an awful person. One who only saw other people as the means to an end. An end that meant money in his pocket. He ripped off insurance and also tried to rip off the government. He had no conscience and that did him in in the end.
February 5, 2019
This guy almost got away with murder and would have if someone hadn't discovered that this was the second time a wife of his died in a horrible accident after he had taken out a huge life insurance policy. He is a bizarre human being and a mean you know what. Interesting case.
August 27, 2022
So many details
May 27, 2024
shocking! but slow, but pretty good
February 4, 2019
Interesting case. I've read a novella on it before but this is the first full length book.
March 3, 2022
Rare is the true crime book that can satisfy both sides of the usual audience. One half of the reader demographic wants the "why": they want a clear linkage of the perpetrators' mindsets and their actions. On the other side, you will find those who want the "facts": a simple and chronological account leading through the offence, the investigation, the trial, and the conviction.
(There are also a great deal of readers who want to gape at the gory details of a crime, but they often fall into both camps.)
Fatal Charm manages to focus the investigative lens on the offender, showing how he committed insurance fraud, petty theft, and other minor crimes that became his fallback when he encountered financial issues. Mr. Roth also had four wives. It is unclear if his first wife was murdered or came to an unfortunate accident, as Mr. Roth claims. More clear is the murder of his fourth and last wife, who was drowned by her husband during a day at the beach.
The book follows Mr. Roth through his escapades as an offending adult and chronicles the damage he left in his wake. It is well-researched and does not try to stir unnecessary intrigue or glamorise his crimes. The flow of time is easy to follow, and one is allowed to come to their own conclusions based on the evidence presented. Mr. Roth's case is more "typical" than the average true crime book, and there is little room for doubt.
This book may not be the most shocking or gory, but it is very well put-together. It is a great read for true crime fans.
(There are also a great deal of readers who want to gape at the gory details of a crime, but they often fall into both camps.)
Fatal Charm manages to focus the investigative lens on the offender, showing how he committed insurance fraud, petty theft, and other minor crimes that became his fallback when he encountered financial issues. Mr. Roth also had four wives. It is unclear if his first wife was murdered or came to an unfortunate accident, as Mr. Roth claims. More clear is the murder of his fourth and last wife, who was drowned by her husband during a day at the beach.
The book follows Mr. Roth through his escapades as an offending adult and chronicles the damage he left in his wake. It is well-researched and does not try to stir unnecessary intrigue or glamorise his crimes. The flow of time is easy to follow, and one is allowed to come to their own conclusions based on the evidence presented. Mr. Roth's case is more "typical" than the average true crime book, and there is little room for doubt.
This book may not be the most shocking or gory, but it is very well put-together. It is a great read for true crime fans.
February 23, 2020
This book is about Randy Roth, who apparently killed two of his four wives. I say 'apparetly' because both wives died (a decade apart) in what at first appeared to be accidents. If Roth had been a better actor, he might never have been charged, but his behavior and total lack of emotion immediately after the deaths led law enforcement to suspect these were not accidental deaths. Without any physical evidence, he was never actually charged with the murder of his first wife; but, after the death of another wife (a decade later), he was finally charged in the death of the 2nd wife who died in an 'accident'. Law enforcement (in a different jurisdiction than the 1st 'accidental' death) worked very hard to get enough information about Roth's personal and criminal background and interviewed enough people involved in both deaths to put together a compelling circumstantial case that the jury bought into; and so he was eventually convicted
I like the way the book was laid out, chronilogically. It was well written and very easy to follow.
I like the way the book was laid out, chronilogically. It was well written and very easy to follow.
November 10, 2021
Carlton Smith has never been my favorite author and this book certainly doesn't change my mind. The author's sentence structure is confusing, somewhat convoluted. The narrative doesn't flow well, making it difficult to read. As far as the actual story (or incident), like all true crime, it is tragic and sad - sad for the unsuspecting women who fell prey to this greedy, controlling sociopath, Randy Roth. Roth is one disturbed person but not one who draws any sympathy.
The author, Carlton Smith is either incapable of or unwilling to describe any sorrow for family members who were greatly affected by the death of these two women. Smith is very cold and seemingly unfeeling in his writing. He writes like a journalist merely giving the facts and nothing but the facts. No human emotion.
The author, Carlton Smith is either incapable of or unwilling to describe any sorrow for family members who were greatly affected by the death of these two women. Smith is very cold and seemingly unfeeling in his writing. He writes like a journalist merely giving the facts and nothing but the facts. No human emotion.
July 4, 2019
Tossed aside about midway through. The opening chapters are promising enough, but as detectives unravel the suspect's past, last go back ten years and recount the ploddingly mundane details of a set of people who are just not that interesting. The book proceeds at the pace of one of those two -hour Friday night TV crime shows that the networks use to fill airtime when most of the potential audience is out of the house for dinner and a first-run movie. I reached the point where I could not keep track of all the trailer trash characters, much less give a damn what happened to them.
Take a nap instead.
Take a nap instead.
December 19, 2017
Ok
Interesting story about a serial wife murderer who is a despicable and evil degenerate, but the book was a bit too long, repeating some things over and over. If the author had shortened the story, and minimized the repeated story telling, it would have been a more enjoyable read. It is scary to know that we have such vapid evil living in people who appear to be human, but are just shells of a person, but able to mimicking human beings, while planning to do us tremendous harm.
Interesting story about a serial wife murderer who is a despicable and evil degenerate, but the book was a bit too long, repeating some things over and over. If the author had shortened the story, and minimized the repeated story telling, it would have been a more enjoyable read. It is scary to know that we have such vapid evil living in people who appear to be human, but are just shells of a person, but able to mimicking human beings, while planning to do us tremendous harm.
November 3, 2018
Good Read
This book covers the atrocious acts of a husband who murdered two wives for insurance money. It gives enough detail to understand the case but does not get deep into the weeds. It is an intriguing story that is plainly laid out.
This book covers the atrocious acts of a husband who murdered two wives for insurance money. It gives enough detail to understand the case but does not get deep into the weeds. It is an intriguing story that is plainly laid out.
March 28, 2021
Really well written book about serial lier and wife killer Randy Roth. From the beginning to the end I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would recommend to anyone who is a true crime fan
October 23, 2019
A Well Told Story of a Life of Crime
Carlton Smith has put together a 1000 piece jigsaw puzzle of a mans life, his crimes and the trial that led to his conviction for two murders and lucrative insurance fraud. His illegitimate birth to a chronically ill mother, an abusive father and a life of poverty seemed to shape his development into a man with a deep seated hatred of women, the habit of chronic lying to make himself appear tough, even dangerous, and a desire for the good life by deception and murder.
A psychiatrist could have a field day analyzing the root causes of Randy Roth's criminal behavior. The author lays out a well-researched picture of the hand Randy was dealt and how he chose to play it. From his early life he portrayed himself as someone you would not want to cross.
His relationships with women--many women--followed a pattern set early on. To draw them in, especially the four women he chose to marry, he would play the charming romantic, but after the wedding he turned cold, critical and controlling. Two of the wives divorced him and the other two, as the marriages began the inevitable collapse, met an "accidental" death. With the large life insurance policies he had on them, he was able to quickly end the unhappy marriage and profit by the wives' death.
His first victim, a mother of a young girl, was dispatched by pushing her off a cliff. Ten years later a different method was used-- drowning her while her young boys sat on the shore. He got lucky the first time and escaped the law but the bizarre drowning death and his emotionless reaction to it spurred the interest of two detectives whose amazing, painstaking efforts were handed on to two dedicated lawyers who, after a lengthy , harrowing trial, came away with a guilty verdict from the jury. The coverage of the trial in the book was excellent reading.
The book was a little long, with occasional repetition, but the author painstakingly looked at each piece of the case and based on the remarkable work of the detectives and lawyers was able to present the readers with a coherent picture of a complex man and his cold, calculated crimes. At one point the author compares Randy's behavior to a predator in nature who uses deception to entice and entrap his victims. The old poem with the line, " come into my parlor said the spider to the fly" says it all about the chameleon- like Randy Roth.
Carlton Smith has put together a 1000 piece jigsaw puzzle of a mans life, his crimes and the trial that led to his conviction for two murders and lucrative insurance fraud. His illegitimate birth to a chronically ill mother, an abusive father and a life of poverty seemed to shape his development into a man with a deep seated hatred of women, the habit of chronic lying to make himself appear tough, even dangerous, and a desire for the good life by deception and murder.
A psychiatrist could have a field day analyzing the root causes of Randy Roth's criminal behavior. The author lays out a well-researched picture of the hand Randy was dealt and how he chose to play it. From his early life he portrayed himself as someone you would not want to cross.
His relationships with women--many women--followed a pattern set early on. To draw them in, especially the four women he chose to marry, he would play the charming romantic, but after the wedding he turned cold, critical and controlling. Two of the wives divorced him and the other two, as the marriages began the inevitable collapse, met an "accidental" death. With the large life insurance policies he had on them, he was able to quickly end the unhappy marriage and profit by the wives' death.
His first victim, a mother of a young girl, was dispatched by pushing her off a cliff. Ten years later a different method was used-- drowning her while her young boys sat on the shore. He got lucky the first time and escaped the law but the bizarre drowning death and his emotionless reaction to it spurred the interest of two detectives whose amazing, painstaking efforts were handed on to two dedicated lawyers who, after a lengthy , harrowing trial, came away with a guilty verdict from the jury. The coverage of the trial in the book was excellent reading.
The book was a little long, with occasional repetition, but the author painstakingly looked at each piece of the case and based on the remarkable work of the detectives and lawyers was able to present the readers with a coherent picture of a complex man and his cold, calculated crimes. At one point the author compares Randy's behavior to a predator in nature who uses deception to entice and entrap his victims. The old poem with the line, " come into my parlor said the spider to the fly" says it all about the chameleon- like Randy Roth.
April 16, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️½ – A chilling case that shocks more than it captivates
Fatal Charm by Carlton Smith dives into the deeply disturbing case of Randy Roth—a man who, on the surface, seemed like the ideal husband. Handsome, athletic, and charming, Roth left a trail of tragedy in his wake. By the time his fourth wife Cynthia died in a suspicious boating accident, it became clear something much darker was at play. With a trail of dead wives and hefty life insurance policies, the truth finally caught up to him, and the investigators’ meticulous work brought a manipulative sociopath to justice.
This was my third book by Smith—The Search for the Green River Killer (2 stars) and Cold Blooded Murder (4 stars) came before—and I’d say Fatal Charm sits neatly between them. The case itself? Absolutely fascinating and horrifying. I had never heard of Roth before and was shocked to learn how far he got without being caught. It's hard to believe that three wives died before authorities truly questioned his story.
But while the facts are compelling, the book is bogged down by dry, repetitive prose and a rigid “just the facts” journalistic tone. At times, I genuinely felt like I’d accidentally rewound the audiobook—only to realise it was just another retelling of the same scene. Smith’s writing lacks emotional depth, making it hard to feel fully immersed despite the weight of the story. That said, the research is solid and the investigation gripping—especially as the truth about Roth’s greed and cruelty is slowly unmasked.
A must-listen for diehard true crime fans, but probably not the best pick if you're after a fast-paced, emotionally-driven narrative. Roth is undoubtedly one of the most chilling real-life villains I’ve read about.
🎧 Listened on audio. Recommend for: true crime fans who enjoy older cases and don’t mind a bit of a slow burn.
Fatal Charm by Carlton Smith dives into the deeply disturbing case of Randy Roth—a man who, on the surface, seemed like the ideal husband. Handsome, athletic, and charming, Roth left a trail of tragedy in his wake. By the time his fourth wife Cynthia died in a suspicious boating accident, it became clear something much darker was at play. With a trail of dead wives and hefty life insurance policies, the truth finally caught up to him, and the investigators’ meticulous work brought a manipulative sociopath to justice.
This was my third book by Smith—The Search for the Green River Killer (2 stars) and Cold Blooded Murder (4 stars) came before—and I’d say Fatal Charm sits neatly between them. The case itself? Absolutely fascinating and horrifying. I had never heard of Roth before and was shocked to learn how far he got without being caught. It's hard to believe that three wives died before authorities truly questioned his story.
But while the facts are compelling, the book is bogged down by dry, repetitive prose and a rigid “just the facts” journalistic tone. At times, I genuinely felt like I’d accidentally rewound the audiobook—only to realise it was just another retelling of the same scene. Smith’s writing lacks emotional depth, making it hard to feel fully immersed despite the weight of the story. That said, the research is solid and the investigation gripping—especially as the truth about Roth’s greed and cruelty is slowly unmasked.
A must-listen for diehard true crime fans, but probably not the best pick if you're after a fast-paced, emotionally-driven narrative. Roth is undoubtedly one of the most chilling real-life villains I’ve read about.
🎧 Listened on audio. Recommend for: true crime fans who enjoy older cases and don’t mind a bit of a slow burn.
May 20, 2018
This is a compelling true crime story and well told, but it’s all about what and almost nothing about why. Why does Randy Roth kill two wives for insurance? How does this confabulating loser attract so many girlfriends and wives? How can he seduce his thirteen year old babysitter while remaining best friends with her parents? And why do he and his brother become murderers when others from deprived childhoods are valuable members of society?
The author writes in a way that shows lots of research without being boring. It’s like a case study but written in an accessible way. And he shows Randy Roth’s origins in compelling detail. But the end result is simply a portrait of a deeply unpleasant man. I’m left wondering why Roth did what he did.
The author writes in a way that shows lots of research without being boring. It’s like a case study but written in an accessible way. And he shows Randy Roth’s origins in compelling detail. But the end result is simply a portrait of a deeply unpleasant man. I’m left wondering why Roth did what he did.
January 14, 2019
Outstanding True Crime!
This is the sort of true crime book that makes the genre a terrific read. From the beginning, Randy Roth, the man around whom this book is constructed, seems almost fictional. It is difficult to imagine that this person was able to commit such abhorrent crimes and never be caught. Had he stopped after the first murder, he would probably be free today. This Author magical weaves the true story of Randy's multiple relationshipz, as well as his fraudulent schemes to bilk insurance companys out of thousands of dollars. As a Psychologist I am intrigued with the criminal mind...this book portrays an individual who displays all of the signs of Narcissism, and Sociopathic behavior. It is a great read, well-written and captivating.
This is the sort of true crime book that makes the genre a terrific read. From the beginning, Randy Roth, the man around whom this book is constructed, seems almost fictional. It is difficult to imagine that this person was able to commit such abhorrent crimes and never be caught. Had he stopped after the first murder, he would probably be free today. This Author magical weaves the true story of Randy's multiple relationshipz, as well as his fraudulent schemes to bilk insurance companys out of thousands of dollars. As a Psychologist I am intrigued with the criminal mind...this book portrays an individual who displays all of the signs of Narcissism, and Sociopathic behavior. It is a great read, well-written and captivating.
May 20, 2021
I already knew a little through documentaries I've seen, though this book was much more informative about the investigation and the background. Fascinating.
Well written and researched, this is a great way to discover the depths to which humanity will go to for the green paper we all know many people love more than the lives of loved ones. Or rather, ones who are meant to be loved.
If you're thinking of marrying someone you've only met within a few months, or you're under pressure to do so, then this book will give you nightmares, I think. There are plenty out there, some yet to be even suspects, who would do anything for money. Perhaps the rest of us need to think on that and be as careful as we can be!
Well written and researched, this is a great way to discover the depths to which humanity will go to for the green paper we all know many people love more than the lives of loved ones. Or rather, ones who are meant to be loved.
If you're thinking of marrying someone you've only met within a few months, or you're under pressure to do so, then this book will give you nightmares, I think. There are plenty out there, some yet to be even suspects, who would do anything for money. Perhaps the rest of us need to think on that and be as careful as we can be!
January 4, 2018
from Amazon:
Randy Roth was handsome, hardworking, kind, and in top physical shape. But for all his charm and good looks, he was seemingly cursed with the ladies. His first marriage ended in divorce before the couple’s fifth anniversary; his second wife plunged to her death during a hike; and his third wife left him after less than five months.
But when Roth’s fourth wife, Cynthia, drowned in an apparent speedboating accident in Washington State’s Lake Sammamish just weeks after their first anniversary, a pattern of suspicious behavior finally caught up to him. As Roth set about collecting on a hefty insurance payout, the authorities were on to his game.
Randy Roth was handsome, hardworking, kind, and in top physical shape. But for all his charm and good looks, he was seemingly cursed with the ladies. His first marriage ended in divorce before the couple’s fifth anniversary; his second wife plunged to her death during a hike; and his third wife left him after less than five months.
But when Roth’s fourth wife, Cynthia, drowned in an apparent speedboating accident in Washington State’s Lake Sammamish just weeks after their first anniversary, a pattern of suspicious behavior finally caught up to him. As Roth set about collecting on a hefty insurance payout, the authorities were on to his game.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 28, 2021
It is mind blowing to read crime stories from the days before internet. We've have gotten so trained on shows like CSI and law and order that we really don't realize the true extent of a case. It took a long time to connect the dots and sentence this man to prison and each step of character building gets the reader fighting for justice. There was a lot of people to keep track of, this man had several relationships and the people that witnessed those, I could only imagine how lengthy this seven day trial would have been on everyone involved. I think the conclusion was a good one, and the last line of the book was the perfect ending.
January 21, 2019
While this was an interesting read , I struggled to get through the book . I believe the story was well researched , but could have been told in a much shorter manner . There seems to be a lot of repeating of the same information which I found distracting . I wasn't sure if I had accidentally went back a few pages , but would soon discover it was a retelling of the same . Sigh . I would have liked a lot more history on Randy Roth and a deeper look at what created such a monster . I felt that aspect was lacking .
August 9, 2019
A No-Frills Account of A Killer
This was a fascinating look at the life of Randy Roth and the unfortunate people who crossed his path. With all the information presented (from childhood through incarceration), you can see the way his personality was shaped. It was chilling to see how duplicitous he became and even more disturbing was his fervent belief that he had the right to do what he did.
I couldn't give this five stars because I found the organization a little hazy and the writing "telling" and not very immersive. Even so, this was a compelling portrait of a tragic tale.
This was a fascinating look at the life of Randy Roth and the unfortunate people who crossed his path. With all the information presented (from childhood through incarceration), you can see the way his personality was shaped. It was chilling to see how duplicitous he became and even more disturbing was his fervent belief that he had the right to do what he did.
I couldn't give this five stars because I found the organization a little hazy and the writing "telling" and not very immersive. Even so, this was a compelling portrait of a tragic tale.
August 4, 2022
Jean38no
This book was an excellent account of the story of the wife killer Randy Roth. I tried to find some empathy for Randy because of his childhood , but it was hard.. . Obviously Mr. Roth was a psychopath and money was the deciding factor In all his relationships. I just don’t understand why his son Greg was included in the other boys estate as he was a stepson. Those boys father particularly and mother left money for them not necessarily money for children from her future marriage. Good read
This book was an excellent account of the story of the wife killer Randy Roth. I tried to find some empathy for Randy because of his childhood , but it was hard.. . Obviously Mr. Roth was a psychopath and money was the deciding factor In all his relationships. I just don’t understand why his son Greg was included in the other boys estate as he was a stepson. Those boys father particularly and mother left money for them not necessarily money for children from her future marriage. Good read
March 8, 2018
Blyreply
The author shows no sympathy for Roth (despite his miserable childhood), nor should he. I do, however, feel that Smith's book gives us a fascinating account of the legal system and of the skilled maneuvering of both the defense and prosecution as used in this case. It is particularly interesting to see how Smith defines (and then shows us how varying interpretations are used to confuse) such terms as "prior bad acts rules," "rules of evidence," "prejudicial testimony," and "modus operandi." It makes it worrisome to enter a courtroom!
The author shows no sympathy for Roth (despite his miserable childhood), nor should he. I do, however, feel that Smith's book gives us a fascinating account of the legal system and of the skilled maneuvering of both the defense and prosecution as used in this case. It is particularly interesting to see how Smith defines (and then shows us how varying interpretations are used to confuse) such terms as "prior bad acts rules," "rules of evidence," "prejudicial testimony," and "modus operandi." It makes it worrisome to enter a courtroom!
May 25, 2018
A fictional account of a double murder couldn't be more unbelievable. Randy Roth lied about everything in his life. People, both men and women, were taken in by his stories of secret missions and wealth. Roth was completely devoid of empathy. They say money is the root of all evil, but Roth was evil to start with and money came later. The author showcases the great work of the police and the prosecutors. Women beware - vet your future husband.
July 17, 2018
A fascinating story if you're into morbid tales such as this. Smith does a thorough job delving into extreme detail as to Roth's past, present, and the impact on his future. However, he makes several "of course" leaps that just are not true. For example, sociopaths are "of course" made, not born. Well, my understanding is that this is up for debate. He makes several similar leaps without backing up why "of course" this is true.
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