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Laci: Inside the Laci Peterson Murder
Praying for a happy ending, friends and family stood by Laci's grieving husband Scott. Four months later, Laci's decomposed body was found in the murky waters of San Francisco Bay. The body of her child had washed ashore about a mile away, after a possible "coffin birth." It was a sad closure to an exhaustive search, and a grim end to a marriage that by all accounts had appeared to be perfect.
Scott Peterson's behavior had cast a mysterious shadow over the death of his pregnant wife: his alibi on the day of the disappearance was questionable; he admitted to an affair with another woman; and when he was finally charged with capital murder, he had altered his appearance. Almost immediately, the media condemned Scott, even though he maintains his innocence. Is Scott Peterson a victim of circumstantial evidence? Despite the state attorney general's claim of a "slam dunk", the case that has gripped the nation is much more complex, and is yielding even more questions, doubts, accusations, and shocking revelations.
Scott Peterson's behavior had cast a mysterious shadow over the death of his pregnant wife: his alibi on the day of the disappearance was questionable; he admitted to an affair with another woman; and when he was finally charged with capital murder, he had altered his appearance. Almost immediately, the media condemned Scott, even though he maintains his innocence. Is Scott Peterson a victim of circumstantial evidence? Despite the state attorney general's claim of a "slam dunk", the case that has gripped the nation is much more complex, and is yielding even more questions, doubts, accusations, and shocking revelations.
246 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published December 1, 2003
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612 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
January 30, 2023
There was nothing I didn't already know in this book (and looking at the publication date I can see why), but it was still an entertaining listen. I know there are a few books on this case published in 2005, so I'll read those whenever I get to them, they might have a better overview.
December 7, 2022
I listened to the audiobook version of this book and it was just ok.
It was published very soon after the discovery of the bodies, and therefore lacks quite a lot of the story of the 'ending' of this saga (court proceedings, etc).
It did not carry any facts I did not know and it was very heavy on the God front, which is something I do not care about.
It did bring into focus the victims, which is great.
I do hope there could be some more updates regarding the horrid comments made by the Peterson family (of the convicted killer of his family). Sad, such a sad sad story...
It was published very soon after the discovery of the bodies, and therefore lacks quite a lot of the story of the 'ending' of this saga (court proceedings, etc).
It did not carry any facts I did not know and it was very heavy on the God front, which is something I do not care about.
It did bring into focus the victims, which is great.
I do hope there could be some more updates regarding the horrid comments made by the Peterson family (of the convicted killer of his family). Sad, such a sad sad story...
March 14, 2012
One of the saddest facts about this case is that no matter how many books are written or what is written in them, it will not bring back Laci and Connor. I found this book to be a fast paced book on the facts presented on the case. I did like that it didn’t dwell on any particular theory. The media can be a very bullying party in a case. It seems like the journalists are so hungry to break a story and have their magazine or newspaper be the first to report new evidence. I am sure this is due to the pressure of the public as well. It is understandable why the Chief of Police for the City of Modesto and the rest of his Police force didn’t and couldn’t disclose certain case information to the media during the various Press Conferences they had.
To be honest for me, it was a shocker when Scott came out to be the prime suspect in this case. He had come across as a loving and concerned husband. That was my opinion of him before everything else that he was hiding in his personal life came to light, such as his affair with Amber Frey. I don’t really believe his statement that he gave to Police that he had told Laci about the affair. I also now see why he was so eager to open up new volunteer search parties for Laci and Connor in Los Angeles and San Diego. It was to throw people off and not have them look for Laci and Connor around the area that they were truly in. I can only imagine the Rocha’s family shock and disbelief when everything came out to light about what Scott had been hiding.
The brutal reality of this case and how the bodies were found was very shocking and sad. I had not known that Laci’s body was not fully in tact when it was pulled from the water. Her Torso, (which was missing 6 ribs) was found, it was however missing the head, legs and arms. The baby Connor’s body was in better condition. Questions arose on how the baby died… Was he killed when Laci was already dead? Or did he die inside of her. Investigators speculated that animals that ate away at Laci’s body could have also ate at her stomach which caused the baby to escape the womb.
Overall this book had facts I didn't know about before. The only negative thing I saw was that the book does end abruptly. I think this book could have been finished better after the trial and once Scott was convicted. The book doesn't talk about the conviction. I had wanted to see how many years Scott got... I guess I will just google it online now. Sort of defeats the purpose of writing a book though if you aren't going to deliver one of the most important things in the case.... was the killer convicted?
To be honest for me, it was a shocker when Scott came out to be the prime suspect in this case. He had come across as a loving and concerned husband. That was my opinion of him before everything else that he was hiding in his personal life came to light, such as his affair with Amber Frey. I don’t really believe his statement that he gave to Police that he had told Laci about the affair. I also now see why he was so eager to open up new volunteer search parties for Laci and Connor in Los Angeles and San Diego. It was to throw people off and not have them look for Laci and Connor around the area that they were truly in. I can only imagine the Rocha’s family shock and disbelief when everything came out to light about what Scott had been hiding.
The brutal reality of this case and how the bodies were found was very shocking and sad. I had not known that Laci’s body was not fully in tact when it was pulled from the water. Her Torso, (which was missing 6 ribs) was found, it was however missing the head, legs and arms. The baby Connor’s body was in better condition. Questions arose on how the baby died… Was he killed when Laci was already dead? Or did he die inside of her. Investigators speculated that animals that ate away at Laci’s body could have also ate at her stomach which caused the baby to escape the womb.
Overall this book had facts I didn't know about before. The only negative thing I saw was that the book does end abruptly. I think this book could have been finished better after the trial and once Scott was convicted. The book doesn't talk about the conviction. I had wanted to see how many years Scott got... I guess I will just google it online now. Sort of defeats the purpose of writing a book though if you aren't going to deliver one of the most important things in the case.... was the killer convicted?
July 10, 2014
The age old question of when Goodreads will come up with a way for us to rate books as half stars is raised again! I would give this 1.5 stars if I could.
It is not the authors fault, but this book ends so abruptly and just didn't contain any information that I didn't already know from just listening to the "news at 11." I looked at the publishing date AFTER I read it and have learned my lesson. It was published in December 2003. Laci and Connor were found in April of 2003, so I get why there is a lack of court proceeding, trial, and sentencing coverage--because all of that was still going on when this book hit the shelves.
I love true crime books, but I read them to get the whole story and I've learned that these books that are published so soon after the crime just aren't for me.
It is not the authors fault, but this book ends so abruptly and just didn't contain any information that I didn't already know from just listening to the "news at 11." I looked at the publishing date AFTER I read it and have learned my lesson. It was published in December 2003. Laci and Connor were found in April of 2003, so I get why there is a lack of court proceeding, trial, and sentencing coverage--because all of that was still going on when this book hit the shelves.
I love true crime books, but I read them to get the whole story and I've learned that these books that are published so soon after the crime just aren't for me.
January 19, 2015
While I certainly didn't come to the same conclusion as the author of this book, I thought he provided an interesting perspective on the investigation and all the players involved.
Read
February 26, 2011It's hard to give this book stars one way or the other, because the subject is so tragic. I live 40 miles from Modesto, and during the trial went to the courthouse which of course was so inundated with the world's press, in one way you want all the attention you can get to find and convict her killer...on the other hand it's disgusting how the media doesn't care, all they want is their exclusive.
However, I remember from the beginning something seemed wrong in this case, at the time I thought, why does the husband seem so emotionless? Not suggesting I knew anything, it was just a gut reaction. This is a tragedy that never needed to happen. I see her photos with her family and how full of life she is...and it truly breaks my heart.
I think sadly no matter how you come to Lacey Peterson the end result is the same, you walk away feeling, angry, sad, and frustrated for something that was so senseless. A woman who simply wanted to be a mother and wife. A man with an ego who felt the rules didn't apply to him.
However, I remember from the beginning something seemed wrong in this case, at the time I thought, why does the husband seem so emotionless? Not suggesting I knew anything, it was just a gut reaction. This is a tragedy that never needed to happen. I see her photos with her family and how full of life she is...and it truly breaks my heart.
I think sadly no matter how you come to Lacey Peterson the end result is the same, you walk away feeling, angry, sad, and frustrated for something that was so senseless. A woman who simply wanted to be a mother and wife. A man with an ego who felt the rules didn't apply to him.
March 27, 2012
I thought this was a really sad book specially being about a case that the whole nation once knew about. It's really amazing on how a lot of people came together in the search for Laci. It just show that when something big like that occurs, we can all be united and leave our differences aside to try to help those in need.
As far as for Scott Peterson he is a monster as well as very good actor. I was amazed at how well he pretended to care for Laci and the baby's well being, when in reality he was the murderer. I just don't understand how someone can do something like that and yet act like nothing happened.
This book gave a lot of great great details that made you feel like you where actually there living all that happened. It's so sad the way Laci and Conor where murder and yet so unfair. This book only shows us that it could happen to anyone, even in the best of relationships like in the Peterson's case.
As far as for Scott Peterson he is a monster as well as very good actor. I was amazed at how well he pretended to care for Laci and the baby's well being, when in reality he was the murderer. I just don't understand how someone can do something like that and yet act like nothing happened.
This book gave a lot of great great details that made you feel like you where actually there living all that happened. It's so sad the way Laci and Conor where murder and yet so unfair. This book only shows us that it could happen to anyone, even in the best of relationships like in the Peterson's case.
August 30, 2014
I just finished reading the book Laci: Inside the Laci Peterson murder. Well apparently the book was written before the case was over so it had no "ending or verdict, ending reactions.." aaaugh It made me so mad, I feel robbed but it really isn't the authors fault, it was a great book for the most I just wish authors waited until the case is over to write a book specially when not everyone follows a case, it makes the book a story with no ending, unfinished.. good thing we have Google now but that's not the point! (although in other books I haven't felt that way, with this one I did..) It was just so good and that ending (or no ending) was so irritating! I recommend only if you followed the case or are ok with having google the end, otherwise I don not recommend!
September 27, 2009
Every once in a while I like to read a "true crime" book. I especially enjoy those of Ann Rule but that's for another time. Anyway, I happened to pick this up and it was a very quick, interesting synopsis of the Laci/Scott Peterson murder. It still amazes me that someone can be as cruel and uncaring to murder his wife and unborn 8-month-old son. This book tried to get to the real story and sift through all the garbage that was circulating in the media, partially due to the defense attorney.
January 18, 2016
Truthfully I was kind of disappointed in this book. I was puzzled by its ending before the trial started, and then I looked at the publication date and realized that it was probably rushed to press to capitalize on the sensational case before it went to trial. As such, I think it can hardly claim to give us the inside details of the Laci Peterson murder because so much of the information remained sealed until the trial. Consequently at the end of the book I was left with many questions about the evidence against Scott Peterson and about Laci's murder.
February 29, 2016
To start with, this book was written before the trial, so it's important to note that this is really more about the events that transpired following Laci's disappearance than her murder. In fact, it really did not go into the nuts and bolts of the evidence or give a timeline for what might have happened the morning she disappeared. Having read the reviews I was expecting this.
It is a quick read about a tragic case. The only quibble I have is with letting Scott Peterson's mother having the last word in the book.
It is a quick read about a tragic case. The only quibble I have is with letting Scott Peterson's mother having the last word in the book.
July 31, 2011
The tragedy of Laci and Connor Petersen still haunts Californians. This wasn't a particularly moving book, mostly a recitation of the facts. There's no information about the preponderance of evidence collected, and the book ends without much insight into the hearings. It was ok. So far, the book with the best presentation of the case is Catherine Crier's A Deadly Game.
June 28, 2009
Pretty much the same as the other reviews I'm sure. What the hell was this guy thinking? And why didn't he just do the last honest thing he could, and confess? And apologize? And why couldn't he just divorce her?
What an ass.
What an ass.
January 7, 2012
Great book, really tells you the behind the scenes stuff. Very sad though, the whole situation. I can't wait for that mofo Scott to burn in hell, zero remorse, suprized no one is prision has gotten to him yet.
May 8, 2015
What a sad story and very tragic. I was hoping to learn more than what I already knew but that didn't happen with this story. I still bristle at the horrible person Laci's husband was! Poor Laci. The end of this book was so abrupt I thought it needed to continue.
November 26, 2016
This book was completed before the real trial of Scott Peterson took place. While interesting to read about the families and Scott 's
reactions. .A lot of questions were left unanswered.
reactions. .A lot of questions were left unanswered.
July 1, 2019
why did i read this LMAO
June 2, 2020
So sad that one person could do this to another. Let alone the mother of his child and his child... I just don’t comprehend.
July 16, 2022
I liked this book!! Such a sad story!!
February 8, 2018
Over 15 years ago, on December 24, 2002, in Modesto, California, Scott Peterson called his mother-in-law to tell her that his wife, Laci Peterson was missing. Laci was eight months pregnant and a search for her began. The search became highly publicized and Laci's parents offered an award for anyone who anyone who could offer information leading to her safe return. With hopes that Laci was alive, her parents did not initially suspect Scott Peterson. After all, Scott and Laci had appeared to be a loving couple.
However, information came out that Scott was having an affair with a massage therapist named Amber Frey. Amber Frey cooperated with the police and did believably state that she had no idea Scott Peterson was married and with a pregnant wife. She had met him through a friend and Scott had told her that he was single. He was charming. She trusted him and liked him, and had no idea that he had this second life.
When this information came out, people started to wonder what else had Scott Peterson lied about?
In April 2003, the body of a late term male fetus was discovered by a couple walking their dog, washed up from the San Francisco Bay in the Richmond district. A day later, after a police search, the body of a woman was found, but missing some parts of her body. Autopsy reports could not determine the exact cause of her death, except that there were some broken ribs. The fetus looked like it was cut out of the women’s body and it was found with tape around its neck. Laci's family named him Connor.
It was later revealed that Scott Peterson had had numerous extramarital affairs, and his alibi for the day when Laci Peterson had gone missing was changed by him. He had dyed his hair and hid out avoiding the media and the police. Although Laci’s parents at first did not suspect Scott, their feelings started to change when they noticed this strange behavior. His parents, however, stuck by him.
The police arrested Scott Peterson. He was considered a flight risk and a strong suspect at this time. Additionally, Scott had taken out a life insurance policy on Laci Peterson shortly before her disappearance. Due to his affairs, and the life insurance policy, he had strong motives for wanting her dead. Unfortunately they did not have physical evidence against him at the time.
His defense had asked that the venue of the trial be moved out of Modesto to give him a chance for a fair trial. His trial was in Redwood City, California. Although he had pleaded not guilty, Scott Peterson was convicted in November 2004, for first degree murder for Laci Peterson’s death and second degree murder for their son, Conner’s death. He was sentenced to death and is presently on death row at San Quentin State Prison in Marin County, California.
However, information came out that Scott was having an affair with a massage therapist named Amber Frey. Amber Frey cooperated with the police and did believably state that she had no idea Scott Peterson was married and with a pregnant wife. She had met him through a friend and Scott had told her that he was single. He was charming. She trusted him and liked him, and had no idea that he had this second life.
When this information came out, people started to wonder what else had Scott Peterson lied about?
In April 2003, the body of a late term male fetus was discovered by a couple walking their dog, washed up from the San Francisco Bay in the Richmond district. A day later, after a police search, the body of a woman was found, but missing some parts of her body. Autopsy reports could not determine the exact cause of her death, except that there were some broken ribs. The fetus looked like it was cut out of the women’s body and it was found with tape around its neck. Laci's family named him Connor.
It was later revealed that Scott Peterson had had numerous extramarital affairs, and his alibi for the day when Laci Peterson had gone missing was changed by him. He had dyed his hair and hid out avoiding the media and the police. Although Laci’s parents at first did not suspect Scott, their feelings started to change when they noticed this strange behavior. His parents, however, stuck by him.
The police arrested Scott Peterson. He was considered a flight risk and a strong suspect at this time. Additionally, Scott had taken out a life insurance policy on Laci Peterson shortly before her disappearance. Due to his affairs, and the life insurance policy, he had strong motives for wanting her dead. Unfortunately they did not have physical evidence against him at the time.
His defense had asked that the venue of the trial be moved out of Modesto to give him a chance for a fair trial. His trial was in Redwood City, California. Although he had pleaded not guilty, Scott Peterson was convicted in November 2004, for first degree murder for Laci Peterson’s death and second degree murder for their son, Conner’s death. He was sentenced to death and is presently on death row at San Quentin State Prison in Marin County, California.
March 7, 2022
Listened to this as an audio book.
This was actually well written. The author did a good job mixing a storytelling aspect in with the information about the case. They also did a really good job with presenting it with emotion, but not to the point where you felt like they were trying to lead you one way or another.
My only gripe is that the last three chapters felt rushed. We didn't get too much of the case, the findings, or anything to fill out the trial portion of the case. It fell short and flat apart from the rest of the book.
Definitely a decent read though, and the narrator was great as well.
This was actually well written. The author did a good job mixing a storytelling aspect in with the information about the case. They also did a really good job with presenting it with emotion, but not to the point where you felt like they were trying to lead you one way or another.
My only gripe is that the last three chapters felt rushed. We didn't get too much of the case, the findings, or anything to fill out the trial portion of the case. It fell short and flat apart from the rest of the book.
Definitely a decent read though, and the narrator was great as well.
June 6, 2023
I couldn't put this book down. I finished it in about two days. The chapters always ended on cliffhangers which made me want to read more. Poor Laci and Conner. One thing about this book that I actually found quite frustrating was the fact that I never really knew at the end what actually happened to Laci and Conner because all of the evidence was sealed. The book ends on a cliffhanger, but the problem is that there are no answers to all of the questions I am left with. It is written very well and I was able to follow everything with no problem, but I really wish the evidence was released because this book would have been a lot better without all the missing pieces of the story.
November 4, 2025
This was a true story! First time author for me! This story is about a couple that were going to have a baby boy and all the court room drama about who killed her!
It was quite a good story. But it took so long to find the wife and baby!
But up until now I want you to let me know? Is Scott Patterson guilty for killing these two people that did them no harm! Is he guilty or not! That is the question! Let me know!
It was quite a good story. But it took so long to find the wife and baby!
But up until now I want you to let me know? Is Scott Patterson guilty for killing these two people that did them no harm! Is he guilty or not! That is the question! Let me know!
January 9, 2019
Well written, except for the rushed ending. The search for Laci (and baby) was well described, Scott's actions during and after the search as well... but then the actual trial was covered in barely a chapter! I suppose the book was written before the authors knew the conclusion of the trial but it all felt a bit rushed at the end.
July 12, 2019
Meh ... I knew most of what was in this book. Plus it left out a few choice moments that really portrayed Scott as the guilty monster he is e.g. the phone call he received but wouldn't answer while he was being interviewed on tv while Laci was still "missing." He didn't feel the need to answer because he knew it wasn't the call announcing that Laci had been found.
February 1, 2023
This book seemed more like a summary of the events that took place in the murder. It may because the book itself needs to be updated, but it was a light read with so many questions unanswered. I’ve always been interested in this case, but this book was a little too bland and I had a hard time focusing on it when I was reading it. Not horrible, but just okay. Rest in peace, Laci
November 14, 2024
This book was a great, quick read. I personally liked how it was written. I was engaged until the end. I only wish there was more inside information about the evidence that was found or the trial. I understand the book was written not long after the murder occurred though, and the trial portion was an added post-script, so I can't hold that against the author.
November 28, 2024
Well researched and detailed...until the trial, which is rushed through in the last 4 pages or so. Also, as this was published years ago, there have been updates in the Scott Peterson case since that time that any reader will need to research for themselves if they want the full and up-to-date story.
September 29, 2017
A good explanation of the Laci Peterson case, but written before her husband's murder trial. Though this edition was updated after the verdict, there isn't much about the trial at all. So if you're looking for the legalities of the case, this isn't the book for you.
December 10, 2020
Interesting true crime account of Scot Patterson, a man who murderer his pregnant wife.
It started off engaging then lost all steam halfway.
Ending seemed rushed.
I had to google to get all the details.
It started off engaging then lost all steam halfway.
Ending seemed rushed.
I had to google to get all the details.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews