Die, My Love: a True Story of Revenge, Murder, and Two Texas Sisters

by Kathryn Casey

The day before Halloween 2004 was the last day on Earth for respected, well-liked college professor Fred Jablin. That morning, a neighbor discovered his body lying in a pool of blood in the driveway of Jablin's Virginia home. Police immediately turned their attentions to the victim's ex-wife, Piper, a petite, pretty Texas lawyer who had lost a bitter custody battle and would do anything to get her kids back. But Piper was in Houston, one thousand miles away, at the time of the slaying and couldn't possibly have been the killer . . . could she?

So began an investigation into one of the most bizarre cases Virginia and Texas law enforcement agencies had ever encountered: a twisted conspiracy of lies, rage, paranoia, manipulation, and savage murder that would ensnare an entire family—including two lethally close look-alike sisters—and reveal the shocking depravities possible when a dangerously disordered mind slips into madness.

Genres: True Crime, Nonfiction, Crime, Own, Audiobook, Ebooks, Biography

368 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published April 24, 2007

About the author

An award-winning journalist and a critically acclaimed bestselling author, Kathryn Casey has written eleven true crime books and is the creator of the Sarah Armstrong and Clara Jefferies mystery series. ANGEL FALLS, her first historical fiction, was inspired by the life of Ruth Robertson, who in 1949 measured the world’s tallest waterfall.

Casey’s books have been Literary and Mystery Guild selections, and DEADLY LITTLE SECRETS was made into a Lifetime movie. Her first novel, SINGULARITY, was named a Best Crime Novel Debut by Booklist, and Library Journal chose THE KILLING STORM for its annual list of Best Mysteries. Elle Magazine picked DIE, MY LOVE as one of the ten best thrillers and crime books written by a woman. True crime matriarch Ann Rule praised Casey as "one of the best," and #1 NY Times bestselling author Gregg Olsen has called Casey "a true crime great."

In addition, Casey has written more than a hundred national magazine articles and pieces for The Washington Post, the Boston Globe, and the Houston Chronicle. In 2022, Casey was featured on the top ten Netflix limited documentary series “Crime Scene: The Texas Killing Fields.” She’s appeared on dozens of television and radio programs, including The Today Show, Good Morning America, 20/20, 48 Hours, Oprah, Investigation Discovery, the Travel Channel, A&E, and other venues.

Reviews

[♥ Marlene♥ · Rating 5 out of 5]

This turned out to be a very well written and exiting, if I may say that cause it really happened,story and book.

It does not happen a lot that I read a true crime book and can't put it down. Mostly when it happens it happens with the old true crime books and also the out of prints ones.

Yes this is not a new tc book but not a very old one so I was pleasantly surprised.

When I began and I did not know much about this story, I worried Kathryn Casey would do an Ann Rule, meaning being very biased but thankfully she was not as bad as Mrs Rule has done in her latest books.

This is an old fashioned good tc book which I highly recommend. Good writing so you get to know the main players and the victim which is important to me and I must admit to liking the outcome so that helped.

[Kace | The Booknerd · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a book addict, one of my new year's resolutions is to read all genres and books in my TBR list as much as possible. And Die, My Love: a True Story of Revenge, Murder, and Two Texas Sisters is my first read for this kind of genre.

Whenever I read a true books there are three things I look for: (1) The killer's profile such as his/her childhood story/background. (2) The investigation process - how the police/investigators will uncover the truth because it makes my mind works and my imagination flies. And (3) The Trial - and this book have exactly what I am looking for! I was engrossed from the first page up to the last and finished this in just one sitting. Kathryn Case's writing is perfect for me; she keeps it authentic. I could feel the emotion, see the happenings and hear all the people involved as if I was there in a corner, watching this tragedy unfold. I liked how the author started this book from the very beginning of Piper and Fred's tragic love story - from their courting days to their marriage then to Piper's strange and irrational behavior - to the series of events that ended their marriage to the custody battle and eventually to Fred's death where he was gunned down by his estranged wife Piper in the driveway of his home. At the same time, their (3) children slept in their beds mere yards away.

With the author's extensive research, she was able to give the readers an insight into what really happened during the investigation process where Piper repeatedly and vehemently denied her involvement and gave a very plausible alibi.. but with the brilliant and determined prosecution team, they were able to gather and compiled an impressive mound of evidence. And the fact that Piper was not really as smart as she thought she was, in her arrogance, she left a paper trail that spanned from Texas to Virginia and back to Texas again.

The author was also able to give the readers an insight into how dysfunctional and troubling the relationship between Piper and her equal troubles sister Tina. I honestly thought at first that it was really Tina who shot Fred since she never hides her contempt and dislikes towards him. But as the book progressed and all the impressive evidence presented, I am sure that Piper murdered her ex-husband and the father of her three children. And because of her bitterness and selfishness, she robbed her children of their father and their mother.

Overall, this was a good read, and true-crime fans will not be disappointed because of the detailed research and stellar writing of Kathryn Casey.

[Elle G. Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

:: 4.5 Pretty Little Stars ::

This is a very well written, clear, and concise true crime read that will leave readers busy for hours. I first bought this book because I saw it was discounted on amazon ($2.99 on kindle) and this is a very rare sale. True crime books are not typically this low in price so I knew I needed to pick it up quick. The second reason I grabbed it is because Kathryn Casey is one of the best true crime writers out there. She dives in depth into the individuals lives; both the victims and the murderers, giving us a clear glimpse into their life story. Readers are not left with questions in regards to their lives and to me, this is extremely important. Knowing this, Casey hit the nail on the head with this book. Everything about it is emotional, disturbing, and riveting. While it is horrible that this man was murdered by his wife in cold blood, readers cannot help but be engrossed in this tragic tale.

This particular book is about a man named Fred Jablin. He was a father of three and married to a woman who at first appeared stable, but in the end turned out to be a greedy woman who thought only of herself and money. When the two set out to get a divorce things turned ugly. His wife Piper was acting unstable, doing things that no mother would do, and racking up a ton of debt on his cards. When the courts hear of this and orders a mental evaluation on the two, it is clear who should be in charge of the children full time- Fred. Piper doesn’t like this though and sets out to hurt him in the worst way possible… By murdering him.

This is a sensational and tragic story that will leave readers feeling all types of emotions. The heartlessness and selfishness of this woman comes out through the pages and readers can easily paint the picture themselves of who killed Fred. After all, the evidence doesn’t point to anyone else… Or does it?

Once again, Kathryn Casey delivers a great true crime read. She doesn’t take sides rather; she displays a picture of the whole story from the moment they met till Fred’s last breath. This is definitely a good one for all fans of true crime and even for those who are curious with this genre.

[Suzanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. I highly recommend it. I just kept wanting more and more. Great book Kathryn Casey.

[J.H. Moncrieff · Rating 3 out of 5]

It may say something about me that I'm beginning to find a lot of true crime books a tad boring.

Sadly, many true crime authors are confined by geography, which makes sense. Few have the time and money to stay in hotels and travel back and forth for multiple interviews, trial dates, etc. In the case of Ann Rule, who stuck to the Pacific Northwest, it didn't seem to hinder her too much. However, it's the only explanation I can find for this book, which is about a pretty typical case in Houston, Texas.

Basically, we have a bitter divorce, and a spouse who kills her ex-husband so as not to lose custody of her children. In spite of constant references to how "attractive" she was, there is nothing much unusual about Piper Rountree. She wasn't that bright or accomplished or even interesting. Her crime, while apparently requiring considerable planning, was riddled with stupid errors and poor impulse control. She practically painted a blazing "I did it!" sign on her forehead.

Skipped over the trial transcript, as usual--does anyone find those interesting? And found the critique of everyone's age, weight, appearance and style more than a little off-putting.

[S · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'd read another book by this author. Clear, concise, and without shoving her opinions in your face, this was an interesting read.

[Danielle Woods · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is so hard to understand the ugliness in a person. How a mother could kill the father of her own children. The kind of hate that you must hold so deep inside.

[RJ McGill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fans of psychology and true crime will thoroughly enjoy this book. Die My Love tells the story of how one woman’s obsession would lead to murder and the destruction of an entire family.

There’s no time to catch your breath in this latest true-crime page turner from Kathryn Casey. With her unique voice style, the author paints a vivid portrait of Piper Rountree…petite, beautiful, attorney and murderer? Although those closest to the family were painfully aware of Piper’s irrational, eradicate behavior, only her sister Tina truly understood the darkness that had enveloped her every thought.

Using her sister’s identification for plane tickets and hotel reservations, Piper flew from Texas to Virginia, where she gunned down her estranged husband in the driveway of his home, as their three children slept in their beds mere yards away. Despite the sister’s best efforts to concoct an air tight alibi and dispose of evidence, it was just a matter of time before justice came calling.

Extensive research takes the reader behind the well manicured facade that had been painstakingly constructed to protect the all important image Piper cultivated. With lyrical prose, Casey skillfully traces the Jablin-Rountree story - from their early days to Piper’s strange, irrational behavior, to the series of events that would lead to the destruction of an already flawed marriage. Weaving a complex narrative of a family who, lived in a beautiful home, surrounded by friends and family but lingered in the shadow of dysfunction, Casey reassembles their shattered lives in the years and months before Fred’s death, intimately describing what led this petite, educated, Texas lawyer to murder her ex-husband and the father of her children.

Filled with the most complete case facts available, Die My Love offers an unparalleled look at one of the most captivating murder cases in recent years told by one of the most prolific crime writers of our time! I recommend this book to all who enjoy true crime novels, as well as, thriller and mystery lovers! I anxiously await Kathryn Casey’s next novel!

Happy Reading!
-RJ

[Lynda Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've seen this author's name crop up from time to time as true crime is my favourite genre to read but this is the first I've read by her.
It was very well told, I thought, with none of the jumping around of the timeline you often get in these books. I don't really "get" why some authors do that and don't just tell the story from the beginning and keep it going that way.
Spookily, as I finished reading this this afternoon it's the ninth anniversary of the crime itself.
Piper's a real piece of work who it seems always got her own way and was never told no often enough in her life. She seemed pretty sure she'd never get caught, it seemed to me, because she was a lawyer and an intelligent woman. A pity she didn't keep up with the current advances in technology...
There really seemed no depths she'd not sink to in getting her own way.
All credit to the police and their investigators who caught up with her pretty fast although she managed to give them the runaround for a few days longer than should have been allowed due to their hands being tied by the prosecutor's office. This probably filled her with extra confidence that she was going to get away with her crime.
I have to applaud the author for using the word poring correctly !! That alone is priceless !
I did come across apostrophe errors and words inserted in odd places in sentences a couple of times, thereby making them nonsensical. Then pedal was spelt peddle-a big ouch !! I did find the description of a person mentioned quite odd as it begins with "A single mom with a long neck"....quite bizarre.
I think I'd have titled this book "For The Children" seeing as it was the familiar refrain throughout.

[Marla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fred Jablin, father of three children, was murdered by his ex-wife Piper Roundtree on the day before Halloween 2004. Fred was a well known professor of organizational communications in Virginia. After continual irrational behavior by Piper, which included running up debts, the couples divorced with custody of the children going to Fred. Piper moved back to Texas to practice law but tried to keep contact with the children. However, the anger abd obsession grew that led her to plot to kill her ex-husband using any means possible. She uses her sister's identification for plane and hotel reservation then flies from Texas to Virginia, guns down Fred in the driveway of the home as the children sleep inside. She thought it was the perfect murder but after a long investigation the police trip her up. The author states she was seduced by greed, revenge, and evil. A good book for people who like true crime.

[William · Rating 5 out of 5]

A truely disturbing book about the murder of Dr. Fred Jablin who I had the pleasure of meeting at a conference several years ago. The book is riviting, but mostly a very sad tale about ruined lives.

[Jjean · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did not know anything about this True story but it was clear and easy to read - well researched - a "don't want to put down " book -

[Casey DeLuca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Always impressed with Kathryn Casey’s research and storytelling. There are sick sick people out there.

[Jeanette · Rating 4 out of 5]

This author did her research and told this non-fiction case occurring in Texas and in Virginia that ended in murder ten years ago, well.

By using chronological order and minute event tracking, she captured the progression of this marriage and also the personality of both the husband and the wife to an immense degree. Their core activities, their specific goals, their childhood expectations fulfilled, their high points of success, and their low points of health and difficult commute. You really got to know the sisters too. But most of all by knowing exactly where, what, who, when you were there to observe the dichotomy of what both women voiced as their empathetic and helping lifestyles to what those lifestyles actually encompassed as they lived them.

After the events of trial, the author interviewed both sisters and that also was extremely interesting in result.

The author doesn't "judge" personally within her own observation copy as much as Ann Rule does. Others here put Rule down for that aspect and call it unprofessional. I do not at all. In fact for me it is quite the opposite, identification of behavior should be called what it is and not interpreted with empathy as the victim in murder cases truly has no voice. The book would have been 5 star for me if Casey would have demonstrated by deliberate actions how this murderess exhibited her personality disorder, almost from the get-go, by DSMIV or V exact criteria. Histrionic aspects with the core of Narcissistic Personality Disorder is the reality in this case.

[Leigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

While I'll admit I found the story slow to start with it didn't take long for things to get going. As soon as Piper entered the story it became incredibly difficult to put the story down. After reading several true crime books about women who have committed murder, I have noticed similarities between them, their personalities, their crimes, even the motives for their crimes. Piper and Tina struck me as being twins more than just sisters and that relationship was a bit creepy to be honest. The author did a wonderful job of setting up the scene, I like that it started at the very beginning, with their lives before they met, then their relationship, marriage, and eventually the divorce, custody battle leading up to the murder, investigation and trial. I always get annoyed when authors jump around with the time as you never know when or what's happening, but everything was in order, it was an easy read and if I had to put it down it was simple to pick it up and know when I left off. I enjoyed this story and look forward to reading more books by this author.

[Lee Husemann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another great book by Kathryn Casey. I had seen a couple of programs on the Piper Roundtree case and was fascinated by it. It is such a shame that Piper Roundtree took such a brilliant man and father away from their children in such a cold-blooded manner. For her being a lawyer, and I use the term loosely in her case, she sure did a lot of really stupid things when trying to cover up the crime. Of course, what little lawyer work she did certainly did not amount to much. She really thought she was so much smarter than law enforcement but that was not the case. Kathryn Casey obviously did an extensive job researching this book and presenting it in this powerful story of love, hate, betrayal, murder and attempted cover up. I highly recommend this gripping book to anyone who loved true crime stories..

[Laren · Rating 3 out of 5]

A woman's ex-husband is murdered and she is a suspect. But she was halfway across the country at the time. Or was she? Or did she get her sister to kill him for her? This book is a solid reporting of the case, and not one of those sensationalized accounts where the author clearly takes a side from the very start and that bias shows. I would read another true-crime book by this author, but only if the case was interesting. She hasn't joined my "must-read" authors with this book anyway.

[Deborah Parker · Rating 2 out of 5]

Stretched Way Out

This story could have been told in half the pages. I don't suppose the author really needed to be objective. But painting the three characters in this real life drama as angels or devils made me feel like I need to be on guard for being brainwashed. I would have liked a more objective telling...instead of the author drawing conclusions about everybody's motives etc.

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story moved along at an even pace up until the investigational phase of the murder when things really started moving along. I had to actually make myself put the book down and go to sleep. Some books drag with courtroom drama but in this one, there was just enough to keep the story interesting even during that phase.

[Dan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Easy reading. The author embellished the emotions. Too over dramatic at times. An interesting psychoanalysis of the murderer. You didn't want to put it down because the identity of the murderer was in doubt till the end.

[Sharon Dotson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bone-chilling, true-crime read, well-told by one of my favorites in this field -- Kathryn Casey. This woman was nuts (not the author).

[Jeanine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very well researched and written, hard to put down. So sad for the kids.

[Barb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Move over, Ann Rule! Kathryn Casey writes a fantastic true crime journal. I was sorry to see this book end, and intend to read more of her books.

[SouthWestZippy · Rating 4 out of 5]

In 2004 Fred Jablin is found dead and his Ex Piper is one of the prime suspect. Well written and rounded view. You can tell a lot of research went into this very bizarre case.

[Lenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two sisters, one wackier then the other decides to kill her ex husband.

[Sherry Haning · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, what a book! Kathryn Casey is the best true crime writer!

[Teddie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good true crime book by Katherine Casey.

Fred Jablin, a popular college professor, was found shot to death in front of his Virginia home. The spotlight immediately went to Piper Roundtree, his ex-wife who had lost in a bitter custody battle over their three children. But Piper was several states away in her hometown in Texas at the time of the murder. Or was she?

This was a well-written true crime story, something to be expected from author Kathryn Casey. She does a great job delving into the personalities of both Fred and Piper. Piper's image of herself as a wonderful, nurturing mother was not based in reality. She was self centered and vindictive, and her actions during the divorce and custody hearing made it clear what was in the best interests of the children. After Piper lost custody of the children, and her ex-husband turns up murdered, circumstantial evidence began to pile up against her. But one thing that complicated the investigation was that Piper had a lookalike sister, Tina, who was implicated in the case. Could a jury be sure which sister pulled the trigger?

This isn't the best true crime book by Katherine Casey I've ever read, but still a good story. Four stars.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent true crime novel that deserves a better name than the Lifetime Movie title it was given. It read more like a thriller than a true crime book. Casey managed to make you feel as if you knew Piper and Fred Jablin like they were your next door neighbors. At the same time, she manages to meticulously detail the crime, the ensuing investigation, and finally the trial. Each player in the story is described in great detail, regardless of their role.

In a nutshell, Piper and Fred were a divorced couple with three young children. Acrimonious would be an understatement regarding their split up. After things seemed to calm down between the pair, Fred was found murdered in his driveway while his children slept upstairs.

[Sandy Saunders · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kathryn Casey knows how to write an enthralling book and this one is a prime example of her excellent style of writing. I was pretty much hooked from page one and managed to finish it in one day.
Piper thought she had planned the perfect crime to murder her ex husband Fred so she could regain custody of their three children. However, Piper managed to fail at everything she did so it is no surprise she failed at getting away with murder as well.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a concise, well written true crime book.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a good true crime book and this one did the job. Even though I knew who did it long before I even read the book, the author kept the story going at a good clip. There may have been a few parts that could have been cut down a bit but it didn't detract from the book overall. One curious thing, I Googled the three children as to where they are today and all three still use their mother's name along with their father's as their last name. Not sure I'd do the same under the circumstances.