Before He Wakes: A True Story of Money, Marriage, Sex and Murder
May 2014 · Diversion Books
4.2star
33 reviews
Ebook
460
Pages
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About this ebook
New York Times–bestselling author: “In the art of true-crime reportage, Jerry Bledsoe is the best in the country . . . Before He Wakes has the suspense of a novel” (The Atlanta Journal-Constitution).
Barbara Stager was known as a devoted mother, loving wife, and dedicated church leader in her Durham, North Carolina, community. When she “accidentally” shot her husband, popular high school coach, Russ, the police were inclined to believe her—until they learned that ten years earlier, her first husband had died in a strangely similar way.
Sgt. Rick Buchanan’s relentless investigation into Stager’s life revealed a stunning vortex of compulsive lying, obsessive spending, and sexual promiscuity. With every new discovery, more of Barbara’s impeccable image unraveled. But the greatest shock—a damning piece of evidence Russ Stager left behind—revealed the nightmare truth about Barbara. With “the fine-toothed-comb reporting of [an] ace crime journalist,” this book takes us deep into a spellbinding case of double life, lethal lust, and almost perfect murder (Kirkus Reviews).
“A shocking and well-written portrait of a dangerous woman.” —The New York Times
“Mesmerizing.” —Ann Rule, New York Times–bestselling author of The Stranger Beside Me
“This account of manipulation, compulsive spending, lying, promiscuity, and murder is made even more chilling by the fact that appearances are often deceiving.” —Library Journal
“A profile of evil . . . Fascinating.” —The Baltimore Sun
“Jerry Bledsoe is the master of true crime, the conclusion to what Truman Capote began. . . . Another stunning success.” —Patricia Cornwell, New York Times–bestselling author of Chaos
Barbara Stager was known as a devoted mother, loving wife, and dedicated church leader in her Durham, North Carolina, community. When she “accidentally” shot her husband, popular high school coach, Russ, the police were inclined to believe her—until they learned that ten years earlier, her first husband had died in a strangely similar way.
Sgt. Rick Buchanan’s relentless investigation into Stager’s life revealed a stunning vortex of compulsive lying, obsessive spending, and sexual promiscuity. With every new discovery, more of Barbara’s impeccable image unraveled. But the greatest shock—a damning piece of evidence Russ Stager left behind—revealed the nightmare truth about Barbara. With “the fine-toothed-comb reporting of [an] ace crime journalist,” this book takes us deep into a spellbinding case of double life, lethal lust, and almost perfect murder (Kirkus Reviews).
“A shocking and well-written portrait of a dangerous woman.” —The New York Times
“Mesmerizing.” —Ann Rule, New York Times–bestselling author of The Stranger Beside Me
“This account of manipulation, compulsive spending, lying, promiscuity, and murder is made even more chilling by the fact that appearances are often deceiving.” —Library Journal
“A profile of evil . . . Fascinating.” —The Baltimore Sun
“Jerry Bledsoe is the master of true crime, the conclusion to what Truman Capote began. . . . Another stunning success.” —Patricia Cornwell, New York Times–bestselling author of Chaos
Ratings and reviews
4.2
33 reviews
Eddie Gallo
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October 6, 2015
Pretty good read and should be enjoyed by all fans of true crime books. A little slow in places but not enough to get to dragged out. Sometimes the female is a lot deadlier than the male, this was one of those times. Recommended reading for true crime fans
3 people found this review helpful
Dawn DeRoche
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December 13, 2014
Awesome novel,,keeps you hooked from beginning till the end. I recommend this book for lovers of true crime .
1 person found this review helpful
Brian Treloar
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November 9, 2015
Very well written book . Every detail re the case and all those involved is explained clearly , A very nasty woman .
3 people found this review helpful
About the author
Jerry Bledsoe is the author of the #1 New York Times bestseller Bitter Blood and others. Among the many publications in which his work has appeared are Esquire and the New York Times. Bledsoe lives in North Carolina and Virginia.
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