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Bitter Harvest

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Bitter Harvest

Written by: Ann Rule
Narrated by: Cassandra Campbell
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About this listen

 True crime icon Ann Rule presents a “must-read” (People) New York Times bestseller—and inspiration behind the Lifetime movie A House on Fire—following a woman whose apparent perfect life hides a harrowing and deadly madness.

Debora Green, a doctor and mother in a picturesque and exclusive Kansas town, seems to have the perfect life with her own medical practice, a handsome physician husband, and three lovely children. It seems like a horribly tragic accident when a raging fire destroys her home and takes two lives. But a trail of clues leads investigators to an unthinkable conclusion.

In this “tour de force from America’s best true crime writer” (Kirkus Reviews), Ann Rule reveals the disturbing secrets—including infidelity, suicide, revenge, and murder—hiding beneath a façade of paradise in the American heartland. Murder Sexual Crimes & Assault True Crime Marriage Crime Exciting Kansas
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this was a hard listen. not because it was bad, but because as the listener we know where it's headed and can't stop the crimes. I'm surprised it hasn't been turned into a tv series yet. just crazy.

crazy story

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This story was intriguing. Ann Rule tells the story in a way that keeps you wondering what really happened.

Gut wrenching

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Very much enjoyed this book I will listen again and again. Great to listen to while driving

Great book great narration

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Ann Rule is indisputably one of the best True Crime authors Ever.. and is at the top of her game in this one. She masterfully weaves a tragic story informed by intensive research, interviews, court transcripts, and an intuitive understanding of the psychology of criminals. This book is well-written, paced beautifully, and immersive (the reader feels like they know the people and places described). I have to wonder, however, what attracted Rule to this particular story. The crime isn't all that shocking and the relationships among the involved personalities - while jawdropping - aren't terribly unfamiliar.. events like this one happen weekly somewhere or another.

Cassandra Campbell is a quality narrator. Her diction, emotiveness, and cadence are notable, for example. Unfortunately, her timbre is slightly off, her tone is a little too grave at times, and her pacing is somewhat plodding (I found increasing the playback rate to 1.15X made up for some of these problems). Despite the deficiencies and the fact that another reader might have narrated better, Campbell was a good choice.

Several readers have suggested that Rule is repetitive in this book - retelling the same events over and over. I disagree. Some of the repetition is of police interviews at the time they were conducted and then discussed in court. (I also suspect Rule merely wasn't happy with her storytelling at times and felt she needed to clarify). Regardless, it's a real phenomenon.. and it gives the impression that Rule is stretching out the novel for some reason. While a great editor could likely shave four hours from this 16-hour book, however, 'Bitter Harvest' doesn't feel too long. It rather feels incomplete somehow.. as though it was rushed to publication. It's not Rule's best work. Nevertheless, it's a fascinating - if a little Run-of-the-Mill - chronicle of a tragic crime.. one undoubtedly fuelled by mental illness. I rate this book 8/10 stars.

Engrossing Exposé.. but Why This Crime?

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Nice long interesting book to fill the empty Covid 19 days. Great narration. Highly recommend

Unbelievable story

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I was bit into this listen before I realized I heard the story on a podcast, regardless it was a very interesting and enthralling tale. Ann Rule’s crime writing is fabulous. Worked well with one female narrator! Would absolutely recommend!

Great!

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A great story spoiled by repetition. At times I felt the author was showing off the depth of her research at the expense of her reader’s enjoyment. I’ve enjoyed Ann Rule in the past. This one came up short.

Too long.....

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