Small Sacrifices: A True Story of Passion and Murder

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Summary: Excellent Author!!
Review: I've been reading Ann Rule's books for quite some time now and have enjoyed all of them. She is very knowledgeable in the area of true crime and is an excellent writer.

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Summary: Excellent and riveting, truly a sad story!
Review: When I read this book, I didn't know much about sociopaths. But following the actions of Diane Downs life, it is so obvious that something was bound to happen! She was a pathetic loser in life, always searching for somebody to love her, and to make quick money. Unfortunately, the love her children gave was never noticed. What is so shocking is that she had no idea the path she was leading. Everything just happened! Could someone have intervened with psychiatric help, what about family guidance, there was none, even from those loser boyfriends who used her! She desperately needed help! Maybe nothing like this would have happened had she got treatment!!! How distrubing to read that all the way up to the trial, she still exhibited the actions of a pathetic sole, still not realizing that she IS AND WAS SICK; especially when "Hungry Life a Wolf" was played in court and she kicks her foot to the tune while mouthing the words!! Truly, a sick, deplorable person, who I believe to this day, does not even realize that "something is wrong with her".

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Summary: Intriguing
Review: I've yet to be disappointed by anything Ann Rule produces, and this book is no exception. Her writing brings stories to life so that you will never forget them.

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Summary: Diane Downs is the epitome of evil!
Review: When I read this book I almost became physically ill when I got to the chapter in which Diane Downs commits the murders of her children. How in the name of God could she have done this to those innocent kids who were like lambs to the slaughter? During the reading of this book I cried many many tears at the thought of those children. Diane Downs didn't deserve the priviledge of being a mother. I often wonder what has become of Diane and how she feels about what she did to her kids? Does she have any remorse? This book upset me so much that I couldn't watch the t.v. movie with Farrah Fawcett. Ann Rule did an excellent job of writing this book, but it would be very difficult for me to read again. This tragic account of a horrible crime, will definitely make you want to hug your own children much tighter.

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Summary: VERY well written - Where is she now
Review: This is the most well written non-fiction "True Crime" book I've read-Diane is horribly fascinating and I guess the definition of amoral. Where is she now. Has she ever shown remorse or admitted to the murder.

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Summary: An Incredibly Fascinating Story of a True Sociopath
Review: I read this book quite some time ago and I must admit, it made me almost physically sick to think someone could actually do this to their own children and not even consciously be aware of how horrible their actions were. The real problem is that Diane Downs did not consider her children as "children", just possessions, belongings that were expendable if they stood in the way of her own self-interests. I have read it several times since; it is one book I will never get rid of. The movie with Farrah Fawcett was also excellent. This book is a MUST READ for anyone, especially those interested in the more troubling aspects of human nature. I have always been interested in how Diane Downs is doing now, her status, etc. but have not been able to find any further information on her. If anyone out there has any current info on her, please feel free to pass it along.

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Summary: truly unforgettable
Review: One of the most disturbing books you will ever read. This is a masterful portrait of evil personnified. I read the book years ago and I have never been able to forget the children who were victims in this tragic story. Read this book

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Summary: Crossing The Line Is Unfortunately Not So Unreal
Review: As a mother myself, I had to ask myself, "How in the world could this have happened"? But also as a woman who gets the inside view of Diane Down's life, I have to see a desperate and immature woman on the border of madness. She is socially arrested and immature, not much more than a child herself. I am not forgiving her, only trying to understand the reasons for what she did. I also hope she burns in hell but also that she understands why she is burning

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Summary: A remarkable account of an absolute tragedy.
Review: After seeing the movie by the same title, starring Farrah Faucett, I had to learn more; I was interested to know what could ever lead a mother to murder her own children. "Small Sacrifices" is an intriguing and insightful account of a mother who did the unthinkable. This book explores the characters and components that are at work that could drive a mother to attempt to kill her own children so she wouldn't lose her boyfriend. The book delves into the lives of those involved and and reports on the investigation and insuing trial. It is a book that cannot be put down; it is gripping and fascinating and yet sad and leaves a feeling of uneasiness- for it is true.

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Summary: The Biggest Sacrifice of All
Review: This was the first book, written by Ann Rule, that I ever read. I have since read all of Rule's books. It is the ONLY book that I have purchased, for myself, four times. (I keep "loaning" them, never to get them back). Whenever asked for a good read, this book is my first recommendation. I also suggest that after reading, put the book away, then re-read it.
All of the other reviews, pretty much tell how riveting the story is, how horrible the crime is, how selfish, the woman who had everything, was. The three beautiful children, unfortunately born to Diane Downs, were truely meant to be sacrifced so that Downs could have what she wanted. Period. What she got was prison. The most horrible thing about "Small Sacrifices" is, it's all true.
Ann Rule knows how to tell the story, makes the reader want to keep reading, and knows how to make you KEEP thinking about the innocent ones in this book.
I read this book about once a year, even if it means I have to go out and buy another one!