Into the Water

Rating:
Summary: A Good Book In General
Review: "Into The Water" is the horrifying, true story of a case that haunted Virginia for years. When Sofia, Kristin and Kati were murdered, and months turned to year with no break in the case, people wondered if it would ever be solved. In 2002 Virgnians got the news they longed to hear: Spotsylvania slayings solved! It was solved because of one brave girl who escaped the killer. While I firmly believe Spotsylvania authorities, such as Howard, did their best to find the killer, it all comes down to the fact that Kara's courage brought down this monster. If you are from Virginia, especially the Spotsylvania area, this book is not really worth reading since it is basically everything that was in the newspapers. However if you aren't familiar with this case, you must read this book. And out of honor and respect for Sofia, Kristin and Kati, I believe after reading the book people should donate to a missing child organization. Just my two cents.

Rating:
Summary: Captivating!
Review: Diane Fanning has done it again. The author's vivid description and dramatic storytelling allows us to step into the story and watch as it unfolds all around us, from the perspectives of all those involved. Readers can feel the emotions as deeply as an outsider ever could--from the victims and their families and friends to the law enforcement officials working the cases...from the friends, family members and neighbors of Richard Marc Evonitz to the man himself. The details are terrific; the pictures are chilling...Fanning masterfully weaves the detached stories of the victims' lives together in a cohesive story that is very easy to follow. The Afterword is a powerful closure that not only serves as a brilliant memorial to the young ladies we'll never know, but a cautionary tale to mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, sons, daughters, and friends everywhere.

Rating:
Summary: Captivating!
Review: Diane Fanning has done it again. The author's vivid description and dramatic storytelling allows us to step into the story and watch as it unfolds all around us, from the perspectives of all those involved. Readers can feel the emotions as deeply as an outsider ever could--from the victims and their families and friends to the law enforcement officials working the cases...from the friends, family members and neighbors of Richard Marc Evonitz to the man himself. The details are terrific; the pictures are chilling...Fanning masterfully weaves the detached stories of the victims' lives together in a cohesive story that is very easy to follow. The Afterword is a powerful closure that not only serves as a brilliant memorial to the young ladies we'll never know, but a cautionary tale to mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, sons, daughters, and friends everywhere.

Rating:
Summary: Into The Water, you've gotta read!
Review: Diane Fanning's description and attention to details is awesome. She makes the reader paint a vision of what it was like through all sides, victims, families, and the killer. It was very well written and I am anticipating more similar books to come and can't wait! The pictures Diane includes in her books allow us to get closer to the story and udnerstand the "vision" more clearly. I rate this book as great as her others, especially Through The Window. What another awesome book!

Rating:
Summary: Shallow Water
Review: Into the water is a sad and unfortunate story. That being said, it is not the standard material for a true crime book. Diane Fanning's writing is juvenile and lacks focus. It is hard to believe that such a book could find a publishment.

Richard Marc Evonitz kidnapped, raped, and tortured three young girls. He dumped their bodies near a river, hence the book's name. Only when his fourth victim escaped, was he caught. Th author does explore the life of the killer and potential causes for his spree. While the book is just over 240 pages, much of the writing discusses incidents of kidnapping that are not found to involve Evonitz. So why are they in the book? Fanning did not have enough to meet the length requirement of her publisher. The author's writing is just unprofessional at times. Take this zinger for example, "Everywhere Jason went, whispers and stares clung to him like a long piece of toilet paper to the bottom of his shoe. (p. 118)" This is just tactless and shows a lack of respect for the lives of the people involved.

While I read a lot of true crime, this not one I would recommend. I believe this book needs to go back to the desk of the editor for some more work. Then, the flaws in the writing will not distract so heavily from the story. Readers might actually find the story hidden in the padding.

Rating:
Summary: Well Done!
Review: This Is the Second book I have read by this author and I like her style.What I liked about this book was the way that she didnt dismiss the family of the murderer but treated them like the victims that they were.While I didnt like the way the story ended (this was no fault of the author)It just didnt seem fair, I did like the afterward that she wrote very much!Its nice to see that these authors have hearts.Thank you Ms.Fanning, I look forward to reading more books by you!

Rating:
Summary: A Good Book In General
Review: Though factually accurate, INTO THE WATER does not add much texture to the story that everyone in Spotsylvania County, Virginia lived from 1996 to 2002. Richard Marc Evonitz remains largely a mystery. Yes, it was proved that he murdered Sophia Silva, and Kristen and Kati Lisk, but inquiries into what made and drove him were largely left to reader speculation.

To read this book you would think that Major Howard Smith single-handedly solved these dreadful murders. Since when does the second in command of a sheriff's office of roughly 100 deputies solve anything? This signals another problem with the book itself: Not thoroughly researched. There were a lot of investigators from local, state and federal agencies assigned to the task force investigating the Lisk/Silva murders. Those that were assigned and worked on aspects of the case every day for six years weren't even mentioned by name. Major Smith's appearances were limited at best, and did not show a marked improvement until Evonitz became the focus of the investigation.

Also disturbing is the parading of quotes by the same group of former FBI profiler clowns that appear as talking heads on every true crime feature story or docudrama filmed: Ressler, McCrary, and Douglas. "Former" implies they would not have access to case material, yet that didn't stop them from posting their opinions in chatrooms and in the media. Aren't these the same guys that said the DC snipers (two black males), were a lone, disgruntled white guy? Despite spouting their standard vagaries about what "might" eventually be found they offered nothing but empty speculation.

Additionally, the in-depth reporting is so sparse, the author had to include snippets of other unsolved crimes occurring in the area to keep it flowing and interesting. Unsolved crimes that were never proven to be the work of Evonitz. I guess they were added to get the body and page count up.

Though the Lisks and Silvas received some measure of closure with Evonitz committing suicide at the moment of his apprehension, and the subsequent forensic proof that he murdered the three girls in Spotsylvania, a distinct tragedy remains: There may well be other crimes for which Evonitz was responsible, but the families of those victims will never know that the perpetrator is dead and their daughters can rest in peace.

This is not a book of great detective work. It was dumb luck. Kara, the brave girl who escaped Evonitz and the fate of the those before her is to be commended. Fortunately the cops in South Carolina shared her information and plight, which led to Evonitz popping up on the radar screen in Virginia.

But this reader is left with a haunting thought: If Major Smith and the Spotsylvania County investigators had done a better job investigating the June 1995 rape of a 13 year old, before three girls were murdered, all of it might have been prevented.

Very readable, but this work should have been more in-depth in exploring the background and psyche of Evonitz. May he roast in hell.

Rating:
Summary: SOMEWHAT LACKING IN THOROUGH REPORTING
Review: Though factually accurate, INTO THE WATER does not add much texture to the story that everyone in Spotsylvania County, Virginia lived from 1996 to 2002. Richard Marc Evonitz remains largely a mystery. Yes, it was proved that he murdered Sophia Silva, and Kristen and Kati Lisk, but inquiries into what made and drove him were largely left to reader speculation.

To read this book you would think that Major Howard Smith single-handedly solved these dreadful murders. Since when does the second in command of a sheriff's office of roughly 100 deputies solve anything? This signals another problem with the book itself: Not thoroughly researched. There were a lot of investigators from local, state and federal agencies assigned to the task force investigating the Lisk/Silva murders. Those that were assigned and worked on aspects of the case every day for six years weren't even mentioned by name. Major Smith's appearances were limited at best, and did not show a marked improvement until Evonitz became the focus of the investigation.

Also disturbing is the parading of quotes by the same group of former FBI profiler clowns that appear as talking heads on every true crime feature story or docudrama filmed: Ressler, McCrary, and Douglas. "Former" implies they would not have access to case material, yet that didn't stop them from posting their opinions in chatrooms and in the media. Aren't these the same guys that said the DC snipers (two black males), were a lone, disgruntled white guy? Despite spouting their standard vagaries about what "might" eventually be found they offered nothing but empty speculation.

Additionally, the in-depth reporting is so sparse, the author had to include snippets of other unsolved crimes occurring in the area to keep it flowing and interesting. Unsolved crimes that were never proven to be the work of Evonitz. I guess they were added to get the body and page count up.

Though the Lisks and Silvas received some measure of closure with Evonitz committing suicide at the moment of his apprehension, and the subsequent forensic proof that he murdered the three girls in Spotsylvania, a distinct tragedy remains: There may well be other crimes for which Evonitz was responsible, but the families of those victims will never know that the perpetrator is dead and their daughters can rest in peace.

This is not a book of great detective work. It was dumb luck. Kara, the brave girl who escaped Evonitz and the fate of the those before her is to be commended. Fortunately the cops in South Carolina shared her information and plight, which led to Evonitz popping up on the radar screen in Virginia.

But this reader is left with a haunting thought: If Major Smith and the Spotsylvania County investigators had done a better job investigating the June 1995 rape of a 13 year old, before three girls were murdered, all of it might have been prevented.

Very readable, but this work should have been more in-depth in exploring the background and psyche of Evonitz. May he roast in hell.

Rating:
Summary: Compelling and fresh
Review: Well written story opening with an edge-of-the-seat chase and ending with a compassionate look at the consequences of murder on the family and the community.
A compelling story with a lot of fresh information not ever reported in the media.
Good read and a cautionary tale.