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The words of a murderer: "This should not have happened. This is not me. It's so stupid when you think about it. It shouldn't have caused a death. I don't blame me. We just need a little growing up. We were young, and we still are." Aphrodite Jones takes the reader into the world of several teenage girls in small-town southern Indiana--their clothes, rock music, and fascination with offbeat spirituality, and also their lesbian jealousies and penchant for violence. This book provides a useful balance to an earlier account by Michael Quinlan (Little Lost Angel). Jones's style is less dramatic than Quinlan's, but she devotes more space to the family backgrounds and psychological complexities of the two girls whose hot-vs-cold temperaments meshed to bring about the murder of 12-year-old Shanda Sharer. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
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Cruel Sacrifice
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2 of 3 people found the following review helpful
1.0 out of 5 stars Tabloid Book, January 16, 2012
By
Denny Jackson "The Racer" (USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)
This review is from: Cruel Sacrifice (Mass Market Paperback)
For me the book was hard to read only because I felt I was reading an extended version of your super market tabloids. I really think if she had taken her time instead of rushing it to press, the book could have been better. A few mistakes on names and locations but nothing to get in a twist over. "Little Lost Angel" by Michael Quinlan is a better book because he took his time with the craftmanship of his. I'm familiar with the case because it happened in my hometown and I was at every day of the hearings during this time as was Mr. Quinlan. Miss Jones was not at one of those. She would have done well to go through the court transcripts more carefully.
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1 of 11 people found the following review helpful
1.0 out of 5 stars WRITTEN HORRIBLY, August 4, 2010
By
elena1rose - See all my reviews
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Cruel Sacrifice (Mass Market Paperback)
THIS BOOK WAS WRITTEN HORRIBLY, SORRY STICK TO UR TV PROGRAM
THE DETAILS OF MURDER THE BEGINNING OF STORY WAS SO STUPID
MURDER DETAILS SHOULD BE MID BOOK HELLO
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13 of 18 people found the following review helpful
1.0 out of 5 stars A defense for murderers, February 11, 2002
By A Customer
This review is from: CRUEL SACRIFICE (True Crime) (Paperback)
If you want to read a book that excuses four teenagers for brutally murdering a helpless child, this is the book for you. For page after page you will be treated to their sob stories: Melinda was molested by her father, Laurie's mother was a wacko religious fanatic, Toni was raped and the police didn't do anything about it, Hope's family life was turbulent. And all this is supposed to excuse torturing a twelve year old girl, then burning her alive. This isn't a book about the horrible crime that was committed against Shanda Sharer, it's an attempt to "explain" the actions of her murderers. In my opinion, a better choice would be "Little Lost Angel". This version acknowleges the problems the girls faced but places the blame with Melinda, Toni, Laurie and Hope, where it belongs, and gives the sympathy to poor little Shanda and her family.
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8 of 10 people found the following review helpful
1.0 out of 5 stars A cruel book about a cruel crime, June 12, 2000
By
Becky - See all my reviews
This review is from: Cruel Sacrifice (Mass Market Paperback)
This is the kind of book which gives true crime writing a bad name, indeed I feel that this book is a mere tabloid version of the Shanda Sharer murder case, only it is longer than most tabloid papers. Ms Jones spends too much time delving into the undoubtedly unsavoury backgrounds of Loveless and Tackett, yet shamefully devotes precious few pages to the victim, Shanda, or her family, and what little space that is devoted to Shanda depicts her as a twelve year old tramp who deserved to meet the horrific fate that she did! A much better book about this case is "Little Lost Angel" by Michael Quinlan. Skip this book written by Ms Jones and read Quinlan's book instead. It's much better value for money and is written in a far more even handed and compassionate manner.
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4 of 25 people found the following review helpful
1.0 out of 5 stars Why?, April 22, 1999
By A Customer
This review is from: CRUEL SACRIFICE (True Crime) (Paperback)
My "why" is of course for why the terrible atrocity happened...but it is also for why any of you would purchase this collection of paper that you've dubbed with the unworthy word - "book." I must first admit that I have not read the book, nor do I intend to. For some of you that may make what I have to say unnecessary, but I argue just the contrary. I pity all of you that spent money on something so shallow and vainly complied. I was a friend of Shanda's. I went to school with her, and was the same age as her - and not a day goes by in my life when I don't think about her. The horror that I, my classmates and her family and friends went through is unspeakable. However - WE went through it. YOU did not. Profiting off of this event, and reading this squalid writing will not make Shanda come back and will not give any of you any greater understanding of the person she was and the life she led. So if you wish, go ahead and fill your minds with these hellish lies - and believe them - but know that by buying this book you are contributing to the corruption of society that caused this event to happen.
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1 of 11 people found the following review helpful
1.0 out of 5 stars WRITTEN HORRIBLY, August 4, 2010
By
elena1rose
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Cruel Sacrifice (Mass Market Paperback)
THIS BOOK WAS WRITTEN HORRIBLY, SORRY STICK TO UR TV PROGRAM
THE DETAILS OF MURDER THE BEGINNING OF STORY WAS SO STUPID
MURDER DETAILS SHOULD BE MID BOOK HELLO
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Just because she put the murder details up front this made her a horrible writer? Do you think you could do better?
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8 of 10 people found the following review helpful
1.0 out of 5 stars A cruel book about a cruel crime, June 12, 2000
By
Becky
This review is from: Cruel Sacrifice (Mass Market Paperback)
This is the kind of book which gives true crime writing a bad name, indeed I feel that this book is a mere tabloid version of the Shanda Sharer murder case, only it is longer than most tabloid papers. Ms Jones spends too much time delving into the undoubtedly unsavoury backgrounds of Loveless and Tackett, yet shamefully devotes precious few pages to the victim, Shanda, or her family, and what little space that is devoted to Shanda depicts her as a twelve year old tramp who deserved to meet the horrific fate that she did! A much better book about this case is "Little Lost Angel" by Michael Quinlan. Skip this book written by Ms Jones and read Quinlan's book instead. It's much better value for money and is written in a far more even handed and compassionate manner.
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Initial post: Jun 10, 2009 2:47:24 PM PDT
Last edited by the author on Jun 10, 2009 2:47:48 PM PDT
A. MacEwen says:
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I share your contempt for this book, and for Jones's bleeding-heart feminist rationalizations for the actions of these girls. However, I don't think it's fair to say that Jones depicts Shanda "as a twelve year old tramp who deserved to meet the horrific fate that she did." This strikes me as a knee-jerk reaction that puts words into Jones's mouth. I really did not get that feeling from Jones, as much as I despise her as a true-crime writer and so-called expert. Still, I hated the book just as you did.
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Posted on May 25, 2011 10:21:24 AM PDT
Omar says:
I had read this book some years ago, and I recall it as having a lot of background on the Loveless family, and some on the Tacketts, which was greatly welcome; it definitely interests me as a reader as well as someone fascinated with human behavior to get all the background that is available on criminals, their upbringings, their families, etc.
I thought it was a great supplement to the Quinlan book, which had far less on the criminals' backgrounds and family lives, but was written in a nice & compassionate manner.
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4 of 25 people found the following review helpful
1.0 out of 5 stars Why?, April 22, 1999
By A Customer
This review is from: CRUEL SACRIFICE (True Crime) (Paperback)
My "why" is of course for why the terrible atrocity happened...but it is also for why any of you would purchase this collection of paper that you've dubbed with the unworthy word - "book." I must first admit that I have not read the book, nor do I intend to. For some of you that may make what I have to say unnecessary, but I argue just the contrary. I pity all of you that spent money on something so shallow and vainly complied. I was a friend of Shanda's. I went to school with her, and was the same age as her - and not a day goes by in my life when I don't think about her. The horror that I, my classmates and her family and friends went through is unspeakable. However - WE went through it. YOU did not. Profiting off of this event, and reading this squalid writing will not make Shanda come back and will not give any of you any greater understanding of the person she was and the life she led. So if you wish, go ahead and fill your minds with these hellish lies - and believe them - but know that by buying this book you are contributing to the corruption of society that caused this event to happen.
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Initial post: Dec 4, 2012 7:01:32 PM PST
Omar says:
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Re: "Why?"
My "why" is, of course, with respect to why you posted a review of a book you admit you've never read. Why not post such thoughts under Customer Discussions?
Re: "Profiting off of this event, and reading this squalid writing will not make Shanda come back."
The same argument can be made for any and every non-fiction crime book ever written. Do you propose to wipe out the entire genre?
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CRUEL SACRIFICE (True Crime)
4.0 out of 5 stars (105 customer reviews)
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(33)
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(15)
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Pure Murder (Pinnacle True Crime)
›Corey Mitchell
4.5 out of 5 stars (57)
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Little Lost Angel
›Michael Quinlan
4.6 out of 5 stars (45)
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House of Evil: The Indiana...
›John Dean
4.0 out of 5 stars (77)
Mass Market Paperback
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The FBI Killer
›Aphrodite Jones
4.7 out of 5 stars (12)
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›M. William Phelps
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Aphrodite Jones
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Cruel Sacrifice
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0 of 5 people found the following review helpful
2.0 out of 5 stars Haven't read it yet., December 22, 2012
By
S' Anne (Payson,Az. USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Cruel Sacrifice (Mass Market Paperback)
haven't had time to read it. I hate to write reviews so I can't really say much about a book that I have never read
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0 of 2 people found the following review helpful
2.0 out of 5 stars Egh so so, March 20, 2012
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dlayers - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Cruel Sacrifice (Mass Market Paperback)
Focuses too much on the other girls. I could careless what kind of upbringing they had. Am I supposed to feel sorry for them? My sympathy goes directly to Shanda and her family, not those psychotic b!tches.
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6 of 11 people found the following review helpful
2.0 out of 5 stars investigated for myself, October 14, 2005
By
mob gal "MG" (Cincinnati, Ohio) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Cruel Sacrifice (Mass Market Paperback)
I read the book in 1994. I was a Criminal Justice student at the time. I have read alot of true crime books, but this one really disturbed me. First let me say, that Aphrodite Jones is a great writer, she has gotten better over the years. Some of the dates were in correct, maybe a typo, I dunno. I took it upon myself to take a trip to New Albany, Indiana. I was 25 at the time, and very fascinated with the crime. I just couldn't fathom 4 teenage girls commiting such a horrible crime. Long story short.... I met the "girlfriend' Amanda Heavrin. I think she was about 21 when I met her. Very sweet, VERY out of touch with reality. I felt really sorry for her. I also went to the "witches castle", very creepy. I took pictures. I also have been corresponding
with Melinda Loveless over the past 11 years. She was a very troubled child, with a troubled upbringing. I am not trying to make an excuse, because there is NONE!!BUT, her past does give us an understanding(though small)of her psyche. I only know that she has grown into a sweet caring woman who will be turning 30 the end of the month. It is obvious that her mentality is that of a child. She has been in prison for almost 14 years. She will be released into society again. I feel better knowing that she has done many positive things while in prison. She has received her degree, and helps mentally challenged girls. She is lucky to be given a second chance. Unfortunatly, Shanda wasn't given the chance to grow up and live a wonderful life. My only hope is that when Melinda is released that she do the best that she can, and to always remember what she did, everyday for the rest of her life. Shanda Rest In Peace.
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10 of 13 people found the following review helpful
2.0 out of 5 stars Get the facts straight, May 23, 2005
By
karenlove - See all my reviews
This review is from: CRUEL SACRIFICE (True Crime) (Paperback)
This is the first Aphrodite Jones book I've ever read. And the last. Where do I start? On several occasions, she got the dates wrong. Was January 12th a Monday or a Sunday? She will talk about the events of May, 1991 and the skip backwards to Christmas 1990 with no warning and then go right back to 1991. I can't count the number of times I had to go back through the book to figure out if I had read something wrong or if she did in fact state it wrong (it was her). At times, she seemed to just be rambling and stating facts. No real story here, just a basic "list" of what happened. I think she might have devoted 3 pages to Shanda but entire PART to the "poor" Loveless family. Kinda begs the question, "Who was murdered? Who is this book about?" It seems she feels sympathy for these animals by the way she describes the 4 girls' lives. Boo-freaking-hoo! She completely paints a picture of 4 girls who lives sucked so bad that they were forced to kill an innocent Shanda. ABout the pictures- bad, bad, BAD. One grainy picture of SHanda and PAGES of pics reserved for the "poor" Loveless family. Larry in his Postal uniform. Really? And she does tend to go on and on on some points. Got boring there for awhile. And for the reviewer who said it was mean or whatever for Shanda's mom to tell Loveless to "rot in hell"- get a grip. Imagine your self in her position. Anyway, didn't like the book. Intrigued, though, to buy the other book you all keep talking about
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4 of 11 people found the following review helpful
2.0 out of 5 stars SAD, March 18, 2004
By A Customer
This review is from: Cruel Sacrifice (Mass Market Paperback)
Just another attempt to over analize murderers.
I must respond to a reviewer on here ...What I can not stand is the bashing of victims families like you did.
"Rot in Hell" is such a horrible thing to say to Miss Loveless huh?
They are words of a mother who lost a child.
I see you feel nothing for her loss but feel so bad poor Melinda because she had to hear a few bad words....poor baby.
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18 of 23 people found the following review helpful
2.0 out of 5 stars Interesting Story - very bad author, September 2, 2003
By
nath "nath" (New York, NY United States) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Cruel Sacrifice (Mass Market Paperback)
Once more Jones manages to write a bad book about a very intruiging real-life murder case. I bought this book because I was interested in the Shanda Sharer murder. Having never read anything by Jones, I had high hopes (especially after I heard her being interviewed on NPR for her newest book "Red Zone").
What a disappointment. The best way I can compare my reading experience of this book is with watching a particularly bad Lifetime movie.
Jones simply lists anything she has managed to dig up about this case. It's really more of a collage of leads, rumors and courtroom snippets than a formally organized book. Who is this author's editor???? There is absolutely no clear line here.
The four teens who were involved in the murder of a 12-year old girl come across as mere stereotypes. Jones manages to absolutely NOT bring any of them to life. I am just as puzzled about these kids and their reasons for killing a little girl as I was when I read the back of the book.
I still don't understand what really went on the night Shanda was murdered, let alone why this murder occurred. I have no idea how the police built their case (that section was particularly convoluted). I don't know anything about the four girls' state of mind after the crime and their participation in their defense strategy. I have more questions after reading this book than I had before I picked it up.
Oh, there is one more thing that really bothered me. Jones includes pictures of key players in the book. Why did she not include pictures of these kids that would show the reader what they actually looked like day to day? Jones goes to greast lengths of describing the teens physically. Yet, the pictures she chose to include are mug shots only... With the excpetion of one girl (for whom Jones includes several different pictures), the three other teens are forever doomed to merely be remembered as deer caught in the headlight in their mug shots. And of Shanda, the victim, the reader is treated to one blurry picture of the pretty young girl (but plenty of inconsequential autopsy pictures). Lastly, Jones keeps telling us about this lesbian triangle between the victim, one of the guilty teens and this other girl Amanda (not directly involved in the crime). WHY IS THERE NO PICTURE OF AMANDA???
I just don't understand Jones' choices and I truly dislike her convoluted writing style.
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7 of 9 people found the following review helpful
2.0 out of 5 stars ANOTHER INEPT TRUE CRIME NOVEL>>>>>>>>>, November 30, 2001
By
Vanessa K. Moore "OiMommy" (USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)
This review is from: Cruel Sacrifice (Mass Market Paperback)
True crime requires a deft touch.Its too easy to blindly report facts garned from other sources (court transcripts,previously published newspaper accounts etc) and it seems Ms.jones,lacking that touch did just that.Her toneless,detached account makes me wonder if she interviewed anyone associated with the case or even bothered to visit the towns the girls were from or where the crime took place or just copied "facts" from other sources.This type of novel is sadly all too common in the true crome genre as hack journalists look to cash in on a sensational,"gossipy" crime.I know there can only be one Ann Rule but its no excuse for this lurid albeit boring,shoddy book.This case was so intense it required more than Aphrodite Jones could give in such a short,disjointed illy written effort.The victim deserves better as does the reader.A WASTE OF TIME AND MONEY..........
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8 of 10 people found the following review helpful
2.0 out of 5 stars Disorganized & disconnected, February 27, 2000
By
K. OBRIEN "kayobee" (New Haven, CT United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)
This review is from: CRUEL SACRIFICE (True Crime) (Paperback)
In this curiously one-dimensional account of a complex crime, Jones has at least done some of the research-- chronologically, the book gets the basic facts of the murder and the legal proceedings presented. But there is no sense of context or progression conveyed -- no sense of the girls' lives before the murder, of their teenage society and their sense of themselves; barely a hint of the passionate emotional involvement in the Melinda-Amanda-Shanda triangle (and that hint from the girls' own correspondence); nothing of the way this made-for-the-tabloids murder, with its violence, youthful lesbian affairs, and rumors of the occult, must have shaken this town down to its last resident. It's not that Jones doesn't trot out "revelations" -- she does, particularly the frankly astonishing home life of the Loveless girl. But such revelations seem included to titillate, rather than to illuminate. In the case of the Loveless girl, for example (to whom Jones devotes the most ink), the reader is told every possible detail of her father's criminally psychopathic behavior -- but not how the girl did in school, what classes she liked and disliked, her IQ (if tested), her favorite actors, bands, foods, colors... basic information about who this girl is. Perhaps most unforgiveably, the victim, Shanda, emerges as a complete cipher. True crime not only can be more (cf Thomas French or Joe McGinniss), it should be more: in doing less, in pandering to our appetite for scandal, it betrays the victim once again.
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Customer Review
6 of 11 people found the following review helpful
2.0 out of 5 stars investigated for myself, October 14, 2005
By
mob gal "MG"
This review is from: Cruel Sacrifice (Mass Market Paperback)
I read the book in 1994. I was a Criminal Justice student at the time. I have read alot of true crime books, but this one really disturbed me. First let me say, that Aphrodite Jones is a great writer, she has gotten better over the years. Some of the dates were in correct, maybe a typo, I dunno. I took it upon myself to take a trip to New Albany, Indiana. I was 25 at the time, and very fascinated with the crime. I just couldn't fathom 4 teenage girls commiting such a horrible crime. Long story short.... I met the "girlfriend' Amanda Heavrin. I think she was about 21 when I met her. Very sweet, VERY out of touch with reality. I felt really sorry for her. I also went to the "witches castle", very creepy. I took pictures. I also have been corresponding
with Melinda Loveless over the past 11 years. She was a very troubled child, with a troubled upbringing. I am not trying to make an excuse, because there is NONE!!BUT, her past does give us an understanding(though small)of her psyche. I only know that she has grown into a sweet caring woman who will be turning 30 the end of the month. It is obvious that her mentality is that of a child. She has been in prison for almost 14 years. She will be released into society again. I feel better knowing that she has done many positive things while in prison. She has received her degree, and helps mentally challenged girls. She is lucky to be given a second chance. Unfortunatly, Shanda wasn't given the chance to grow up and live a wonderful life. My only hope is that when Melinda is released that she do the best that she can, and to always remember what she did, everyday for the rest of her life. Shanda Rest In Peace.
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Initial post: Apr 29, 2007 9:30:08 AM PDT
Last edited by the author on Apr 29, 2007 9:37:16 AM PDT
Exterminans says:
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Screw You, Lady!! I don't care that you majored in Criminal Justice and that you found the case "interesting". That b**ch you're corresponding with tortured and killed a twelve year-old child. Also, I don't think that convicted murderers should be allowed to earn college degrees on taxpayer's $$$. If this monster ever gets out I predict that someone will blow her miserable f**king head off, and then you'll have another "interesting" case to pine over.
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Posted on May 25, 2011 10:38:59 AM PDT
Omar says:
Reviewer says about Loveless, "She will be released into society again."
Chilling thought.
Reviewer says, "I read the book in 1994."
You did? So, where's the review?
Much, if not all, you wrote really belongs in a Discussion Forum. Other than mentioning something about typos and dates, there was no review here.
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Posted on May 25, 2011 10:44:36 AM PDT
Omar says:
Reviewer says, "It is obvious that her mentality is that of a child," and "she has received her degree, and helps mentally challenged girls."
How can she have received a degree (though you didn't specify what kind, because if I recall, Loveless was 16 years old in the eighth grade when she committed the murder and was arrested) and - even more than that - be helping mentally challenged girls if she herself has the mentality of a child??
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In reply to an earlier post on Dec 5, 2011 1:02:31 AM PST
R. Smith says:
Actually, it is possible to receive an education while one is behind bars...there are programs for that. Some people can earn a GED while incarcerated.
But I agree with you. I'm not sure that I believe what this person is saying. It is possible that they have written to Melinda Loveless, but I doubt that they have met Amanda Heavrin and that Melinda is now helping others in prison.
I think that if their statement is true, they are being conned by Melinda. She is very manipulative...most likely she doesn't feel remorse for killing Shanda.
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Cruel Sacrifice
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7 of 9 people found the following review helpful
2.0 out of 5 stars ANOTHER INEPT TRUE CRIME NOVEL>>>>>>>>>, November 30, 2001
By
Vanessa K. Moore "OiMommy"
This review is from: Cruel Sacrifice (Mass Market Paperback)
True crime requires a deft touch.Its too easy to blindly report facts garned from other sources (court transcripts,previously published newspaper accounts etc) and it seems Ms.jones,lacking that touch did just that.Her toneless,detached account makes me wonder if she interviewed anyone associated with the case or even bothered to visit the towns the girls were from or where the crime took place or just copied "facts" from other sources.This type of novel is sadly all too common in the true crome genre as hack journalists look to cash in on a sensational,"gossipy" crime.I know there can only be one Ann Rule but its no excuse for this lurid albeit boring,shoddy book.This case was so intense it required more than Aphrodite Jones could give in such a short,disjointed illy written effort.The victim deserves better as does the reader.A WASTE OF TIME AND MONEY..........
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Initial post: May 15, 2013 12:43:27 PM PDT
Last edited by the author on May 15, 2013 12:43:59 PM PDT
rocco says:
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A novel is a work of fiction. This is not a novel. Before you review a book, know what kind of book you are reading.
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Cruel Sacrifice
105 Reviews
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0 of 5 people found the following review helpful
2.0 out of 5 stars Haven't read it yet., December 22, 2012
By
S' Anne (Payson,Az. USA) - See all my reviews
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haven't had time to read it. I hate to write reviews so I can't really say much about a book that I have never read
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0 of 2 people found the following review helpful
2.0 out of 5 stars Egh so so, March 20, 2012
By
dlayers - See all my reviews
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Focuses too much on the other girls. I could careless what kind of upbringing they had. Am I supposed to feel sorry for them? My sympathy goes directly to Shanda and her family, not those psychotic b!tches.
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6 of 11 people found the following review helpful
2.0 out of 5 stars investigated for myself, October 14, 2005
By
mob gal "MG" (Cincinnati, Ohio) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Cruel Sacrifice (Mass Market Paperback)
I read the book in 1994. I was a Criminal Justice student at the time. I have read alot of true crime books, but this one really disturbed me. First let me say, that Aphrodite Jones is a great writer, she has gotten better over the years. Some of the dates were in correct, maybe a typo, I dunno. I took it upon myself to take a trip to New Albany, Indiana. I was 25 at the time, and very fascinated with the crime. I just couldn't fathom 4 teenage girls commiting such a horrible crime. Long story short.... I met the "girlfriend' Amanda Heavrin. I think she was about 21 when I met her. Very sweet, VERY out of touch with reality. I felt really sorry for her. I also went to the "witches castle", very creepy. I took pictures. I also have been corresponding
with Melinda Loveless over the past 11 years. She was a very troubled child, with a troubled upbringing. I am not trying to make an excuse, because there is NONE!!BUT, her past does give us an understanding(though small)of her psyche. I only know that she has grown into a sweet caring woman who will be turning 30 the end of the month. It is obvious that her mentality is that of a child. She has been in prison for almost 14 years. She will be released into society again. I feel better knowing that she has done many positive things while in prison. She has received her degree, and helps mentally challenged girls. She is lucky to be given a second chance. Unfortunatly, Shanda wasn't given the chance to grow up and live a wonderful life. My only hope is that when Melinda is released that she do the best that she can, and to always remember what she did, everyday for the rest of her life. Shanda Rest In Peace.
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10 of 13 people found the following review helpful
2.0 out of 5 stars Get the facts straight, May 23, 2005
By
karenlove - See all my reviews
This review is from: CRUEL SACRIFICE (True Crime) (Paperback)
This is the first Aphrodite Jones book I've ever read. And the last. Where do I start? On several occasions, she got the dates wrong. Was January 12th a Monday or a Sunday? She will talk about the events of May, 1991 and the skip backwards to Christmas 1990 with no warning and then go right back to 1991. I can't count the number of times I had to go back through the book to figure out if I had read something wrong or if she did in fact state it wrong (it was her). At times, she seemed to just be rambling and stating facts. No real story here, just a basic "list" of what happened. I think she might have devoted 3 pages to Shanda but entire PART to the "poor" Loveless family. Kinda begs the question, "Who was murdered? Who is this book about?" It seems she feels sympathy for these animals by the way she describes the 4 girls' lives. Boo-freaking-hoo! She completely paints a picture of 4 girls who lives sucked so bad that they were forced to kill an innocent Shanda. ABout the pictures- bad, bad, BAD. One grainy picture of SHanda and PAGES of pics reserved for the "poor" Loveless family. Larry in his Postal uniform. Really? And she does tend to go on and on on some points. Got boring there for awhile. And for the reviewer who said it was mean or whatever for Shanda's mom to tell Loveless to "rot in hell"- get a grip. Imagine your self in her position. Anyway, didn't like the book. Intrigued, though, to buy the other book you all keep talking about
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4 of 11 people found the following review helpful
2.0 out of 5 stars SAD, March 18, 2004
By A Customer
This review is from: Cruel Sacrifice (Mass Market Paperback)
Just another attempt to over analize murderers.
I must respond to a reviewer on here ...What I can not stand is the bashing of victims families like you did.
"Rot in Hell" is such a horrible thing to say to Miss Loveless huh?
They are words of a mother who lost a child.
I see you feel nothing for her loss but feel so bad poor Melinda because she had to hear a few bad words....poor baby.
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18 of 23 people found the following review helpful
2.0 out of 5 stars Interesting Story - very bad author, September 2, 2003
By
nath "nath" (New York, NY United States) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Cruel Sacrifice (Mass Market Paperback)
Once more Jones manages to write a bad book about a very intruiging real-life murder case. I bought this book because I was interested in the Shanda Sharer murder. Having never read anything by Jones, I had high hopes (especially after I heard her being interviewed on NPR for her newest book "Red Zone").
What a disappointment. The best way I can compare my reading experience of this book is with watching a particularly bad Lifetime movie.
Jones simply lists anything she has managed to dig up about this case. It's really more of a collage of leads, rumors and courtroom snippets than a formally organized book. Who is this author's editor???? There is absolutely no clear line here.
The four teens who were involved in the murder of a 12-year old girl come across as mere stereotypes. Jones manages to absolutely NOT bring any of them to life. I am just as puzzled about these kids and their reasons for killing a little girl as I was when I read the back of the book.
I still don't understand what really went on the night Shanda was murdered, let alone why this murder occurred. I have no idea how the police built their case (that section was particularly convoluted). I don't know anything about the four girls' state of mind after the crime and their participation in their defense strategy. I have more questions after reading this book than I had before I picked it up.
Oh, there is one more thing that really bothered me. Jones includes pictures of key players in the book. Why did she not include pictures of these kids that would show the reader what they actually looked like day to day? Jones goes to greast lengths of describing the teens physically. Yet, the pictures she chose to include are mug shots only... With the excpetion of one girl (for whom Jones includes several different pictures), the three other teens are forever doomed to merely be remembered as deer caught in the headlight in their mug shots. And of Shanda, the victim, the reader is treated to one blurry picture of the pretty young girl (but plenty of inconsequential autopsy pictures). Lastly, Jones keeps telling us about this lesbian triangle between the victim, one of the guilty teens and this other girl Amanda (not directly involved in the crime). WHY IS THERE NO PICTURE OF AMANDA???
I just don't understand Jones' choices and I truly dislike her convoluted writing style.
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7 of 9 people found the following review helpful
2.0 out of 5 stars ANOTHER INEPT TRUE CRIME NOVEL>>>>>>>>>, November 30, 2001
By
Vanessa K. Moore "OiMommy" (USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)
This review is from: Cruel Sacrifice (Mass Market Paperback)
True crime requires a deft touch.Its too easy to blindly report facts garned from other sources (court transcripts,previously published newspaper accounts etc) and it seems Ms.jones,lacking that touch did just that.Her toneless,detached account makes me wonder if she interviewed anyone associated with the case or even bothered to visit the towns the girls were from or where the crime took place or just copied "facts" from other sources.This type of novel is sadly all too common in the true crome genre as hack journalists look to cash in on a sensational,"gossipy" crime.I know there can only be one Ann Rule but its no excuse for this lurid albeit boring,shoddy book.This case was so intense it required more than Aphrodite Jones could give in such a short,disjointed illy written effort.The victim deserves better as does the reader.A WASTE OF TIME AND MONEY..........
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8 of 10 people found the following review helpful
2.0 out of 5 stars Disorganized & disconnected, February 27, 2000
By
K. OBRIEN "kayobee" (New Haven, CT United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)
This review is from: CRUEL SACRIFICE (True Crime) (Paperback)
In this curiously one-dimensional account of a complex crime, Jones has at least done some of the research-- chronologically, the book gets the basic facts of the murder and the legal proceedings presented. But there is no sense of context or progression conveyed -- no sense of the girls' lives before the murder, of their teenage society and their sense of themselves; barely a hint of the passionate emotional involvement in the Melinda-Amanda-Shanda triangle (and that hint from the girls' own correspondence); nothing of the way this made-for-the-tabloids murder, with its violence, youthful lesbian affairs, and rumors of the occult, must have shaken this town down to its last resident. It's not that Jones doesn't trot out "revelations" -- she does, particularly the frankly astonishing home life of the Loveless girl. But such revelations seem included to titillate, rather than to illuminate. In the case of the Loveless girl, for example (to whom Jones devotes the most ink), the reader is told every possible detail of her father's criminally psychopathic behavior -- but not how the girl did in school, what classes she liked and disliked, her IQ (if tested), her favorite actors, bands, foods, colors... basic information about who this girl is. Perhaps most unforgiveably, the victim, Shanda, emerges as a complete cipher. True crime not only can be more (cf Thomas French or Joe McGinniss), it should be more: in doing less, in pandering to our appetite for scandal, it betrays the victim once again.
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Cruel Sacrifice
105 Reviews
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(44)
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(15)
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(8)
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(5)
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3.0 out of 5 stars Tells an ugly story with sensitivity and minimal melodrama, August 8, 2013
By
Carol Kristen (Cambridge, MA) - See all my reviews
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This is the story of how four teenage girls in Indiana murdered twelve-year-old Shanda Sharer over the course of one long and brutal night.
One thing to consider if you're thinking about buying this book in 2013 is that the majority of information in here is now available online for free. Both the Wikipedia page on the murder and the trutv.com entry have comprehensive accounts of the murder and its aftermath. The 'value added' here is primarily a more in-depth account of the home lives of both the victim and perpetrators, as well as a more indirect storytelling (as opposed to reporting) style. It's a competently done entry in the true crime genre, but it didn't tell me very much I didn't already know.
I bought this book because when I first heard about this case, I was astonished that it hadn't crossed my radar before. I was curious if the murder, which took place in the early 1990s, may have set off the wave of pop culture representations of teenage girls as witches (the Craft, Charmed) that followed. After reading this book and a great deal of the media reporting at the time, I think that may be the case. The girls took Shanda to a local meeting spot called "The Witch's Castle" and one of the young women was apparently involved in witchcraft and believed she was able to foresee the future. It's a scary and unsettling story that -- according to Jones, at least -- ultimately has its roots in the horrific abuse suffered by the ringleader, Melinda Loveless.
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3.0 out of 5 stars Repetitive, April 26, 2013
By
Jasper P. Bear "ennuyee" - See all my reviews
This review is from: Cruel Sacrifice (Mass Market Paperback)
There was too much repetition of the crimes. First, as they did it. Then the confessions of each of the girls. Finally, what was said at the hearings & trials. Towards the end, I found myself skimming through the book looking for new facts & not just rehashes of previous chapters.
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
3.0 out of 5 stars A whole lot of facts, September 19, 2010
By
Lexi - See all my reviews
This review is from: Cruel Sacrifice (Mass Market Paperback)
While this is in my opinion one of the most fascinating subjects for a true crime novel, this book is a pretty pedestrian coverage of it. Really, if it were covering something less compelling, it wouldn't be worth reading. However it is the better of the two books written about this crime.
The problem is it just summarizes newspaper stories and court testimony. The author was not able to interview any of the four killers. So this book really adds nothing that an astute follower of the case wouldn't know anyway. Its sources limited, it then settles for merely summarizing the court testimony for hundreds of pages, not doing much outside work to tie everything together, we're just kind of stuck with the stuff that was said in court. Compared to the greats of true crime, this book really leaves a lot to be desired.
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3.0 out of 5 stars interesting book very nasty people out in this world, June 7, 2009
By
Bond 007 (Centreville, Virginia) - See all my reviews
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I brought this book about four (4) years ago and was appalled to see that Hope Rippey was released prior to the completion of her original sentence. She should have completed her original sentence.
I personally do not believe Toni Lawrence had anything to do with this and should have never had been incarcerated, however the other three should have been in prison, Hope for at least 30 years for holding Shanda down while Loveless attempted to slit her throat and for pouring petroleum on Shanda and the other two for various felonious assault including attempted murder and murder.
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3.0 out of 5 stars A Story that will keep you awake nights, November 23, 2008
By
Doofie (NYC) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Cruel Sacrifice (Mass Market Paperback)
As far as the true crime genre goes, this is a pretty fair representation. Aphrodite Jones dug beneath the surface of the gruesome murder of Shanda Sharer and provides a background for each of the four girls involved in their murder to explain how this could have happened-and how it could happen again. I feel that she gave an accurate, three dimensional portrait of each player, as well as allowing us a glimpse into the life of the victim and their family. My one criticism, however, is she messes up some of the dates-I'm a proofreader by occupation, and I notice stuff like that, although the average reader may not. Although it does not matter much to the story, it makes it look sloppily edited and sensationalist.
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3.0 out of 5 stars Tragic Story, April 26, 2008
By
Shantelle Maxwell "Eagle Eye" (Lost in the City, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)
This review is from: Cruel Sacrifice (Mass Market Paperback)
I must say that Aphrodite Jones did an amazing job covering this horrid story. Shanda Sharer was a 12yr. old girl who had been kidnapped and bludgeoned to death by four teenage girls. Some parts of this book are very graphic and at times I felt sick to my stomach. What happened to Shanda Sharer should not have happened, but hopefully, every parent who reads this novel will pay attention to the "warning signs" their children exhibit. Had the parents of these four girls payed attention, this sensless tragedy could have been avoided.
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1 of 3 people found the following review helpful
3.0 out of 5 stars Lazy read, November 25, 2007
By
Fernanda "Fernanda" (Miami, FL USA) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Cruel Sacrifice (Mass Market Paperback)
It's a lazy, easy read. Personally, I love any kind of crime story and it was extremely interesting... poorly written though.
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5 of 7 people found the following review helpful
3.0 out of 5 stars About Melinda?, October 5, 2005
By
Nicole "Nicole" (Indiana) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Cruel Sacrifice (Mass Market Paperback)
I was slightly disappointed with this book. Supposed to be about the murder of Shanda Sharer, and it almost seemed a biography of Melinda Loveless. It was almost as if Aphrodite was trying to rectify Melinda's actions by proving her home life wasn't too great. I would suggest reading Little Lost Angel, because it tells a more rounded story of how the murder was premeditated and happened. It also wasn't just about Melinda, but about everyone that was involved..
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3.0 out of 5 stars Obsessed, July 23, 2003
By A Customer
This review is from: Cruel Sacrifice (Mass Market Paperback)
Before reading Cruel Sacrifice, I read Little Lost Angel many times. I find Cruel Sacrifice slightly dissapointing. I think so because the author has too much information about Melinda Loveless. The book should go into detail more about how the murder came about, then Melinda's childhood life. Therefore I would suggest Little Lost Angel to those wanting to read about Shanda Sharer's murder.
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3.0 out of 5 stars Cruel Sacrifice- a powerful book, May 4, 2003
By
Brittany (USA) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Cruel Sacrifice (Mass Market Paperback)
When i first started to read Cruel Sacrifice i couldn't put it down. The things the Loveless family had to endure, it would make anyone cry. The torture the little girls were put through by their own father were horrible, and Aphrodite Jones has written the book so well that you could almost feel the breath of the drunk man on your neck. She really takes you into the book itself with her and shows you all the details of the incident. I would recomend this book to anyone of the age of thirteen and older, and I would read it again. This book is very powerful with the way you think. After i read half of the book i started to really appreciate my family a little more and really think, this happens everyday. It is a great book.
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The Darkest Night: Two Sisters, a Brutal Murder, and the Loss of Innocence in a Small Town
The Darkest Night: Two Sisters, a Brutal Murder, and the Loss of Innocence in a Small Town by Ron Franscell (Mass Market Paperback - March 4, 2008)
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Della's Web
Della's Web by Aphrodite Jones (Mass Market Paperback - April 30, 2002)
3.6 out of 5 stars (32)
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Cruel Sacrifice
105 Reviews
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3.0 out of 5 stars Cruel Sacrifice- a powerful book, May 4, 2003
By
Brittany (USA) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Cruel Sacrifice (Mass Market Paperback)
When i first started to read Cruel Sacrifice i couldn't put it down. The things the Loveless family had to endure, it would make anyone cry. The torture the little girls were put through by their own father were horrible, and Aphrodite Jones has written the book so well that you could almost feel the breath of the drunk man on your neck. She really takes you into the book itself with her and shows you all the details of the incident. I would recomend this book to anyone of the age of thirteen and older, and I would read it again. This book is very powerful with the way you think. After i read half of the book i started to reall appreciate my family a little more and really think, this happens everyday. It is a great book.
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4 of 6 people found the following review helpful
3.0 out of 5 stars This book is not about Shanda Sharer's murder, May 16, 2002
By A Customer
This review is from: Cruel Sacrifice (Mass Market Paperback)
Actually, Shanda is probably the character in this book that Mr Jones knows the less about. This book is about Melinda Loveless, Toni Lawrence, Hope Rippey and Mary Laurine Tackett, about their disturbed families and their sexual tendencies, and how it explains, if not excuses (her point of view, not mine) what they did to Shanda. Loading her in the trunk, beating and abusing her with a tire iron, then burning her alive before going to McDonalds for breakfast.
This is a good book if you're looking for detailed facts about the murderers of Shanda. But not even a full chapter is dedicated to the twelve year old, abused and burned alive victim. I felt that this was very disturbing because it was very obvious that the writer didnt give a care about who the victim was, what her life had been.
Read this book, but read "Little Lost Angel" by Michael Quinlan, too. Then you will know the full story.
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12 of 15 people found the following review helpful
3.0 out of 5 stars Sensational...but entertaining., June 27, 2001
By
Meaghan Good "meggilyweggily" (Venedocia, Ohio USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Cruel Sacrifice (Mass Market Paperback)
I must admit that the book is an accurate account of Shanda Sharer's kidnapping and murder, and the events leading up to it. It's extremely sensational though -- did Ms. Jones REALLY have to include Shanda's autopsy photos? Of course, the whole lesbian love triangle thing was made for sensation. And at least it's entertaining. I read it in one sitting. I recommend Michael Quinlan's book if you're looking for an account of the murder but want less violence and sex.
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17 of 21 people found the following review helpful
3.0 out of 5 stars Jealousy and Murder., December 19, 2000
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PVS "mizjori" (Englewood, New Jersey United States) - See all my reviews
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"Cruel Sacrifice" tells the story of the savage beating, torture and eventual murder of 12 year old Shanda Sharer by four Indiana teenagers. The story involves lesbianism, love triangle, sex, and abuse. Ms. Jones spent a great amount of time talking about the dysfunctional families of Melinda loveless and Laurine Tackett 2 of the girls involved in the murder. Although the information about the families were valid in giving the readers some insight about the girls homelife, I felt she spent too much time on that topic. Although I found parts of the book redundant and boring, it's an easy read.
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3.0 out of 5 stars A Superficial Account., July 6, 1999
By
Andrea Sonn (East Windsor, NJ) - See all my reviews
This review is from: CRUEL SACRIFICE (True Crime) (Paperback)
This is a very good summary rehash of information regarding this nightmarish crime, but somehow it seems lacking in depth, insight, and a broader perspective. In light of events in Columbine, Jonesboro, Paduka, etc., and as our collective consciousness rises with greater understanding of the consequences of unfettered dysfunction in families, mixed with the indifference of the large, penal-like institutions we call secondary schools, it's only a wonder that even more tragedies like this one are not occurring. May the soul of poor Shanda rest in peace. And hopefully her four murderers can do some good within the confines of prison. Let's only hope that's where they remain.
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17 of 21 people found the following review helpful
3.0 out of 5 stars Jealousy and Murder., December 19, 2000
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PVS "mizjori"
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"Cruel Sacrifice" tells the story of the savage beating, torture and eventual murder of 12 year old Shanda Sharer by four Indiana teenagers. The story involves lesbianism, love triangle, sex, and abuse. Ms. Jones spent a great amount of time talking about the dysfunctional families of Melinda loveless and Laurine Tackett 2 of the girls involved in the murder. Although the information about the families were valid in giving the readers some insight about the girls homelife, I felt she spent too much time on that topic. Although I found parts of the book redundant and boring, it's an easy read.
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I really believe someone should make a movie about this story!!!
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Cruel Sacrifice
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4.0 out of 5 stars Such a sad Story, September 22, 2013
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Brenda Smith - See all my reviews
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The author did a good job telling this sad but true story. It was horrifying at times, that I had to put it down and come back to it later. It's amazing and so frightening that this actually happens in our cities, little towns and suburbs...that we don't realize we could be living right next door to these strange, mean, and cruel people. It's very unfortunate they didn't spend more time incarcerated for the crimes they committed compared to the cruelty they thought that little girl deserved and the sacrifice her parents had to pay in losing their daughter senselessly.
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars Riveting, May 4, 2013
By
Elizabeth Clifford "drL" (norfolk, VA) - See all my reviews
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Riveting and horrible at the same time is this true life tale of ultimate cruelty among a group of troubled girls. Nearly impossible to fathom that young girls could band together to commit murder without apparent remorse. Surely the definition of antisocial personality disorders (socio/psychopaths) and almost difficult to turn the pages and read and comprehend how such humans could be on this earth.
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars SOUTH OF HEAVEN, April 19, 2013
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tye - See all my reviews
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gets you into the minds of 4 demented females with one mission, to kill a rival of one of them.it is hard to believe that such monsters are breathing the same air as me.To be tortured,beaten ,stabbed, and left nude in a trunk in january in the bitter cold,this poor child was subjected to the most vial,disgusting acts i've ever heard of,and then burned alive. these four things should have gotten death sentences, their putrid lives extinguished the same way as sweet young Shanda.may you rest in eternal peace! But no our immoral justice system let them all make plea deals,as if they let their victim have a deal,as she was begging for her young life.HOPE they all rot in hell
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4.0 out of 5 stars Right to the throat.., April 11, 2013
By
Connie Bennett (Lumberton, NC, US) - See all my reviews
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This author goes right to the throat when writing! Just the way I like it! No beating around the bush, just like CSI work
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4.0 out of 5 stars Deeply disturbing., August 28, 2012
By
La2k (USA) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Cruel Sacrifice (Mass Market Paperback)
I'd never even heard of this crime until I read this book, and I was shocked by the details of this senseless and appalling murder. The author covers the case, and each of the characters in this tragedy in through detail. A deeply disturbing look into how dark and cruel some young people can be. I couldn't put down, and recommend it to anyone interested in true crime cases.
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4.0 out of 5 stars Good book in the lesbian-teen-murder genre, August 19, 2012
By
Privacy, Please (Maryland, USA) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Cruel Sacrifice (Mass Market Paperback)
I read this book when it came out and I recall it as being probably the first true crime book about teenage girls committing a murder over a "lesbian love triangle" that I had read. Since then there have been a number of others. This one still stands out in my mind as providing a lot of detail about the often very mixed-up family lives of the main murderer Melinda Loveless, the victim Shanda Sharer, and some of the other girls such as Laurie Tackett. This is a slice of the bad side of Midwester life - not only do you get to read about the music and fashions the girls liked, but also about the crazy and sometimes criminal exploits of their parents, who include a wife-swapping rapist and a nutty Christian fundamentalist who wants a house exorcised after some kids play with a Ouija board there. Because I enjoy reading that type of detail in my true crimes, and especially when it's about teens and their lifestyles, I found this book to be quite well-told and engrossing. Jones also has a fairly dry style of writing and doesn't go over the top with trying to impress on the reader how evil the teenage girls are. If you like true crimes about teenage murderers, this one is worth a try.
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4.0 out of 5 stars You won't put this one down, September 4, 2011
By
dreamlily "dreamlily" (Australia) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Cruel Sacrifice (Mass Market Paperback)
Firstly, this book is a true story.
It is about a group of teenage girls who kidnap, torture and kill a 12 year old 'friend' named Shanda.
The crime itself without even knowing any of the details is horrific, but once you get into reading the histories of the girls and their families, you need to find a new word that is stronger than 'horrific' to describe it. The main themes running through this book are homophobia, depression, anger, jealousy and towards the end it touches on the psyche of the girls.
The book includes photos in the middle, and it is a reminder that you are not reading a make believe story, but a true event. This book is along the similar lines of 'Bully'. Even though sadistic, I think it's important that these kinds of books are published and read, if nothing more than a reminder of how fragile life is.
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4.0 out of 5 stars Straightforward Account of a Twisted Crime, June 23, 2011
By
R. Schultz (Chicago) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Cruel Sacrifice (Mass Market Paperback)
The facts of this "Lord of the Flies" crime are presented in straightforward, chronological order, without any editorializing, without any attempts at creating suspense. The book reads like an extended police blotter report. But this crime was shocking enough without the need for any fine writing to describe it. A Capote-caliber treatment would always be welcome, but the reader doesn't need the embellishments of literary skill in order to feel the pain and horror of the murder committed outside of the picturesque, Mayberry-like town of Madison, Indiana, in 1992.
In this generally complete account of the crime, a few things don't seem to be addressed fully enough. For example, the reader is left wondering how the victim, a 12-year-old girl, was socializing so intensely with 15 and 16-year-olds. Those two age groups usually don't have anything to do with each other. Also the title of the book is a little misleading because the word "Sacrifice" could, in one sense, steer the interpretation of this crime back to the rumor that it was the result of the girls' practicing Satanic rituals. Actually, any interest in Satanic rites or witchcraft played virtually no part in the actual crime.
However, this book overall does a good job of telling who the victim and the perpetrators were. One of the best things about Jones' account is that it includes extensive information about the home lives of the teenage perpetrators. We see the extreme dysfunction that existed in these families. There was one father's frequent abuse of his wife and of his three daughters, including many kinky intrusions into the girls' lives. There was a mother's complicity in making such perversions commonplace in their household. There was religious fanaticism. We get an insight into the fierce, but fluctuating, crushes that the teen girls developed on each other. When it came to these love affairs, every emotion the girls felt was immediately translated into operatic hyperbole and acted out in Grand Guignol style.
The sheer amount of physical activity these teens engaged in was another surprising element of their lives. Whereas other generations of teens and even many modern teens might go to school, come home, do some homework, and then just slouch around the house, watching TV or goofing off for a while - these teens were up and about virtually every waking hour. They were going to clubs and hooking up sexually with both boys and other girls out in parking lots. They were going to punk rock concerts and getting piercings. They were experimenting with drugs. They were constantly going to each other's houses or talking to each other on the phone. None of them ever seemed to have a moment of quietude, a moment of being alone with herself without being hammered into conformity with peer group mores.
So Jones' plainly written account is very revealing about trends in modern life on a number of levels. Many teens and adults alike are leading these always-in-touch hyperactive lives now. However, very few commit such heinous crimes. Reading this, you might be reminded of the Roman playwright Terence's remark that, "Nothing human is alien to me." This book will have you asking over-and-over, "Could I, under any circumstances, be capable of such a crime?"
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4.0 out of 5 stars Disturbing story, December 20, 2010
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Cynthia L. Hunt "Crazy Dog Lady" (Louisville, KY) - See all my reviews
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This murder was reported on daily when I was in my late teens/early twenties. It horrified everyone in the Kentuckiana community. As much as it was reported and discussed, there was so much more that I learned from reading the book. I think every parent should read this book as a warning to know what your kids are doing and watch who they are hanging out with. I read the book in less than 3 days. It was well written and provided insight into the many lives affected by this tragedy.
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5 of 7 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars Troubled Teens and Torture!, November 7, 2006
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Sylviastel - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Cruel Sacrifice (Mass Market Paperback)
Where did these four girls come from to involve themselves in one of the most heinous murders of a 12 year old girl named Shandra Sharer? We know that they didn't come from perfect functional homes. Melinda seemed bent on destroying Shandra possibly because Shandra came from a loving home and was stealing her girlfriend, perhaps we will never know the truth or what might have preventable. You must feel for Shandra's parents. I work in a public high school where lesbianism is seen as hip among the girls or maybe it's an escape from a heterosexual domestic violent relationship. All girls feel that they have to be loved by somebody. If it's not a boy, then maybe they go after a girl. But what they are unaware of is that girls are usually more prone to possessiveness, jealousy, and envy as well as boys. The girl can face just as much abuse in a lesbian relationship as with a heterosexual relationship. Not that men aren't possessive of their women or even their men but we're talking about girls. I thought I read everything until I read this book. These girls have lost their innocence along the way to be involved in something so horrible of a crime. It wasn't clear cut murder. It was violent, evil, and truly unimaginable. I read crime books. My last book was Brothers in Blood. If you are a parent and your daughter comes out to you, don't freak out immediately. Go to counseling for the whole family if possible. If you have a troubled teen with violent and anger problems, please do something rather than wait and see what happens. This book should be a warning to the parents, teachers, and family members. Regardless of sexual orientation, my colleagues spent time in court for a patricide case. These things happen if we don't realize them in time. It includes drug, alcoholism, domestic violence, abuse, etc. They come in all shapes and sizes and can destroy somebody's life forever. Shandra is in heaven now but her killers are still in prison where they should be for a long time. Kids should know that crimes don't always go unpunished. These girls have ruined their lives as well. All for what, jealousy and possessiveness which doesn't really matter in the long run. There will always be somebody out there, maybe better.
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7 of 8 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars Valuable addition to reporting on the case, but not perfect (what is?), September 13, 2006
By
esporter "esporter" (USA) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Cruel Sacrifice (Paperback)
I have read a great deal about this case and just before reading this had read "Little Lost Angel" by Michael Quinlan. Since I read them back to back I can compare.
There are some omissions and differences in the reporting of certain events, but I would not say that this book makes excuses for the perps. The most valuable difference between this book and other reporting is EXACTLY the delving into the homelife and personalities of the killers.
Look, a book titled "Little Lost Angel" clearly has a spin. What happened to Shanda is just appalling and horrific, but I don't think she was an "angel" -- people tend to gloss over the faults and human qualities of the dead and gloss over the good points (or human qualities) of those who kill. I think the killers should have fried, frankly, but there is more to learn about inhumanity and crime by looking deeper.
This book is not as well written as Quinlan's, the style is more "sensationalized" and the organization is haphazard in some places, but there is enough additional info on the case to make it worth reading.
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2 of 3 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars DISTURBING BOOK, July 26, 2006
By
CR "LOVE TO READ" (PA) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Cruel Sacrifice (Mass Market Paperback)
I FOUND THIS BOOK VERY DISTURBING ESPECIALLY THE AGES OF ALL THE GIRLS. I LIKED THE IDEA OF THE AUTHOR TELLING THE LIFE STORIES OF EACH OF THE GIRLS. IF YOU REALLY LIKE TRUE CRIME BOOKS, THIS ONE IS FOR YOU.
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars So sad, June 16, 2006
By
Kelly Parsons "kelly p" (Minnesota) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Cruel Sacrifice (Mass Market Paperback)
This is such a sad story of the destruction of the lives of 5 teenage girls - the victim and the four girls responsible for her death. I don't think this ever would have happened if not for the toxic combination of the personalities of Melinda Loveless and Laurie Tackett. While Melinda had an intense hatred of Shanda and definetly wanted her gone, I don't believe she would have regressed to torture and murder if not for the influence of Laurie. Laurie was just plain evil. She didn't even know Shanda, but used Melinda's desire for revenge as an avenue to satisfy her own desire to torture and kill someone. Both of these girls had horrendous childhoods, but that is not an excuse for what they did. A good lesson can be learned from the other two girls involved - Hope, and especially Toni. If you associate with people who are doing something wrong, you will end up paying the price right alongside them, even if you didn't participate.
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2 of 3 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars Interesting, April 4, 2006
By
Alexandra Spears "Constitution Party Member" (Ohio) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Cruel Sacrifice (Mass Market Paperback)
It was a pretty interesting book--lets you explore why they did it (though there's no excuse for it). My main problem with it is that Jones seems to be hinting that Christianity breeds criminals--she goes into the religious pasts, so to speak, of Loveless and Tackett. Jones needs to realize that Pentecostalism is not the same as fundamentalism; I'm a Christian fundamentalist, and I wouldn't set foot in Graceland or Lighthouse on the Hill, because Pentecostalism is just nuts, and if your church wants to "exorcise" you for being in disagreement, there's a serious problem! (They would have exorcised the Bereans.)
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars Terrific True Crime Read, March 2, 2006
By
A. Luizza (Lehigh Valley, PA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)
This review is from: Cruel Sacrifice (Mass Market Paperback)
I have read this book as well as All She Wanted by Aphrodite Jones, and find her to be an excellent true crime writer. The crime committed against Shanda Sharer was gruesome--and there is no other manner in which it can be reported. If you can't take descriptions of Windex being sprayed in the raw wounds of a bloodied body or the sad descriptions of sexual abuse throughout the story, then do not buy this book. For those who claim the book "drags on" concerning the life of Melinda Loveless--the majority of the planning and executing of the murder of Shanda Sharer was at the hands of Melinda Loveless, therefore it is appropriate for us to understand (not necessarily excuse) her backround and childhood. Read this book for a thorough and intriguing investigation into one of the most horrific and shocking crimes of the 90's decade.
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4.0 out of 5 stars VERY WELL WRITTEN!!!, February 13, 2006
By
SCOTT BALL "the troll under the stairs" (INDIANAPOLIS, IND) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Cruel Sacrifice (Mass Market Paperback)
MISS JONES, Did an excellent job of documenting this tragic story And she gives a keen insight into the lives of the killers as well as the victim.This book is a must read for the true aphrodite jones fan.
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7 of 7 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars better than average true crime, May 25, 2005
By
Marilyn Sullivan (Nazareth, PA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)
This review is from: Cruel Sacrifice (Mass Market Paperback)
Having read many hundreds of true crime books over the course of thirty plus years, I know better than to expect great literature from this genre. What I want is a well-told story without a lot of extraneous nonsense or repetition. This is what I got from Cruel Sacrifice. I didn't expect much when I picked it up. I have read other books by Aphrodite Jones and wasn't impressed. But this one was a page-turner. There were not too many wasted words and she did a good job of conveying the events of a complicated story. I don't believe it was the author's intention to tell the reader whether those convicted of the murder were bad or good, deserving of sympathy or not. Anyone who reads the book can come to his or her own conclusion. I do recommend this book to fans of the genre.
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4 of 9 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars Drunken White Trash Begets Evil White Trash, January 12, 2005
By
A non-reader (Chicago) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Cruel Sacrifice (Mass Market Paperback)
When I initially read about this murder, I thought, "Oh...Southern Indiana...that explains it." So much weirdness goes on along the Ohio River, I doubt 1/100 of it gets discovered, much less reported. But having read this story, I am amazed that anyone could be capable of such absolute depravity, lack of empathy, and sheer absence of conscience, regardless of the drunken trashiness in their family backgrounds. I pray that my little daughter never runs into anyone like these horrible ghouls, and also that they never get released, 'cause it's clear they have no concept that they did anything wrong.
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6 of 7 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars Haunting, January 6, 2005
By
Willow (Michigan) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Cruel Sacrifice (Mass Market Paperback)
I was only two and a half when Shanda Sharer was brutally murdered by four teenage girls, so obviously I knew nothing about the case as it was going on. At the library a few weeks ago, I saw a copy of CRUEL SACRIFICE, and since I've been really into true crime books lately, I decided to give this one a shot.
CRUEL SACRIFICE not only gives a very good account of the murder of Shanda Sharer, but a good portion of the book describes the four murderers (no, I won't refer to them as the four girls, or the four teenagers, because what they did was beyond disgusting) home lives. Melinda Loveless and Laurie Tackett's stories are much more detailed than Toni Lawrence and Hope Rippey's, mostly because they were the two "in charge." The stories from the Loveless family are incredibly disturbing as well, but they don't offer any excuse for Melinda's actions.
CRUEL SACRIFICE is a very good book, but it definately starts to drag on at parts. The photographs are really haunting, because looking at them you can't help but think "How could someone that looks so normal, like someone I would see at my school...how could they do such a thing?" I'd recommend it to anyone that's familiar with the case, or that likes true crime books. It's one of the most tragic books I've read in a while, because nobody deserves to be killed at such a young age (Sharer was only twelve years old at the time).
Overall grade - B
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2 of 4 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars Aphordite Jones does it again..., November 5, 2003
By
Crystal "Crystal" (Atlanta, GA) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Cruel Sacrifice (Mass Market Paperback)
I think she is a wonderful author-having read almost all of her work and disliking only one of her books.
She went into so much detail of Melinda life because hers was the most disturbing of the girls. If you understand psychology, then you will understand that a persons childhood and family is generally directly related to their personality and may define her future. She showed us that Melinda was deeply disturbed and although nobody can really explain why or how, by understanding where she came from we can get a better view.
These were TEENAGE girls at the time of this brutual tourture/murder. It is hard to understand why an adult would commit such a crime, but almost impossible to imagine how and why a child would do it. These girls got everything they deserved. I am glad they were punished by deathe, but instead forced to live had the rest of their childhoods and adult years taken away from them.
All in all, it was a very good book.
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Della's Web
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4 of 9 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars Drunken White Trash Begets Evil White Trash, January 12, 2005
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This review is from: Cruel Sacrifice (Mass Market Paperback)
When I initially read about this murder, I thought, "Oh...Southern Indiana...that explains it." So much weirdness goes on along the Ohio River, I doubt 1/100 of it gets discovered, much less reported. But having read this story, I am amazed that anyone could be capable of such absolute depravity, lack of empathy, and sheer absence of conscience, regardless of the drunken trashiness in their family backgrounds. I pray that my little daughter never runs into anyone like these horrible ghouls, and also that they never get released, 'cause it's clear they have no concept that they did anything wrong.
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Initial post: Sep 23, 2007 2:11:12 PM PDT
Medusa says:
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I agree that at least 2 (Tackett and Loveless) of the 4 should spend the rest of their lives behind bars due to the absolute depravity and brutal, premeditated nature of their crime. i have read on websites about their finding religion, getting degrees while in jail, helping others in jail. Good for them, but, BIG FRIGGIN WHOOP. People that commit these kind of crimes are un-rehabilitatable to the extent they should walk free among the rest of society. Their upbringing is not excuse and to use it as such or as a rationalization for their horrific crime is laughable. Spending their life behind bars is letting them off easy.
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In reply to an earlier post on May 31, 2011 10:46:00 AM PDT
Omar says:
I agree, except that Hope should be thrown into that group as well. Can't believe she's free. What a horrific sense of justice.
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4 of 7 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars from a family member who lived it, October 14, 2003
By
Daniel H Rippey (Burr Oak, MI United States) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Cruel Sacrifice (Mass Market Paperback)
Dont trust all you read I lived it .i am Hopes older brother and are family was as shocked as any one.Most of the info in this book is good and true but a lot of it is gess work and fill in the blank .A good book that lets you know the other side of the story is "lost little angels"
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6 of 6 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars Absolutely Horrific, February 26, 2003
By
"cleoelizabeth" (somewhere in the South) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Cruel Sacrifice (Mass Market Paperback)
I just finished this book. I am so stunned by what I read, it's hard to know where to start. I have been a serious true crime reader for nearly 20 years. While I have read my share of unbelievable acts humans can inflict upon each other, nothing...nothing hit me like this. I haven't been able to get Shanda Sharer out of my mind, and the grisly way that poor little girl lost her life. Aphrodite Jones did a good job telling this tragedy. It chronicles the true story of four teenaged girls as they set out one night to "scare" 12 year old Shanda Sharer into staying away from another's ex-lover. This frightening book is not about a night that went wrong. It's not about a scheme that got carried too far. It's not about an accident, or mistake these girls made. It is, however, a story about out-of-control jealousy and a calculated, pre-meditated, heinous crime. This is the 2nd book of Jones' I've read, and while she doesn't get "meaty" like Ann Rule, I thought her writings were well-balanced, albiet sometimes confusing. I disagree with another reviewer's comments that she portrayed the four girls in a sympathetic light. While she stated facts regarding their own dysfunctional lives, it never gave me the sense of feeling any pity for those four girls, nor did I believe those were the feelings of this author. Jones' book was nearly impossible for me to put down. In all my years of reading true crime, I thought I had read it all. I hadn't until now. I simply can't fathom how evil people can be. The most shocking aspect (aside from the horrific death) was that these four mid-western girls were capable of something so vicious, it left me speechless and sickened. Loveless and Tackett deserve death, or at the very least, life in prison with no parole. To this day, a decade later, I seriously doubt either one of those monsters feels remorse. They truly are the stuff nightmares are made of...
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3 of 7 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars Cruel Sacrifice!!!, March 21, 2002
By
Jade (USA) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Cruel Sacrifice (Mass Market Paperback)
I found this book was very well written, it was very intense and very shocking, it's very hard to read and to beleived something so horrible that this crime had happen, also to read about Melinda family life was horrible. Nothing excuse the cruel death of Shanda but in our society the education systeme do not take care enough of people, trouble kid, teenager...like Melinda, Laurie, Toni and Hope, trouble kids who if in time will be listen and understand that horrible crime may not had happen. Society is mostly to blame, we are raise to live in a aggressive world where we always have to please everybody and be the best, we do not have some course in class about how to built self-estimee, it something that should be the main priority in school, because of their lack of love, self-estimee and their past Melinda and Laurie have done a horrible crime, yeah that doesn't excuse what they did but still it a fact that society don't take good care or don't even care about children enough and also everybody in distress. I think Toni do not deserve the sentence she had, she was afraid of Laurie and Melinda, who would not be and she also went right aways to the police and Hope well she seem like a very naive girl who caught in the moment did what the other told her to do to fit in I guess, she doesn't deserve 60 years in prison like Melinda and Laurie who are the true killer. All that story is so sad, the girls are to blame for the death of poor Shanda but also society have a part in it.
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1 of 2 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars :(, May 20, 2001
By
"misati2ood" (San Antonio,TX) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Cruel Sacrifice (Mass Market Paperback)
I thought the way the story was written wasn't in a way to keep the reader interested at all times. Aphroidte Jones' writing style varied in a sense that at some points in the book, it was interesting. Other times, all you wanted to do was shut it. But all in all, it got to the point. The murder of Teena Brandon struck a chord with me and I didn't agree with the motives behind it at all. I think Aphrodite Jones did a fine job of reliving each event trying not to leave a single detail out. So all in all, I would recommend the book to anyone looking for a good true crime story.
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0 of 1 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars Aphrodite Jones is one of the best true crime writers..., April 3, 2001
By A Customer
This review is from: Cruel Sacrifice (Mass Market Paperback)
I have read so many true crime books and Jones' remain the most readable and interesting to date. This one is a page-turner. Straightforward and not laden with personal commentary like so many in the genre, I read this in one sitting.
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11 of 11 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars Disturbing story, September 8, 2000
By
Ellen - See all my reviews
This review is from: Cruel Sacrifice (Mass Market Paperback)
I have just finished this highly disturbing and very graphic book about the murder of 12 year old Shanda Sharer. This is a story that will shock even the most hardened true crime/murder readers. It is the story that nobody should have to read.I say that because it is a true account of five young women,one of whom died after being beaten,tortured and finally set on fire.Nobody likes to imagine that this sort of thing can happen but sadly,it does and it has. Too much of the fact that some of these girls are lesbians seems to give this account a reason for Shandas death.Yes,there is lesbianism going on,but there is also a deadly combination of severe child abuse,jealousy,mental illness and hate going on too. I do not like what these girls did to Shanda as nobody deserves this wickedness let alone a 12 year old child,but the sad fact is,is that Melinda Loveless,Laurie Tackett,Hope Rippey and Toni Lawrence are products of a dysfunctional way of life. What happened to Shanda is very disturbing and highly upsetting and I feel for her family and friends who no longer have her with them. I lent this book to a friend of mine who didn't like the fact that a great portion of this book concentrated on Loveless and Tackett and not so much on Shanda. I feel that Aphrodite Jones was right to portray the story this way.If we are to learn anything from this incident then we need to look not only at the victim but the accused as well. We need to analize these sorts of people and try to work out why something like this has happened and go on to try and make sense of it so that other children never suffer the same fate. A book written only about Shanda would have given us only half the story as we would then be left wondering WHY these girls did what they did and WHO were they. This book can be a bit 'tabloidy' but for those truly interested in the whole story of those that kill and the victims they choose then this book tries very hard to gather all the facts. Some of you may disagree but this book was written to give the facts,not as a tribute to Shanda.I think the author has done what she set out to do in the best way possible.
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4.0 out of 5 stars A Look into the Psyche of the Teenage Girl, June 19, 2000
By
Rach (Maryland, USA) - See all my reviews
This review is from: CRUEL SACRIFICE (True Crime) (Paperback)
This book delves into the minds of the seriously disturbed teenage girl. I liked how Jones explained the torment Loveless and Tackett went through in their homes, especially Loveless. It was definitely clear how she became this way. It was horrible, absolutely horrible what they did to Shanda. But when I hear people telling Melinda to "Rot in Hell" I am completely shocked. What also angers me is how Shanda's parents put a lot of the blame on "the girl who persuaded her to enter a lesbian relationship". They have every right to be angry at the girls who killed their daughter, but absolutely no right to blame it on the fact that some of the girls are lesbians. I found myself feeling great compassion for the girls who committed the murder as well as Shanda who was the victim. And I fully believe that all the girls got what they deserved. The four murderers will serve their sentences. And each of them feels pain every single day. This book was an amazing look into the psyche of the greatly disturbed teenage girl.
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4.0 out of 5 stars Horrifying, April 20, 2000
By A Customer
This review is from: Cruel Sacrifice (Mass Market Paperback)
...This book was so good. Very discriptive, and graphic. Iwould recomend this book to anyone who loves a true crime story. END
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4.0 out of 5 stars Unreal, November 2, 1999
By A Customer
This review is from: Cruel Sacrifice (Mass Market Paperback)
I had to read this book for an English assignment. I had never read a true crime story before. I could not believe that four teenage girls were capable of doing this. I am the same age of the girls when they killed Shanda, and I couldn't imagine my friends or myself commiting such an act. Where Melinda and Lauri came from bad homes, Toni and Hope did not. These girls seemed to come from two seperate worlds. Also, I couldn't imagine girls my age being so active in lesbianism. The detail written in this book were so true, so graphic. It's just unreal. What Melinda's father did to her and her family is awful. The only thing that I didn't like about the book was that it was poorly written. The grammar in some parts were pathetic.
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0 of 1 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars Good but sickening, July 9, 1999
By A Customer
This review is from: CRUEL SACRIFICE (True Crime) (Paperback)
This book was well-written but difficult to get through. I picked it up in a bookstore and had to sit down because I felt faint while reading the details of the murder. I recommend it but definitely not for the faint at heart.
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11 of 11 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars Disturbing story, September 8, 2000
By
Ellen
This review is from: Cruel Sacrifice (Mass Market Paperback)
I have just finished this highly disturbing and very graphic book about the murder of 12 year old Shanda Sharer. This is a story that will shock even the most hardened true crime/murder readers. It is the story that nobody should have to read.I say that because it is a true account of five young women,one of whom died after being beaten,tortured and finally set on fire.Nobody likes to imagine that this sort of thing can happen but sadly,it does and it has. Too much of the fact that some of these girls are lesbians seems to give this account a reason for Shandas death.Yes,there is lesbianism going on,but there is also a deadly combination of severe child abuse,jealousy,mental illness and hate going on too. I do not like what these girls did to Shanda as nobody deserves this wickedness let alone a 12 year old child,but the sad fact is,is that Melinda Loveless,Laurie Tackett,Hope Rippey and Toni Lawrence are products of a dysfunctional way of life. What happened to Shanda is very disturbing and highly upsetting and I feel for her family and friends who no longer have her with them. I lent this book to a friend of mine who didn't like the fact that a great portion of this book concentrated on Loveless and Tackett and not so much on Shanda. I feel that Aphrodite Jones was right to portray the story this way.If we are to learn anything from this incident then we need to look not only at the victim but the accused as well. We need to analize these sorts of people and try to work out why something like this has happened and go on to try and make sense of it so that other children never suffer the same fate. A book written only about Shanda would have given us only half the story as we would then be left wondering WHY these girls did what they did and WHO were they. This book can be a bit 'tabloidy' but for those truly interested in the whole story of those that kill and the victims they choose then this book tries very hard to gather all the facts. Some of you may disagree but this book was written to give the facts,not as a tribute to Shanda.I think the author has done what she set out to do in the best way possible.
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Initial post: Dec 6, 2008 10:49:26 PM PST
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I agree with your comments. What the girls did to Shaunda was horrific: however, she was no angel. It is hard to imagine a 12 year old engaging in sex with many boys and having a female lover. All these girls were out of control, looking for love, and feeding off one another. I found the book redundant in places: however, the overall story made me sick to my stomach on many levels. I believe the author did a fine job of explaining the facts in a way that WOULD make your stomach turn. The behaviors of the parents were horrible to say the least, and one can't help that this did add to the problem teen.
Personally, I can't believe Shaunda was doing all the things she was and her parents didn't have clue. Not at 12. Unfortunately, she got involved with a peer group far older than herself, and she didn;t have the emotional capacity to know how to handle them when the jelous rage of Melinda emerged. Her slow, agonazing death was one of the worst things I have ever read in true crime,and I was disappointed in the sentances. One has to wonder how many other Shaunda's there have been, and the murder gone unsolved because no one would think to look at her peers.
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In reply to an earlier post on May 31, 2011 9:59:55 AM PDT
Omar says:
It's inaccurate to say that "Shanda was no angel."
If you're basing that on the fact that she was sexually active, think again. If she was having sex with "many boys," then - unless they were just her age - she was apparently molested and sexually abused by a number of people, not just Amanda Heavrin. If these "boys" were older and there was sex going on, then it would be some sort of statutory rape. Too bad these "many boys" didn't face child molestation charges.
Also, just for thought: All things being equal, if this were a 12-year old boy who was "out having sex," would you have referred to him as "no angel" as well? Let's hope you'd have enough sense not to employ the double standard in your thinking.
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4.0 out of 5 stars The First One, June 10, 1999
By A Customer
This review is from: CRUEL SACRIFICE (True Crime) (Paperback)
I must admit that this is the first true-crime book that I have read. I learned about this story after seeing it on a daily talk show featuring the author. It was a real page turner. Now most of the books I buy is true-crime novels. This book gives insight to both sides of a truely horrible crime. Shocking but true. There was more than one life lost that day.This is one story that has stuck in my mind .What seems to be happening to our youth of today?
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4.0 out of 5 stars An answer to why?, June 6, 1999
By A Customer
This review is from: CRUEL SACRIFICE (True Crime) (Paperback)
To the reader from Washington DC: I understand why you would be upset by the idea of someone turning in a profit from a murder case, particularly one as personal as this, but Ms Jones hardly does so. You asked "why" and I assume you are refering to why a criminologist would write a book based on a true and unsettling event, but Ms Jones, who has always, in my mind, treated her subjects w/ the highest form of respect, examines the case not to, as you accused, a) just make money or b) inspire other unfortunate and violent events but to ask "why?" herself: that is, Why does this happen? How can a person like Shanda and her friends be involved in such a heinous act? If you are blaming Ms Jones for capitalizing on or (god's sake) encouraging something like this, then you might as well attack everything you see on TV and every book based on something true which was ever published. You claim Ms Jones lies, yet admit to having not read the book. So far as I could tell from my reading, the author has done nothing of the sort and presents the facts of the case like a true criminologist w/out any irreverance or disrespect.
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4.0 out of 5 stars Another good look at this case, October 10, 1998
By A Customer
This review is from: CRUEL SACRIFICE (True Crime) (Paperback)
I had read _Little Lost Angel_, also about the Shanda Sharer case, several times before I bought _Cruel Sacrifice_, so I mostly read this book to compare. Unlike Michael Quinlan, who had cooperation from Shanda's family on his book and more of an outraged tone, Jones seems to let the various players speak for themselves through quotes, but of course she seems a bit more sympathetic to the criminals because they had more of a chance to speak about themselves and their backgrounds than Shanda. There's not much at all about Shanda and her family, and in places what the author observes and chooses to quote about Shanda's family seems unfair, but I don't think you really have to know anything at all about a 12-year-old girl who was treated this way to feel for her. Strangely, this book struck me as much less sensationalistic than the Quinlan book with its emphasis on Laurie Tackett's supposed occult tendencies and inhuman coldness. The crime is less compellingly portrayed and its perpetrators have absolutely no intense, edgy "glamor" to them in this account. This is probably worth reading if you're very interested in the case and what kind of people under what circumstances could become involved in such an atrocity.
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Cruel Sacrifice
105 Reviews
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5.0 out of 5 stars Paper Back, July 17, 2013
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1112221924bg - See all my reviews
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Good book, quick read.Good author to follow.Should purchase if you like this type of stories that are true and interesting.
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5.0 out of 5 stars Aphrodite Jones, June 20, 2013
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JanaLynn - See all my reviews
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How can you go wrong with anything by Aphrodite Jones. In my opinion, Ms. Jones the best true-crime author out there. She leaves nothing left that she did not research. By the end of the book, the reader can be 100% certain that they have all the facts in the case. Bravo!
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5.0 out of 5 stars Cruel Sacrifice, May 6, 2013
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avidreader (TX) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Cruel Sacrifice (Mass Market Paperback)
Uggh, not for the faint of heart. This is one of the toughest true-crime stories I have ever read. The book is well done though, and I applaud the author for tackling this gruesome story. This is one of those things that are so horrible you wish you could remove it from your mind.
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5.0 out of 5 stars cruel sacrafices, October 12, 2012
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cassyann84 - See all my reviews
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I love this book, very gruesome yet true story of the things love and jealousy can do to even a younger teen.
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5.0 out of 5 stars Second time reading, July 12, 2012
By
Suzy L. - See all my reviews
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I just purchased this book to read it again after having seen the true crime story on TV recently. Very disturbing and so very sad. I just don't know how people can do this type of thing!
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5.0 out of 5 stars Great Author~Great Book, May 6, 2012
By
Kelly A. Rudny (Indiana) - See all my reviews
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I like the author's style of writing, but the story really speaks for itself. Its an incredibly disturbing true story taking place in Indiana. A MUST read.
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5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book on this murder, August 3, 2011
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cat lover - See all my reviews
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Good book for this subject matter. Not for the weak of stomach. This book explores what child abuse does and the different manifestations it takes. I don't feel sorry for the killer girls, but can only wonder at the parents for the damage inflicted on these kids when they were younger and so helpless. The girls themselves were certainly old enough to know better for such actions and deserve nothing good in this life. For the child murdered, their really is no justice.
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5.0 out of 5 stars Interesting read, February 8, 2010
By
Natasha Yuan "Panda's Lady" (HOUSTON, TX) - See all my reviews
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I liked this book because it actually had photos of the girls involved. There was a bit more info in this book than the other one. Both were good. Very sad what happened to the girl.
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5.0 out of 5 stars Cruel Sacrifice, March 11, 2008
By
J. Markham (new york) - See all my reviews
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This was a sick, sick story! I had a knot in my stomach within the first chapter! Well written.
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5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent! A true page turner!, February 1, 2008
By
Stephanie Thorn "Lakerchik" (Los Angeles, CA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Cruel Sacrifice (Mass Market Paperback)
I found this book at a used book store, and being a fan of true crime, I picked it up and studied it with great interest. I had never before heard of this case, even though I was around the same age as all of the girls involved, but it intrigued me and I bought it. I couldn't put it down! I took the book everywhere with me--to school, in the car, waiting in line at the grocery store, etc.--and when I finished it, I wanted more. I have been researching the case on the Internet and I believe that Aprodite Jones, the author of this book, did an excellent job at telling the true, twisted tale of this horrific crime. It was disturbing but Jones' really let her reader get into the minds of 4 killers; I highly recommend this book to anyone, whether you like true crime or not. It's a fascinating read and it will leave you with chills at the end.
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Della's Web
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Cruel Sacrifice
105 Reviews
5 star:
(44)
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(33)
3 star:
(15)
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(8)
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(5)
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4.0 out of 5 stars (105 customer reviews)
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5.0 out of 5 stars Good book, but sad true story, November 9, 2006
By
J. Porter (USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Cruel Sacrifice (Mass Market Paperback)
Couldn't put the book down. I'm going to school for forensics. Very interesting case to study.
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars looking at all aspects, August 5, 2006
By
Mary Toth "Well behaved women rarely make his... (Copperas Cove, Texas) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)
This review is from: Cruel Sacrifice (Mass Market Paperback)
This book looks at all aspects of this case. It explores not only the life of the victim (Shanda) and how she became involved with her killers, but also of the killers themselves and how their personal lives may have led them to such tragic decisions. This book takes you from start to finish on all the girls involved.
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5.0 out of 5 stars Sad, May 22, 2006
By
Erin B. Lush "erinl22" (Indiana) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Cruel Sacrifice (Mass Market Paperback)
I was only 10 when this happened and I don't really remember much of it, but I live in the area where it all happened. My friend was best friends with Shanda. It's really disgusting that 2 of the girls that helped with this are already out of prison. 1 6 years ago and the other just 2-3 weeks ago. I pray for Shanda and her family. It's a frightening book to read but so true and could happen to anyone.
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5.0 out of 5 stars Gave me nightmares, January 25, 2006
By
Ashley Allgood "faith4jesus" (USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Cruel Sacrifice (Mass Market Paperback)
In my late teens I become addicted to true crime books and this was one of the first ones I read was Cruel Sacrifice. I seem to remember the girls who did this being interviewed on tv at the time too.
I remember one of the girls who did this talked about sexual abuse I think or some kind of it and I can't stand that someone use that as a reason to kill or for their actions of any kind. I myself and a survivor of sexual abuse. Yes I had awful time with depression and many other problems but that is not excuse to kill.
My heart went out to all of these girls as I read the story. The young girl wanting to fit in and excited about being a teenager to the girls who did the crime. The crime was awful and it made me sick to my stomach as a I read about it. But it is sad to see the bad mistake they made.
Every now and I then I wonder if they have turned the bad into good. I wonderful about the parents who losts their little and how they are doing.
This book affected me and upset me so much in then end I sold it to a used book store. I just couldn't get the details of the crime out of my mind. I would dream about the poor little girl who died and see her dying! No true crime has ever affected me this way.
It has been years since I have read it and I am not sure if I ever will again.
But if you like true crime & wanting to read what leads teens to kill I recommend it.
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14 of 16 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Sacrifices, September 15, 2005
By
Leslie Dixon (Nashville, Tennessee) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Cruel Sacrifice (Mass Market Paperback)
In a book about true crime, the worst kind: murder, where all of the main characters are under the age of 17, it makes you wonder exactly where this world is headed in the days so different from which our ancestors, and possibly even our parents, knew. Aphrodite Jones, a best-selling author, tries her best to take you foward in a world where things are too cruel for anyone to comprehend or even understand. This tabloid-like detailed book on how so-called friendships came to be, how and why the murder happened, and what happened to the girls once they were caught is a great read and is hard to put away unless you've turned every single page.
A small Indiana town was shaken and stirred when four young girls, Melinda Loveless, Mary (known as "Laurie") Tackett, Hope Rippey and Toni Lawrence took the life of an innocent 12-year-old Shanda Sharer all in the name of some sort of "puppy love." Sharer, who had only been a resident of her new town for less than six months, never had a clue that she was the target of death when she began her new life at her new school. Three of the murderers whom she did not even know or had ever seen before until the day she was taken from this world. Sharer had taken up a friendship with a young girl named Amanda Heavrin, Loveless's girlfriend at the time, and Loveless grew very jealous and hateful towards Sharer. Loveless feared that the two had more than just a friendship, which they eventually did. Loveless made a vow to have Sharer killed if Sharer didn't leave Heavrin alone, and in the end Sharer paid the ultimate price: her very young life.
With actual letters written between Sharer, Heavrin and Loveless, Aphrodite Jones takes you into the minds of the murderers & the innocent, and even their pasts, to try to and understand and break into little pieces what could spark something so evil, something so worse than just being young and "out of touch."
Typed exactly as written, two of the many letters from Heavrin to Sharer read this:
Shanda,
Hey honey. Yes, I do love you but I just feel like Melinda has me in a trance and I don't know how to get out of it and I'm scared. If I try to get out something bad will happen and I'm scared to death.
Love,
Amanda
Shanda,
I don't think I would ever tell Melinda that we're going out. She would probably kill you. Yes, I love you a lot, Shanda my honey.
Love ya,
Amanda
Reading about Loveless's past could either give you reason for her actions or spawn off lame excuses, but either way it makes an interesting twist for the case. Tackett's past does the same. Both girls are the "main characters" when it comes to Sharer's death. Hope Rippey and Toni Lawrence seemed to just be along for the ride, often making you wonder whether or not they wanted to be there when the murder took place, or if they realized that this was the real deal and wanted to make excuses to escape punishment. Lawrence often recalls wanting to save Sharer from death after Sharer pleaded to her just hours before her life was taken, but she feared Loveless and did nothing. Later Lawrence would explain this to Sharer's mother, but was denied any pity from the Sharer family.
The photographs of all five girls, including photos of Sharer's autopsy, are haunting and real and definitely add more to the story's text. Mug shots, where two of the murderers are smiling once they were caught, really make this book cold and heartbreaking.
In the end, five people lost their lives, whether taken away from the world or taken away from their families. Every "character" in this book paid a price. A sacrifice.
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3 of 4 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Realistic and Thorough, October 9, 2002
By
Harlow Gold "romatic and animal lover" (MI, USA) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Cruel Sacrifice (Mass Market Paperback)
If you are interested in the unbiased account of this tragic tail, be sure and read Aphrodite Jones' Cruel Intentions. I had read her other works before this one and as a fan of true crime books I was grateful for her 'writer-as-reporter' approach. If you are a fan of the 'writer-as-outraged-citizen' approach this version may not be for you. Ms. Jones style of writing allows that humans exist in various shades of gray rather than merely black and white. The victims aren't innocent and perfect and the killers aren't as entirely evil as you may like to believe. This writing style affords the reader an opportunity of seeing the facts in a somewhat unbiased forum. Ms. Jones did not have the co-operation of the victims family and that is to the books benefit. It is not necessary to view a victim as an innocent in order to view the crime commited upon them as horrific. This serves to make the story more compelling: It wasn't a fictionalized sugar and spice little girl who was killed but a flesh and blood imperfect human. Likewise the killers aren't your stereotypical evil caricatures but persons not entirely unlike other teens you have met. All of which makes for an even more chilling tragedy.
If you need the standard outrage, innocent victim, evil killers story, this may not be the version for you.
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5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Horrific account of a 12 yr old's murder, April 11, 2002
By
Sabrina Sorens (Philly) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Cruel Sacrifice (Mass Market Paperback)
I remember when this first happened. The families of Shanda (murdered 12 yr old) and Melinda (teen ringleader) both appeared on Geraldo Rivera. Shanda's mother said she didn't blame Melinda, she blamed Melinda's parents. Read this book and you will see why. IMO, Melinda's child-molesting, wife-abusing father should have been on trial right along with her. The apple doesn't fall far from the tree, and Melinda's sleeze-bag of a father made her into what she is. Anyway, this book is very gripping. You will not be able to put it down until the very last page has been turned, one sitting is all it took for me! I cried reading about the horrible cruelty Shanda endured, it's hard to believe anyone could be so evil. I passed this on to my aunt, who couldn't put it down either.
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3 of 5 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars CRUEL SACRAFICE BY A. JONES, February 18, 2001
By A Customer
This review is from: Cruel Sacrifice (Mass Market Paperback)
A very cruel but very accurate discussion of the psychological and sociological aspects that affected a small midwestern community. I have found that after talking with some of the participants, that some of the aspects of the sacrafice were missing but as a whole, very real. I believe that many things motivated the action that the three girls took towards Shanda and we may never really understand why this death occurred. The book does look at the three young girls and the victim and
does justice in its approach to the motivations in the crime.
I will write again after reading the book for the second time and relate a better view of its' value. I believe that Toni has been released from the In.Womens' Prison. This could happen in any community, any where and does happen. Sad but true. Save this review and allow me time to re-read and re-write this review Ms Jones did an excellent job and a very sincere look at this crime. I will submit another review in one week. Thanks
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5.0 out of 5 stars CRUEL SACRAFICE BY A. JONES, February 17, 2001
By A Customer
This review is from: Cruel Sacrifice (Mass Market Paperback)
I am very close to this story and know two of the girls convicted in the case and will re-read the Jones book again and write a better review. I will do so by next week. Thanks and yes, A. Jones did an excellent job.
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5 of 7 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Graphic, detailing, horrifying...but, WOUNDERFUL, May 26, 2000
By A Customer
This review is from: Cruel Sacrifice (Mass Market Paperback)
I read Cruel Sacrifice by Aphrodite Jones as an English class project. Aphrodite Jones did an incredible job. I was truly surprised, she is an amazing true crime author. You can tell she did a lot of research, because she has all her information in chronological order. I was shocked when I read this story. It's the most graphic, detailed, horrifying story I ever read. I must admit I had never read a true crime story before, and Aphrodite Jones did a wonderful job of putting the basic facts and legal proceedings in the book. Aphrodite Jones takes the reader into a world of several teenage girls and tells the shocking truth behind the most savage crime in Indiana's history. She reveals the torture, mutilation and murder of twelve year old Shanda Sharer. Jones even goes into detail about the girls clothing, rock music, and fascination with off-beat spirituality, their lesbian jealousies and penchant for violence. Basically this book is about naive teens, insane love, insane jealousy,lesbianism, child abuse, and the murder of Shanda Sharer. It's a shame that the teens in Cruel Sacrifice did not realize that childhood romance is like a game,and in most cases it does not last long. It's a true shame that some people just don't realize that life is fragile, death is very final and murder is an easy crime to commit, but should not be committed. I truly believe that Aphrodite Jones should be proud of her self, because not only does she have adults reading her books she has people of all ages reading her books. It's good for people to know what's going on around them. And for people to open their eyes and realize what kids and teens are capable of. Half the time they are not the innocent kids people think that they are. This book should be an eye opener to the world. Parents need more control of their kids . Did their parents know that these kids were sexually active? What type of parent in their right mind would let a 12 year old out alone at night without supervision? All I have to say is that Toni, Melinda, Hope Amanda, Laurie,and Shanda grew up too fast.
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Cruel Sacrifice
105 Reviews
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5.0 out of 5 stars Great Reading, May 8, 2000
By A Customer
This review is from: Cruel Sacrifice (Mass Market Paperback)
Fans of true crime listen up! This book is a fast satisfying read. It does everything true crime is supposed to. It scares, baffles, horrifies and informs the reader. It is an extremely shocking story. Sometimes it felt like I was reading a fiction novel. Maybe because I never wanted to believe anyone could do this. Highly reccommended.
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5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Book, March 15, 2000
By
LKT (Indiana) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Cruel Sacrifice (Mass Market Paperback)
I bought this book when I was on Spring Break in Destin, Florida and was unaware that it was in Madison, Indiana considering I live in Indianapolis. It was so good. I cold hardly put it down. I never understood how girls could be so cruel though. I would recommend this book to anyone. It really shows what can happen to you if you make someone mad.
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5.0 out of 5 stars Shanda, November 23, 1999
By
"ectc" - See all my reviews
This review is from: CRUEL SACRIFICE (True Crime) (Paperback)
This book is excellent. I also have another book that deals with this same case--"Little Lost Angel" by Michael Quinlan. I found both books very hard to put down! I would love for anyone with any info. about this very interesting case to e-mail me, please. I saw Aphrodie Jones on the Montel Williams show, along with a few newsclips, but other than that I have not been able to find much factual info. a/b this case (such as magazine pictures,etc.). Please help me if you know anything about this case.
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5.0 out of 5 stars A book so good I read it 3 times!, September 3, 1999
By A Customer
This review is from: CRUEL SACRIFICE (True Crime) (Paperback)
I first read this book in 1996 when I was 13. It was the first true crime book I had ever read and I couldn't put it down. It was a really good book and a captivating story. Ever since then, I've been looking for more information about this story. All I could find was the other book that was written called Little Lost Angel. If anyone has any other information about this story please email me.
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5.0 out of 5 stars Does anyone have information about what has become....., August 6, 1999
By A Customer
This review is from: CRUEL SACRIFICE (True Crime) (Paperback)
I thought this book was very good and interesting but my heartgoes out to Shandas family.
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5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book, July 13, 1999
By A Customer
This review is from: CRUEL SACRIFICE (True Crime) (Paperback)
I first got into true crime 2 years ago. This was the first true crime book that I read. The most graphic, detailed, and heart-stopping book I have ever read. I didn't put it down for two days and was absolutely shocked that these young girls could do such a horrible thing. I have a two year-old daughter and I will never put her in a public school now, because of these murders. I hope Melinda and her friends never see daylight and burn forever in Hell. If these books do anything, it is to open your eyes and show you this is not such an innocent world...
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5.0 out of 5 stars Hi Dr. Jones, June 26, 1999
By A Customer
This review is from: CRUEL SACRIFICE (True Crime) (Paperback)
Help - I have a really good story. I need you......as a friend..puh lease to help me coauthor it.....pretty please? email address is AAmMale@aol.com
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5.0 out of 5 stars It's All Too Eerie..., June 24, 1999
By
"dodogo6" - See all my reviews
This review is from: CRUEL SACRIFICE (True Crime) (Paperback)
That's how I felt when I stopped on Lemon Road and looked around at the place where Shanda had died.I was on a cross-country drive from NJ to WA and had wanted to stop and take in that Indiana atmosphere. The same atmosphere where Toni,Melinda,Hope,Laurie,Amanda,and Shanda grew up way too fast. Madison is a quaint town,not a home for killers.The same with Jeffersonville and New Albany. I wasn't frightened until my car traveled the same path that another car did in 1992. You could almost feel an aura around you...a mixture of calm and dread. I was sweating and became weak in the knees. And when I finally stepped out on the field, it was all too real. It was like stepping back in time.Jones' book prepped me for the experience,but actually being there was a whole different story. God bless Shanda and all her family.We all know what happened with everyone else...but what has become of Amanda?Please feel free to email me with info.
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5.0 out of 5 stars IF ANYONE KNOWS ANY INFO, June 6, 1999
By A Customer
This review is from: CRUEL SACRIFICE (True Crime) (Paperback)
I am trying to find out Melinda Loveless's addresss or which jail she is in. If anyone has any information about this please contact me.
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5.0 out of 5 stars Chilling, February 28, 1999
By A Customer
This review is from: CRUEL SACRIFICE (True Crime) (Paperback)
I first read this book about 4 years ago and it is still haunting me. I am constantly looking for any articles or newsprints online or off. When I read this book, it really left me disturbed, but also curious as to what could possibly have happened to have this murder and torture to go on like it did. I think that this story is going to stay with me forever. Aphrodite Jones did an incredible job with this book, she definetly got my attention.
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Cruel Sacrifice by Aphrodite Jones (Mass Market Paperback - May 3, 2005)
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Cruel Sacrifice
105 Reviews
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5.0 out of 5 stars Frightening!, February 19, 1999
By A Customer
This review is from: CRUEL SACRIFICE (True Crime) (Paperback)
I knew Melinda from grade school, and had seen Amanda hanging around New albany High School a couple of years ago. How she could show her face around there is beyond me. She was the cause of most of it. This book has a great description of the whole thing. I cried when I read it. To know that something like that could happen to a girl my age and inmy own hometown is frightening. Jail is too good for them!
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5.0 out of 5 stars Chilling, January 26, 1999
By A Customer
This review is from: CRUEL SACRIFICE (True Crime) (Paperback)
I borrowed this book from a friend and didn't put it down until the last page was read, and all the time I was reading it, I constantly flipped back to the picture's wondering, how could any human do this? This author made it easier to understand though since he went into great detail about the Loveless family and the Tackett family. With a father like Larry Loveless and a freak religion nut like Mrs. Tackett, I can see where these girls may think they did something good. But, living only a few hours from New Albany let's a person know that the criminals and murderer's of the world, which you thought were hundreds of miles away, are right next door. Or sitting next to you in a classroom. Childhood romance is a game. It sure as hell shouldn't end in a murder of a 12 year-old, especially with the extremidies of this murder. I also don't see how Amanda can have any bit of a clear mind on the subject. In my opinion, she's as guilty as Toni. She heard the threats Melinda gave and ignored them. All of these girls are getting it so easy. Sure they're in prison, but can that even compare to the torture, molestation, and mutilation that Shanda lived through until the bitter end. I'll tell anyone strait up that it doesn't. They should have the same thing done to them in the same way. They should have to imagine the horror of being tortured and watched being tortured by people that were once considered classmates and friends. The story this book tells me to be careful of the friends you choose and the lovers you have. They just may kill you. Melinda, Laurie, Hope, Toni, and Amanda should all rot in hell for what they've done. Jones did a wonderful job on this book and it gave me a whole new perspective on how to view the world's murderers(the 4 girls), the psychotics(Larry Loveless), and to cherish the lives we live. It just may end before we have a real chance to live it.
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5.0 out of 5 stars So Disturbing, December 23, 1998
By A Customer
This review is from: CRUEL SACRIFICE (True Crime) (Paperback)
I think this book bothers me so much because it could've been me.I remember hanging out with girls just like these in high school. I'm a week older than Toni Lawrence. Teenage girls that are disturbed can be such a destructive force. It really makes me weep. For all of them.Especially Shanda. .
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5.0 out of 5 stars This book rivals Ann Rule's best, December 15, 1998
By
wgottlock@poboxes.com or Wes (New York) - See all my reviews
This review is from: CRUEL SACRIFICE (True Crime) (Paperback)
I have long been a reader of true-life crime books. This book ranks right near the top. It is as compelling as it is tragic. I simply could not put the book down. Jones does a great job reconstructing the events and dynamics leading up to this God-awful crime. May Shanda rest in peace.
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5.0 out of 5 stars I loved the book., November 5, 1998
By A Customer
This review is from: CRUEL SACRIFICE (True Crime) (Paperback)
I was shocked when I first read about this crime in the paper after it happened. Even more shocked when I realized that I knew Hope and Toni when I lived in Madison. I was horrified when I read how Shanda was killed. It's sick. The book was very well written, and the details chilling. I strongly recomend the book. I've read it a half a dozen times.
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5.0 out of 5 stars A profile and foreshadow of child-murderers in our USA, August 24, 1998
By A Customer
This review is from: CRUEL SACRIFICE (True Crime) (Paperback)
The innocence with which all childen live their lives deceived the residents of Indiana when four teen-age girls murder their friend. Jonesboro, et al., can happen anywhere. If you want to understand how children can murder other children, this is one book to help you understand by example. The ending of this book says it all.
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5.0 out of 5 stars This is a great book! It was quite sad though., July 27, 1998
By A Customer
This review is from: CRUEL SACRIFICE (True Crime) (Paperback)
I was browsing through the bookstore and saw this book. I read the back and bought it right away. As soon as i got it i couldn't put it down. I thought it was a great book, very well put by Jones. Though in the beginning when the whole ordeal with how they killed Shanda upset me. Even though I didn't even know Shanda, i felt so bad for her. It's upsetting to know what they did to her.
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5.0 out of 5 stars I found this book to be heartwrenching and riveting., June 19, 1998
By A Customer
This review is from: CRUEL SACRIFICE (True Crime) (Paperback)
This was one of the saddest stories I've ever heard. It goes so much deeper than the surface of four teenagers killing a pre-teen. There are a million questions .. why? Why was one molested? Why was a twelve year old allowed to go out at night? Did her parents know she was having sex with other girls at 12? Why, why, why? The book was very well written. It gave me a sense of how the girls felt as the events of the murder unfolded. Good reading.
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5.0 out of 5 stars A wonderful but horrible story, June 18, 1998
By A Customer
This review is from: CRUEL SACRIFICE (True Crime) (Paperback)
I live in the town in which Shanda lived in and I now go to the school she went to. And even though it's been years since this horrible inncident people, teens mostly, are still talking about her and her friends who betrayed her. I read the book and I cried all through it because of the things that teens come up with to do to people because of love. I couldn't belive that something like that would happen in a small town such as New Albany and thinking that hey, it could happen to me too. But I really injoyed the book and is by farmost the best book I have ever read.
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5.0 out of 5 stars I't got me hooked on true crime books!, April 10, 1998
By A Customer
This review is from: CRUEL SACRIFICE (True Crime) (Paperback)
This story really got to me because it shocked me how cruel young teens can be. Also I liked how Aphrodite went through the backgrounds of the characters and how it felt as if I was living this nightmare with them. I really persuade you to read this because it will give you a different look on teenage love and the minds of the innocent.
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The Darkest Night: Two Sisters, a Brutal Murder, and the Loss of Innocence in a Small Town
The Darkest Night: Two Sisters, a Brutal Murder, and the Loss of Innocence in a Small Town by Ron Franscell (Mass Market Paperback - March 4, 2008)
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Della's Web
Della's Web by Aphrodite Jones (Mass Market Paperback - April 30, 2002)
3.6 out of 5 stars (32)
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Cruel Sacrifice
105 Reviews
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(15)
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5.0 out of 5 stars Good Book, My Comments..., March 18, 1998
By A Customer
This review is from: CRUEL SACRIFICE (True Crime) (Paperback)
This was a good book, the facts were correct, but I have personal experience with these girls. I was in prison with them, and I think that Toni Lawrence deeply regrets what happened. She took no part in the killing of Shanda, her crime was simply being there, yet she recieved a 20 year sentance. It saddens me that this murder happened, but also that these girls now are growing up in the Indiana Womens Prison.
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5.0 out of 5 stars Written only as Aphrodite can do!!!, March 10, 1998
By A Customer
This review is from: CRUEL SACRIFICE (True Crime) (Paperback)
This book is so moving. I live in Indiana, so reading a book about such a horrible crime commited in my home state, really hit home. The writer digs in there. She isn't afraid to get inside the killers head and she isn't afraid to write what she believes. I just couldn't put it down, and I have read it so many times, I have lost count. Read this book, it will move you too!
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5.0 out of 5 stars Depraved and horrifying!, January 28, 1998
By
abraytisj@doleta.gov (Chicago) - See all my reviews
This review is from: CRUEL SACRIFICE (True Crime) (Paperback)
It took about ten hours for twelve-year-old Shanda Sharer to die. Four teenage girls first beat and choked her in one location, then drove around with Shanda moaning and screaming in the trunk. They finally burned her alive.
Why? Well, one of the killers, Melinda Loveless, hated Shanda for coming between Melinda and her lesbian lover. But the other three hardly knew Shanda, and had no real dislike for her. All four teenage murderers came from extremely dysfunctional backgrounds, especially Melinda, whose father molested her and her two sisters (and any of their friends he could get near).
A story of unbelievable cruelty and hopelessness, well written, and highly recommended.
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5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful book. Couldn't put it down!!!, January 26, 1998
By A Customer
This review is from: CRUEL SACRIFICE (True Crime) (Paperback)
It really caught my attention to the things that actually happen with today's youth. It's hard to believe that some people could be so cruel and inhumane (Especially melinda's sick twisted father). Overall I would say it is a wonderful book and anyone who has not read it should!!!
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Cruel Sacrifice
Cruel Sacrifice by Aphrodite Jones (Mass Market Paperback - May 3, 2005)
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0 of 1 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Good Book, My Comments..., March 18, 1998
By A Customer
This review is from: CRUEL SACRIFICE (True Crime) (Paperback)
This was a good book, the facts were correct, but I have personal experience with these girls. I was in prison with them, and I think that Toni Lawrence deeply regrets what happened. She took no part in the killing of Shanda, her crime was simply being there, yet she recieved a 20 year sentance. It saddens me that this murder happened, but also that these girls now are growing up in the Indiana Womens Prison.
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CRUEL SACRIFICE (True Crime)5.0 out of 5 stars
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Initial post: Mar 11, 2009 5:04:29 PM PDT
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I agree with you on the fact that Toni Lawrence had no part in this at all with the exception of attempting to coerce Shanda the first time to leave her house for the car that failed (the second time Hope and Laura succeeded). She was just a spectator, nothing else and it is not a crime to witness a crime occurring and not report it. She should have been found not guilty or at a minimum guilty of forced imprisonment (when shanda could not leave the car because she was "boxed" in by all four individuals). But that would have be the extent. Loveless and Tackett should have been sentences to life without parole, Rippey due to the fact that she held Shanda down while Loveless attempted to slit Shanda's throat (attempted murder), assaulting Shanda by spraying her with Windex glass cleaner and "felony assault" by dousing her with liquid petroleum should have gotten at least 60 years. Some Judge reduced her sentence and she was released from Prison in either 2005 or 2006.
Seems to me that live is cheap in this country, you kill someone intentionally and one can get out in ten years.
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CRUEL SACRIFICE (True Crime)
4.0 out of 5 stars (105 customer reviews)
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