This is the first novel by Leslie Rule I’ve read, but I have been a fan of her mother Ann Rule for YEARS! Ann Rule is often dubbed the QUEEN of True Crime. And, with the tons of books to her credit – along with her writing – it is easy to see why.
I have the following books by Ann Rule:
** The Stranger Beside Me (Ted Bundy; portrayed by Mark Harmon in “The Deliberate Stranger)
** If You Really Loved Me (David Brown case featured in “Love, Lies, and Murder starring Clancy Brown as David Brown) – some of Leslie’s photos appear in this book. The photos are of the prosecutor and detectives; Brown; his daughter Cinnamon who was accused of killing his wife Linda; and Linda’s sister Patti
** And, Never Let Her Go (Thomas Capano, movie of the same name starring Mark Harmon as Capano; also featured Paul Michael Glaser)
This book was another one that as SOON as I saw it on BookishFirst’s website, I HAD to grab it. Ann Rule passed away 2015, and most of her fans (including myself) wanted someone to come along and continue what she started. After all, there are definitely a lot of cases out there to choose from.
Leslie was reluctant (as is evidenced in the PREFACE of this book) to step into what she considered her mother’s domain, despite being a part of it form a young age.
However, daughter and photographer Leslie Rule does just that in this book – she steps right into this domain. And, she does so with the same style as her mother. I enjoyed that she shared her history in the PREFACE for readers who might not be familiar with her, or her work. It was a great introduction into this sordid tale. She seems like a natural and comfortable fit with this genre.
As I received an UNCORRECTED Advanced Reader’s Edition, there might have been some minor typos and errors. So, I can’t really compare what I read to the finished version. I would definitely caution those who have received advance copies from making harsh judgments regarding typos or grammatical errors.
The case of Shanna Elizabeth “Liz” Golyar far exceeds the term disturbing. Diabolical doesn’t come close. Sadistic, twisted, evil are words closer to describing what Golyar did for over three (3) years. And, her motive was weak – a man. Particularly David Kroupa.
Even researching the case online doesn’t come close to what Rule uncovers and presents in this well-written, well-researched, and dramatic book.
The methodology of stalking has come a long way since the time Ann Rule wrote her first book. More so since the days of Ted Bundy. Even more disturbing are the various ways that predators manipulate and twist the facts. Thomas Capano and David Brown stand as warnings even before the internet was in use as commonplace as it is.
Today we have email; dating apps; and social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. It would be disturbing if Bundy, Capano, Brown and the like were to have had access to what Golyar did between 2012-2016.
The Golyar case wasn’t just about a jealous woman and murder. It was about a vindictive attitude as well. The case involved murder; a twisted virtual identity theft; kidnapping; cyber stalking; a shooting; arson; vandalism; texts and emails with venomous and violent language directed at her enemies.
From November 2012 and for over three (3) years, Golyar impersonated her victim, Cari Lea Farver. A woman who had gone missing leaving behind a sick father, her teenage son, a good family, and a job she enjoyed. Yet, one day she apparently up and leaves it all? It didn’t make sense.
For three years no one had seen Farver or heard her voice. Yet those closest to her were getting disturbing texts from her. Or, someone claiming to be her. Those who knew Farver knew she was incapable of what Golyar was trying to frame her with.
Golyar’s three (3) year escapade into the world of cyber stalking, harassment, and vindictive behavior would, in retrospect, have certainly been a red-flag. However because there were two different police departments involved, it’d take some time before everything was connected – the alleged stalking and the disappearance.
Those who knew Golyar believed her, despite her less than reputable (and sometimes less than stable) status; particularly David Kroupa. He had been one of the last few to have seen Cari alive that November day. He’d seen her in his apartment as he headed off to work.
The chain of events that transpired that day would set in stage what would be a three (3) year nightmare for him, his ex-girlfriend (the mother of his kids), and Cari’s family. He wouldn’t know the reality behind it. And, he wouldn’t know how truly innocent Cari was. All he would know for years is how much he came to despise Cari.
It would, as it seemed, take a miracle before any authorities realized how conniving, duplicitous, and deceitful Golyar was. She even went as far as to shoot herself to substantiate a stalker claim against someone else. And, also it would be years before those around Golyar suspected anything was amiss.
Rule takes readers through the initial stages of how everyone met as well as the investigations – both of them: the stalking and Cari’s disappearance. How, over three (3) long years Golyar was able to fool everyone, including the police. The author accurately and realistically expresses the frustration Farver’s mother and family felt at “knowing” something was wrong, but being dismissed.
Rule takes an unbiased approach making sure the facts and the investigators are never in doubt nor should some be shamed for not seeing what Golyar was doing or that Cari was in danger.
Rule also tackles the safety of social media, in addition to advances in dating – particularly with online sites and apps.
Rule has done her homework with the case files, interviewing those involved (those who wanted to cooperate), as well as the background into Golyar’s past. One that even now seems so tangled and convoluted.
But, once it was cracked open, even Golyar didn’t know the police were now playing her. And, she would (even at trial) deny her actions or involvement.
This tale is appropriately titled – “A Tangled Web”. Not only due to Golyar’s spider-like, predatory practices; but because of the connection to the World Wide “Web”.
While there is a lot of focus on background and the investigation, there is little on the trial. Probably because Golyar didn’t have a defense at all. She even went as far as to agree to a bench trial.
This is an intriguing look inside the case and makes one pause before “friending” someone on Facebook; or agreeing to a date on a dating app.
It’s honestly hard to say that something like this is an enjoyable read. It would suggest that I enjoy the “circumstances” surrounding the story (hence the 4 star rating).
It was an educational, informative, and disturbing read.
I have NO DOUBT that Leslie Rule will make a great successor to her mother Ann Rule in the TRUE CRIME genre. I would definitely read another TRUE CRIME book by Leslie Rule.
I have the following books by Ann Rule:
** The Stranger Beside Me (Ted Bundy; portrayed by Mark Harmon in “The Deliberate Stranger)
** If You Really Loved Me (David Brown case featured in “Love, Lies, and Murder starring Clancy Brown as David Brown) – some of Leslie’s photos appear in this book. The photos are of the prosecutor and detectives; Brown; his daughter Cinnamon who was accused of killing his wife Linda; and Linda’s sister Patti
** And, Never Let Her Go (Thomas Capano, movie of the same name starring Mark Harmon as Capano; also featured Paul Michael Glaser)
This book was another one that as SOON as I saw it on BookishFirst’s website, I HAD to grab it. Ann Rule passed away 2015, and most of her fans (including myself) wanted someone to come along and continue what she started. After all, there are definitely a lot of cases out there to choose from.
Leslie was reluctant (as is evidenced in the PREFACE of this book) to step into what she considered her mother’s domain, despite being a part of it form a young age.
However, daughter and photographer Leslie Rule does just that in this book – she steps right into this domain. And, she does so with the same style as her mother. I enjoyed that she shared her history in the PREFACE for readers who might not be familiar with her, or her work. It was a great introduction into this sordid tale. She seems like a natural and comfortable fit with this genre.
As I received an UNCORRECTED Advanced Reader’s Edition, there might have been some minor typos and errors. So, I can’t really compare what I read to the finished version. I would definitely caution those who have received advance copies from making harsh judgments regarding typos or grammatical errors.
The case of Shanna Elizabeth “Liz” Golyar far exceeds the term disturbing. Diabolical doesn’t come close. Sadistic, twisted, evil are words closer to describing what Golyar did for over three (3) years. And, her motive was weak – a man. Particularly David Kroupa.
Even researching the case online doesn’t come close to what Rule uncovers and presents in this well-written, well-researched, and dramatic book.
The methodology of stalking has come a long way since the time Ann Rule wrote her first book. More so since the days of Ted Bundy. Even more disturbing are the various ways that predators manipulate and twist the facts. Thomas Capano and David Brown stand as warnings even before the internet was in use as commonplace as it is.
Today we have email; dating apps; and social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. It would be disturbing if Bundy, Capano, Brown and the like were to have had access to what Golyar did between 2012-2016.
The Golyar case wasn’t just about a jealous woman and murder. It was about a vindictive attitude as well. The case involved murder; a twisted virtual identity theft; kidnapping; cyber stalking; a shooting; arson; vandalism; texts and emails with venomous and violent language directed at her enemies.
From November 2012 and for over three (3) years, Golyar impersonated her victim, Cari Lea Farver. A woman who had gone missing leaving behind a sick father, her teenage son, a good family, and a job she enjoyed. Yet, one day she apparently up and leaves it all? It didn’t make sense.
For three years no one had seen Farver or heard her voice. Yet those closest to her were getting disturbing texts from her. Or, someone claiming to be her. Those who knew Farver knew she was incapable of what Golyar was trying to frame her with.
Golyar’s three (3) year escapade into the world of cyber stalking, harassment, and vindictive behavior would, in retrospect, have certainly been a red-flag. However because there were two different police departments involved, it’d take some time before everything was connected – the alleged stalking and the disappearance.
Those who knew Golyar believed her, despite her less than reputable (and sometimes less than stable) status; particularly David Kroupa. He had been one of the last few to have seen Cari alive that November day. He’d seen her in his apartment as he headed off to work.
The chain of events that transpired that day would set in stage what would be a three (3) year nightmare for him, his ex-girlfriend (the mother of his kids), and Cari’s family. He wouldn’t know the reality behind it. And, he wouldn’t know how truly innocent Cari was. All he would know for years is how much he came to despise Cari.
It would, as it seemed, take a miracle before any authorities realized how conniving, duplicitous, and deceitful Golyar was. She even went as far as to shoot herself to substantiate a stalker claim against someone else. And, also it would be years before those around Golyar suspected anything was amiss.
Rule takes readers through the initial stages of how everyone met as well as the investigations – both of them: the stalking and Cari’s disappearance. How, over three (3) long years Golyar was able to fool everyone, including the police. The author accurately and realistically expresses the frustration Farver’s mother and family felt at “knowing” something was wrong, but being dismissed.
Rule takes an unbiased approach making sure the facts and the investigators are never in doubt nor should some be shamed for not seeing what Golyar was doing or that Cari was in danger.
Rule also tackles the safety of social media, in addition to advances in dating – particularly with online sites and apps.
Rule has done her homework with the case files, interviewing those involved (those who wanted to cooperate), as well as the background into Golyar’s past. One that even now seems so tangled and convoluted.
But, once it was cracked open, even Golyar didn’t know the police were now playing her. And, she would (even at trial) deny her actions or involvement.
This tale is appropriately titled – “A Tangled Web”. Not only due to Golyar’s spider-like, predatory practices; but because of the connection to the World Wide “Web”.
While there is a lot of focus on background and the investigation, there is little on the trial. Probably because Golyar didn’t have a defense at all. She even went as far as to agree to a bench trial.
This is an intriguing look inside the case and makes one pause before “friending” someone on Facebook; or agreeing to a date on a dating app.
It’s honestly hard to say that something like this is an enjoyable read. It would suggest that I enjoy the “circumstances” surrounding the story (hence the 4 star rating).
It was an educational, informative, and disturbing read.
I have NO DOUBT that Leslie Rule will make a great successor to her mother Ann Rule in the TRUE CRIME genre. I would definitely read another TRUE CRIME book by Leslie Rule.