Book Review: The Wicked Wives by Gus Pelagatti

The Wicked Wives 
(a novel based on a true story)

Author: Gus Pelagatti
Paperback: 304 pages
Publisher: Mill City Press, Inc. (July 22, 2011)
Amazon Link

Note: I received this book free from the author, Gus Pelagatti. The review posted below is based on my personal thoughts while reading the book.

Ratings:

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

My thoughts:

The Wicked Wives tells the story of a secret circle of wives murdering their husbands for insurance money. This novel is based on a true story and that made the book more interesting to read. This is a page-turner book, I had sleepless nights reading this. There were times I was tempted to skim the book because I can't wait to find out the head of the poison group. 

While reading the story, I had to do a little research on the book as I can't believe that this is indeed based on a true story especially after reading last chapter. I wonder why this story has not been adapted on the big screen, I believe this would be a great Hollywood movie. I really enjoyed reading this book. If you are looking for a great suspense/murder mystery book, I strongly recommend you get this book. You will not be disappointed, that's a promise.

About the book:

"Wicked Wives" is based on the true story of the 1938 Philadelphia murder scandals in which seventeen wives were arrested for murdering their husbands. Mastermind conspirator Giorgio DiSipio, a stunning lothario and local tailor who preys upon disenchanted and unfaithful wives, convinces twelve of them to kill their spouses for insurance money. The murder conspiracy is very successful until one lone assistant D.A., Tom Rossi, uncovers the plot and brings the perpetrators to justice. "Wicked Wives" is a story made for Hollywood, combining murder, corruption, treachery, love, lust and phenomenal detail as it vividly captures Depression-era Philadelphia

About the author:

I’m a practicing trial lawyer with over 47 years of experience trying civil and criminal cases, including homicide.

I’m a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, limited to attorneys who have been recognized as achieving a standard of excellence as a trial expert.

I’ve spent years researching the true story of the 1938 insurance scam murders, interviewing judges, lawyers, police and neighbors involved in the trials.

I was born and raised within blocks of the main conspirator’s tailor shop and the homes of many of the wives convicted of murdering their husbands.

You can contact me at gus@guspelagatti.com

Guest Author: Tony Pritchard

Lonely at Christmas

We tend to have a cosily nostalgic view of Christmas. Snow, roaring fires, family get togethers and a feast of food, drink and presents. Children bursting into the streets Christmas morning on sleds and bikes, trailed by smiling parents, scarves flapping in the icy breeze.

Was it really ever so ideal. Today I went Christmas shopping. I remember when I was a kid buying my mum a clock for the kitchen wall. I saved up for it over eight long weeks and handed it over to much whooping and merriment. This year I am at a loss. Somehow there is nothing left to buy. My mum, in her owns words, has everything she needs.

Not that there isn't a broad selection of gift ideas on offer. But I cannot remember her ever coveting a selection of obscure jams, or a small plaster gingerbread house. She has downloaded every cd from itunes, watched every film and tv show on Sky. She's on a diet so chocolates are out, and she tends a vast garden full of every class of plant known to man, so there goes the potted plant. Perhaps a humourous gift. A musical hat. A cup that shouts at you when you lift it for a drink. On past evidence humourous gifts are out. I still have the bruises.

So what to do. A gift voucher? The gift that says "I would stick a tenner in an envelope but this seemed classier."

At least my Dad is always happy with a Toblerone.

Then there's the arrangements. I don't remember it being so difficult in the past. I have warm memories of christmas dinner, all round the table, paper hats and crap jokes. Then onto the couch to watch Top of the Pops and a film that (shock!) we HADN'T SEEN!

Now we have to play emotional russian roulette. Which parents get the coveted Christmas Day slot and which are relegated to Boxing Day? What if, heaven forbid, both sets come to me! The agony. No, that can't happen. The sun would go out or something similarly apocalyptic. Are all Christmas family get togethers fraught with disaster, cheap sherry and veiled accusations?

Still, I shouldn't complain. At least I have family to clash with, to handle with care. At least I have a partner to share the moments of calm with between the endless stress filled events. I know a lot of people hate christmas and are filled with misery at the thought of spending the time alone. All I can say is, sometimes I envy them.

Tony Pritchard 

http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/tonypritchard

Ella's Coffee 

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

"It's Monday! What are you reading?" is a fun meme hosted by Sheila @ Book Journey. This is where we share the books we have read last week and our reading plans for this week. 

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