As an avid true crime reader, I really enjoyed this book, mainly because of Sarah Pender's unique combination of brains and manipulative skills.

Highly intelligent, this is a woman that could have achieved so much had she taken a different turn in life.
You can practically feel her parents' pain with what happened with their daughter...

Sarah and her accomplice, Richard Hull, both received long sentences for their participation in the murder of two people. Even after reading the book, it's not clear which of the two pulled the trigger, but it's obvious they're both involved.

After serving 8 years, Sarah feels she's served enough time and devises a remarkably well thought out escape. She changed her identity, found a man who was willing to sacrifice all for her, worked at a regular job and remained free for over 4 months.

Well written book - about your not very average criminal.

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I found this book above the average level of many true crime books but not perfect. Sarah's crimes of murder and manipulation fall into the category of selfish-druggie-doings. Consequently I was neither surprised nor interested much in her life prior to prison. She was a woman without values other than doing exactly what she wanted at the moment. Doesn't seem to matter too much how intelligent a person is if they make choices based upon whim of the moment. The books is primarily interesting because of her successful prison break - something not every prisoner can think through. I found the detail on her, her family, co-murderer, etc. quite interesting and my only comment on content is that one of the victims had a hard to trace past so nothing was provided about her other than description that she was the other victim's young girlfriend. I found that a little disrespectful though recognizing there are some people who are very obscure. Still I would have liked to know a bit about her life. Clear writing, full content, and interviews with the principals make this a good book for me.

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I have some personal bias as to the review of this book. She is a cousin of one of my best friends. He said that growing up she was a real respectable girl and used to take care of his mom. Just another of example of what happens when you choose your wrong friends. It does make you want to keep reading until yoy're done.

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