Book Review- Imprisoned by Fear by Kathy Lange (Byron Smith Case)

 Oh my. 

Having researched the case, which was featured on my podcast, the Murder Shelf Book Club, having spoken with the lead investigator, Jeremy Luberts, listened to the Byron Smith's audio and watched the video evidence from Smith's security cameras, I eagerly read Ms. Lange's book. Wow.  

The misinformation is astounding.  Once can tell that she is emotionally involved in the case, that her friend is in jail for premeditated murder, and she feels that this is unjust. However, feelings do not create evidence.  The evidence, much produced by the Defendant, Byron Smith, himself, is undeniable, and yet, Ms. Lange denies it, misconstrues it, and is dishonest.  

I gave this book 2 stars because her emotion is sincere. The problem is-- the story is fiction.  I cannot recommend it.  IF you want to know about the Byron Smith case, listen to my episodes 84, 85 and 86 on the Murder Shelf Book Club, where I cover the case in depth. Or better, read Murder on Elm Street by lead investigator Jeremy L. Luberts.  He provides transcripts of Byron Smith's statements, details into the burglary investigation, and testimony at Smith's trial. 

Goodreads Reviews:  https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/54614743-imprisoned-by-fear?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=hNv6SR8pun&rank=1#CommunityReviews