Review of A POISONED PASSION by Laura James: "I could not put down this book for one second except to prop it up as I folded laundry. I gulped it down in a day and hope she writes more."
Review of A POISONED PASSION from Domestic Violence Expert, Susan Murphy-Milano: "Very few writers have the insight and gift to take a true story and make it one hell of a page turner. In my opinion, Diane Fanningdoes just that in A POISONED PASSION."
Announcing today’s release of Women In Crime Ink author Diane Fanning's ninth true crime book, A POISONED PASSION: The True Story of a Young Mother, Her War Hero Husband and the Marriage that Ended in Murder, from St. Martin’s Press. Michael Severance was a 24-year-old native of Maine. Read more...
A Poisoned Passion St. Martin's Press ISBN: 978-0312945077
Michael Severance survived five tours of duty with the Air Force in the wartorn Middle East. But he could not survive five months of marriage to this woman.
Wendi Davidson was a young veternarian in the isolated city of San Angelo, Texas. She decided the solution to her problem was to give her husband a lethal injection.
Juan: "No book I have ever read infuriated me more than this one. I am a true crime book enthusiast and have read everything by the great Ann Rule but this was the first I ever read from you. First off, you had a great, quick-read writing style and you captured my attention every bit as well as Ms. Rule s books do... I could not believe the state of Texas would let the children stay with what is essentially a narcissistic family. Anyways, loved your book and will put you in my true crime must read catalog."
Dr. Michael Stone: "It's the naivete of the people who plot the 'perfect murder' who keep you in the business of writing fascinating books about their mistakes and keep people like me rushing to the bookstores to read the books. Keep up the good work!"
The author with Mike Severance's parents in Gruene, Texas, August 2010: (left to right) Brinda Leighton, Diane Fanning, Les Severance
Readers write Juan: "I just finished reading your book "A Poisoned Passion", and just wanted to tell you that no book I have ever read infuriorated me more than this one. I am a true crime book enthusiast and have read everything by the great Ann Rule but this was the first I ever read from you. First off you had a great quick read writing style as I finished the book in a day and you captured my attention every bit as well as Ms. Rules books do. But obviously what upset me was the subject of that book the Davidson family in general and how you brought out what cold and callous people they are. I could not believe the state of Texas would allow children to stay with what is essentially a narcisstic family. Anyways loved your book and will put you in my true crime must read catalog. Keep up the good work."
Susan:
"I wanted to tell you how compelling your book was. Nothing could be more chilling than a killer's own rationalizations and mental gymnastics. No matter how many stories of sociopaths I come across, each is fascinating. But this tale, and your excellent presention of the material, really had me stirred up. Here's a woman with enough brains to become a DVM, yet was so disturbed that murder became a feasible option and a lifestyle choice."
Evelina: "I have just finished your book and my blood is still at boiling point. I would like to congratulate you on your style and I have to admit that I always thought Ann Rule was the best. Not anymore. I salute you!"
Michael Severance with his new pick-up truck
The Town Rock in Maine, painted to welcome the son of deceased Michael Severance
