Final Vows: Murder, Madness, and Twisted Justice in California (Paperback)
A New York Times–bestselling author and former Los Angeles Times reporter chronicles the marriage between a Christian woman and an ex-con that ends in murder.
When Carol Montecalvo began writing to a man in prison through a program at her church, she considered it her Christian duty. But the letters soon became her lifeline, something she actually looked forward to sending and receiving. She fell in love with the man behind the letters and just before Dan was released, they wed in the prison chapel. Their marriage lasted nine years, until the fateful night when Dan stoically called 911 to report his wife’s murder.
With a half-million dollar insurance policy riding on his wife’s death, and a string of adulterous affairs in his past, Dan is the most obvious suspect. But is this former felon really guilty? Or could he actually be a grieving widower, in the wrong place at the wrong time?
In this powerful true crime account of the gruesome murder and sensational trial that followed, New York Times–bestselling author Karen Kingsbury weaves an emotional story that leaves readers guessing until the final, harrowing conclusion.
When Carol Montecalvo began writing to a man in prison through a program at her church, she considered it her Christian duty. But the letters soon became her lifeline, something she actually looked forward to sending and receiving. She fell in love with the man behind the letters and just before Dan was released, they wed in the prison chapel. Their marriage lasted nine years, until the fateful night when Dan stoically called 911 to report his wife’s murder.
With a half-million dollar insurance policy riding on his wife’s death, and a string of adulterous affairs in his past, Dan is the most obvious suspect. But is this former felon really guilty? Or could he actually be a grieving widower, in the wrong place at the wrong time?
In this powerful true crime account of the gruesome murder and sensational trial that followed, New York Times–bestselling author Karen Kingsbury weaves an emotional story that leaves readers guessing until the final, harrowing conclusion.
#1 New York Times–bestselling novelist Karen Kingsbury writes Life-Changing Fiction™ and has been called America’s favorite inspirational author. There are more than 25 million copies of her award-winning books in print, including several million copies sold in the past year. Karen’s last dozen titles have topped national bestseller charts and many of her novels are under development as feature films and television movies. In addition, Roma Downey and MGM Studios announced this year that they are developing 22 of Karen’s Baxter Family novels into a TV series. She lives in Tennessee with her husband Don and their five sons, three of whom are adopted from Haiti. Their actress daughter Kelsey lives nearby and is married to Christian recording artist Kyle Kupecky. The couple recently welcomed their first child, Hudson, making Karen and Don grandparents for the first time. Liberty University: Karen is a visiting professor at Liberty University where she teaches master classes in a number of disciplines two weeks each semester. Karen has often said if Heaven had a university, it would be Liberty. Movies: Two of Karen’s bestselling books were made into Hallmark Channel movies. The Bridge 1 & 2 are now available on DVD through Hallmark. Roma Downey and MGM Studios announced this year that they are developing 22 of Karen’s Baxter family novels into a TV series. In addition, several of Karen’s books are in development as feature films and television movies. In 2011, Karen’s novel Like Dandelion Dust was made into a highly acclaimed feature film starring Barry Pepper and Mira Sorvino. Like Dandelion Dust released in theaters across the country and is now also available on DVD. Radio: In addition, Karen has recently been added as an on-air talent with the #1 syndicated morning radio program Keep the Faith. Karen’s segment, “The Heart of the Story” airs several times an hour every day of the week during the program. Speaking: Karen is also a public speaker, reaching tens of thousands of women annually through various national events. She talks about having “One Chance to Write the Story of Your Life”, encouraging her fans to love well, laugh often, and find a life of faith. Readers: Karen is actively involved with her readers and often shares time with them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. She has a free newsletter, which she uses to keep readers up to date on new releases, movies, TV shows, blogs, and book giveaways. Readers can sign up for Karen’s free newsletter on her website: www.KarenKingsbury.com