Review: Caught in the Act by Jeannie McDonough

Title: Caught in the Act: A Courageous Family's Fight to Save Their Daughter From a Serial Killer

Author: Jeannie McDonough and Paul Lonardo

Genre/Audience: True crime, adult

Publication: Berkley Books, 2011

Source: Library

 

Caught in the Act is the true story of how the McDonough family stopped a serial killer in mid-attack in their home. Jeannie and Kevin awoke to the noises of their teenage daughter in a struggle in the next room over. When they entered, they saw a masked man holding a knife up to her throat, and were able to take him down until the police arrived. The man turned out to be Adam Leroy Lane, a truck driver who had been killing sleeping women in their homes along the highway. Two murders, and a near fatal attack were confirmed, with others as unsolved possibilities.

 

The McDonoughs tell the story of their nightmare in its entirety all the way through Lane's trials in the other states where he murdered. He is serving sentences in three states, and needless to say, will be in prison for the rest of his life. They tell of his other victims, the effect of this attack on their family and emotional well-being, their friendships with the families of the other victims, and being caught in the media spotlight. They also delve a bit into Lane's personal life, but not too much, as well as speculations of previous crimes they believe Lane may have committed.

 

I thought this was a well written and fascinating true crime story detailing the crimes of Adam Leroy Lane, that also offered a sense of hope (for the McDonoughs) and remembrance (for his past victims). I would have liked to see a bit more into Lane's past and psyche, but I did like the details of the trials and all those involved. Recommended reading for all true crime readers.

 

My Rating: 3.5/5