Practice to Deceive

In this true crime account, Ann Rule investigates the 2003 murder of Russel Douglas on Whidbey Island, Washington. The victim was found in his car with a gunshot wound between his eyes the day after Christmas, launching a complex investigation that would span nearly a decade. The narrative follows the methodical police work required to solve a case with limited physical evidence. The investigation connects multiple individuals to the crime, including Douglas's estranged wife Brenna, former beauty queen Peggy Sue Thomas, and James Huden, leading detectives through a web of relationships on and off the island. A pivotal break in the case emerges when a former law enforcement officer comes forward with information about a potential murder weapon. The investigation then shifts to tracking down the suspect, who had fled to Mexico. Rule's account examines how seemingly peaceful communities can harbor dark secrets, while exploring the themes of deception, relationships, and justice in small-town America.

Most readers found this book less compelling than Ann Rule's previous true crime works. Many reviews note the narrative feels scattered and bogged down with excessive detail about peripheral characters and local history. Readers appreciated: - Thorough research and attention to detail - Rich background on Whidbey Island culture - Clear timeline of events - Photos and documentation Common criticisms: - Confusing structure with too many characters - Slow pacing, especially in first half - Repetitive information - Less engaging than Rule's other books Ratings: Goodreads: 3.5/5 (3,800+ ratings) Amazon: 3.5/5 (850+ ratings) Multiple reviewers mentioned struggling to finish the book. One Amazon reviewer noted: "I had to make a chart to keep track of all the people." A Goodreads review stated: "The story itself is interesting but gets lost in unnecessary details about islanders' genealogy and local politics."

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🔍 The murder weapon used in the Russel Douglas case was traced to a Las Vegas pawn shop, providing a crucial breakthrough in the investigation. 🏝️ Whidbey Island, where the murder took place, is the largest island in Washington state and was originally inhabited by several Native American tribes, including the Lower Skagit and Snohomish. 📚 Ann Rule wrote 35 true crime books during her career, selling over 50 million copies, and worked alongside infamous serial killer Ted Bundy at a Seattle crisis hotline. 👑 Peggy Sue Thomas, a key figure in the case, was a former Ms. Washington and beauty pageant contestant who later became implicated in Douglas's murder. 🕒 The case remained unsolved for nearly seven years before investigators finally made arrests, making it one of the longest unsolved murders in Whidbey Island's history.