This book was fascinating! This is the first book by Ann Rule that I've ever read. Diane Downs was such an interesting case study. If you like reading about female pathological liars and sociopaths, this is your book. I couldn't put it down. It's written in a style that makes you feel like you're right there as this case is unfolding. I like that the author tried to make you spend a little time in Downs' head and get a little of what her background was, and what led up to her shooting her children. ( )

Ann Rule's best book - she comes across as equally horrified and fascinated by Diane Downs, and conveys that well. ( )

Small Sacrifices is a gripping and suspenseful read, even for those familiar with the case of convicted child killer Diane Downs, who shot her three young children to secure the love of a married man. Bestselling true crime author Ann Rule dissects the actions and character of all the main players in the shooting tragedy, exploring in forensic detail the possible motives of Downs, a diagnosed narcissistic sociopath. A chilling and fascinating book. ( )

This is the book that hooked me on true crime novels. Diane Downs committed a horrifying crime. She killed one of her children and tried to kill the other two. She blamed a imaginary assailant, but the truth quickly came out. Rule unravels the motivation behind Diane's actions, the determination of authorities to uncover the truth and hold her repsonsible and the unbelievable courage of her daughter - who testified against her. An awesome and terrible book, a must read. ( )

Ann does a great job at letting you glimps into the mind of the killer ( )