Kevin F. McMurray

Great book about a fabled sea tragedy and the continuing tragedy of divers who push themselves too far in the pursuit of prized relics from the lost vessel. The Andrea Doria lies virtually at the absolute possible depth for scuba diving. Reaching her takes an extraordinarily high level of technology and skill, and virtually any mistake guarantees a painful death. Yet dozens of divers keep trying, lusting for the prize of relics for the wreck, especially the ship's china, and as this book show more describes in chilling detail, many never live to return with their prizes. show less

"If You Really Loved Me" was a somewhat disappointing read. While the true crime story itself was somewhat unusual (two teenage girls kill the grandparents of one girl so that they can continue their lesbian relationship)and certainly should have provided an interesting and in-depth read, something was missing from the story.

The author, Kevin McMurray, does provide some background information on the victims, Carl and Sarah Collier, but mainly over the course of a page or two. I found show more similar treatment on the background of the two girls, Holly Harvey and Sandy Ketchum. Maybe it was this skimming that caused the book to feel so lightweight, but I felt that McMurray really cheated the reader, and the Colliers, by providing such skimpy detail. We can understand that together the two girls made an explosive combination, but what exactly drove them to kill?

An additional issue I had with this book was Mr. McMurray's seeming sympathy toward Ms. Harvey and Ms. Ketchum about midway through the book. Reading of such gruesome murders, and committed against the people that cared for and reared Ms. Harvey for much of her life, I had absolutely no sympathy for either teen girl and I found it angering that Mr. McMurray seemed to have more for them than for the people they killed, or even the Colliers' son.

All in all, what could have been an interesting read into the dark and depraved minds of two teenage girls, and their violent outcomes, was instead more like a People magazine read. Disappointing. show less

The Empress of Ireland is the forgotten ship disaster of the early 20th century. Sandwiched between the Titanic and Lusitania, she has been overshadowed by thos two famous wrecks, yet proportionately more people were lost when this luxurious liner collided with a collier in the St Lawrence seaway in May 1914 than in either the Titanic or Lusitania. Only 350 survived out of a complement of 1470. Because of the strong tides and murky water in the St Lawrence River, the wreck remains a show more difficult proposition for divers, although this hasn't stopped it being plundered by scavengers. This is an enthralling book about the story of the wreck and the dangers of diving on her. Highly recommended. show less

Well written and a nice companion to Shadow Divers. Some pretty graphic photos in the book of deceased divers.