Overkill Mass Market Paperback – August 7, 2012

Don't buy this book if your after a lurid read into the shocking murder of a teenage girl by 3 other young people. This book hasn't been written with that in mind. Rather it tells about the people involved, what went on that led up to the senseless killing, and then the details of the trials that subsequently found them where they are today. It's well written and an interesting read & if you like reading true crime books then you will enjoy this one.

This tragedy has no logical explanation, no reason that anyone in his right mind could justify. But it has been told with understanding, thorough research and a view to finding the truth no matter what red herrings were thrown up by the perpetrators along the way. The author has a gift in portraying the characters in an unglorified light. Too, the updates included are helpful in answering what has happened over time to the main characters. All are painted in such a way that they resemble, for the most part, people anyone could run across in ordinary life. The absurd length to which the actual murderess goes to pull the wool over everyone's eyes in an attempt to prove even to herself that she didn't do what she did--that part comes close to being an imagined fairy tale even though it actually happened. The tragic events point out only too graphically how much living in dysfunctional groups can hurt others who are not deprived of such blessings as strong values and appreciation for honesty, integrity AND consequences. The main characters in this awful story certainly lacked those attributes. The author is to be thanked for telling the story clearly and with compassion. A good and honest read!

I have read many books about murders, this one no different. The story went into many repeats of the details about the murder of a young girl ,who died because Michelle Lambert was not happy that she dated her boyfriend for one whole week. Really this is a reason. Four families have been torn apart by this. Laurie's parents will never get over ,because they return to court, just because Michelle wants out of prison so there is another appeal . Lawrence has gotten out of prison, Tabitha still is in prison , she 's the one who finally told what really happened. So sad this still goes on. Let the parents finally get to find some peace in there life's.

I am not a writer, but I found several things very irritating about the way this book was written which I can complain about as simply a reader. The pictures were shown about mid way through the book. I read the captions because I would not have ever imagined the result of the trial would be revealed in the picture caption. I was like are you kidding. Secondly, in at least two places in the book the author copy / pasted text (.background on the coroner and the fact that he was not certified, but he did witness the autopsy of JFK). Once was enough. If she felt it must be stated twice preface with "as previously stated". Lastly, I understand that an author wants to use. the actual dialect of the characters, but when that dialect is so far from basic english that it does not make sense some explanation of what was said should be added. Given the fact that the ending was given away and the trivial writing shortcomings I enjoyed the book because it had a very interesting story and twist. That coupled with the fact that the main character was how do you say it, a dam nut and so unbelievably dishonest that you truly could not begin to assume the ending. So, it wasn't a waste of time, but if you read it don't read the pic captions.

What makes people do unspeakable acts ? This crime was one of the worst I have read. A narcissist teenager brutally murders another teen over a boyfriend. She drags others into her revenge, blames them, ultimately blaming the world for her crime. I could barely stand reading her testimony at her trial. This case had some unusual twists and turns. While justice prevailed, it seems the justice system had gone off the rails in the state where this took place.

This was a very good story. The history/background of each of the three perpetrators was covered well, without the addition of useless information; i.e. the school the sheriff went to, or the city he was born, etc., ad nauseum, as is so common with some other writers in this genre.The ONLY criticism I have is the writer's tendency to chop off her sentences. The man was bald. He wore a coat. He walked slowly, etc.Other than that and some grammatical/typographical errors, it was well-written.

I avoided this title for the longest time because I saw the case on TV it was so heartbreaking I didn't know if I wanted to read the book.I literally fell asleep every night reading this story. Not because it was boring but because I couldn't put it down past my bed time.I never skipped some of the parts like I do in some crime books.I thought it then when the crime happened & again as I read the book Lisa Michele Lambert is a "pathological" of some kind. Her lies remind me of Casey Anthony by that the easy nature it comes to them!!!I cried through the authors telling of Lauries funeral. 16 wow unbelievable to have her life cut short for what we all go through in high school. I cried for her mom & dad-she was their only child & when Hazel whispered what words of comfort she could to Tabbys mom.That judge who did what he did omg I do not know how Hazel kept her cool she endured so much God Bless Her

First. Time I had heard about this story. Very well written and easy to read. Why was no polygraph done. The murderer could have been anyone of them. I believe Michelle was probably the one to slit Lauries throat, but there was really no proof she was the one who did it. It makes sense she did it, but no solid proof. And it's hard to believe that on the drive over to laurie house that the boyfriend didn't know what the plan was.

I packed this in a third of the way in. I think it was a waste of money. It was sloppily written and whole passages were getting repeated by then which was enough for me. I can Google the case instead for nothing !!I'd not realised it was set in Amish country and may have passed it over if I'd known as I'm not a fan due to their puppy farming activities but luckily they weren't mentioned TOO often.The word parameters was used where I think it was meant to be paramedics, then truck instead of trunk, there were missed out commas and apostrophes. Then Penn State suddenly changed to Perm State. George's name was used when it was meant to be John and random fullstops cropped up here and there mid-sentence. The line "The one I seen was clean cuts" makes little sense. Then no explanation was given before we launched into Michelle's trial as to what had gone on with the other 2 kids and I gave up.Very scrappy and I'd certainly not waste my money on any more by this author.

This true crime story could have been so interesting, but it was not well written. I kept with it, but was regretting the time I was spending to read something so badly constructed. Needless to say the author will not be on my list of ones to look out for in the future. I will stick with Ann Rule and a handful of others whose books have been well researched and carefully constructed.

This case was very very strange how young people can be so cruel to one another,a decent young girl picked on by a bully that wouldnt give up until she was dead.Overkill doesnt sound bad enough for what they did to her.Very very sad but true story that tells it from beginning to end.True crime buffs will enjoy it.

How sad for Hazel and her ex husband to have had to go through years of court sittings when people knew the truth but constantly pointed the finger to save the true killers joy Page England

I gave this book one star as i found it boring and repetitive throughout.I got through a few chapters before i gave up and deleted it from my kindle.It was not for me.