A Story of Courage without the Braggadocio
Review by Kim Cantrell
July 29, 2007, is a day that will live forever in the minds of the McDonough family, for it was on this night that a serial killer stealthily entered their home and would have murdered 15-year-old Shea if not for the swift action and amazing bravery of her parents, Kevin and Jeannie.
Adam Leroy Lane was a trucker with passion for morbid side trips. At random truck stops along the interstates in America’s Northeastern states, Lane would leave his truck and, under the cover of darkness, prowl nearby neighborhoods in search of an unlocked door and a vulnerable woman.
His first known victim would be Darlene Ewalt, who was murdered on the back deck of her Pennsylvania home as she sat talking on the phone with a friend; and her husband and son sleeping inside.
Thirty-seven year old Patricia Brooks would be the second of Lane’s known victims, and the one whose quick thinking would let her survive to tell the story of the man in black who attacked her.
Monica Massaro wouldn’t be as fortunate. A single woman living alone in New Jersey duplex, Monica would be the third to die at the hands of this nomadic serial killer.
Lane’s reign of terror would end when he crossed the threshold of the McDonough’s home in Chelmsford, Massachusetts. When he entered Shea’s room, he wasn’t counting on a teenage girl who was a fighter, a broken air conditioner preventing a deep sleep, or nearby parents who willing to do anything to protect their daughter.
From the very beginning until the cell doors slam shut, first time author Jeannie McDonough recounts the crimes of Adam Lane in a chronologically correct style that has a smooth flowing narrative, giving the impression of being told the story to you as a friend, rather than a reader of published book.
Caught in the Act isn’t just a true crime story, however. Jeannie shares not only the story of catching a serial killer but openly shares the trauma survivors must endure even after the offender is safely behind bars. She discusses the fear, frustration, anger, and lost sense of normalcy not only for her family but also that of the families of Lane’s victims who were not as fortunate. There’s no better way to say it, other than to quote the old adage of wearing your heart on your sleeve. That’s exactly what Jeannie does.
There was only one disappointment for me: the background information on Lane was very minimal. I would have liked to know more about what made this man the serial killer he was. It should be noted, however, that Lane’s mother was adamant in her denial of her son’s crimes so she provided very little information to anyone. .
My favorite thing, however, is that Jeannie never once forgets how truly blessed her family was on that night or that there were other victims who were brutally taken from their loved ones. Readers get the sense that she is almost embarrassed by the spotlight and wants to redirect it to those who did not live.
Some may say that Caught in the Act is self-serving (I’ve been around long enough to know how things work), but let me be the first to tell you that I can sniff out a fake. Jeannie McDonough, however, is the real deal.
Because of its sincerity and uniqueness, I can easily see Caught in the Act being one of 2011′s top true crime books. So get it now so you don’t miss out on a great read!
To learn more about this book, co-author Paul Lonardo, or order, visit www.paullonardo.com.
* See the Dateline episode about this case titled Stranger in the House.
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