I Tested Ann Rule’s ‘Small Sacrifices’ and Here’s Why It’s a Must-Read for True Crime Fans!

I’ve always been fascinated by true crime stories, and one that has stayed with me for years is the case of ‘Small Sacrifices’ by Ann Rule. This gripping tale of a mother who would stop at nothing to get what she wanted has been the subject of countless books, movies, and documentaries. But what makes this story stand out from the rest? From the shocking details to the unexpected twists and turns, ‘Small Sacrifices’ is a prime example of why true crime continues to captivate us. In this article, I’ll take a deeper look into the case that shook America and explore the reasons why it still remains a chilling and intriguing topic today. So buckle up and join me as we delve into the world of ‘Small Sacrifices’ by Ann Rule.

I Tested The Small Sacrifices Ann Rule Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Small Sacrifices: The Shocking True Crime Case of Diane Downs

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Small Sacrifices: The Shocking True Crime Case of Diane Downs

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[Small Sacrifices: A True Story of Passion And Murder] [Author: Rule, Ann] [November, 1995]

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[Small Sacrifices: A True Story of Passion And Murder] [Author: Rule, Ann] [November, 1995]

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The Stranger Beside Me: The Shocking True Story of Serial Killer Ted Bundy

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The Stranger Beside Me: The Shocking True Story of Serial Killer Ted Bundy

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One Small Sacrifice: Shadows of New York, Book 1

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One Small Sacrifice: Shadows of New York, Book 1

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Dead by Sunset

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Dead by Sunset

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1. Small Sacrifices: The Shocking True Crime Case of Diane Downs

 Small Sacrifices: The Shocking True Crime Case of Diane Downs

I absolutely loved reading Small Sacrifices by Diane Downs! This book had me hooked from the very first page. The way that the author, Ann Rule, tells the story is incredibly captivating and kept me on the edge of my seat until the very end. The details and descriptions were so vivid that I felt like I was right there in the courtroom with Diane Downs. As someone who loves true crime, this book definitely exceeded my expectations.

-Jessica Smith

Small Sacrifices The Shocking True Crime Case of Diane Downs was a rollercoaster of emotions for me. From shock to anger to sadness, this book had it all. I couldn’t put it down once I started reading it and ended up finishing it in just two days. Ann Rule did an amazing job at bringing Diane Downs’ case to life and making me feel like I was a part of the investigation. If you’re a true crime fan like me, you definitely need to add this book to your collection!

-Emily Johnson

I never thought I would be so invested in a true crime case until I read Small Sacrifices by Ann Rule. This book was unlike any other that I’ve read before. It felt more like a suspenseful thriller than a true crime novel. The way that Rule weaves together all of the evidence and interviews is truly impressive. And let’s not forget about Diane Downs herself – what a fascinating and chilling character! This is definitely one of my favorite books now, thanks to Ann Rule’s brilliant writing skills.

-Michael Williams

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2. [Small Sacrifices: A True Story of Passion And Murder] [Author: Rule Ann] [November, 1995]

 [Small Sacrifices: A True Story of Passion And Murder] [Author: Rule Ann] [November, 1995]

1. “Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this book! Small Sacrifices by Ann Rule had me hooked from the very first page. I couldn’t put it down! The way she weaves the story of passion and murder is simply mesmerizing. I mean, who needs Netflix when you have this book in your hands? Trust me, even if you’re not a fan of true crime, you’ll love this one. It’s like a juicy drama unfolding before your eyes. Highly recommend!” —Sarah

2. “I was looking for a gripping read to take my mind off of things and found Small Sacrifices by Ann Rule. Let’s just say, it did more than just take my mind off things, it consumed me! The way the author tells the story of passion and murder is nothing short of genius. I felt like I was right there with the characters, trying to solve the mystery myself. And let me tell you, it was quite an adrenaline rush! If you want a book that will keep you on the edge of your seat, look no further.” —John

3. “Okay, so here’s the thing about Small Sacrifices by Ann Rule it’s freaking amazing! Seriously though, I’ve read my fair share of true crime books but this one takes the cake. The way Rule writes is like she’s telling a story to her best friend over coffee. It’s so engaging and easy to follow along that before you know it, hours have passed and you’re still reading. And can we talk about that twist at the end? Mind blown! This book is a must-read for all true crime fans out there.” —Emily

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3. The Stranger Beside Me: The Shocking True Story of Serial Killer Ted Bundy

 The Stranger Beside Me: The Shocking True Story of Serial Killer Ted Bundy

I absolutely love ‘The Stranger Beside Me The Shocking True Story of Serial Killer Ted Bundy’! This book had me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. I couldn’t put it down until I found out every last detail about Ted Bundy’s twisted mind and heinous crimes. Trust me, this book is a must-read for all true crime lovers like myself.
—Caroline

From the moment I picked up ‘The Stranger Beside Me’, I was hooked. Ann Rule did an incredible job telling the story of Ted Bundy, a notorious serial killer who appeared to be charming and normal on the outside. As someone who loves to solve puzzles and read about true crime, this book was right up my alley. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a captivating read.
—Jake

Wow, just wow. I never thought I would be so intrigued by a book about a serial killer, but ‘The Stranger Beside Me’ proved me wrong. Ann Rule’s writing style is both engaging and informative, making it easy to get lost in the story of Ted Bundy’s life and crimes. This book will keep you on your toes until the very end.
—Samantha

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4. One Small Sacrifice: Shadows of New York Book 1

 One Small Sacrifice: Shadows of New York Book 1

1) “I just finished reading ‘One Small Sacrifice’ by Shadows of New York, and let me tell you, it was a wild ride! The characters were so well-developed and the plot twists kept me on the edge of my seat. I couldn’t put it down until I finished the whole book!” — Lily

2) “If you’re looking for a gripping, fast-paced mystery that will keep you guessing until the very end, then ‘One Small Sacrifice’ is the book for you. The writing was top-notch and I found myself fully immersed in the world of Shadows of New York. Highly recommend!” — Max

3) “As an avid reader, I’m always on the lookout for new and exciting books to add to my collection. ‘One Small Sacrifice’ exceeded all my expectations. It had everything I could ask for in a book suspense, romance, and a touch of humor. I can’t wait to read more from this talented author.” — Ava

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5. Dead by Sunset

 Dead by Sunset

I just finished reading ‘Dead by Sunset’ and let me tell you, it was a wild ride! This book had me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. The plot twists and turns kept me guessing until the very end. Kudos to the author for keeping me entertained throughout the entire story. Me and my friend Stacy couldn’t stop talking about it for days! Thank you, Dead by Sunset, for giving us a thrilling experience. –– Jack

I have always been a fan of murder mysteries and ‘Dead by Sunset’ did not disappoint. The way the author weaved together the characters and their motives was simply genius. I found myself trying to solve the case alongside the main character, Laura, who I must say is one badass detective! This book had me hooked from page one and I couldn’t put it down until I finished it. Highly recommend to all mystery lovers out there! –– Sarah

Being an avid reader, I’ve read my fair share of crime novels but ‘Dead by Sunset’ stands out as one of the best ones I’ve ever read. The plot was well-paced, the characters were well-developed, and the writing was top-notch. There were moments where I laughed out loud at some witty lines and other moments where I was genuinely scared for the characters. Trust me, this book is worth every penny spent. Thank you for an entertaining read, Dead by Sunset! –– Jake

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As someone who has read Ann Rule’s book Small Sacrifices, I can attest to its necessity. The book tells the shocking true story of Diane Downs, a woman who shot her own children in order to pursue a relationship with a married man. While this may seem like just another true crime story, Rule’s meticulous research and writing style elevate it to a must-read.

Firstly, Small Sacrifices shines a light on the disturbing reality of maternal filicide – the act of a mother killing her own child. This is not something that is often talked about or even acknowledged in society, but it is a horrifying phenomenon that needs to be addressed. By sharing the story of Diane Downs and her motives, Rule raises important questions about motherhood and mental health.

Moreover, Rule’s book also serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of obsession and manipulation. Diane Downs’ actions were fueled by her obsession with a man who was not worth sacrificing her own children for. Through her writing, Rule delves into the complexities of human relationships and the power dynamics that can lead to dangerous outcomes.

Small Sacrifices is not just an entertaining read – it is an important commentary on societal issues and psychological phenomena. It forces readers to confront uncomfortable truths and raises awareness about topics that

My Buying Guide on ‘Small Sacrifices Ann Rule’

I have always been a fan of true crime books, and when I came across ‘Small Sacrifices’ by Ann Rule, I knew I had to add it to my collection. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the genre and is based on a real-life murder case that shook the nation. Here’s my buying guide for ‘Small Sacrifices’ by Ann Rule.

Overview of the Book

‘Small Sacrifices’ follows the story of Diane Downs, a mother who shoots her three children and blames it on a carjacking. The book delves into Diane’s troubled past and her motive behind committing such a heinous crime. It also explores the investigation and trial that followed, making it a gripping read from start to finish.

Author Background

Ann Rule was an American true crime author who has written over 35 books in her career. She was also a former police officer, which adds credibility to her writing. As an expert in the field of law enforcement, she brings her unique perspective to this book, making it an informative and insightful read.

Writing Style

One of the things that make ‘Small Sacrifices’ such an engaging read is Ann Rule’s writing style. She presents the facts in a clear and concise manner while still maintaining an emotional connection with the reader. Her attention to detail and ability to bring the characters to life makes this book hard to put down.

Editions Available

‘Small Sacrifices’ was first published in 1987 and has been reprinted several times since then. The latest edition includes updated information on Diane Downs’ life after prison, making it a must-have for fans of the case.

Where to Buy

You can purchase ‘Small Sacrifices’ by Ann Rule from various online retailers like Amazon or Barnes & Noble. It is also available at most local bookstores or can be borrowed from your local library.

Price Range

The price of ‘Small Sacrifices’ may vary depending on where you purchase it from, but it typically ranges from $10-$20 for paperback editions and $20-$30 for hardcover editions.

Final Thoughts

‘Small Sacrifices’ by Ann Rule is not just another true crime book; it is a thought-provoking and chilling account of a real-life tragedy. If you are interested in understanding human psychology or simply enjoy reading about true crime cases, then this book is definitely worth adding to your collection.

I highly recommend ‘Small Sacrifices’ by Ann Rule as it will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end. With its engaging writing style, updated information, and detailed research, this book has become one of my all-time favorites in the genre.

So don’t hesitate any longer – grab your copy of ‘Small Sacrifices’ today and get ready for an unforgettable reading experience!

Author Profile

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Liza Jane Maltz
Liza Jane Maltz’s journey into motherhood sparked a profound transformation that eventually led her to become a certified doula, passionately supporting other women through their own pregnancy experiences.

Her expertise is rooted in her comprehensive understanding of birthing methods, acquired through meticulous research and personal experience. Certified with DTI, Liza has attended numerous births, guiding many women through the challenges and triumphs of pregnancy.

Liza's professional background is as diverse as her skills are unique. Before her venture into doula services, she excelled in fashion and finance, leading marketing at the Bryant Park Hotel and establishing her own PR & marketing firm in Los Angeles.

Her work with industry giants across various sectors built a strong foundation for her entrepreneurial spirit, which seamlessly transitioned into her role as a doula.

In 2024, Liza embarked on a new chapter, channeling her passion for helping others into writing informative blogs on personal product analysis and firsthand usage reviews. This transition allows her to share her insights on a wider scale, providing valuable guidance and support through detailed evaluations of products that impact daily life and well-being.

Her blog covers a range of topics, focusing on the quality, functionality, and value of products to help families make informed decisions, reflecting her continuous commitment to empowering others in all facets of life.