Catch Me If You Can: A California Saga of Murder, Greed, and Two Heroic Detectives

by Kraig Hanadel

Book Overview

Two days after Easter 1992, in the Fresno, California neighbourhood of Sunnyside, homicide detective John Souza walked into a beautiful home and found ugliness within. Dale Ewell, a successful aeroplane dealer, his wife Glee and his daughter Tiffany had all been efficiently gunned down. It appeared they had interrupted a burglary. But Souza and his fellow detectives suspected that the crime scene was staged, that the murders instead were carefully...

• Format: Mass Market Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0380802872
• ISBN13: 9780380802876
• Release Date: May 2000
• Publisher: Avon Books
• Length: 416 Pages
• Weight: 0.49 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 4.2" x 6.8"

Customer Reviews

Spell-binding!!

I was drawn to this book having seen the story portrayed in several television crime shows (American Justice and City Confidential). However, none of those shows prepared me for the in-depth look into the ruthless personality that is Dana Ewell. The author did a stellar job in portraying Dana exactly as he is. I was incredibly impressed by the ease with which I was able to read, understand and become engaged in this story (which speaks the author’s abilities as a storyteller). I only wish he could have gone more into detail about the lives of the victims (two of whom, Dana’s grandparents, it appeared that he victimized as well).

This Police Officer thinks...

I first need to say that I am a vereran police officer in SNJ. I give this book 5 stars because of all the crime books I have read (including all my college textbooks), I could not put this book down. That's a personal accomplishment because I don't prefer to read. So far my 12 years of police work has only consisted of patrol, which I have enjoyed very much. Before I read this book I always had the impression that detectives were lazy and were only looking for the easy ride towards retirement. Upon completion of reading Mr. Hanadel's book, I've earned a great deal of respect for police detectives. This experience has reminded me that hard work, patience and perservearence will usually pay off in some way. I also need to add that I saw this story on "American Justice" and on Domenick Dunne's TV show, but only Kraig's narrative of the story paints the clearest picture of the actual murders and the unselfish detectives relentless pursuit of the killers. I was amazed at how Dana Ewell could appear to be a parent's dream kid, but he was nothing but a sick, greedy opportunist. I can understand how Dana's father worked terribly hard as a teen, and did not want his children to suffer like he felt he had. However, every parent needs to make sure that their child understands what a hard day of work is worth, weather the payment is monetary or not.

A Wonderful Read

I do not normally read this type of book but I picked it up at a friend's house and fell in love with Mr. Hanadel's writing. The scence recreation was extremely entertaining; the book read like a great work of fiction. I reccomend this book to anybody looking to find a great author.

Great book, Great Story

This was a great book. I have never had a cross-country flight go by so fast. Once I started reading I couldn't put it down. It is amazing to me how the detectives were able to piece together the way in which the crime was committed and the determination they showed over so many years in meticulously gathering the evidence necessary to bring the perpetrators to justice. It gives a true picture of a murder investigation instead of the typical TV version where the crime is committed at the start of the hour and is solved by then end. The book takes you through the entire investigation in great detail without losing your interest. In fact, the more detail you get the more you want to know and it is truly impressive how the police were able to essentially figure out all of the necessary details without any cooperation from the suspects. This is a great story that is very well written and I would recommend this book to anyone with an interest in True Crime books and our criminal justice system in general.

Must Read

I finished this book in less than a week. It was one of those books where you find yourself looking for extra time to read. It is a great True Crime story, you will find yourself questioning the moves of the police, while at the same time being amazed by their instincts. I would recommend this book to anyone, especially those who enjoy a good murder mystery. In the end your respect for what detectives do on a daily basis will be raised significantly. Bottom line...It is a Great Book!.

true crime at it's best

Catch me if you can is true crime at it's best. If you like Ann Rule you will love this book. It keeps you interested from the start to the finish. You won't want to put it down. This story take you through the murders of a mother, father and daughter, and the son that hires his friend to carry out the deed. This is all done for money. It is unreal the lengths the decetives go through to finally catch these guys. This is one of those books that will keep you readin way into the night.