Safe Harbor: A Murder in Nantucket

by Brian McDonald

Book Overview

In October 2004, the island of Nantucket, home to some of America's richest families, was the scene of a shocking murder. Safe Harbor is the story of what happened. 8-page photo insert. Martin's Press.

• Format: Mass Market Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0312938284
• ISBN13: 9780312938284
• Release Date: May 2007
• Publisher: St. Martin's True Crime Classics
• Length: 8 Pages
• Weight: 0.33 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 4.3" x 6.8"

Customer Reviews

Safe Harbor: A Murder In Nantucket

I was looking forward to reading the latest offering from the author after reading "My Father's Gun" and I was not disappointed with this book. The book is an interesting read and I liked the back and forth descriptions of the two main characters that offered an explanation for their relationship. The author fills in the blanks for us about what can happen when we ignore that inner voice that pops up when the date looks right but we cannot quite put our finger on what is wrong with the situation. For me and for woman who came of age when "searching for Mr. Goodbar" was a cautionary tale, this book reverberates when reminisce about the guy that we let slip away.

Tremendous book that makes you think

Having enjoyed Mr. McDonald's last book, "MY Fathers Gun", I looked forward to read this book. I never expected to be drawn into a story so completely. It is a true crime type book however; I believe that it is so much more. As the father of two grown daughters, I will strongly encourage them to read this book. I came to know Beth Lochtefeld and I saw many of the same traits that made her such a special person in my daughters. She achieved so much in her life yet she seemed to have a need to fill an emptiness with the way she dove into her business and the martial arts. In a recent conversation with my daughter, who is also a type A personality, she seemed determined to direct her life a certain way. I sang to her "Que sera sera, whatever will be will be". I'm sure Beth's parents had many of the same feelings. The Epilog was very interesting as well. Mr. McDonald spoke of his reticence to invade the lives of these people. His book was a fitting memorial to a very special person and family. His conversation with the elder Toolan was instructive as well. Mr. Toolan's conversation with Mr. McDonald brought to mind something that happened to me in my youth. My younger brother was at home crying as I returned from a baseball game. Two neighborhood boys had been terrorizing him. I chose to go to the boy's houses and tell their parents. The first boy's father had his son admit to what he was doing and apologize. From all accounts, his son grew up to have a well-balanced, successful life. The second boy's mother spoke to me in a very accusatory way. How dare I say anything bad about her son. Her son has had a life filled with crime, jail and drug abuse. Her reaction was much the same as Mr. Toolan's reaction to Mr. McDonald. I can think of many ways to react to this book by Mr. Toolan other than the way he did. Perhaps he could express sympathy for the Lochtefeld family for starters. I enjoyed this book very much. It was moving.

Tremendous book that makes you think

Having enjoyed Mr. McDonald's last book, "MY Fathers Gun", I looked forward to read this book. I never expected to be drawn into a story so completely. It is a true crime type book however; I believe that it is so much more. As the father of two grown daughters, I will strongly encourage them to read this book. I came to know Beth Lochtefeld and I saw many of the same traits that made her such a special person in my daughters. She achieved so much in her life yet she seemed to have a need to fill an emptiness with the way she dove into her business and the martial arts. In a recent conversation with my daughter, who is also a type A personality, she seemed determined to direct her life a certain way. I sang to her "Que sera sera, whatever will be will be". I'm sure Beth's parents had many of the same feelings. The Epilog was very interesting as well. Mr. McDonald spoke of his reticence to invade the lives of these people. His book was a fitting memorial to a very special person and family. His conversation with the elder Toolan was instructive as well. Mr. Toolan's conversation with Mr. McDonald brought to mind something that happened to me in my youth. My younger brother was at home crying as I returned from a baseball game. Two neighborhood boys had been terrorizing him. I chose to go to the boy's houses and tell their parents. The first boy's father had his son admit to what he was doing and apologize. From all accounts, his son grew up to have a well-balanced, successful life. The second boy's mother spoke to me in a very accusatory way. How dare I say anything bad about her son. Her son has had a life filled with crime, jail and drug abuse. Her reaction was much the same as Mr. Toolan's reaction to Mr. McDonald. I can think of many ways to react to this book by Mr. Toolan other than the way he did. Perhaps he could express sympathy for the Lochtefeld family for starters. I enjoyed this book very much. It was moving.