Author: M. William Phelps
Publisher: Pinnacle
Release Date: March 5, 2013
Page Count: 320
Rating: 3.5 stars out of 5
Read book blurb here
As prep for reviewing Phelps' newest book "We Thought We Knew You," I quickly read his 2013 account of the senseless murder of Martha Gail Fulton by Donna Kay Trapani.
Gail Fulton was a good Catholic woman, married to George for over 25 years and mother of 3 good kids. When her husband George began an affair with his boss, Donna Trapani, he opened a Pandora's box of craziness caused by this psychopath who lied horrifically, stalked his family and hired killers to shoot her rival Gail.
The story is fairly straightforward with the case and trial never in doubt, but what I found especially difficult to read is how Gail's husband George had no concept - or just didn't care - how his actions brought about Gail's death. He cheated on his wife, strung Donna along when he did not want to make a decision about leaving Gail, strung Gail along and expected her to make enormous concessions, lied to his children, etc. George's actions are deplorable throughout and his lack of judgment is appalling.
Phelps gives us all the facts, but at times his writing style is fragmented and doesn't always read smoothly. He is very dismissive of Donna Trapani, which is understandable given her behavour and action, but I would have preferred a bit more distance and less strong opinion.
However, at the end of the day, this book does what it needs to do. It tells the story of a family shattered by poor decisions and actions on the part of George Fulton, and full-blown insanity from Donna. 3.5 stars.
