Before He Wakes

New York Times-bestselling author: &quote;In the art of true-crime reportage, Jerry Bledsoe is the best in the country . . . Before He Wakes has the suspense of a novel&quote; (The Atlanta Journal-Constitution). Barbara Stager was known as a devoted mother, loving wife, and dedicated church leader in her Durham, North Carolina, community. When she &quote;accidentally&quote; shot her husband, popular high school coach, Russ, the police were inclined to believe her until they learned that ten years earlier, her first husband had died in a strangely similar way. Sgt. Rick Buchanan's relentless investigation into Stager's life revealed a stunning vortex of compulsive lying, obsessive spending, and sexual promiscuity. With every new discovery, more of Barbara's impeccable image unraveled. But the greatest shock a damning piece of evidence Russ Stager left behind revealed the nightmare truth about Barbara. With &quote;the fine-toothed-comb reporting of [an] ace crime journalist,&quote; this book takes us deep into a spellbinding case of double life, lethal lust, and almost perfect murder (Kirkus Reviews). &quote;A shocking and well-written portrait of a dangerous woman.&quote; The New York Times&quote;Mesmerizing.&quote; Ann Rule, New York Times bestselling author of The Stranger Beside Me &quote;This account of manipulation, compulsive spending, lying, promiscuity, and murder is made even more chilling by the fact that appearances are often deceiving.&quote; Library Journal&quote;A profile of evil . . . Fascinating.&quote; The Baltimore Sun&quote;Jerry Bledsoe is the master of true crime, the conclusion to what Truman Capote began. . . . Another stunning success.&quote; Patricia Cornwell, New York Times bestselling author of Chaos