Book Review: Fatal Vows, Story of Drew Peterson
Joseph Hosey's New Book Examines the Case of Stacy Peterson
Dec 20, 2008
Joseph Hosey’s newly published true crime story about the 23-year-old missing fourth wife of 53-year-old retired Bolingbrook police sergeant Drew Peterson discusses in detail the curious circumstances surrounding her disappearance. Peterson's recent announcement of his engagement to wife number five should help boost sales for this well-written nonfiction book.
The author covered the inquest of Peterson’s third wife, Kathleen Savio (who died in an empty bathtub) and broke the stories of her death and Stacy’s disappearance. In the book, he includes important documents and photographs, and interviews family members, friends, and even Drew Peterson in an attempt to clearly state the specifics of the story.
Stacy Peterson’s Body Never Found
Missing since October 2007, Stacy Peterson left behind her husband and four children (two of which were stepchildren from one of Drew’s previous marriages). Her husband claims she voluntarily ran off with another man and doesn’t want to be found. The author contends in a prologue that based on accounts provided by Drew’s stepbrother Tom Morphey and his close friend Walter Martineck, Peterson was actively involved in his wife disappearance – perhaps even disposing of the body in a large plastic blue barrel.
Although the barrel and other aspects of the cases and the central characters can be viewed as “sensational,” Hosey tells the story without sensationalizing the details. He clearly has his own opinion about the facts obtained through his research, yet he maintains some degree of detachment from the story itself.
Details of the Cases Explained in Plain English
As a long-time journalist, Hosey explains complicated situations in clear, easy-to-understand language. For instance, when writing about the divorce between Drew and Kathleen, Hosey says the divorce was bifurcated, then immediately explains the unfamiliar word as “while the marriage was legally ended, the financial side of the proceedings and the division of property would be settled at a later date.” He also mentions the reason for this unusual legal move was that Peterson wanted to marry 17-year-old Stacy before their baby arrived.
In addition to letters, documents, and direct quotes from neighbors, relatives, and friends, Hosey provides eight pages of color photographs relating to the Petersons. Hosey took some of the photos himself, including shots of the Peterson home and a volunteer search operation for Stacy. Hosey also ventures into the study of psychology, offering opinions by mental health professionals about Peterson’s state of mind.
Following the final chapter (13) of the book, Hosey includes an interesting epilogue about recent developments and a postscript dated July 2008 about incriminating recorded transcripts. Although a list of acknowledgements credits some of his sources, a list of references and index would have been helpful additions to Fatal Vows.
Book Details:
Hosey, Joseph. Fatal Vows. The Tragic Wives of Sergeant Drew Peterson. Phoenix Books, 2008. ISBN: 978-1-59777-606-6, 216 pages, $22.95 U.S., True Crime, Hardcover.
For another book review about family conflicts, read The Daughter-In-Laws Rules.
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