• Lying in Wait

  • Ann Rule's Crime Files, Book 17
  • By: Ann Rule
  • Narrated by: Laural Merlington
  • Length: 9 hrs and 43 mins
  • 4.2 out of 5 stars (273 ratings)

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Lying in Wait  By  cover art

Lying in Wait

By: Ann Rule
Narrated by: Laural Merlington
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Publisher's summary

Three decades ago, Jackie Schut was considered one of the most prolific "baby sellers" in the country. She traveled all over the US, murdered women who had just borne babies, and then stole their infants. She is still imprisoned in the South.

A lovely, vibrant woman in San Antonio was found dead in a vacant lot. Her mother, a popular local realtor, never stopped looking for her killer. Just months ago, a truly unlikely suspect was found many states away. At last, the seemingly impossible case to solve had answers no one ever considered.

On Christmas Day three years ago, two grandparents, their son, his wife, their two small boys, their daughter, and her boyfriend gathered to celebrate the holiday. For reasons that are still almost impossible to contemplate, the sister and her boyfriend shot and killed everyone in the room.

In these chilling true stories, Ann Rule reveals the dark underside of the American family unit - together and torn apart. Her unforgettable accounts will intrigue you, and once again prove the obvious: that Rule is "America’s best true-crime writer" (Kirkus Reviews).

©2014 Ann Rule (P)2014 Brilliance Audio, all rights reserved. Recorded by arrangement with Pocket Books, a Division of Simon & Schuster, Inc.

What listeners say about Lying in Wait

Average customer ratings
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  • Overall
    1 out of 5 stars
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    2 out of 5 stars
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    1 out of 5 stars

Not What I Expected

The writing on this book seemed a little dated to me and there was nothing that made it suspenseful or grabbed me. The story also seems to get side tracked which made it hard to follow in parts. I wouldn't recommend this book.

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9 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Rule Has Lost Her Edge

Would you try another book from Ann Rule and/or Laural Merlington?

Laurel Merlington: Is by far one of the best narrators offered.
Ann Rule: I have read everything Rule has written. It seems she has lost her edge but yes I will be a faithful reader until the end. She has had a good run.

Would you recommend Lying in Wait to your friends? Why or why not?

Only to other Ann Rule and true crime lovers! Ann Rule is a pioneer in her field that has set and raised the bar for other true crime authors but has lost her edge. I found my mind wandering while listening and that has never really happened with any of her material before.

What about Laural Merlington’s performance did you like?

Laurel Merlington is wonderful. Her voice is very soothing. She keeps things interesting and offers feeling. It is more like she is telling the story rather than reading it.

Do you think Lying in Wait needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

No.

Any additional comments?

Overall disappointed. If you are new to Rule... don't waste a credit.

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6 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

quick and informative

RIP Ann Rule. Your stories centered on the important parts of everyday life during unimaginable personal tragedies. thanks for all the fish.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

True crime stories in brief.

Ann Rule knows her formula and she does it well. She simplifies often complex narratives and shines light on characters and motives. I always double check the locks on my doors after hearing her true stories of violence and evil doers.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Absolutely loved it!!

Absolutely loved it!! Ann amazingly weaves stories with a healthy dose of Washington history and wisdom...she will surely be missed!!

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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awesome

Audible is amazing this was my first e book and I couldn't "put it down".

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Okay not Great

This one just didn’t have “it” like the other Ann Rule books I have read/listened to. There were moments when I was simply bored and had to stop.

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    3 out of 5 stars

Not my favorite Ann Rule

I’ve listened to a few fantastic ones that captivated the whole time. This one I found myself drifting off, forgetting where I was and rewinding to refresh my memory. But then- I just fast forwarded to the next short story, hoping it would keep my attention better. But, alas, it didn’t.

I’ll try another. She’s a great writer. Sometimes her books are just better the old fashioned way- not as audio.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Another great story

These stories put put a chill down my back, They are heartbreaking cruel. The author lays it out nicely giving you a powerful store that tears at your soul. It is laid out nicely with not a lot of filler which I like, she sticks the story. She has been one of my favorite authors since my teens. I enjoy how she knows how to pull the reader in, giving some very shocking details that make the back stand up.


The narrator did a great job, her normal voice is very pleasant and her character voices are very nice. There were no repeating of words, no background noise and no volume change. She really pulled me in giving me a very entertaining listen that had me hooked from the start.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Bought it to life

Loved it. I had read it several years ago. the audio put me in the stories as a witness or as though watch TV. Awesome!

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