In the tradition of her acclaimed mother, Ann Rule, author of The Stranger Beside Me, bestselling author Leslie Rule delivers a riveting true story for our time—as she exposes the years-long trail of a sadistic sociopath, identity thief, and killer at the dark heart of a real-life fatal attraction . . . It was a bleak November in 2012 when Cari Lea Farver vanished from Omaha, Nebraska. Cari, … Omaha, Nebraska. Cari, thirty-seven, was a devoted mother, reliable employee, and loyal friend—not the type to shirk responsibilities, abandon her son, and run off on an adventure while her dying father took his last breaths. Yet, the many texts from her phone indicated she had done just that.
It appeared that Cari had dumped her new boyfriend, quit her job, and relinquished custody of her son to her mother—all by text. While Cari’s boyfriend, Dave Kroupa, and her supervisor were bewildered by her abrupt disappearance, they accepted the texts at face value. Her mother, Nancy Raney, however, was alarmed and reported Cari missing. Police were skeptical of her claims that a cyber impostor had commandeered her daughter’s phone and online identity.
While Nancy was afraid for Cari, Dave Kroupa was growing afraid of her, for he believed Cari was stalking him. Never seen or heard, the stalker was aware of his every move and seemed obsessed by his casual girlfriend, Shanna “Liz” Golyar, often calling her “a fat whore” in the twelve thousand emails and texts he received in a disturbing three-year deluge.
How did the stalker know Dave’s phone numbers immediately after he changed them, the names of his lady friends, even what he wore as he watched TV? He and Liz reported death threats, vandalism, and burglaries, but the stalker remained at large. The threats were vicious, vile and often obscene, sent mostly via text and always in Cari’s name. There was some truth in the messages, but all of them contained one big lie. The culprit was not Cari — but had killed and planned to kill again.
With mesmerizing detail and compelling narrative skill, Leslie Rule tracks every step of the heart-pounding path to long-awaited justice—from a sociopath’s twisted past to the deadly deception and the high-tech forensics that condemned the killer to prison, where the tangled web of manipulations still draws trusting souls into danger.
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Review Snapshot : A Tangled Web is aptly named for this insidious true crime novel! Just thinking about the lies and torture this woman caused gives me the chills!
Ann Rule has always been one of my favorite true crime authors so when I found out she passed I was deeply upset. Not only did we lose a talented writer but one that was extremely passionate about giving victims the stories they deserved. I’ve read nearly all of her novels and have enjoyed each and every one of them. I hope her daughter Leslie Rule (the author of this book) continues in her mothers’ footsteps- she’s talented as well!
A Tangled Web is INSANE!!!! The lies and deceit practiced by this one woman is utterly horrifying and I feel for all the victims who became her pray. The manipulation is baffling, the idea that she got away with it for so long is terrifying, and the tangled web she weaved is so dang insidious that is gives me the creeps. Leslie Rule captured all of this and more in her debut true crime novel and I sincerely hope she continues to write these books. She’s just as talented as her late mother.
One of the main reasons I gave this book 4 instead of 5 stars is that some of it dragged for me. The book is only about 350 pages, but some areas felt a bit repetitive. I understand that we need to hear EVERY SINGLE DETAIL in order to understand this twisted case, but there were times when I was simply tired of hearing it and wanted the author to move on to the case. The actual court aspects only last about 20 pages. I would have loved to see more of that rather than continuous details about this manipulative woman- I got it the first time LOL!
Other than this, A Tangled Web is a solid true crime novel and I enjoyed reading it! As I mentioned, I hope the author writes more because I’ll certainly read them. True crime novels are my kryptonite, and I can’t get enough of them!
I enjoyed this book. It’s always nice to see how a difficult case gets solved often with the most miniscule and fleeting of clues by dedicated law enforcement professionals. As usual, the murderer possesses a twisted personality and cares only for herself.
It was good but not quite as good as her mother’s works.
The author writes similar to her mother. She draws you right in….
Hello my Fellow Book Dragons! Welcome to Tea Time Tuesday..I do apologize for the lateness of the hour, but the Spouse and I had a rather hardy tea with our grandnestlings, something we have not done in months – I am sure some of you will understand completely – and I fell asleep after – bother! I do have a rather fine Gem for you all this evening, too, another reason I was so sleepy. The five flame Gems are keeping me up later and later devouring them. I am gaining weight, but it is well worth it!
Tonight’s Gem is made from the finest crystals, they have been heated at the highest degrees in the deepest recesses of Mt. Doom and spun into the rainbow colored Spider’s Web you see before you. It looks like actual silk, but its not. I must ask you not to touch, it will break if you so much as put a claw on it. I keep it under this observation glass for a reason. Let me tell you it’s story, but first let me tell you it’s maker and name. This is Second Generation Gem Maker Leslie Rule’s “A Tangled Web”.
The Rule name is Royalty in this Cave and so should be familiar to you all. Her mother was Ann Rule. The Queen of True Crime. The Dragon Feeder. The Gem Maker of “The Stranger Beside Me” about her relationship with Serial Killer “Ted Bundy”. Leslie inherited her mother’s genes. She is the Heiress, a Gem Maker and is now a Dragon Feeder, in her own right! But first let me tell you that Leslie is no Jester in a courtroom. Many of the courtroom pictures in her mother’s books were taken by a very young Leslie. So now that we have discussed her pedigree and credentials, let us discuss her talent and her Gem.
I loved this book in every appropriate sense. This is the story of a killer. It is true. This killer used the internet to manipulate many people to her own ends. She was expert at it, but it’s fine, invisible strings and metaphorical webbing to make some people dance like puppets on strings. She kept others at arms length and still kept others as close as you and I are now and could have run a knife straight through them..had she wished… but ahhh…why would she? All the better to control you with, My Dear.
I cannot tell you more without telling you all and you know me, I never spoil a good meal for any of you. And as I said, this one is delicious! This book was tight, well written, clinical in the right spots, warm and caring in them as well. Just like the best true crime I have ever read, most of it by another Dragon Feeder named Rule. Leslie, welcome, we loved having you and want you back time and again…you know.. I believe you have your mother’s smile and her writing!
Book Dragons, this goes on sales today at bookstores everywhere! It comes in Kindle, Audible, Hardback and CD! Get this one, it will keep you one the edge of your tail for quite til the end!
Until tomorrow, when I will post the last question for the April Giveaway, I remain, your humble Book Dragon,
Drakon T. Longwitten
I received this book from Bookish First and #citadelpress. My opinion is my own.
Wow! I was very impressed with the writing of Leslie Rule!!! I have read many books written by her mother Ann Rule, and I must say the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. In A Tangled Web, there is a love triangle that Shanna Golyar, the scorned lover, just can’t accept. She murders her rival, Cari Farver, but her body was never found. Then she keeps the ruse going by impersonating Cari on line where people thought she was still alive. But that isn’t the complete story. There is more to it than just murder. It is written so well! I highly recommend this story and this author. I will definitely be reading more stories written by this author. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book from Bookish First with my undying thanks!
*Bookish First Review*
This year I have decided to read more true crime books and after reading this blurb I wanted to check this book out. The story had a slow start and I felt it focused too much on the little things that weren’t really relevant to the story.
Then as I kept reading the story picked up and I can’t believe this really happened. I didn’t really care for Dave as I read. My heart broke for Nancy as she searched for answers about her daughter.
I know my review is vague but I don’t want to spoil anything for the readers.
This was my first time reading a book by Leslie Rule and it wasn’t a bad read. The story was able to hold my attention. I just felt that the beginning was slow and the last few chapters were sort of rushed. Overall, I wouldn’t be against reading another book by this author.
Following in her famous mother’s footsteps, Leslie Rule deftly explores the strange case of a bizarre love triangle, a cyberstalking impostor, and a terrifying fatal attraction that leads to a deadly obsession.
We expect a tangled tale to have an exquisite twist, and Leslie Rule brings it home. In the tradition of her mother, true crime author Ann Rule, she presents a gripping case of fatal obsession and stolen identity so bizarre it’s hard to believe it’s true. Rule’s first true crime book hits the mark.
The murder was straightforward, but the cover-up was as intricate as the impressive artistry of a garden spider. In A Tangled Web, Leslie Rule artfully weaves the strands of a monstrous net that ultimately ensnared its evil perpetrator. A fascinating, incredible read.
With a journalist’s eye for detail and a storyteller’s compelling voice, Leslie Rule draws readers into the world of a diabolical criminal and her victims. A Tangled Web will leave you with lingering feelings that evil walks among us, in plain sight, even in the idyllic Midwest.
This was an excellent book. Very well written and grabbed your attention. I didn’t realize at first that it was a true story until I started to read. Not what I’m used to reading but I couldn’t put it down. It was about Liz Golyer’s life makes you really think about the people you come in contact with everyday you just never know. I would definitely recommend this book to read very interesting.
I was drawn to this book as an established fan of true crime and especially of Ann Rule. I was exited to see her daughter had written a true crime book. The book was well-written and it was obvious that Leslie Rule had learned so much from her mother’s writing.
This particular book was about a sociopath named Shanna “Liz” Golyar. I had not heard of this case and the book did a very thorough job of not just telling the her story but the background and story of all the main people in the case. Shanna’s actions in trying to cover up her crime were amazing to me- she went to unbelievable depths to cover up her crime and try to keep the man she was after- Dave Kroupa. It was also evident the depths Leslie Rule went to research and present a full telling of the story. If you are a fan of true crime, you will enjoy this book!
This was a true crime story that just blew my mind. The author had A LOT to unpack with this one. Liz spun a web of deception and violence that spanned multiple years and multiple people.
I think Leslie Rule did a great job with the order of the book: she started with Dave, flashed back to Garrett, and picked up with Dave again. I also think, however, that she did a terrible job with utilizing her chapters. One chapter started with a threatening Liz text, a great way to introduce the chapter, but only one. Why not all? Each of the 33 chapters needed either a title or an introductory quote from a Liz text or email. Something!
Also, some of the texts and emails would have been incredible if duplicated right into the book as screen shots. I can’t imagine the author didn’t have the ability to do this.
It seemed like there was no real editing, and I felt like the book was rushed to print.
The story, however, was so riveting that I couldn’t stop reading about this crazy case. This was so reminiscent of Jodi Arias, another case that completely captivated me. Personally, I felt that some of the victims weren’t completely innocent and should know better then to engage in casual sex with dating website strangers, but it doesn’t make this case of cyberstalking and murder any less heinous.
After I read the book, I immediately bought the corresponding “Snapped” episode and was shocked at David’s appearance. He looked nothing like the serial dating lothario I pictured.
I recommend this book to fans of “Dateline” and “Snapped “. It’s a riveting true crime novel.
As a fan of the genre, I was already drawn in by the synopsis and eye-catching cover. But, that the author is the protégé and daughter of renowned true-crime writer Ann Rule made this book a must-read. I am a fan of Ann and have read several of her books(and watched their TV movie adaptations) and own many more. I appreciated the inclusion of the preface. It was fascinating to learn how the author started as a photographer/research assistant for her mother, joining her at criminal trials at a very young age.
A love triangle culminates in a crime of passion. Sounds routine and predictable. But, as the apt title suggests, this was anything but an open-an-shut case for the investigators and lawyers who devoted countless hours working it.
Dave Kroupa, attractive single dad looking for commitment-free romance, signed up as a member on Plenty of Fish, an online dating service. He was upfront, not wanting to mislead anyone. Despite his best intentions, sometimes feelings were hurt. Most women got over it, didn’t persist, and moved on. One didn’t. Dave would live to regret connecting with her.
Although based on true events, this book reads like a compelling thriller. The story, the characters, the settings, the sequence of events are all depicted in vivid detail. I only wish photos were included. I would have liked to put faces to names(without having to Google them). But, it’s entirely possible that photos will be included in the final edition(mine was a print ARC). I guessed the perpetrator early on. But that did not lessen my enjoyment of the book. Still, I was captivated and confounded. How did he/she escape punishment for so long? (less)
BOOK REVIEW
A Tangled Web by Leslie Rule
Pub Date- April 28, 2020
304 pages
-DESCRIPTION-
A true crime drama about murderer and cyber toturerer, Shanna (Liz) Goylar. Dave meets Liz. Liz becomes obsessed with Dave. Dave meets Cari. Cari goes missing.
-THOUGHTS-
On the cusp of catfishing, this murder takes place. What Shanna put these people through with her emails and text messages is mind boggling. The writing was a little detached. It was hard really understanding what Cari’s family was going through. Overall, it’s an ok true crime book. There were really not big revaluations. It was all pretty predictable.
-RATING-
3/5 stars
Not for me, but I can understand why others enjoy it.
-SIMILAR RECOMMENDED READS-
If You Tell (true crime)
The Sound of Gravel (memoir)
Sadie (young adult)
A TANGLED WEB
By Leslie Rule
I was so pleasantly surprised upon reading the preface that this was a true crime novel. I have forever loved reading true crime and read one of my favorite Author’s books whenever she had a new book out. That person was Ann Rule, I still didn’t make the connection seeing the name on the cover and was so excited to discover the Leslie is Ann’s daughter and this is her first book in her mom’s true crime fashion but far from her first rodeo. She is as knowledgeable as her mother was and I felt as if I was reading a book by her mom & that’s the highest compliment you can give.
This story didn’t miss a beat nor detail. Everything was laid out perfectly and only revealed at the times you needed to know them. It’s a definite thriller that will keep you looking over your shoulder, send chills down your spine and make your heart skip a beat.
Shanna “Liz” Goylar was an obsessive, controlling and unrelenting stalker in almost every relationship she had been in. But nothing compares to when she meets a man, Dave Kroupa on the dating website, PLENTY OF FISH. She goes beyond stalker to the ultimate manipulator and fools everyone and uses them to get away and cover up all of her mischievous deeds.
While Liz and and Dave do not have an exclusive relationship, he also meets and dates Cari Lea Farver who after two weeks, vanishes never to be seen again. But that’s where the startling events begin to occur.
Soon everyone is being stalked, threatened or vandalized. The story that ensues is sometimes hard to wrap your head around because you hope to God it isn’t true. But then you remember you are reading a Rule Real Crime story.
Thank you in advance to the publisher, Citadel Press/Kensington Books, and BookishFirst for providing an advanced review copy. A positive review was not required. All words and thoughts are my own.
This is the first novel by Leslie Rule I’ve read, but I have been a fan of her mother Ann Rule for YEARS! Ann Rule is often dubbed the QUEEN of True Crime. And, with the tons of books to her credit – along with her writing – it is easy to see why.
I have the following books by Ann Rule:
** The Stranger Beside Me (Ted Bundy; portrayed by Mark Harmon in “The Deliberate Stranger)
** If You Really Loved Me (David Brown case featured in “Love, Lies, and Murder starring Clancy Brown as David Brown) – some of Leslie’s photos appear in this book. The photos are of the prosecutor and detectives; Brown; his daughter Cinnamon who was accused of killing his wife Linda; and Linda’s sister Patti
** And, Never Let Her Go (Thomas Capano, movie of the same name starring Mark Harmon as Capano; also featured Paul Michael Glaser)
This book was another one that as SOON as I saw it on BookishFirst’s website, I HAD to grab it. Ann Rule passed away 2015, and most of her fans (including myself) wanted someone to come along and continue what she started. After all, there are definitely a lot of cases out there to choose from.
Leslie was reluctant (as is evidenced in the PREFACE of this book) to step into what she considered her mother’s domain, despite being a part of it form a young age.
However, daughter and photographer Leslie Rule does just that in this book – she steps right into this domain. And, she does so with the same style as her mother. I enjoyed that she shared her history in the PREFACE for readers who might not be familiar with her, or her work. It was a great introduction into this sordid tale. She seems like a natural and comfortable fit with this genre.
As I received an UNCORRECTED Advanced Reader’s Edition, there might have been some minor typos and errors. So, I can’t really compare what I read to the finished version. I would definitely caution those who have received advance copies from making harsh judgments regarding typos or grammatical errors.
The case of Shanna Elizabeth “Liz” Golyar far exceeds the term disturbing. Diabolical doesn’t come close. Sadistic, twisted, evil are words closer to describing what Golyar did for over three (3) years. And, her motive was weak – a man. Particularly David Kroupa.
Even researching the case online doesn’t come close to what Rule uncovers and presents in this well-written, well-researched, and dramatic book.
The methodology of stalking has come a long way since the time Ann Rule wrote her first book. More so since the days of Ted Bundy. Even more disturbing are the various ways that predators manipulate and twist the facts. Thomas Capano and David Brown stand as warnings even before the internet was in use as commonplace as it is.
Today we have email; dating apps; and social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. It would be disturbing if Bundy, Capano, Brown and the like were to have had access to what Golyar did between 2012-2016.
The Golyar case wasn’t just about a jealous woman and murder. It was about a vindictive attitude as well. The case involved murder; a twisted virtual identity theft; kidnapping; cyber stalking; a shooting; arson; vandalism; texts and emails with venomous and violent language directed at her enemies.
From November 2012 and for over three (3) years, Golyar impersonated her victim, Cari Lea Farver. A woman who had gone missing leaving behind a sick father, her teenage son, a good family, and a job she enjoyed. Yet, one day she apparently up and leaves it all? It didn’t make sense.
For three years no one had seen Farver or heard her voice. Yet those closest to her were getting disturbing texts from her. Or, someone claiming to be her. Those who knew Farver knew she was incapable of what Golyar was trying to frame her with.
Golyar’s three (3) year escapade into the world of cyber stalking, harassment, and vindictive behavior would, in retrospect, have certainly been a red-flag. However because there were two different police departments involved, it’d take some time before everything was connected – the alleged stalking and the disappearance.
Those who knew Golyar believed her, despite her less than reputable (and sometimes less than stable) status; particularly David Kroupa. He had been one of the last few to have seen Cari alive that November day. He’d seen her in his apartment as he headed off to work.
The chain of events that transpired that day would set in stage what would be a three (3) year nightmare for him, his ex-girlfriend (the mother of his kids), and Cari’s family. He wouldn’t know the reality behind it. And, he wouldn’t know how truly innocent Cari was. All he would know for years is how much he came to despise Cari.
It would, as it seemed, take a miracle before any authorities realized how conniving, duplicitous, and deceitful Golyar was. She even went as far as to shoot herself to substantiate a stalker claim against someone else. And, also it would be years before those around Golyar suspected anything was amiss.
Rule takes readers through the initial stages of how everyone met as well as the investigations – both of them: the stalking and Cari’s disappearance. How, over three (3) long years Golyar was able to fool everyone, including the police. The author accurately and realistically expresses the frustration Farver’s mother and family felt at “knowing” something was wrong, but being dismissed.
Rule takes an unbiased approach making sure the facts and the investigators are never in doubt nor should some be shamed for not seeing what Golyar was doing or that Cari was in danger.
Rule also tackles the safety of social media, in addition to advances in dating – particularly with online sites and apps.
Rule has done her homework with the case files, interviewing those involved (those who wanted to cooperate), as well as the background into Golyar’s past. One that even now seems so tangled and convoluted.
But, once it was cracked open, even Golyar didn’t know the police were now playing her. And, she would (even at trial) deny her actions or involvement.
This tale is appropriately titled – “A Tangled Web”. Not only due to Golyar’s spider-like, predatory practices; but because of the connection to the World Wide “Web”.
While there is a lot of focus on background and the investigation, there is little on the trial. Probably because Golyar didn’t have a defense at all. She even went as far as to agree to a bench trial.
This is an intriguing look inside the case and makes one pause before “friending” someone on Facebook; or agreeing to a date on a dating app.
It’s honestly hard to say that something like this is an enjoyable read. It would suggest that I enjoy the “circumstances” surrounding the story (hence the 4 star rating).
It was an educational, informative, and disturbing read.
I have NO DOUBT that Leslie Rule will make a great successor to her mother Ann Rule in the TRUE CRIME genre. I would definitely read another TRUE CRIME book by Leslie Rule.
I like true crime. I like books where I get into the kind of a criminal or even the victim as morbid as that sounds. My mom is constantly watching ID and I absolutely love true crime.
When I found out this was her first true crime story, I was genuinely shocked, it was really good! The preface had nothing to do with the story, except an explanation on why the story came to be, and from there I was hooked!
What a rollercoaster! I loved every second, it’s been awhile since I read a book as fast as I read A Tangled Web! We all hear of online dating nightmares, and it was so different to read through one of those dating nightmares, kind of knowing what was going to happen, and still just sitting there for hours after it was over.
All in all, a very solid read!