Final Vows: Murder, Madness, and Twisted Justice in California

by Karen Kingsbury

A New York Times-bestselling author and former Los Angeles Times reporter chronicles the marriage between a Christian woman and an ex-con that ends in murder.

When Carol Montecalvo began writing to a man in prison through a program at her church, she considered it her Christian duty. But the letters soon became her lifeline, something she actually looked forward to sending and receiving. She fell in love with the...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0795300131
• ISBN13: 9780795300134
• Release Date: November 2022
• Publisher: Open Road Integrated Media LLC
• Length: 268 Pages
• Weight: 0.65 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 6.0" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

Worth the price!

I found that Karen Kingsbury did as good a job as Ann Rule in writing this genre. It was interesting! Of the two books I have read, there are three available; I didn’t become emotionally invested as The Snake and the Spider. It’s a must read!

Will anyone truly know???

Kingsbury did a thorough job of writing this account with all its many details and convictions. However, the ending does leave us hanging on a limb as to who is telling the true account of what really happened on that fateful night. Dan Montecalvo did die in prison due to sepsis. I have read 3 of 4 of Kingsbury's true crime books. The facts seem to all be within these pages but the outside accounts can't be discounted. Will his last wife find a way to prove his innocence or will anyone truly know?

True Drama, Terrible Tragedy, & Total Mystery all in one!

Karen Kingsbury manages to do what all addicts of the true crime genre look for--the ability to get inside the psyche of the principals in the case, and pull you in, as if you are right there. Murder victim Carol Montecalvo came through loud and clear as SPECIAL. She was a woman who unconditionally loved her fellow man, and never hesitated to reach out, even when it was to her own detriment. The world lost an everyday hero and inspiration for all around her the day Carol was tragically murdered. I found myself wishing that something could have happened differently, to allow Carol to get on the plane for Hawaii and enjoy the vacation she worked so hard to make happen. Since you can't rewrite the past, though, she was killed the night before that much anticipated trip. As much as I found myself admiring Carol's caliber and mourning her loss, I realized I felt equally as strongly about her husband--only in the exact opposite way. Despite Carol's obvious effort to rally round this guy, support him in good times and bad, and create a much better public image and renewed chance for a good life than he ever deserved, Dan "rewarded" her for this devotion by engaging in behavior that rocked the foundation of their marriage. Dan drinked and gambled their scant resources away, he visited prostitutes, he couldn't be bothered to do even the simplest kindness, like escorting his wife to a friend's wedding. While she worked her fingers to the bone, and gave him the gift of pure love from a woman of character, he made her miserable. For that alone, I think he is right where he should be--in prison for life! The actual reason he is officially there, though, is for being found guilty of her murder, a conclusion that is very doubtful to me, given the fact that a suspect down the street was more convincing to me as the actual culprit. At the end of the book you are left wondering if the wrong man was convicted (so fascinating was this mystery to me, that I've reread the book many times trying to figure it out in my own mind). Despite that, you also feel guilty realizing that you don't CARE if he didn't do it--the way he treated his wife is enough to make you understand how all involved in the case never lost much sleep over the outcome. In fact, I bet detectives Arnspiger, etc. feel pretty good about the outcome, as well they should. A guy like Dan shouldn't be among us! Thanks, Ms. Kingsbury for a thoroughly researched, brilliantly written, compelling look at a case I doubt I will ever forget. If someone had to tell Carol's story, I am glad it was someone like you who gave her the tribute she deserved.

Life's value is appreciated more from those who knew her.

It's difficult to consider this an actual book review. For me, it was a horor story. I knew the victim. I attended school with her, went to the same classes, participated in after school activities and looked up to her. She was the girl many of us wished we could be. Loved by many. Successful in anything she attempted. Always taking time out to share a smile with a classmate and never a bad word to say about anyone. She would find time to listen when others could care less. The book picks up at a time when many of us who knew and loved her lost track of her location. Few of us knew of her misfortune with her first marriage and how lonely she must have felt. How sad when she made so many others feel special; in the way only she knew how to do. And then for her to be used and taken advantage of by yet another human being who dared to profess love to her. The author conveys the loneliness of this beautiful person and the pain she held deep within her soul. Many of her classmates, including myself, are curious about the outcome of the suspect. As New Yorkers we are not familar with California law. Is there anyway to check on his status? We loved her and want anyone who reads this book to know she will never be forgotten. Please continue similar stories so other women never meet with the same unfortunate end. Our friend was a special person who deserved all the best life had to offer.