Citizen Jane The True Story Of A Crusader For Justice [Paperback]

 

 

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Unfortunately, in itself, Jane Alexander's victimization by Tom O'Donnell is not unusual; unique, however, is Jane's consistent fight to put O'Donnell in jail and to assist other victims of homicide.
Jane, the quintessential bourgouis, stay-at-home mom, knew Tom for decades through her deceased banker husband. With the exception of his allusions to having been a diamond smuggler, Tom seemed exceptional only in his high intellect and social graces. You can almost hear Jane describing Tom, "He seemed so nice." He certainly treated Jane with love and attention, certainly not interested in her because of her money. After all, Tom was financially solvent, backed by a Swiss trust. While cliche, it bears repeating: Tom gave few signs that he was anything but what he appeared, an aging, friendly, handsome bachelor. Responding to his charm, Jane lived with him for years. And, sadly to say, nothing seemed out of the ordinary.
Disrupting their otherwise mundane, but enjoyable life, Jane's aunt was murdered. A mystery-reading, petite, affable and dangerously wealthy woman of 88 years, she died a violent death. Figuring that the motive was financial, the police pressured Jane and Tom in their search for the killers. Meanwhile, Tom was conducting covert financial thievery with Jane's money. Afraid that the police scrutiny into the murder would illuminate his dirty dealing, Tom fled. Its precisely at this point that the book gets interesting. Please read it yourself to see the end. (One hint: Tom's arrogance and claims to belonging to the underworld of South African diamond dealers is somewhere between nauseating and unbelievable).
Through her ordeal, Jane gained initiation into the one club that no of us wants to be in: victims of major, violent crime. Stubborn and defiant, Jane fights back. For those outside of the this painful club, Jane's experience illuminates problems in gender relations, police research and the judicial process.
For survivors, Jane's battle to regain control over her life is equally, albeit differently, illuminating. Jane's crime was that of trusting another person so deeply that she stopped taking care of herself independently. Tom managed her finances, her heart and, to some degree, her life. She committed the one sin that most of us already traumatized by such violence know to avoid: Never make another person responsible for your livelihood
The crux of this book, however, is that while the story may seem straigtforward, even commonplace, Jane's experience was anything but simple. I desperately want to believe that she caused her own fate. Who wants to live in a world of Toms - outwardly normal and inwardly pathological? Yet, I could not let this book go with just one more "blame the victim" analysis.
The problem is that Jane could be any of us - male or female. She trusted someone who had proven trustworthy, not for a few months, but for decades. Emotionally healthy people trust others. As testament to her sound judgement, Jane trusted Tom. In acting in a psychologically healthy manner, ironically, Jane helped Tom to destroy her life. If only she had been a bit more paranoid, Jane could have spent her money with therapists instead of on Tom.
Ultimately, what makes Jane so special is that rather than feeling sorry for herself, she fights Tom and, ultimately, enjoys satisfaction. I guess, after all, Jane is more survivor than victim. And, Tom, he's just a run-of-the-mill loser.

Most true crime stories have no hero or heroine. This one outdoes all its competitors: Jane Alexander is the most extraordinary crusader. A conservative grandmother living in Marin County, California, she is called to battle when her aunt is murdered and she must fight not only to capture and convict the killer, but to get a lethargic justice system to do its job. An absolutely riveting, unforgettable tale, I discovered the book when 48 Hours did a complete installment just on Jane Alexander. I'm not a true crime fan, but this one I could not put down. Bravo to the subject and writers...Steve, Los Angeles, CA.

Brilliantly deliverd by author James Dalessandro and contributor David Mehnert. A book written with passion, mystery, truth and justice was done. "Citizen Jane" is a book that you just keep reading - can't put it down, so I went online looking for other books by James Dalessandro. Bought,"Bohemian Heart". It will be delivered in a few days. Can't wait to read it!

"1906, the San Francisco Earthquake" saga will be in the stores soon. Watch for a movie by this great author.

Mary L. Bates

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5.0 out of 5 stars No Ordinary Citizen
This thoroughly-researched and carefully-planned expose of a heinous crime and one victim's journey from woman-in-denial to crusader is a fascinating and speedy read. Read more

Published on Feb 16 2000 by george figueroa

5.0 out of 5 stars Citizen Jane
An excellent read! David Mehnert is a masterful writer, I could not put the book down. The story is compelling and filled with suspence. Read more

Published on Feb 15 2000 by Bill Baskin

3.0 out of 5 stars just "okay"
I thought this book was just "okay." I read a lot of true crime and enjoy stories that delve into the personalities of the people involved. Read more

Published on Dec 11 1999

5.0 out of 5 stars A Gripping Story of Courage.. Brilliantly Delivered!
Having read many True Crime novels over the years, I must hail this piece of work by author James Dalessandro and contributor David Mehnert as being one of the finest yet. Read more

Published on Nov 23 1999

5.0 out of 5 stars She fought the law, and she won!
I could not put this book down! Jane Alexander is everyone's hero and the authors did a terrifc job writing her story.

I can't wait to see the Movie of the Week. Read more

Published on Nov 18 1999

5.0 out of 5 stars She fought the law, and she won!
I could not put this book down! Jane Alexander is everyone's hero and the authors did a terrifc job writing her story.

I can't wait to see the Movie of the Week. Read more

Published on Nov 18 1999

5.0 out of 5 stars A Gripping Story of Courage.. Brilliantly Delivered!
Having read many True Crime novels over the years, I must hail this piece of work by author James Dalessandro and contributor David Mehnert as being one of the finest yet. Read more

Published on Nov 14 1999 by Denise Hansen

5.0 out of 5 stars Stop looking for Role Models, Jane Alexander is Inspiring.
In a world looking for heroes, they need to look no further than 'Citizen Jane'. When you think you are up against all odds, take a look at what an elderly grandmother can do... Read more

Published on Nov 3 1999 by Timothy K. McDowell (timothymc...

5.0 out of 5 stars The best true crime book of the year!
CITIZEN JANE hits the ground running and sprints all the way to the last page. An absolute page-turner, I found it painful to put down. Read more

Published on Nov 3 1999 by Ramon Gonzalez (ramonmg@earthl...

5.0 out of 5 stars Correction for yesterday's review
My mother and I both wrote reviews for Citizen Jane. We both read the book and loved it. She used my email address bbolanos1@earthlink.net. Read more

Published on Oct 28 1999

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