Evidence of Love

A True Story of Passion and Death in the Suburbs

By: John Bloom, Jim Atkinson

Narrated by: Charles Constant

Candy Montgomery and Betty Gore had a lot in common: They sang together in the Methodist church choir, their daughters were best friends, and their husbands had good jobs working for technology companies in the North Dallas suburbs known as Silicon Prairie. But beneath the placid surface of their seemingly perfect lives, both women simmered with unspoken frustrations and unanswered desires.

On a hot summer day in 1980, the secret passions and jealousies that linked Candy and Betty exploded into murderous rage. What happened next is usually the stuff of fiction. But the bizarre and terrible act of violence that occurred in Betty's utility room that morning was all too real.

Based on exclusive interviews with the Montgomery and Gore families, Evidence of Love is the riveting account of a gruesome tragedy and the trial that made national headlines when the defendant entered the most unexpected of pleas: not guilty by reason of self-defense (Fort Worth Star-Telegram).

Adapted into the Emmy and Golden Globe Award-winning television movie A Killing in a Small Town, this chilling tale of sin and savagery will "fascinate true crime aficionados" (Kirkus Reviews).

©1983 John Bloom and James R. Atkinson (P)2019 Tantor

Critic reviews

"An extraordinary book.... As compelling as the best fiction and as thorough as the best history." (Dallas Times Herald)

Could not stop listening. Great story!

I actually grew up in this area of Texas and had never heard of this case! The story kept me on the edge of my seat wanting to know what would happen. Well written and narrated. 5 stars for sure!

so intriguing

the way the writer introduces the characters is amazing. The narrator really brought this book to life for me though.

Well told

I really liked the style of how this book was written. I’m not sure that everybody would agree with me, but I felt like the way the book was ordered as far as sequence of events was done very well. I’m not always a fan of skipping back-and-forth, but I thought in this case it made sense, and added to the telling of what happened.

Hate jury verdict.

Incredible book, extremely disappointing ending. Made me furious to hear the end. Still one of the best written books I’ve read.

watched show first then listened þook

Movie was good Called Candy Liked book better more in depth. Definitely would recommend.