This Friday afternoon we’ll depart from the usual. Instead, I’d like to share a real-life crime book, “A Cold-Blooded Business: Love, Adultery, and Murder in a Small Kansas Town”, written by MainStreet contributor Marek Fuchs.

It does, however, have a tangential connection to personal finance. No, not Marek’s previous life as a stockbroker. Nor is it the fact that one of the murderers held a series of high-level corporate positions. (After all, aren’t we all wondering about the honesty and intentions associated with the bailout money?)

The connection between true crime and personal finance is this: two kinds of potential victims. In personal finance the victims are frequently, but not exclusively, self-made — through poor choices, poor attitudes, or poor planning. Crime victims are another story all together….

This story starts in a small Kansas town. A man named David Harmon trusts his spouse and best friend. What begins very innocently leads to a brutal murder. Worse, the two killers walk free for over twenty years. During these years the killers enjoy privileged lifestyles. One moves up the corporate ladder and into one of the toniest Manhattan suburbs — pleading innocence to the very end.

How could this happen? Why were these criminals protected, and who protected them? Will they be appropriately punished? You’re seeing the similarities here between this story and current events, aren’t you?

If you crave the sensational or desire a weekend page-turner, look no further than this book. You may still be waiting to see how criminal behavior in the financial markets might be reprimanded. But here you have a close and personal account of miscarried justice and horrific murder.

Here’s the video.

I love to read and summer seems to be a peak time for people to allocate some of their own time to relaxing on the beach and reading a good book. The problem? Buying books all the time can get pricey!

Here are a few suggestions to save on your summer reading list:

LIBRARY – I loved buying my own books, but recently the library just seems more economically efficient. I go through about 2 books a week, if I bought all of these books it could at up to over $20 per week. I decided there were other things I would rather spend my money on. Also, I realize that once I have read a book, unless I absolutely love it, I never read it again and it just sits around. Sure you can re-sell some of your books, but you lose a significant amount of money…especially on paperbacks. The library is also a great place to get current magazines and newspapers. This will fit into your budget too! Both of these monthly or yearly subscriptions can be expensive so you can save by picking them up at the library instead. If you are not satisfied with the amount of books in your town, you can get a guest pass if you know someone with a better library than your own.

BORROW – Some people don’t like library books. They have been handled by so many people and often times may be falling apart. Another great way to get “free” books is to borrow them from a friend. Ask around! Often times many of your friends may have purchased books that you haven’t and won’t mind loaning them to you. They may also have suggestions on other great books. Return the favor and you can create a never-ending supply of books from your friends.

USED BOOK STORE – If you still feel like you need to purchase your own books, go to a used book store! I visited one close to my house this week and was (1) surprised by the amount of books they had and (2) astonished by the price of the books! Many times, the more books you buy at a used book store, the less they cost you. They also won’t buy book from people that are in poor condition, have cigarette burns, or have that old basement smell. This means that many of the books you get are in great condition and have only been opened once or twice (some have never even been read!). My mother bought 2 hardcover James Patterson books for only $3 and they look brand new!

BARGAIN BOOKS – Okay, after you’ve read through all the other options, if you still feel as though you need to own a brand new book, check out bargain books that are offered at most bookstores. These stores offer brand new books for a fairly cheap price (usually around $5 or less depending on the book…obviously some might be more expensive). Although this is not as cheap as a used bookstore, you have the peace of mind knowing your books have never been used.

REVIEW BOOKS. If you keep a blog you might be eligible to review books that are of interest. Simply contact your publisher and ask. You never know, and, occasionally you can score free books before they’re released the to general public.

Enjoy your next book!
Photo: Andrea Church