The Meaning of Malice: On the Trail of the Black Widow of Highland Park

A true story of sex, blackmail, identity theft, and murder in Dallas high society. Sandra Bridewell was a beautiful socialite in the affluent Dallas suburb of Highland Park in 1978-82, when DALLAS was the world's most popular TV show and the Dallas Cowboys were America's favorite team. Her husband, Bobby Bridewell, was a top hotel developer and the most popular man in Dallas society. Shortly after Bobby died of lymphoma in 1982, Sandra fell from grace. Four years later, she left Dallas and moved to the Bay Area under a cloud of suspicion that she had committed multiple murders. In 1987 she was the subject of a sensational D Magazine feature titled "The Black Widow" that suggested she had indeed murdered two of her husbands and the wife of the prominent cancer doctor who had treated Bobby Bridewell. Best-selling crime author John Leake has followed the story since the D Magazine feature was published. He grew up in Highland Park, just down the street from Sandra, and often visited her home to socialize with one of her children. Since 2007, when Sandra was arrested for stealing the identity of an elderly lady who lived near Cape Fear, North Carolina, he has documented her life and wanderings. He has also meticulously investigated four violent deaths among her family and friends in Dallas. With this book, he presents the results of his investigation, and finally answers the question that has tantalized Highland Park society for decades. Is Sandra Bridewell an officially undetected Black Widow serial killer? Read more