Tainted Roses: A True Story of Murder, Mystery, and a Dangerous Love

By Margie Danielsen

Book Overview

Prince Charming Margie Danielsen, a divorcee and mother of three, had fantasies of finding the perfect man. Then one night, in a smoky country and western club, she found him. Sean Paul Lanier was charming, handsome, and kind-everything Margie had dreamed of. A romance-with reservations Soon after, their whirlwind romance took flight. Sean showered Margie with flowers, jewelry, expensive gifts, and his intense-sometimes scary-devotion. And just months after their courtship began, she agreed to marry man. A nightmare marriage But the honeymoon was soon over. One day Margie turned the TV on to "America's Most Wanted "and saw the face of her husband, whose real name was Paul Mack-a fugitive with a lengthy arrest record who was now wanted...for rape and murder. "America's Most Wanted" In "Tainted Roses, "Margie Danielsen tells her harrowing story in riveting, detail-from her courtship with Mack to her shocking discovery; from her brave trip to the police station to turn in her husband, to its terrifying aftermath...

• Format: Mass Market Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0312976852
• ISBN13: 9780312976859
• Release Date: November 2000
• Publisher: St. Martin's True Crime
• Length: 304 Pages
• Weight: 0.40 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 4.2" x 6.8"

Customer Reviews

"Great Read"

" Great True Story " In reading this book, I was amazed in all the steps she took to get this murderer caught all the time not knowing that this man was a murderer. Not many of us would have the courage or gone to the extent that she did. I say it is a great lesson in listening to your instincts. This could happen to any one. Just ask Amber Frey !!!

The anti-dating true crime book.

Here is the true story of the ideal man and marriage gone wrong. Margie Danielsen was a divorced mother of three. When she met Sean Paul Lanier in July, she began a whirlwind courtship that brought her romantic fantasies to life. He was everything that she had dreamed of in a man. In November, he presented her with a sapphire and diamond "promise" ring. They were married on Valentine's Day.Things were going fine until Margie's best friend called six weeks later to say that Sean Paul was on television in a show called America's Most Wanted. But they said his name was Paul Steven Mack. He was being sought for the 19 February, 1987 rape and murder of Karen Winslett. He was also under investigation in connection with the disappearance and murder of his secretary, Annette Huddle. The nineteen-year-old had disappeared on 8 July. She was found floating in the river on 11 July. This book will keep you on the edge of your seat. It is extremely well written. I highly recommend. It will make any single woman stop and carefully evaluate her life before going out on a date!

Tainted Roses

Margie Danielsen, a divorced mother of three, met the man of her dreams. He was loving, considerate, handsome, and had a good job. He made friends with her daughters and he gave her roses. Although Danielsen sometimes had feelings that the man wasn't as perfect as he seemed, she succumbed to his charms anyway. Tainted Roses: A True Story of Murder, Mystery and Dangerous Love is the story of how Danielsen learned that the man she fell in love with and married was a dangerous killer. After she recognized her new husband on TV's "America's Most Wanted," Danielsen hired a private detective. Little by little, the detective and Danielsen uncovered the shocking truth about her husband and began untangling his cunning web of lies. The man she knew as Sean Paul Lanier was really someone named Paul Mack, who had a long history of fraud and violence, and was wanted for rape and murder. He'd also been married seven times before. As pressure against Lanier/Mack intensified, he threatened Danielsen and her children, at one point having friends of his kidnap the children overnight. He also drugged and raped Danielsen. Despite the danger, she helped the police trap and capture him. Although Lanier/Mack repeatedly called Danielsen from jail, and had his friends stalk her, she testified against him at his trial. The police department has praised her courage in helping bring her former husband to justice. Danielsen describes how she fell in love with Lanier/Mack, and the emotional and financial struggle it took to free herself. She now works with other women, helping them find the strength to leave dangerous relationships. Because of continuing threats, she lives in an undisclosed location. Tainted Roses is full of suspense, as Danielsen fights to save herself and her children. It's also the story of how one woman learned to trust herself and her instincts, growing and empowering herself in the process.

I was his fiancee

I met Paul in 1975 and was engaged to him. I almost fell over when I saw him on Current Affair. He was featured as the story. I too like Margie was struck by his charm and good looks. I however did not marry him. I was 23at the time and living at home still. I let him talk me into moving in with him and I moved out in the middle of the night. It was very evident to me that this man was not someone I would want to spend the rest of my life with. I could not believe that there were such striking similarities in how he treated me and how he was with Margie.He came after me with a knife on one occasion. He also told me his son died. Maybe she should have advertised for women who knew him as I am sure there must be a host of others.

Tainted Roses

"Tainted Roses" was a page turning book that I just couldn't put down, especially knowing that it is a true story. I felt every emotion the writer was feeling. I admire this woman's courage to find the truth and put this man away. Another woman might not have been so lucky, as shown with his victims. This is a great warning for people who are dating, to be more careful and cautious when meeting someone new. This book shows that it can happen to anyone and it does and has. I am glad this man is put away so he won't hurt anyone else, and I'm impressed Margie Danielsen had the courage and strength to put him behind bars. It was an exciting read, and an experience I hope no one else has to go through. I believe this book could save someone's life. I hope Ms.Danielsen has great success. She certainly deserves it.