If You Only Knew

by M. William Phelps

"Phelps is the Harlan Coben of real-life thrillers." --Allison Brennan

"Anything by Phelps is an eye-opening experience." -- Suspense Magazine

When Vonlee "Nicole" Titlow and her aunt, Billie Jean Rogers, came home from a night of gambling in a casino near Detroit, they told police they found Billie's husband unconscious on the floor of the Rogers' mansion. Just another of his alcoholic benders , they assumed. But this time, Donald Rogers didn't wake up.

The investigation would reveal the sordid story behind the death of a self-made millionaire--including transgender adventures in Chicago and Denver, a tangled web of dueling addictions, a mind-boggling history of out-of-control spending, and how a sex change operation may have fueled a motive for murder. Renowned investigative journalist M. William Phelps exposes the riveting details behind one of the most astonishing real-life thrillers to date.

"Phelps is a true-crime veteran." -- New York Post

"Phelps dares to tread where few others into the mind of a killer." -- TV Rage

"Phelps is the king of true crime." --Lynda Hirsch, Creators Syndicate columnist

Includes 16 Pages Of Dramatic Photos

Genres: True Crime, Nonfiction, Audiobook, Crime, Biography

480 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published July 26, 2016

About the author

Crime, murder and serial killer expert, creator/producer/writer and former host of the Investigation Discovery series DARK MINDS, acclaimed, award-winning investigative journalist M. William Phelps is the New York Times best-selling author of 30 books and winner of the 2013 Excellence in (Investigative) Journalism Award and the 2008 New England Book Festival Award. A highly sought-after pundit, Phelps has made over 100 media-related television appearances: Early Show, The Today Show, The View, Fox & Friends, truTV, Discovery Channel, Fox News Channel, Good Morning America, TLC, BIO, History, Oxygen, OWN, on top of over 100 additional media appearances: USA Radio Network, Catholic Radio, Mancow, Wall Street Journal Radio, Zac Daniel, Ave Maria Radio, Catholic Channel, EWTN Radio, ABC News Radio, and many more.

Phelps is also a member of the Multidisciplinary Collaborative on Sexual Crime and Violence (MCSCV), also known as the Atypical Homicide Research Group (AHRG) at Northeastern University, maintained by NU alumni Enzo Yaksic.

Phelps is one of the regular and recurring experts frequently appearing on two long-running series, Deadly Women and Snapped. Radio America calls Phelps “the nation’s leading authority on the mind of the female murderer,” and TV Rage says, “M. William Phelps dares to tread where few others will: into the mind of a killer.” A respected journalist, beyond his book writing Phelps has written for numerous publications—including the Providence Journal, Connecticut Magazine and Hartford Courant—and consulted on the first season of the hit Showtime cable television series Dexter.

Phelps grew up in East Hartford, CT, moved to Vernon, CT, at age 12, where he lived for 25 years. He now lives in a reclusive Connecticut farming community north of Hartford.

Beyond crime, Phelps has also written several history books, including the acclaimed, New York Times bestselling NATHAN HALE: The Life and Death of America’s First Spy, THE DEVIL’S ROOMING HOUSE, THE DEVIL’S RIGHT HAND, MURDER, NEW ENGLAND, and more.

Reviews

[Misty Marie Harms · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am struggling with this one. There wasn't much on the crime, but more courtroom information and partying. Billie Jean Rogers is a greedy human being. She killed her husband, so she could gamble at her leisure without having to answer to anyone. Phelps wanted us to feel sorry for Vonlee "Nicole" Titlow, but I just couldn't. Nicole was a madam. She was not some naive woman wet behind the ears. I found it hard to believe she couldn't stick up for herself. As transgender, Nicole would have developed serious life skills to survive out in the world. Billie got exactly what she deserved.

[Elle G. Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Release Date: July 26, 2016
Genre: True Crime

:: 4.5 Pretty Little Stars ::
M. William Phelps writes true crime with precision and care. He gives readers an honest look at the crimes through the victims and their families eyes, riveting us all the way through. Anytime he writes something I am sure to pick it up because I know the quality of work will be great and I know I will become glued to the pages until the very end. This one in particular is really great. Having never heard of this crime before, I was glad to dive right in and I wasn't disappointed at all. I felt like I really got to know all of the lives that were affected by the crime and I felt like I was there with the detectives as they were putting together the puzzle of what happened. With that being said, I highly recommend this book (and others by the author) for those who enjoy reading true crime novels. In all honestly, this one was riveting, interesting, and it captured me all the way through.

[BAM doesn’t answer to her real name · Rating 3 out of 5]

True Crime Commemoration # 29
Setting: Detroit 2000s

[Dixie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'll admit, the last couple books of M. Williams Phelps were not my favorites, and I read all of his true crime...but this one was significantly better. Certainly, it was a unique case with interesting characters. I felt more empathy for Vonlee than I thought I would, as I believe she was used by several people, and left holding the bag. The character of Don (the victim) wasn't fleshed out as much as it could have been, and there was a fair amount of courtroom dialogue. But all in all, I thought it was a very interesting case and it was good to read another good book from this author.

[Ronnie Cramer · Rating 2 out of 5]

M. William Phelps has written a lot of really good books, and a number of so-so books; I'd put this one among the latter. There isn't much of a murder case to begin with, and the book is long and repetitive. One of the principals is a trans-sexual (and former call girl to boot), and the author seems to rely on the salacious details of his/her life to hold the reader's interest.

[Marsmannix · Rating 2 out of 5]

Usually M. William Phelps knocks it out of the park, but i feel like he chose this one for the novelty of the transgender angle.
This book could probably been about half the length it is, and i feel weak true crime book is indicated by loooooooooooong lengths of courtroom dialogue. This is one of those books.

a light read, entertaining enough.

[Gege Frater · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not as exciting as I imagined

I was disappointed that this book seemed to run on and on until the end

[Koren · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I started this book I thought it was going to be the usual wife-kills-husband-for-the-money story, but this story has many twists and turns, the biggest one being the transgender angle. The author does an excellent job of getting inside the head of the criminal, VonLee Titlow. In case the following is a spoiler I'll scroll down a bit....




One thing I found interesting and never considered, does a transgender male living life as a woman go to a men's prison or a woman's? There are problems with either choice.

Another problem to consider, if someone is an accomplice but the main murderer goes to trial second and gets off, should the accomplice be convicted?

I love that this book didnt just tell the story but also brought up all these thought-provoking questions.

[David Gordon · Rating 1 out of 5]

It's hard to believe this was written by the same author that has produced some pretty decent books. The vast majority of the story is from the perspective of Vonlee, the "transexual with the heart of gold" whose utterly implausible story is presented as gospel. Her story fails the sniff test on so many levels that it beggars belief that this was written by Phelps who normally displays the healthy cynicism of a rational true crime author. Shockingly bad.

[Marnie Z · Rating 4 out of 5]

I do think there was a bit too much emphasis on the transgender aspect of this story which really did not have anything to do with the actual murder and at times I found it confusing how we were jumping around in time but overall still very interesting. I do feel bad for Vonlee, I think she was weak-minded and with the alcohol issues she was manipulated by her aunt and that shyster lawyer Toca really screwed her over too. She will be eligible for release in 2021

[Denise Wallace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gambling, alternative lifestyles, and murder...

[Jamie Lindemulder · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love true crime and M. William Phelps, but this just wasn't my favorite of his.

Part of the reason I didn't like it is because it seemed repetitive, so much of the story was repeated with different points of view. I think this could actually be a 250 page book rather than the 400+ that just seems overwhelming to me. I've read two Tolstoy books, so I'm fine with big books, but not when they are repetitive.

[Bonnie Kernene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book about the murder of Don Rogers by Billie Jean Rogers, aided by Vonlee Nicole Titlow. This case was anything but "normal". Very intense story, with the 3 main characters as different from each other as night and day. Phelps researched this very well and was able to convey all the necessary facts in a way for readers to understand what happened and the mind of one of the participants. I was sucked in really quick, from beginning to end, feeling emotionally attached to Vonlee Titlow. This book has become one of my favorites from Phelps and I am sure it will stay with me for a while. M. William Phelps has a way to draw you into the story he is trying to convey. He brings the characters to life. I loved this book.

[Lee Husemann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a big fan of Author M. W. Phelps and he does not disappoint with this book with all of the surprises in it. This really was one of those "hard to put down" books and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. I am not a fan of courtroom drama but the way this author presented it, it was very good and it was easy to follow who was who. I was living in the Flint area at the time of this murder and do not remember it so this was all new to me. The book was very well researched and well written. I highly recommend this book if you are looking for a fantastic read

[omgbart · Rating 1 out of 5]

As a huge fan of Mr. Phelps and someone who devoured 'Obsessed' in a day, I was so excited to see this twisted story penned by my true crime go-to. Sadly, 74% into my Kindle download, I quit. Insanely repetitive, stretched out, boring and just not compelling, this one may just be his worst work to date. Skip it. Thank you, NetGalley for my comped copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Teresa · Rating 1 out of 5]

This narrator had an annoying manner of pausing and then going into character voice for every quote and I could visualize him doing exaggerated air quotes. It distracted from the book so much that I didn't enjoy it at all.

[Lisa Oneill · Rating 3 out of 5]

You have to read to believe it. Author definitely has soft spot for Vonlee that clouds his judgement on whether she did it or not regardless of her taped confession.

[Jeanine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating story.. Seems very unfair to Vonlee.

[Lorie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Four stars is the highest

rating I give for the true crime genre. I'd give this 4 1/2 if it were available. This story is one of the very best by Phelps that I've read so far. Some said it was repetitive and court drama was time consuming or something of that nature but I disagree heartily. This was exceptional work and was not repetitive. I feel badly for Nicole and her situation, yes we're all responsible for our actions, but raw deal comes to mind among other things.

Great work Phelps, sorry about Cherry. I know how that feels.
Lorie

[Tabitha Rohm · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting!?!?

I chose this rating because as much as I love Phelps, and I really do, this is by far his worst work. The story line is very slow. A lot could have been left out and it wouldn't have done any injustice to the story.

Grant it, this is a hard subject to approach. Only one author has been able to catch a similar subject line and keep the story line moving. That was Caitlin Rother in Dead Reckoning.

[Trinh Le · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was fantastically written. I couldn't stop turning the pages. It constantly kept me on the edge of my seat to see what they will unravel next in the case or what will unfold at the end of the novel.

If you enjoy a true-crime book with murder, lies, deceit, and in-sight into law procedures. I highly suggest picking this up. Definitely almost feels like watching true crime tv.

[Candace Boser · Rating 2 out of 5]

I typically love M. William Phelps' books and his writing, but this book felt like it didn't go anywhere. It was so so. However, that shouldn't put you off from reading some of his older true crime novels. Perfect Poison is one of my favourites.

[Michele · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting story through and through- from the murder to the trials. But the story was just too lengthy. The same thing stated over and over and over. I read/listen to a great deal of true crime stories and understand that some things are going to repeat but this one was over the top.

[Candice · Rating 2 out of 5]

Though it had an interesting story, it felt long-winded. There were a lot of areas that didn't need to stretch as long as they did, so I would have a rough time staying focused. I would've also appreciated more of the victim's life, we knew nothing.

[Kim Gasparini · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don’t know why I keep reading books by this author.

The repetition is horrendous. The writing is subpar.

My biggest takeaway: never live in Michigan. The justice system and law enforcement there are straight out of a bad movie.

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Book

I have always liked True Stories , I like this one, kept me on the edge of my seat til the end

[Melinda Hornsby · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great story, but the author got bogged down in minutiae that we didn't need to hear about over and over. I found myself skipping chapters that seemed unnecessary. Good story though.

[Peggy Norton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Liked it but Phelps has a habit of talking too much or writing too much fluff to make the book longer. He must get paid by the page!

[Candice · Rating 4 out of 5]

For true crime, M William Phelps is the best there is.

[Rhoda · Rating 1 out of 5]

I just couldn't get into it