the setup by pete crooks
Some Book Reviews
I highly recommend this book to all of my web site visitors, as it not only offers an in-depth look into Carl Marino's mindset, but it also serves as a cautionary monument to poor investigative reporting. Before I present my take on this nonfiction book, here are nine book reviews taken from several different web sites:
1. Captain
5.0 out of 5 stars Carl Marino is not the good man he wants you to think he is (Marino Plays Lt Joe Kenda on Homicide Hunter)
Reviewed in the United States on December 1, 2015
We have all heard the infamous story of the would be "PI MOMS" "reality" show told by Peter Crooks on Diablo Magazine, Dateline, 48 hours and 20/20, now Peter Crooks tells the story of what he couldn't tell and the aftermath, revealing what a sociopath Carl Marino (who plays Joe Kenda on Homicide Hunter) is. This information on Carl Marino was not available on the American Life episode nor is it revealed on the original Diablo piece.
It's a great read, Crooks provides names to back up his claims as well as copies of emails instead of usual tabloid fodder where everything comes from a "source". I am sure Marino will see this review since he has Google Alerts set up for his name. lol
Marino downplays his involvement in dirty dui's to telling fibs of being a detective in New York. It should be noted, Marino told Kenda he was a detective and Kenda made a call and found out Marino was a jail guard. Both jobs are important jobs; however, the two are not the same. It should also be noted, Kenda has forwarded this book.
My only complaint is its not offered on Audible Books.
17 people found this helpful
2. Preston Oade
2.0 out of 5 stars Fame whores.
Reviewed in the United States on April 6, 2015
The best part is the brief introduction by former Lt. Joe Kendra (Homicide Hunter) about the false allure that fame holds for many people. It is not only the prime motivator for the pathetic characters in the book, but apparently for the author as well. While the author presents himself as a reputable journalist for a "lifestyle magazine," he misses the irony of how and why he got sucked into the "set up" in the first place. He went on a an entirely false and scripted event designed to fool him into generating publicity for the "PI Moms." Although the events were preposterous and defied common sense, the author swallowed them whole without any fact checking whatsoever. He was fully prepared to present the scripted events to unwitting magazine readers as actual fact, when he was tipped by an insider that the whole thing was a scam. But the author then continued to get scammed by the fame-seeking Carl Marino, who lied to him repeatedly. It seems that any competent journalist would have promptly exposed Marino with a simple background check of publically available information. But instead of doing his job, the author gets sucked into the whole affair and then exploits it it by seeking publicity wherever he can get it. Why? Because -. just like the main characters in his own book -the author is a fame whore. He just doesn't know it. He actually thinks he is a reputable journalist and writer.
9 people found this helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars The Truth really does hurt doesn't it?
Reviewed in the United States on June 21, 2015
I read most of the reviews on this page. If you knew the people that were involved in this case which i only know 3, and i find it a very informative read. Some of the people in this book such as Ronald Rutherford, i had already figured out who this person really was, Carl Marino. He was a want to be famous person and then full of lies about everything and everybody. Especially the author Mr. Peter Crooks who he begged him to help him. Then he got so angry the lies just kept coming out. His actions speak for them self. I thought it was well written and just as well researched. This is the thing --- you need to read and read with an understanding mind. The words speak for themselves. For one I believe this is the whole truth and nothing but the truth. Way to go Pete. . .
2 people found this helpful
4. greeneyesl
4.0 out of 5 stars Decent book.
Reviewed in the United States on February 28, 2015
Good story line but a bit drawn out. I love Joe Kinda, however after reading about the actor, Carl Marino, who betrays him, it was a let down. Still love Kinda. Marino not so much, he is kind of a scum bag.
6 people found this helpful
5. Lynn Allen
3.0 out of 5 stars Pretty good, article is better
Reviewed in the United States on July 30, 2015
The story was a fun read, but the story was pretty much over halfway through the book. After that Crooks spends an inordinate amount of time demonstrating what a douchebag Marino is - we know, not interesting, and frankly it's creepy that he was challenging Marino's Facebook post commenters to get more confirmation that Marino is a liar and douchebag. It would have been much more interesting had Crooks explored the fact that he himself was clearly sucked into the vortex of hoped-for fame, excitement, and importance that he was writing about.
6. Shelly
5.0 out of 5 stars Can we say Narcissist?
Reviewed in the United States on June 12, 2021
If you look in the dictionary at "narcissist " you'll see Carl Marino's picture. I listened to this book on my weekly commutes and I grew to really dislike this man. He is a pathological liar, narcissist, and a true abuser. He would sell his mother out to get his 15 minutes of fame. I feel bad for Joe Kenda having to be linked to this guy!
2 people found this helpful
7. Leslie Shaw Klinger
Reviewed in the United States on March 2, 2015
I was a non-sworn member of LE when this situation became public. I remember reading the initial article in Diablo Magazine after Butler and Norm were arrested. I remember when that slime, Carl Marino, kept trying to make himself out to be the big hero. To discover that he is not only as amoral as the perpetrators (cheating on his wife, lying about his resume, etc) was bad. To read that he has lied about his service to this country? Quite frankly, he is scum. This book accurately portrays what happens when big, tough macho men think they are above the law. Carl Marino, you owe every member of the military an apology. Shame on you. As for Butler and Norm? You are exactly where you belong. This is a great read. You will enjoy it.
8 people found this helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Is it a setup or is it real?
Reviewed in the United States on March 4, 2015
Totally enjoyed reading this great book! It was a real cliffhanger until the last chapter. I can't believe some of these things happened right around the area where I grew up.
I understand 48 Hours a little more, because if it's all about Carl, it means it's all about confusion. After I finished reading I went to his fan page, which is run by his biggest fan. Do you want to guess who that could be? It's probably Carl Marino.
I am thinking of re-reading his chapter to see if there is anything I missed that could put this guy in jail.
Last but not least, I think a twist on reality would make a great idea for a movie.
2 people found this helpful
9. Jbussen
526 reviews, 1 follower
I'm sorry I read this. I just finished reading Joe Kenda's books and came across his forward here. I like him*** and I gave the book a chance and was quickly caught up in it. Until about 20-25% through where I was in the "get on with it" mode and started speed reading, skipping pages, and finally chapters. This book needed to be 100 pages shorter with an editor. The author is a writer but he was too close to this story to do it justice. He was so intent on revealing everything and adding so much unnecessary filler that didn't add anything to the work, that he ruined a slam dunk. I wish he had just given it to a less involved author friend to pen for him, or at least have some people look at it first. The rest of the reviews give the gist of it, but the title pretty much tells you everything.
***Add: I "like""ed" Joe Kenda until I found out that the guy who plays him in Homicide Hunter is *Carl Marino* aka scumbag extraordinaire, media and fame whore, all around sleezy bastard. And Kenda let his name be linked to this *criminal*!??
