• Front cover view of Small Sacrifices by Ann Rule centered on a neutral light gray background.
  • Back cover view of Small Sacrifices by Ann Rule centered on a neutral light gray background. Top corner as a small tear.
  • Close-up spine view of Small Sacrifices by Ann Rule centered on a neutral light gray background. Spine show creasing.
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Ann Rule | True Crime

Small Sacrifices by Ann Rule

Small Sacrifices by Ann Rule

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An Oregon True Crime Classic of Diane Downs, the Roadside Shooting, and Fred Hugi's Prosecution

On May 19, 1983, twenty-eight-year-old Diane Downs drove into a Springfield, Oregon emergency room with her three young children—Cheryl, Christie, and Danny—all suffering from close-range gunshot wounds. Downs claimed a bushy-haired stranger attacked her family along a dark rural road near Marcola.

True crime master Ann Rule documents the meticulous investigation by Lane County detectives and prosecutor Fred Hugi. By analyzing bloodstain evidence, bullet trajectories, and Downs's narcissistic fixations, investigators proved she shot her own children to pursue an affair. The book details the courtroom testimony of her surviving daughter Christie that secured Downs's conviction.

Why You’ll Love This Book

Edgar Award-winner Ann Rule delivers her defining masterpiece of maternal sociopathy and forensic prosecution. An essential true crime classic, this volume is a must-read for fans of Jack Olsen, Gregg Olsen, and Teresa Carpenter.

Edition & Specifications

Publisher: Signet

Pages: 494

Format: Mass market paperback

Publication Date: 1988

ISBN: 9780451153937

Condition Note:

Condition & Grading Guide

How We Grade Our Books

  • 📸 True-to-Life Photos: For all vintage and pre-loved books, the photos on the page are of the exact physical copy on our shelf. Brand-new books feature official publisher cover art.
  • New: Direct from the publisher; immaculate, unread condition.
  • Like New: Pristine condition with minimal to no shelf wear; looks unread.
  • Very Good: Lightly read with minor shelf wear or light cover creasing. Pages are clean, crisp, and unmarked with a tight binding. (Our baseline standard for pre-loved books.)
  • Good: A well-loved reading copy with visible shelf wear or page aging, but fully intact and structurally sound.

Packaging & Shipping

Shipping Details & Delivery Speeds

  • FREE Domestic Shipping: Standard shipping is free on all U.S. orders $50+.
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The Fehmerling Guarantee

Our Guarantee & Return Policy

  • 14-Day Returns: Unread books and unopened tea packages can be returned within 14 days of delivery.
  • Damaged in Transit? If your shipment arrives damaged or incorrect, email us within 72 hours of delivery scan at customerservice@fehmerlingbooks.com. We’ll evaluate it immediately and provide a prepaid return label and replacement or full refund.
  • Hassle-Free Support: To start a return, simply email us with your order number.

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$11.00 USD
$11.00 USD
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