The Edge of Malice

The Marie Grossman Story

By David P. Miraldi

I enjoy reading but I go in stages or phases. I will read consistently for several months and then a few months where I do not read much at all. I am a slow reader always have been. I did not particularly enjoy reading when I was in school because it always took me longer than my classmates and the subject mater was not always interesting. As I began my journey to becoming a strength & conditioning coach, I enjoyed reading everything I could get my hands on about the topic. I recall visiting a friend shortly after my first year of grad school ended. He was already done with school and in the working world. I brought several strength & conditioning books with me for the weekend visit to read in my down time. “Power” by Fred Hatfield AKA Dr. Squat was one I remember having. I vividly remember my friend Dave asking me why I brought the reading material if my semester was over. I answered because with this I was able to choose the topic and choose if I wanted to read. Over the years I would say I read more than most adults, but I only do it when I want to, I don’t make myself do it. I typically will read some type of personal growth, strength & conditioning, religious or crime novel. I have had several phases where I will read crime fiction, but these are rare. When I do I enjoy them but typically I am looking to learn something not just be entertained. If I am looking simply for entertainment, I can watch Netflix. I do enjoy true crime and investigative shows, stories and have often gotten that fix from the TV. Such shows as Forensic Files, Homicide Hunter, Unusual suspects and Deadly women have been a part of my entertainment for many years. I have run through most of them and even listen to a true crime pod cast.

My daughter is 16 and we share many similarities. She also is a slower reader and has often expressed to me how she does not enjoy reading. I have the benefit of time and perspective to know and hope that this will change. A month ago, when preparing for another trip to Sioux Falls SD for a softball tournament she expressed she wanted to stop at Barnes and Nobel. There are a series of books that her friends are reading and she was interested. As a parent I was not going to let this opportunity pass without encouraging this. That day my daughter came away with two books and devoured the first one quickly. I mentioned to her that it is a lot different when you get to choose the material and decide when you read. I hope this behavior continues and she finds the joy of reading as I have even if it takes us a little longer. That day I went into Barnes and Nobel looking for a book as well. I usually head to the bargain rack to check those out first. If I have a specific book, I usually already ordered it online so my search in the book store is just perusing. That day as I scoured the bargain rack my love of true crime and reading came together when I found “The Edge of Malice The Marie Grossman Story” by David P. Miraldi

The Edge of Malice chronicles the real-life story of a woman who becomes the victim of a violent crime. Marie is brutally attacked in a fast-food parking lot drive through. The story is written by her friend and lawyer David Miraldi. Like any good true crime show or story it lays the foundation of who Marie is, her family life and background. Then it goes through the attack and the immediate aftermath. Then it details the criminal trial and what happened to the offenders. Several family members have asked how I can watch such shows. I enjoy the “Solved” cases not the unsolved mysteries. For me it is the justice in the end that ultimately good triumphs over evil is why I enjoy these programs. The Edge of Malice written from a Lawyers perspective certainly details the justice of this case but also does an amazing job of developing the players and getting you into their minds. After the criminal case and sentencing it details a civil case brought against the restaurant owner and the franchise. While I do feel the story bogged down a bit for me during the civil case it is worth reading until the end. The Edge of Malice was a tight rope walk for first the perpetrator and then the victim. A story of forgiveness and redemption shows that good can come out of even the most horrific of events and forgiveness benefits the victim as much as the assailant. Realizing that often we need to do the hard things, the things we do not always want to do is the best thing for us.

Though I stumbled upon this book in the bargain rack at Barnes and Noble I thoroughly enjoyed it. The authors first book is “The Edge of Innocence” and I look forward to reading this one as well.

Nate Moe

Everyone Needs MOE STRENGTH