
The Devil in My Friend
The Inside Story of a Malibu Murder
Ivor Davis(Author)
Sally Ogle Davis(Co-Author)
Rowman & Littlefield (Publisher)
Will be published approx. on 3. September 2026
Book
Paperback/Softback
304 pages
979-8-216-39209-5 (ISBN)
Description
If you liked The Stranger Beside Me, this book is for you. Follow Ivor and Sally Davis through their investigation into their longtime friend and neighbor when he is arrested for the murder of his wife and stepson.
Ivor and Sally Davis were horrified when their Malibu neighbors, Verna Roehler and her son, Doug died in a terrible boating accident. The nightmare only continued when her husband, their friend, Fred Roehler, was arrested and then convicted for their murder. As investigative writers they set out hoping to find Roehler innocent-instead they found a viper's nest of deceit and murder.
Ivor and Sally Davis were horrified when their Malibu neighbors, Verna Roehler and her son, Doug died in a terrible boating accident. The nightmare only continued when her husband, their friend, Fred Roehler, was arrested and then convicted for their murder. As investigative writers they set out hoping to find Roehler innocent-instead they found a viper's nest of deceit and murder.
Reviews / Votes
In The Devil in My Friend, Davis explores complex relationships and hidden secrets that culminated in a shocking act of violence. He provides a detailed account of the investigation, the trial, and the aftermath, offering readers an inside look at the intricacies of the case. Davis' background in journalism is evident in his thorough approach, as he weaves together interviews, court records, and first-hand observations to create a vivid and engaging narrative.... It's a must-read for true crime enthusiasts and anyone interested in a well-crafted, insightful story about the real-life mystery of a Malibu family. * The Malibu Times * A true crime book for the ages. This heart-rending tragedy and twists-and-turns murder trial is enthralling. Flawless storytelling by Ivor Davis and Sally Ogle Davis, detailing the authors' gradual realization that their close friend might actually be a cold-blooded killer makes for a riveting read. -- Jeff Guinn, New York Times bestselling author of Manson and The Last Gunfight Never believe anyone who says they can tell if a person is lying. The authors learned this the hard and emotionally brutal way. Was their friend innocent? Their investigation uncovered a dark and compelling tale of determined evil. -- Mark Bowden, journalist and author of bestsellers Black Hawk Down and The Last StoneMore details
Language
English
Place of publication
United States
Publishing group
Bloomsbury Publishing Plc
Illustrations
16 bw photos
Dimensions
Height: 229 mm
Width: 152 mm
Thickness: 25 mm
Weight
454 gr
ISBN-13
979-8-216-39209-5 (9798216392095)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Persons
London-born Ivor Davis is a former foreign correspondent and a columnist for the New York Times Syndicate who was a witness to history: He traveled with the Beatles, was in the kitchen when Robert Kennedy was assassinated-and spent a lifetime writing about the rich, the famous-and the famous for the time being. He currently lives in Southern California.
Sally Ogle Davis was an anchor for BBC TV and wrote for major magazines, from the New York Sunday Times to Los Angeles Magazine.
Sally Ogle Davis was an anchor for BBC TV and wrote for major magazines, from the New York Sunday Times to Los Angeles Magazine.
Content
Preface
1: The Brady Bunch, Malibu Style
2: A Family Outing
3: Growing Up in Centerville
4: The Midwestern Roehlers Discover Boating
5: Fred, the Ladies' Man
6: Fred: California, Here He Comes
7: Jeanne: The First Mrs Roehler
8: A Diver's Death in the Channel Islands
9: A Drowning in the Backyard Pool
10: The Widow Verna
11: Love and Re-Marriage
12: Raising the Kids
13: The Investigation
14: Murder for Profit?
15: The Death of Jeanne Roehler
16: Murder Most Foul
17: The Defense to the Rescue
18: Assembling the Troops
19: Opening Statements
20: Death in the Afternoon
21: Experts Go to War
22: Fred Roehler, Star Witness for the Defense
23: Roehler v Roden
24: The Defense Strikes Back
25: Closing Arguments
26: The Verdict
Our Personal Odyssey: The Story Behind the Story
Postscript
Author's Note
Acknowledgments
Index
About the Authors
1: The Brady Bunch, Malibu Style
2: A Family Outing
3: Growing Up in Centerville
4: The Midwestern Roehlers Discover Boating
5: Fred, the Ladies' Man
6: Fred: California, Here He Comes
7: Jeanne: The First Mrs Roehler
8: A Diver's Death in the Channel Islands
9: A Drowning in the Backyard Pool
10: The Widow Verna
11: Love and Re-Marriage
12: Raising the Kids
13: The Investigation
14: Murder for Profit?
15: The Death of Jeanne Roehler
16: Murder Most Foul
17: The Defense to the Rescue
18: Assembling the Troops
19: Opening Statements
20: Death in the Afternoon
21: Experts Go to War
22: Fred Roehler, Star Witness for the Defense
23: Roehler v Roden
24: The Defense Strikes Back
25: Closing Arguments
26: The Verdict
Our Personal Odyssey: The Story Behind the Story
Postscript
Author's Note
Acknowledgments
Index
About the Authors