The characters in "Ann Rule's Circle of Deception" were such a motley crew that it appeared that their toxicity rubbed off anyone they contacted. They released a smell of pretty poison that was rank and base in every sense of the word.

The central relationship is that of Peggy Sue Thomas and Jim Haden. This pair of rogues is bankrupt financially and spiritually. Peggy Sue feels sorry for Jim because he had an abusive step-father that he wanted to murder. But she then encourages him to act out his fantasy by killing what is the most likable character in the film, Russell Douglas.

Russell's wife Breanna displayed her amoral temperament by showing no emotion when the police informed her that her husband was murdered. She raced to cash in on his life insurance policies, then squandered the proceeds. This was the father of her child Sally, yet she showed no compassion for this decent, goofy man.

In the film's closing credits, there was the astonishing implication that this film was inspired by true events. If that is the case, our civilization is in a sorry state indeed.