The Chilling Tale of a Romance Novelist Who Murdered Her Husband

In a twist of fate, a romance writer's essay on "How to Murder Your Husband" became a haunting reality when she allegedly killed her spouse. Join us as we delve into the shocking true-crime story of Nancy Crampton Brophy and her husband Dan's tragic fate.

In a realm where love and crime intertwined, the tale of romance novelist Nancy Crampton Brophy and her slain husband, Dan Brophy, captivated the world. Once a member of a local writers' group, Brophy's seemingly ordinary life took a sinister turn in 2018 when her husband met an untimely demise.

Recalling her initial encounter with Brophy at the Rose City Romance Writers group, former member Heidi Joy Tretheway described her as "the queen bee," basking in the attention of being president. However, beneath the charming façade, a darker side lurked.

The Chilling Tale of a Romance Novelist Who Murdered Her Husband

Tretheway's memory of Brophy's criticism of her book's cover design hinted at a competitive nature. Despite the harsh critique, the changes ultimately led to commercial success, leaving Tretheway perplexed by the motive behind Brophy's unsolicited advice.

In their marriage, Brophy and Crampton Brophy appeared as opposites. While Nancy exuded an outgoing and gregarious personality, Dan found solace in the serenity of nature and gardening. Their deep affection for each other was evident to those who knew them.

The Chilling Tale of a Romance Novelist Who Murdered Her Husband

However, the surface tranquility masked a troubling financial situation. The Brophys faced significant debt, causing Nancy to seek a lucrative life insurance policy on her husband. Prosecutors alleged that greed became her motive for murder, promising her over $1.5 million upon Dan's demise.

In an eerie coincidence, Crampton Brophy's 2011 essay, "How to Murder Your Husband," outlined various methods of killing. While some dismissed it as a mere literary exercise, others couldn't shake the chilling similarities to Dan's death.

The Chilling Tale of a Romance Novelist Who Murdered Her Husband

On the fateful morning of June 2, 2018, Dan Brophy met his end at the hands of an unknown assailant who shot him twice in the kitchen. Detectives uncovered a trail of evidence implicating Nancy, including a Glock pistol purchased online and footage of her minivan near the crime scene.

Prosecutors alleged that Crampton Brophy meticulously planned the perfect murder, disposing of the gun and attempting to create an alibi. Her defense, on the other hand, denied the financial difficulties and presented witnesses vouching for their strong and loving relationship.

The Chilling Tale of a Romance Novelist Who Murdered Her Husband

In 2022, Nancy Crampton Brophy was found guilty of second-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole. The infamous essay remained a haunting reminder of the darkness that can lurk beneath a seemingly harmless facade.

Looking back, Tretheway wonders if Crampton Brophy's financial struggles and lack of success as a writer fueled her desperation. Did she truly love Dan? Or had she concocted a sinister plot to escape her financial woes?

The Chilling Tale of a Romance Novelist Who Murdered Her Husband

Nancy Crampton Brophy's tale serves as a chilling cautionary story about the potential consequences of greed and the fragility of relationships. Her downfall became a twisted tapestry of love, loss, and the chilling pursuit of a "happily ever after" that turned into a nightmare.