Episode 2
Where Dreams Begin
The moment Sandra and Gino first met.
This Masquerade
A True Story
The True Story
Everyone wears a mask. Some wear it so long they forget there is a face beneath it. This is the story of the masquerade, and of the courage it took to finally let it fall.
About the Book
This Masquerade, The True Story is her candid account of a marriage marked by control, abuse, addiction, and deception. As a young mother with dreams of singing in a rock band, Sandra wanted love, a family, and a future. There were good times that kept her hoping, and frightening moments that left her struggling to find a way out.
From Nashville to California, Phoenix, Seattle, and Dallas, Sandra takes readers through the life she shared with Gino, her efforts to protect her children, and the gradual discovery that love did not have to come with fear.
Told with honesty and flashes of humor, this memoir reveals how difficult it can be to leave someone you love, and how much courage it takes to begin again.
Even after Gino’s death, one final deception awaited her.
Reviews
An intense and emotional read that beautifully captures the turmoil of love entangled with crime and betrayal. Sandra’s courage and resilience shine through, making This Masquerade a must-read for anyone who loves true crime and compelling narratives.
I couldn’t put it down.
I think we all go into a relationship with high expectations. When it becomes abusive and destructive, it takes a lot of courage to leave. Sandy finally found that courage. A great read. I hope it can give light and hope to others that find themselves in that situation. I’m happy that she has moved on and helping others.
This Masquerade is a gripping and chilling true story that kept me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. Sandra Wilson’s storytelling is powerful and deeply moving, revealing the dark complexities of living with deception and danger.
Almost 5 Star Rating on Amazon
Read More Reviews on AmazonBook Trailer
Watch the official trailer for This Masquerade, The True Story: the music, the marriage, and the courage it took to begin again.
The Song That Named the Book
Sandra named her story after This Masquerade, the song made famous by the Carpenters, because its words matched her life. Here she sings it herself. Press play to listen.
Pictures
Dramatic moments brought to life from the pages of This Masquerade, The True Story.
The Series
Short episodes bringing This Masquerade, The True Story to life, one moment at a time.
Episode 2
The moment Sandra and Gino first met.
Episode 5
The day Gino asked Sandra to change her name.
Episode 11
A night that shows just how far Gino will go.
Episode 17
In Seattle, the band auditions for an agent and gets booked in Canada.
Episode 27
In Dallas, high on powerful drugs, Gino falls out of his van.
Episode 31
A phone call from Gino leaves young Jason in tears.
From the Blog
October 27, 2026
Some stories are written from imagination. Mine was written from survival.
The Screenplay
From the Page to the Screen
A true story about a woman who married a con man and spent ten years on the run with him, until love gave her the courage to leave.
Sandra’s memoir This Masquerade, The True Story has been adapted into the screenplay This Masquerade, inspired by true events and bringing the story to life for film. Here you will find clips, scenes and behind the scenes moments as the project unfolds.
The story spans 1975 to 1994
The Protagonist
Age 27
A young mother from Nashville with dreams of singing, caught between the man she loves and the man she fears.
The Antagonist
Age 34
Funny, confident and full of excitement. Beneath his charm lies a volatile temper and a growing need to control.
Age 9
Sandy’s daughter, who stands beside her at the funeral where one final deception is revealed.
Age 5
Sandy’s son, growing up in a childhood shaped by fear and instability.
The Hero
Age 33
A former Marine whose quiet kindness slowly earns Sandy’s trust, and shows her what it feels like to be valued.
Producers, Managers & Film Inquiries
To discuss the screenplay, read the one-page summary or get in touch. Sandra Wilson owns all rights to the memoir and the screenplay, both registered with the U.S. Copyright Office.
Get Your Copy
This Masquerade, The True Story is available now on Amazon.
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