Seventy Times Seven: A True Story of Murder and Mercy

by Alex Mar

"Alex Mar's bold yet sensitive account of one of America's youngest death row inmates--and the people whose lives she forever changed--is intimately reported, deeply moving, and unforgettable."--Robert Kolker, New York Times bestselling author of Hidden Valley Road

"An absorbing work of social history and a story about the mystery and miracle of forgiveness. It is a book of awesome scope, and it deserves to be read with attention." --Hilary Mantel, Booker Prize-winning author of the Wolf Hall trilogy

A masterful, revelatory work of literary non-fiction about a teenage girl's shocking crime--and its extraordinary aftermath

On a spring afternoon in 1985 in Gary, Indiana, a fifteen-year-old girl kills an elderly woman in a violent home invasion. In a city with a history of racial tensions and white flight, the girl, Paula Cooper, is Black, and her victim, Ruth Pelke, is white and a beloved Bible teacher.

When Paula is sentenced to death, no one decries the impending execution of a tenth grader. But the tide begins to shift when the victim's grandson Bill forgives the girl, against the wishes of his family, and campaigns to spare her life. This tragedy in a midwestern steel town soon reverberates across the United States and around the world--reaching as far away as the Vatican--as newspapers cover the story on their front pages and millions sign petitions in support of Paula.

As Paula waits on death row, her fate sparks a debate that not only animates legal circles but raises vital questions about the value of human life: What are we demanding when we call for justice? Is forgiveness an act of desperation or of profound bravery? As Bill and Paula's friendship deepens, and as Bill discovers others who have chosen to forgive after terrible violence, their story asks us to consider what radical acts of empathy we might be capable of.

In Seventy Times Seven, Alex Mar weaves an unforgettable narrative of an act of violence and its aftermath. This is a story about the will to live--to survive, to grow, to change--and about what we are willing to accept as justice. Tirelessly researched and told with intimacy and precision, this book brings a haunting chapter in the history of our criminal justice system to astonishing life.

Genres: Nonfiction, True Crime, Crime, History, Audiobook, Race, American History

14 pages, Audiobook

First published March 28, 2023

About the author

Alex Mar is the author of Witches of America, which was a New York Times Notable Book in nonfiction. Her work has appeared in New York Magazine, Wired, The New York Times Book Review, and The Guardian, among many other outlets, as well as The Best American Magazine Writing. She has been a finalist for the National Magazine Award in Feature Writing, and she is the director of the feature-length documentary American Mystic. She lives in the Hudson Valley and New York City. Her new nonfiction book, Seventy Times Seven, will be published by Penguin Press on March 28th, 2023 (watch the trailer below).

Reviews

[Farrah · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars. I thought the first 20% or so of this book was really interesting but then after paula was convicted, the book turned into a very long, meandering account of the death penalty for juveniles and various, in-depth court case research and people in Italy who got interested in Paula’s case (??) and quite a lot of personal stories about the grandson of the lady Paula murdered, etc. I found myself drifting and skimming pages because I was not interested. The last 10% of the book captured my interest again. This was a tough one though, because there is not really a redemptive arc for Paula, who remains a difficult, unlikable person, and is thus somewhat hard to sympathize with on an intellectual or emotional level.

[Traci Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is well researched and tells an interesting true crime story in a very not true crime way. There is a lots of compassion and an attempt to dig deep into all parties involved. While I loved this book in theory I struggled a bit with the writing style. I could never feel fully immersed in it, it was a bit choppy. The beginning and end are strongest, the middle felt like a slog. There is a real attempt to make religion the thing that is at the center of this story and it feels bit tired when the facts fall into place. It could've just as easily been framed through phycology or legal precedent. Its a solid book with a few issues.

[Christine Cazeneuve · Rating 4 out of 5]

Passionately written and thoroughly researched. It begs the question how do you define justice? The book will definitely have you thinking could you truly give forgiveness? An all encompassing story, not just about Paula, but the question of the death penalty. Complete with pictures and a detailed (and very interesting) resource list. Thanks to Netgalley, the author and publishers for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Jo_Scho_Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s Spring 1985 and Ruth Pelke, a warm and welcoming seventy eight year old grandmother lives in the white house on Adams Street, Gary, Indiana. She’s been there, along with her husband Oscar, since the 1940s. Despite Oscar dying just over 18 months ago, this is still her home. God has played a huge part in Ruth’s life. She became part of the Baptist community after marrying Oscar and her life has revolved entirely around the church. She’s taught Sunday school classes, she’s participated in prayer meetings and choir practice. She’s made quilts and knitted booties for missionaries and new babies. She’s always there with a smile and to give help and advice. So when four girls come knocking at her door on a warm afternoon it’s no big deal. What is shocking and horrifying is the way Ruth Pelke is then horrifically and callously murdered in a brutal home invasion by these teenagers. A life extinguished in an afternoon, for what?

But this story doesn’t end there. The girls are caught and charged. One of them, Paula Cooper, is sentenced to death. An eye for an eye, right? Everyone seems to be in agreement. Until Ruth Pelke’s grandson Bill decided he is able to find it in his heart to forgive Paula - and starts to campaign to save her life.

This is an incredibly detailed and well researched account of one evil act and the aftermath that followed this. It paints a picture of the entire cast who became involved in this story; from the presiding judge who sentenced Paula to death to the Italian priests who became involved with the case. It’s a story spanning decades and as a result it’s intensely thought provoking. It poses a huge question regarding capital punishment and its abolishment, particularly in young people. It also highlights how the actions of these girls back in 1985 created consequences for many, many decades later.

I confess to knowing nothing about this case so I found it a fascinating read, despite it being a little heavy on the religion front for me. I found the whole story deeply tragic. Lives lost, lives ruined and heartache and sadness are in abundance. But in contrast, there’s also determination and strength evident here; people passionate about their beliefs and about forgiveness. A true story of murder and mercy.

[Karen Bullock · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sad and tragic story of a senseless murder of an elderly lady, Ruth Pelke, the pillar of her community, who dedicated her life to teaching and caring for the many children of Gary, IN, in both school and church.
Murdered, in her home by four young girls who entered her house under false pretenses. Four young girls, known for causing trouble, everywhere they went.
A knife, in the hands of an angry mental health issues teen girl was not the way to go.
1980’s- Gary, IN:
The history/ true crime retelling shows the beginning glory days and the birth of the city from its conception, the warehouses and factories and down to the planning of the classes of neighborhoods.
The crime, senseless- as most murders are, gains notoriety and garnered attention when one of the victim’s family members publicly announces forgiveness to the girl who murdered his relative. Why? Could anyone learn to forgive such a crime?
This is about judicial systems, forgiveness, consequences. Well worth the read.

[Shalaina Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an emotional read of violence, despair, tragedy, love and forgiveness. The author did a fantastic job researching and writing this book.

[Avery Amstutz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This showed up as I was scrolling through Libby and I loved it. The story is very human, yet very divine. It’s honest about sorrow and hurt, yet contrasts with forgiveness that is rooted in Christ. The author is a nonbeliever which makes the telling of this story of forgiveness motivated by faith some how way more impactful.

[Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

This entire story is heartbreaking. A child seems to slip through the cracks in and out of foster homes ends up committing an unspeakable murder of a Bible study leader at age 15. Sentenced to death at such a young age, it is almost incomprehensible that the state could put to death someone who can’t drive, vote, or buy alcohol. But along came the victim’s grandson, who forgave her.

This entire story really shows the power the forgiveness. I just wish the author could have reported on how Paula had suddenly become so remorseful and willing to communicate with the victim’s family while in prison, still so young.

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had hoped/expected this book would be more about a personal act of forgiveness and less about the politics of the death penalty, but it was well written and engaging.

[Alysia · Rating 4 out of 5]

What defines a crime so violent and appalling that it would justify the taking of another life, especially one under the age of 18? Seventy Times Seven follows the pathway of 16 year old Paula Cooper and three other girls (Karen Corder -16, April Beverly -15, and Denise Thomas -14 ) who brutally ended the life of 78 year old Ruth Pelke in Gary, Indiana. Paula's story and sentencing will shock many of us in 2023, but in 1986 she was the youngest member on death row, and many in Gary agreed with the sentencing.

Despite enormous evidence of physical and emotional abuse from her step-father, her mother's attempt at murdering her and her older sister when she was in elementary school, the shuffle from foster-home to foster-home after she requested to no longer live with her mother, Paula was the only girl out of the four who was sentenced to death. Many believed that Paula was justly sentenced, at the time, given her level of involvement in the crime. However, after several years, the person you would least suspect, decides to come to Paula's rescue; Ruth Pelke's grandson, Bill Pelke.

Through the help of Bill, her lawyers, and the international coverage of her case which garnered interest of the Pope, Paula's sentence was commuted to 60 years in prison, 30 if she displayed and maintained good behavior. What began as a hopeless pursuit, now becomes a tale of redemption, forgiveness, and rehabilitation.

Well-researched and a thorough example of how separation of church and state can play a huge role into our court system, Mar provides the reader with a fascinating recount of this story. This was an incredible read and showcases how emotions can override a court when faced with difficult cases. I really enjoyed reading about the various stages of our court and how our belief system has evolved. This story will really push you to question your own beliefs of the death penalty and what is just when it comes to murder.

Thank you to Net Galley and the Penguin Group for my advanced copy of this book!

[Emma Pierce · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was very heavy and bc of that it took me forever to finish but it was still amazing

[Julia · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a pretty long book for a relatively short story. That's not necessarily a bad thing because there was a lot of discussion about the current events, policies, and politics that played significant roles in the story, but at times, it got a little long winded. The author did a great job at presenting information and remaining objective and discussing both sides . . . until the very last chapter. The last pages give a pretty clear indication of the author's opinions on religion and recent politicians, unnecessarily. Overall, a good book with a good story but is more so a dissection of the death penalty for minors in America than a plot about Ruth Pelke's murder and the convictions of her killers. Also was interesting since much of this took place in Indianapolis and Gary.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.75 stars

[Mrs. Danvers · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I started this book, I thought I might end up not finishing it, for a variety of reasons. Little did I know how thoughtful it would end up in its discussion of the relationship of two of the people in the book -- this shows up particularly in the last few pages, by which time it is apparent that the writer has put a tremendous amount of work and thought into the various people involved and their motivations, struggles, hopes, etc., as well as the development of the jurisprudence of young people convicted of murder. Executed on a Technicality will always be my first recommendation for understanding the inherent issues in capital punishment, but this book is a welcome addition to the conversation.

[Jean · Rating 4 out of 5]

Matthew 18:21-35
King James Version
“Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.”

I’m no Bible scholar; some translations of Scripture interpret this response as “seventy-seven.” I was curious about it. The meaning of seven is “completeness” or “fullness.” Apparently, Jesus meant that one should forgive an unlimited number of times.

Seventy Times Seven: A True Story of Murder and Mercy, the title of Ms. Mar’s non-fiction account of the violent death of Ruth Pelke and the decades that followed is apt. How does anyone forgive a horrific crime? When four Black teenage girls entered the Gary, Indiana, home of the 78-year-old white Bible school teacher, intending to rob her, something went terribly wrong. She was stabbed, stabbed repeatedly. Brutally stabbed to death. The four girls were arrested and tried for murder. In each case, the prosecution sought the death penalty. Three of the girls were given long sentences. Only one, Paula Cooper, was sentenced to death row. She was 15 years old. At the time of the murder, there were 30 juveniles on death row nationwide. Since 1945, 75% of minors executed have been Black. There is much in this book that reminded me of Bryan Stevenson’s Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption.

The judge did not take mitigating circumstances into account. Although Paula received a poor defense, the judge felt he had no choice under Indiana law. Paula was in many ways a victim herself. She had poor parenting and had run away from home numerous times. The prosecutor, Jack Crawford, was out to make a name for himself. Once convicted, Paula went to Indiana Women’s Prison. Fortunately, she soon had allies who began working on her behalf. Among them were, law student Monica Foster, who would stick with her through thick and thin, as would public defender, Bill Touchette, public defender, and his personal assistant Patti Wolter. Eventually, word of Paula’s case spread overseas to Italy. The Italians rejected the death penalty, particularly for teenagers. Anna Guaita, NY- based Italian journalist, first international reporter to write about Paula’s story. Even the Vatican petitioned the governor to commute Paula’s sentence. Paula asked her papal visitors to pray for her. More than anything, she struggled to forgive herself and to forgive her mother for their damaged relationship.


Perhaps the most surprising example of forgiveness was one of the victim’s own family members, her grandson Bill Pelke. He was in the courtroom during the trial, and like the rest of his family, he supported the verdict and sentence. Over time, however, he had a conversion. He truly believed that his grandmother Ruth forgave Paula and that others should forgive her too. He wrote to her in prison, and over time, the two corresponded many, many times. Bill became part of a group, MVFM - murder victim family members who are against capital punishment, who marched and spoke out against capital punishment.

The book is a detailed account of Paula’s years in prison, her legal team’s appeals through the courts, and of other’s actions on her behalf. Paula’s emotional and behavioral ups and downs are documented. We learn of Bill’s growth as he came to realize his “calling” as a Christian and as a person called to help others. There are some details about Paula’s family as well as political figures of the time.

Paula’s story is one of human struggle - overcoming adversity, of hope, growth, despair, love, violence, determination, and tragedy. And forgiveness.

I received a digital copy of Seventy Times Seven as an ARC in exchange for my honest review. My thoughts and opinions are my own. Thanks to NetGalley, Penguin Press, and the author.

4 stars

[Mandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, this one made me cry....*a lot*. I don't think anyone can ever begin to imagine how they'd react if someone they loved was murdered, and in such a violent way. Then, to learn it was four teenage girls....how do you begin to process this? If you're looking for a story with a happy ending, spoiler alert: this isn't the book for you. I mean, in some ways, the case of Paula Cooper, her being sentenced to death, helps to inspire many, to spur people into action, fighting against capital punishment for children, for adolescents. There were so many facts I was unaware of and, while I may have only been born the same year Paula and the three other committed this crime, I'm kind of ashamed I didn't know more about capital punishment in my country.

While some parts of this book could be dry, were filled with a lot of facts, focusing mostly on the death penalty--specifically on juveniles facing the death penalty--there was a lot of heart in this. You learn some of (there's no way to possibly know the entirety) her background, her life growing up, how her mother almost killed herself, as well as Paula and her sister, Rhonda. It's heart-breaking. The crime she commits...there is no justification and, while it seems to take a while, Paula seems to come to understand that, shows remorse, shows sorrow. And then you learn about Bill Pelke, the grandson of the victim, Ruth Pelke. And, after some time, he comes to forgive Paula, starts writing her, and the two seem to forge a friendship. This man goes against the majority of his family in fighting against Paula's sentence to death, and then continues to try to help others like her, protests the death penalty entirely.

You learn about different players in Paula's life--attorneys, judges, wardens, officers. So many people expressing their opinions on this girl--and, though she continues to age, is over 40, she sometimes still feels like a girl. There were different sides, she grew, she matured, she was hopeless, she was angry. So many emotions, so many feelings come through and....yeah, still crying.

Like I said, if you're looking for a happily ever after kind of story, this might not be for you. But, if you'd like to learn more about the death penalty, especially in Indiana, as well as learn about a girl and a man dealing with the aftermath of a heinous crime--one the perpetrator, the other the family member of a victim--and how they both struggled to recover, I'd recommend this. It was well-written, well-researched, and will definitely tug at your heart strings.

[Judith · Rating 3 out of 5]

Your view of this book may depend on how you feel about the death penalty. In 1985 in Gary, Indiana a pathetic 15 year old Black girl mercilessly stabs to death a beloved grandmother who is a white Bible school teacher. The girl is sentenced to the death penalty. This is the beginning of a long slow process which includes the murder victim's grandson speaking out on the murderer's behalf and trying to get her released from the death penalty. I didn't put a spoiler alert on this review because you can find this information on the book cover.

The whole book is so sad and so thorough. At first you're thinking she shouldn't get the death penalty and then you're thinking she's the perfect candidate for the death penalty. If you read this book with an open mind, you may find yourself changing your opinion many times in this book. The murder victim's grandson speaks out on the murderer's behalf and what he says makes a lot of sense. The murderer herself is not a likable character and this is a sad fact and a reality to be reckoned with. In this book there are many stories of other executions and other stays, and of course the executions that didn't go well (problems with the electrical system).

In short, there is so much to think about while reading this story. In the last analysis it's just remarkable how many subtle and overt influences there are in this field of study.

[Teri · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the October book club reading at my local
Library. The author did extensive research in telling this story.

Many of the political players and those that used their power to push harmful policies/agendas, was not surprising. The question the author was trying to answer is, “What is justice?” As she stated, she interviewed 80+ people and they all have different views of justice. My question, is “justice” executing a 15-year old girl? How is justice served killing another human?

Murder is horrific, no question, but I feel the “legal” execution of humankind is also murder. 70% of the worlds countries have abolished capital punishment. Most countries that use the death penalty have authoritarian rule. So the US is an outlier. What is also interesting, but not surprising, is how many practicing American Christians, that are “pro-life,” uphold the death penalty. Furthermore, they use Old Testament biblical scripture as evidence to backup their claim. My question, Didn’t Jesus come to a abolish the old laws? Forgiveness is hard, on many levels, but that is what God commands. On the other hand, Italian Christians felt differently. They were outraged when the news traveled to Italy about the execution of a child, as they value human life at every stage, regardless. They felt humans were redeemable.

The story was disturbing and very disheartening. With that said, there was also a glimmer of hope. Those who listened to Paula’s story and felt compelled to befriend and help her was heartwarming.

This is one story of many stories of death row inmates. The treatment of these individuals is inhumane on so many levels. If we profess to love God and are following Jesus, this reading should deeply disturb our hearts and minds.

[Janalyn, the blind reviewer · Rating 4 out of 5]

When 15-year-old polic Cooper was arrested for murder she was in a perfect storm in the state of Indiana the drug she would go on Pranav campaigned oh no plea bargains and he would stick to his word even sentencing young Paula to death row. The story of the team murderer would gain momentum even going internationally with thousands of Italians sending her letters in the newspaper even sending a reporter to talk to her in person. This was such a good book and although my opinions may differ from the rider I do believe Paula Cooper was way too young to be on death row this is a book that is a real page turner in one I couldn’t put down I was so invested to see if young Paula would get a new sentence and although this job can be very frustrating it’s always due to the outcome of certain situations and not the writing. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it. Well as much as you can enjoy True Crime book. I received this book from NetGalley and the publisher but I am leaving this review voluntarily please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.

[Gina Baldyga · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fascinating deep dive on the debate of the death penalty for minors, set against the backdrop of the landmark case(s) of 15 year old Paula Cooper. In 1985, Paula murders elderly Bible teacher Ruth Pelke and is given the death penalty; Ruth’s grandson forgives her and fights for her mercy. Interestingly, the repeated argument against the death penalty is that adolescence is a period where cognitive ability, judgment, impulse control, identity, and emotions are transitory and undeveloped. Concurrently, MRI images of the adolescent brain prove, for the first time in history, it’s underdevelopment until the mid twenties - not age 12 as was believed to that point. (Perhaps a good reminder, that maybe adolescents don’t always know best?)
The book was a bit overly detailed in the middle for me, covering many different cases and journeys for justice. It was best for me when focused on Ruth and Paula’s stories. Recommend overall.

[Andrea · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really wanted to love this book more. I appreciated the author not shying away from explaining the racial tension of the time and Paula's upbringing having played into the decisions she made. I felt this was really more a book about the evolution of death penalty in the US and less about Paula and Ruth.

Issue: (& sure, maybe I'm nitpicking) On page 20, author references Carl Stokes as the first Black mayor of Cleveland.... Illinois. He was from Cleveland, Ohio. He was a prominent figure. Maybe a editing error? Maybe a research error? Just something that grated at me for a book that seemed to have a foundation of research.

She clearly met and interviewed a lot of people which I enjoyed. The last few chapters were probably my favorite. The irony of some of the interviews was not lost on me.

[Katrina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nonfiction that reads like fiction. In 1985, fifteen year-old Paula Cooper, along with three other Black teenage girls viciously murdered 79 year-old Ruth Pelke, a White bible school teacher in Gary, Indiana. When Paula is sentenced to death, Ruth’s grandson, Bill Pelke embarked upon a lifelong quest to eliminate the death penalty. His commitment was based on his Christian faith and while the question of God’s forgiveness and forgiveness of self is dominant in the book, so are the questions of justice, retribution, the racial bias apparent in the administration of the death penalty, the possibility of rehabilitation, abusive backgrounds and society’s dismissal of poor mostly Black communities like Gary, Indiana. Only reason it’s not a 5✨it’s length.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have always been against capital punishment and this book only reinforced my sentiment. I was shocked to learn that a 15-year-old girl was sentenced to death right here in Indiana. Through the hard work of many supportive people, including the grandson of her elderly victim, her sentence was eventually overturned. She proved that it was possible for people to be rehabilitated and became a sociable, hardworking woman after she was released after 30+ years. Unfortunately, the story ends on such a sad note that I couldn't stop crying.

We need to redesign our "justice" system from the bottom up. We could learn so much from other countries. As long as people are making money from building prisons, there seems to be little hope of reform.

This book was very well-written. A good balance of the human emotions involved and the legal issues that had to be addressed.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

The murder of an elderly Sunday school teacher by 4 young neighbor girls is the beginning of this book questioning the appropriateness of the death penalty for minors. It also looks at societal factors, racism, and society's feeling of a need for justice or retribution and the concept that these might result in two different outcomes. Flat out, there is no way a 15 year old should be considered for the death penalty or even life in prison. I didn't need this book to convince me, but it was good to see that it isn't just my heart leading me to that opinion.

[Melissa]

This was good, but at times frustrating to read. Some things I would have liked to known more about, but they weren't covered as in depth- I especially wish there had been more citations hroughout, there's clearly a huge body of work on the subject that wasn't included. Other things seemed repetitive.
But it was a good look at the abolitionist movement through the story of this young girl who did a terrible thing and all the forces that wanted to use her and her story for their own ends.

[Georgia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don’t tend to rate true crime, but I don’t know if this could really be considered it. It veers more towards narrative nonfiction.

The author has a lot of compassion for those involved which was evident and greatly appreciated. She’s also an excellent writer and I would definitely read another book from her. This is a hopeful book despite its heavy sadness. It speaks to the power of redemption and forgiveness.

[Andrea Spurlock · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a good book, but I honestly would’ve preferred it as a documentary…obviously it was a heavy topic and so it felt very long. Loved the arguments against the death penalty…I don’t know if I knew where I stood prior to reading but i definitely know where I stand now.

[WM D. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Seventy times seven is a good book. I am a big fan of true crime books and this book was a really great read. It told the story of how forgiveness plays a role in the life of a woman who was sentenced to death and how people were willing to forgive her and help her move forward with her life.

[Brittany Pike · Rating 4 out of 5]

The power of forgiveness and reconciliation is what struck the most. The only thing that doesn't give it 5 stars for me was that the caliber of indepth research sometimes took away from the beauty of the story.

[DEVONIA BOURGEOIS · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartbreaking!