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Met the End: An investigation of the past, a daughter's duty to herself.
Met the End, a true-crime survival memoir, explores the life and death of John Powell, first known victim of American serial killer Donald Harvey, through the eyes of Powell's daughter, Holly Brians Ragusa. When a motorcycle accident in 1986 left Powell in a coma, the nightmare for Brians Ragusa and her family had scarcely Harvey, a nurse's aid, was poisoning him with cyanide, and when Powell died, an investigation revealed dozens of similar crimes. For Brians Ragusa, fifteen years old at the time, the incident had profound mental and emotional consequences. She struggled for decades to reconcile childhood memories of her dad against the sensational publicity surrounding his murder. Then, in 2017, the national spotlight returned to Harvey's case when a fellow prison inmate beat him to death. Rekindled trauma from the news coverage drove Brians Ragusa to finally tell her father's story. Through research, interviews, and introspection, Brians Ragusa faces the tragedy of her family's past, and finds reclamation.
- GenresMemoir
352 pages, Paperback
Published March 7, 2023
10 people are currently reading
74 people want to read
About the author
Holly Brians Ragusa
5 books8 followersHolly Brians Ragusa (she/her/hers) is an interdisciplinary writer, speaker and community activist based in Cincinnati. Author of Met the End (Nov 2022) poet and Opinion contributor to the Cincinnati Enquirer, she serves a range of nonprofits and lives in historic Over-the-Rhine, sharing space with her husband, mother, three cats, one dog, and (sometimes) two grown children. Her passions also include moon-gazing, seeking meaning, and mustard.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
January 19, 2023
This is an incredible read. Brians Regusa’s writing is beautiful, rich, and so clearly full of years of emotion, experience, and wisdom. In addition to being a book about true crime and the impact it has on victims, this author touches on a number of different topics in addition to coping and perseverance. She touches on culture and it’s change over time, the intersection between politics and religion, and many other fascinating topics. I couldn’t put this book down, and I genuinely hope this author writes another book.
June 4, 2024
I had the honor of meeting Holly at Books by the Banks last fall and bought a signed copy of her book "Met The End," as an individual who is passionate about trauma-informed care and trauma healing.
Holly's book is not like other true crime novels. This is about her father and her father's life; all that led to his existence and its ultimate end. This is not snuff, suspense or a thriller.
The story starts out with background on Holly's family, where she lived, her childhood and her relationship with her dad; a normal man with a normal life, as most murder victims are. This is about Holly, John and their intertwined life, not an examination of his killer's psyche or what made him become what he was.
A motorcycle accident that left her dad, John (a man very similar to my own father, also named John) critically injured, and his repetitive poisoning by serial killer Donald Harvey, a nurse's aide nicknamed later, the "Angel of Death." Holly discusses her family's trauma own struggles against the media and extreme overwhelm, with an honest and fine tooth comb.
Her writing is incredibly raw, yet organized. You can tell this was a labor of love and a little obsession, to write a complete package of her thoughts, experiences and honor her father with it. The amount of research and interviews that went into this book left me in awe. She shed her identity to be as non-bias as possible, which is a difficult thing to do when a loved one is killed. Yet, the author shares her life before and after, with no details left unshared and her mother, siblings' and her own struggles, strength and resilience.
Holly doesn't only discuss her family, but honestly discusses everyone else involved in the process of her father's death and subsequent related trials; from the whistleblowers, investigators, and journalists who helped bring Donald to justice and uncovered other murders in the process.
This memoir was tough to get through at times because it sits you inside a murder victim's surviving adult child's mind and all that she has gone through. Follow Holly as she reclaims her life, heals, and continues to live past her father's death in "Met The End." I could not put it down and I found her father was so much like my father, and our childhood's so different. One moment, and one person's actions can change...so much.
Holly's book is not like other true crime novels. This is about her father and her father's life; all that led to his existence and its ultimate end. This is not snuff, suspense or a thriller.
The story starts out with background on Holly's family, where she lived, her childhood and her relationship with her dad; a normal man with a normal life, as most murder victims are. This is about Holly, John and their intertwined life, not an examination of his killer's psyche or what made him become what he was.
A motorcycle accident that left her dad, John (a man very similar to my own father, also named John) critically injured, and his repetitive poisoning by serial killer Donald Harvey, a nurse's aide nicknamed later, the "Angel of Death." Holly discusses her family's trauma own struggles against the media and extreme overwhelm, with an honest and fine tooth comb.
Her writing is incredibly raw, yet organized. You can tell this was a labor of love and a little obsession, to write a complete package of her thoughts, experiences and honor her father with it. The amount of research and interviews that went into this book left me in awe. She shed her identity to be as non-bias as possible, which is a difficult thing to do when a loved one is killed. Yet, the author shares her life before and after, with no details left unshared and her mother, siblings' and her own struggles, strength and resilience.
Holly doesn't only discuss her family, but honestly discusses everyone else involved in the process of her father's death and subsequent related trials; from the whistleblowers, investigators, and journalists who helped bring Donald to justice and uncovered other murders in the process.
This memoir was tough to get through at times because it sits you inside a murder victim's surviving adult child's mind and all that she has gone through. Follow Holly as she reclaims her life, heals, and continues to live past her father's death in "Met The End." I could not put it down and I found her father was so much like my father, and our childhood's so different. One moment, and one person's actions can change...so much.
May 13, 2023
In her courageous memoir, "Met the End: Revisiting Dad's death, reclaiming life," Holly Brians Ragusa takes readers on an emotional journey through the aftermath of her father's murder and her quest for justice. The story revolves around the motorcycle accident that left John Powell critically injured, and his subsequent poisoning by Donald Harvey, a nurse's aide dubbed the "Angel of Death." The author delves deep into her family's trauma and examines her own struggle to reconcile her memories of her father against the sensationalized media coverage surrounding his death.
The writing is raw, honest, and poignant. With extensive research, interviews, and personal reflections, the author reconstructs the life her family led before and after the tragedy, shedding light on their strength and resilience. Through her storytelling, the author honors the whistleblowers, investigators, and journalists who brought the truth to light.
The memoir serves as a reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the power of reclaiming one's life in the face of unimaginable tragedy. With its gripping narrative and profound exploration of self and society, "Met the End" is a testament to the human capacity for healing and finding strength in vulnerability. Holly Brians Ragusa's poignant and fearless account will resonate deeply with readers (as it did with me), leaving a lasting impact long after the final page is turned.
The writing is raw, honest, and poignant. With extensive research, interviews, and personal reflections, the author reconstructs the life her family led before and after the tragedy, shedding light on their strength and resilience. Through her storytelling, the author honors the whistleblowers, investigators, and journalists who brought the truth to light.
The memoir serves as a reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the power of reclaiming one's life in the face of unimaginable tragedy. With its gripping narrative and profound exploration of self and society, "Met the End" is a testament to the human capacity for healing and finding strength in vulnerability. Holly Brians Ragusa's poignant and fearless account will resonate deeply with readers (as it did with me), leaving a lasting impact long after the final page is turned.
July 6, 2025
Deeply powerful writing. An amalgamation of memoir, journalism, tribute, and journey of self-healing. The beginning was a little slow and flowery for me, but I do feel that it was both necessary as context for the rest of the book and to honor her dad — one of her primary intentions in writing this. Once I got over this initial hump, it kept drawing me in continuously. I have deep admiration for the work the Brians Ragusa has done, both personally and professionally in writing this.
I also appreciated that she described the horrifying murders committed by Harvey, but did not in any way glorify him. (She mentioned striving to not glorify him, and I think she did an excellent job of walking the line.)
I also found the Cincinnati history mostly interesting, but I think it would really bore me if I wasn’t familiar. I also encountered a few typos/misprints, but that’s whatever!
I also appreciated that she described the horrifying murders committed by Harvey, but did not in any way glorify him. (She mentioned striving to not glorify him, and I think she did an excellent job of walking the line.)
I also found the Cincinnati history mostly interesting, but I think it would really bore me if I wasn’t familiar. I also encountered a few typos/misprints, but that’s whatever!
September 18, 2023
This was a heartfelt, well plotted, thoroughly researched memoir. The author took the reader on a journey of both educational and historical proportions, while also delivering a deeply personal account of her experience growing up in a family victimized by a serial killer in her hometown. No small feat.
I loved the way she wove her grief, trials and tribulations at a raw teen-age, and personal expansion over time along the timeline of a devastating unfolding of events happening to her Dad and her family. It was written with compassion, grace and humility, but also with the diligence and appropriate detail of a great writer. Highly recommend.
I loved the way she wove her grief, trials and tribulations at a raw teen-age, and personal expansion over time along the timeline of a devastating unfolding of events happening to her Dad and her family. It was written with compassion, grace and humility, but also with the diligence and appropriate detail of a great writer. Highly recommend.
May 24, 2023
This is am amazing book. I am not normally a nonfiction fan but this was so well written, it's her story not fact after fact book.
I am the same age and grew up in the same area of Cincinnati as the author. Her teenage memories of area were my memories also. It gave me a connection to the author.
I remember the story as something on the news in passing I was a typical teen and it didn't effect my life.
Reading through her eyes it's so horrific yet somehow she has turned it around and has become an inspirational adult.
I am the same age and grew up in the same area of Cincinnati as the author. Her teenage memories of area were my memories also. It gave me a connection to the author.
I remember the story as something on the news in passing I was a typical teen and it didn't effect my life.
Reading through her eyes it's so horrific yet somehow she has turned it around and has become an inspirational adult.
January 12, 2023
I am truly blown away by this courageous, exhaustively researched, and fearlessly narrated memoir. Holly Brians Ragusa takes a deep dive into an unspeakably painful topic, coming out stronger and even more compassionate on the other side. A great read for anyone interested in how a family responds to the traumatic loss of a loved one, the truth behind a disturbing chapter of true crime history in Cincinnati, and how we can overcome pain and loss to live in empathy and love.
January 29, 2023
This is a well written memoir of a horrible crime committed against a family. The book is a masterpiece of raw emotions, visually descriptive metaphors describing the real struggles the author had to conquer to get this story on paper. It is the author, and her family’s, story of survival in the aftermath. Their tragic loss prevented further murders. It is the story of their healing and recovery. Heartbreaking, that it is true, heroic in sharing, this is an amazing story.
October 14, 2024
Get ready, Cincinnati history enthusiasts, memoir lovers, and true crime enthusiasts! This captivating book revolves around the family, particularly the daughter (also the author), of the victim who played a pivotal role in ending the devastating Drake hospital killings that plagued Cincinnati in 1987 and before. What truly stuck with me was uncovering the hidden gems of our city's rich history and the profound impact of media on public perception.
Thank you Holly, for sharing your story.
Thank you Holly, for sharing your story.
May 18, 2023
This was so good. A heartbreaking memoir of the murder of the author’s father. It was an unflinching look at grief and the trauma that comes with it. There were times I had to set the book down and just absorb what I’d read. The author writes with compassion, kindness and strength. Highly recommend, and I look forward to reading anything else she writes.
January 14, 2023
This is a stunning, heartbreaking book that seamlessly blends true crime and memoir. Brians Ragusa provides a voice for the often overlooked survivors of trauma, and writes a loving tribute to her Father and Mother.
November 21, 2023
A woman’s memoir about the murder of her stepfather & her road through the grief journey & healing. The first part of the book is how he came into her life, then his death, then her journey after to dare.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 30, 2023
An amazing book. Very well written.
November 27, 2025
I love your book it's inspiring
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 18, 2023
My Grandpa (Ted) and his brother (Joe) were friends with John. It was cool seeing them both mentioned in this story. I heard the story of Johns death growing up. His murder lead to the discovery of a serial killer who was an orderly at the hospital where John was recovering from an accident. I also enjoyed knowing places mentioned throughout this story. Non-Fiction isn’t my typical genre but when my Aunt Fran asked if I was interested in reading her copy. I couldn’t say no.
This book was about Holly, who was John’s daughter. I felt like she did a great job balancing the different aspects to her story. She gave us backstory into her life prior to the accident, insight into the crime told from her POV, and the aftermath. I thought it was well written. There were just a couple times where the story was a little slow, or some snippets of info surrounding the case that went a bit over my head as just a casual not very Critical reader.
I probably wouldn’t have picked this up if I didn’t have a personal connection to this case. However I am very glad that I did. It was interesting to learn about a crime that happens in Cincinnati where I live. I definitely would recommend if you enjoy books about serial killers and the impact their actions have on the family of their victims.
May 30, 2023
Met the End: Revisiting Dad’s death, reclaiming life. An investigation of the past, a daughter’s duty to herself
By
Holly Brians Ragusa
Rating:5/5
Description:
“Telling this story, not just the living of it, became my personal war over whose legacy should survive a murder.The killer? Or the killed?One who takes a life? Or souls left to apprehend the magnitude of that action?”
On July 8, 1986, a motorcycle accident left John Powell critically injured. For seven months he fought for his life, while his family waited and worried at his bedside. Just when Powell seemed to be staging a miraculous recovery, reawakening to the world in his long-term care facility in Cincinnati, his condition took a turn for the worse. No one could explain why. He ultimately lost the battle, but not to his injuries: Donald Harvey, a nurse’s aide, had been secretly poisoning him with cyanide. Harvey would later confess to dozens of similar murders, resulting in multiple life sentences; media reports labeled him the “Angel of Death.” The hell Harvey unleashed on his victims’ loved ones is only the beginning of Met the End.
Review:
👉Talking about the title of the book, the title of the book is really so interesting to read.
👉The cover is appealing and attractive as well. Writing style is awesome.It takes readers on an emotional journey through the aftermath of her father's murder and her quest for justice. The story revolves around the motorcycle accident that left John Powell critically injured, and his subsequent poisoning by Donald Harvey, a nurse's aide dubbed the "Angel of Death." The author delves deep into her family's trauma and examines her own struggle to reconcile her memories of her father against the sensationalized media coverage surrounding his death."Met the End" is a testament to the human capacity for healing and finding strength in vulnerability.
For complete read do order this book on @amazondotcom
For book link:
https://www.amazon.com/Met-End-Revisi...
Wow! What a book! I am in love with the book
👉I just loved reading the book ...
Happy reading!..
By
Holly Brians Ragusa
Rating:5/5
Description:
“Telling this story, not just the living of it, became my personal war over whose legacy should survive a murder.The killer? Or the killed?One who takes a life? Or souls left to apprehend the magnitude of that action?”
On July 8, 1986, a motorcycle accident left John Powell critically injured. For seven months he fought for his life, while his family waited and worried at his bedside. Just when Powell seemed to be staging a miraculous recovery, reawakening to the world in his long-term care facility in Cincinnati, his condition took a turn for the worse. No one could explain why. He ultimately lost the battle, but not to his injuries: Donald Harvey, a nurse’s aide, had been secretly poisoning him with cyanide. Harvey would later confess to dozens of similar murders, resulting in multiple life sentences; media reports labeled him the “Angel of Death.” The hell Harvey unleashed on his victims’ loved ones is only the beginning of Met the End.
Review:
👉Talking about the title of the book, the title of the book is really so interesting to read.
👉The cover is appealing and attractive as well. Writing style is awesome.It takes readers on an emotional journey through the aftermath of her father's murder and her quest for justice. The story revolves around the motorcycle accident that left John Powell critically injured, and his subsequent poisoning by Donald Harvey, a nurse's aide dubbed the "Angel of Death." The author delves deep into her family's trauma and examines her own struggle to reconcile her memories of her father against the sensationalized media coverage surrounding his death."Met the End" is a testament to the human capacity for healing and finding strength in vulnerability.
For complete read do order this book on @amazondotcom
For book link:
https://www.amazon.com/Met-End-Revisi...
Wow! What a book! I am in love with the book
👉I just loved reading the book ...
Happy reading!..
June 7, 2023
Met The End is a gripping and thought-provoking story that delves deep into the complexities of family relationships and the fragility of life. The writing is exceptional and takes the reader on an emotional journey along with a family struggling to survive a traumatic loss. Highly recommended for anyone seeking a captivating, immersive and unforgettable reading experience.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews