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Beyond All Evil: Two Monsters, Two Mothers, A Love That Will Last Forever
June Thomson and Giselle Ross are inextricably linked by two unspeakable acts of evil. On the same day, a few miles apart, their estranged husbands slaughtered their children. The murders were not driven by rage, or committed in moments of madness. They were planned, and carried out with chilling precision, to inflict the worst pain imaginable.
June and Giselle did not know each other. Tragedy is all that binds them; they were destined to come together as ‘sisters’, united by pain, grief and a sense of loss so immense that it would drive both to the brink of madness.
June’s life with Rab Thomson had been a dark and turbulent existence, characterised by mental torture, physical violence and rape. Giselle’s relationship with Ashok Kalyanjee had been a strange and distant affair, of lives spent apart before, during and after marriage.
But both relationships had produced two beautiful children, and the women believed that their misery was in the past. Both mothers believed it was important to allow the fathers’ access to their children. On that fateful Saturday in May 2008, neither could have conceived that the men they had once loved would do anything to harm their children. But they were wrong, so terribly wrong.
Nothing can bring their children back. But June and Giselle have one solitary comfort: they are no longer alone. Their lives may have been torn apart, but they have each other. Together, they are stronger.
This is the story of their parallel journeys: of the dreadful days before, during, and after the murders of their children. Told in their own words, with searing honesty of their pain, and guilt, it is a story of endurance, friendship, and survival against the odds. It is not a story for the faint hearted, but it is a story that must be told, for in the end, it is a testament to the human spirit.
June and Giselle did not know each other. Tragedy is all that binds them; they were destined to come together as ‘sisters’, united by pain, grief and a sense of loss so immense that it would drive both to the brink of madness.
June’s life with Rab Thomson had been a dark and turbulent existence, characterised by mental torture, physical violence and rape. Giselle’s relationship with Ashok Kalyanjee had been a strange and distant affair, of lives spent apart before, during and after marriage.
But both relationships had produced two beautiful children, and the women believed that their misery was in the past. Both mothers believed it was important to allow the fathers’ access to their children. On that fateful Saturday in May 2008, neither could have conceived that the men they had once loved would do anything to harm their children. But they were wrong, so terribly wrong.
Nothing can bring their children back. But June and Giselle have one solitary comfort: they are no longer alone. Their lives may have been torn apart, but they have each other. Together, they are stronger.
This is the story of their parallel journeys: of the dreadful days before, during, and after the murders of their children. Told in their own words, with searing honesty of their pain, and guilt, it is a story of endurance, friendship, and survival against the odds. It is not a story for the faint hearted, but it is a story that must be told, for in the end, it is a testament to the human spirit.
339 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 10, 2011
684 people are currently reading
357 people want to read
About the author
June Thomson
70 books21 followersJune Thomson, a former teacher, has published 24 crime novels, 18 of which feature Detective Chief Inspector Jack Finch and his sergeant, Tom Boyce. She has also written six short story collections of Sherlock Holmes pastiches. Her books have been translated into many languages. She lives in St Albans in Hertfordshire.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
March 4, 2018
As expected, this made for some shockingly sad reading. Such an horrific coincidence that both sets of murders happened on the same day like this. It's nice June and Giselle found each other the way they have, for, as they rightfully say, nobody else can say they understand and really mean it.....
I liked how we got to know each woman and how they met their partners in life and all about their children. I've not Googled their stories yet but I will, so I can see the people I've just read about.
For me, the worst offender was Ash. For all Rab's disgusting behaviour, I'd say you knew where you stood with him but I think Ash was a really sly case. I hated to read about how he manipulated little Paul....there was some humour from the ladies, who both have terrific families around them, thank goodness, helping them to go on after these godawful crimes. And of course there were parts that made me more than a bit sniffy, especially reading about June's pyjamas and Jay-Jay's hammer.....
I was staggered by the sentences handed down in both cases. Neither were sufficiently long enough.
Two passages really struck me (and others, since they were previously highlighted by readers before me)...."....the family annihilator is responsible for more than one-third of child murders" and "....children may be safer on the street with strangers than they are in their own homes"......they're both frighteningly scary and go against all that kids have been taught for hundreds of years. As one lawyer said, these types of crimes are on the increase. That really makes you think.....as did what psychologist Ian Stephen said, too, "They are the nice guys.....and they live next door".
I did spot a couple of words they should correct. Subtly used and not subtlety and, describing newborn Paul, "His oval face, with its tiny, perfect features, was surmounted by a thatch of dark hair." That's the wrong word but I couldn't think of the one needed to replace it !
I was highly impressed that both cases and both mothers had ensured they can assist others after their own tragedies. Kudos to them both for this.
I liked how we got to know each woman and how they met their partners in life and all about their children. I've not Googled their stories yet but I will, so I can see the people I've just read about.
For me, the worst offender was Ash. For all Rab's disgusting behaviour, I'd say you knew where you stood with him but I think Ash was a really sly case. I hated to read about how he manipulated little Paul....there was some humour from the ladies, who both have terrific families around them, thank goodness, helping them to go on after these godawful crimes. And of course there were parts that made me more than a bit sniffy, especially reading about June's pyjamas and Jay-Jay's hammer.....
I was staggered by the sentences handed down in both cases. Neither were sufficiently long enough.
Two passages really struck me (and others, since they were previously highlighted by readers before me)...."....the family annihilator is responsible for more than one-third of child murders" and "....children may be safer on the street with strangers than they are in their own homes"......they're both frighteningly scary and go against all that kids have been taught for hundreds of years. As one lawyer said, these types of crimes are on the increase. That really makes you think.....as did what psychologist Ian Stephen said, too, "They are the nice guys.....and they live next door".
I did spot a couple of words they should correct. Subtly used and not subtlety and, describing newborn Paul, "His oval face, with its tiny, perfect features, was surmounted by a thatch of dark hair." That's the wrong word but I couldn't think of the one needed to replace it !
I was highly impressed that both cases and both mothers had ensured they can assist others after their own tragedies. Kudos to them both for this.
February 8, 2012
This is not my usual book and am guessing being pregnant whilst reading this isnt the best thing.
This book was heart-wrenching and emotional and made me teary at the end when the obvious happens.
It is written like a conversation happening between them (June and Giselle) and them telling their story in parts. Firstly how they met their partners, the abuse, having their children, leading up to their childrens' deaths and the after effect.
Throughout the book it was all extemely well written and I found myself not being able able to put the book down.
You feel incredibly sorry for June and Giselle and even though I found myself questioning why they put up with it, especially when it came out Rab also beat Shaun for defending his mother, I did find myself sympathetic. I dont pretend to know how it must of been and how hard it was to get out of that situation.
Both men are despicable vile excuses for human beings. The fact that they still have never shown remorse for their actions and what they did to those poor defenceless children is disgusting and I have no doubts they will burn in hell eventually.
This is a very powerful story and definately serves as a wakeup call to anyone who may read this and is in an abusive relationship. This is not what I would class as a misery memoir, but I am unsure what genre I would put it in, although if you do like that genre I would recommend giving this a go. As for June and Giselle, I hope they can find peace within themselves and their families and good luck to them both in the future.
This book was heart-wrenching and emotional and made me teary at the end when the obvious happens.
It is written like a conversation happening between them (June and Giselle) and them telling their story in parts. Firstly how they met their partners, the abuse, having their children, leading up to their childrens' deaths and the after effect.
Throughout the book it was all extemely well written and I found myself not being able able to put the book down.
You feel incredibly sorry for June and Giselle and even though I found myself questioning why they put up with it, especially when it came out Rab also beat Shaun for defending his mother, I did find myself sympathetic. I dont pretend to know how it must of been and how hard it was to get out of that situation.
Both men are despicable vile excuses for human beings. The fact that they still have never shown remorse for their actions and what they did to those poor defenceless children is disgusting and I have no doubts they will burn in hell eventually.
This is a very powerful story and definately serves as a wakeup call to anyone who may read this and is in an abusive relationship. This is not what I would class as a misery memoir, but I am unsure what genre I would put it in, although if you do like that genre I would recommend giving this a go. As for June and Giselle, I hope they can find peace within themselves and their families and good luck to them both in the future.
November 2, 2015
A very tragic story and something that all within society should prevent. Definitely feel that women need to be empowered in their lives to not put up with the way that men feel they can treat them.
October 16, 2013
There are two sides to this book; the initial fascination over how and why these women ended up with (and stayed with) these men and then the heartbreaking sadness that flows out of the pages and down your cheeks in the final chapters. This was truly a riveting read. I also really liked the format of the storytelling, how they told each woman's story separately but together in each chapter. Overall, an excellent book and a real look into domestic abuse and manipulation. Just a really sad story that had to be told.
March 15, 2015
If you have kids don't read this. It's hard to imagine this actually happened. It's terrible.
The person who recommended it to me said it would help me to understand why women stay in bad relationships. It didn't. I still don't get why they stay.
I can't believe the husbands sentencing either! They deserved a harsher punishment. I couldn't believe they were so evil.
The person who recommended it to me said it would help me to understand why women stay in bad relationships. It didn't. I still don't get why they stay.
I can't believe the husbands sentencing either! They deserved a harsher punishment. I couldn't believe they were so evil.
March 1, 2018
you won't read this without crying but also admiring the strength of these women. both of these women suffered abuse in different ways but when they found the strength to leave they were betrayed in the worse way possible. when their husbands took the children for visits they carried out a premeditated murder of them. even when served prison sentences they showed no remorse for their acts,
April 15, 2012
This book is beautifully written and at the same time heart wrenching. The evil of two husbands/fathers depicted throughout. My heart goes out to two amazing women and their amazing strength of ability to share their anguish with others. A book that I will never forget!!!
October 21, 2013
This book emotionally gutted me; so horrifying, yet full of love and hope.
July 15, 2016
Sad
I found this book very interesting. No one knows what goes on behind close doors. This story of June and Gisselle is so sad. Please read it
I found this book very interesting. No one knows what goes on behind close doors. This story of June and Gisselle is so sad. Please read it
May 17, 2018
A must read.
This book will touch your heart in so many ways. When I first started reading even though I knew what the outcome would be, it grabbed me by my heartstrings and made me realize we must keep this from happening to another parent. It's not as easy as telling the spouse to leave, we must find ways to protect the children when marriages go wrong. Keep your tissues closer by as you will find some of this book incredibly sad, but it's an important story to hear. May God bless these women and help heal their pain and I thank them for sharing what had to be the most horrendous time in their lives.
This book will touch your heart in so many ways. When I first started reading even though I knew what the outcome would be, it grabbed me by my heartstrings and made me realize we must keep this from happening to another parent. It's not as easy as telling the spouse to leave, we must find ways to protect the children when marriages go wrong. Keep your tissues closer by as you will find some of this book incredibly sad, but it's an important story to hear. May God bless these women and help heal their pain and I thank them for sharing what had to be the most horrendous time in their lives.
May 21, 2018
Damn it. I cried. Ugly crying. I felt every emotion. Disgust. Anger. Sadness. Rage. It shows just how much psychology affects, not just one person, but an entire family. I’m so emotionally drained just reading this book that I can’t even begin to imagine what these women were feeling. Absolutely terrifying that it’s still happening in this day and age; unfortunately you never know until the “unthinkable” happens.
February 25, 2018
Impressive...Emotional.. Heartbreaking
I'm not going to be able to do this book, the mothers who authored the book or their courage justice with a few words of praise.
This book and the stories it tells are proof of the strength of the human spirit, a mother's love and the undeniable fact that evil truly walks among us.
An absolute MUST READ!
I'm not going to be able to do this book, the mothers who authored the book or their courage justice with a few words of praise.
This book and the stories it tells are proof of the strength of the human spirit, a mother's love and the undeniable fact that evil truly walks among us.
An absolute MUST READ!
January 21, 2019
I've had this book in my kindle library for awhile because I knew it would be a difficult one to read. Boy was I right! This is a heart wrenching story of two women who have endured the worst possible heart break imaginable. The story was told in a way that puts the reader right there with June and Giselle throughout their lives with the monsters they married. I don't think I've ever cried with a book as much as I cried with this one. The fact that these women were able to pick up their lives and continue living after such a terrible tragedy is remarkable.
June 24, 2018
Wow!
A sad but moving story that has to be told. Four beautiful lives lost because of the control that two fathers had to have. Never forget the innocence lost. RIP four beautiful angels. 🍰🍫🍬🍭
A sad but moving story that has to be told. Four beautiful lives lost because of the control that two fathers had to have. Never forget the innocence lost. RIP four beautiful angels. 🍰🍫🍬🍭
May 6, 2018
Heartbreaking and absolutely terrifying
This book broke my heart. It is one of the most disturbing books I've ever read. That such evil can exist in the world is unfathomable. Both ladies are such strong wonderful women to be able to put down in words their heartbreaking stories. These stories must be told and we owe it to these ladies and the many others like them to read their stories. We must never feel alone.
This book broke my heart. It is one of the most disturbing books I've ever read. That such evil can exist in the world is unfathomable. Both ladies are such strong wonderful women to be able to put down in words their heartbreaking stories. These stories must be told and we owe it to these ladies and the many others like them to read their stories. We must never feel alone.
March 17, 2021
Ok Read
I did not like the writing style. For what happened to these 4 children, I felt it was quite subdued. Also I would have liked a little more in-depth explanation of the husbands and their own family background more detailed. For example you read a small detail of Ashkok's mom and sister; but where they aware of his problems or his intent. I feel a bit more detail could have gone into this book.
I did not like the writing style. For what happened to these 4 children, I felt it was quite subdued. Also I would have liked a little more in-depth explanation of the husbands and their own family background more detailed. For example you read a small detail of Ashkok's mom and sister; but where they aware of his problems or his intent. I feel a bit more detail could have gone into this book.
January 19, 2018
Two mothers who lost their babies by the hands of killers
Very sad story but one that needed to be told..
Monsters are all around us unfortunately some are the ones closest to our children..
Very sad story but one that needed to be told..
Monsters are all around us unfortunately some are the ones closest to our children..
February 2, 2018
Monsters in disguise
I chose this book for the simple fact of wanting to see how low a so called "man" can sink. The unspeakable horror these women were subjected to is almost unbelievable. My heart is with them and their families.
I chose this book for the simple fact of wanting to see how low a so called "man" can sink. The unspeakable horror these women were subjected to is almost unbelievable. My heart is with them and their families.
February 21, 2018
Unbelievable!!!
What can I say, I've been crying for the most of this book! I have read many books on abuse, but never one like this!!! God brought these two women together for a reason, someone who can understand the horror they have lived. Hardest book I've ever read.
What can I say, I've been crying for the most of this book! I have read many books on abuse, but never one like this!!! God brought these two women together for a reason, someone who can understand the horror they have lived. Hardest book I've ever read.
April 24, 2018
Tragic
A very sad story of two women who lose their children at the hands of their husbands. Spousal abuse carried to a whole new level. The story is told with great feeling and honesty. This is a hard book to read as the sorrow seems to lift right off the pages.
A very sad story of two women who lose their children at the hands of their husbands. Spousal abuse carried to a whole new level. The story is told with great feeling and honesty. This is a hard book to read as the sorrow seems to lift right off the pages.
November 30, 2017
Real life is so tragic & unnecessarily sad.
We are seriously running out of ways to treat each other better.
We are seriously running out of ways to treat each other better.
January 7, 2018
Sad
Very very sad for the mothers and the children that never got to experience adulthood,such a waste of there future taken from them!
Very very sad for the mothers and the children that never got to experience adulthood,such a waste of there future taken from them!
February 10, 2018
Nuts
A very good book fast reading,unable to put it down. I hope women around the world begin to realiZe and view signs realisticaly
A very good book fast reading,unable to put it down. I hope women around the world begin to realiZe and view signs realisticaly
April 6, 2018
Brutal honesty
This book was filled with heartbreak. I almost cried at the end, I couldn't image losing my son's. There's a special place in hell for people who harm children.
This book was filled with heartbreak. I almost cried at the end, I couldn't image losing my son's. There's a special place in hell for people who harm children.
April 16, 2018
A moving, harsh reality of domestic violence
A gripping story of two women caught up in lives of domestic control that is believable and tragic. Could happen to anyone.
A gripping story of two women caught up in lives of domestic control that is believable and tragic. Could happen to anyone.
April 19, 2018
Pure evil
Thank you ladies for having the courage to alliw the world into your world. May your children rest in oeace and the evil rot in hell!
Thank you ladies for having the courage to alliw the world into your world. May your children rest in oeace and the evil rot in hell!
October 30, 2023
One of the worst books I have read for the events that are described within these pages.
The 2 ladies have been through Hell and held for a horrid time.
This is certainly not an easy book to read, and I wouldn't recommend it if you have been through a life of very overpowering abuse.
The 2 women involved in this story now have a link that 100% of women would NEVER want, but they have it, and it gives them the strength to move forward.
The 2 ladies have been through Hell and held for a horrid time.
This is certainly not an easy book to read, and I wouldn't recommend it if you have been through a life of very overpowering abuse.
The 2 women involved in this story now have a link that 100% of women would NEVER want, but they have it, and it gives them the strength to move forward.
August 9, 2018
Beyond all evil
Two brave women who were able to tell their story. This story, being told in the way that they saw it, maybe not in the way people saw it. No one knows what goes on behind closed doors. So sad that these beautiful women had to go through this.
I would definitely suggest reading this book. I had a hard time putting it down even to sleep.
Two brave women who were able to tell their story. This story, being told in the way that they saw it, maybe not in the way people saw it. No one knows what goes on behind closed doors. So sad that these beautiful women had to go through this.
I would definitely suggest reading this book. I had a hard time putting it down even to sleep.
September 29, 2018
The story of two mothers that did not know each other but went thru the same pain a mother would never want to go through. I felt their and side with wanting.g those monsters dead.
Heartbreaking story of the worst situation a mother can go through. You feel the pain of both women. Well written from the side of each of the moms.
Heartbreaking story of the worst situation a mother can go through. You feel the pain of both women. Well written from the side of each of the moms.
October 25, 2022
heartbreaking truly heartbreaking
There are no words to describe what these ladies and their families have endured,
Their strength is amazing
A well written but so deeply hard to read account of pure evil at its finest… which makes you question how anyone could possibly do this to their own children and live with them selves hour after hour day after day it’s beyond evil
My heart really goes out to these ladies and their families and to the memory of their beautiful children
There are no words to describe what these ladies and their families have endured,
Their strength is amazing
A well written but so deeply hard to read account of pure evil at its finest… which makes you question how anyone could possibly do this to their own children and live with them selves hour after hour day after day it’s beyond evil
My heart really goes out to these ladies and their families and to the memory of their beautiful children
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews