My Girl

by Michelle Hadaway

On Thursday 9th October, Michelle Hadaway's worst fears came true. After watching her daughter Karen playing in the neighbour's garden with her best friend Nicola, Michelle returned to cook dinner for her family. Unbeknownst to her, this would be the last time she would ever see Karen alive. In the following days and months, shocking details would come to light about the nature of Karen and Nicola's murders, and the case which had come to be known as 'the Babes in the Wood murders' would lead to one of the most infamous and cruellest miscarriages of justice in British history. For decades, Michelle fought tirelessly to bring justice to her daughter's murder, shining light on countless police failings and media manipulations in the process. Finally, in 2018 after 22 years of suffering, Russell Bishop, the man Michelle had long known to be guilty, was sentenced in court. This is the story of two stolen lives, of the long road to justice, but most of all the story of a mother's love and determination.

Genres: True Crime, Nonfiction

320 pages, Paperback

Published November 15, 2023

Reviews

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

A first hand account from the mother of one of the young girls murdered by their neighbour in 80’s Brighton - infamously known as the “babes in the woods” murders. This case has been widely reported on so it was refreshing to hear the whole, full truth from one of the people the murders personally affected.

This is a truly devastating story. Karen’s mother Michelle is a very strong and determined lady, never giving up her fight for the killer of her little girl to face justice and answer for the crimes he committed. There were a lot of mistakes made in this case by the police, the judicial system and the media and the families waited a long time to see the perpetrator face punishment for these crimes.

Well written but a difficult read. Ideal for true crime enthusiasts.

[Deity World · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such an emotional read from start to finish I feel for the family RIP

[Murren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heartbreaking read but it’s a must. The heartbreak of the families of both Karen and Nicola, both in different ways but with the same struggle at the heart, in the fight for justice.

[Casey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent, Heartfelt, Heartbreaking but a fantastic story of a mothers love for her child

[Gail murray · Rating 5 out of 5]

32 years of fighting for justice this book Is a must read

[Cache Me If You Can · Rating 5 out of 5]

An unbearably tragic story, beautifully and courageously told. How Michelle Hadaway (and the other parents and families, but thinking specifically of the details in this book) dealt with the continuous, unbelievable blows is incredibly inspiring. I had to wipe away literal tears on several occasions.

A couple of other reviews mentioned it was a bit repetitive and a slow burner. There were a few times when things were repetitive but it wasn't to a point that I couldn't or didn't want to read anymore. As for being a slow burner, I wasn't entirely convinced by the first few chapters detailing Michelle's upbringing, but it was relevant to her character (personality) and all the people that remained in and were pivotal to her life and the events both before and after the tragic murders.

The fight for justice spanned over 3 decades. If that's not slow burning I'm not sure what is. I didn't feel that it was all that slow after the initial chapters and if it was, it seems fitting to me that the reader would experience a fraction of the monumentally long, torturous wait these families had.

[Kelly Franks · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazingly heartbreaking story, but amazingly and inspiringly written. I know the story and knew the girls very well, but to hear it all from a mother's side, well, being only 9 myself at the time, there were things I found out myself.from reading this. I still live on the Moulsecoomb Estate in Newick Road, and sometimes go to the memorial tree. I am so pleased that you finally got justice for both Karen and Nicola, but you shouldn't have had to wait as long as you did. Mistakes were definately made, I so hope you can now grieve your little girl and the rest of your beautiful family that you lost in that most dreadful time of your life.

[Ellen Abrahams · Rating 5 out of 5]

I clearly remember this tragic time as also lived locally and my younger brother attended the same school as Karen. Truly awful what happened to Karen and Nicola, no parent or family should ever have to be put through this. This story shows how a Mother never gave up fighting for justice, even amongst all the grief she was suffering. Shocked to hear some of the events that took place. May you rest in peace Karen and Nicola.

[Keri Fargie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting read about two families fight for justice! Heartbreaking what they had to go through and the pain they suffered. Thank you to Michelle for sharing her story as it definitely would have been hard and brought back a lot of memories/flashbacks. Karen would be so proud how you fought for justice for her and Nicky.

[Lucinda · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was on my wish list after finishing the books about Holly and Jessica.

However while the story is such a sad story and the heartache of what both families have endured with their girls being murdered it was a rather much of slow burner but it’s the story of not giving up for what you believe is true and for getting justice.

[Melody Erb · Rating 5 out of 5]

The strength and determination of Michelle in the long fight for justice is like no other. I can not begin to imagine the heartache, anger, and frustration faced by these families over decades. They should be so proud of themselves.

[Jean Ritchie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Courageous account of the worst thing that all mothers fear: the murder of a child.
Michelle never let the battle for justice overwhelm her, which it would have done for most of us.
At times distressing, but always inspiring. A great read.

[pat goode · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartbreaking!

To now this happened in the town I grew up in is frightening,to now the families involved is scary! The strength and courage of the girls parents is beyond brave.Finally justice was done !!!I

[Leanne Holt · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a powerful book written by an incredible strong and courageous woman. I couldn't put this book down went through a lot of emotions

[Alice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a sad heartbreaking story , can't imagine how they all coped and carried on. X

[Rebecca Fowkes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a heartbreaking book, after 32 years fighting and never giving up they finally got justice. Definitely recommend reading it.

[Tasha Bateman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book touched my heart strings! A very sad story

[Sher · Rating 4 out of 5]

An incredibly depressing read, I don’t usually get this bothered but this poor woman’s life seemed so bleak after the tragedy of losing her daughter.

[Terri Blackwell · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very sad account. An example of bad policing and injustice but very repetitive.

[Stacy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awful tragic story and the 32 year fight for justice on a parents worst nightmare. Heart goes out to them all

[annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Michelle is such a strong and wonderful mother for all her dedication to her children and karen. This book really puts into perspective how families are broken by murder.

[Paw · Rating 5 out of 5]

heartbreaking story of a mother's tragedy 💔

[giselle · Rating 5 out of 5]

so heartbreaking