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The Death of Innocence
The parents of JonBenet Ramsey, murdered in her Boulder, Colorado, home on Christmas night, 1996, answer their accusers by sharing their hearts, emotions, and reflections, and they reveal their own theories about the crime. of photos. Proceeds to go to the JonBenet Ramsey Children's Foundation.
434 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published March 15, 2000
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
didnt-finish
January 25, 2010I read to page 74 and then quit, for the following reasons:
1. Like most people, I'm interested in the whodunit aspects of this case. The who, how, and why. I just want the facts, the evidence, the theories, and that's it.
2. Whether the Ramsey's had anything to do with the murder or not, a book written by John and Patsy is obviously going to be biased and centered around defending themselves.
3. I don't want to read about Patsy's cancer. I have hypochondria about that sort of thing, and reading or hearing about it just plants worry in the back of my mind.
and 4. I realized on page 63 that I really do not care for Patsy Ramsey. I've always had a vague feeling of dislike for her b/c of all the pageant stuff, but now I have even more reason not to like her. Specifically, she says about moving to Boulder: "The people also seemed very different from southerners. Many Boulder public officials and citizens seemed to pride themselves in being on the cutting edge of progressive causes, like the environment, the welfare of the poor, China's human relations policies, independence for Tibet, and the right of homosexuals, bisexuals, and transvestites. These people claimed to be very tolerant, but that tolerance only seemed to extend to those who held similar views. I soon noticed there were no fur coats in politically correct Boulder." --She says all this like it's a bad thing!!! Her hoity-toityness turns my stomach and makes me angry (most especially the fur part), and I don't wish to read any more of this.
1. Like most people, I'm interested in the whodunit aspects of this case. The who, how, and why. I just want the facts, the evidence, the theories, and that's it.
2. Whether the Ramsey's had anything to do with the murder or not, a book written by John and Patsy is obviously going to be biased and centered around defending themselves.
3. I don't want to read about Patsy's cancer. I have hypochondria about that sort of thing, and reading or hearing about it just plants worry in the back of my mind.
and 4. I realized on page 63 that I really do not care for Patsy Ramsey. I've always had a vague feeling of dislike for her b/c of all the pageant stuff, but now I have even more reason not to like her. Specifically, she says about moving to Boulder: "The people also seemed very different from southerners. Many Boulder public officials and citizens seemed to pride themselves in being on the cutting edge of progressive causes, like the environment, the welfare of the poor, China's human relations policies, independence for Tibet, and the right of homosexuals, bisexuals, and transvestites. These people claimed to be very tolerant, but that tolerance only seemed to extend to those who held similar views. I soon noticed there were no fur coats in politically correct Boulder." --She says all this like it's a bad thing!!! Her hoity-toityness turns my stomach and makes me angry (most especially the fur part), and I don't wish to read any more of this.
October 31, 2012
In my humble opinion I think they are completely full of malarky.
September 8, 2018
Can a book be conniving?
Can a rich person used to getting whatever they want be narcissistic enough to try and make people feel
sorry for them - not for their loss, but for what the media did to their reputation?
I’m having a hard time finishing this book. I’ve still got chapters to go. I have to keep putting it down because my bull shit radar is beeping off the charts. I read it with an open mind - really - hoping to convince myself of their innocence, and the complete opposite is happening. It doesn’t help that they are very unlikeable people. It doesn’t help that most people can’t relate to their level of wealth. It doesn’t help that they “don’t remember” key events. Like John forgot his own home alarm code so he didn’t set it the night JonBenet was murdered, but earlier in the book Patsy tells the story of a time while house hunting in Boulder John randomly remembered the alarm code to a house (given by a real estate agent) and they broke into a home to see it. It doesn’t help they flaunt their wealth and “good southern common sense” on almost every page. It doesn’t help that the book reads like the ransom note does.
I used to think Patsy the Histrionic covered it up, and Feces Smearing Burke did it (with the flashlight while playing with the trains - maybe she took pineapple.) Now I’m not sure she didn’t have her own hand it in. Control Freak to The T, Matchy Matchy, maybe she didn’t like changing those piss filled sheets and she snapped. One things for sure - she did not go to sleep that night. No way Patsy Ramsey would be caught DEAD in the same outfit as the night before. Alas, Patsy never got into pajamas... she was up all night writing that Gone With the Wind epic of a ransom note.
Can a rich person used to getting whatever they want be narcissistic enough to try and make people feel
sorry for them - not for their loss, but for what the media did to their reputation?
I’m having a hard time finishing this book. I’ve still got chapters to go. I have to keep putting it down because my bull shit radar is beeping off the charts. I read it with an open mind - really - hoping to convince myself of their innocence, and the complete opposite is happening. It doesn’t help that they are very unlikeable people. It doesn’t help that most people can’t relate to their level of wealth. It doesn’t help that they “don’t remember” key events. Like John forgot his own home alarm code so he didn’t set it the night JonBenet was murdered, but earlier in the book Patsy tells the story of a time while house hunting in Boulder John randomly remembered the alarm code to a house (given by a real estate agent) and they broke into a home to see it. It doesn’t help they flaunt their wealth and “good southern common sense” on almost every page. It doesn’t help that the book reads like the ransom note does.
I used to think Patsy the Histrionic covered it up, and Feces Smearing Burke did it (with the flashlight while playing with the trains - maybe she took pineapple.) Now I’m not sure she didn’t have her own hand it in. Control Freak to The T, Matchy Matchy, maybe she didn’t like changing those piss filled sheets and she snapped. One things for sure - she did not go to sleep that night. No way Patsy Ramsey would be caught DEAD in the same outfit as the night before. Alas, Patsy never got into pajamas... she was up all night writing that Gone With the Wind epic of a ransom note.
May 8, 2017
The JonBenet Ramsey case has caught my interest and I've been reading as many books about it as I can. Is this one important? Yes. Is it interesting? No.
This book gives the reader a view of grieving parents who are comforted by their religion. This could be of some use to someone who has lost a child. That is all well and good but...
John and Patsy have moments of such arrogance that it makes it difficult for me to feel sympathy for them. For example, when contrasting their investigation methods to the Boulder police, John claims they didn't want to "do a 'Boulder police' and rush to erroneous conclusions." (Page 216) That's a little below the belt.
Maybe it is just me but they seemed like the kind of people used to getting their way and if not they would just fire the person. Right off the bat the Ramseys hired their own investigators instead of trying to work with the Boulder police.
If you read this book, I would recommend reading Foreign Faction - Who Really Kidnapped JonBenet? and/or JonBenet: Inside the Ramsey Murder Investigation for a balance. There are some stark contrasts between what the Ramseys give as facts and what the police give as facts.
This book gives the reader a view of grieving parents who are comforted by their religion. This could be of some use to someone who has lost a child. That is all well and good but...
John and Patsy have moments of such arrogance that it makes it difficult for me to feel sympathy for them. For example, when contrasting their investigation methods to the Boulder police, John claims they didn't want to "do a 'Boulder police' and rush to erroneous conclusions." (Page 216) That's a little below the belt.
Maybe it is just me but they seemed like the kind of people used to getting their way and if not they would just fire the person. Right off the bat the Ramseys hired their own investigators instead of trying to work with the Boulder police.
If you read this book, I would recommend reading Foreign Faction - Who Really Kidnapped JonBenet? and/or JonBenet: Inside the Ramsey Murder Investigation for a balance. There are some stark contrasts between what the Ramseys give as facts and what the police give as facts.
August 27, 2019
Mostly an exercise in public relations
Don't read this looking for slip ups or unconscious revelations about the role of the Ramseys in the death of their daughter. This is a closely edited, legally observed, and unabashedly self-serving book. (I'd love to see what was edited out.) Yet, between the lines we can catch a glimpse or two about who the Ramseys really are and what they are about and what they believe.
This is a well written and very well edited exercise featuring a centerfold of family portraits, including several modest shots of JonBenét. The Ramseys give a close rendering of the events of Christmas day, 1996, and the next morning. The story of Patsy's successful fight against cancer is told in some detail, and the beauty pageant issue is addressed. The book ends with John Ramsey's profile of the murderer and a chapter of advice on how to protect your children. There is no index.
Throughout, the Ramseys tell their story in the first person in alternating sections. First John speaks and then Patsy, and then John again, and so on. What they are intent on demonstrating is their innocence. They try to accomplish this by convincing the reader of their abiding love for JonBenét and for God, and their adherence to the Christian faith. Both seem to have a special relationship with God that allows them to hear his voice. John writes "there's a point where...you know and understand the truth of what God has done through human history and you grasp his plan for the future through his son, Jesus Christ" (p. 72).
Patsy in particular has felt the "divine intervention" in her life on many occasions, particularly in her successful battle against cancer (p. 77), but also when her cable TV line was accidentally cut, thereby preventing her from hearing the lies about her on television (p. 230). She has received messages from God (e.g., on pages 82 & 243). In fact in several spots Patsy seems to liken her experience to that of Jesus. As she was watching the "Geraldo Rivera Show" on October 22, 1997, for example, she heard voices calling for the crucifixion of herself and her husband (p. 229). And as Christmas, 1997 approached, her faith, like that of Jesus, was sorely tested, and she found herself "mad at God" and screamed, "I hate Christmas!" But there came a "stillness at the center of" her "being" and she "received a message from God" telling her that she more than anyone needed Christmas, and her faith was restored.
Even in day to day activities, Patsy found herself calling on God to guide her and he did. For example, before picking up the phone to insinuate herself into the Princess Di media discussion she was watching on Larry King Live, Patsy told her mother, "I'm praying that God will give me the right words." After being on hold for a while, "suddenly" she was "talking on live television, launching...into an attack on Larry King..." (p. 210). She relates on the next page that she was so successful that Larry King called to thank her and to ask her to appear on his show.
Almost as annoying as this "holier than thou" posturing was the Ramsey's unrelenting attack on the media and the Boulder police as the cause of all their troubles. I thought it was significant that they blamed the police leadership more than they blamed the officers who had so compromised the crime scene (p. 178). I also thought it telling that John Ramsey in particular tried to tie the crime to "how transient" their "University Hill neighborhood really was," and to people who "pushed New Age experiences" (p. 204). In Lawrence Schiller's book, he is quoted as saying that Bill McReynolds ("Santa Claus") should be a suspect partly because "he doesn't have two nickels to rub together." This high-handed and snide tone, I believe is as much responsible for the public's suspicion of the Ramseys as anything else.
Nonetheless, after reading three books on the subject, I am forced to say that I don't think there's enough evidence to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that they are responsible for their daughter's death. I think the Boulder District Attorney's office and the Grand Jury are to be commended for not charging the Ramseys with a crime they could not prove. Whether this book will help their public image is another matter.
--Dennis Littrell, author of the movie review book, “Cut to the Chaise Lounge, or I Can’t Believe I Swallowed the Remote!”
Don't read this looking for slip ups or unconscious revelations about the role of the Ramseys in the death of their daughter. This is a closely edited, legally observed, and unabashedly self-serving book. (I'd love to see what was edited out.) Yet, between the lines we can catch a glimpse or two about who the Ramseys really are and what they are about and what they believe.
This is a well written and very well edited exercise featuring a centerfold of family portraits, including several modest shots of JonBenét. The Ramseys give a close rendering of the events of Christmas day, 1996, and the next morning. The story of Patsy's successful fight against cancer is told in some detail, and the beauty pageant issue is addressed. The book ends with John Ramsey's profile of the murderer and a chapter of advice on how to protect your children. There is no index.
Throughout, the Ramseys tell their story in the first person in alternating sections. First John speaks and then Patsy, and then John again, and so on. What they are intent on demonstrating is their innocence. They try to accomplish this by convincing the reader of their abiding love for JonBenét and for God, and their adherence to the Christian faith. Both seem to have a special relationship with God that allows them to hear his voice. John writes "there's a point where...you know and understand the truth of what God has done through human history and you grasp his plan for the future through his son, Jesus Christ" (p. 72).
Patsy in particular has felt the "divine intervention" in her life on many occasions, particularly in her successful battle against cancer (p. 77), but also when her cable TV line was accidentally cut, thereby preventing her from hearing the lies about her on television (p. 230). She has received messages from God (e.g., on pages 82 & 243). In fact in several spots Patsy seems to liken her experience to that of Jesus. As she was watching the "Geraldo Rivera Show" on October 22, 1997, for example, she heard voices calling for the crucifixion of herself and her husband (p. 229). And as Christmas, 1997 approached, her faith, like that of Jesus, was sorely tested, and she found herself "mad at God" and screamed, "I hate Christmas!" But there came a "stillness at the center of" her "being" and she "received a message from God" telling her that she more than anyone needed Christmas, and her faith was restored.
Even in day to day activities, Patsy found herself calling on God to guide her and he did. For example, before picking up the phone to insinuate herself into the Princess Di media discussion she was watching on Larry King Live, Patsy told her mother, "I'm praying that God will give me the right words." After being on hold for a while, "suddenly" she was "talking on live television, launching...into an attack on Larry King..." (p. 210). She relates on the next page that she was so successful that Larry King called to thank her and to ask her to appear on his show.
Almost as annoying as this "holier than thou" posturing was the Ramsey's unrelenting attack on the media and the Boulder police as the cause of all their troubles. I thought it was significant that they blamed the police leadership more than they blamed the officers who had so compromised the crime scene (p. 178). I also thought it telling that John Ramsey in particular tried to tie the crime to "how transient" their "University Hill neighborhood really was," and to people who "pushed New Age experiences" (p. 204). In Lawrence Schiller's book, he is quoted as saying that Bill McReynolds ("Santa Claus") should be a suspect partly because "he doesn't have two nickels to rub together." This high-handed and snide tone, I believe is as much responsible for the public's suspicion of the Ramseys as anything else.
Nonetheless, after reading three books on the subject, I am forced to say that I don't think there's enough evidence to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that they are responsible for their daughter's death. I think the Boulder District Attorney's office and the Grand Jury are to be commended for not charging the Ramseys with a crime they could not prove. Whether this book will help their public image is another matter.
--Dennis Littrell, author of the movie review book, “Cut to the Chaise Lounge, or I Can’t Believe I Swallowed the Remote!”
May 16, 2022
This book was a difficult read as it is the most senseless and saddest thing of all. In 2006, Boulder police released a statement that John and Patsy Ramsey are officially no longer considered suspects in the murder of their 6-year-old daughter, JonBenet. Sadly, this came too late for Patsy who died from ovarian cancer 2 years prior to the statement.
This book is a parent’s account of an unthinkable crime that happened in their own home at Christmas; amidst a flurry of happy family activity and busy plans. As a mother, I felt utterly bereft for Patsy who was in so much emotional pain, the tragedy being that they now found themselves under suspicion from law enforcement, hounded by the media, and left without an adequate investigation into the death of their child. The many injustices they faced from a small town police jurisdiction at a time of such turmoil and pain is difficult to read about. This type of situation is one we are far more familiar with nowadays with the many crime documentaries that demonstrate the great bias and miscarriages of justice that people have faced at the mercy of the legal system and a ‘trial by media’.
The book touches upon former FBI agent and criminal behavioural expert, John Douglas, who was briefly brought onto the case with the Ramseys offering to pay for this if the police department could not. He himself states he was met with reluctance from the police department and his advice about releasing the ransom note to the press in the hopes someone would recognize the handwriting was not granted permission. (Douglas writes more extensively about his work on this case in his book The Cases That Haunt Us.)
Despite the fact that this was a difficult and emotional read, it was also incredibly moving as they talk about their faith and Christianity. Their strength in the face of evil was remarkable and I often felt quite choked up. John’s excerpts mostly focused on practicalities like the investigation, his frustration with the police politics, and desperately trying to protect his family from the exhaustive media harassment. Patsy’s narrative often spoke of her faith and quiet, profound spiritual moments as she struggled to find hope and meaning after losing her child under such harrowing circumstances.
In recent weeks, JonBenet’s father and half brother have been petitioning for an outside agency to conduct further exploration of an unknown DNA found on Jon Benet as they still don’t feel that Boulder police have done enough with the investigation. I truly hope one day soon they will finally get justice for their daughter.
This book is a parent’s account of an unthinkable crime that happened in their own home at Christmas; amidst a flurry of happy family activity and busy plans. As a mother, I felt utterly bereft for Patsy who was in so much emotional pain, the tragedy being that they now found themselves under suspicion from law enforcement, hounded by the media, and left without an adequate investigation into the death of their child. The many injustices they faced from a small town police jurisdiction at a time of such turmoil and pain is difficult to read about. This type of situation is one we are far more familiar with nowadays with the many crime documentaries that demonstrate the great bias and miscarriages of justice that people have faced at the mercy of the legal system and a ‘trial by media’.
The book touches upon former FBI agent and criminal behavioural expert, John Douglas, who was briefly brought onto the case with the Ramseys offering to pay for this if the police department could not. He himself states he was met with reluctance from the police department and his advice about releasing the ransom note to the press in the hopes someone would recognize the handwriting was not granted permission. (Douglas writes more extensively about his work on this case in his book The Cases That Haunt Us.)
Despite the fact that this was a difficult and emotional read, it was also incredibly moving as they talk about their faith and Christianity. Their strength in the face of evil was remarkable and I often felt quite choked up. John’s excerpts mostly focused on practicalities like the investigation, his frustration with the police politics, and desperately trying to protect his family from the exhaustive media harassment. Patsy’s narrative often spoke of her faith and quiet, profound spiritual moments as she struggled to find hope and meaning after losing her child under such harrowing circumstances.
In recent weeks, JonBenet’s father and half brother have been petitioning for an outside agency to conduct further exploration of an unknown DNA found on Jon Benet as they still don’t feel that Boulder police have done enough with the investigation. I truly hope one day soon they will finally get justice for their daughter.
December 4, 2012
Jon Benet's murder happened at a time in my life when I had experienced several tragic events in my own life and the news story was so disturbing to me. Knowing the shock and agony that John and Patsy must have felt to discover their daughter missing and then finding her dead in the house, and then to be accused of her murder was heart wrenching. The story seemed to parallel my own on so many levels and I followed it closely. I knew that Patsy had died of cancer since then, but I wasn't sure if the case had ever been solved. I found the book a couple of weeks ago in a lending library and knew I had to read it. I struggle to find the words to describe my feelings as I read about the injustice that was done to this family. I tried to go to the website that was on the back cover of the book to see if there was more information since the book was written 12 years ago. I couldn't find the website so I googled John Ramsey and came across an article that mentioned he had written another book, Beyond The Suffering. I started reading it last night.
April 9, 2008
This gives the Ramsey's personal story about the death of their daughter, JonBenet. It was bad enough to have their daughter murdered, but they were victimized a second time by both the police and the media. There was a time when I thought they might have had something to do with JonBenet's death. After reading this book, I am convinced that they are innocent.
August 11, 2020
If you are looking for answers about the JonBenet case, don't bother reading this. If you're truly interested in the Ramsey's personal story about the murder, then you can try. Lastly, if you're bored, looking for a book to read... Look for another book.
I do not deny the pain and grief that the family has gone through after this gruesome experience. There are moments written in the book that do bring up a smidge of sympathy for me. Additionally, the rare sincerities displayed such as their stories of John's business and Patsy's cancer struggles, helped refine the story to a measly higher level. However I, in no doubt and in clear mind, will state that based on their story, I cannot find myself to have any respect for this book, and especially the authors of this book.
If you read this book to find clues for evidence on the investigations or the allegations that the Ramseys did it, then spare yourself and search commentaries on Google and Reddit instead. "Evidence" that may be used in this book are either uncanny details exacerbated with odd phrases and description. Again, if you want to gather evidence yourself, then the world is your oyster. Just don't deceive yourself into thinking that this book is the pearl.
Moving on. Setting aside the entire investigation and the murder, the Ramsey's portrayal of themselves are wondrously shallow, vapid, arrogant, and perhaps the most controversial of all, selfish. Anecdotal experiences are written in a way that screams 'woe is me' sprinkled with a hoity-toity attitude. Almost everything is sensationalized, and while I understand the importance of sensationalism in telling a story, this serves nothing as it only renders John and Patsy as not relatable, and as a result, not likeable.
If you're thinking that the title "Death of Innocence" is referring to JonBenet, think again dears! They're actually referring to their own innocence. Yes, how tragic it is that the police and justice system failed THEM, and not JonBenet. It's always about them.
To sweeten up an already subtley scathing review of the book, I did find one quote very important:
"I finally concluded that the only ones who could forgive JonBenet's killer were JonBenet herself and God."
This quote serves as an important mini commentary on the relationships of the victim and the perpetrator. While I have no comment on God, I do agree that JonBenet herself can only forgive should the killer apologize for murdering her only.
But of course, true to the self centered nature of this book, John relates the quote back to him, saying that the thought does not apply to him, and subliminally suggesting that he should feel no remorse of having thoughts of seeking out revenge on the killer.
Tying back to the beginning of my review, I stumbled upon this book with little expectations. If anything, I expected a decent story about JonBenet's life and their grief. And while I did get a glimpse of that, majority of the book was laden with stories about John and Patsy, their feeble excuses for their questionable actions, and their constant whiny complaints about being investigated.
This book did nothing but lose my respect for John and Patsy as they overtly presented themselves as whiny, self centered, vapid humans.
My intolerance for the tomfoolery that I have encountered by reading this book was beyond and above, to this point that this might be the longest review I've ever written on Goodsreads. This review will serve as testament to the end of my involvement with this disappointing book.
I do not deny the pain and grief that the family has gone through after this gruesome experience. There are moments written in the book that do bring up a smidge of sympathy for me. Additionally, the rare sincerities displayed such as their stories of John's business and Patsy's cancer struggles, helped refine the story to a measly higher level. However I, in no doubt and in clear mind, will state that based on their story, I cannot find myself to have any respect for this book, and especially the authors of this book.
If you read this book to find clues for evidence on the investigations or the allegations that the Ramseys did it, then spare yourself and search commentaries on Google and Reddit instead. "Evidence" that may be used in this book are either uncanny details exacerbated with odd phrases and description. Again, if you want to gather evidence yourself, then the world is your oyster. Just don't deceive yourself into thinking that this book is the pearl.
Moving on. Setting aside the entire investigation and the murder, the Ramsey's portrayal of themselves are wondrously shallow, vapid, arrogant, and perhaps the most controversial of all, selfish. Anecdotal experiences are written in a way that screams 'woe is me' sprinkled with a hoity-toity attitude. Almost everything is sensationalized, and while I understand the importance of sensationalism in telling a story, this serves nothing as it only renders John and Patsy as not relatable, and as a result, not likeable.
If you're thinking that the title "Death of Innocence" is referring to JonBenet, think again dears! They're actually referring to their own innocence. Yes, how tragic it is that the police and justice system failed THEM, and not JonBenet. It's always about them.
To sweeten up an already subtley scathing review of the book, I did find one quote very important:
"I finally concluded that the only ones who could forgive JonBenet's killer were JonBenet herself and God."
This quote serves as an important mini commentary on the relationships of the victim and the perpetrator. While I have no comment on God, I do agree that JonBenet herself can only forgive should the killer apologize for murdering her only.
But of course, true to the self centered nature of this book, John relates the quote back to him, saying that the thought does not apply to him, and subliminally suggesting that he should feel no remorse of having thoughts of seeking out revenge on the killer.
Tying back to the beginning of my review, I stumbled upon this book with little expectations. If anything, I expected a decent story about JonBenet's life and their grief. And while I did get a glimpse of that, majority of the book was laden with stories about John and Patsy, their feeble excuses for their questionable actions, and their constant whiny complaints about being investigated.
This book did nothing but lose my respect for John and Patsy as they overtly presented themselves as whiny, self centered, vapid humans.
My intolerance for the tomfoolery that I have encountered by reading this book was beyond and above, to this point that this might be the longest review I've ever written on Goodsreads. This review will serve as testament to the end of my involvement with this disappointing book.
February 23, 2011
I'm fascinated by this case and wanted to give the parents their say. I found the book compelling and reasonably well written. But, I still think Patsy accidentally killed JonBenet in a fit of rage, and everything that happened after that was one big cover up that quickly got out of control. Maybe someday I'll be proven wrong, and then I'll rewrite this review ...
March 28, 2013
To be honest after reading this book I really don’t know what to believe about the Ramsey’s. A part of me feels like they are hiding something, but at the same time after reading this book I can’t help but feel sympathy for them for what they have endured. This whole case has got to be a living nightmare. I did learn some things about the flaws in our justice system that was I not aware of before. It is very frightening how much the police department dropped the ball on many of the evidence found at the crime scene. I also found it very horrific how these tabloid magazines are able to print and publish such heinous stories about victims and children! I mean there should be a limit of moral ethics at some point. It was disgusting to read some of the headlines that were put out there by the media about JonBenet.
It is so hard to believe that this case has not been solved especially with the hair DNA and the footprint left behind. It really makes me think something fishy might have been going on within the police department, or again the ball was dropped somewhere along the line during the investigation.
Overall, this book was an interesting one. It was one sided in that of course the Ramsey’s spend 90% of the time declaring their innocence throughout the book. But who can blame them, after seeing how the Media portrayed them. It will be very interesting to see if this case will ever be solved in our lifetime. I think if and when it is solved for sure the media will be as aggressive as they first where when the crime first broke airways. It is just so sad that Patsy is no longer here to see the murderer brought to justice (should that ever happen).
It is so hard to believe that this case has not been solved especially with the hair DNA and the footprint left behind. It really makes me think something fishy might have been going on within the police department, or again the ball was dropped somewhere along the line during the investigation.
Overall, this book was an interesting one. It was one sided in that of course the Ramsey’s spend 90% of the time declaring their innocence throughout the book. But who can blame them, after seeing how the Media portrayed them. It will be very interesting to see if this case will ever be solved in our lifetime. I think if and when it is solved for sure the media will be as aggressive as they first where when the crime first broke airways. It is just so sad that Patsy is no longer here to see the murderer brought to justice (should that ever happen).
September 6, 2012
Apparently, it's not enough for parents to suffer through the murder of their child, the flawed justice system and the media vultures have to blame the parents. In this chilling true story, we find that not only did the media falsely accuse the parents of this crime, but also the Boulder PD joined in on this folly, and that none are safe from false accusations in a country that worships gossip.
July 14, 2017
The same thought kept running through my mind while I read this book: these parents are still profiting off the murder of their daughter.
October 26, 2016
My reading options were limited, and I had just listened to the My Favorite murder podcast of this case. Obviously, this book was going to be slanted, but I was not a fan.
February 15, 2021
This book took me entirely to long to read, and its just because I think that they had something to do with the murder of their daughter. That I didn't like all the whining that they did.
August 4, 2012
If you have an interest in true crime stories, or in what it is like for families who face the unthinkable sorrow and rage of losing a child to murder... if you wonder what goes on behind the scenes and "the rest of the story" that is not explained on CNN or tabloid TV or in popular magazines...if, in short, you are a person who thinks and wants to know more before jumping to conclusions, then "The Death of Innocence" is a book you will find fascinating.
Written in 2000, John and Patsy Ramsey share the story of their family and how it was ripped apart when Jon Benet was murdered on Christmas night, 1996. You'll also learn some things that might surprise you, like the fact that beauty pageants were not a primary focus of Jon Benet's life and many of the videos and pictures shown on TV were released without the Ramsey's permission (sold by videographers and photographers at these pageants to the media) and Jon Benet's parents' dismay and revulsion as the clips were altered to make their daughter seem provocative.
A few years before Jon Benet's death, Patsy battled ovarian cancer (Patsy Ramsey eventually died of ovarian cancer at age 49 in 2006). She describes this battle and John describes changes within his business, and this puts the story into context as we learn of their life together, their children, and their ties to Georgia and Charlevoix, Michigan. We learn what the police did not do, what the FBI did, what leads were never followed up on... what happened to Jon Benet was a terrible crime, but what happened to the lives of the Ramseys was also terrible.
I've also reviewed the book "Columbine" on Goodreads as well as "The Great Deluge." I enjoy learning more about the details behind headlines. With each book I read, my view of CNN, FoxNews, even the ABC/NBC/CBS nightly news programs deteriorates. PBS and NPR are the only news organizations I trust at this point, and even then, just as a starting point to learn more about any event that might interest me. I have let go of the need to jump to conclusions, but do like to learn more because, as a writer, I think it is helpful to gain insight into these stories and the very human lives behind them.
This is a well-written book and I admire the editor who, I can imagine, had a difficult task. Not because of any lack on the part of the Ramsey's writing, but because of the wealth of information, anger, sorrow, and details that all were likely considered and culled through to come up with a readable, sensible story...I know from my work experience how difficult that can be, and it is a testament to the Ramseys that they ended up with a book so well-written.
Written in 2000, John and Patsy Ramsey share the story of their family and how it was ripped apart when Jon Benet was murdered on Christmas night, 1996. You'll also learn some things that might surprise you, like the fact that beauty pageants were not a primary focus of Jon Benet's life and many of the videos and pictures shown on TV were released without the Ramsey's permission (sold by videographers and photographers at these pageants to the media) and Jon Benet's parents' dismay and revulsion as the clips were altered to make their daughter seem provocative.
A few years before Jon Benet's death, Patsy battled ovarian cancer (Patsy Ramsey eventually died of ovarian cancer at age 49 in 2006). She describes this battle and John describes changes within his business, and this puts the story into context as we learn of their life together, their children, and their ties to Georgia and Charlevoix, Michigan. We learn what the police did not do, what the FBI did, what leads were never followed up on... what happened to Jon Benet was a terrible crime, but what happened to the lives of the Ramseys was also terrible.
I've also reviewed the book "Columbine" on Goodreads as well as "The Great Deluge." I enjoy learning more about the details behind headlines. With each book I read, my view of CNN, FoxNews, even the ABC/NBC/CBS nightly news programs deteriorates. PBS and NPR are the only news organizations I trust at this point, and even then, just as a starting point to learn more about any event that might interest me. I have let go of the need to jump to conclusions, but do like to learn more because, as a writer, I think it is helpful to gain insight into these stories and the very human lives behind them.
This is a well-written book and I admire the editor who, I can imagine, had a difficult task. Not because of any lack on the part of the Ramsey's writing, but because of the wealth of information, anger, sorrow, and details that all were likely considered and culled through to come up with a readable, sensible story...I know from my work experience how difficult that can be, and it is a testament to the Ramseys that they ended up with a book so well-written.
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August 4, 2022The Ramseys were "crucified" by the press and many people. I think they were naiive, innocent people who probably didn't secure their home well enough, and a psychopath got into their home and killed their little girl. I've read various things, such as copies of their house key had been given to contractors and neighbors. The truth is mostly known by whatever Higher Power rules the universe, the Ramseys and the detectives. If you think you know the whole truth by reading what's on the internet and in the press, you don't. The internet is full of lies. Saying mean, evil things about the Ramseys because of something you believe but don't know for a fact is harmful, vicous, cruel, evil and thoughtless. If you don't like the book because it doesn't go along with your theory, just know that there is the distinct possibility that you are wrong and you are further causing sorrow to a family that has suffered immeasurably. Instead of trashing the Ramseys, I suggest you do something good for yourself and your community.
October 26, 2017
If you want factual evidence and to learn about the crime itself I do not recommend this book. A lot of it is stories and the background of the Ramsey family. At some points I was wondering “what am I even reading?” If you want to get a feel for the Ramsey’s and see their own words then this book is it.
October 15, 2008
Call me morbid for being interested in such a book, fine. I found it very interesting to find out what really happened from an insiders point of view and not just what the media and police wanted us to hear.
February 21, 2019
If you're looking for theories about the case or unbiased facts about what happened, then this is not the place to go searching. There are many things here that contrasted with the work done by the police or other investigators.
June 12, 2022
JonBenet Ramsay was a six year old girl who went missing in Boulder, Colorado on Christmas 1996. Her mother came downstairs to find a long ransom note requesting 118,000 (weirdly, the same amount that the father had gotten as a bonus check from work). JonBenet was reported missing. Police came to the house and "searched" it, yet her body was found in the basement that had had "searched" about seven hours after she was reported missing. She had a broken skull, and was strangled. DNA evidence was recovered from the body. (The parents were excluded.) The police handling of the case left a lot to be desired, in my opinion. The police said that the parents were uncooperative. The mother was so distraught she couldn't even walk (as I am sure I would be if my daughter was murdered and dead in my house), and they would have gotten absolutely zero useful information out of her if they had drug her down to the police station five seconds after carting the body out of the home. They also retained counsel, as anyone facing any type of investigation should. Average people are not law experts or experts on their rights, and parents are always treated poorly as they are immediately the suspects. (A lot of the time, it is a parent or caregiver.) Another theory is that the brother did it and the parents covered up for him. I think that is quite ridiculous. (I know there are cases of kids killing kids, but I do not believe this to be the case here.) There was other evidence found that pointed to someone outside the home as the killer, and I personally believe it was a friend of the family or coworker, but I can do nothing other than speculate like everyone else.
The media and internet was not as largely popular during 1996, but the amount of coverage this case had in the news and mainstream media was astronomical. The family and their coworkers and friends were essentially stalked by the media. People made up all kinds of things. Imagine going to get groceries anywhere in the country and seeing your dead child and weird headlines all over those supermarket tabloids. It is really disgusting. I cannot imagine having to endure that from 1996 to 2022, as I write this. Not long ago, I was in the store and saw JonBenet's photo on the cover of one of those magazines. The fact of the matter is, her mother has died never knowing what happened to her daughter. Her brother has had speculation and nonsense to deal with since her murder, in addition to losing his sibling. The father is still actively trying to find out how to have the DNA evidence further tested, because the police won't send it to an outside lab. I found this book at the local library, so I picked it up to read during the summer reading program. I was recommended this book by someone who also told me that John Ramsay was releasing a new book soon about his continued efforts to seek justice for JonBenet, who has absolutely not been given any justice AT ALL. All the advances in technology and forensics that could be used on this case should be applied. The book itself was interesting to read, as it offered the perspectives of both parents shortly after the murders. It is pretty out of date, as there have been other issues pertaining to this case that have come about over the years, but it gave her parents a voice at the time. I would recommend it if you are interested in this case.
The media and internet was not as largely popular during 1996, but the amount of coverage this case had in the news and mainstream media was astronomical. The family and their coworkers and friends were essentially stalked by the media. People made up all kinds of things. Imagine going to get groceries anywhere in the country and seeing your dead child and weird headlines all over those supermarket tabloids. It is really disgusting. I cannot imagine having to endure that from 1996 to 2022, as I write this. Not long ago, I was in the store and saw JonBenet's photo on the cover of one of those magazines. The fact of the matter is, her mother has died never knowing what happened to her daughter. Her brother has had speculation and nonsense to deal with since her murder, in addition to losing his sibling. The father is still actively trying to find out how to have the DNA evidence further tested, because the police won't send it to an outside lab. I found this book at the local library, so I picked it up to read during the summer reading program. I was recommended this book by someone who also told me that John Ramsay was releasing a new book soon about his continued efforts to seek justice for JonBenet, who has absolutely not been given any justice AT ALL. All the advances in technology and forensics that could be used on this case should be applied. The book itself was interesting to read, as it offered the perspectives of both parents shortly after the murders. It is pretty out of date, as there have been other issues pertaining to this case that have come about over the years, but it gave her parents a voice at the time. I would recommend it if you are interested in this case.
June 5, 2022
Coming from a position of extreme trauma in my own family I can empathize with the trauma this family may have faced. It also appears there was incompetence on behalf of the Boulder PD regarding the investigation of the crime scene coupled with obviously sensationalized bias by exploitative media coverage.
That being said, this book provides very little in the way of resolution, which I suppose is to be expected from a recounting and recovery memoir regarding a notorious unsolved cold case such as this. However, don’t expect your suspicion to wax or wane as there are still aspects of the language and direction that may lead you to believe their sincerity or grow more suspicious, but in all likeliness will leave you right where you started and unsure.
The details are glossed over and the theories included are anemic. If you are looking for a detailing of all possibilities in order to decide for yourself - this book is not it. The most interesting evidence and theories are barely mentioned or even alluded to. It is principally them defending themselves against accusations made against them by trashy tabloids and biased political figureheads.
That being said, this book provides very little in the way of resolution, which I suppose is to be expected from a recounting and recovery memoir regarding a notorious unsolved cold case such as this. However, don’t expect your suspicion to wax or wane as there are still aspects of the language and direction that may lead you to believe their sincerity or grow more suspicious, but in all likeliness will leave you right where you started and unsure.
The details are glossed over and the theories included are anemic. If you are looking for a detailing of all possibilities in order to decide for yourself - this book is not it. The most interesting evidence and theories are barely mentioned or even alluded to. It is principally them defending themselves against accusations made against them by trashy tabloids and biased political figureheads.
September 21, 2022
I still think they did it 🤷♀️🤷♀️
We'll never know
We'll never know
November 20, 2024
GUILTY !
July 12, 2014
Good well informed book. I do not believe John or Patsy Ramsey murdered their child. I believe they went through utter turmoil at her loss. And I believe everything they wrote about how the police only looked at them as the killers and did not explore any other avenues. They was way too much evidence to prove they did not do the crime, than to prove they did. That is why the grand jury did not indict them. Just because there are cases where the parent or parents kill their child or children doesn't mean every case will turn out in that way. The police in Boulder did not let the evidence lead them, they let their own opinions lead them.
May 13, 2009
This book was published in 2000, but it is still unbelievable how this family has suffered because of the media. And today the media is exploiting thousands of people who want to just live a normal out-of-the-spotlight life. Why are so many people so sure THEY have the all the right answers and KNOW the truth! To read this book makes you wish it were fiction, but unfortunately it did happen. It is a true story ... my heart goes out to the Ramsey family. Read it and see what you think!
January 14, 2012
This offered some very useful information about the case! I also enjoyed the stories about JonBenet.JOhn is coming out with a new book and I'm very excited to read it. For those of you reading it now, there may be some parts you may want to skip over. I think the Ramsey's just wanted to add some extra information to get people to know them better so people understand that they're just normal people and that they would have never done this to JonniB.
October 13, 2013
Hmm. After reading this, I feel the parents didn't actually participate in the killing of JonBenet, but I can't conclusively eliminate the possibility that they weren't involved in some sort of cover-up to protect someone else. It was nice to see things from their points of view, but too many things in the case don't add up to me. Unfortunately this book didn't clear away all of my misconceptions.
October 16, 2021
Being in the UK, I was vaguely aware of the JonBenet Ramsey case but it wasn't huge news here unlike in the US. I decided to read this book after watching the LifeTime movie about the murder. This is the parent's story told in alternating chapters by John and Patsy Ramsey
Imagine dealing with the horror of finding your six year old daughter's lifeless body in the basement of your house, turning to law enforcement to find the killer but then finding yourself under suspicion.
There are a some similarities in this case to the disappearance of Madeleine McCann. both sets of parents became suspects and both hired high-profile lawyers and PR teams. Both cases remain unsolved. There is an element of trial-by-media to both cases although the British media are usually supportive of the McCanns, the same cannot be said for the Ramseys
After reading this book I am none-the-wiser as the the truth of the murder. In some places I had to remind myself that an innocent little girl is the real victim and not her father. John Ramsey's ego really comes through in his writing but, then, he was a very successful business man. His daughter wasn't even given her own name. The pseudo French JonBenet is derived from his two first names, John Bennet and then her middle name was Patricia after her mother. In the opening pages John refers to a plane trip with a co-pilot but is quick to point out that he was perfectly capable of piloting the plane unaided. He makes many references to his billion dollar company, his yacht, his holiday home and his income. He claims that the Boulder Police Department somehow "had it in" for him, his wife and his son yet he offers little explanation as to why. Surely any police force makes its first priority finding a child killer, not pursuing some pointless grudge. Maybe the police didn't like having to wait one hundred and twenty days to interview the couple. Maybe they didn't like the way that the District Attorney was manipulated into viewing the case as a political matter. The Ramsey's gave CNN an interview before they allowed the police to question them. Why on Earth wouldn't they want to give the police every bit of assistance that they could if they had nothing to hide?
The Ramseys would only agree to talk to the police on their terms and it was quickly leaked to the media that they were being uncooperative. They began to find themselves stalked by the press. A story circulated that Burke, their nine year old son, had lost his temper at breakfast over a bowl of pineapple and smashed his sister over the head. There was a heavy flashlight on the table in the crime scene photos and some amateur investigators have suggested that this could have been the weapon. Burke had reportedly hit his sister with a golf club in the past although this is not mentioned in the book. Supposedly, according the popular theories, the Ramsey's then covered up the crime, making it look like an intruder had broken in and killed her. Would Patsy and John really stage the sex-killing of their six year old daughter in order to protect their son? JonBenet died from a blow the the head yet somebody went to a lot of trouble for it to appear that she had been killed using a garrote. Another theory is that Patsy murdered her daughter after she wet the bed. However a senior detective, Lou Smit, with over thirty years experience, came to the conclusion that the parents had nothing to do with the death of their daughter. A conclusion that did not sit well with the Boulder Police Department. The Ramsey's weren't on any sort of social services watch list and everybody questioned agreed that they had always appeared loving towards their JonBenet.
The police let family friends trample all over the property as they believed initially that JonBenet had been kidnapped. There is the question of the bizarre, rambling ransom note, written on a pad in their home and there was even a page where someone had practiced disguising their writing. A handwriting expert analysed the writing and said that John definitely hadn't written the note but he couldn't rule out Patsy as the author. The note demanded a ransom of $118,000, the same amount that John had received as his latest bonus.
Interestingly, when Patsy rang 911 to report the "kidnapping" she did not replace the telephone receiver properly. She was unaware that she was still being recorded. At the time investigators could only hear muffled sound. Due to advances in technology audio experts have been able to bring more clarity to the recordings. It would appear that there are three people in the room. One seems to say "we're not speaking to you", another voice, probably Patsy, says "what have you done, Jesus help us" and then a third voice can be heard saying "what did you find?". This is interesting because the Ramseys claimed that Burke slept through all the initial hubub, the note being found, the emergency call being made etc. There were only four people in the house and one of them was dead, the third voice surely must have been Burke. Why did the Ramseys lie about his whereabouts?
John moved JonBenet's body when he found it and ripped the duct tape off her mouth therefore compromising and contaminating the crime scene. Linda Ardnt, the policewoman initially in charge of the scene, claimed that the look in John's eyes as he held his dead child convinced her that he had murdered his daughter What does all this mean - I have no idea. John is keen to divert suspicion to anyone and everyone, the elderly man playing Santa at their Christmas party, their cleaning lady and a local house sitter who disappeared right after Christmas (isn't that what house sitters do when the owners return?). When writing about officials who have crossed him he often uses the conveniently vague phrase "I heard a rumour..." as way of discrediting them without providing any actual evidence. Sadly, John had already lost his elder daughter, Beth, in a road accident. I felt he wrote about Beth much more movingly than he did JonBenet .
I thought it very odd that the Ramsey's became estranged from their best friends, Fleet and Pricilla White, who were present when JonBenet's body was found .If your child were kidnapped would your first thought to invite round your friends? The Whites urged police to investigate thoroughly and there is some suggestion that they felt someone in the Ramsey family could be responsible and that the Ramsey's high profile and influence would hamper the investigation.
Patsy had only recently recovered from stage four ovarian cancer (she eventually died of the disease in 2006) when her daughter died and she believed that she had been healed by God. Both the Ramseys proclaim to be committed Christians but there is no doubt about Patsy's faith. At one point she even suggests that JonBenet was born to die in such a horrible way as part of God's plan to bring mothers and daughters closer together. Despite this rather fanatical thinking the love she had for her daughter does really come through in her recollections and seems very genuine.
Of course the most famous images of JonBenet are of her parading about at beauty pageants with a full face of make up and skimpy outfits. John Ramsey suggests that she may have been targeted because of this, The photos selected for the book are much more natural shots and show a pretty little girl playing in the garden. A little girl who should have had her whole life in front of her. At the back of the book John summarises some key points. I found the graphic references to JonBenet's private parts unnecessary and upsetting. I didn't feel that information needed to be made public., let the child have some shred of privacy and dignity.
I don't know who killed this poor child but nobody has ever been brought to justice. The police and the family should have worked together rather than wasting time and resources on their squabbling. JonBenet was badly let down by so many people. If, as many police and forensic experts claim to believe, Burke accidentally killed JonBenet during an everyday sibling argument it would have been better for everyone for it to have been brought out into the open. He was a nine year old boy at the time and surely the authorities would have treated him with understanding and compassion. Instead, twenty years later, the finger of suspicion still seems to point towards him and his parents for the cover up
If this book has piqued your interest I would recommend watching the chilling documentary "The Case of JonBenet Ramsey" which is available on YouTube and the Lifetime movie "Who Killed JonBenet?" .
Imagine dealing with the horror of finding your six year old daughter's lifeless body in the basement of your house, turning to law enforcement to find the killer but then finding yourself under suspicion.
There are a some similarities in this case to the disappearance of Madeleine McCann. both sets of parents became suspects and both hired high-profile lawyers and PR teams. Both cases remain unsolved. There is an element of trial-by-media to both cases although the British media are usually supportive of the McCanns, the same cannot be said for the Ramseys
After reading this book I am none-the-wiser as the the truth of the murder. In some places I had to remind myself that an innocent little girl is the real victim and not her father. John Ramsey's ego really comes through in his writing but, then, he was a very successful business man. His daughter wasn't even given her own name. The pseudo French JonBenet is derived from his two first names, John Bennet and then her middle name was Patricia after her mother. In the opening pages John refers to a plane trip with a co-pilot but is quick to point out that he was perfectly capable of piloting the plane unaided. He makes many references to his billion dollar company, his yacht, his holiday home and his income. He claims that the Boulder Police Department somehow "had it in" for him, his wife and his son yet he offers little explanation as to why. Surely any police force makes its first priority finding a child killer, not pursuing some pointless grudge. Maybe the police didn't like having to wait one hundred and twenty days to interview the couple. Maybe they didn't like the way that the District Attorney was manipulated into viewing the case as a political matter. The Ramsey's gave CNN an interview before they allowed the police to question them. Why on Earth wouldn't they want to give the police every bit of assistance that they could if they had nothing to hide?
The Ramseys would only agree to talk to the police on their terms and it was quickly leaked to the media that they were being uncooperative. They began to find themselves stalked by the press. A story circulated that Burke, their nine year old son, had lost his temper at breakfast over a bowl of pineapple and smashed his sister over the head. There was a heavy flashlight on the table in the crime scene photos and some amateur investigators have suggested that this could have been the weapon. Burke had reportedly hit his sister with a golf club in the past although this is not mentioned in the book. Supposedly, according the popular theories, the Ramsey's then covered up the crime, making it look like an intruder had broken in and killed her. Would Patsy and John really stage the sex-killing of their six year old daughter in order to protect their son? JonBenet died from a blow the the head yet somebody went to a lot of trouble for it to appear that she had been killed using a garrote. Another theory is that Patsy murdered her daughter after she wet the bed. However a senior detective, Lou Smit, with over thirty years experience, came to the conclusion that the parents had nothing to do with the death of their daughter. A conclusion that did not sit well with the Boulder Police Department. The Ramsey's weren't on any sort of social services watch list and everybody questioned agreed that they had always appeared loving towards their JonBenet.
The police let family friends trample all over the property as they believed initially that JonBenet had been kidnapped. There is the question of the bizarre, rambling ransom note, written on a pad in their home and there was even a page where someone had practiced disguising their writing. A handwriting expert analysed the writing and said that John definitely hadn't written the note but he couldn't rule out Patsy as the author. The note demanded a ransom of $118,000, the same amount that John had received as his latest bonus.
Interestingly, when Patsy rang 911 to report the "kidnapping" she did not replace the telephone receiver properly. She was unaware that she was still being recorded. At the time investigators could only hear muffled sound. Due to advances in technology audio experts have been able to bring more clarity to the recordings. It would appear that there are three people in the room. One seems to say "we're not speaking to you", another voice, probably Patsy, says "what have you done, Jesus help us" and then a third voice can be heard saying "what did you find?". This is interesting because the Ramseys claimed that Burke slept through all the initial hubub, the note being found, the emergency call being made etc. There were only four people in the house and one of them was dead, the third voice surely must have been Burke. Why did the Ramseys lie about his whereabouts?
John moved JonBenet's body when he found it and ripped the duct tape off her mouth therefore compromising and contaminating the crime scene. Linda Ardnt, the policewoman initially in charge of the scene, claimed that the look in John's eyes as he held his dead child convinced her that he had murdered his daughter What does all this mean - I have no idea. John is keen to divert suspicion to anyone and everyone, the elderly man playing Santa at their Christmas party, their cleaning lady and a local house sitter who disappeared right after Christmas (isn't that what house sitters do when the owners return?). When writing about officials who have crossed him he often uses the conveniently vague phrase "I heard a rumour..." as way of discrediting them without providing any actual evidence. Sadly, John had already lost his elder daughter, Beth, in a road accident. I felt he wrote about Beth much more movingly than he did JonBenet .
I thought it very odd that the Ramsey's became estranged from their best friends, Fleet and Pricilla White, who were present when JonBenet's body was found .If your child were kidnapped would your first thought to invite round your friends? The Whites urged police to investigate thoroughly and there is some suggestion that they felt someone in the Ramsey family could be responsible and that the Ramsey's high profile and influence would hamper the investigation.
Patsy had only recently recovered from stage four ovarian cancer (she eventually died of the disease in 2006) when her daughter died and she believed that she had been healed by God. Both the Ramseys proclaim to be committed Christians but there is no doubt about Patsy's faith. At one point she even suggests that JonBenet was born to die in such a horrible way as part of God's plan to bring mothers and daughters closer together. Despite this rather fanatical thinking the love she had for her daughter does really come through in her recollections and seems very genuine.
Of course the most famous images of JonBenet are of her parading about at beauty pageants with a full face of make up and skimpy outfits. John Ramsey suggests that she may have been targeted because of this, The photos selected for the book are much more natural shots and show a pretty little girl playing in the garden. A little girl who should have had her whole life in front of her. At the back of the book John summarises some key points. I found the graphic references to JonBenet's private parts unnecessary and upsetting. I didn't feel that information needed to be made public., let the child have some shred of privacy and dignity.
I don't know who killed this poor child but nobody has ever been brought to justice. The police and the family should have worked together rather than wasting time and resources on their squabbling. JonBenet was badly let down by so many people. If, as many police and forensic experts claim to believe, Burke accidentally killed JonBenet during an everyday sibling argument it would have been better for everyone for it to have been brought out into the open. He was a nine year old boy at the time and surely the authorities would have treated him with understanding and compassion. Instead, twenty years later, the finger of suspicion still seems to point towards him and his parents for the cover up
If this book has piqued your interest I would recommend watching the chilling documentary "The Case of JonBenet Ramsey" which is available on YouTube and the Lifetime movie "Who Killed JonBenet?" .
September 20, 2008
This book was so heartbreaking. I couldn't put it down. I was swept in until about the middle and skimmed to the end. I was impressed with the religious outlook throughout the book. It gave a different light to the story after seeing all the news brodcasts over the years. I can't imagine going something like this with the media.
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