Sins of the South: A True Crime Case Collection To Advocate For

by Raven Rollins, Mandy McNeely

In their first non-fiction book, Professor of Psychology and Criminal Justice Mandy McNeely and Investigative Journalist and victim advocate Raven Rollins share an analysis of three of the coldest cases in Oklahoma from their investigations of them for their podcast, Sirens A Southern True Crime Podcast. They take you to 2004 Maysville, Oklahoma, to look into the unsolved homicide of Sheila Deviney, who was burned alive in her own home.

They send you to 1995 Ada, Oklahoma, to dive into the case of Daniel Furr, a 15-year-old boy who ended up at the bottom of an abandoned brick quarry pit. Or did he?

Finally, they revisit 1994 Henryetta, Oklahoma, and the case of Shawna Jones, a single mother whose New Year's Eve celebration turned deadly. Join them in their search for justice.

Find more about the podcast and the authors at www.thesirenspodcast.com.

Genres: True Crime

374 pages, Paperback

Published September 3, 2023

About the author

Raven Rollins is a P.I. turned investigative journalist and victim advocate. Raven Rollins is a true crime author and the voice behind Sirens | A Southern True Crime Podcast. Known for her fearless pursuit of the truth and deep empathy for victims and their families, Raven specializes in cold cases, suspicious deaths, and forgotten crimes, particularly those rooted in the American South like her home state of Oklahoma. Her writing blends meticulous reporting with emotional storytelling, giving voice to the silenced and shining light on cases long ignored.

Raven’s work has reignited public interest in several unsolved cases, drawing attention from regional media and law enforcement. Her books, including "Sins of the South: Three Oklahoma Cold Cases" and "Allegedly: True Crime from Pontotoc County, Oklahoma," are praised for their investigative depth, compassionate tone, and narrative style.

When she’s not digging through court records, old autopsy files, or hosting panel discussions with victims’ families, Raven continues to advocate for justice—one case at a time.

Raven resides in Oklahoma with her husband, Rick, son, English bulldog, Shih-Tzu, and Tortie cat, Nyx.

Reviews

[Crystal Lamb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful read! Very emotionally moving! I am from Oklahoma myself, where these three cases took place, so, the book was very personal. I am a close follower of the Daniel Furr case since 1995. I live near Ada, where Daniel was from, so, the case has always hit home to me. I have prayed for justice for Daniel and his family since day one. This book had soooo much information about the case I did not know! Raven, Mandy, and the Sirens team did a wonderful job compiling all the information of the crimes and give us a glimpse into the aftermath of these three unsolved murders. The families and friends of the victims are victims, too, and a lot of true crime followers don't realize that. This book gives you a taste of what the loved ones go through....without Daniel, Sheila, and Shawna. And other victims of similar crimes. If you're a fan of true crime, this is definitely a must-read!

[Kathryn Young(duh) · Rating 5 out of 5]

True crime fans 16 years+ I invite you to check out this compilation of some of Oklahomas oldest Cold Cases covered and investigated by psychology and criminal justice professor Mandy McNeely and journalist and private investigator Raven Rollins. These ladies present the facts of the tragic stories of Daniel Furr, Sheila Daviney, and Shawna Jones with compassion and empathy. This is not your run of the mill true crime retelling. As victim advocates their goal is to spread news and knowledge. Pick up the book and help Raven and Mandy spread the word on each of these lives that were cut all too short.

[Margaret Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an easy read and very informative from the cases to specifics regarding crime scene investigation tactics. Daniel Furr was my cousin and to see after all these years, others outside of our family working to bring awareness and seek justice for Daniel is a wonderful thing to see!

[Vickey Dooley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this book from a friend of my family and one of the authors, Mandy McNeely. I’ve known her since she and my daughter were little.

I had heard of all three murders. I knew that in SE Oklahoma things operated slower. I just wasn’t prepared to actually see how evidence wasn’t taken or lost. I knew that our state medical examiner’s office had problems for years. But it is different when you connect it to a case.

In all three cases my heart goes out to the families.

Chapter 27 gave some valuable advice: “The Kelsey Smith Act is a bill to help law enforcement locate a kidnap victim faster. Signed into law May 3, 2021. This victim was up ducted in a Target parking lot”.

Helpful advice, keep your heads out of your cell phone, know your surroundings, make a plan, carry pepper spray or other deterrents.

Just like the authors share the victim is not just the one that lost their life but the entire family. I think we tend to forget about them. And if something has happened to you, don’t be afraid to report it, please. There is another victim around the corner.

Book Clubs, there is a list of questions provided that would be helpful if you choose for your group.

[BRandy Thomas · Rating 1 out of 5]

It took me a long time to get through this book. It had everything that I should love: true crime, local cases, lesser known cases, and it was recommended to me by someone else. But here’s what I think it’s super important to know before you pick up this “book”: most of it is written like it’s a transcript. While quotes are so important in telling true stories to appropriately represent your narrative there were more than a few times I had to go back and read things over again because the quote was unintelligible, including from the hosts. Intermittently it would switch back to normal prose to which I could appreciate, but never for long enough. These authors had a lot of potential, but cheapened their work by choosing the format they did and making it hard to understand. It also desperately needed an editor to help with clear mistakes and general flow issues.

[Chelsea · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is such a great read. It dives deep into the frustrations, heartbreak, and challenges each family faces with the lost of their love one.

[Ashley Mustin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought and read this book for the simple fact my husbands aunt who was murdered in Henryetta, ok in 1994 has a short part/tribute in this book.