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The Day My Mother Never Came Home
Reed invites you into his journey of healing and the pursuit of justice.
With raw vulnerability, Reed delves into the depths of his trauma, offering glimpses into the psychological impact on his life while also offering a powerful message of hope and resilience. Reed’s story highlights the indomitable spirit that can arise from even the darkest of circumstances.
The Day My Mother Never Came Home is not simply a true crime tale; it is a testament to the power of the human spirit and the importance of shedding light on the truth. With each turn of the page, you will find yourself captivated by the narrative. Follow Reed’s journey as he grapples with raw emotions and questions the complexities of true justice. This book will leave an indelible mark on your heart and mind, compelling you to reflect on the fragility of life and the strength it takes to overcome tragedy.
If you seek a gripping story that will remain with you long after you have finished reading, The Day My Mother Never Came Home is a must-read. Join Reed on this transformative journey as he reclaims his voice and sheds light on the darkest corners of his life.
With raw vulnerability, Reed delves into the depths of his trauma, offering glimpses into the psychological impact on his life while also offering a powerful message of hope and resilience. Reed’s story highlights the indomitable spirit that can arise from even the darkest of circumstances.
The Day My Mother Never Came Home is not simply a true crime tale; it is a testament to the power of the human spirit and the importance of shedding light on the truth. With each turn of the page, you will find yourself captivated by the narrative. Follow Reed’s journey as he grapples with raw emotions and questions the complexities of true justice. This book will leave an indelible mark on your heart and mind, compelling you to reflect on the fragility of life and the strength it takes to overcome tragedy.
If you seek a gripping story that will remain with you long after you have finished reading, The Day My Mother Never Came Home is a must-read. Join Reed on this transformative journey as he reclaims his voice and sheds light on the darkest corners of his life.
298 pages, Hardcover
Published May 21, 2024
31 people are currently reading
2205 people want to read
About the author
Reginald L. Reed Jr.
1 book9 followersReginald L. Reed Jr. is an author and an accomplished professional in the pharmaceutical industry. He holds a master’s degree in business and global marketing. In his first book, “The Day My Mother Never Came Home,” Reed recalls the events surrounding the unsolved murder of his 26-year-old mother when he was just 6 years old and the indictment and trial of his father 32 years later. With raw honesty and transparency, the memoir sheds much needed light on losing a parent and the childhood trauma that results. Reed’s narrative style immediately draws the reader into his story — the roller coaster of emotions is captivating and what reads like a true crime novel is Reed’s actual life. He resides in San Antonio, Texas, with his wife, Paula, their son, Lathan, and daughter, Selonia. See more at his website rlreed.com.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
March 17, 2025
Reginald’s mother was murdered in 1987 and for over 30 years her death remained a cold case, until his father was arrested and tried for the murder.
I’ll be honest I have mixed feelings about this book, and that’s all because of who gets arrested for the murder and how I wish I knew that before reading the book. We know about the arrest really early in the book so it’s not really a surprise but it does change the whole reading experience.
The author wanted to write this book to share his story because sharing means that it may help people who go through something similar, also because people who go through trauma need someone to listen, not someone who tell them they need to fix it. His trauma is complex and always changing. Losing his mother at such a young age is something that impacted his whole life, he also talks about the way a trial can be traumatising in a whole different way. Leaning how his mother died with horrible details reactivate the feelings he had as a little boy. As an adult he tries to remember what her last day with him was, what he could have done to stop it, growing up with a single dad when single dads were not common…
That part of the memoir is incredibly well done and compelling.
Now the big thing that I’m having complex feelings about. His dad did it. And in the book you do learn that his dad is tried and convicted for it, but the author spends the whole book convinced that his dad is innocent and it impacts the way he talks about him. You actually have to google the case to find a recent article penned by him to find out that he now thinks that his dad is indeed guilty and that he still has a relationship with him. I am not judging his relationship with his dad cause it’s not my place to do so, his feelings are totally valid.* But reading pages and pages and pages of him praising his dad, that he was such a great father while he was going through trauma when well said dad was the entire reason for that trauma. He talks about his values, about how hard it must be for him to be in prison….Well again, he did it to himself. At some point the author talks about how unfair it is that the police are looking at his dad and that they wouldn’t do that if his father wasn’t black (fair point, the police and the justice system can be incredibly racist), but in the case of a woman being killed? They always look at the husband and for very good reasons, in many cases the husband or ex did it. All the talk about prison and the justice system is an interesting one, but this case? Not the right one to have that conversation. His father is not an innocent guy screwed over by the system, he’s a guy who murdered his wife and the mother of his child in the most awful way ; and then got away with it for over three decades while getting money from insurance and social security from the wife he killed.
*I’m lying a little bit, after reading the autopsy report, I’m judging a little bit, you can’t have a relationship with a guy who did that
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I’ll be honest I have mixed feelings about this book, and that’s all because of who gets arrested for the murder and how I wish I knew that before reading the book. We know about the arrest really early in the book so it’s not really a surprise but it does change the whole reading experience.
The author wanted to write this book to share his story because sharing means that it may help people who go through something similar, also because people who go through trauma need someone to listen, not someone who tell them they need to fix it. His trauma is complex and always changing. Losing his mother at such a young age is something that impacted his whole life, he also talks about the way a trial can be traumatising in a whole different way. Leaning how his mother died with horrible details reactivate the feelings he had as a little boy. As an adult he tries to remember what her last day with him was, what he could have done to stop it, growing up with a single dad when single dads were not common…
That part of the memoir is incredibly well done and compelling.
Now the big thing that I’m having complex feelings about. His dad did it. And in the book you do learn that his dad is tried and convicted for it, but the author spends the whole book convinced that his dad is innocent and it impacts the way he talks about him. You actually have to google the case to find a recent article penned by him to find out that he now thinks that his dad is indeed guilty and that he still has a relationship with him. I am not judging his relationship with his dad cause it’s not my place to do so, his feelings are totally valid.* But reading pages and pages and pages of him praising his dad, that he was such a great father while he was going through trauma when well said dad was the entire reason for that trauma. He talks about his values, about how hard it must be for him to be in prison….Well again, he did it to himself. At some point the author talks about how unfair it is that the police are looking at his dad and that they wouldn’t do that if his father wasn’t black (fair point, the police and the justice system can be incredibly racist), but in the case of a woman being killed? They always look at the husband and for very good reasons, in many cases the husband or ex did it. All the talk about prison and the justice system is an interesting one, but this case? Not the right one to have that conversation. His father is not an innocent guy screwed over by the system, he’s a guy who murdered his wife and the mother of his child in the most awful way ; and then got away with it for over three decades while getting money from insurance and social security from the wife he killed.
*I’m lying a little bit, after reading the autopsy report, I’m judging a little bit, you can’t have a relationship with a guy who did that
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 21, 2024
This true crime memoir was interesting, sad, and thought-provoking. Props to author R.L. Reed, Jr. I'm sure it was so hard to write this, but also cathartic.
October 1, 2025
I am torn because I don't want to give such a low rating but, I felt this book was very repetitive and read as more of a self-help book than a thriller as was advertised. It wasn't until page 183 or part 4 where the trial started that I feel the meat of the book and the interesting facts and perspectives came in. Prior to that, it was how he felt about his mother being killed and it being a Cold Case and how important his father was to him. It did feel very naive at how he painted his father in such a perfect picture and saying he could never do this but then he wasn't sure... meanwhile it's common info that serial killers or child molesters have also been able to hide their dark side by being prominent members of society and being a community leader. By reading this book, I'm left with more questions, and would need to see facts from the other side because from his point of view, it definitely feels like his father was convicted wrongly. I read this book as part of a book club and skipped through a lot as it just was so boring and repetitive for me, mainly because it wasn't about what happened but more about how he felt about it. I was expecting a completely different type of book, not a self-help book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 9, 2024
I enjoyed this book, the only problem that I had was the lack of any accountability that he could have held his dad to. I know that no child or any person wants to know that their loved one could have hurt someone else that they loved but sometimes the proof is right there. I wasn't there, I didn't see the court case but I feel like there was so much more that was left out of this book. I see one part of this book and it is Reginald Reed Jr's part but I would like to read about the DA, the officers, the judge and more of the court reports on why they deemed his dad guilty. I feel so bad for Reginald Jr and it isn't fair that anyone that should go through something like this. The disconnect that you could feel from him was so real and I am glad that he is going through therapy and he is working through everything the best that he can. The book was good, just to me wasn't finished. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 22, 2024
This book was both beautiful and painful to read. Whichever way you look at it, it was powerful.
I want to thank Books Forward PR for an advanced copy of this book, and the author for sharing his story.
When the author, known in the book as "Little Reggie" was just six years old, his mother was brutally murdered. The crime went unsolved and sat as a cold case for almost 30 years. Decades later, his father is arrested for the crime after a DNA breakthrough and a man willing to trade testimony for a lighter sentence point the finger at him.
This book focuses more on Reggie's feelings about the crime more than what actually happened, and it made for a very powerful read. There are some sections of the book that focus on his feelings as a small child and the trauma he endured. It also delves into the author having to relive the trauma as an adult when his father is arrested for a crime that he can't believe he would have ever committed.
I was very invested in this book and read it in one sitting. However, I will say that it is not an easy read. The author does not shy away from the details of the brutality that his mother faced.
I do recommend this one, but only if you are in a place to be able to handle a very emotional read.
I want to thank Books Forward PR for an advanced copy of this book, and the author for sharing his story.
When the author, known in the book as "Little Reggie" was just six years old, his mother was brutally murdered. The crime went unsolved and sat as a cold case for almost 30 years. Decades later, his father is arrested for the crime after a DNA breakthrough and a man willing to trade testimony for a lighter sentence point the finger at him.
This book focuses more on Reggie's feelings about the crime more than what actually happened, and it made for a very powerful read. There are some sections of the book that focus on his feelings as a small child and the trauma he endured. It also delves into the author having to relive the trauma as an adult when his father is arrested for a crime that he can't believe he would have ever committed.
I was very invested in this book and read it in one sitting. However, I will say that it is not an easy read. The author does not shy away from the details of the brutality that his mother faced.
I do recommend this one, but only if you are in a place to be able to handle a very emotional read.
May 25, 2024
Thank you @reginald_l_reed_ii and @booksforwardpr for this #gifted book.
This memoir was quite touching, I could almost feel the healing effect of working through the trauma and emotions that the author was experiencing. Revisiting events that are often buried deeply brings understanding and peace.
Though the chapters felt somewhat disjointed, especially at the beginning, the further I got into the book, the more I was drawn into the drama and intenseness of the story. Reed shares the impact of losing his mother in this true crime story. He felt overwhelmed and surrounded by secrets. And then, years later, when his dad was pulled into the investigation, the emotional impact was palpable.
As I drew close to the end of the book, the writing felt more and more powerful. My heart was pounding as I experienced what was happening in the courtroom.
This is a touching story as well as a wonderful example of the healing route that the author chose to pursue. If you enjoy digging deeper into the fallout of true crime, consider picking up The Day My Mother Never Came Home. Reed has done a great job of sharing his deepest emotions.
This memoir was quite touching, I could almost feel the healing effect of working through the trauma and emotions that the author was experiencing. Revisiting events that are often buried deeply brings understanding and peace.
Though the chapters felt somewhat disjointed, especially at the beginning, the further I got into the book, the more I was drawn into the drama and intenseness of the story. Reed shares the impact of losing his mother in this true crime story. He felt overwhelmed and surrounded by secrets. And then, years later, when his dad was pulled into the investigation, the emotional impact was palpable.
As I drew close to the end of the book, the writing felt more and more powerful. My heart was pounding as I experienced what was happening in the courtroom.
This is a touching story as well as a wonderful example of the healing route that the author chose to pursue. If you enjoy digging deeper into the fallout of true crime, consider picking up The Day My Mother Never Came Home. Reed has done a great job of sharing his deepest emotions.
April 27, 2025
In Search Of Personal Rememption
Reginald Reed Junior’s life, through no fault of his own, has been a tragic train wreck of various forms of crippling loss. Who would blame him for his own personal PTSD - deep post traumatic stress.
This gut-wrenching book is part of his attempt to deal with it and I feel his anguish.
BUT, he knows the story, his readers may not. I saw his story on “48 Hours” and wanted to learn more. Unfortunately, this book provides less.
Mostly, it is a psychological exercise for Reed Junior in trying to cope with and move past the unthinkable - the murder of his beloved mother when he was 6 and the conviction of his father (a black man before a Southern jury) for the homicide after nearly 35 years..
Gosh, I hope the act of writing this book helps his journey toward personal peace. Unfortunately, it didn’t provide a lot of factual answers about the case for me.
Reginald Reed Junior’s life, through no fault of his own, has been a tragic train wreck of various forms of crippling loss. Who would blame him for his own personal PTSD - deep post traumatic stress.
This gut-wrenching book is part of his attempt to deal with it and I feel his anguish.
BUT, he knows the story, his readers may not. I saw his story on “48 Hours” and wanted to learn more. Unfortunately, this book provides less.
Mostly, it is a psychological exercise for Reed Junior in trying to cope with and move past the unthinkable - the murder of his beloved mother when he was 6 and the conviction of his father (a black man before a Southern jury) for the homicide after nearly 35 years..
Gosh, I hope the act of writing this book helps his journey toward personal peace. Unfortunately, it didn’t provide a lot of factual answers about the case for me.
May 26, 2024
The back cover of this book starts with “with raw vulnerability…” and typically, that’s just something publishers write into the synopsis to draw you into the story. But in this case, it’s absolutely true. I felt this man’s pain radiating off the pages as I read his story. I hate what he’s had to endure - his mother is murdered when he’s only 6 years old, and his father is charged with her murder. You follow Reed through vignettes of his life; this book is almost a series of essays on his experiences growing up. I can’t imagine being in his position, but I can relate to the emotion he shared, and my heart breaks for him. Becoming a new mother myself, I can’t imagine being murdered and leaving my child behind. Luckily, Reed seems to be a strong man who’s persevered and is making the best of the situation he’s been given. Thank you so much to Books Forward for my copy!
April 29, 2024
I was so so emotional reading this book that I had to finish it in one sitting. While both heartbreaking and hopeful at the same time, you’ll be utterly engrossed in the prose. I am absolutely amazed at how Reed was able to turn such a horrific situation into lyrical prose, and I can’t even imagine the emotional rollercoaster he must have faced while taking his deepest thoughts, frustration, anger and insecurity and putting them on paper for the whole world to read. This book was eloquent and earth shattering all in the same moment. A must-read for fans of well-written memoirs, as well as true crime.
June 21, 2024
Simply written to explain how he feels about his mother's unsolved murder when he was 6, and his father being charged 20+ years later.
The author shares what his life has been like without his mother and the void her murder has left in him.
I spent time resonating on situations where he explained how he felt and tried to put myself in his shoes. There is minimal profanity -- oddly it felt culturally and socially proper. I wasn't shocked or surprised.
This is a GoodReads Giveaway Kindle win for me and I am appreciative.
I would recommend reading to hear firsthand the pain and how it continues for life.
Three stars -- my standard rating for deeply personal memoirs.
The author shares what his life has been like without his mother and the void her murder has left in him.
I spent time resonating on situations where he explained how he felt and tried to put myself in his shoes. There is minimal profanity -- oddly it felt culturally and socially proper. I wasn't shocked or surprised.
This is a GoodReads Giveaway Kindle win for me and I am appreciative.
I would recommend reading to hear firsthand the pain and how it continues for life.
Three stars -- my standard rating for deeply personal memoirs.
September 15, 2025
Inside the mind and heart of Lil’ Reggie
This book surprised me because it put me so much inside the mind and heart of the little six-year-old boy who lost his mommy when she didn’t come home one night, and different. His life was because of this terrible thing that happened. The author was so honest and transparent about his feelings as an adult, and how haunted he is, and the questions that he has, and how vulnerable he still is, and how he relives the loss over and over. It is a book about loss, and how to live with it, and how to live in spite of it. Thank you for sharing your story.
This book surprised me because it put me so much inside the mind and heart of the little six-year-old boy who lost his mommy when she didn’t come home one night, and different. His life was because of this terrible thing that happened. The author was so honest and transparent about his feelings as an adult, and how haunted he is, and the questions that he has, and how vulnerable he still is, and how he relives the loss over and over. It is a book about loss, and how to live with it, and how to live in spite of it. Thank you for sharing your story.
July 1, 2024
The Day My Mother Never Came Home is a must-read. It’s highly impactful and your emotions will need a vacation afterwards. After surviving his mother’s murder, Reed reclaims his voice and sheds light on the darkest corners of his life. With raw vulnerability is putting it lightly… he lays his heart and soul out for the the reader to absorb. Through the sadness and devastation, is a hope and resilience that is nothing short of amazing. It’s a fast read, why you ask, because I couldn’t put it down.
April 29, 2024
The Day My Mother Never Came Home is a masterfully written memoir about Reed and the aftermath of his mother's murder and his father's conviction. Seamlessly integrating true crime and intimate personal reflection, Reed offers insight into his grief and trauma while also navigating the bond between a parent and child. This is a must-read for anyone who enjoys honest and vulnerable memoirs and/or true crime.
May 19, 2024
Memoirs can really show the emotions people hide away behind a posed face. This one was so painstakingly beautiful and it made you wonder just how the author could turn such traumatic experiences into what he has now. I absolutely loved it but it was one of the saddest ones I’ve read in a while! The beautiful concept of struggles and trauma being able to bring us further into ourselves and the journey you take to adulthood and it all heavy on your shoulders. Absolutely love!
April 17, 2025
This was brutal, I don’t know how people suffer so much, especially this man. I read his book today then looked his father up on google and found a program 48 Hours, which an interviewer talks with Reginald, his mother’s sister, the detectives, and new prosecutor who took over the case. This show aired just 4 days ago. It’s truly a mystery what happened to his mother even though his father was found guilty. Just heartbreaking.
July 3, 2024
I loved this book and read it so fast - I couldn't put it down! Reading about Reginald's trauma and loss broke my heart into a million pieces. This book is gut-wrenching in some ways but beautiful in others. All I wanted throughout the book was for Reginald to have answers, heal, and move forward as much as possible.
July 8, 2024
This is a heartbreaking and emotional read. I can't even imagine what the author went through, and continues to go through. I don't want to spoil a reading of this book, but I will say that I wish the author had wrapped it up with the truth of his dad's involvement/non-involvement in his mother's untimely death. I had to search online to find out how this case was resolved.
July 11, 2024
Was a good easy read. It made you reflect on your own childhood experiences and what family means and how tragic events shape lives.
Well written and makes you want to turn the page to get to the next chapter.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Well written and makes you want to turn the page to get to the next chapter.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 17, 2024
A true crime story within a memoir. This book delves into the trauma that comes from losing a parent in childhood. It is a heavy read, but incredibly gripping.
August 17, 2024
This book was so good! I could not put it down! It was raw and emotional and written with such vulnerability. It was heartbreaking and shows the power of the human spirit.
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July 4, 2025finally finished it. I think either the writing or the person reading it made the whole book difficult to get through. sped it up to 3xs just to get through it
September 14, 2024
This memoir was so powerful and thought provoking. Reggie did a great job of vocalizing his thoughts and feelings about these traumatic events in his life. You are left with hope that there is a way through grief and loss.
August 13, 2024
This is a must read book.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews