Through the Keyhole: Solving the Cold Case of Loretta Jones

by Shawnee Barnes, Heidi Jones-Asay, David Brewer

In the quiet town of Price, Utah, where tranquility is the norm, the summer of 1970 bore witness to a gruesome murder that forever altered the life of 4-year-old Heidi Jones. The haunting image of her mother, Loretta, lying lifeless as viewed from the keyhole of her bedroom door is an indelible memory that haunted Heidi throughout her life. It ignited an unwavering determination to ensure her mother's murder would not remain unsolved.
But it would be 46 long years before Heidi's relentless pursuit of justice would find an ally in David Brewer, a high school acquaintance turned Detective Sgt. Together, they would stir up the embers of this forgotten homicide.
Who could have taken the life of a 23-year-old single mother, and what could have been the motive? A suspect had been apprehended and then released, going on to live a life untouched by justice, while Heidi grappled with the frustration of a system that refused to push forward.
Undeterred, Heidi continued her quest for the truth, unearthing a photograph that revealed a message from her dying mother. Yet, law enforcement still hesitated to make an arrest. Faced with no other recourse, Heidi embarked on a final, desperate the exhumation of her mother's body.
Through the Keyhole is a harrowing true story that delves into a brutal rape and murder, a child's haunting memory, and a lifelong odyssey to bring her mother's killer to justice.

Genres: Nonfiction, Crime

288 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 14, 2024

Reviews

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartbreakingly Fantastic

I run a the crime Discord in which one of my members is trying to find who murdered her aunt over 30 years ago, and, just like Heidi, knows who did it, as do the police, but cannot prove it. This story is so similar, but so heartbreaking due to her she and what she saw as a child.

I must comment Heidi for having the courage to continue fighting in the face of adversity and for her wonderful spirit to not have broken author having had therapy all those years ago. It's a testament to the closeness and love of the family that raised her

What a great story of love, tragedy and justice.

[Apzmarshl · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5
I picked this up when I went to listen to the Cold Case detective/professor Walton speak at USUe. So interesting to know many of the investigators and places.

[Sue St.pierre · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting Read

I found this story fascinating. The determination of the daughter of murder victim Loretta Jones is nothing short of heroic. I also believe that fate played a role in finding David Brewer, another hero, who was just as determined to solve this case. I lived in Price, Utah for several years, and while I was unaware of this case at the time, it did help peak my interest in reading this true story. I’m so glad I did. It was an inspiration to read about the determination and perseverance demonstrated by Heidi Jones-Asay and David Brewer. The author did a good job with the emotional details, as well as the details of the investigation.

[Sue Paules · Rating 2 out of 5]

The good: interesting, compelling story. The actual writing, as in language use, was good; very well researched. The bad: this book could have been about 100 pages shorter. So much repetition and paragraphs of writing irrelevant to the point of the story. Gave me the impression the author felt all her research should be included in the book, not just what was relevant. Heidi's story is compeling enough that I wanted to know what happened, but there were a lot of times I thought, "come on, get on with it."

[Darlene E. Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a remarkable book of a daughter’s commitment to finding justice for the murder of her mother (Loretta Jones). I can’t imagine what Heidi Jones went through all those years, knowing who killed her mom yet, because she was 4 years old, she wasn’t taken seriously.
Heidi NEVER gave up and was able to enlist Detective David Brewer to dedicate 7 years of his life to solving the cold case murder of Loretta’s Jones.
This is a story of heartbreak, perseverance and love for a mother who was taken so cruelly.

[Sky Baldwin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Through The Keyhole: Solving the Cold Case of Loretta Jones

Truth is always stranger than fiction especially when applied to human beings. The characters in this book represent the best and worst of humanity. Books like this expand our understanding of humans and remind us that there are always good and bad people. I love books that celebrate and inform us of the efforts of these good people which is precisely what this book does in a very interesting way.

[Kodie Payne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was such an amazing read! It had me on the edge of my chair. I’m born and raised in Emery and Carbon county so it was crazy to think that something so awful can happen in our small town especially in the 70’s. I found that it was so incredible that Heidi was able to bring justice for her mom! It was mind blowing to think about what price and helper looked like back then and how much it had changed and grown over time.

[Denise Schmutz McMann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being from Utah I never heard this story. But being close to Loretta's age and raising my own kids brought it close to home. The book is written well, It will brings out your emotions. Tom got away with murder for 47 years. Is it, it is a tragic that Loretta lost her life at 23 and he got to live a full life... for me seven and a half years was not enough prison time for this man...

[Tanya Robe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Book!

This was a really good book, well written, kept me engaged and guessing. I definitely recommend it!! Kudos to the Author Shawnee Barnes and Detective Brewer and prayers and admiration to Heidi, your strength and determination is amazing!!

[Connie Breece · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read!

The story was so well written that I couldn't put it down. Having moved to Elmo, Utah 17 years ago, I had heard of the case but this book enlightened me about the events leading up to the arrest and conviction of the killer.

[Terri Shimmin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing end to a horrific event. Perseverance paid off in this case. Justice for her mom.

I liked it because it was a cold case that happened in the town where I grew up. Beautiful ending to a tragic event in the life of a 4 year old little girl.

[Maria Fugate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Through the key hole

This is an amazing book. Would recommend as a book everyone should read. Amazing strong women to endure everything she went through yo get justice for her and her mom

[Melissa Pierce · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was really excited to read this book. The murder in this book happened in the town that I live in now and while the story of the murder and the victim‘s daughter is compelling, I found the book very redundant and full of unnecessary details.

[Doretta D Bonnell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Will written

The way this book unfolded made it easy to read, easy to follow and understand. It explained details and step by step activities made it easy to keep up with the twists and turns of the case.

[Marie C. Sims · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gives hope to others who lost someone many decades ago. There's a good reason why there's no statute of limitations on murder. As long as a murderer is alive, it's not too late to let him take his last breath in prison.

[Argntnekshqu33n · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome read

This book offers a compelling blend of vivid characters and engaging plot. Its rich themes provoke thought, making it a worthwhile read for fans of thoughtful storytelling

[Sherry Valentic · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book very much. Interesting how a crime is broken down in small pieces to finally getting answers to a death. I give the daughter so much credit in keeping this crime alive in honor for her mother that happened 40 years ago.

[Lisa Wynia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loretta Jones was my grandpa’s cousin, and I had never heard of this tragic story until this book was published. Reading about Heidi’s fight for justice was moving and inspiring. I’m grateful that the story was told and that the book ultimately ends with a sense of justice.

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

In depth and very interesting through many eyes who were involved in this case, including the daughter of murdered girl.

[Nichole Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very well written. Such a sad story. I'm glad justice was finally served.

[Annaliese · Rating 2 out of 5]

Really great story, but GOODNESS! The writing was TERRIBLE. I couldn’t wait for it to be over. Wow!

[Steffycakes · Rating 4 out of 5]

While it was slightly repetitive I loved reading through the book. I honestly never heard much about the case surprisingly cause my family never really brought it up to me. Though my dad’s best friend is her cousin. So learning about this and being able to read through it has been amazing and I will def be looking into the documentaries and stuff.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm so sorry Heidi had to go through her life with this. She never stopped looking for her mother's killer. Very glad she got closure with the arrest of the murderer.

[Frances Helsten · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Through the Keyhole: Solving the Cold Case of Loretta Jones” written by author Shawnee Barnes is a gripping true story revolving around the tragic murder of Loretta Jones in the quiet town of Price, Utah in 1970. The story is told through the eyes of Loretta’s daughter, Heidi Jones-Asay, who was just four years old at the time and witnessed the aftermath of the crime through the keyhole of her bedroom door.

Barnes details the relentless pursuit of justice by Heidi, which spanned over 46 years. Despite initial setbacks and a suspect being released, Heidi’s determination never wavered. The story then revolves around Heidi teaming up with Detective Sgt. David Brewer, and together they worked tirelessly to reopen the case. The narrative delves into the emotional and investigative journey, including the dramatic decision to exhume Loretta’s body to uncover new evidence.

This book is a powerful tale of perseverance, the impact of trauma, and the quest for justice. If you are interested in true cold case crime stories that highlight the human spirit’s resilience, then this book might be a compelling read for you.

This book got me hooked by the first page, and I read it in nearly 24 hours. I commend Barnes for detailing the hardships Heidi and her family went through while navigating the death of Loretta through the 70’s, and the hard work Heidi endured to seek justice for her mother. The details of the story are engaging, highlighting key aspects of Loretta and her family’s life.

In all, I give this book a 4.5 out of 5 stars. I would highly recommend this book to those who love to sink their teeth into true crime stories, especially ones that become solved cold cases.

Thank you to the author, Shawnee Barnes, for allowing me to be an early reader for this book.

[Deana Jennings · Rating 3 out of 5]

Purchasing this book was a must for me because this true murder story took place in the next city over, and I am a friend of the author. I will be back to tell you what I think once I finish.