A Time for Truth: My Father Jason and My Search for Justice and Healing

by Sarah Corbett Lynch

'I was 12 weeks old when my mother, Mags, died.
I was eight years old when my father was killed by Molly and Thomas Martens. The Martens made me an orphan. They took away my father, my only constant, the only loving parent I had.'
From the Victim Impact Statement of Sarah Corbett Lynch, given in North Carolina Superior Court in 2023

On 2 August 2015, Irishman Jason Corbett was killed in his North Carolina home by his American wife Molly Martens and her father Tom. Sarah, Jason's eight-year-old daughter, and her brother Jack were also in the house that fateful night, asleep upstairs.

Now eighteen years old, Sarah Corbett Lynch tells her story for the first time. She shares her earliest memories of her beloved dad and her life with him, Jack and Molly Martens in their home in North Carolina, and gives her account of the events leading up to the night that changed everything. She remembers the aftermath of her father's death, and how her words were weaponised amidst lies and deception during her family's gruelling nine year battle for justice - and the devastation they shared when Molly and Tom Martens were released from prison in 2024, after serving just three and a half years.

Drawing from diaries she has kept since she was eight, Sarah also writes about her journey of grief and recovery from trauma, as she and Jack were welcomed into the safe, loving home of her aunt Tracey, her father's sister, in Ireland. And she looks to the future, determined to honour her mother's and her father's memory and to do what she can to change the world for the better.

Raw, powerful and inspirational, A Time for Truth is an unforgettable story of heartbreak and loss, but also of strength, love and courage as this remarkable young woman has survived, healed and thrived - against the odds.

Genres: True Crime, Nonfiction, Memoir, Biography, Audiobook, Autobiography

320 pages, Paperback

Published March 18, 2025

Reviews

[Suzanne French · Rating 5 out of 5]

An emotional read

I've read a lot about this case ever since the news broke in 2015 about an Irish man being killed in North Carolina. As more information emerged it became obvious he was a victim of a savage assault by 2 people he thought he could trust. What Molly and her family put him and the rest of the Corbett family through was horrendous.

It's hard to believe that Molly and Tom Martens are free now and I have no doubt we'll hear more about her behaviour in years to come. Here's hoping she doesn't fool anyone else with that facade.

To Sarah, Jack and the rest of the Corbett/Lynch/Fitzpatrick families. You have consistently displayed a calm, measured demeanour which has to have been so hard when faced with such lies about Jason. You have consistently fought for him and to have him remembered as the obviously kind, caring, loving man he was.

I'm beyond sorry for your loss but remain in awe of how you have all handled yourselves in the years since. May you find some peace now. ❤️

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sarah should be so proud of this book. She didn’t get a chance to tell the truth about the mental abuse & coercion she suffered at the hands of Molly Martens in the trial, only through her victim impact statement which was so powerful but sadly too late to make a difference to the second trial outcome.

Even though the US justice system ultimately let her, Jack and her extended family down, she has finally been able to tell the truth by writing this book. It was emotional and highlighted her and her family’s perseverance and strength throughout this whole ordeal. Her love for her Dad shines through, something Molly can’t take away from her.

A very well written and impactful read, highly recommend.

[Renee Carpenter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to the author, Sarah, for sharing her story with us. I admire her (and her brother’s) strength and resilience. The book was well-written and answered a lot of questions about the events that led to Jason Corbett’s murder. I would say to his children to stay strong and to live their best lives. Their parents would be so proud of them. The Martens will spend the rest of their days knowing that they, and they alone, are responsible for Jason Corbett’s death. They Martens may not show remorse, but their actions will continue to be a dark stain on their days ahead. I enjoyed the book. Great job.

[Brooke · Rating 5 out of 5]

RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I decided to try out my first true crime book and initially the cover caught my attention only to realize this is a local case that happened about 30 minutes away from me. While I do not remember it I am glad it was brought to my attention and I could hear Jason’s story through his daughter Sarah.

This story shows how Sarah processes the pain of losing both of her parents at a very young age and seeing the ugly side of the justice system. Having the person who was supposed to love you take your life away and continue to drag your name through the mud to spin a false narrative is despicable and made this a hard read at times.

While true crime is often given negative connotations as a genre I think it is important for this very reason. We need to remember the victims, we need to hear and share their stories so that others can be inspired to fight and get the justice they deserve.

I am thankful that Sarah was able to give her father and herself a voice again, a TRUE voice.

[Cara Wittich · Rating 4 out of 5]

An incredible memoir that offers an insider look at the tragedy that had a significant impact on the author’s entire life. I can’t imagine the weight of growing up entwined in the murder of one’s own father at the hands of the only mother they have ever known. The heartbreak runs deep throughout this story, with tragedy at every turn. Once again, the U.S. justice system fails! It is shocking and infuriating to see how the case has dragged on for decades without proper resolution. I truly hope the family is able to find some measure of peace after so many years of pain and uncertainty.

[Nicola Kiely · Rating 5 out of 5]

Harrowing new insights into a tragic case that’s close to home. Very well put together by Sarah, the audiobook is particularly emotional

[Ari Damoulakis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Before you read this book, I definitely suggest you first watch the Netflix documentary, A Deadly American Marriage.
I had never heard of this case before listening to the documentary.
The thing is, the documentary didn’t go into detail and it showed both sides.
It still left me wondering and wanting more information about this case, because I still could not decide from the documentary whether Molly and her father were right and Jason’s children were brainwashed when they went back to Ireland, or whether Jason’s family were correct and Molly was the manipulative party, (the majority on Reddit are in consensus that it is Molly who is, in many peoples’ words, a psychopath, or might have some other mental illness.)
So I found this book.
It is actually narrated by Sarah herself, and that is why I also give it the highest star rating.
I hope my GR friends recognise the bravery of this young girl in actually narrating such trauma.
She is mature beyond her years.
Some of you might find the audio book a little difficult because she does habe a very strong Irish accent and narrates quite fast, so if English isn’t your first language you might want to find another format.
The documentary makes you appreciate what an extraordinary and bizarre case this is.
Molly’s supporters will argue that this book is the product of a brainwashed and poisoned mind.
I do not think so.
I can only give you my opinion, but the evidence in this book really points towards Jason as the victim.
In all honesty though, after reading this, I believe Molly has a more complex mental problem.
I know how she acted was bad, but I don’t agree that she is basically a cold-blooded, calculating psychopath. Her mental issues are more complex in my opinion.
Having said that, I think it is her father who is the worst character.
Much of his story does not hold, and since he was with the FBI, even intelligence, he could have worked out a better solution over that long period of time, he had the mental capacity and knew people who could probably have helped, and yet he did not do so.
This was a senseless and avoidable tragedy.
I won’t spoil the book, so all I will say is that I think most people, after reading it, will find Jason and his children the wronged parties and will find Molly a rather troubled person.
Even if your mind reaches that conclusion after just watching the documentary, you will be enriched by Sarah’s brave book and gain a deeper understanding of this case.
I don’t think it is appropriate to put a song at the end of this review like I normally would.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

At just 17 years old, Sarah Corbett Lynch has written a deeply moving and courageous account that not only honors the memory of her father but also sheds light on the painful inconsistencies that were once told by Molly Martens. In this book, Sarah doesn’t just recount events—she brings clarity and strength to a story that has long needed her voice.

What stands out most is how beautifully she captures her memories with her father. Her love for him radiates through every page, making it all the more heartbreaking that he’s no longer here to see the incredible young woman she’s become. Her recollections are both heartwarming and heart-wrenching, reminding readers of the human side of a story that was too often sensationalized.

While the recent documentary brought some of the truth to light, Sarah’s book dives deeper. She fills in the emotional gaps, corrects the record, and tells the story only she could tell. This book is not just about setting things straight—it’s about healing, remembering, and finding strength through unimaginable pain.

I’m incredibly proud of Sarah for writing this. Her bravery, honesty, and love make this book unforgettable.

[Carmel xoxo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is one so many of us in Ireland remember, Jason’s name, that tragedy, the headlines from over 10 years ago. I was absolutely devastated watching the new Netflix documentary A Deadly American Marriage, and it led me to this book, written by Jason’s daughter, Sarah, released earlier this year.

This book is heartbreaking. 💔 I honestly don’t have the words to explain the level of sadness and grief I felt while reading it. What Sarah, her brother Jack, and their family have gone through is unimaginable. Jason’s death was unnecessary, senseless…and the build-up to it, as revealed in the book, is truly mind-blowing.

Sarah’s strength in telling this story is remarkable. 🙏🏼 This isn’t just a book about loss, it’s about resilience, truth, justice, and healing. An important read that I highly recommend.

[Tara♥ · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s been well over a week since I finished reading this and I'm still reeling to be honest. This book is not an easy read – or in my case listen – and of course that would be the case when the victim of a tragedy is sharing their side of said tragic event. The difference with this case though is multi-faceted, and all of it is heartbreaking.

I think it’s important to highlight here and now that I, in absolutely no way, perceive Tom and Molly Martens as anything other than the killers of an innocent man, and I believe not one word of the lies they have used to try and vilify Jason, and therefore try to justify what they have done. This is not an unbiased review. At. All. I think the whole Martens family are monsters, and I wish them all nothing but ill will.

I know this is harsh, I do try to find the good in people, and it may seem unfair to tar them all with the same brush, but the more I read about this family, and as Sarah’s account of things progressed, it became clear that this family is rotten to its very core. Harsh it may be, but I also think it’s the truth.
Molly Martens had a game plan, and Molly Martens gave not one shit about a single living being who was going to get in her way while she worked toward achieving what she wanted. One of the aspects of this case that has bothered me a lot is people talking about her mental health and bipolar disorder, Molly Martens being bipolar is not why she is a bad person. She is just a bad person who is also bipolar. I think her parents’ unwillingness to accept her condition (this is just an impression I’m getting from the case overall) didn’t help matters, but I also think that she was a compulsive liar who felt entitled to whatever she wanted. And she wanted and felt entitled to Sarah and Jack.

Everything about this case is a nightmare. I thought I knew the case fairly well but Sarah’s account of life with Molly just highlighted how little we really knew about everything. This case is well known in Ireland, I think you’d be hard pressed to find anyone who wasn’t over the age of 18 at the time it happened who doesn’t know about it. An Irish man and his young family move to the US, and that man ends up being the victim of manslaughter was always going to make to news. From very early on, the Martens account seemed suspicious. I think it was the presence of Tom Martens and as details emerged, the savagery of the attack – savagery is a good word to use ironically here given Tom Martens views on Irish people – started to shine a very different light on this case. And then of course as more details came out and it became very clear very quickly, who the real victims were.

Jason Corbett was a victim of the Martens.

Jack Corbett-Lynch was a victim of the Martens.

Sarah Corbett-Lynch was a victim of the Martens.

Tom and Molly Martens beat Jason Corbett to death, in a brutal attack, and as if taking away a father (and only biological parent) from these children wasn’t enough, they then spent years trying to take away his good name. They not only accused him of being the perpetrator of domestic abuse, but in a move do disgusting it is beyond comprehension, they also tried to accuse him of murdering his first wife.

I’m sure people in the US who were involved in this case would swear up and down that Tom Martens being involved in the FBI would have no bearing on the outcome of this case. I’m sure they would say that his contacts within law enforcement had nothing to do with he and Molly getting a retrial, and as a result a reduced sentence, they’d say this was only how the law is designed to work in the US. But I think it’s terribly naive to think that it had no impact on the outcome. That and the fact that they are obviously somewhat wealthy and white. Tom Martens has a very high opinion of himself, but he is rotten to his very core, and I hope that any case he was involved in during his career has been carefully scrutinised. After all, a man who is clearly very xenophobic, and is willing to kill for his daughter, I do wonder how impartial he was while working for law enforcement?

I have no doubt in my mind that Molly Martens is so narcissistic that she’d never be able to not read this book. I think Sarah also knows this. I think she wrote this book to tell her story, to tell the world what the Martens were really like, to tell her father’s story and, as a massive fuck you to Molly Martens. I don’t know Sarah Corbett-Lynch, and this means nothing to her, but I am so proud of this young woman. She and her family are amazing, I’m so sorry they’ve had to go through all they’ve been through but what an incredible family they are. Thank goodness Jason gave his children one last gift. The gift of a loving and stable family.

I recommend watching the Netflix documentary before reading this, especially if you aren’t familiar with the case. Tom and Molly Martens make an appearance in the documentary, and they come across as horrendous as you’d imagine, Tom Martens in particular.

Sarah’s book goes into detail that the documentary doesn’t, some of those details are heartbreaking and enraging but I hope getting her story out helps Sarah to continue healing. Thankfully she has an amazing support system.

[Julia Finnie]

Thank you Sarah for your courage and bravery to tell your story. This case is heartbreaking and the book, especially the last half just rips your heart out with the injustice of the justice system. This family went through numerous tragedies and the justice system was one of them. Makes me sick.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read

Totally recommend this book. It is not a work of fiction but fact. Gives a much needed understanding of what Sarah & her brother Jack went through with Molly Martens. Nobody knows what goes on behind closed doors.

[Kathleen Lipka · Rating 5 out of 5]

Watch the documentary “A Deadly American Marriage” on Netflix and then read this book.

[Taz Kelleher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gives a great depth and level of detail to the case. Incredibly raw and honest

[SundayAtDusk · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a very sad story written in a bit of a choppy way. Sarah Corbett Lynch was 8 years old when her stepmother and her step-grandfather killed her father one night, both claiming self-defense. There was no evidence at all either of them was threatened or injured in any way, while Ms. Lynch's father had his head bashed in. Not only did the author lose her father, she also would be racked with guilt her whole life about the lies she told the authorities, as instructed by her stepmother, the only mother she had ever known. (Her mother died when she was a baby.)

It's a story of justice not prevailing and mental illness being ignored. Her stepmother obviously had severe long-term psychological problems, was plotting a divorce from the very start of the marriage and then plotting the murder itself. Why and how her retired FBI father assisted with the killing was confusing to so many who knew him, and the lack of reaction and emotion of his wife even more perplexing. You really had to wonder if there had been some very dark things in the past between daughter and father, and her mother always chose to ignore them, always turning a blind eye.

Sarah Corbett Lynch uses this book to try to reveal all the lies being told about her father, and to stop the suspicions that he was abusive in any way to her stepmother, or to anyone else. Her emotional pain obviously runs deeper than deep, and hopefully this memoir will alleviate much of it, although some of it will surely always be with her. When younger, she had envisioned going into the field of justice, due to what happened to her father. Fortunately, she is now going in a whole different direction.

I say fortunately because childhood trauma can lead individuals to go into fields that will only keep quietly fueling their trauma, and they often quickly burn out--such as criminal justice, psychology, social work, etc. Ms. Lynch, at the young age of 18, has found the wisdom to instead follow a path that truly makes her happy and freer of her early tragic childhood. Hopefully, her brother has found ways to free himself, too, and their parents would be so proud of their strength in dealing with everything, including taking on two murderers the courts failed to adequately punish.

(Note: I received a free e-copy of this book from NetGalley and the author or publisher.)

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was already familiar with Jason Corbett's story, and the disappointing prosecution of his killers, by the time I read "A Time For Truth". I'd seen several documentaries and TV interviews, and also read Tracey Corbett-Lynch's memoir "My Brother Jason". I chose to also read this book because I saw Sarah on her book tour, and was impressed by her. She's only 18, and has spent nearly half her life navigating the violent loss of her dad.

After multiple chronological accounts of what happened to Jason and the aftermath, I found Sarah's approach to telling her story a refreshing change. She was passionate about finally sharing her victim impact statement at Molly and Tom Martens' resentencing. The book is structured by breaking that statement apart theme by theme, and providing context and examples supporting each.

If a reader didn't know something of the story of Molly entering -- then upending -- the lives of the Corbett family, it might feel a little fragmented. But I thought it was a clever approach.

Sarah is an excellent writer. It's impressive, because she arrived back in Ireland at age 8 with (undiagnosed?) dyslexia and sub-par reading and writing skills for her age.

As noted, the book focuses on the impact (rather than just the chronological narrative) of Molly's manipulation of Sarah and her brother as young children. Both struggle with tremendous guilt knowing they were used to hurt and isolate their dad before he died. It makes my heart happy to see how they continue to pick up the pieces and move forward, with the help of Jason's loving family back in Ireland. "A Time For Truth" is a positive way to wrap-up my exploration of this sad story that grabbed so many international headlines over the past 10 years.

[KKEC Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Time for Truth by Sarah Corbett Lynch (Audiobook)
I first learned of Jason Corbett’s murder from Big Mad True Crime (by Heather Ashley). After listening to her case coverage, I listened to My Brother Jason by Tracey Corbett Lynch, Jason’s sister. Jason Corbett was a devoted father and hardworking man who was brutally murdered by his wife and her father.

Jason’s story has been told by his sister and daughter through their books. They share their memories of Jason and love of a beloved brother and father.

Sarah is vulnerable, honest, and brave. She beautifully shares her truth and her memories of her father. Sarah is honest about what she and her older brother, Jack, experience while living in North Carolina with her father and a monster.

This was such a heartbreaking, beautiful story. Hearing Sarah’s memories and her perspective of what happened to her dad was rough. I cannot imagine what that young lady has lived through. The awful things she witnessed, heard, and survived.

Hearing in her own words the things she witnessed as her father was vilified in court and being forced into silence and unable to defend her dad enraged me on the Corbett family's behalf.

It was only through foresight and absolute love that Jason made his sister and her husband the guardians of his children. He saved his kids when he couldn’t save himself.

This is a brilliantly heartbreaking perspective about the power of a parent's love, the healing that comes after trauma, and the ceaseless fight for justice.

Publication date: February 27, 2025
Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton Limited
Narrator: Sarah Corbett Lynch

[Aoife · Rating 4 out of 5]

For ages I had half looked at getting Sarah’s Aunt’s/Mother’s book - My Brother Jason: The untold story of Jason Corbett's life and brutal murder by Tom and Molly Martens, but just never got around to it, so when I saw this book last week and my Audible credit was due, I thought why not.

On the 2nd of August 2015 Jason Corbett was brutally murdered in his North Carolina home by his wife Molly and father in law Tom. Sarah, Jason’s daughter delves into what happened in the weeks beforehand, the suspected drugging, the plans for divorce, the secret recording, the push for adoption, the altering of life policies.
We hear about the court case, the appeals and the legal costs. Sarah hoped to take the stand and to right the wrongs of her 8 year old self. She was manipulated by Molly to lie for her, something she still beats herself over, although she eventually was able to make a Victim Impact statement, she felt she was censored as she was told “no Molly bashing”. This is her finally taking the stand.

This book raises the question of child protection services. Molly killed her father, isolated and manipulated the children and yet the children were still in her care. They were so afraid of been left with no one they lied in order to keep their mom. Surely children should be protected better than this!

This was a compelling read and the heart breaking reality that Sarah sounds way beyond her years, because she was forced to grow up too soon!

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Time for Truth is one of those rare memoirs that stay with you long after you’ve turned the last page. Sarah Corbett-Lynch writes with clarity and honesty that’s truly remarkable, especially given the painful and complex story she’s sharing. This isn’t just a recounting of events - it’s a deeply personal journey of grief, resilience, and healing.

From the very beginning, I was struck by Sarah’s voice. There’s a quiet strength and wisdom in her words, but also a sense of warmth and hope that makes even the heaviest parts of her story feel full of light. She doesn’t shy away from the truth - in fact, she faces it head-on - and that bravery shines through every chapter. Her reflections on family, justice, and the process of reclaiming her own narrative are both heartbreaking and deeply inspiring.

What makes this memoir so powerful is its balance - it’s emotional but never self-pitying, vulnerable yet full of strength. You can feel Sarah’s love for her family and her determination to honour the truth, no matter how difficult it is. Her writing is elegant and accessible, with moments of reflection that feel almost poetic.

Reading reminded me of why personal stories matter so much - they help us make sense of the world, and they remind us of the resilience of the human spirit. Sarah Corbett-Lynch has written a book that is brave, moving, and beautifully told. I have no doubt it will inspire many readers to speak their own truths too.

[Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sarah shares her personal experiences and the truth of the murder of her father Jason. This book shows how stereotypes, wealth, lies and manipulation can be used to weaponise the American justice systems so that perpetrators can escape justice for their crimes.

When Jason was brutally murdered in his own bedroom by his wife and father-in-law prosecutors had more than enough evidence to show that Molly Martens was a compulsive liar obsessed with gaining custody of Jason’s children. Shortly before Jason was murdered he had made plans to return to Ireland without his wife. The huge damage to Jason’s body, including evidence that he was beaten while lying on the ground disputed the perpetrator’s story of self defence. Yet Molly and her father walked free from prison after only a handful of years. Sarah describes how the Martens were allowed to not only murder Jason but also to continue to lie and manipulate in service of destroying the victims good name.

Although justice was denied to Jason and his family, the courage and dignity his children and wider family displayed are a tribute to him. Sarah’s book tells the real truth of what happened in this heartbreaking story. This book is a huge achievement for someone so young and I’ve no doubt that Sarah’s father would be immensely proud of her and her brother Jack.

[Jackie Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I observed court proceedings in 2017 and the sentencing hearing in 2023.

The Davidson County NC Lexington library Lunchtime True Crime researched and discussed the case.

I support Jason Corbett 100%.

Sarah's book provided more information. I hope their heartfelt victim impact statements assure others to speak up immediately when someone is bullied before it escalates more seriously.

This happened to Sarah's family. Domestic violence happens to others. Sarah offers insight and encouragement to thrive after horrific circumstances.

Jason made the best decisions to have a will and to have Sarah and Jack in his sister and her family's care. He chose to not have American citizenship for himself and his children which ultimately protected his children and got them home to Ireland.

Kudos to Tracy and her family for everything.

[Cheri Swalwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This true account was heartbreaking. What the children went through, and again, the injustice this family dealt with through the justice system. I understand that people make mistakes, and people manipulate and lie, but what a horrible crime. I loved how the author of the story did the hard work possible to heal from the tragedies her family experienced and then used her voice to seek justice for her father. Her courage and strength were amazing; and the support and love she received from her family in order to heal were essential as well. Great story. One that remains with me long after turning the last page.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from netgalley but was not required to write a review. All opinions are solely mine.

[Kayla Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the case, justice was not served. I was thrilled to read from his children’s point of view. It showed all of the trauma and things they went through. This murder really affected them. Their father did not deserve this. Molly and Tom martens deserved to serve their days out in jail. They should have never gotten out. They should have been accused of first degree murder. Sarah did grow from her trauma even though she still does have. Men can be victims of domestic abuse. The woman is not always the victim. Molly was a pathological liar. Her father was in the fbi. He knew what to say to get them out of it. He knew what to do. Honestly, my biggest question is where are the recording devices that were in that bedroom?

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very well written, in a style where I was gripped and couldn’t put the book down - but such great descriptions that I would get very emotional and have to stop for a few minutes to compose myself before reading on! To think this poor girl and her brother lived through all this as children, words fail me! They are so blessed to have their amazing family in Ireland, and it looks like Sarah has inherited her wonderful aunt’s strong traits.
Very well done Sarah in your impressive writing, I’m so sorry you lived this. I wish you all the best for the future, and maybe this will start a career for you x

[Chloe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Listened to this audiobook via Spotify. I'm quite familiar with the story of Jason Corbett, and last year read Sarah's aunt Tracey's book on her experience.
A Time for Truth is Sarah's chance to finally speak her truth about her life following the arrival of Molly Martens, who was initially Sarah and her brother Jack's nanny and later became their step-mother.
Sarah and Jack were very young when Molly entered their life so she was able to manipulate the children into doing and saying as she pleased -- including faking an abusive relationship at the hands of their father, Jason, who brutally lost his life when Molly and her father Tom savagely killed him in his bedroom.

[Rhiannon Little · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a heartbreaking & tragic book but so beautifully written. Written from Sarah’s perspective really makes you feel part of the journey with her & her family through this deeply traumatic time. So much tragedy & trauma for such young children to endure and an infuriating representation of how the justice system continues to fail families around the world.

I feel so immensely proud of two people I don’t even know, Sarah and Jack for sharing this story with the world & revealing the monsters who are Molly & Tom and the rest of the Martens defence.

My heart aches for this injustice & I will never forget Jason Corbett’s name.

[Martha.O.S]

This was a really gripping and harrowing book and the very brave and honest story of Sarah Corbett-Lynch. It was a story I had heard about but had very little background on. This book led me down a rabbit hole of articles, tv footage and information about the various trials and I’m interested to watch the recently released documentary on Netflix.

Sarah and her brother Jack were asleep in their North Carolina home when their beloved father, Jason, was brutally murdered. Their step-mother Molly and her father Tom were the perpetrators and while efforts were made to shield the children from the horror of that night, they couldn’t avoid seeing some of the fallout. Returned to Molly’s care straight after that night, the children luckily were moved to Jason’s family in Ireland, where they became part of his sister Tracey’s loving family in Limerick.

This book details so much of what went on before this horrific night and the trials and re-trials in the years after as Sarah and her family fought hard to have the paltry sentences of Molly and Tom extended. We learn about the family dynamic in their North Carolina home which was built on lies, manipulation and coercive control that Molly determinedly pursued. She was mentally ill and an expert manipulator, presenting a pristine public image but with a much darker truth lurking not very far behind. She had planned and researched a divorce before even marrying Jason and had an unhealthy interest in getting the children for herself.

I found it a hard read but couldn’t put it down. I admire Sarah’s strength so much in telling her story and doing all she can to redeem her father’s good name, which had been taken from him through Molly’s claims and the justice system that didn’t seem very just. I also really admired her blended family, especially Tracey, who loved Jack and her as her own, helped her unpack her trauma one day at a time and sought support for them from day one. While it is a harrowing story, it is also inspirational in how the loving bonds of family, a wide support network, and adherence to the truth help to heal over time. She will never get her father back, but her love for him will never diminish as she lives her life in a way that would make him proud.

[Kelly Gordon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, I had so many emotions reading this book. It's a sad story because of what happened to Jason, but then reading of the horror that his children, Jack & Sarah went through at the hands of their evil stepmother Molly was horrifying. And then reading of their journey through the court precedings & how messed up the justice system is made me so angry. But then to hear how Jack & Sarah were loved & cared for by family & grew up in a wonderful supportive home was heartwarming. I highly recommend this book!

[Hannah Foley-Whittaker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having the authority Sarah narrate this in audible was heartbreaking yet necessary. Because of the subject matter, no one else could do her story justice. I remember when the story of Jason Corkett, a Limerick father of 2 hit the news. Murdered in his own home by his wife and father-in-law. I call it murder because based on all my readings and then listening to Sarah's book I believe that's what it was. To lose 1 parent at such a young age is awful, to lose 2 is just cruel. I highly recommend this book.

[Liora Ellington · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Time for Truth is a deeply moving and courageous memoir that shines a light on resilience in the face of unimaginable tragedy. Sarah Corbett Lynch’s voice is honest, raw, and full of heart as she recounts the loss of her parents and her long journey toward justice and healing. Her words carry both pain and hope, making this not just a true crime story, but an inspiring testament to strength, love, and survival. Through her bravery, Sarah transforms her personal trauma into a message of empowerment and compassion. A powerful and unforgettable read.