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Man, 35, Charged in Double Slaying: The Domino Effect of Addiction
The Author
The Meyer family of Beaver Dam Wisconsin were not your run of the mill group of kin folk. Being the daughter of the infamous Ruth and Russell Meyer back in the 60’s was a roller coaster of fun times and tragic events. As children, we had the best times with dad. Fishing, skating, him bringing home a monkey, wrestling a bear, and finding humor in everyday functions such as farting. I have fond memories of him. My dad was a hilarious and lovable character. But when he was drinking, he became extremely violent.
The domino effect of having abusive, alcoholic parents and the night all hell broke loose does not excuse the bad behavior me and my siblings displayed throughout our lives. It simply gives you a better understanding of the insanity brought on by substance abuse. The disease of addiction spread its net of destruction over my life, my siblings, my husbands, my parents and my oldest boy.
This book contains the stories of my insane, wonderful, tragic, and unbelievable life. Written for the benefit of all the Meyer descendants, it clears many of the misconceptions of what really went down in that house of madness all those years ago. The good, the bad, and the murder that shook Dodge County Wisconsin on May 10, 1970. At sixty-eight years old, I consider myself a lucky person to have come through all of it in good shape. Many in my circle were not so fortunate.
The Meyer family of Beaver Dam Wisconsin were not your run of the mill group of kin folk. Being the daughter of the infamous Ruth and Russell Meyer back in the 60’s was a roller coaster of fun times and tragic events. As children, we had the best times with dad. Fishing, skating, him bringing home a monkey, wrestling a bear, and finding humor in everyday functions such as farting. I have fond memories of him. My dad was a hilarious and lovable character. But when he was drinking, he became extremely violent.
The domino effect of having abusive, alcoholic parents and the night all hell broke loose does not excuse the bad behavior me and my siblings displayed throughout our lives. It simply gives you a better understanding of the insanity brought on by substance abuse. The disease of addiction spread its net of destruction over my life, my siblings, my husbands, my parents and my oldest boy.
This book contains the stories of my insane, wonderful, tragic, and unbelievable life. Written for the benefit of all the Meyer descendants, it clears many of the misconceptions of what really went down in that house of madness all those years ago. The good, the bad, and the murder that shook Dodge County Wisconsin on May 10, 1970. At sixty-eight years old, I consider myself a lucky person to have come through all of it in good shape. Many in my circle were not so fortunate.
- GenresMemoir
352 pages, Paperback
Published September 18, 2024
18 people are currently reading
49 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
November 18, 2024
An inspirational and heart-touching account of overcoming drug and alcohol addictions.
Some say age is just a number. However, years lived to the fullest often bring clarity that young people don't possess. To rethink her life and draw some conclusions, Shelly Meyer-Holland wrote a memoir, MAN, 35, CHARGED IN DOUBLE SLAYING: THE DOMINO EFFECT OF ADDICTION that recounts her own and her family's struggle against life-altering addictions.
Born in 1956 as Roschell Marie, nicknamed Shelly, into a dysfunctional family, the author experienced firsthand the debilitating influence of alcoholism. Living on the streets in gangs during the day and being witnesses to drunk, violent fights between parents in the evening - that was the reality of four Meyer siblings in the tiny town of Beaver Dam, Wisconsin. The fact that kids at some point attended Catholic school changed nothing. The mother of the family impressed upon them the importance of keeping the house clean, yet the raising of kids was implemented through shouts and beatings for even the slightest transgressions.
In May 1970 Shelly's and her siblings' world was shattered beyond repair, and they - three of them already addicted to various substances and/or alcohol - ended up in different foster families. The most horrific part of that experience for any outsider reading the book would be the way the siblings acted before the disaster: one more verbal threat of physical violence meant nothing in their worldview, didn't change their behavior. The tragedy could have never happened if not for alcohol and underlying psychological causes.
The main strength of MAN, 35, CHARGED IN DOUBLE SLAYING lies in the second part of the book which describes Shelly Meyer's struggle to rebuild her life for the sake of her own life and that of her kids. Documenting every milestone reached, every backlash in overcoming addictions with such vulnerability as the author demonstrates requires the will of a person on the brink of despair. At the time of the book's writing, the author remained the only survivor - fighter - out of four Meyer siblings. She outlived even her oldest son (who died due to the consequences of life-long alcohol addiction) and first husband.
It's easy to fall; it's very hard to rise over oneself.
MAN, 35, CHARGED IN DOUBLE SLAYING can become a perfect book to distribute within counseling groups and rehabilitation centers. Its unadorned, straightforward manner suits even those people who don't consider themselves readers in everyday life. The book is a poignant testament to the strength one possesses if provided with the support of friends/family and love for one's children.
I received an advance review copy through Reedsy Discovery, and I'm leaving this review voluntarily.
Some say age is just a number. However, years lived to the fullest often bring clarity that young people don't possess. To rethink her life and draw some conclusions, Shelly Meyer-Holland wrote a memoir, MAN, 35, CHARGED IN DOUBLE SLAYING: THE DOMINO EFFECT OF ADDICTION that recounts her own and her family's struggle against life-altering addictions.
Born in 1956 as Roschell Marie, nicknamed Shelly, into a dysfunctional family, the author experienced firsthand the debilitating influence of alcoholism. Living on the streets in gangs during the day and being witnesses to drunk, violent fights between parents in the evening - that was the reality of four Meyer siblings in the tiny town of Beaver Dam, Wisconsin. The fact that kids at some point attended Catholic school changed nothing. The mother of the family impressed upon them the importance of keeping the house clean, yet the raising of kids was implemented through shouts and beatings for even the slightest transgressions.
In May 1970 Shelly's and her siblings' world was shattered beyond repair, and they - three of them already addicted to various substances and/or alcohol - ended up in different foster families. The most horrific part of that experience for any outsider reading the book would be the way the siblings acted before the disaster: one more verbal threat of physical violence meant nothing in their worldview, didn't change their behavior. The tragedy could have never happened if not for alcohol and underlying psychological causes.
The main strength of MAN, 35, CHARGED IN DOUBLE SLAYING lies in the second part of the book which describes Shelly Meyer's struggle to rebuild her life for the sake of her own life and that of her kids. Documenting every milestone reached, every backlash in overcoming addictions with such vulnerability as the author demonstrates requires the will of a person on the brink of despair. At the time of the book's writing, the author remained the only survivor - fighter - out of four Meyer siblings. She outlived even her oldest son (who died due to the consequences of life-long alcohol addiction) and first husband.
It's easy to fall; it's very hard to rise over oneself.
MAN, 35, CHARGED IN DOUBLE SLAYING can become a perfect book to distribute within counseling groups and rehabilitation centers. Its unadorned, straightforward manner suits even those people who don't consider themselves readers in everyday life. The book is a poignant testament to the strength one possesses if provided with the support of friends/family and love for one's children.
I received an advance review copy through Reedsy Discovery, and I'm leaving this review voluntarily.
February 9, 2025
I gave the book four stars not because of the writing or prose. It was the unbelievable perseverance of the author to survive and overcome years of addiction. I grew up a few blocks from where this murder occurred. I even knew some of the names mentioned in the book. Most were by reputation.
My heart breaks for this family where no one intervened to help these children. Beaver Dam has always had a reputation for excessive drinking and that part is experienced by many families. Alcoholism is rampant! Shame on the priest who was only worried about money and failed to follow Christ’s example and help these children.
I am glad the author was finally able to get help and claw her way out of the abyss she lived in.
My heart breaks for this family where no one intervened to help these children. Beaver Dam has always had a reputation for excessive drinking and that part is experienced by many families. Alcoholism is rampant! Shame on the priest who was only worried about money and failed to follow Christ’s example and help these children.
I am glad the author was finally able to get help and claw her way out of the abyss she lived in.
April 13, 2025
This self-published memoir is gripping and highlights the impact of alcoholism on a family. What this woman has lived through is unbelievable. I lived in Beaver Dam, Wis., from birth to age 11. I heard about this book from my older siblings who read it because they knew some of the people mentioned in the book. I deducted a star because there are SO many grammar errors. I wish someone had helped her with editing.
May 10, 2025
Found this memoir to be very sad. I grew up in the city where this took place and am the age of Shelly, the author but do not remember her.I do not remember it happening but maybe that’s for the best. It shows how alcohol dependency can affect the whole family. It filters down from generation to generation. I give praise to Shelly for being very blunt in describing her life because of it. Easy read.
January 30, 2026
Not Quite What I Expected
The title made me interested in this book. However, it was not what I expected. I found the book to be a book for someone trying to explain how they abused alcohol and other drugs.
Working with addicts and alcoholics for over forty years, I have heard similar exaggerated stories many times. Being from Beaver Dam, I found many inaccuracies in her story.
I think this book should be classified as historical fiction.
The title made me interested in this book. However, it was not what I expected. I found the book to be a book for someone trying to explain how they abused alcohol and other drugs.
Working with addicts and alcoholics for over forty years, I have heard similar exaggerated stories many times. Being from Beaver Dam, I found many inaccuracies in her story.
I think this book should be classified as historical fiction.
November 19, 2024
This is a no nonsense look at the life of Shelly Meyer and her siblings throughout their journey of addiction. Passed down through generations, the chaos that ensues is beyond belief. The murder that shook the family in 1970 sets the stage for what follows throughout her journey. Would highly recommend this book.
February 18, 2025
A book about my hometown and the murder that took place there ( I was born the year it happened and didn’t know about it until now).Addiction is terrible for families
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May 21, 2025amazing read! eye opening and heart felt from the first page
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews