Hometown Betrayal: A Tragic Story of Secrecy and Sexual Abuse in Mormon Country

by Emily Benedek

No one believed it could happen in their town.

Valarie Clark Miller seemed to have it all. Smart, beautiful, and athletic, with a wealthy, successful husband and growing family, Valarie appeared to be the picture-perfect Mormon wife. But it was all a façade. Inside, she was crumbling from the pressures of long-repressed memories of a childhood plagued with sexual and physical abuse.

In Hometown Betrayal, author Emily Benedek brings you behind the closed doors of the remote Mormon community of Clarkston, Utah. With the help of hundreds of individual stories, she pieces together not only what happened to Valarie, but also the conditions and culture that allowed it. Hometown Betrayal culminates in an account of the Miller family’s fight to hold accountable the men—including the local cop-- who abused Valarie and controlled the systems designed to look the other way.

Genres: Nonfiction, True Crime, Memoir, History, Religion, Biography, Crime

Kindle Edition

Published October 15, 2024

About the author

Emily Benedek graduated from Harvard College. Her articles and essays have appeared in Newsweek, The New York Times, The Washington Post, Rolling Stone, Vogue, The Dallas Morning News, Mosaic, Tablet magazine, and on NPR, among others. Her first book, The Wind Won’t Know Me: A History of the Navajo-Hopi Land Dispute (Alfred a. Knopf, Inc.), was a finalist for the Robert F. Kennedy Book Prize. Her books include Beyond the Four Corners of the World: A Navajo Woman’s Journey (Alfred A. Knopf, Inc.), and a memoir, Through the Unknown, Remembered Gate (Schocken). She is also the author of Red Sea (St. Martins Press), a thriller about terrorism and counter-terrorism, and Hometown Betrayal: A Tragic Story of Secrecy and Abuse in Mormon Country, an Amazon Best Seller. She has two daughters and lives in New York City. For more information, go to www.emilybenedek.com

Reviews

[Shelby *trains flying monkeys* · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book started out pretty good but I'm right in the middle of it now and I have to make myself listen to it. I know the subject matter is important but I'm done.

Booksource: Netgalley in exchange for review.

[Aleisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Valarie's story is heart-breaking. Such a waste. It's infuriating what was taken from her and the way the memories destroyed her. Reading about the hurt and betrayal of not being protected and believed makes me ragey. I was riveted with her story from the start, and my heart hurt for her and for the other girls this author found who shared their painful stories too.

Then I got to the part about Clarkston. Hoo-boy. What a dark, twisted little Stephen King town full of evil and vile creatures... except, it's not. Not really. I've actually never known of a town more beautiful and full of light. And full of people who would drop everything if you needed help, as they have shown over and over. Of course I'm partial and yeah, clearly, there ARE evil and vile creatures, and I kinda loved how Benedek named names, but I resented her characterization of the town as a whole based on them. It was also annoying how much she relied on and quoted a FORMER resident who "hates" the town and moved cause she couldn't take it "one more second." As much as I would be an unreliable source because I love this place, she's an unreliable source because of how strongly she hates it. Also, not to quibble, I mean an isolated town of wicked inbreds is a compelling narrative, but it's no longer isolated, and many of the residents are now move ins.

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Living in one of the towns referred to in the book, near Clarkston, this just broke my heart. As someone who has left Mormonism it has gutted me to see the abuse that goes on by such devout members. This book was great.

[Jaycee Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a horribly great read. Horrible for the things Valarie went through and the generational impact that resulted from the acts of her abusers. Great because it really highlights the destructive impact child sexual abuse has on victims and the family/friends involved in the victims life- sharing Valarie’s story gives her and her family back the power that the abusers took from her. This story needs to be shared. Sexual abuse doesn’t just happen in third world countries or crime podcasts- it happens in our backyards. And in this case it was 20 miles from where I live now. My heart goes out to Valarie and the Miller family. I know some of these people in the story and it hurts to know the horrific events that happened to them. Living in Utah (in Mormon culture) it is easy to turn your head to look the other way when topics like this arise- we need to do better to get educated so we can help prevent this from happening and help victims so their story is believed and heard.

[Justine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I strongly encourage those that knew Valarie (or anyone in the Miller family) to read this book. I often interacted with Valarie when spending time with Erin, but never really knew much of her story. She was always very sweet and kind to me. After reading the book, my heart breaks for all that she went through and subsequently all that the family has endured. I found myself emotional numerous times throughout the book and deeply missing my friend, Erin. I also got to smile a lot thinking back on all the fun (and wild) adventures I had with her. I am thankful for Brooke, Erin's younger sister for posting about this book and allowing me to message with her about Erin.

[Gentry]

For right now I can’t give this book a star rating. Maybe at a later date I will.

Part 1 of the book absolutely gets 5 stars from me. I’m so happy that Valarie’s story is finally out there even though justice was never truly served during her life and her abusers’ lives.

Part 2 however is very disappointing. Not all of it, but much of it. I do believe the stories that are told in the second half of the book are true. But most of them seem to be haphazardly put into the book to the point that the author was just trying to find every salacious story she could find to fill the pages. I understand that Benedek is trying to point out the systemic abuse that can happen in towns like this and the Mormon church overall, which I very much appreciate, but she makes it seem like it’s the worst town in existence.

You will find stories like this in every town in America. So while I’m not denying what has happened in Clarkston, I don’t think a lot of Part 2 of the book was the right choice. It almost overshadows Valarie’s story and I just feel it should have focused more on her.

I will end by simply saying: Valarie, I believe you. ♥️

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Valarie Clark Miller’s story is something that should never happen to anyone. Two of her attackers have glowing obituaries online and their families should be ashamed of those so-called men. Rural Utah is portrayed in this book exactly how I have always viewed it—full of too many inbred, ignorant redneck losers who make life intolerable for honest folks. Then they go to church and act like everything is just peachy. Despicable! All is not well in Zion…by their fruits ye shall know them.
Hope everyone reads this book, especially in Utah. Time for everyone to pull their heads out of the sand.

[Saige Christensen · Rating 2 out of 5]

read this book as it was based in my hometown. i was severely unimpressed and underwhelmed about the research done in part 2 of the book as well as the lack of consent she got from those named who are still alive (one of which is my father). threw together a few chapters (including one on my grandmother) based solely on one persons interpretation of what happened in an attempt to further prove a narrative. poor valarie deserved her story to be told. the lack of truth in these side stories only suggests that the rest of the book is untruthful as well- so devastating. feels thrown together and unorganized. drug a community and religion through the mud with blanket statements.

[Kristine · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was really sad what happened to Valerie Clark Miller. She was sexually abused and was not able to remember this for a long time. She thought she was going to have a perfect life, married, with children and living in her Mormon Community. Yet, her life starts to crumble apart. The audio book also exposes many other cases that happened in Utah. The narrator did a good job, but the book just felt flat, as I wasn’t immersed in the life of Valerie. It read more like a textbook. This happened, then that happened, without pulling me in to really attach to this horrible depravity. I do hope this book enlightens people to many women living behind clothes doors in unspeakable circumstances.

Thank you NetGalley, and Greenleaf Audiobooks. I always leave reviews of books I read.

[Ghoul Von Horror · Rating 3 out of 5]

TW/CW: Drinking, miscarriages, infertility, rape

*****SPOILERS*****
About the book:
Valarie Clark Miller seemed to have it all. Smart, beautiful, and athletic, with a wealthy, successful husband and growing family, Valarie appeared to be the picture-perfect Mormon wife. But it was all a façade. Inside, she was crumbling from the pressures of long-repressed memories of a childhood plagued with sexual and physical abuse.
Release Date: April 2nd, 2025
Genre: Non-fiction
Pages: 314
Rating: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

What I Liked:
1. Elizabeth Smart doing the forew

What I Didn't Like:
1. Info dumping for padding

Overall Thoughts:
{{Disclaimer: I write my review as I read}}

Oh for God's sake why did I need 10 pages of being told about the land in Utah?? What did that have to do with her story?


I can't keep going with this book. I respect the story for what it's worth but I'm not here for what color the leaves were in 1925.


Final Thoughts:
I know that we have to set the base for the book and learn who everyone is but there are seriously people who don't matter being talked about. I am so bored and I am only 50 pages in and I am pulling the plug. Such a shame I wanted to know who this amazing person was but this book is so weighed down with padding and things that don't do anything for the story.

IG | Blog

Thanks to Netgalley and Greenleaf Book Group Press for this advanced copy of the book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Krista Winward Flinders · Rating 2 out of 5]

TW: Sexual abuse.
TL;DR: Important topic, wrong author/approach

I am honestly affected by the contents of this book, and admittedly biased as someone from Cache Valley with family living nearby the areas discussed. The contents of this book made me feel except deeply saddened, disappointed, and frustrated.

Appreciated/agreed with:
>Pro-victim; justice finally gained
>Included facts and experiences backed by documents and interviews
> Thoughts on how social systems enabled abuse
> Validation for misguided approach to teaching “purity” that I ingested as a youth

Did not like:
>Mentioning detailed names and relationships of people that were not the abusers nor seemed to provide consent, extending the circle of affliction.
>Blanket statements and assumptions were not only ridiculous but also unhelpful and hurtful (ie the whole town of Clarkstown acts and thinks this way, everyone in Clarkstown is a certain way, all Mormons teach this belief this way or act this way).
I am saddened this was written this way because it reduces the merit. Which is especially frustrating when one of the main intended/needed audiences may dismiss due to the blatant language and claims.
>Not written super well— felt squirelly, not planned out, and repetitive. Super biased language/POV.

Quotes
>”If you never say ‘Sorry’, or you never ask forgiveness, then you never admit that anything happened.”
>”The community’s rules of fraternity and self-regulation depended on people telling the truth and fearing God’s ultimate judgment…. [led to] shadow morality [where] liars could get away with murder.”
>”Every woman in town who was under 50 believed Valerie’s story, but the older women didn’t.”

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I just want to say that I’m glad I wasn’t born & raised in Clarkston, Utah!

[Hayley Fox · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lots of thoughts here. It’s always difficult to rate books like this with real survivors and major, long-term consequences on them and their families. Valerie’s story needed to be shared. We as a society MUST do better in believing and supporting survivors. I’m sick that these men got away with such acts for so many years and in two cases never faced any consequences directly. I’m sick that people struggle to even hear allegations and cling so fiercely to defend someone that simply doesn’t deserve and hasn’t earned the benefit of the doubt. Again, we have to do better at listening to people that have been victimized. Women and children especially deserve better. On another plane entirely, I really struggled with the writing and style of this book. The facts and events and timeline all indicate quality journalism, in my opinion, but there seemed to be a fair amount of conjecture when applying the author’s perspective to the town or LDS church or sometimes adding to a story shared by one person. I believe Valerie. I believe the men she identified are guilty of this horrific abuse. I did not enjoy the book in terms of writing, tone, structure, organization, etc.

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Men are disgusting. Mormonism is gross. THIS IS HORRIBLE.

[Lezlee Hays · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sad and shocking examination of how a small community protected abusers over victim(s), how a religion protects its men, and how trauma can persist to slowly ruin lives.

[Bill reilly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Retired FBI agent Mike Anderson agent calls Clarkstown, Utah, Mayberry with a deep, dark evil streak. I would use the term a Mormon Peyton Place. The perfect family lives of LDS Land turns out to be a myth of epic proportions.
Valarie Miller was a pretty and popular girl of thirteen when she was raped by two men. One of them was a cop. Years later, her story was seen as an untrue accusation by the leaders of the Mormon church. The retired G-man uncovered widespread sex abuse and the indifference of a supposedly family oriented religion.
After the conversion of a family member, I read a number of books on the LDS. I would recommend Under the Banner of Heaven, The Mormon Murders and No Man Knows My History as excellent sources for background material. The author only offers scant information on polygamy and the foundation of the cult.
Through extensive interviews, Ms. Benedek discovered horrifying cases of sexual misconduct and a male dominated culture of blame the victim for their assaults. Religion is, indeed, the opiate of the masses. Hometown Betrayal is the perfect title for this book.

[Kylie Funk Kramer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, I’m so sad about this book on so many levels. I’m not native to Cache Valley, but I have lived here 20 years, and seeing the outrage and denial towards a victim of abuse sickens me. This book is a wake up call for towns across America. Let’s bring these crimes out into the open so communities can heal, generational trauma can be ended, and we can live up to our highest ideals and morals.

After writing my review, I went and read dozens of other reviews on Goodreads. One of the most devastating pieces of this take, and one that is hinted to in the book, seems to manifest in the reviews is how this story appeals to women. But, where are the men? Where are the men of Clarkston speaking out, demanding protection and justice for their daughters and their wives? Why does it seem that they aren’t interested in the story and haven’t read this book?

[Autumn Hugie · Rating 5 out of 5]

SHOOK.

Trigger warnings everywhere.

The wildest part is growing up near here and recognizing the places and the names that are listed. Someone once said "wanna wash your tires if you ever even drive through that town." And I understand that more now than ever.

Seriously sad story but worth reading for the Awareness.

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Idk how to rate this book. I gave it 5 to honor the woman who lived it. Knowing some of the people, living in the same valley, I am shocked. I hope the author has the names and facts right, this book will impact a lot of lives.

[Dusty Shell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the kind of book that you feel in your bones. The kind that makes you feel the emotions evoked so deeply, that you react viscerally. It's not an easy read. It's not a read that you will likely want to do more than once. Trauma, especially towards children and young girls, is life altering for generations. Valarie's story showcases how precisely, honestly, and with gentle care for those impacted.

Valarie Clark Miller was raised in the Mormon church, in a small, secluded, and insular town. The kind of town that keeps all its own secrets and protects its own, no matter the cost. She experiences assaults so vile and traumatizing that she literally blocks them out of her memory. As she enters her adult years, becomes married, and starts a family of her own, she lives her life unaware of the reasons behind some of her 'quirks.' When a tragic event alters the life of one of her own children, her body is triggered into remembering for her, though she can't quite connect the dots in her own brain. Through therapy, she recalls the horrors of her youth, which leads to a domino effect of more spider webbing hurt and community uproar that leaves her wondering if healing is possible.

As a survivor myself, Emily Benedek expertly shared the fall out and feelings of assault victims. The ups, downs, and general roller coaster of reactions and triggers not only for the victim, but for those who live beside them.

There is no "getting over" such violent traumas, there is only learning and healing to find a way forward.

This story will shake you, but it's one that needs to be heard to help in the protection of little girls and women who are too scared or brainwashed to speak out for themselves.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me a copy of this audiobook in exchange for sharing my honest review.

[RoosBookReviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book shows great research into the lives of those in the story and the history of the town. I am not from this community nor religious, so I appreciated the backstory of Mormonism and how the positions of power are allowed within the church. Mormonism places a lot of emphasis of women's actions and roles and that was exploited here to the max.
Benedek writes with skill and compassion while giving us the facts of the story. I appreciated her skill in handling delicate matters and how she made Valerie a whole person, not just a victim.
This is a shocking and thought provoking account of abuse with excellent narration.
RIP Valerie, you didn't deserve any of what happened to you.

thank you to NetGalley, the author Emily Benedek, and Greenleaf Audiobooks for my ARC of this audiobook.

[Tara Cignarella · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hometown Betrayal by Emily Benedek
Audio Version
Overall Grade: B-
Information: B-
Writing/Organization: B
Narration: B
Best Aspect: Interesting and very detailed story.
Worst Aspect: Tough to listen to in many parts, check trigger warnings.
Recommend: Yes.
Available Now. Thanks NetGalley for this audio book.

[Serena · Rating 5 out of 5]

men are cruel and women suffer endlessly for it

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow 😭😭😭💔

Firstly I find it difficult to rate such a book with stars due to the context however what I am rating is the delivery, the detail and the impact this audiobook had on me because personally I don’t feel it is my place to review the subject matter based solely on this 1 piece of work.

With that being said my first thing is when someone is abused the worst thing is for them not to be believed and for all that is expressed in this audiobook that Valerie endured to not be believed and labelled as psychotic or sociopath etc is exceptionally hard to hear! It’s very easy for those in the wrong to turn a blind eye and do such things or even those in denial who can’t comprehend such wickedness in this world but due to the nature of this particular story being that of living in a Mormon community where it’s stated this particular community turned a blind eye then isn’t any wonder Valerie ended up with various ailments later in life as she had next to no support when she was coming to terms with what actually happened to her! When she needed to be cared for and loved the most is when she found herself in a battle as her husband believing he was doing right by her tried to begin legal proceedings.

Religion has been known and spoken of often as a way of conditioning, grooming and thereafter abuse however it isn’t the same for everyone who is of any religious belief as in I don’t believe all Mormons necessarily live this way it’s the same can be said for anything in life there is good and bad in all walks of life in all different towns and countries.

What is absolutely abhorrent is the fact this appears to be known about even spoken about in whispers regarding the perpetrators and yet nobody does anything it was accepted and the 2 in Valeries life simply were not deemed to be the monsters that they were to the point even her husband found himself battling with how to handle the whole situation making it a difficult sad situation on the whole family in the long run.

Abuse doesn’t only affect the victim as this audiobook expresses so well it impacts families from the inside causes destruction to children even to the point of death. The loss of Valerie’s child Erin ultimately was down to all the past events that had occurred in her mums life although this was never her mums fault by any means it shows the impact such tragedy has on the family as a whole. Generational trauma continues on and history can repeat until someone stops and breaks the cycle which is a very difficult path for anyone.

This audiobook is extremely hard hitting, it is raw, emotional, brutal, disturbing and difficult to listen to but when you think your listening to this you realise this family and so many more have lived through this it humbles you! I wish anyone and everyone who has ever had any experience of abuse peace and I also commend the family for allowing this story to be shared as it may help so many others in their healing and even to break free from any situations they may currently be in!

Lastly this was well narrated that you definitely could sense the emotion and severity of the authors intended words.

Rest in peace Valerie & Erin & God Bless the rest of this family may you continue to heal from all that you endured 🙏🏽❤️

With huge gratitude to NetGalley & Greenleaf Audiobooks for the opportunity to listen to this ELC 📚❤️🙏🏼

[Kaylee Gwyn (literarypengwyns) · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars

Hometown Betrayal left me SPEECHLESS and shocked. Yet, somehow, I honestly should not have been surprised by the story of this small Mormon community and the horrors that Valarie Clark Miller faced. As someone who grew up (most of her life) Mormon/LDS, the seemingly innocent nature of the purity culture and "mind your own business" mentality makes those in the church incredibly vulnerable to hellish attacks of sexual abuse. As Valarie's family uncovers the truth around her assault and abuse, a clear picture of a quiet community comes to light as a breeding ground for misconduct and men who are protected despite the abuse of their powers and their depravity. Valarie's story isn't just about her trauma but also the generational trauma that was inflicted on her children, her parents, and her grandchildren, as well as other members of the small community. Hometown Betrayal chronicles the investigation after Valarie's death and the meager "justice" she and her loved ones receive, much too late. It is a cautionary tale of how silence protects the guilty and can harm the most vulnerable and why it is so important to make space for survivors to tell their stories AND to have them believed. I will not forget Valarie or this book for a very long time.

*thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the free ALC in exchange for my honest and unbiased review*

[Chelsea Pittman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hometown Betrayal is a heartbreaking true story about one woman constantly being let down by the community that should have been protecting her.

You have any experience with sexual assault, make sure you evaluate how prepared you are to read this book and face your own trauma. Also be aware that there is discussion of mental illness and chronic illness. Mental illness can really affect your body. I wonder if some of Valarie’s health conditions were made worse by the trauma she suffered in her life.

It is frustrating to hear about how victims are not taken seriously especially by religious communities and even law enforcement.

I think the book would’ve had more of an impact if it had been condensed to maybe half of the book. I did find myself losing interest and getting lost in what was happening.

The title and cover fit perfectly to the book. The narrator, Maria Mcann, did a great job of voicing the story.

Thank you to NetGalley, Emily Benedek, Maria Mcann and Greenleaf Audiobooks for the opportunity to read Hometown Betrayal. I have written this review voluntarily and honestly.

[Marjorie Elwood · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a difficult book to read and to review because nobody ever came to justice and the town and much of the family of the victim continue to ignore what happened. It’s about sexual abuse within the Mormon Church. But it just talks about one individual and one town, instead of really delving into the patriarchy within the LDS church that leads to this being rampant. The author (who wrote this because the victim’s ex-husband asked her to) even addresses this, saying that she identified “the most likely readers and possible beneficiaries of this story to be Mormons from the Cache Valley and beyond, and I wanted to make sure the book, in tone, approach, and style, would be accessible and acceptable to them. This was a decision that I have second-guessed many times.” She should have third-guessed it.

[Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

this was absolutely so well written, but also so completely heartbreaking. I think a lot of us live in a sense that ‘it couldn’t happen to me’ or if we don’t know anyone it’s happened to directly then we turn a blind eye.

BUT this is happening and it’s happening in our neighborhoods and to people we know and people we don’t know.

This story was handled with so much care, and the way that Valerie’s story was told was done in such a caring way while also shining light on how childhood sexual abuse could impact not only the individual but also entire generational line up.

I listened to this as an audiobook, and it was absolutely so captivating. My heart broke for the entire family and i was so fuming at the officers that allowed this to happen.

We need to be putting more light onto this. We need to make people uncomfortable to help stop this.

[Lindsay pinkcowlandreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hometown Betrayal is one of those difficult stories to hear but is also one that is so important to get out there for people take notice so it doesn’t happen to someone else.

Author Emily Benedek details the life story of Mormon, Valerie Clark Miller, who experienced extreme highs and lows throughout her life while dealing with the trauma of persistent childhood abuse at the hands of those in authority or who should’ve protected her as a child.

Benedek leaves no stone unturned as she details not only the abuse, but the recovery of Valerie’s memories and the subsequent devastation to her life the trauma continued to bring her.

Told him a very sympathetic and respectful way, I feel that this story helps show the true effects victims go through in such devastating circumstances.

The audiobook narration by Maria Mcann was a perfect match for this subject, and she delivered the material in a frank and feeling manner. Some of the moments were very difficult and Mcann dealt with the subject with the respect it deserved. As for narration in general, her voice and cadence was easy to listen to, and she provided a good pacing for the book.

[Tiffany Smart · Rating 1 out of 5]

My third lifetime DNF. I echo all the other low star reviews.

This book needed a good edit/editor. Very novice writing with lots of mistakes.

The author’s so obvious disdain and negative biases towards the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints was distracting during the reading of this book. The fact that she used a nickname for the church instead of the proper name that they have repeatedly asked to be called by is disrespectful and frustrating. Printing a pretty inflammatory quote that was written by one historian as indicative of the entire church’s population is just bad writing.

The blanket statements about the entire Cache Valley is ridiculous. We do go to doctors, we aren’t all inbreds. Seriously ridiculous.

Valerie cherished her religion. I wonder how Valerie would’ve felt had she been able to read the way the author portrayed her story.