What do you think?
Rate this book
Bye Mam, I Love You
The true story behind Becca Aylward's murder, the slaying described by an incredulous media as having been committed for "the price of a breakfast"
On Saturday, October 23, 2010, Sonia Oatley waved off her 15-year-old daughter, Becca, to meet Joshua Davies, a former boyfriend. Becca’s hope was that the two of them would get back together, but it was not to be. By 3pm, oddly, she stopped answering her mobile. By 7:30 she was officially declared missing. And at 10am the following morning, while Sonia and the family were out searching, came the call that is every parent’s worst nightmare. The police had found the body of a young girl in local woodland: she’d been bludgeoned to death with a rock. But, as soon became clear, this was no crime of passion. Becca’s death had apparently been many months in the planning, by a calculating, cold-blooded killer. From the immediate arrest of 16-year-old Joshua Davies, to the lengthy investigation and harrowing five week trial that convicted him, this book is both an expression of a mother’s love and her pride in a daughter who had so much to live for, as well as an insight into the mind of a brutal murderer.
On Saturday, October 23, 2010, Sonia Oatley waved off her 15-year-old daughter, Becca, to meet Joshua Davies, a former boyfriend. Becca’s hope was that the two of them would get back together, but it was not to be. By 3pm, oddly, she stopped answering her mobile. By 7:30 she was officially declared missing. And at 10am the following morning, while Sonia and the family were out searching, came the call that is every parent’s worst nightmare. The police had found the body of a young girl in local woodland: she’d been bludgeoned to death with a rock. But, as soon became clear, this was no crime of passion. Becca’s death had apparently been many months in the planning, by a calculating, cold-blooded killer. From the immediate arrest of 16-year-old Joshua Davies, to the lengthy investigation and harrowing five week trial that convicted him, this book is both an expression of a mother’s love and her pride in a daughter who had so much to live for, as well as an insight into the mind of a brutal murderer.
288 pages, Paperback
First published August 7, 2014
83 people are currently reading
614 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
May 24, 2020
Such a sad story. I remember watching this case on ‘Britain’s Darkest Taboos’ and thinking how shocking it was. Rebecca was a lovely young girl who made the tragic mistake of falling in love with a boy who turned into a murderer. Bragging to his mates that he would kill her for the price of a free breakfast, he lured her to the woods under the pretence of working out their relationship and bludgeoned her to death, then claimed he didn’t know where she was to her mother. Just tragic and so terrible for her poor family and friends who were left behind, especially her two siblings who had to continue going to school with the friends who had laughed and joked at the killer’s pact.
October 13, 2014
I am so honoured to know Sonia Oatley. Her book is a wonderful tribute to her beautiful and talented daughter, Becca, and I know Becca will be proud! Although I knew the terrible circumstances behind the writing of the book, and although it brought everything back so vividly, I found I could not put it down, despite my tears. The book is very powerful, and although it must have been so hard to write, it is important that everything is written down so it will never be forgotten. Of course Sonia and her family will never forget – not for a minute of each and every day. But it is important that the world never forgets what this monster and his accomplices did, taking the life of a girl who had so much to offer the world and robbing her family of all the joy she would bring them. Becca has been immortalised in this book, her mother’s last gift.
I think the book will help others. Hopefully, if it is read by young girls, it will make them more wary about who they associate with. If they hear someone plotting to harm another, they may actually take the words seriously and tell someone, perhaps saving a life.
I think this book will do a lot to keep the evil perpetrator where he is - safely behind bars - as people will not be allowed to forget this heinous crime. It will also raise awareness of the injustice that has occurred regarding the two accomplices, who egged the murderer on and failed to try to stop him or even report the crime, and have remained unpunished, as yet.
The power of this book and Sonia’s words will resonate with anyone who reads it because it is honest and from the heart. There are many people who have been touched in some way by this sort of tragedy or who will identify with the Sonia because they have children of their own. Having empathy and sharing the shock and grief can actually be therapeutic to others. I have never seen my father cry but he shed tears reading this book.
I recommend this very special, moving book.
I think the book will help others. Hopefully, if it is read by young girls, it will make them more wary about who they associate with. If they hear someone plotting to harm another, they may actually take the words seriously and tell someone, perhaps saving a life.
I think this book will do a lot to keep the evil perpetrator where he is - safely behind bars - as people will not be allowed to forget this heinous crime. It will also raise awareness of the injustice that has occurred regarding the two accomplices, who egged the murderer on and failed to try to stop him or even report the crime, and have remained unpunished, as yet.
The power of this book and Sonia’s words will resonate with anyone who reads it because it is honest and from the heart. There are many people who have been touched in some way by this sort of tragedy or who will identify with the Sonia because they have children of their own. Having empathy and sharing the shock and grief can actually be therapeutic to others. I have never seen my father cry but he shed tears reading this book.
I recommend this very special, moving book.
September 8, 2019
Very good true crime memoir.
This was a very interesting true crime memoir as the mum who is telling it didn't know any details of her daughter's murder until the court case. The police couldn't tell her anything so as not to jeopardise the case. So all the forensic findings are revealed day by day as she details what happened, how certain objects became significant.
Quick reading, with an easy conversational style. She tells you exactly as it was, nothing dressed up, an emotional telling.
This was a very interesting true crime memoir as the mum who is telling it didn't know any details of her daughter's murder until the court case. The police couldn't tell her anything so as not to jeopardise the case. So all the forensic findings are revealed day by day as she details what happened, how certain objects became significant.
Quick reading, with an easy conversational style. She tells you exactly as it was, nothing dressed up, an emotional telling.
November 13, 2014
What a sad story, how does a family cope when the unthinkable happens?
Very well written, Becca's mum manages to combine fact with emotion to tell the story very well.
A tough read for any parent but for those with daughters I'm sure it must be even more so.
Very well written, Becca's mum manages to combine fact with emotion to tell the story very well.
A tough read for any parent but for those with daughters I'm sure it must be even more so.
December 16, 2015
As expected this was always going to be a harrowing and upsetting read but it was very well done as it's by Becca's mum so was always going to be handled with a lot more attention to the facts and the real truth of who her daughter was than if it was a biography by an author unknown to the family. I did spot some mistakes as I always do but nothing too frightful and won't labour those points here out of respect.
As usual it beggars belief how victims of crime and their family get treated as opposed to the pseudo red carpet treatment as usual afforded to the defendant(s) and their families in this century of political correctness gone bloody mad !! It sickens me.
The fact all the minutiae of the investigation was kept from Becca's family is awful and that at the magistrates' court only one member of the victim's family was permitted yet all the defendant's lot could attend is all wrong, too. Of course 14 years is in no way life and really, how many years will this little swine actually serve ? Sonia rightfully pointed out at the end that those 14 years weren't even a year for each of those Becca was alive which really shows you how rubbish a sentence it is.........just because he's a minor. He's big enough and adult enough to go out murdering with plenty of malice aforethought, he's big enough to serve an adult sentence !! Then we read he's bused in each day to court from Bristol as they didn't want him put in any danger of basically getting a good kicking in retaliation from locals. Because of course, his basic human rights might be affected !!
I found the visitation scene quite distressing to read about where the families on both sides I thought behaved pretty badly which was sad considering the terrible occasion.
I wasn't impressed that none of the impact statements at the end were actually read in court and wonder why this was. A great shame as they SHOULD have been. However, I've signed the two petitions included at the end. A good idea to add them to the book.
I remembered this case but vaguely till the mention of the texting about breakfast and then I recalled it along with the awful circumstances. It does seem pretty incredible Davies' pals haven't been also prosecuted as they knew what happened and that it was GOING to happen yet did nothing but make jokes about it. Time the laughs were also wiped off their faces.
I am sure the whole family have had a great deal of support after people have read this, I hope so. None of this was what was planned for their little family and it's very unfair indeed. I hope in future the three of them find some measure of peace.
As usual it beggars belief how victims of crime and their family get treated as opposed to the pseudo red carpet treatment as usual afforded to the defendant(s) and their families in this century of political correctness gone bloody mad !! It sickens me.
The fact all the minutiae of the investigation was kept from Becca's family is awful and that at the magistrates' court only one member of the victim's family was permitted yet all the defendant's lot could attend is all wrong, too. Of course 14 years is in no way life and really, how many years will this little swine actually serve ? Sonia rightfully pointed out at the end that those 14 years weren't even a year for each of those Becca was alive which really shows you how rubbish a sentence it is.........just because he's a minor. He's big enough and adult enough to go out murdering with plenty of malice aforethought, he's big enough to serve an adult sentence !! Then we read he's bused in each day to court from Bristol as they didn't want him put in any danger of basically getting a good kicking in retaliation from locals. Because of course, his basic human rights might be affected !!
I found the visitation scene quite distressing to read about where the families on both sides I thought behaved pretty badly which was sad considering the terrible occasion.
I wasn't impressed that none of the impact statements at the end were actually read in court and wonder why this was. A great shame as they SHOULD have been. However, I've signed the two petitions included at the end. A good idea to add them to the book.
I remembered this case but vaguely till the mention of the texting about breakfast and then I recalled it along with the awful circumstances. It does seem pretty incredible Davies' pals haven't been also prosecuted as they knew what happened and that it was GOING to happen yet did nothing but make jokes about it. Time the laughs were also wiped off their faces.
I am sure the whole family have had a great deal of support after people have read this, I hope so. None of this was what was planned for their little family and it's very unfair indeed. I hope in future the three of them find some measure of peace.
April 14, 2015
It really is impossible to star rate such a harrowing and tragic story bravely shared by mother of murdered teenager Becca Oatley. A crime that shocked a nation and traumatised a family and portrays "pure evil" in the heartless way the victim was killed and the amount of premeditation. The story conveys the raw emotion and disbelief and the complex workings of the legal system. Thank you for sharing and heartening that we see the positive work coming from the despair and gain an insight into the kind intelligent promising young person Rebecca was.
August 11, 2014
This story was so sad, can't even comprehend the pain Becca's family went through and are still going through today. What an evil and sadistic person could kill someone in such a way and have planned it for a long time and still not tell the truth in court. Glad justice was served for Becca. I could not put this book down, only bought it a few days ago. Inspiring strength and fight from all of Becca's family and friends. Would recommend this book.
February 29, 2016
A compelling and well written account that kept me reading on for hours. I remembered seeing the story in the news a few years ago so wanted to know more.
A depressingly senseless crime, but good that the mother has been able to document the experience in this way. The book powerfully conveyed the sense of loss, anger and confusion the family felt and still feel as well as giving some insight into the investigation and court proceedings that follow such a crime.
A depressingly senseless crime, but good that the mother has been able to document the experience in this way. The book powerfully conveyed the sense of loss, anger and confusion the family felt and still feel as well as giving some insight into the investigation and court proceedings that follow such a crime.
November 10, 2014
This was a really captivating book, because of the authors honesty and because it actually happened, it was educational about the justice system too. Such a difficult, traumatic experience to go through, but luckily the author had a strong support network.
January 11, 2015
A well written and intensely deep book, a mother's story of ultimate sadness and betrayal and her mission to get justice. Well worth the read
January 24, 2015
Heart-rending.
April 17, 2016
Incredibly sad, heartbreakingly so, but I'm afraid I found the writing poor.
May 25, 2018
Heartbreaking but riveting book by the mother of a murdered teenager.
February 7, 2024
Sonia Oatley is a strong woman to sit down and write this book. Thank you for sharing your Becca with us. Her memory will always live on. Her story has touched me deeply. As a mother, this book broke my heart in ways no other book could possibly be able to. This book is the one exception to my rule about NOT reading through the parents POV, as I know it would be too hard for me to read.
Becca’s story needs to be told. Her murderer was only sentenced to a minimum of FOURTEEN YEARS. In cold blood he pre meditated this gruesome murder. He bludgeoned her and cracked her skull. He left her for dead in the cold, darkening woods. He showed not one single emotion throughout the entire process. Until he was found guilty. Of course then he showed sadness, but only for himself. Not for Becca. Not for Becca’s family, whose lives he has forever traumatized.
Joshua Davies is a different species of evil. He needs to remain locked away for good. He is without a doubt a reoffending risk.
Becca’s story needs to be told. Her murderer was only sentenced to a minimum of FOURTEEN YEARS. In cold blood he pre meditated this gruesome murder. He bludgeoned her and cracked her skull. He left her for dead in the cold, darkening woods. He showed not one single emotion throughout the entire process. Until he was found guilty. Of course then he showed sadness, but only for himself. Not for Becca. Not for Becca’s family, whose lives he has forever traumatized.
Joshua Davies is a different species of evil. He needs to remain locked away for good. He is without a doubt a reoffending risk.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 8, 2017
This is a hard book to read, upsetting at times, but one which is written so well. Sonia Oatley is an amazing woman to have the strength and courage to write this book about the murder of her 15 year old daughter, Becca, by Becca's 16 year old boyfriend.
I hope that Sonia is able to find some peace, as she sadly states in the book that whoever said time is a great healer "has never lost a child".
I have read several books about parents who are surviving after their children have died in tragic circumstances and I feel this is one of the best.
I definitely recommend this book as a must read.
I hope that Sonia is able to find some peace, as she sadly states in the book that whoever said time is a great healer "has never lost a child".
I have read several books about parents who are surviving after their children have died in tragic circumstances and I feel this is one of the best.
I definitely recommend this book as a must read.
January 21, 2017
So heartbreaking but so powerful
This has really touched my heart. I've been following Sonia on Facebook with her page about Joshua Davies must never be released from prison. I really do hope he's getting beaten up in there and his life is over.
I've watched this on Britain's Darkest Taboos and I broke down crying.
Sonia you are an inspiration and a rock. Rebecca seemed like such a lovely girl! Tights are forever with you and your family. Lots of love xxxxxxxx
This has really touched my heart. I've been following Sonia on Facebook with her page about Joshua Davies must never be released from prison. I really do hope he's getting beaten up in there and his life is over.
I've watched this on Britain's Darkest Taboos and I broke down crying.
Sonia you are an inspiration and a rock. Rebecca seemed like such a lovely girl! Tights are forever with you and your family. Lots of love xxxxxxxx
October 13, 2017
Only read this as it was a book club choice as I never normally read true-life stuff. So I don't know whether this is a good example of this type of book or not.
It was easy to read but I did find the style repetitive towards the end. I didn't like the topic of this book and I didn't understand why it had been written. I won't be reading any other books like this.
It was easy to read but I did find the style repetitive towards the end. I didn't like the topic of this book and I didn't understand why it had been written. I won't be reading any other books like this.
September 28, 2018
Heartbreaking
The pure destruction caused by a self centred idiot - knowing and living with a murder in my family i felt every inch of Sonia and her kids pain - I cried and cried reading this reliving a horror when hearing evidence - hope you manage to carry on and remember the good times before evil entered your lives - bless you all xx
The pure destruction caused by a self centred idiot - knowing and living with a murder in my family i felt every inch of Sonia and her kids pain - I cried and cried reading this reliving a horror when hearing evidence - hope you manage to carry on and remember the good times before evil entered your lives - bless you all xx
August 7, 2020
Sad .
Read this book in two days . What a beautiful young lady who has been taken far too young n a cruel and shocking way .This cowardly and arrogant murderer needs locking up for life .l was shocked how cold and callous he was for some one so young .l wish Sonia and he r family all the best for the future my heart goes out to them all .
Read this book in two days . What a beautiful young lady who has been taken far too young n a cruel and shocking way .This cowardly and arrogant murderer needs locking up for life .l was shocked how cold and callous he was for some one so young .l wish Sonia and he r family all the best for the future my heart goes out to them all .
April 19, 2022
Poor Family.
Becca sounded like a wonderful young lady...what a sad sad loss to the world..I feel so overwhelmed with anger that someone she considered a friend and even more than that at one time could so something so monstrous ..I really feel for those left behind who knew her and even more so her family..as a mother myself I really don't know how I'd cope ..
Becca sounded like a wonderful young lady...what a sad sad loss to the world..I feel so overwhelmed with anger that someone she considered a friend and even more than that at one time could so something so monstrous ..I really feel for those left behind who knew her and even more so her family..as a mother myself I really don't know how I'd cope ..
May 8, 2017
I could not put this book down. Started Saturday evening and finished Sunday afternoon. I felt such empathy with Sonia. Parts of the book are shocking - in terms of other peoples behaviour. I was sad and angry and gripped. A fitting tribute to a lovely lovely girl. Well done Son.
September 15, 2021
HEARTBREAKING
This was a heartbreaking story of a mother, siblings & family having their beloved 15 year old daughter, sister, niece, tragically ripped away from them by someone they treated and trusted like they were apart of that family he so Brutally Betrayed & Destroyed.
This was a heartbreaking story of a mother, siblings & family having their beloved 15 year old daughter, sister, niece, tragically ripped away from them by someone they treated and trusted like they were apart of that family he so Brutally Betrayed & Destroyed.
July 15, 2023
A heartbreaking read which again highlights the failings of the justice system in which a murderer and his family may only suffer for around 10/20 years where as the victim and her family have to suffer for the rest of their lives.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 29, 2023
Tears, tears and more tears
This is such a heart breaking story! As a parent myself I can't even begin to imagine the pain this family is going through!
Beautifully written ... Tears have been pouring down my face every time I picked up this book.
This is such a heart breaking story! As a parent myself I can't even begin to imagine the pain this family is going through!
Beautifully written ... Tears have been pouring down my face every time I picked up this book.
January 11, 2024
Such a heartbreaking read. Opened my eyes to how young psychopaths can actually be and how little remorse they can show. My heart went out to Becca’s family especially to her mum for showing the courage to write this book. I am sure Becca would be so proud. Sad story!
February 23, 2017
So sad
Thought provoking and genuinely heart breaking. Glad I read it but as a mum it really struck home. A legacy of a beautiful girl which should be shared.
Thought provoking and genuinely heart breaking. Glad I read it but as a mum it really struck home. A legacy of a beautiful girl which should be shared.
December 4, 2018
This was a really good, emotional read. Such a harrowing story but I loved it and found it interesting as well as upsetting. What a family and thank you for allowing me to read about your journey.
August 24, 2019
A compelling read however confronting it is. Your thoughts go to your own children and the sadness and compassion you feel for this family is so strong.
October 24, 2019
Such a tragic and sad read. Told through the words of the mum. I cant even begin to imagine the pain and heartache that this family went through and still continue to
September 3, 2020
Good
Very good read a un portable down book
A mother who deserves a medal for what she went through .
Very good read a un portable down book
A mother who deserves a medal for what she went through .
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews