Finding Bethany: A True Crime Memoir

by Glen Klinkhart

“You don’t have to have a murdered sister to be a good homicide detective, but it helps.”

Finding Bethany, a behind-the-scenes true crime memoir of murder and justice in the Last Frontier of Alaska. Finding Bethany is the true story of how, as a young boy, Glen Klinkhart was unable to save his sister from a heinous sexual homicide, and how he began his journey as a police officer to find the lost, the missing, and to bring those who would do evil upon others to justice. His career as a homicide detective takes the reader along as he travels from the brink of exhaustion and obsession and into the dark and evil world of sociopathic killers, and those who would do anything to help them.

Finding Bethany details what real life homicide investigations are like, from his unique perspective as a victim and as a reluctant hero. The reader will experience the bizarre twists and turns down dark paths which result in macabre dead ends, and unexpected miracles found within the darkest of circumstances. His cases include the stories of people who were willing to give of themselves for someone they often didn’t even know. Finding Bethany is also about two brothers – one a sociopath, the other a good man whose own love for his evil brother had been exploited his entire life.

Genres: True Crime, Book Club, Nonfiction, Memoir

397 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 1, 2014

About the author

Born and raised in Anchorage, Alaska, I was a police detective for over seventeen years and have worked hundreds of murder cases as a homicide detective. I am one of the most successful and decorated detectives in the state of Alaska and I have been featured on such television shows as ABC’s 20/20, CNN/TIME magazine and Dateline NBC.
I am an experienced lecturer and trainer on such topics as overcoming adversity, Internet Safety, personal safety, and homicide investigations. I have given talks to local, statewide and national audiences. I am also recognized as an expert in the fields of Internet crime and computer forensics. I have worked tirelessly to protect children and have been instrumental in passing laws to protect kids. Besides writing a number of short stories, I have also written and published a well received non-fiction book entitled, “A CyberCop’s Guide to Internet Child Safety” which is available on Amazon, Kindle, Nook, and iTunes.

I'am currently working on my next book, a non-fiction narrative/memoir entitled, "Finding Bethany".

Reviews

[Cheryl Cm · Rating 5 out of 5]

After receiving this book as a gift from the deceased's sister, I read the first page and was instantly engrossed in this true murder mystery. I put it down and waited until I had a bit more time. I finished the book in one day, as I couldn't put it down. Glen Klinkhart writes from his heart, from the emotion of experience, and from the viewpoint of a persevering detective. I was touched by the transparency of his feelings and experience in this first hand account of putting the puzzle pieces together to find the missing woman. I would recommend this to anyone interested in true life stories. Remember the Correira Family in your prayers as they continue to grieve the loss of Bethany in their lives.

[Taughnee Golubović · Rating 5 out of 5]

It gripped me from the very first page. More than just an impossible-to-put-down true crime story, it's a layered and deeply emotional journey. Klinkhart’s vulnerability is a gift to the reader—we get a rare glimpse inside the experience of those dedicated to justice, and come away with a deeper understanding of how heroes are made. The story is horrifying and tragic, but what we take away are the nuances of kindness and generosity, and somehow, ultimately, it is life-affirming. A fantastic read I intend on recommending to everyone I know.

[Sandy · Rating 3 out of 5]

More a 3.5

This is not, nor does it claim to be great literature. It is, however, a well written account of a real murder investigation by the head detective on the case. This happened in my city so was familiar with the case but found it fascinating to see it through the eyes of law enforcement, the victim's family and even the criminals.

If you enjoy crime stories you ill find this worth your time.
A big thank you to author Glen Kinkhart who generously made this a free book during hunkerdown time due to Coved 19.

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I am from Alaska, so I actually remember some of the crimes Klinkhart tells about. It is a very readable book. He tells about the slow, painstaking, often boring work of being a police homicide detective. While he does tell about he things he accomplished, he does not take all the credit.It is not much like a crime-scene TV. Worth a read, especially if you like detective novels.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very fascinating account of a local murder written by a personality knon well to many of us here in Anchorage. The personal aspect of the account made it all the more poignant. The narrative was well written and clearly explained the process that eventually led to the resolution of the tragic murder. The fact that my son lived in the same apartmetn complex shortly before the murder made the story all the more vivid.

[Stacy Koster · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is not really my kind of book. Living here, I heard about when Bethany Correira going missing on the news, and the search for her, and when the murder was caught. It was interesting to read about it from the inside. It's really amazing how it truly all the details adding up, that make it possible to solve a murder. It also helps if there is a detective, with a good team, who doesn't give up.

[Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book. keeps you on the edge.

[Misty Boman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given a copy of this book by the author. As soon as I read the first page, I was hooked. The story is incredibly tragic and gives you a glimpse of the darker side of Alaska.

[Mina Goyal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked this book up in the train station on the way from Anchorage to Fairbanks and was looking for something to capture my interest for the next few days. This book had me hooked in the first few pages. The book is a very honest portrayal of solving crimes without without the hyped sensationalism found in many books, shows, and movies. The work is slow, requiring patience and calculated moves like in a game of chess. Violent crime is not only traumatic for family and loved ones of the victims, but also for the professionals who dedicate their mind,body, and soul to deliver justice. We see this play out page after page and begin to experience the emotions of the detective...the highs, lows, discomforts, worries, and successes. The writing is simple, yet powerful and concise. Overall, a great book.

[Lois Welsh · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very interesting book----the subject of the book is sad.

I wanted to read this because I am very interested in true stories and I wanted to know how a person can just vanish.

My friend has/had a cousin that went to work in Alaska and she was there for just over a month and she just vanished and I wanted to see how that could happen.

I also like books where I learn something.

Thank you Glen for your devotion to these people.

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heart-Rrnding

I usually don't read this genre, but something pulled at me when I read the synopsis. Very well written, and with such insight into the very fabric of the lives and mentalities of the people who dedicate their lives to finding the truth and bringing closure to the families affected by the heinous crimes that these unfeeling monsters perpetuate upon us, society. I am glad that I read the complete story, and know others will also.

[Lorie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read

And well told/written account of one man's experience with his own family trauma as well as his search for Bethany, a young woman who was just beginning life on her own.
Once again, why are men who commit sexual assaults given second chances. All they learn from the experience is to kill their next victim. Always.
As to the author Glen, one wonders if he divorced his wife and married the ATF agent? Such is the impression one gets when reading his story.

[Kristofer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent book but growing up in Anchorage I wish the author used a few more dates. The section he wrote on the missing boys found in the pond-no dates. But I remember where I was that the announcement came out that they had been found. Just can’t remember the dates and they weren’t included. Great story though. Very sad. I will always remember this tragedy and how an amazing community came together for justice.

[Sara Brennan · Rating 5 out of 5]

beyond words

This book hit me hard. I remember this happening. I knew the mother of Bethany. While I remember this happening, I never really knew the full story. It was tough to read about the pain the Corriera had to go through. With all that being said, this was an amazing book and the author should be proud of not only his memoir, but his courage, kind heart and determination to find justice for Bethany.

[Sara Sharpe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put it down. This book was written with emotion and conviction from the view point of an Anchorage homicide detective about a case of a missing girl and his quest to bring the girl home to be with her family. As I read through the book, I felt every emotion right along with the author. Determination, anger, sadness, exhaustion, relief.

[BETTY GUNN · Rating 5 out of 5]

How different brothers can be

It was hard to give 5 stars It was a great read but it was so heart breaking I almost took a star away .
You feel like you know everyone , not that you like them all. It was the kind of book that after that last page you close it and just sit and think about the story for a few minutes

[John Woodcox · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very nice and very sad

Because of how hard it was knowing how police work plus he got both his sister's killer and Germany's killer off the street. As in his sister's killer still has to serve his time in prison.

[Jerry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Detective with a heart

This was definitely a page Turner for me.. It gave a good picture of a dedicated detective 's search for a missing person and his compassion for the family.

[Lisa Marroquin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Page Turner

I couldn't get enough, I couldn't put the book down. Thanks for your experience if this case. I recommend this book to anyone that likes to read true crime books!! Thanks again!!

[Bridget · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a good read

If you are into true crime, this is a solid story. The book is written by the case detective, so you get an inside look at what was going on in the investigation, which is some three don’t often get.

[Theresa Stewart · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alaskan free spirit murder victim

I'd like to see more pics of true crime reads. An easy read! I especially like the writer/detective to show their true emotions.

[Priscilla Darling · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful story

I started reading this book early one evening and finished it at 5:00am the next morning. Great writer. I had some tears during my reading.

[Carole · Rating 3 out of 5]

liked it

[Ronnie Cramer · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good police memoir as the author was involved in a number of interesting cases and did an admirable job describing them (the bulk of it is dedicated to the case mentioned in the title). However, this book also has elements that such works often seem to include, namely the settling of scores with printer's ink and a fair amount of self-aggrandizement.

[Jill · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well, it was okay but the author, main character, I didn’t really care for. I don’t know what he’s like I real life… but he struck me as slightly misogynistic and full of himself

[Sierra Lind · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love this story. I am a born and raised Alaskan, which is why I originally read the story. It's an incredible journey and I highly recommend giving it a go.

[Sandy Frykholm · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting crime story set in Alaska.

[Heather Hicks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this autographed book as a gift from my father over a year ago. My father is the police chief of a small fishing town in Alaska. The author, Glen Klinkhart is a homicide detective for the Anchorage Police Department (my Home State). His memoir starts out describing the rape and murder of his sister when he was a teenager. He had gone to his grandparents house in Seward for Easter while his sister stayed home because she had a job and needed to work. The received a call that their house had burned down and needed to return home. The perpetrator attempted to burn the house down with his sister’s body to hide evidence but he was caught.

He describes various other crimes he’s solved in the Anchorage area early in his career. Fast forward 25 years later and Glen gets called for a case to solve the disappearance of a young girl named Bethany. She had just moved into an apartment complex and was helping maintain the apartment and the building next to her apartment had caught fire. The fire was suspicious of arson and he had a couple of suspects in mind but no body and no evidence.

He describes the next year of him working on the case, getting various leads and tips, slowly gathering evidence, having hunches but nothing to go on, eventually the case runs a little cold but he never stops searching for Bethany. They finally get a break in the case and learn where the woman’s body was but couldn’t get to it because it was winter time so for 4 months they had to wait for the snow to melt.

He develops a special bond and closeness with the woman’s family while sacrificing time with his family. I’m not going to lie, this one pulled at the heart strings and I admired the amount of dedication he had to this case and bringing Bethany home so that she could be laid to rest and her family could have peace. I definitely recommend this book!

[Lone Alaskan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'll be honest, I've never picked up a crime, mystery, thriller oriented book. Contrary to most of my family I'm not a huge fan of Law and Order and CSI and the multiple other award-winning crime-fighting shows that are ever-so-popular. So it takes a lot for me to stand up and say that this book kept my interest the entire way through. From the acknowledgements to the end my attention was captured and held. And I can honestly say that whether or not this is your 'typical genre', it will be a memorable and worthwhile read.

The story is based on true events, although- according to the acknowledgements from the author Glen himself, some names have been changed (as is to be expected with a true story). Glen's sister Dawn was murdered when he was quite young- and an eerily similar case regarding a woman named Bethany is what this tale is about. Bethany goes missing, and Glen makes it his responsibility to find her- or, find out what happened to her. This is not a tale for the faint of heart. The unfortunate truths of mankind can be found on so many pages in this book. The terrifying, real, and horrific aspects of humanity. And yet, amidst all of that- is the light that is Glen and the rest of the officers and volunteers who dedicate themselves to bettering and saving the human race (or, at least, bringing justice to their deaths).

Find Bethany is a compelling tale. A long read, but one that you won't easily be able to put down. From the start the characters reach out from the page, and grab your attention. Even weeks after you finish this book you'll be recounting all of Glen's memories- analyzing every bit of his story as much as he has. His tale is deeply moving, inspiring, and impossible to forget. I planned on reading this book slowly, in increments, as I got time. Turns out, I ended up making time to read this- and read the entire book within a few days of straight tucked-away-on-the-couch reading. The story was so compelling, and the fact that it was based on truth makes it even harder to simply quit reading. Glen is an exquisite writer and brought every event to life in chilling detail. It is very hard for me take an interest in, and finish, a crime novel- but Finding Bethany is my one exception. This book has earned a permanent spot on my bookshelf. Perhaps it hits closer to home because I live in Alaska- the home of the author, Glen. But deep down I know it's more than that. This tale, it's truths, and the beautiful way in which it was written- jumps out from the pages and engrains itself in your memory. A compelling read worth every minute you spend tucked away on your couch finishing it.

[B Zimp · Rating 4 out of 5]

For a 'true crimes' drama this was a really interesting read. Since the actual events were set in my neighborhood it was pretty creepy and gave me nightmares. I thought the author, who was the actual detective who solved the homicide, wrote an adequate book for his first attempt (disclaimer he was a journalist early in his career). This book was an intriguing idea of trying to blend the case solving into a memoir of his life. Of course the plot line of also having a teenage sister murdered was interesting, but the rest of the book detailing his (now estranged?) wife, preschooler, boss, and co-workers were lacking detail.

This is a strange complaint, but one thing that bothered me throughout this book was the type of paper it was printed on. Perhaps the publisher thought it was luxurious (and probably was expensive), but each page was so thick, it was like trying to separate and turn a piece of poster-board. I know this seems like a minor concern, but every single page broke my concentration and suspension of disbelief, because I was busy cursing at the paper.