What do you think?
Rate this book
A Silence of Mockingbirds : True Crime Behind Karly's Law
In the era of Nancy Grace, calling for vengeance for the murder of children has become a kind of pornography. But the literary merits of Karly Sheehan: The True Crime Story Behind Karly's Law, by former crime reporter Karen Spears Zacharias, outweigh any prurient interest, and the art with which she carefully reconstructs events leading up to a senseless, painful tragedy is reminiscent of In Cold Blood in its power.
In 2005, three-year-old Karly Sheehan was beaten to death in Corvallis, Ore., by her mother's boyfriend, who was subsequently jailed after a high-profile trial. Both Karly's father and her daycare provider had noticed suspicious physical signs and behavior leading up to the little girl's death, but a sloppy inquiry by the state left Karly in harm's way. Zacharias, a foster mother of sorts to Karly's mother, is admittedly biased here, but her reaction to the overwhelming atrocity is the awakening of a pure reportorial instinct to ferret out every detail in order to bring out the truth. In doing so, Zacharias employs a sure sense of pace and description that enables this heartbreaking, never-salacious memoir to read like a thriller.
Zacharias intends this true crime memoir as a call to action, a "never again" plea. Indeed, Karly's case has inspired legislation designed to strengthen abuse investigations. But Zacharias has, perhaps unwittingly, created something else. For if the point of art is to touch, to affect, to say something profound about the human condition, than Karly Sheehan is more than a rallying cry; it is a work of art.--Cherie Ann Parker, freelance journalist and book critic
A reported memoir that reinforces the power of storytelling in the wake of human tragedy.
Cherie Ann Parker, freelance journalist and book critic
In 2005, three-year-old Karly Sheehan was beaten to death in Corvallis, Ore., by her mother's boyfriend, who was subsequently jailed after a high-profile trial. Both Karly's father and her daycare provider had noticed suspicious physical signs and behavior leading up to the little girl's death, but a sloppy inquiry by the state left Karly in harm's way. Zacharias, a foster mother of sorts to Karly's mother, is admittedly biased here, but her reaction to the overwhelming atrocity is the awakening of a pure reportorial instinct to ferret out every detail in order to bring out the truth. In doing so, Zacharias employs a sure sense of pace and description that enables this heartbreaking, never-salacious memoir to read like a thriller.
Zacharias intends this true crime memoir as a call to action, a "never again" plea. Indeed, Karly's case has inspired legislation designed to strengthen abuse investigations. But Zacharias has, perhaps unwittingly, created something else. For if the point of art is to touch, to affect, to say something profound about the human condition, than Karly Sheehan is more than a rallying cry; it is a work of art.--Cherie Ann Parker, freelance journalist and book critic
A reported memoir that reinforces the power of storytelling in the wake of human tragedy.
Cherie Ann Parker, freelance journalist and book critic
302 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 1, 2014
565 people are currently reading
887 people want to read
About the author
Karen Spears Zacharias
18 books98 followersKaren Spears Zacharias is an Appalachian writer, a former journalist, and author of numerous books, both fiction and non-fiction.
She holds a MA in Appalachian Studies from Shepherd University, Shepherdstown, West Virginia, and a MA in Creative Media Practice from the University of West Scotland, Ayr, Scotland.
Her debut novel Mother of Rain received the Weatherford Award for Best in Appalachian Fiction from The Loyal Jones Appalachian Center at Berea College, Kentucky.
Zacharias was named Appalachian Heritage Writer in 2018 by Shepherd University.
Her work has been featured on National Public Radio, CNN, the New York Times, Washington Post and in numerous anthologies.
She lives at the foot of the Cascade Mountains in Deschutes County, Oregon, where she’s an active member of the League of Women Voters and Central Oregon Writers Guild. She is a member of Phi Beta Delta and Phi Kappa Phi. A Gold Star daughter, she is a fierce advocate for democratic principles and women’s rights.
Zacharias taught First-Amendment Rights at Central Washington University, Ellensburg, Washington, and continues to teach at writing workshops around the country.
Her forthcoming novel No Perfect Mothers will be released by Mercer University Press, Spring 2024.
She holds a MA in Appalachian Studies from Shepherd University, Shepherdstown, West Virginia, and a MA in Creative Media Practice from the University of West Scotland, Ayr, Scotland.
Her debut novel Mother of Rain received the Weatherford Award for Best in Appalachian Fiction from The Loyal Jones Appalachian Center at Berea College, Kentucky.
Zacharias was named Appalachian Heritage Writer in 2018 by Shepherd University.
Her work has been featured on National Public Radio, CNN, the New York Times, Washington Post and in numerous anthologies.
She lives at the foot of the Cascade Mountains in Deschutes County, Oregon, where she’s an active member of the League of Women Voters and Central Oregon Writers Guild. She is a member of Phi Beta Delta and Phi Kappa Phi. A Gold Star daughter, she is a fierce advocate for democratic principles and women’s rights.
Zacharias taught First-Amendment Rights at Central Washington University, Ellensburg, Washington, and continues to teach at writing workshops around the country.
Her forthcoming novel No Perfect Mothers will be released by Mercer University Press, Spring 2024.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 162 reviews
June 17, 2022
4.0 stars-- I have been wanting to read this book since its release in 2012, but I have avoided it because I knew the subject matter would be deeply disturbing. This is the first book I have read by Karen Zacharias, and she truly has a gift of writing in conversational, personal style. The author writes from a first person perspective about the case based on her prior relationship with the victim's mother, Sarah Sheehan, who she had known for years. "Mockingbird" is a very well researched account of the tragic final months and death of Karly Sheehan, a three year old girl who was murdered by her mother's boyfriend, Shawn Field. It is obvious from the beginning that the author had full cooperation and was very supportive of Karly's father, David, who she became close to in the aftermath of this tragedy. It is equally obvious that the author believes that the mother, Sarah, is as culpable as Shawn Field in the death of her daughter and strenuously argues throughout the book that she should have been prosecuted as well. The investigation and trial are covered in detail, and it is interesting to read the author's perspective of each of the trial's participants. The severity and length of abuse which was dismissed by authorities again and again as self-inflicted led to major legal reforms in the state of Oregon with the passage of Karly's Law. The only criticism of "Mockingbird" I have is that the author was so emotionally invested and jaded from her personal knowledge of the participants and the facts that is seeps into her writing and she becomes more of an advocate for the prosecution of Sarah rather than a writer that sticks to a factual account of what happened in the case. Despite her advocacy, Zacharias is an excellent writer who wrote a compulsively readable book that I would highly recommend to true crime lovers.
April 18, 2012
I completely disagree with all those very high marks for this title. I thought this would be a book about the abuse and murder of a small girl and perhaps some lessons, professional advice and reminders of what should have been done. That turns out in my opinion to be more a flimsy side plot. This book was more about the author, her personal involvement with the mother, the author's "poor me" attitude. It reads not so subtlety as a cathartic exercise for the author. When she does lay out wrong choices, she immediately makes excuses for herself, and turns too quickly on the young mother who she supposedly thought of as a daughter. And worse, we never really got to know Karly, the little girl who is the real victim of this story.
July 6, 2012
For the most part it is well written and an interesting book. However, I found myself furious at the lack of culpability of key players and their claims of "god rescued Karly" as if dying via abuse and torture was somehow god's way of rescuing a child from pain. The overtly "faithful" confuse and confound me. What I see in this situation has nothing to do with god or faith and everything to do with people only doing the bare minimum to appease their own conscience. People who turn it over to faith and put things in god's hands are avoiding responsibility and accountability for their own actions or inaction. There is blame that should be assigned, in various levels, to many of the people involved in the case of Karly Sheehan.
I did not at any point understand how the author had such a blind spot regarding the mother, Sarah. The past relationship prior to the existence of Karly is described in such a fashion that it is obvious to the reader that Sarah is a narcissist and not at all charming enough to have gotten away with the behaviors that she did. It leaves the reader wondering at the critical thinking capabilities of the author who apparently has trouble reconciling the adult Sarah with the younger Sarah she was once supposedly close to. Even though, each description of historic events only serves to reinforce that Sarah was self serving and manipulative from the word go.
I think the author does her best writing when she is removed from the story. When she retells David's side of things she is at her most poignant. I think this "memoir" would have been better off having been some other form of non-fiction, not a memoir. The story is sad and compelling without the addition of her faith, guilt, or her inability to figure Sarah out. I do understand that writing it this way was cathartic for her, but as an editor, I would have taken that bit out.
April 14, 2012
On June 3, 2005, in Corvallis, Oregon, three-year-old Karly Sheehan died after being abused and tortured.
In "A Silence of Mockingbirds: The Memoir of a Murder," the author, an investigative journalist, details the events leading up to this death, including the numerous failures of the system along the way.
Karly's parents, David and Sarah Sheehan, were divorced, and although David, an Irish immigrant, was the primary caretaker, the two alternated care. Sarah's relationship with Shawn Wesley Field was the turning point in Karly's life, but the ability of Sarah to deflect, to charm her way out of uncomfortable situations, and her apparent narcissism, were factors that did not end up in criminal charges against her in the end. Shawn Field was held on numerous counts and found guilty. He is serving a lengthy sentence.
Because the author had known and even cared for Sarah for a period of time during her teens, she felt a vested interest in the events and spent a great deal of time compiling facts of the case when writing this memoir.
Because of her relationship with Sarah, she knew the young woman's flaws and did not buy into the "victim" stance afforded Sarah during the trial.
It was only after the trial that the author even learned of Karly's death, as she had not been living in Corvallis at the time. The fact that Sarah did not reach out to her, or the very strange manner in which she reported the death to the author when she happened to run into her one day, set off red flags. Why had Sarah not protected her daughter? How did she so readily turn a blind eye to what was happening to her daughter?
Other questions certainly arose during her investigation and had arisen during the trial: why had the system failed to take certain steps to ensure the child's safety? And how had Karly's case fallen through the cracks?
April is Child Abuse Protection month, and it behooves us all to be more aware of the most vulnerable members of society.
In this quote, the author provides some statistics:
"Every five hours, a child in the U. S. dies from abuse or neglect, according to a 2011 investigation by the BBC journalist Natalia Antelava. The U.S. has the highest child abuse record in the industrialized world. America's child abuse death rate is triple Canada's and eleven times that of Italy..."
As a retired social worker and child protective services professional, I have encountered many alarming cases over the years. One would think I might become desensitized to the abuse, but, in fact, the opposite is true. Throughout Zacharias's story, I found myself tearing up over and over at the alarming facts of the case. In telling Karly's story, the author flashed between the past and present to weave in details of David's story, as well as Sarah's, showing the reader the very real characters and how their lives and choices impacted the victimized child. I found the reference to the protectiveness of mockingbirds an example of how far we, as humans, have yet to go to reach that level of safekeeping. Five stars.
In "A Silence of Mockingbirds: The Memoir of a Murder," the author, an investigative journalist, details the events leading up to this death, including the numerous failures of the system along the way.
Karly's parents, David and Sarah Sheehan, were divorced, and although David, an Irish immigrant, was the primary caretaker, the two alternated care. Sarah's relationship with Shawn Wesley Field was the turning point in Karly's life, but the ability of Sarah to deflect, to charm her way out of uncomfortable situations, and her apparent narcissism, were factors that did not end up in criminal charges against her in the end. Shawn Field was held on numerous counts and found guilty. He is serving a lengthy sentence.
Because the author had known and even cared for Sarah for a period of time during her teens, she felt a vested interest in the events and spent a great deal of time compiling facts of the case when writing this memoir.
Because of her relationship with Sarah, she knew the young woman's flaws and did not buy into the "victim" stance afforded Sarah during the trial.
It was only after the trial that the author even learned of Karly's death, as she had not been living in Corvallis at the time. The fact that Sarah did not reach out to her, or the very strange manner in which she reported the death to the author when she happened to run into her one day, set off red flags. Why had Sarah not protected her daughter? How did she so readily turn a blind eye to what was happening to her daughter?
Other questions certainly arose during her investigation and had arisen during the trial: why had the system failed to take certain steps to ensure the child's safety? And how had Karly's case fallen through the cracks?
April is Child Abuse Protection month, and it behooves us all to be more aware of the most vulnerable members of society.
In this quote, the author provides some statistics:
"Every five hours, a child in the U. S. dies from abuse or neglect, according to a 2011 investigation by the BBC journalist Natalia Antelava. The U.S. has the highest child abuse record in the industrialized world. America's child abuse death rate is triple Canada's and eleven times that of Italy..."
As a retired social worker and child protective services professional, I have encountered many alarming cases over the years. One would think I might become desensitized to the abuse, but, in fact, the opposite is true. Throughout Zacharias's story, I found myself tearing up over and over at the alarming facts of the case. In telling Karly's story, the author flashed between the past and present to weave in details of David's story, as well as Sarah's, showing the reader the very real characters and how their lives and choices impacted the victimized child. I found the reference to the protectiveness of mockingbirds an example of how far we, as humans, have yet to go to reach that level of safekeeping. Five stars.
December 7, 2022
This book was so well written and it made me cry and scream for sweet Karly and all she went through. Now Sarah her mother I want to slap her a few times so she could feel pain like her daughter did everyday
July 26, 2012
Here, we have the abuse, torture, and death of a small child. Her death didn't have to happen, as the author shows the system broke down, or procedures weren't followed by child care officials. The mother certainly made bad choices, accused of putting her partying and golfing in front of her girl's well-being; the father, an immigrant, also made some bad choices out of fear of being investigated and deported. The author also notes that this girl was one of 18 who died in the state that year of child abuse, and the book ends with a call to help protect all our children by essentially adopting the new motto of NYC: see something, say something.
But here's my problem: this book felt to me like it was a little bit padded, like, if it were tightened up, it could make a much better long article. I never felt like I knew Sarah, the mother of the dead girl, and I am sure that was the point. But I also never got to know her boyfriend, the man convicted of the girl's death. The author talked to lots of people in Sarah's life, but the boyfriend (I can't even remember his name) is a black hole -- and maybe that is also intentional, or an artifact of her investigation, that none of his friends would talk (there were some emails from one friend ministering to him in prison, but they were unenlightening).
I generally dislike books by journalists, because I feel like their tales are disjointed - their works still seem like a collection of articles, rather than a complete work (the exception to this may be Columbine, which was also a hard book to finish because of its subject, and its length). Of course I am disturbed and upset by this book, and I applaud the author's attempt to keep the poor child from becoming just a statistic.
But here's my problem: this book felt to me like it was a little bit padded, like, if it were tightened up, it could make a much better long article. I never felt like I knew Sarah, the mother of the dead girl, and I am sure that was the point. But I also never got to know her boyfriend, the man convicted of the girl's death. The author talked to lots of people in Sarah's life, but the boyfriend (I can't even remember his name) is a black hole -- and maybe that is also intentional, or an artifact of her investigation, that none of his friends would talk (there were some emails from one friend ministering to him in prison, but they were unenlightening).
I generally dislike books by journalists, because I feel like their tales are disjointed - their works still seem like a collection of articles, rather than a complete work (the exception to this may be Columbine, which was also a hard book to finish because of its subject, and its length). Of course I am disturbed and upset by this book, and I applaud the author's attempt to keep the poor child from becoming just a statistic.
April 3, 2012
I believe that any author that sits down to share such a story with others is truly courageous. Karen Spears Zacharias certainly merits that. She has taken mountains of research and interviews to bring to us a case of child abuse in a most honest and soul-searching accomplishment.
Obviously I can't exactly comment on the "story" of this book. I mean, it's a foregone conclusion that it will tear at anyone's heart. I am certainly not oblivious to the immorality and cruelty in society, but the fact that this happened so recently and how/why is still truly disturbing. I think I spent every page shaking my head in pure astonishment and frustration.
K.S.Z passes on the information through this book in a very conscientious manner for the reader. This is not a book of detailed abuse. Yes, all the facts and evidence are revealed but strictly by and for integrity to the crime. K.S.Z does not plant images in the readers head any more than one's imagination can handle. Her adept handling of this human tragedy is aimed more importantly at searching for answers to difficult questions.
How did things get so far? so irresponsibly handled? Why were the proper steps not taken? so blatantly mishandled? K.S.Z masterfully places such queries to those involved, to us as readers, and ultimately and most importantly to those who can make the changes necessary for the protection of our greatest miracles-our children.
I suppose no one actually "wants" to hear about domestic abuse that leads to the death of a child, but this is one book that should be read. It is a intense, thought-provoking read that will most definately not the silence the questions it asks of past and the future humanity.
Obviously I can't exactly comment on the "story" of this book. I mean, it's a foregone conclusion that it will tear at anyone's heart. I am certainly not oblivious to the immorality and cruelty in society, but the fact that this happened so recently and how/why is still truly disturbing. I think I spent every page shaking my head in pure astonishment and frustration.
K.S.Z passes on the information through this book in a very conscientious manner for the reader. This is not a book of detailed abuse. Yes, all the facts and evidence are revealed but strictly by and for integrity to the crime. K.S.Z does not plant images in the readers head any more than one's imagination can handle. Her adept handling of this human tragedy is aimed more importantly at searching for answers to difficult questions.
How did things get so far? so irresponsibly handled? Why were the proper steps not taken? so blatantly mishandled? K.S.Z masterfully places such queries to those involved, to us as readers, and ultimately and most importantly to those who can make the changes necessary for the protection of our greatest miracles-our children.
I suppose no one actually "wants" to hear about domestic abuse that leads to the death of a child, but this is one book that should be read. It is a intense, thought-provoking read that will most definately not the silence the questions it asks of past and the future humanity.
April 21, 2012
This is the shocking true story of the murder of a 3 year old girl in Oregon. The murderer is the mother's boyfriend. And what is so shocking is that the mother let this happen. She had to know of the abuse and so she chose a boyfriend over her own child. The father was very caring, ready and willing to care for the child with full custody, but the mother insisted on shared custody even though she was a self-absorbed party girl.
Yes, it is a tough read, but it is a story that is a wake-up call for all who may suspect child abuse. There were so many opportunities for a red flag when the young girl, Karly, could have been saved, but they were ignored, glossed over and/or pushed aside. Should have, could have, ought to have are all so easily recognized now, but any of them could have saved a young, precious, vibrant life.
The author is an investigative journalist who did a very thorough job of filtering through evidence and interviewing and/or trying to interview all involved even if some refused to cooperate. She had a personal relationship with the child's mother having earlier tried to intervene offering a refuge and an open ear years before Karly was born, but sometimes people refuse to talk, to listen, to heed the wisdom of others.
Yes, it is a tough read, but it is a story that is a wake-up call for all who may suspect child abuse. There were so many opportunities for a red flag when the young girl, Karly, could have been saved, but they were ignored, glossed over and/or pushed aside. Should have, could have, ought to have are all so easily recognized now, but any of them could have saved a young, precious, vibrant life.
The author is an investigative journalist who did a very thorough job of filtering through evidence and interviewing and/or trying to interview all involved even if some refused to cooperate. She had a personal relationship with the child's mother having earlier tried to intervene offering a refuge and an open ear years before Karly was born, but sometimes people refuse to talk, to listen, to heed the wisdom of others.
January 21, 2013
One of the most important stories of our time because children need a voice! Ms. Zacharias gives a powerful and honest account of Karly Sheehan from a startling POV. She reminds us that we MUST pay attention to children because sometimes they need our voice and our hands and our feet to make a change for their good. Sometimes we need to become their Mockingbird.
March 30, 2013
FOUR AND A HALF STARS. Apparently, I just don't get enough of child abuse in my job as a child protection investigator. Which must be why I also read books about children being killed by abuse in my spare time. Hmmmm.... This disturbing of a child death case in Oregon in which the child was beaten to death by the mother's boyfriend is told from an interesting angle. The godmother of the mother is a journalist who lost touch with her goddaughter prior to the child's death and gets back in touch with her several years later to find out to her horror that this has occurred. She writes a book that is partially a memoir of her experience finding out what happened to Karly and also an in-depth look at the case. I was particularly disturbed reading this because this is exactly the type of case I deal with on a regular basis-young child, mom's priority is not really parenting, parents are divorced and say negative things about each other, mom has a boyfriend who she is allowing to have access to her young daughter. I also thought there are many things that the investigator, who investigated possible abuse of Karly twice in the months leading up to her death, did that I would have done. It also made me think about many aspects of my job that I need to continue to improve on. I thought about how I communicate with young children when I'm interviewing them and about how I need to make sure I've uncovered everything I can in those strange cases that give me a bad gut feeling. Child welfare, in general, is certainly not an exact science. There are many, many failings with our child welfare system. As a child welfare worker, you rely a lot on what people tell you. You try to corroborate evidence, but sometimes you just can't. I think it's great that Oregon passed a law mandating that children with suspicious injuries are seen by a pediatrician board certified in child abuse. I certainly hope they have more of those types of pediatricians than we do here in Chicago. In the northern suburban count where I work, the closest one is 20 miles away. We don't have such a law in the state where I work and we rely all the time on primary care and emergency room doctors to look at kids' injuries and give us their impressions. The author writes at the end of the book about the fact that we basically don't fund child welfare work in this country and about some of the systematic obstacles facing people like me who are doing this sort of work. There are so many systematic problems that I deal with every day at work. I wish this country valued children more. I also found it disturbing and unfortunate that the mother was never charged with anything. At the very least, she was extremely negligent. She knew what was going on and failed to protect this kid. In the end, looking at a child death case is always done with 20/20 hindsight. I think the author does present some clear issues that should have been better addressed and does a great job of making Karly come to life in the pages of this book. Hopefully, it will leave readers thinking about what we can do to make kids safer.
March 29, 2012
I’m not sure I can do this book justice. Part of me wants to say read the book and find out for yourself how powerful it is. So please forgive me ahead of time for my bumbled effort to capture something so beautiful and brilliant into a short review.
“A Silence of Mockingbirds” by Karen Spears Zacharias is a memoir about the murder of three-year-old Karly Sheedan from Oregon. She was the daughter of David Sheedan, a native of Ireland, and Sarah Brill Sheedan.
Karen Spears Zacharias was visiting her grown daughter and son in Bend, Oregon when she saw a photo of Sarah Sheedan in the local paper. As a young woman, Sarah lived in the author’s home for an extended period of time and was thought of as one of the family until Ms. Zacharias and Sarah parted ways. Ms. Zacharias voiced her disapproval over Sarah’s intended divorce from David. She believed Sarah needed to give her daughter, Karly, more consideration. Karly and David were extremely close. And she worried if Sarah had custody Karly wouldn’t get the care and attention she needed.
The next day while out walking with her family at a local part, the author was surprised to see Sarah. The joy of the reunion dissipated quickly when Sarah was questioned about Karly’s whereabouts. She gave the devastating news that Karly had been murdered and was not forthcoming with any details. So Ms. Zacharias began digging on her own. For years the author had been a cop beat reporter and thought she had seen everything.
The story she found about Karly’s death sickened her. How had she fell out of touch with both Sarah and David? And so began what has turned out to be a stunning narrative. Karen Spears Zacharias knows this story from the inside out, literally. It’s more than a true-crime book. This work is personal and it shows in every scene. She could have pointed fingers and handed out judgments. No one would have faulted her. But her compassion and brutal honesty makes this story all the more poignant.
While I was reading this book, I called my three-year-old granddaughter every night. I was so affected I truly cannot put it into words. Yes A Silence of Mockingbirds is a book about a horrific murder that will rock the reader to the bottom of their souls. But, Karly’s story is so, so much more. This narrative is about love, the unrelenting love of a father. But mostly this memoir is a call for all of us to sit up and take notice. Speak out. Each one of us knows women like Sarah Sheedan. How many times do we turn our heads to a hint of something wrong? After all, it’s truly not our business or maybe we have the details mixed or we didn’t see things they way we thought.
A Silence Of Mockingbirds taught me a lesson. Give a voice to those that can’t speak loud enough to be heard. Step up. Say what you think. Don’t turn your head and look the other way.
Thank you Karen Sears Zacharias for this book and God Bless you for showing Karly was so much more than a victim.
“A Silence of Mockingbirds” by Karen Spears Zacharias is a memoir about the murder of three-year-old Karly Sheedan from Oregon. She was the daughter of David Sheedan, a native of Ireland, and Sarah Brill Sheedan.
Karen Spears Zacharias was visiting her grown daughter and son in Bend, Oregon when she saw a photo of Sarah Sheedan in the local paper. As a young woman, Sarah lived in the author’s home for an extended period of time and was thought of as one of the family until Ms. Zacharias and Sarah parted ways. Ms. Zacharias voiced her disapproval over Sarah’s intended divorce from David. She believed Sarah needed to give her daughter, Karly, more consideration. Karly and David were extremely close. And she worried if Sarah had custody Karly wouldn’t get the care and attention she needed.
The next day while out walking with her family at a local part, the author was surprised to see Sarah. The joy of the reunion dissipated quickly when Sarah was questioned about Karly’s whereabouts. She gave the devastating news that Karly had been murdered and was not forthcoming with any details. So Ms. Zacharias began digging on her own. For years the author had been a cop beat reporter and thought she had seen everything.
The story she found about Karly’s death sickened her. How had she fell out of touch with both Sarah and David? And so began what has turned out to be a stunning narrative. Karen Spears Zacharias knows this story from the inside out, literally. It’s more than a true-crime book. This work is personal and it shows in every scene. She could have pointed fingers and handed out judgments. No one would have faulted her. But her compassion and brutal honesty makes this story all the more poignant.
While I was reading this book, I called my three-year-old granddaughter every night. I was so affected I truly cannot put it into words. Yes A Silence of Mockingbirds is a book about a horrific murder that will rock the reader to the bottom of their souls. But, Karly’s story is so, so much more. This narrative is about love, the unrelenting love of a father. But mostly this memoir is a call for all of us to sit up and take notice. Speak out. Each one of us knows women like Sarah Sheedan. How many times do we turn our heads to a hint of something wrong? After all, it’s truly not our business or maybe we have the details mixed or we didn’t see things they way we thought.
A Silence Of Mockingbirds taught me a lesson. Give a voice to those that can’t speak loud enough to be heard. Step up. Say what you think. Don’t turn your head and look the other way.
Thank you Karen Sears Zacharias for this book and God Bless you for showing Karly was so much more than a victim.
December 10, 2015
So very sad, yet left me so very angry
This is the story of Karly Sheehan, a young child whose death at the hands of her mother's boyfriend, Shawn Field, should never have occurred. Not a typical true crime story, the author had known Karly's mother, Sarah, intimately for years.
Almost everyone failed Karly. The state of Oregon has Karly's blood on its hands. And why is this? Law enforcement and Child Protective Services believed Sarah when she blamed her ex-husband, David, for beating Karly and causing her to literally tear out her hair. David did everything possible to protect his daughter from her abusers; yet he was the state's target. Sarah, on the other hand, was complicit in her daughter's death. An irresponsible, untrustworthy woman who put partying above motherhood, she left Karly alone with a monster. Why she was not charged with any crime is another mystery in the story.
During the shoddy investigation, those responsible for the welfare of children made one boneheaded mistake after another. If protocol had been followed, Karly would have been removed from the home of her torturers and probably from the custody of her mother. She would be alive. Instead Shawn Field struck his final blow and killed Karly after non-stop torture. Anyone with one working brain cell could have looked at Karly prior to her death and screamed, "ABUSE!" Those who did, e.g., the daycare owner were ignored.
Karen Zacharias masterfully told this horrible story. She did her own investigation, falling back on her career as a journalist. She painted a loving story about Karly, and she admitted her ambivalence about Sarah. This was more than a true crime story to me because it is yet one more account of the problems with the child welfare system in the United States. A bright light must be shone on the broken system designed to protect the innocents among us. I commend Karen Zacharias for flipping the light switch.
This is the story of Karly Sheehan, a young child whose death at the hands of her mother's boyfriend, Shawn Field, should never have occurred. Not a typical true crime story, the author had known Karly's mother, Sarah, intimately for years.
Almost everyone failed Karly. The state of Oregon has Karly's blood on its hands. And why is this? Law enforcement and Child Protective Services believed Sarah when she blamed her ex-husband, David, for beating Karly and causing her to literally tear out her hair. David did everything possible to protect his daughter from her abusers; yet he was the state's target. Sarah, on the other hand, was complicit in her daughter's death. An irresponsible, untrustworthy woman who put partying above motherhood, she left Karly alone with a monster. Why she was not charged with any crime is another mystery in the story.
During the shoddy investigation, those responsible for the welfare of children made one boneheaded mistake after another. If protocol had been followed, Karly would have been removed from the home of her torturers and probably from the custody of her mother. She would be alive. Instead Shawn Field struck his final blow and killed Karly after non-stop torture. Anyone with one working brain cell could have looked at Karly prior to her death and screamed, "ABUSE!" Those who did, e.g., the daycare owner were ignored.
Karen Zacharias masterfully told this horrible story. She did her own investigation, falling back on her career as a journalist. She painted a loving story about Karly, and she admitted her ambivalence about Sarah. This was more than a true crime story to me because it is yet one more account of the problems with the child welfare system in the United States. A bright light must be shone on the broken system designed to protect the innocents among us. I commend Karen Zacharias for flipping the light switch.
April 1, 2012
I admit that I am not familiar with Karly Sheehan’s case. So, when I sat down to read this book, I was expecting a little more back ground story information regarding Karen and Sarah’s relationship. Also, learning more about what Sarah, Karly’s mother was like when she was living with Karen and her family. I got a brief glimpse of this.
To be honest, after reading this book, I am glad that Mrs. Zacharias did not spend much time talking about the Sarah; she knew as a “daughter” and loved. What Sarah did as a mother by not protecting Karly is wrong. I would say that I hope that Sarah feels sad and regrets the poor choice she made for the rest of her life but it seems like Sarah is living in “Sarah’s” world.
I agree that David, Karly’s father was a victim. He loved Karly. I could tell that just from reading this book and I do not know anything about David. I can not imagine how difficult writing this book must have been for Karen getting to know Sarah as she did. Although, it is a story that needed to be told for Karly. Her voice was not heard and was quieted too soon. For any one who knows of someone abusing or is a victim of abusive, this is a book to be read. It shows you just how much your voice does matter for a child. It could end up helping to prevent them from being put into a grave. This is a sit down and finish in one session book!
To be honest, after reading this book, I am glad that Mrs. Zacharias did not spend much time talking about the Sarah; she knew as a “daughter” and loved. What Sarah did as a mother by not protecting Karly is wrong. I would say that I hope that Sarah feels sad and regrets the poor choice she made for the rest of her life but it seems like Sarah is living in “Sarah’s” world.
I agree that David, Karly’s father was a victim. He loved Karly. I could tell that just from reading this book and I do not know anything about David. I can not imagine how difficult writing this book must have been for Karen getting to know Sarah as she did. Although, it is a story that needed to be told for Karly. Her voice was not heard and was quieted too soon. For any one who knows of someone abusing or is a victim of abusive, this is a book to be read. It shows you just how much your voice does matter for a child. It could end up helping to prevent them from being put into a grave. This is a sit down and finish in one session book!
June 25, 2012
A Silence of Mockingbirds is a strange mix of nonfiction that reads much like a mystery of sorts. As Zarcharias shares the story, I was struck by how little people knew of the abuse that Karly was going through. The many signs are easy to pinpoint after the fact and Zacharias's kept me wondering what signs were visible, noticed, and what actions the adults in her life were taking. When you're not looking for abuse, it's hard to see it. It was heartbreaking to read Karly's reaction to the treatment and how she was internalizing the abuse.
A Silence of Mockingbirds left me much more sensitive to child abuse. It's a heartbreaking story and very well told.
ISBN-10: 159692375X - Hardcover $25.00
Publisher: MacAdam/Cage Publishing; 1 edition (April 1, 2012), 325 pages.
Review copy provided by the publisher and Meryl Zegarek Public Relations, Inc.
A Silence of Mockingbirds left me much more sensitive to child abuse. It's a heartbreaking story and very well told.
ISBN-10: 159692375X - Hardcover $25.00
Publisher: MacAdam/Cage Publishing; 1 edition (April 1, 2012), 325 pages.
Review copy provided by the publisher and Meryl Zegarek Public Relations, Inc.
April 28, 2013
This was an amazingly written book. That being said the fact that it is a nonfiction book made it that much harder to read. Knowing that the things described in this book happened to a 3 year old little girl, a little girl that was born the same year as my oldest son, it completely broke my heart. So many people failed this little girl. My heart breaks for her father. There were many times I wanted to throw the book in disgust and not finish it. However, I felt as though I owed it to Karly to read to the very last page. I will now and forever remember Karly and pray for her and her family that loved her. And if I see anything in a child I know that I feel could even possibly be abuse I will report it. I feel anyone who has children, works with children, or even just knows any children should read this book. I don't ever want to be the person that asks "What could I have done?".
May 14, 2019
Too personal and subjective to be “investigative journalism”
The author’s personal relationships with the people connected to this story don’t allow her to be objective. The writing is very redundant and punctuated by awkward or just inept figurative language, especially at the beginning of the book. I was also put off by the many references to the author’s faith, belief in God, and bible verses.
Karly’s story is so supremely tragic. It’s haunting. Other than to remember Karly and grieve for a life taken way too soon at the hands of a monster, I’m really not sure what you should get from reading this book. It would have better served Karly’s memory to include some but certainly not all of these details in a long semi-autobiographical article or blog post. I do not recommend this book to anyone.
The author’s personal relationships with the people connected to this story don’t allow her to be objective. The writing is very redundant and punctuated by awkward or just inept figurative language, especially at the beginning of the book. I was also put off by the many references to the author’s faith, belief in God, and bible verses.
Karly’s story is so supremely tragic. It’s haunting. Other than to remember Karly and grieve for a life taken way too soon at the hands of a monster, I’m really not sure what you should get from reading this book. It would have better served Karly’s memory to include some but certainly not all of these details in a long semi-autobiographical article or blog post. I do not recommend this book to anyone.
February 12, 2016
A sad tragedy
I have read many books in my lifetime. I love true crime and Ann Rule. I have never read a book that made me so sad and angry at the same time. I read a review of this book where someone said the author was obviously biased. My thought was of course she is. How the hell could she not be. That poor child was broken in to pieces. Her Mom, and I use that term loosely, was and probably still is the worst piece of trash on the planet. Every mother who does not protect their children are. But I don't think she got away clean like everyone thinks she did. I think his punishment was jail and the horrible dead he died while there. And her punishment was and is this book. She now has to walk around knowing that everyone knows just how guilty she is. Great job Karen!
I have read many books in my lifetime. I love true crime and Ann Rule. I have never read a book that made me so sad and angry at the same time. I read a review of this book where someone said the author was obviously biased. My thought was of course she is. How the hell could she not be. That poor child was broken in to pieces. Her Mom, and I use that term loosely, was and probably still is the worst piece of trash on the planet. Every mother who does not protect their children are. But I don't think she got away clean like everyone thinks she did. I think his punishment was jail and the horrible dead he died while there. And her punishment was and is this book. She now has to walk around knowing that everyone knows just how guilty she is. Great job Karen!
August 3, 2012
A heartbreaking memoir of the torture and murder of a four year old girl. I could hardly bear to read it, and yet I couldn't put it down, the entire book you are shaking your head wondering How could this happen??? The author is a journalist, and a close friend of the family, and so the book is both thoroughly researched and highly readable, and achingly poignant. It was recommended to me by a friend, and I am glad that I read it as it has helped to make me that much more aware of the reality of child abuse happening all around us, to recognize the signs, and the fact that we can never be too vigilant or over-protective of our children.
March 18, 2012
I couldn't put this book down. The clean, fast-paced narrative pulled me along. I kept hoping that what I knew would happen would not happen, and then I wanted--with the writer--to know HOW it could have happened that a little girl whose case had already been brought to the attention of child protective services in Corvallis, Oregon, could have slipped through the system. Zacharias' unflinching look at herself and people she loves, as well as the community of Corvallis and the legal/social services system, adds another important layer to the story. Highly recommended.
March 19, 2012
I won this book in a Goodreads First Reads drawing. A Silence of Mockingbirds is a portrait of the failure of the system to protect a three year old girl. This is a narrative of a real case of child abuse and the eventual murder of the child. It is heart breaking to see how often the people responsible for the case failed to follow through on reports of abuse or were fooled by lies and misdirection. This book spotlights just one of many cases where the system currently in place in our country has failed our children. It is a cry for help.
September 20, 2012
Never have I read a book that was more painful to read. Never have I read a book that broke my heart more. Never have I read a book that I have wanted less to keep reading. But never have I read a book that I thought was more important for me to get through, even if only for Karly's sake. This book is a true story, and Karly is a little girl who was tortured and murdered by her mother's boyfriend. Read it! And above all, if you have a suspicion that a child is being abused, speak up! Speak up for Karly!
May 11, 2013
A random choice from the library's "new books" shelf. An investigative journalist and author who never anticipated she or people she knew would become involved in a high-profile child abuse murder. Very real circumstances of how a 3 year old slipped through the cracks of people and agencies who were supposed to be her protectors.
A tear inducing read for certain. Not written as a tear-jerker or sensationalized, but an excellent accounting of how these unspeakable crimes happen. A must-read for anyone involved with young children, as well as a reminder to us all.
A tear inducing read for certain. Not written as a tear-jerker or sensationalized, but an excellent accounting of how these unspeakable crimes happen. A must-read for anyone involved with young children, as well as a reminder to us all.
June 20, 2012
This year BR One Book, One Community book. I enjoyed it even if it is not an enjoyable subject. Written as a novel even though it is a true story. Confirms my thought that birthing does not make one a good mother. We must all be vigilent for the sake of all childern. And now right here in my city we have had a similar case in the past two weeks. There were signs, warning bells, and the little 8 year boy fell thru the cracks and died from abuse by his mother and her boyfriend. Sad times.
January 24, 2013
This book was so well written that it haunted me for days making me rethink everything around me. This is the story of society's failure to protect a small child, it does not point sole blame, but makes us consider the culpability of each of us in our duty to care for the least of us. A multidimensional tale, this book manages to touch on personal guilt, societal guilt, and the duplicity of feelings for those we love and loath at the same time.
October 1, 2014
I wish that this book never had to be written
I wish that this terrible tragedy had never happened. Understatement of the century. But it did, and the world was forever denied the joys of having Karly Sheehan in it. This story will break your heart and hopefully help us all become more diligent about protecting our children. The author does a good job of telling the story of Karly Sheehan sensitively, but doesn't fall into the trap of becoming an extended tabloid tale
I wish that this terrible tragedy had never happened. Understatement of the century. But it did, and the world was forever denied the joys of having Karly Sheehan in it. This story will break your heart and hopefully help us all become more diligent about protecting our children. The author does a good job of telling the story of Karly Sheehan sensitively, but doesn't fall into the trap of becoming an extended tabloid tale
June 9, 2012
A heartbreaking book about an all-too-common story. This book will (and should) make you angry at the system as well as mothers who care more about their "boyfriends" than about their children. It should be required reading for anyone who works with children, especially social workers who investigate child abuse allegations.
September 10, 2012
Started reading "A Slience of Mockingbirds" at 7 p.m. Sunday night; finished it at 1 a.m. Monday morning . . . could not put it down. My heart aches for Karley.
I've rated this book 5 stars, not becuase of the content but because of they way it was written. Ms. Zacharias has honored the memory of Karley by telling her story in hopes that no other child will have to die.
I've rated this book 5 stars, not becuase of the content but because of they way it was written. Ms. Zacharias has honored the memory of Karley by telling her story in hopes that no other child will have to die.
June 14, 2012
I can't remember the last time I read a book cover to cover without putting it down. I have never read anything written so efficiently. I have an entirely new appreciation for Mockingbirds and what they will forever mean to me after reading Karly's story.
August 9, 2014
Child abuse
Child abuse
Such a sad story of a beautiful young girl whose life ended to soon. It is a shame that all the warning signs were missed and this little girl isn't alive today.
Child abuse
Such a sad story of a beautiful young girl whose life ended to soon. It is a shame that all the warning signs were missed and this little girl isn't alive today.
August 17, 2014
Great read.
The story is so unbelievably sad.She says so many times,How could a mother put her child in such a place.But it happens over and over.They put the boyfriend over everyone.
The story is so unbelievably sad.She says so many times,How could a mother put her child in such a place.But it happens over and over.They put the boyfriend over everyone.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 162 reviews