What do you think?
Rate this book
Is He Dead?
During the fall of 1984, as this case was reaching its tragic conclusion, I was a detective in Central Florida. This homicide case was assigned to me.
This story is about the lives of two children, a brother and sister, who endured unthinkable cruelty at the hands of their stepfather. Their journey lasted for nearly a decade in the bowels of Southern Tennessee and came to an abrupt ending in Central Florida.
As you hear this book you will learn of the horrific experiences forced on these two kids and the failures of our system to protect them. You will be inspired by their will to survive and the love that they had for each other. Is He Dead? will take you on a journey that will affect all of your senses. Their intimate thoughts will be revealed to you as you watch their childlike plans to steal a gun and execute their stepfather. You will be on the edge of your seat each time their plans fail. I was with this monster when he died; I watched his last gurgling breath as blood oozed from his wounds. Not knowing what he had done, I actually felt sorry for him.
This story is about the lives of two children, a brother and sister, who endured unthinkable cruelty at the hands of their stepfather. Their journey lasted for nearly a decade in the bowels of Southern Tennessee and came to an abrupt ending in Central Florida.
As you hear this book you will learn of the horrific experiences forced on these two kids and the failures of our system to protect them. You will be inspired by their will to survive and the love that they had for each other. Is He Dead? will take you on a journey that will affect all of your senses. Their intimate thoughts will be revealed to you as you watch their childlike plans to steal a gun and execute their stepfather. You will be on the edge of your seat each time their plans fail. I was with this monster when he died; I watched his last gurgling breath as blood oozed from his wounds. Not knowing what he had done, I actually felt sorry for him.
- GenresTrue CrimeCrime
Audible Audio
First published November 28, 2014
31 people are currently reading
157 people want to read
About the author
Rick H. Drew
3 books24 followersIt’s one thing to write about crime, it’s another to have lived it, Rick Drew was a patrolman, a detective, and a narcotics and vice agent. Crime surrounded his everyday life. There are few places lower in the scheme of things than working the streets as an undercover narcotics agent. Surviving the streets gave Rick Drew an up close and personal perspective of True Crime.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
March 31, 2015
This is a True Crime story of serious nature. For a first time author the book is very well written. You can follow the story and the reader goes along with the detective in the investigation.
The book reveals how the system can fail until it's too late and turns into murder. Very sad story. The story is written from the Detective investigating the murder of a man that turned out to be the step-father of two young teens. The abuse continues over a period of time and I consider it to be sensitive material and warn young readers of reading the book. Working myself in the criminal courts I know the material written is only a tip of the iceberg of what really happens in some of these cases.
The system failed these two children over several states over a long period of time. The result was a question of meditated murder or self defense. I think the ethical and legal question comes in of how much abuse must one person take before they commit a crime? Is it self defense?
I believe that is what the author was conveying in the story.
The author, ex-detective wrote a clear, concise book of the facts and evidence without being too morbid.
Theresa Avery
The book reveals how the system can fail until it's too late and turns into murder. Very sad story. The story is written from the Detective investigating the murder of a man that turned out to be the step-father of two young teens. The abuse continues over a period of time and I consider it to be sensitive material and warn young readers of reading the book. Working myself in the criminal courts I know the material written is only a tip of the iceberg of what really happens in some of these cases.
The system failed these two children over several states over a long period of time. The result was a question of meditated murder or self defense. I think the ethical and legal question comes in of how much abuse must one person take before they commit a crime? Is it self defense?
I believe that is what the author was conveying in the story.
The author, ex-detective wrote a clear, concise book of the facts and evidence without being too morbid.
Theresa Avery
March 21, 2015
"Is He Dead" by Rick Drew is probably the best true crime book I have ever read. The reader is immediately drawn into a step-father's web of debauchery with sex, rape, incest and abuse because you are hoping that someone will be able to rescue the children. Family and social services tried to intervene to no avail.
This book was very hard to put down and very easy to read.
This book was very hard to put down and very easy to read.
March 10, 2015
OMG, that was just WOW!!!
Mr. Drew, you did an extraordinary job writing this book and telling Amanda and Robert's story. I could feel every emotion they felt, and the horrific thing they went through at the hands of someone who was supposed to really love and care for them. It made my blood boil how Tom treated them, and sickened me at all the abuse they suffered. Am I saddened by his death, no not really.... I am glad they are free, and got to move on with their lives. I commend their bravery, and perseverance at the hands of that Monster! They survived, and I hope they are both truly happy, because they deserve it! I would definitely recommend this book to others, and prepare for a rollercoaster ride, like no other! You won't be disappointed. We won't even talk about Melissa... And how she did, what she did, he wasn't worth it...I hope your kids can forgive you one day.... for what you let that asshole do to them... Again, thank you Mr. Drew, can't wait to read more from you.
Mr. Drew, you did an extraordinary job writing this book and telling Amanda and Robert's story. I could feel every emotion they felt, and the horrific thing they went through at the hands of someone who was supposed to really love and care for them. It made my blood boil how Tom treated them, and sickened me at all the abuse they suffered. Am I saddened by his death, no not really.... I am glad they are free, and got to move on with their lives. I commend their bravery, and perseverance at the hands of that Monster! They survived, and I hope they are both truly happy, because they deserve it! I would definitely recommend this book to others, and prepare for a rollercoaster ride, like no other! You won't be disappointed. We won't even talk about Melissa... And how she did, what she did, he wasn't worth it...I hope your kids can forgive you one day.... for what you let that asshole do to them... Again, thank you Mr. Drew, can't wait to read more from you.
March 2, 2015
Is he Dead
Can't understand why the kids protected the mother. She was as bad as the father. Should be dead also, if not, jailed. Wasn't right.
Can't understand why the kids protected the mother. She was as bad as the father. Should be dead also, if not, jailed. Wasn't right.
March 3, 2015
Sad but touching story
This book keeps you from start to finish. Child abuse,incest and abuse has reached another level here. Thank God for healing, these poor children suffered what no one should ever have to. When things don't seem right or add up, usually there's more to the story.
This book keeps you from start to finish. Child abuse,incest and abuse has reached another level here. Thank God for healing, these poor children suffered what no one should ever have to. When things don't seem right or add up, usually there's more to the story.
June 26, 2015
I wrote this book based on the horrific story I uncovered investigating a homicide in 1984. Is out in paperback, digital and audio. If you like crime stories you will love this one
September 12, 2015
This book is about savage, brutal child abuse, rape, incest, having to live in fear and terror year after year, and ultimately murder. Amanda and Robert were eight and six respectively when their mother, Melissa, brought the devil into their house. If she had brought a python into the house, it wouldn't have been any more dangerous.
If you have a better solution than the one they decided on, please share it with us. The human mind and body can only take so much abuse before it looks for a way out. Many times that way out is death, sometimes it's fighting back.
This book would have benefited from the services of a proofreader. Such errors as "rod iron poker" instead of "wrought iron poker" will not be caught with Spellcheck.
If you have a better solution than the one they decided on, please share it with us. The human mind and body can only take so much abuse before it looks for a way out. Many times that way out is death, sometimes it's fighting back.
This book would have benefited from the services of a proofreader. Such errors as "rod iron poker" instead of "wrought iron poker" will not be caught with Spellcheck.
Read
March 24, 2015Child Abuse you won't believe
This is one of the worst cases of abuse that I have read. How these siblings lived from day to day,never knowing what their Evil stepfather would do next... I know their Mom was also abused, but I don't think I could support her the way they did. The story was gripping, but the book needed more editing, typos, and mistakes stood out, but I overlooked them, because the overall product was so interesting.
This is one of the worst cases of abuse that I have read. How these siblings lived from day to day,never knowing what their Evil stepfather would do next... I know their Mom was also abused, but I don't think I could support her the way they did. The story was gripping, but the book needed more editing, typos, and mistakes stood out, but I overlooked them, because the overall product was so interesting.
March 23, 2015
I would recommend this very well written book. It is a hot button for me, but I made it through no problem. It actually makes my issues seem like nonsense now. Rick Drew tells the horrible story of horrible abuse and what can happen because of it. I don't want to spoil it for someone reading this wondering if they should buy it. I say YES! It's that good!
April 4, 2015
A very tragic story
Rick Drew does a good job of reporting a case. While I enjoyed his book and the case he worked on, I believe their horrendous story would have been better served if he would have at least had assistance in putting the story together more compellingly. I felt like I was reading a detective's notebook. While I wanted to feel sorry for the victims, it was hard to because of the style of his writing. Good story though.
Rick Drew does a good job of reporting a case. While I enjoyed his book and the case he worked on, I believe their horrendous story would have been better served if he would have at least had assistance in putting the story together more compellingly. I felt like I was reading a detective's notebook. While I wanted to feel sorry for the victims, it was hard to because of the style of his writing. Good story though.
January 29, 2015
Great book
This is a really good book. I highly recommend anyone that works in social services to read this. The horrifying thing these kids went thru was a nightmare. It can be graphic at times,but I think the author wanted to tell all the raw details this family had to live with.
This is a really good book. I highly recommend anyone that works in social services to read this. The horrifying thing these kids went thru was a nightmare. It can be graphic at times,but I think the author wanted to tell all the raw details this family had to live with.
May 20, 2015
The story of two children who endured unimaginable & horrific abuse from the hands of their stepfather. Even though this was hard to read & sickening at times I could hardly put it down. I believe that justice was served in the end. The author did a great job of telling this story
March 2, 2015
This book was so riveting, I didn't want to put it down. The things these poor children went through are so unimaginable, and to think they overcame the odds and lived to tell about it and have normal lives afterwards.
May 31, 2015
This book was hard to read, contentwise, but was a well-written book. Not a long read, but it got the details out. I would read anything else this author writes. This book is staying with me. I also liked that the victims were the focus of the book.
March 23, 2015
Horrific
Amazing these children survived such a horrifying life. Was very hard to read,at times I didn't think I could read any more.
Amazing these children survived such a horrifying life. Was very hard to read,at times I didn't think I could read any more.
July 13, 2015
Very well written, have spoken to the author, he is very nice. Can't wait to read other books he has written.
July 15, 2015
Brutal. Couldn't finish it.
June 18, 2015
IS HE DEAD?
Author: Rick H. Drew
Type of Book: Audiobook - Unabridged
Narrator: Andrew Start
Genre: True Crime
Length: 5 hours, 38 minutes
Release Date: May 12, 2015
Publisher: Rick H. Drew
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐
* I received a free copy of this audiobook through Audiobook Blast in exchange for an honest review.
** This book is not suitable for anyone under the age of twenty-one due to both graphic violence and graphic sexual acts.
The author of this book readily admits that he is not a professional writer. He is a cop. This is the story of the most horrific case he ever had to deal with during his career.
This is a True Crime novel, the events of which occurred during the late 1970s and came to a conclusion in 1984.
This is the story of two children who were physically, emotionally and sexually abused over a ten year period by their step-father. It also highlights how the very system that was designed to protect them failed miserably.
I have to give kudos to the narrator. This story is filled with the most heinous and depraved acts of continuous child abuse that I have ever heard. It must have been difficult to keep his emotions in check while narrating this story.
The fact that this is a true story is what makes it so appalling. How someone can abuse a child is beyond me. I can't understand it. As a mother myself, I find it ridiculous and inexcusable and evil that the mother in the story not only did not protect her children, but also actively participated in the sexual abuse of both her male and female child. The father got what he deserved.
This audiobook is tough to listen to. You cannot help but feel sympathy for these two children and what they had to endure. But it also a story about hope. That these children were able to ultimately help themselves is a testament to their strength and their will to live.
I rate this audiobook as 4 out of 5 stars. ⭐⭐⭐⭐
To read more of my reviews visit http://amiesbookreviews.wordpress.com
Author: Rick H. Drew
Type of Book: Audiobook - Unabridged
Narrator: Andrew Start
Genre: True Crime
Length: 5 hours, 38 minutes
Release Date: May 12, 2015
Publisher: Rick H. Drew
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐
* I received a free copy of this audiobook through Audiobook Blast in exchange for an honest review.
** This book is not suitable for anyone under the age of twenty-one due to both graphic violence and graphic sexual acts.
The author of this book readily admits that he is not a professional writer. He is a cop. This is the story of the most horrific case he ever had to deal with during his career.
This is a True Crime novel, the events of which occurred during the late 1970s and came to a conclusion in 1984.
This is the story of two children who were physically, emotionally and sexually abused over a ten year period by their step-father. It also highlights how the very system that was designed to protect them failed miserably.
I have to give kudos to the narrator. This story is filled with the most heinous and depraved acts of continuous child abuse that I have ever heard. It must have been difficult to keep his emotions in check while narrating this story.
The fact that this is a true story is what makes it so appalling. How someone can abuse a child is beyond me. I can't understand it. As a mother myself, I find it ridiculous and inexcusable and evil that the mother in the story not only did not protect her children, but also actively participated in the sexual abuse of both her male and female child. The father got what he deserved.
This audiobook is tough to listen to. You cannot help but feel sympathy for these two children and what they had to endure. But it also a story about hope. That these children were able to ultimately help themselves is a testament to their strength and their will to live.
I rate this audiobook as 4 out of 5 stars. ⭐⭐⭐⭐
To read more of my reviews visit http://amiesbookreviews.wordpress.com
March 24, 2015
Is he dead?
Such a sad but unfortunately all too true story that gets repeated time and again in or so piety. It breaks m heart that children have to grow up in such a terrible way when they are not responsible foe sick hateful parents. This was a good read book in spite of the sadness.
Such a sad but unfortunately all too true story that gets repeated time and again in or so piety. It breaks m heart that children have to grow up in such a terrible way when they are not responsible foe sick hateful parents. This was a good read book in spite of the sadness.
March 26, 2015
I have a little different perspective on this book, I know the author personally, I read the book before he self published it, then assisted him with editing the kindle version. I see there are some people suggesting that he made up this story, He made have added color to a black and white story, but it real. I have seen the original news clippings without the blackouts on them
January 8, 2015
Just finished this book. While the story jumps around and at times is a little confusing it's still a sad and horrible story about these two kids. I also think my perspective is a little different since I attended school with Robert when the shooting occurred. I definitely recommend this read!
March 25, 2015
Okay I admit it. I was one of the idiots who went out and bought this book. Evidently I could have got it free for just giving a review. I'm not a girl scout and will admit to that too, but the only problem with that is I have a little higher moral standards than that.
March 4, 2015
Boy what those poor children went through.
Abuse from stepfather and mother. Book kept
you interested. You'll have to read it.
Abuse from stepfather and mother. Book kept
you interested. You'll have to read it.
March 25, 2015
He has given away free books just to get amazon and goodread reviews. Not only that, is is fiction and he is portraying it as nonfiction true crime.
March 5, 2015
This book was great it was hard to put down. I will be looking for more of your work Rick.
January 8, 2022
A horrifying true story
I rarely leave reviews anymore, mostly because I don't feel like they make a difference. But this time I just have to.
After all they went through, it's a wonder that these kids didn't end up as serial killers, or ax murderers. That they have been able to hang on to their sanity is a miracle and I wish them joy and good fortune for the rest of their lives. No thanks to their mother! She is despicable and I completely agree that she should have been prosecuted for the neglect, sexual rape, mental abuse, physical abuse of her poor children. She does not deserve to be happy with her new cop husband and her new life after she allowed her children to suffer. I am stunned that she was not held in any way responsible!
On the other hand I would like to say that I appreciated the authors straight forward writing. And too, I'm glad that he didn't divulge the names. I was curious about halfway through the book but now I'm just relived that these kids are able to have some anonymity and move forward. May God bless them and bring them an ease to their lives. They surely deserve it!
I rarely leave reviews anymore, mostly because I don't feel like they make a difference. But this time I just have to.
After all they went through, it's a wonder that these kids didn't end up as serial killers, or ax murderers. That they have been able to hang on to their sanity is a miracle and I wish them joy and good fortune for the rest of their lives. No thanks to their mother! She is despicable and I completely agree that she should have been prosecuted for the neglect, sexual rape, mental abuse, physical abuse of her poor children. She does not deserve to be happy with her new cop husband and her new life after she allowed her children to suffer. I am stunned that she was not held in any way responsible!
On the other hand I would like to say that I appreciated the authors straight forward writing. And too, I'm glad that he didn't divulge the names. I was curious about halfway through the book but now I'm just relived that these kids are able to have some anonymity and move forward. May God bless them and bring them an ease to their lives. They surely deserve it!
March 28, 2020
Heart Wrenching
This book is hard to read, as a child who experienced almost exactly this story, I feel badly for these two, yet I completely empathize with them. I'm proud of both of them for moving forward and building a life for themselves. Yes the mother should have been charged and it was ABSOLUTELY her responsibility to protect her kids, period!!! This book was hard to read, as it brought back memories I have buried, but I'm happy I read it. If possible, please let these two know they are not alone, but the hell that comes from this abuse makes us who we are. You can learn from it and ensure the cycle of abuse doesn't continue, or you can continue the tortuous cycle.
Thank you for writing this book and sharing that we, the abused, are not alone, but we win when we break the cycle and become better for it.
Abuse NEEDS to end!!!!
This book is hard to read, as a child who experienced almost exactly this story, I feel badly for these two, yet I completely empathize with them. I'm proud of both of them for moving forward and building a life for themselves. Yes the mother should have been charged and it was ABSOLUTELY her responsibility to protect her kids, period!!! This book was hard to read, as it brought back memories I have buried, but I'm happy I read it. If possible, please let these two know they are not alone, but the hell that comes from this abuse makes us who we are. You can learn from it and ensure the cycle of abuse doesn't continue, or you can continue the tortuous cycle.
Thank you for writing this book and sharing that we, the abused, are not alone, but we win when we break the cycle and become better for it.
Abuse NEEDS to end!!!!
October 20, 2017
Really enjoyed this.
March 5, 2023
He deserved more than what he got!
Those poor children were let down too many times. Their mother should have been charged for cruelty to children. A woman more afraid for her life than her children’s safety is NOT a mother. Melissa’s parents are just as guilty too. They are weak cowards!
Those poor children were let down too many times. Their mother should have been charged for cruelty to children. A woman more afraid for her life than her children’s safety is NOT a mother. Melissa’s parents are just as guilty too. They are weak cowards!
June 27, 2015
*I received this in exchange for an honest review
This is a true-crime story about 2 children, Amanda and Robert, who have been abused for 10 years. When their stepdad, who’s been in their lives for the last decade, ends up dead the police get involved and start asking questions. The book is the account of the investigation, statements, and a behind-the-scenes type view of police work. It is very much a statement, not a made up story. A warning to any that may be sensitive to hearing of abuse to others, you need to think about it before reading/listening to this book, because you might have problems at some parts of the book. Having a law enforcement background, I think this is well done.
This is a true-crime story about 2 children, Amanda and Robert, who have been abused for 10 years. When their stepdad, who’s been in their lives for the last decade, ends up dead the police get involved and start asking questions. The book is the account of the investigation, statements, and a behind-the-scenes type view of police work. It is very much a statement, not a made up story. A warning to any that may be sensitive to hearing of abuse to others, you need to think about it before reading/listening to this book, because you might have problems at some parts of the book. Having a law enforcement background, I think this is well done.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews