The Deafening Sound of Sorrow: Kerrie Ann Brown Left a Beautiful Memory

by Kathleen Ricard

“The Deafening Sound of Sorrow is not simply an account of a cold case. It's a cautionary tale, a lesson in courage, and a testament to a young girl who left a lasting impression on everyone she met.” –Maureen Ulrich, author of the Winds of Change series

When fourteen-year-old Katrina first learns her friend has gone missing, she can't believe it. After all, who goes missing in Thompson, Manitoba? When a body is discovered just north of the city, it catapults Katrina and her friends down a dark path, engulfing them in a thick fog of shock, grief, and sorrow that abruptly ends their carefree teenage lives forever.

“They found a body.” Who knew that one word had the power to make my knees buckle? A body?

What exactly did that mean? When a body was found, it meant dead, right? Could a body be found alive? My mind tossed the word around, trying to figure out its meaning.

He cleared his throat before continuing. “The only thing we know so far is the body is female.”

The Deafening Sound of Sorrow is inspired by the tragic events surrounding the abduction, rape, and murder of Kerrie Ann Brown in Thompson, Manitoba, on October 16, 1986. Rather than focusing on the collected evidence, theories, or potential suspects, the book highlights Kerrie, her friends, the memories they shared, and the profound impact her loss had on their lives.

181 pages, Hardcover

Published October 16, 2025

Reviews

[Jennifer L · Rating 5 out of 5]

This debut publication from the talented Saskatchewan author, Kathleen Ricard is a must read for all Canadian true crime lovers. The book brings to light, four decades later, the unsolved 1986 cold case murder of a teenager from Thompson, Manitoba, Kerrie Ann Brown.

Ricard masterfully recalls the events following the brutal rape and murder of her friend. Written in the style of a memoir, she shares how losing a friend at such a young age impacted her life, the lives of her friends, and the community where they once felt safe.

The close knit group of teenagers who loved Kerrie banded together while grieving their loss, to form Youth For a Better Tomorrow, tirelessly raising funds to present a scholarship to honour the memory of their friend, as well as visiting their local schools to share the importance of being safe within their community, a testament of resiliency and positivity that can occur after such a senseless tragedy.

This book is currently available for pre-order. Let’s show this author the support she deserves for writing Kerrie Ann’s story, ensuring her memory lives on.

[Maureen Ulrich · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was provided with an ARC copy of Kathleen Ricard's book in return for an honest review.

Here goes.

How does one write about a forty-year-old cold case? Kathleen Ricard does so heartbreakingly in her debut novel The Deafening Sound of Sorrow, recounting how Kerrie Ann Brown’s brutal murder in Thompson, Manitoba forever altered the lives of her friends. With resilience and compassion beyond their years, they supported one another while finding a way to honour Kerrie's memory. The Deafening Sound of Sorrow is not simply an account of a cold case. It’s a cautionary tale, a lesson in courage, and a testament to a young girl who left a lasting impression on everyone she met.

[Liz McGee · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Deafening Sound of Sorrow by Kathleen Ricard is an emotionally touching yet ultimately uplifting reflection on the tragic loss of Kerrie Ann Brown. Rather than focusing on the darkness of the crime itself, Ricard beautifully highlights the love, strength, and unity that grew from the heartbreak. Through her heartfelt storytelling, she reminds readers that even in the face of unimaginable sorrow, friendship, compassion, and hope can shine through — turning grief into a lasting tribute to Kerrie Ann’s memory.

[Ashley Nichols · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tragic and powerful read

This book will have you grieving alongside the writer, her friends of the past and an entire community of strangers. The impact of the initial aftermath of Kerrie's body being discovered and how it ripped through her friends brought me to tears and my heart broke for people I never knew.
Being a real-life recollection of events, this story is beautifully told.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

A necessary read

I grew up in Thompson, a generation before Kerrie. We walked the streets,played until last dark, walked home alone. My daughter was 13 when Kerrie was killed. The town changed overnight. We always( and still do) referred to the town as before Kerrie and after Kerrie. Forty years later, it is still haunting. I'm glad you were able to write this book Kathleen, and I hope it helps to ease your soul a bit.

[Angela Taymor · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Deafening Sound of Sorrow is a deeply moving and respectful tribute that honors the life and memory of Kerrie Ann Brown. The author handles this real-life tragedy with sensitivity, focusing on the emotional impact on friends and the community rather than sensationalizing the crime. It’s a thoughtful, heartfelt book that left me contemplating grief, memory, and the strength of human connection.

[Lisa Graveline · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished The Deafening Sound of Sorrow. This book pulled me right back into a place that felt so real—every sound, silence, and heartbreak echoing through its pages. The writing captures loss, memory, and the bittersweet ache of growing up in a town that no longer feels the same. It’s one of those stories that lingers, wrapping itself around your heart long after the last page.

[Chari Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A heartbreaking story of the carefree teenage years sadly lost with a brutal murder of a friend. This book is so well written. I was captured by the anger and the pain and the fierce need for this author to share this tragedy. It is brilliantly written and I highly recommend it to readers. This is the author’s first novel. I hope there are more stories to come.

[Naomie Barnabas · Rating 5 out of 5]

A deeply moving and hauntingly beautiful tribute, The Deafening Sound of Sorrow shines with emotional truth, capturing the raw grief and lasting impact of a young life tragically lost.

[Linda Guerra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book .

[Shannon Collin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a tribute to beautiful souls taken too soon and the communities who grieve them.

[Nanette Sirman · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was an amazing read. Everyone in Thompson, from Thompson familiar with Thompson should read it. Brought me back to my 15 year old self.
Highly recommend this book.

[Heather McIvor · Rating 5 out of 5]

The way this took me back that time, 39 years ago. There are no words to describe it. Amazing as all I can say.

[January Mohr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this recount of a teenagers life changing experience and how it impacted her. I felt drawn into it and couldn’t put it down!