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Walking Between The Raindrops
Paul Roland kissed his wife, Mary, goodbye and left their apartment to go to work on the morning of February 26, 2008. He never made it to work that day. No one could have imagined what happened to him or what it would take to bring him back alive. Yet, even after the heroic efforts of more than 20 law enforcement agencies, coming back alive would not be the end of this couple's terror.
466 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 24, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
December 17, 2018
A Terrifying Experience
One morning, just like every other morning, Paul Roland loaded up his truck to go to work. Except unlike every other morning, two young people were waiting outside to abduct him. When his friend and co-worker Mike reported that he hadn't shown up for work, his wife frantically tries to convince police that he's a missing person. When his truck is found abandoned, they begin to believe her, and the search is on. The kidnapping is only a quarter of the story, as the book follows the aftermath including the investigation, arrests, questioning, court proceedings, and life after it all for Paul and Mary and their family.
Told from multiple points of view, the story switches from Mary (Paul's wife) to Paul to various law enforcement and court officials. The agony of losing control and worrying endlessly for safety of yourself and your loved ones is represented by Mary's voice. Listening to Paul embues the terror and confusion that the victim experiences during the ordeal, and the fear and confusion that follows. The reader lives the tedium of interviewing uncooperative suspects and sifting through the lies and misinformation to find the truth. Finally, through the court proceedings it becomes clear that there are no winners in this process - justice doesn't take away the impact of traumatic events on the victims and their family, and it rarely feels like a win when the damage can't be undone.
This book wrung me out. The authors wrap their words in emotion, and carrying the story through the entire process until present day packs an emotional punch. The shifting view points really captures the back and forth of the exchanges. Even though some outcomes, such as familial relationships, take different turns, it doesn't influence how they are portrayed earlier in the story, adding to its authenticity. Less exclamation points in the text would have allowed the reader to feel less led and more able to discover shock and awe for themselves, but otherwise it is well told.
One morning, just like every other morning, Paul Roland loaded up his truck to go to work. Except unlike every other morning, two young people were waiting outside to abduct him. When his friend and co-worker Mike reported that he hadn't shown up for work, his wife frantically tries to convince police that he's a missing person. When his truck is found abandoned, they begin to believe her, and the search is on. The kidnapping is only a quarter of the story, as the book follows the aftermath including the investigation, arrests, questioning, court proceedings, and life after it all for Paul and Mary and their family.
Told from multiple points of view, the story switches from Mary (Paul's wife) to Paul to various law enforcement and court officials. The agony of losing control and worrying endlessly for safety of yourself and your loved ones is represented by Mary's voice. Listening to Paul embues the terror and confusion that the victim experiences during the ordeal, and the fear and confusion that follows. The reader lives the tedium of interviewing uncooperative suspects and sifting through the lies and misinformation to find the truth. Finally, through the court proceedings it becomes clear that there are no winners in this process - justice doesn't take away the impact of traumatic events on the victims and their family, and it rarely feels like a win when the damage can't be undone.
This book wrung me out. The authors wrap their words in emotion, and carrying the story through the entire process until present day packs an emotional punch. The shifting view points really captures the back and forth of the exchanges. Even though some outcomes, such as familial relationships, take different turns, it doesn't influence how they are portrayed earlier in the story, adding to its authenticity. Less exclamation points in the text would have allowed the reader to feel less led and more able to discover shock and awe for themselves, but otherwise it is well told.
November 7, 2019
I liked this book. Very easy read. It truly puts a scare in you though about kidnapping for ransom that happens in Mexico. Mary Roland is a sister of a friend of mine (although I've never met her since they live in different states) which is how I found out about this incident. Their relationship was challenged after this and it was heartwarming to hear how they are coping, as of the completion of this book.
P.S. Sometime after I read this, my husband was in Mexico on business and his car (with a Mexican employee) was pulled over by the Mexican police. Very, very scary but the corruption is real as well as the drug cartel!
P.S. Sometime after I read this, my husband was in Mexico on business and his car (with a Mexican employee) was pulled over by the Mexican police. Very, very scary but the corruption is real as well as the drug cartel!
January 30, 2018
Great writing about a horrible story, they must live in fear every minute of every day. So scary that there are people out there like that. Thank you Mary and Paul for sharing this gut retching story with the world. God Bless you both.
Cherie'
Cherie'
September 20, 2016
One of the best books I've ever read
I could hardly put this book down and when I had to, I looked forward to when I could pick it back up. It is so well written and has such honest emotions in it. It gives facts. What happened to this family is horrible. People need to know that these things really do happen and hopefully be more aware of what's around them as being that way could save their lives
I could hardly put this book down and when I had to, I looked forward to when I could pick it back up. It is so well written and has such honest emotions in it. It gives facts. What happened to this family is horrible. People need to know that these things really do happen and hopefully be more aware of what's around them as being that way could save their lives
February 18, 2015
I was apprehensive about starting a 457 page book because I don’t have much time to read and I hate starting books and not finishing them. Once I started reading, questions started popping up in my head: Why was Paul kidnapped? That doesn’t happen to normal people. Was it because of his brother and what would that do to their relationship? Then in the investigation phase I was drawn into the logic/mentality of the people involved in the crime. The author did a wonderful job leaving open questions that kept my interest and pulled me quickly through the book. It was a very interesting read and I am glad it has a happy ending.
December 4, 2015
Walking Between The Raindrops
This book looked interesting and was, but all the details and on and on. It's one of the longest books I've ever read, and not in a good way. Mary seems more concerned for herself than Paul. We hear repeatedly what she went through, then she would include Paul. A very, very long story that should have been condensed immensely.
Slow, boring, painful read.
This book looked interesting and was, but all the details and on and on. It's one of the longest books I've ever read, and not in a good way. Mary seems more concerned for herself than Paul. We hear repeatedly what she went through, then she would include Paul. A very, very long story that should have been condensed immensely.
Slow, boring, painful read.
July 19, 2016
Interesting...long read. But it confirms my decision to stay out of Mexico. Last time we went to Baja was 2001 and we'll probably not return. It was getting scary then, even in tourist cities. And this book happened in the US! Crazy!
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews