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Did You Kill My Mother?
When Ashlee was nine years old, her father was arrested for murdering her mother, Patty.
He was tried three times and convicted every time—by thirty-six jurors over the course of her childhood.
Then Ashlee discovered Patty wasn’t her mother.
Her biological mother had died in a house fire the night before a custody hearing.
With Peter Wlasiuk approaching parole and a newborn son in her arms, believing her father was no longer merely an act of loyalty. Ashlee had to decide whether she was about to introduce her child to an innocent grandfather—or invite a murderer into his life.
Sardonic, intimate, and darkly funny, DID YOU KILL MY MOTHER? is a true-crime memoir about two dead mothers, one spectacularly unreliable father, and what it costs a daughter to inherit someone else’s version of the truth.
He was tried three times and convicted every time—by thirty-six jurors over the course of her childhood.
Then Ashlee discovered Patty wasn’t her mother.
Her biological mother had died in a house fire the night before a custody hearing.
With Peter Wlasiuk approaching parole and a newborn son in her arms, believing her father was no longer merely an act of loyalty. Ashlee had to decide whether she was about to introduce her child to an innocent grandfather—or invite a murderer into his life.
Sardonic, intimate, and darkly funny, DID YOU KILL MY MOTHER? is a true-crime memoir about two dead mothers, one spectacularly unreliable father, and what it costs a daughter to inherit someone else’s version of the truth.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
August 14, 2026
This book had me hooked from the start! It was so compelling and riveting that I had difficulty putting it down. The strength and ability for surviving and thriving in the midst of drama, abuse, and chaos is astonishing! The ability of the author to be curious, brave, and genuinely caring throughout the story is both inspiration and pause for inner reflection. The author brings her perspective in a way that promotes understanding how abuse and family relationships are complicated and intertwined as they evolve. I highly recommend this book! Thank you to the author for being brave enough to pour out your story!
September 2, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this book in exchange for an honest review.
This story is so important since Ashlee's father will soon be up for parole. It's a very complex, complicated set of events with various people who don't turn out to be who you'd originally think they were like. I've never read any true crime book like this one.
This story is so important since Ashlee's father will soon be up for parole. It's a very complex, complicated set of events with various people who don't turn out to be who you'd originally think they were like. I've never read any true crime book like this one.
August 31, 2026
Wow!!! This was written so well. I felt like I was standing with Ashlee through it all, although I was there for tiny bits of this when we were children. It broke my heart to hear it through Ashlee as an adult now. It brought out so many emotions I got mad, sad and even giggled a little with how she described things. This is one of those books you can’t stop reading. I would highly recommend reading this book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 29, 2026
The book is narrated from a childlike perspective and is often very factual and straightforward. As the story progresses, however, the narration becomes more emotionally expressive, revealing her grit, tenacity, and resilience. She provides a raw and honest perspective of her life, sharing how she overcame years of pain, loss, and adversity. However, I do question whether the book could have been titled; Did You Kill My Mother’s?
August 23, 2026
A compelling and unflinching memoir of a young person coming of age in a tiny town with big family dynamics.
I’m awed by the author’s bravery and clarity in writing this challenging but important memoir. Ashlee’s storytelling is creative, interesting, and honest, and she doesn’t sugarcoat any part of her life. The message is strong and the narrative will keep readers hooked from the first chapter. The evolution from both in the writing style and psychologically as the author grows up is well done and adds depth to her story.
I got confused in some parts toward the end, and I think I wanted a little more closure regarding the conviction and the alleged crime- but the author doesn’t have that yet, so neither do we. Overall, I think readers will be glued to this book from the minute they pick it up. Thank you for the ability to read early!
I’m awed by the author’s bravery and clarity in writing this challenging but important memoir. Ashlee’s storytelling is creative, interesting, and honest, and she doesn’t sugarcoat any part of her life. The message is strong and the narrative will keep readers hooked from the first chapter. The evolution from both in the writing style and psychologically as the author grows up is well done and adds depth to her story.
I got confused in some parts toward the end, and I think I wanted a little more closure regarding the conviction and the alleged crime- but the author doesn’t have that yet, so neither do we. Overall, I think readers will be glued to this book from the minute they pick it up. Thank you for the ability to read early!
August 25, 2026
This memoir provides a unique first person look beyond the headlines, an unflinching account of family abuse and tragedy. The author shares her journey of discovery, searching for the truth and what it means for herself and her family. The reader will be devastated, outraged and furious, yet amazed at the personal strength the author must continue to demonstrate in her life. I highly recommend this book!
August 11, 2026
Heartbreaking, sickening and mind bending.
This tragic stream of events as told through the eyes of Ashlee - the author, is something I couldn’t put down. Coming from a small town you think you know things but wow, how sheltered some of us are.
This book puts you through moments that no one, especially a child should have to go through or navigate. By the end you will want to smack most of the people that have crossed Ashlee’s path during her life. It is a true testament to the endurance of people and how our families can very much distort reality to confuse us when it supports their extremely watered down reality.
I do think the book had some parts that jumped, ie when her youngest sister came to be, she just showed up on the page. I understand it’s a POV, my curious self would have liked to have some court transcript or something of the like in the book but that isn’t why it was written.
Overall it was a fantastic book that is worth the read!
This tragic stream of events as told through the eyes of Ashlee - the author, is something I couldn’t put down. Coming from a small town you think you know things but wow, how sheltered some of us are.
This book puts you through moments that no one, especially a child should have to go through or navigate. By the end you will want to smack most of the people that have crossed Ashlee’s path during her life. It is a true testament to the endurance of people and how our families can very much distort reality to confuse us when it supports their extremely watered down reality.
I do think the book had some parts that jumped, ie when her youngest sister came to be, she just showed up on the page. I understand it’s a POV, my curious self would have liked to have some court transcript or something of the like in the book but that isn’t why it was written.
Overall it was a fantastic book that is worth the read!
August 14, 2026
It's one of those stories that starts great and only gets better. Frankly, it was one of the best books I've read in the last few years.
What I loved most was how Ashlee handled the narration. She starts from the perspective of a child (because the order is chronological), and though the narrator doesn’t understand everything happening, we do. There’s a contrast between what the child (young Ashlee) sees and hears, and what the adult reader immediately spots--abuse and manipulation masquerading as love and care. As she gets older, the language and observations become more mature too, until eventually she’s an adult who can fully understand and process what happened to her. And the hits keep on coming, so this isn't one of those stories that deal with 'just' processing childhood trauma (which would be hard enough)--there's actually more in every stage of her life.
The amount of trauma, abuse, and manipulation this author survives is crazy. Every time you think, 'okay, surely men in this family can't get any worse,' somehow they DO get worse. And yet she keeps going. That made the book so tense and almost impossible to put down.
This is ultimately a story about strength, but also about disillusionment and wisdom. It flows like fiction, but you just don't ever doubt that what you read actually happened. I can't say I'm waiting for Ashlee to write another memoir--because come on, she had enough stress for a few lifetimes; she doesn't need any more--but if she ever decides to venture into fiction, I'll read the next book so hard :-)
This was a review of an advance copy received from the author (and I'm so glad I DID get it :-)).
What I loved most was how Ashlee handled the narration. She starts from the perspective of a child (because the order is chronological), and though the narrator doesn’t understand everything happening, we do. There’s a contrast between what the child (young Ashlee) sees and hears, and what the adult reader immediately spots--abuse and manipulation masquerading as love and care. As she gets older, the language and observations become more mature too, until eventually she’s an adult who can fully understand and process what happened to her. And the hits keep on coming, so this isn't one of those stories that deal with 'just' processing childhood trauma (which would be hard enough)--there's actually more in every stage of her life.
The amount of trauma, abuse, and manipulation this author survives is crazy. Every time you think, 'okay, surely men in this family can't get any worse,' somehow they DO get worse. And yet she keeps going. That made the book so tense and almost impossible to put down.
This is ultimately a story about strength, but also about disillusionment and wisdom. It flows like fiction, but you just don't ever doubt that what you read actually happened. I can't say I'm waiting for Ashlee to write another memoir--because come on, she had enough stress for a few lifetimes; she doesn't need any more--but if she ever decides to venture into fiction, I'll read the next book so hard :-)
This was a review of an advance copy received from the author (and I'm so glad I DID get it :-)).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 28, 2026
The story is told through Ashlee’s eyes, starting with her earliest memories at the age of three. I really loved this way of telling the story - seeing everything through a child’s eyes and understanding things in the way a child would understand them.
We quickly realize what a terrible family Ashlee is growing up in. What I found especially well done was the way we slowly watch her change her view of her father and grandfather. At first, she idealizes them, and little by little she begins to understand how toxic they really are. At the same time, we start wondering together with her whether her father is actually innocent.
Ashlee is such a sympathetic and heartbreaking character. Sometimes you want her to realize things faster, but that is exactly how life works. Sometimes you have to suffer through things before you are able to understand them.
I loved the atmosphere of the family and the mystery kept me completely hooked. I simply couldn’t put this book down.
We quickly realize what a terrible family Ashlee is growing up in. What I found especially well done was the way we slowly watch her change her view of her father and grandfather. At first, she idealizes them, and little by little she begins to understand how toxic they really are. At the same time, we start wondering together with her whether her father is actually innocent.
Ashlee is such a sympathetic and heartbreaking character. Sometimes you want her to realize things faster, but that is exactly how life works. Sometimes you have to suffer through things before you are able to understand them.
I loved the atmosphere of the family and the mystery kept me completely hooked. I simply couldn’t put this book down.
Review of advance copy received from Author
A well-written memoir, stacked with vividly-described memories and moments from the author’s life, this book carries the reader in a journey from childhood through adulthood from the author’s telling.
The first-hand accounts and experiences lived by the author will pull on your heartstrings and bring tears to your eyes at points of the book. You’ll end the journey feeling both proud of all that the author has overcome in her life, and also wishing you could go back in time to protect her and her siblings.
DID YOU KILL MY MOTHER? is an emotional rollercoaster of a read - I honestly did not put the book down for two days. Despite the heartache and grief, which serve as an undercurrent throughout the book, the first-person retelling sucks the reader in and leaves them hanging on wondering what happens next.
I cannot recommend this book enough!
The first-hand accounts and experiences lived by the author will pull on your heartstrings and bring tears to your eyes at points of the book. You’ll end the journey feeling both proud of all that the author has overcome in her life, and also wishing you could go back in time to protect her and her siblings.
DID YOU KILL MY MOTHER? is an emotional rollercoaster of a read - I honestly did not put the book down for two days. Despite the heartache and grief, which serve as an undercurrent throughout the book, the first-person retelling sucks the reader in and leaves them hanging on wondering what happens next.
I cannot recommend this book enough!
August 28, 2026
This is the kind of book that once you start reading, you can’t put it down. I found myself thinking about it even after I had finished the final page. It is both heartbreaking and touching as the story is told through the eyes of the author as she journeys from childhood to adulthood while navigating through the unimaginable impact of not only growing up with a father accused of murder, but so more.
Through every struggle the author faced, it will make you want to reach through the page and back in time to pull her out, hug her and keep her safe.
The final reflection ends with her hanging up the phone on her father and feeding her newborn baby. It brought the entire story full circle and showed just how deeply the past can shape the choices we make.
Heartbreaking, personal, honest, and beautifully written. This memoir will stay with me. It is a must read!
Through every struggle the author faced, it will make you want to reach through the page and back in time to pull her out, hug her and keep her safe.
The final reflection ends with her hanging up the phone on her father and feeding her newborn baby. It brought the entire story full circle and showed just how deeply the past can shape the choices we make.
Heartbreaking, personal, honest, and beautifully written. This memoir will stay with me. It is a must read!
September 3, 2026
This riveting memoir of a murder in a small hamlet possesses all of the elements of a book that will change your life. It is a breathtaking portrayal of survival from the eyes of a daughter raised amidst the chaos consuming her.
The reader’s attention is captured from the start with a fore shadowing of what the author is forced to contend with . We are instantly taken in by the distorted view of morality imposed on Ashlee beginning at age 3.
The life that follows is one that no child should ever have to endure; however Ashlee not only survives but excels in her career and her ability to move forward.
A ray of hope creeps in with the birth of her baby boy and supportive loving husband. It makes one pause and reflect on one's own life and yes perhaps cry a little as well. This is a book you won’t want to miss!!!
The reader’s attention is captured from the start with a fore shadowing of what the author is forced to contend with . We are instantly taken in by the distorted view of morality imposed on Ashlee beginning at age 3.
The life that follows is one that no child should ever have to endure; however Ashlee not only survives but excels in her career and her ability to move forward.
A ray of hope creeps in with the birth of her baby boy and supportive loving husband. It makes one pause and reflect on one's own life and yes perhaps cry a little as well. This is a book you won’t want to miss!!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Did You Kill My Mother? is a revealing look into how the stories and narratives we're told shape our outlook on the world and serve as the very foundation of our own lives. It is a meditation of parsing out what is true and untrue, separating fact from fiction, and pulling apart the tangled threads that connect to unravel the heart of a story. But that is only the beginning, as there are many blank pages left to be filled as more information is unearthed and old "truths" shattered to be replaced by stronger, more evident ones. It is a raw, honest memoir that is equal parts innocent, funny, dark and often times downright heartbreaking. Perhaps most importantly, however, it demonstrates the resilience of a young woman who has continually modified and strengthened her resolve and has proven to the reader that although there are setbacks, hardships and suffering there is also hope and life to protect and fight for.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is a well-done memoir, one of the best I’ve read, and a major reason why is the voice. Watching the vocabulary and complexity of the language evolve into something intelligent and eloquent was a powerful way of showing the narrator growing up.
I enjoyed my time with this story. It affected me emotionally, creating this cold feeling in my chest when I think about it as a whole. There is something beautifully raw which impressed and entranced me.
Overall, I found myself compelled early on, and this feeling stayed steady throughout the manuscript. This is strong—emotionally powerful in a way that will stay with me.
I enjoyed my time with this story. It affected me emotionally, creating this cold feeling in my chest when I think about it as a whole. There is something beautifully raw which impressed and entranced me.
Overall, I found myself compelled early on, and this feeling stayed steady throughout the manuscript. This is strong—emotionally powerful in a way that will stay with me.
August 5, 2026
This is one of those books that pulls you in from the very first pages and makes it incredibly difficult to put down. Even though the subject matter is heavy and emotionally challenging, the writing is so compelling that you can’t help but keep reading to see what comes next.
The story is told with honesty, vulnerability, and remarkable strength. It’s an unforgettable read that stays with you long after you’ve finished the final chapter. This is an incredible accomplishment, and the author should be immensely proud of what she’s created. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a powerful, heartfelt story that will leave a lasting impact.
The story is told with honesty, vulnerability, and remarkable strength. It’s an unforgettable read that stays with you long after you’ve finished the final chapter. This is an incredible accomplishment, and the author should be immensely proud of what she’s created. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a powerful, heartfelt story that will leave a lasting impact.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Reading this makes you want to jump in the book and protect Ashlee from the chaos of all the people who failed her. The journey from childhood to adulthood, Ashlee is resilient and strong. The way she details every situation and every house, I could see it. I knew people who lived this way, who spoke this way, who treated their family this way. I think we all do. As the book progresses, you think, there cannot possibly be more. The there's more drama, more awful situations, more narcissistic men. This book will bring out all kinds of emotions.
Very well written memoir. I cannot recommend this book enough.
Very well written memoir. I cannot recommend this book enough.
August 6, 2026
Ashlee’s memoir was hard to put down once I started reading it. The memoir delves into generational trauma, the search for truth, resilience, and the impact of others choices on our lives. Ashlee’s story was insightful, articulate, compelling, and heart wrenching. I loved Ashlee sharing part of her motherhood journey in the book, and the deep love and longing for her own mother- who never stopped fighting for her.
Review of advance copy
I was literally on the edge of my seat with every chapter. The early chapters read exactly like what they are - fragmented memories from a very young girl. As she develops, her recollections develop - all the way until a young woman starts figuring out her life, and the people around her, may not have been as she thought. I highly recommend this book.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The writing in this memoir was quite good, I was drawn in right away and read it straight through. The story is painful, harrowing, and stressful just reading it while imagining what Ashlee was going through all that time. The thought of Peter Wlasiuk getting out of prison is frightening, to say the least.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This memoir is incredibly gripping—I couldn't put it down. It took me on one of the most emotional journeys I've ever experienced through a book. Powerful, moving, and unforgettable, this is a story that will stay with me forever.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I’ve “known” Ashlee since elementary school, but actually never knew her. This book was an amazing heartfelt story, her story. As I told her, I hope it brings her the closure she may have needed. Would love to purchase when available. ❤️
August 29, 2026
This book is raw, heartbreaking and well told. I cried for the girl who had to carry so many burdens that a chick should not have to. Sharing this story took a lot if courage and I am so proud of her. I am praying for her peace and comfort as well as the joys of starting her own family.
August 26, 2026
Deceit and intimidation ruled her childhood . Her story chronicles her realization of the truth . A father that failed her and everyone close to him . Powerful reading !
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews