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Missing Mom: A True Crime, True Family Story
This is an odd and twisting true story about kidnapping, robbery, and murder; and yet it is strangely uplifting.
This true story begins on a sunny July morning in 2003, just outside of Flint Michigan, when an eighty year old grandmother has mysteriously disappeared from the face of the earth.
Days later the charred remains of her car were identified, after being completely destroyed by an intentional fire; but she was nowhere to be found. We had to find her.
She was my mom...
This true story begins on a sunny July morning in 2003, just outside of Flint Michigan, when an eighty year old grandmother has mysteriously disappeared from the face of the earth.
Days later the charred remains of her car were identified, after being completely destroyed by an intentional fire; but she was nowhere to be found. We had to find her.
She was my mom...
313 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 19, 2015
47 people are currently reading
175 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
October 4, 2016
BROKEN.RECORD
I realize this was a story of sadness and tragic death, but I have to review honestly. It's a repetitive bit of family narrative. Although it's a shame that this happened I don't understand why a book was necessary.
I realize this was a story of sadness and tragic death, but I have to review honestly. It's a repetitive bit of family narrative. Although it's a shame that this happened I don't understand why a book was necessary.
January 3, 2016
A story about a family's 80 year old mother who goes missing suddenly. I found it extra interesting as it happened in areas of Michigan that I'm familiar with, having grown up near there.
November 27, 2015
It seems wrong to say I enjoyed this
I did enjoy this. I couldn't put it down. I read this during thanksgiving prep and have to admit to hiding out all over the house to read instead of helping with the cooking. My bad. The writing was eloquent and articulate. The story engrossing. The family was described in such a way I feel as if I know them. I wish I could have participated in the search, handed out flyers, anything to ease this family's suffering. We are inundated every day by the media with stories like this that we've become numb. This story made it very personal. What a positive testament to the citizens of Flint.
Getting a glimpse of the lives after the tragedy was so uplifting. Daniel's talk of letting go of the"what ifs" struck home for me on a personal level. Eventually the masses of people fade and you are left picking up the pieces of a life that will now be forever defined as before and after with that event being the dividing line. It is hard to accept that one of the most significant events in a life can be a tragedy.
I am so glad the family was able to stick together, draw strength from each other and move past it. I would highly recommend this book. It is not an easy subject matter. But you will walk away feeling grateful that this story was shared with you. Daniel, please keep writing and thank you for letting us in. Gbash
I did enjoy this. I couldn't put it down. I read this during thanksgiving prep and have to admit to hiding out all over the house to read instead of helping with the cooking. My bad. The writing was eloquent and articulate. The story engrossing. The family was described in such a way I feel as if I know them. I wish I could have participated in the search, handed out flyers, anything to ease this family's suffering. We are inundated every day by the media with stories like this that we've become numb. This story made it very personal. What a positive testament to the citizens of Flint.
Getting a glimpse of the lives after the tragedy was so uplifting. Daniel's talk of letting go of the"what ifs" struck home for me on a personal level. Eventually the masses of people fade and you are left picking up the pieces of a life that will now be forever defined as before and after with that event being the dividing line. It is hard to accept that one of the most significant events in a life can be a tragedy.
I am so glad the family was able to stick together, draw strength from each other and move past it. I would highly recommend this book. It is not an easy subject matter. But you will walk away feeling grateful that this story was shared with you. Daniel, please keep writing and thank you for letting us in. Gbash
February 17, 2016
This just wasn't for me. I found it to be largely rambling and disjointed feelings of the author, with very little to do with the actual crime. So much so that I just started skimming at one point. And then there was the vaguely racist tone of the whole thing. Let's call Indian's "Red Men" and say how surprised he was that the perp (who happened to be a black woman) didn't have visible needle tracks or tattoos or wasn't "darker" or more "menacing" and he was truly surprised that she wasn't in a gang.
I did feel bad for the author and he did put his soul into this. It just didn't work for me.
I did feel bad for the author and he did put his soul into this. It just didn't work for me.
January 25, 2016
As true crime, this book is actually rather poor. It could just as accurately be considered a memoir. Easily a third of it could have (and should have)
been summarized or eliminated altogether. Virtually no research or information was disclosed about the perpetrator. Although the trial was covered thoroughly
enough, too much material irrelevant to the case caused the story to drag for long stretches.
Kevin Pierce performed competently as expected.
NOTE: I received a free copy of this audiobook in exchange for this unbiased review.
been summarized or eliminated altogether. Virtually no research or information was disclosed about the perpetrator. Although the trial was covered thoroughly
enough, too much material irrelevant to the case caused the story to drag for long stretches.
Kevin Pierce performed competently as expected.
NOTE: I received a free copy of this audiobook in exchange for this unbiased review.
November 4, 2015
Boring
This book took forever to read. I finally had to jump over pages because they were full. The best part was the ending , not because u r done but because u realize what he is trying to day. Don't bother to read. Very disappointed.
This book took forever to read. I finally had to jump over pages because they were full. The best part was the ending , not because u r done but because u realize what he is trying to day. Don't bother to read. Very disappointed.
October 11, 2015
Good book but in desperate need of an editor. Author did a good job conveying what he went through concerning what happened to his mother and its aftermath.
February 16, 2016
Interesting & evidently heartfelt memoir, but not well edited.
I've pretty much summed it up in my title. This was a book clearly written with love and the memory of pain, and understandably so, recounting the loss of a much-loved matriarch and the journey to finding both her and justice.
Unfortunately, I don't get the impression that the author had an independent editor other than himself, as the text is poorly edited, not well put together, and tends to be repetitive. I could mark several whole paragraphs that are repeated every time certain people are mentioned, not to mention adjectives used over and over again. Spelling and punctuation are both erratic throughout (albeit not as much so as some I've seen; it's generally in proper names that spelling slips). So on the technical side, the book badly needs re-editing - or frankly, editing at all.
That's not to say that this is a bad book, though. I read most of it in a couple of sittings, and the pace isn't as slow as the progress of the original case (and I can only imagine how painful that must have been). The author manages to hold his audience, if mostly by withholding details and revealing the answers in a way similar to how they were found in reality - bit by bit.
I got this ebook via Kindle Unlimited (yes, I gave in), so did not have to pay full price for it. I'm not sure I would have wanted to pay that had I known the file was so badly edited - this is something that ought always to be done before putting a book up for sale, even if the author needs to hire someone to do so. Anyway, overall I think 3 stars suit. I might up it to 4 if edited.
I've pretty much summed it up in my title. This was a book clearly written with love and the memory of pain, and understandably so, recounting the loss of a much-loved matriarch and the journey to finding both her and justice.
Unfortunately, I don't get the impression that the author had an independent editor other than himself, as the text is poorly edited, not well put together, and tends to be repetitive. I could mark several whole paragraphs that are repeated every time certain people are mentioned, not to mention adjectives used over and over again. Spelling and punctuation are both erratic throughout (albeit not as much so as some I've seen; it's generally in proper names that spelling slips). So on the technical side, the book badly needs re-editing - or frankly, editing at all.
That's not to say that this is a bad book, though. I read most of it in a couple of sittings, and the pace isn't as slow as the progress of the original case (and I can only imagine how painful that must have been). The author manages to hold his audience, if mostly by withholding details and revealing the answers in a way similar to how they were found in reality - bit by bit.
I got this ebook via Kindle Unlimited (yes, I gave in), so did not have to pay full price for it. I'm not sure I would have wanted to pay that had I known the file was so badly edited - this is something that ought always to be done before putting a book up for sale, even if the author needs to hire someone to do so. Anyway, overall I think 3 stars suit. I might up it to 4 if edited.
October 22, 2015
An 80-yr-old mother and grandmother suddenly disappears. Her heartbroken family searches and searches for her, with tragic results. The murderess is finally brought to justicerial
Good, and heartbreaking story of one on family's loss of their beloved 80-yr-old mother, and their quest to locate her, which turns into a quest for justice for her murderer.
Good, and heartbreaking story of one on family's loss of their beloved 80-yr-old mother, and their quest to locate her, which turns into a quest for justice for her murderer.
November 25, 2015
Because this is true and because it unfolds while you watch a family grieve and search, it is a sad story. The book flows easily, making it a page turner. I enjoy crime shows but, this story touched my soul as I pondered senseless crime and felt for the victims, friends and those who work diligently to solve them. I applaud the author for being brave enough to tell his story.
October 28, 2015
Well written
This book is well written, easy to just keep on reading page after page. It makes you feel like part of the author's family. A sad story, but makes you feel strong because of the strength and character of the writer.
This book is well written, easy to just keep on reading page after page. It makes you feel like part of the author's family. A sad story, but makes you feel strong because of the strength and character of the writer.
November 11, 2015
Interesting and sad story - not the most engaging nor organized telling of it.
August 9, 2021
I really enjoyed this book. I kind of hate saying that because it is a true story. The title caught my eye and then I read the back and saw it is a true story and it takes place in my home state of Michigan.
It is written by the son of the missing mom, Dorothy Murphy.
July 2nd, 2003, Mary, Dorothy's daughters was concerned that she couldn't get a hold of her mother by phone and she wasn't at home, so she called her oldest brother, Daniel who was up north. They decided that she was probably playing cards at a friends house. At 80 years old she was still very independent and pretty healthy.
July 3rd, Mary made another call to Daniel and told him that Dorothy had not been home and that she had missed a doctors appointment which was she would never do without calling to cancel. Her bed hadn't been slept in, her mail was unopened and her medications were sitting on the counter. Daniel decided he wood head home first thing in the morning and Mary called the police. The other 2 siblings, Tim and Mark were called and everyone headed to Dorothy's home and the search for the missing mom started.
Not living in Michigan at the time this took place I don't remember hearing about her disappearance, but my heart breaks for what this family endured. I just can't even imagine what they went thru.
I had a hard time putting the book down as I wanted to make sure that justice was done for Dorothy.
It is written by the son of the missing mom, Dorothy Murphy.
July 2nd, 2003, Mary, Dorothy's daughters was concerned that she couldn't get a hold of her mother by phone and she wasn't at home, so she called her oldest brother, Daniel who was up north. They decided that she was probably playing cards at a friends house. At 80 years old she was still very independent and pretty healthy.
July 3rd, Mary made another call to Daniel and told him that Dorothy had not been home and that she had missed a doctors appointment which was she would never do without calling to cancel. Her bed hadn't been slept in, her mail was unopened and her medications were sitting on the counter. Daniel decided he wood head home first thing in the morning and Mary called the police. The other 2 siblings, Tim and Mark were called and everyone headed to Dorothy's home and the search for the missing mom started.
Not living in Michigan at the time this took place I don't remember hearing about her disappearance, but my heart breaks for what this family endured. I just can't even imagine what they went thru.
I had a hard time putting the book down as I wanted to make sure that justice was done for Dorothy.
July 4, 2018
(Audiobook) I liked this book because it is a true crime story, however, the trial process seemed to drag on (but that's what it's like in real life). A very sad story of a family struggling to come to terms with their mother's murder - a senseless crime. I think this story is more of a debriefing process for the writer.
July 30, 2020
I will pray for you said the mom
I found this tc/memoir to be very interesting. The reader is drawn into the heartache of the Murphy siblings as they search for their 80 year old mother.
If you don't like a lot of trial coverage it may not be for you. But I enjoy the courtroom part.
I found this tc/memoir to be very interesting. The reader is drawn into the heartache of the Murphy siblings as they search for their 80 year old mother.
If you don't like a lot of trial coverage it may not be for you. But I enjoy the courtroom part.
October 7, 2016
Pretty good book. I'm always a sucker for a book that really brings you into a family. Any family dynamic where the author places you right there in the room, invisible, with the fly on the wall to your left...yeah, this book didn't do that. Lol. It did have me concerned right alongside the author and his family for the well-being of "Ma," and at its peak when things started popping and more and more details were unfolding it was a nice ride. But things came to a conclusion relatively early in the book and I tried my darndest to hang in there...it felt as if it'd pay off too as things kicked back up a notch once the court proceedings commenced. But it became pretty clear that there weren't gonna be any more surprises in store. Not that there were many real surprises in the first place, other than the big one where about 1/2 way thru the book the author decides to throw the fact that he's gay on your lap. I mean, no big deal, but I had to stop myself and ask "did he just say he's gay?" about 3 sentences after he said it. Whoa...ok. Then it's like you the reader get to experience the undoubted joyous, exciting, and freeing feeling of coming "out" with him right there in the writing. He goes from 0-60. Like I said, the whole first half of the book I was picturing a Dwayne "the Rock" Johnson type a dude lookin' for his mother, then BAM! the mental image of totally different person unfolded at my feet like a cheap lawn-chair at Hampton Beach. He eludes to his being gay way too much after the initial coming out. All a sudden you're hearing about former "friends" that he'll always have feelings for, the male character descriptions change into critiques on their clothes/style/looks, and he unintentionally carries on about these past "friendships" so much that it's made painfully obvious that he was the "feminine" side of these relationships. AGAIN...nothing wrong with any of this, i realize I probably sound like I'm coming to 'ya from a front porch in West Virginia, I'm just doing my best to describe my feelings with the limited education I have! My vocabulary isn't as polished as I wish... Anyhoo...i liked the book, I just ran into that problem I often do where I start telling myself that there's nothing more "to" this book from the point I'm at and I let my childish excitement about diving into a new book overpower me. So I drop it like right around the 1/2 way mark if the 4th quarter. Ugh. Thanx for listening if you still are...until next time, I wish you all the power of compassion in this life. -J
April 19, 2016
True murder
This book started out very slowly for me. In fact I almost didn't finish reading it. Considering this is Daniel Murphy's first book I am glad I read the whole book. After a out the first 50 pages this book got more interesting and better written all the time.
My heart was broken for Daniel and his family when his mother went missing. This took over everyone's life for almost two years. His mother was a lucky woman to have such a living family.
I will be looking forward to reading more books by Daniel. I think he is shaping up to be an excellent author.
This book started out very slowly for me. In fact I almost didn't finish reading it. Considering this is Daniel Murphy's first book I am glad I read the whole book. After a out the first 50 pages this book got more interesting and better written all the time.
My heart was broken for Daniel and his family when his mother went missing. This took over everyone's life for almost two years. His mother was a lucky woman to have such a living family.
I will be looking forward to reading more books by Daniel. I think he is shaping up to be an excellent author.
February 18, 2016
I feel a part
I chose four because I feel like I went through the entire experience with the family. I'm so glad that MRS Murphy knew the Lord and prayed for her murderer. I like all the family and covet the love and support they received through out this horrible ordeal. Keep writing Daniel. God bless you.
I chose four because I feel like I went through the entire experience with the family. I'm so glad that MRS Murphy knew the Lord and prayed for her murderer. I like all the family and covet the love and support they received through out this horrible ordeal. Keep writing Daniel. God bless you.
April 7, 2016
Interesting true crime tale
I found it a interesting story and chose to read it because it was set in Michigan. I am a former mid-Michigan resident, now living in Florida. My only complaint is that the book contains too many typographic and grammatical errors. Spell check isn't foolproof. PLEASE employ a human and recheck this book!
I found it a interesting story and chose to read it because it was set in Michigan. I am a former mid-Michigan resident, now living in Florida. My only complaint is that the book contains too many typographic and grammatical errors. Spell check isn't foolproof. PLEASE employ a human and recheck this book!
February 24, 2016
I enjoyed reading this book. I am glad they were able to find their mother and put her to rest. God bless them and Mrs Murphy. May she rest in peace.
I would recommend this book to read. It was a gripping story and I couldn't put it down at times.
I would recommend this book to read. It was a gripping story and I couldn't put it down at times.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews