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When David Died: A True Story
After suffering a horrific childhood in foster care, the only thing Nicki Hill ever wanted was a perfect family. Now, engaged to Michael Thorne, she finally gets her Michael’s parents (David and Alison), and his sister (Jessie) have fallen in love with her. But when David suddenly hangs himself, police detectives focus on Nicki. Yes, she was with Michael when the hanging took place. Yes, they were 70 miles away. Nevertheless, Detectives Broadus and Rudd are convinced she’s somehow responsible. As the evidence against her mounts, Nicki is determined to maintain her relationship with the family. And she’ll do so, by any means necessary.
- GenresTrue Crime
249 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 10, 2016
136 people are currently reading
104 people want to read
About the author
John Locke
55 books390 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information. This is the novelist (2x spaces), not the philosopher (1x space).
New York Times best-selling author John Locke is the international best-selling author of sixteen books in four different genres. He is the 8th author in history to have sold one million eBooks on Kindle. Locke has had four books in the top ten at the same time, including #1 and #2. His Donovan Creed thriller series has sold more than 1,700,000 copies since January, 2011, and foreign rights have been acquired by six major publishers for Spanish, Catalan, Italian, Japanese, Polish, Hungarian, and Lithuanian translations. (Amazon's brief biography)
NY TIMES BEST-SELLING AUTHOR!
8th MEMBER of the KINDLE MILLION SALES CLUB!
First self-published author to hit #1 on Amazon/Kindle!
First self-published author to hit Kindle Million Sales Club!
John sold 1,100,000 eBooks in 5 months by word of mouth!
John wrote and published 6 best-selling books in 3 separate genres in 6 months, part-time!
John has had 4 of the top 10 eBooks on Amazon/Kindle at the same time, including #1 and #2! He’s also had 6 of the top 20, and 8 of the top 43 at the same time!
Every eBook John Locke has written and published has become a best-seller.
New York Times best-selling author John Locke is the international best-selling author of sixteen books in four different genres. He is the 8th author in history to have sold one million eBooks on Kindle. Locke has had four books in the top ten at the same time, including #1 and #2. His Donovan Creed thriller series has sold more than 1,700,000 copies since January, 2011, and foreign rights have been acquired by six major publishers for Spanish, Catalan, Italian, Japanese, Polish, Hungarian, and Lithuanian translations. (Amazon's brief biography)
NY TIMES BEST-SELLING AUTHOR!
8th MEMBER of the KINDLE MILLION SALES CLUB!
First self-published author to hit #1 on Amazon/Kindle!
First self-published author to hit Kindle Million Sales Club!
John sold 1,100,000 eBooks in 5 months by word of mouth!
John wrote and published 6 best-selling books in 3 separate genres in 6 months, part-time!
John has had 4 of the top 10 eBooks on Amazon/Kindle at the same time, including #1 and #2! He’s also had 6 of the top 20, and 8 of the top 43 at the same time!
Every eBook John Locke has written and published has become a best-seller.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
October 31, 2016
It's often said that fact is stranger than fiction and this book proves it. If I had not read the book blurb I would have assumed this was another great tale from Mr. Locke, as I have read all his books and put his three main series in my top picks which, is no small feat given the amount of books I read.
I'm sure you'll sit there thinking how unbelievable this tale is as you read it. I did. My mind was spinning at the audacity and diabolical scheming and thinking, there's no way this could be real. Then you'll turn on the news and realize that this tale is not only possible but probable.
It's hard not to admire Mr. Locke, given his catalog of work and to make the transition to non-fiction cannot be easy. That alone would be commendable but as you read this you can't help realize the amount of work, time, and effort that it took to investigate and gather the information he presents.
If you're a fan of Mr. Locke's other work but are leery about reading a non-fiction tale then let me put your fears to rest. By the end of the first chapter you will know that you're reading a John Locke book and by then end of the second chapter, you'll be betting that he's pulling your leg that this is a real tale.
The biggest compliment that I can give him on this book is that I couldn't wait to try and find out more about this story.
I'm sure you'll sit there thinking how unbelievable this tale is as you read it. I did. My mind was spinning at the audacity and diabolical scheming and thinking, there's no way this could be real. Then you'll turn on the news and realize that this tale is not only possible but probable.
It's hard not to admire Mr. Locke, given his catalog of work and to make the transition to non-fiction cannot be easy. That alone would be commendable but as you read this you can't help realize the amount of work, time, and effort that it took to investigate and gather the information he presents.
If you're a fan of Mr. Locke's other work but are leery about reading a non-fiction tale then let me put your fears to rest. By the end of the first chapter you will know that you're reading a John Locke book and by then end of the second chapter, you'll be betting that he's pulling your leg that this is a real tale.
The biggest compliment that I can give him on this book is that I couldn't wait to try and find out more about this story.
August 27, 2016
What this book has in potential it lacks in character development, poor writing, and some ridiculously glaring lapses in common sense (such as an entire chapter written in the first person where Nikki and Jess communicate entirely via 100% grammatically correct text messages, and somehow Nikki is able to describe the body mannerisms of Jess, such as nodding or giggling, despite being in a different room).
None of the characters have any depth--if the chapters hadn't been labeled as to who was narrating, you'd have a difficult time distinguishing between characters. I was constantly having to remind myself who the first person was, as no character had a distinct personality. Perhaps if there were less dialogue and more emotional thought process, this book might have the potential for more than a bleak future as a Lifetime Television for Women one-weekend-wonder.
I haven't read Shades of Grey, but I'm assuming that it's a lot like David's narrative (only with the roles reversed). When he's presented with the truth of Nikki's motives, he turns into a whiny ass and TOTALY misses the point. Someone should seriously go back and count how many times he whines about his money.
On second thought, someone actually qualified to write a book should simply take this plot and do it justice. It's irksome when subpar writers ruin a decent plot.
None of the characters have any depth--if the chapters hadn't been labeled as to who was narrating, you'd have a difficult time distinguishing between characters. I was constantly having to remind myself who the first person was, as no character had a distinct personality. Perhaps if there were less dialogue and more emotional thought process, this book might have the potential for more than a bleak future as a Lifetime Television for Women one-weekend-wonder.
I haven't read Shades of Grey, but I'm assuming that it's a lot like David's narrative (only with the roles reversed). When he's presented with the truth of Nikki's motives, he turns into a whiny ass and TOTALY misses the point. Someone should seriously go back and count how many times he whines about his money.
On second thought, someone actually qualified to write a book should simply take this plot and do it justice. It's irksome when subpar writers ruin a decent plot.
April 29, 2022
This book was hard to put down. It was crazy! Literally the girl, Nicki "Katie", was absolutely bonkers! The reason I am giving it 3 stars is because the author claims it is absolutely a true story. If that is the case, then Nicki has no excuse to blame David and Allison for her problems. In the author's notes he claims that Nicki got the raw end of the stick because of her horrible parents (David and Allison). But he is wrong. David and Allison are not Nicki's parents. Furthermore, they are not horrible people for "giving up" their child when they were young. David and Allison did what they felt was best for Nicki when she was born. David and Allison did not feel they could give her a stable life and they also felt that they were not emotionally or financially ready to have a baby. They are judged by Nicki in the book that they had Michael two years later. So what? That does not prove David or Allison of being horrible people. At that point in their lives they had been married for two years. They could have felt sad over not being able to keep Nicki when she was born and so they wanted to have a baby. I find it heartless to judge Allison for not wanting to get pregnant again. The author did not interview Allison. He has no idea what she went through in her last pregnancy, but that did not mean that she didn't want another child. Allison could have wanted to adopt a girl because she had not been able to take care of Nicki and that might have always been on her mind. Why would David and Allison have tried to find Nicki? She was not their daughter. Once you place a baby for adoption or sever legal rights than the baby is no longer theirs. David and Allison had no idea what kind of life Nicki ended up having and they had no obligation or responsibility to Nicki. They might not have wanted to uproot her life. They probably figured she had her own life with parent and siblings. Again, they had absolutely no obligations or responsibilities to Nicki. In fact, David and Allison did the noble and courageous act of going through with the birth of Nicki and not aborting her. How can the author not take that into consideration? Allison went through with the entire birth. I am positive it wasn't like they threw Nicki away. There is no way! I am sure it was agonizing. Obviously they went on to have other children. It isn't like they had Nicki and thought, "Nope! We don't want this one so let's try for another." They weren't ready to take care of a baby. We also have no idea what kind of pressure they got from their parents.
Do I know what I am talking about? Yes! I have worked with social services with girls that are pregnant and are unable to provide or care for their unborn baby. It is excruciating when they hand over the baby. They are convulsing because of how hard they are reacting to the pain of placing the baby they just gave birth to in another person's arms. This book does not give the norm of placing a baby for adoption. Most adopted kids thrive. They are placed in loving families with stable parents that can provide for the baby financially and also with tons of love and affection. Adopted kids are less likely to be abused. Women who place a baby for adoption are more likely to go on to get an education and have a family of their own one day. Women who are single and uneducated when giving birth to a baby are more likely to be abused and not further their education. It's statistics and statistics don't lie. I am around adopted children every day. Most have no interest in meeting their birth mother. People think that adopted children have some hole in their life because they falsely think the adopted child thinks of the birth mother as their actual mother, which is completely false. They think of their adopted parents as their only parents. The birth parents are strangers. People get a false idea of adoption because of shows on tv when the rare occurence happens that an adopted child wants to meet his/her birth parents and it seems like a wonderful happily ever after. Maybe that is the case for a few, but it is not the reality.
In my personal opinion and from all the adoptions I have seen, my very strong opinion is that David and Allison were pressured by parents and family to hand over the baby to the state so that no records would be available. I am sure it was traumatic for all involved. There is no way that the author knows if David and Allison ever talked about it or not. If they did not talk about Nicki then it was probably from pain. It is sad that Nicki was never adopted as a baby. There are thousands and thousands of couples that are begging to have a child. It is their biggest dream! It is sad that Nicki was a ward of the state throughout her adolescents, but that was not anyone's fault. David and Allison thought they were giving Nick the best chance at a good life.
As for Nicki, she became literally psycho. She can not blame others for her actions. Sadly, I can say with almost 100% certainty that if she had come to David and Allison and told them that she was the baby they placed for adoption or in the states hands that they would have wanted to talk to her and get to know her. Instead, she chose to lie and manipulate in the most disgusting way. No one else is to blame but Nicki. On the other hand, if she had come to them in a mature fashion, David and Allison may have come to the conclusion that she is psycho! I would be freaked. There are many foster children that have been abused that still know right from wrong. What Nicki did was abuse, illegal, and morally disgusting! No one is to blame but Nicki.
Do I know what I am talking about? Yes! I have worked with social services with girls that are pregnant and are unable to provide or care for their unborn baby. It is excruciating when they hand over the baby. They are convulsing because of how hard they are reacting to the pain of placing the baby they just gave birth to in another person's arms. This book does not give the norm of placing a baby for adoption. Most adopted kids thrive. They are placed in loving families with stable parents that can provide for the baby financially and also with tons of love and affection. Adopted kids are less likely to be abused. Women who place a baby for adoption are more likely to go on to get an education and have a family of their own one day. Women who are single and uneducated when giving birth to a baby are more likely to be abused and not further their education. It's statistics and statistics don't lie. I am around adopted children every day. Most have no interest in meeting their birth mother. People think that adopted children have some hole in their life because they falsely think the adopted child thinks of the birth mother as their actual mother, which is completely false. They think of their adopted parents as their only parents. The birth parents are strangers. People get a false idea of adoption because of shows on tv when the rare occurence happens that an adopted child wants to meet his/her birth parents and it seems like a wonderful happily ever after. Maybe that is the case for a few, but it is not the reality.
In my personal opinion and from all the adoptions I have seen, my very strong opinion is that David and Allison were pressured by parents and family to hand over the baby to the state so that no records would be available. I am sure it was traumatic for all involved. There is no way that the author knows if David and Allison ever talked about it or not. If they did not talk about Nicki then it was probably from pain. It is sad that Nicki was never adopted as a baby. There are thousands and thousands of couples that are begging to have a child. It is their biggest dream! It is sad that Nicki was a ward of the state throughout her adolescents, but that was not anyone's fault. David and Allison thought they were giving Nick the best chance at a good life.
As for Nicki, she became literally psycho. She can not blame others for her actions. Sadly, I can say with almost 100% certainty that if she had come to David and Allison and told them that she was the baby they placed for adoption or in the states hands that they would have wanted to talk to her and get to know her. Instead, she chose to lie and manipulate in the most disgusting way. No one else is to blame but Nicki. On the other hand, if she had come to them in a mature fashion, David and Allison may have come to the conclusion that she is psycho! I would be freaked. There are many foster children that have been abused that still know right from wrong. What Nicki did was abuse, illegal, and morally disgusting! No one is to blame but Nicki.
July 4, 2017
Though the story line was completely horrifying and a page turner for the ages, I was disappointed in the character development. They felt shallow and cheap. I felt like this story line deserved rich characters to flush it out. I feel instead of making a quick novella, the author should have used 100 more pages and really created some people. I also felt the prose were not as stimulating as they could have been if only some extra time and care were taken. As far as what kept me turning the pages, I was trying to figure out what the well known "true crime" was. I have found no indication this is a true story.......yet.
November 30, 2016
What a page turner!
I usually only read when i go to bed at night.This was such a compelling story that I found myself picking it up during the day .
I usually only read when i go to bed at night.This was such a compelling story that I found myself picking it up during the day .
July 15, 2017
A manipulative woman seeks and achieves revenge. This novel was a well-written page turner.
October 24, 2020
Interesting story
I really enjoyed the drama of such dysfunctional relationships. I'm not fully convinced any of it is true. There doesn't seem to be any record on the Internet.
I really enjoyed the drama of such dysfunctional relationships. I'm not fully convinced any of it is true. There doesn't seem to be any record on the Internet.
May 20, 2021
Bizarre- I feel like there was a lot of embellishments by the authors main source, and the author. Character Dialogue was choppy. Kept me reading though!
March 24, 2022
Very good book
Keeps your interest from page one. I would recommend this book. Looking forward to the next book from this author.
Keeps your interest from page one. I would recommend this book. Looking forward to the next book from this author.
March 15, 2018
A good book, very interesting
A good book, and I like the unexpected ending especially since it's a true story. Lots of "changes" that I wouldn't have thought could really happen.
A good book, and I like the unexpected ending especially since it's a true story. Lots of "changes" that I wouldn't have thought could really happen.
September 14, 2016
I would say this is, without a doubt, hard to put down! One of the most effed up books I've ever read. Definitely intriguing! I've never read another book from or even heard of this author, so I really didn't know what I was getting into by the description of the book. He moves quickly with very little descriptions, but I think I liked that.
August 22, 2016
"Unbelievable and Strange"
This is a novella written by very prolific author John Locke. In this story, one wonders why Nicki Hill is a suspect in the death of her impending father-in-law, David Thorne? Nicki had been raised in foster care, suffering from many sexual assaults from foster fathers as she was moved from home to home. Now she is engaged to Michael Thorne and just wants to be part of a perfect family. Michael's family all love her, especially his 15 year old sister, Jessie. So why are detectives Broadus and Rudd focusing on her as a killer? Nicki is not going to be taken away from her 'perfect' loving family. Each main character has their own story to tell here. The language is often raw, it has dark overtones, a bit sadistic, and you may feel you are becoming a voyeur as you are swept into these characters. It's not a story I would recommend to my friends.
This is a novella written by very prolific author John Locke. In this story, one wonders why Nicki Hill is a suspect in the death of her impending father-in-law, David Thorne? Nicki had been raised in foster care, suffering from many sexual assaults from foster fathers as she was moved from home to home. Now she is engaged to Michael Thorne and just wants to be part of a perfect family. Michael's family all love her, especially his 15 year old sister, Jessie. So why are detectives Broadus and Rudd focusing on her as a killer? Nicki is not going to be taken away from her 'perfect' loving family. Each main character has their own story to tell here. The language is often raw, it has dark overtones, a bit sadistic, and you may feel you are becoming a voyeur as you are swept into these characters. It's not a story I would recommend to my friends.
September 14, 2016
If When David Died is, in fact, a true story as John Locke claims, it’s a story written for him (and he’s the natural choice to write it). I’ve read the Box books and several Dani Rippers, enough to know John Locke likes writing lesbians and doesn’t shy from the sexually perverse. When David Died could easily fit into Locke’s fiction backlist, it’s that weird. Written in his signature rapid-fire style with believable dialogue, The Day David Died read fast and compelling. I can’t say much about the story without giving it away, but if you’re a Locke fan, you’ll probably enjoy it. I read it in two sittings.
August 13, 2016
What a Hoot!
I don't believe for a minute that "When David Died" is based upon a true story; however, John Locke has played a wonderful hoax on all of us. He is a master of odd happenings and sleezy sex. I've read most of the Creed, Ripper and Box series and thoroughly enjoyed (in my twisted way) every one. I think he should start a new series called (Almost)True Crimes. There are plenty of ideas in the newspaper headlines. Good job John!
I don't believe for a minute that "When David Died" is based upon a true story; however, John Locke has played a wonderful hoax on all of us. He is a master of odd happenings and sleezy sex. I've read most of the Creed, Ripper and Box series and thoroughly enjoyed (in my twisted way) every one. I think he should start a new series called (Almost)True Crimes. There are plenty of ideas in the newspaper headlines. Good job John!
August 21, 2016
Another hit out of the park!
Mr. Locke I've missed your books these last few months (wondering where the hell you went actually) but as with your previous books it was worth the wait!! Once I read the first Donovan Creed novel I was hooked. The Dr. Box series is hilarious!! If a potential reader is reading this review, what are you waiting for? Download a copy of this book or any of his previous books and I guarantee you'll have a new favorite author!
Mr. Locke I've missed your books these last few months (wondering where the hell you went actually) but as with your previous books it was worth the wait!! Once I read the first Donovan Creed novel I was hooked. The Dr. Box series is hilarious!! If a potential reader is reading this review, what are you waiting for? Download a copy of this book or any of his previous books and I guarantee you'll have a new favorite author!
August 25, 2016
Thumbs up from California
Thanks John Locke for many years of reading truly wonderful novels. I've read them all including the Emmett Love series twice. This true story with a bit of tongue in cheek was very entertaining and I do believe it's basically true because I Googled it and I loved it.
I look forward to your new published works ..... love from your oldest fan (I'm 72 this year).
Thanks John Locke for many years of reading truly wonderful novels. I've read them all including the Emmett Love series twice. This true story with a bit of tongue in cheek was very entertaining and I do believe it's basically true because I Googled it and I loved it.
I look forward to your new published works ..... love from your oldest fan (I'm 72 this year).
August 28, 2016
Mayhem
When Nikki finds this family, all appears well. She manipulates the son, father, and daughter into doing things they would probably never have done without her. Eventually she even had the mother involved. An involved murder mystery and family intrigue is only for those who are not disturbed by manipulative persons in a family's life. Apparently this is a story that is true.
When Nikki finds this family, all appears well. She manipulates the son, father, and daughter into doing things they would probably never have done without her. Eventually she even had the mother involved. An involved murder mystery and family intrigue is only for those who are not disturbed by manipulative persons in a family's life. Apparently this is a story that is true.
February 2, 2017
Compelling Read
A bizarre story of a young woman set on seeking revenge on her biological family for abandoning her to the foster care system when a baby. She very carefully plans and implements her revenge in a rather ingenious and disturbing way. I didn't want to put the book down. I was drawn into her story and how she exacted revenge. It was a very well written book and a compelling story. I would highly recommend this book.
A bizarre story of a young woman set on seeking revenge on her biological family for abandoning her to the foster care system when a baby. She very carefully plans and implements her revenge in a rather ingenious and disturbing way. I didn't want to put the book down. I was drawn into her story and how she exacted revenge. It was a very well written book and a compelling story. I would highly recommend this book.
September 10, 2016
Loved it!
I absolutely loved this book. I really enjoyed the way it was set out with the main characters giving their side of events. It was a really "couldn't put down" read. I felt strongly for the main character and if it is based on truth wish her love and safety in her future.
I absolutely loved this book. I really enjoyed the way it was set out with the main characters giving their side of events. It was a really "couldn't put down" read. I felt strongly for the main character and if it is based on truth wish her love and safety in her future.
September 14, 2016
What a crazy story, in an exciting way!! What a pitiful childhood Nicki had. Loss, hurt, sorrow, pain and utter devastation. I have never read a book quite like this, but I liked it and read it in a matter of hours. The Thorn family suffered as well. Who suffered more is truly in the eye of the beholder. Fantastic read!!
September 29, 2016
An Incredible Read!
John Locke has done it again. This very fast paced narrative is told in pieces from the perspective of each of the main characters. The story that unfolds reveals a tangled and convoluted web of deceit and intrigue. What makes the story even more intense is Locke's assertion that he is relating a true story.
John Locke has done it again. This very fast paced narrative is told in pieces from the perspective of each of the main characters. The story that unfolds reveals a tangled and convoluted web of deceit and intrigue. What makes the story even more intense is Locke's assertion that he is relating a true story.
January 4, 2017
This is the first book I've read by Mr Locke, and I found it to be well-told, but very disturbing! I still can't believe it is a true story, and although I was riveted, I was kind of disgusted. And I'd be embarrassed to recommend it to anyone I know - well, maybe my sister. I might try one of his fictional novels, because I like his voice.
December 21, 2017
Must read
I've read everyone of john lockes books and every time I do I can't wait for his next one to come out. Thank you for always keeping me on the edge of my seat and making never sit your books down!!! Awesome book yet again!!!
I've read everyone of john lockes books and every time I do I can't wait for his next one to come out. Thank you for always keeping me on the edge of my seat and making never sit your books down!!! Awesome book yet again!!!
September 18, 2016
Just ok
I tried everything to find the true story that this book was based on but couldn't find anything. Knowing who the book was really about would have made up for how poorly written it is
I tried everything to find the true story that this book was based on but couldn't find anything. Knowing who the book was really about would have made up for how poorly written it is
January 4, 2024
Not as good as John Locke's other books. This is one of his books that I wouldn't recommend to others. I have read all of his books and could have skipped this one. It's got some graphic descriptions for those who might be sensitive to suicide, death, and dying.
August 21, 2016
Once again John Locke creates a fast paced darkly humorous tale of characters while taking you to the edge.
August 24, 2016
Damn i love John Locke
August 31, 2016
Troubling, but full of suspense!
September 5, 2016
I finished this book but was very disappointed with it. I love John Locke's writing but this book is not for me.
September 11, 2016
The story itself is good (little credit to the author since it was based on s true story), but the writing and character development is subpar.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews