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Stay With Me, Rhys: The Heartbreaking Story of Rhys Jones
‘Stay with me, Rhys,’ I kept saying over and over again. ‘Please stay with me. I love you.’
There was still no expression in his eyes. I was talking and talking to him, desperate to let him know I was there, but there was no flicker in his face. In hindsight, it was like he’d already gone.
It's a Wednesday evening in Liverpool in the summer holidays, and Melanie is expecting her Everton-mad eleven-year-old son back from football practice very soon. She turns on Coronation Street and sets about stripping the wallpaper off the walls in the lounge, which is long-overdue a makeover. Suddenly she receives a frantic knock at the door. Rhys has been shot on his way home.
From that fateful day when Melanie cradled her child as he lay dying, repeating to him ‘Stay with Me, Rhys’, to the day in court when his killers were finally sent down, this is a story of a family in trauma, of a community united behind them and of how a notorious local gang who terrorised the neighbourhood was brought to justice.
In 2017, more than 7 million people watched the drama unfold in the highly-acclaimed ITV series Little Boy Blue. And now Melanie Jones tells the family's unbelievable story for the first time.
Melanie, her husband Steve and Rhys’s brother Owen have been through unimaginable pain. The grief doesn’t go away, but the strength they’ve found within it is an inspiration.
There was still no expression in his eyes. I was talking and talking to him, desperate to let him know I was there, but there was no flicker in his face. In hindsight, it was like he’d already gone.
It's a Wednesday evening in Liverpool in the summer holidays, and Melanie is expecting her Everton-mad eleven-year-old son back from football practice very soon. She turns on Coronation Street and sets about stripping the wallpaper off the walls in the lounge, which is long-overdue a makeover. Suddenly she receives a frantic knock at the door. Rhys has been shot on his way home.
From that fateful day when Melanie cradled her child as he lay dying, repeating to him ‘Stay with Me, Rhys’, to the day in court when his killers were finally sent down, this is a story of a family in trauma, of a community united behind them and of how a notorious local gang who terrorised the neighbourhood was brought to justice.
In 2017, more than 7 million people watched the drama unfold in the highly-acclaimed ITV series Little Boy Blue. And now Melanie Jones tells the family's unbelievable story for the first time.
Melanie, her husband Steve and Rhys’s brother Owen have been through unimaginable pain. The grief doesn’t go away, but the strength they’ve found within it is an inspiration.
320 pages, Paperback
Published April 19, 2018
23 people are currently reading
94 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
April 25, 2018
When I saw on the British TV programme, This Morning, that the parents of 11 year old Rhys Jones, being interviewed, I just knew when they said that his mother had written a book that I just had to get myself a copy.
In this book we get told the events that lead up to Rhys getting shot, the heartbreaking family trauma, a community that is united behind them and the day in court when the killers were sentenced. There was a TV series recently called Little Boy Blue based on this true story. I do recommend this book. Just make sure to have plenty of tissues handy!
I would like to thank NetGalley, Penguin Random House UK and the Melanie Jones for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
In this book we get told the events that lead up to Rhys getting shot, the heartbreaking family trauma, a community that is united behind them and the day in court when the killers were sentenced. There was a TV series recently called Little Boy Blue based on this true story. I do recommend this book. Just make sure to have plenty of tissues handy!
I would like to thank NetGalley, Penguin Random House UK and the Melanie Jones for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
February 12, 2021
Very upsetting read, but I feel it was important to read Mel's account of what happened to Rhys. Some parts (such as two football teams getting together for a minute's applause for Rhys at Everton football ground) were extremely poignant, and some (such as the moments in court when the accused laughed and grinned while they were sentenced) were absolutely heart-breaking.
May 13, 2018
This is a truly powerful and moving read. The story of what happened to Rhys Jones, his family and friends in his mother’s words. Heartbreaking in so many ways.
Very well written if slightly repetitive.
Thanks to netgalley for letting me read this.
Very well written if slightly repetitive.
Thanks to netgalley for letting me read this.
May 5, 2018
It must be so hard for any parent to have a child die before them, but for Mel and Steve to have to live with Rhys having been murdered in such a brutal way and for no valid reason, is just beyond belief.
I remember Rhys’ death and Mel and Steve’s demonstration of dignity so very clearly and having watched the ITV drama Little Boy Blue, I wanted to read Mel’s book.
It is such an honest and heartbreaking account, but at the same time, if shows it is possible to survive such a horrendous ordeal. It is to Mel and Steve’s absolute credit that they have been able to stay together and continue living their lives. I am sure their other son, Owen, and the memory of Rhys, play a huge part in this.
The book also gives the ITV drama credence as Mel explains the process the producers went through to ensure the family were involved at every stage of the filmmaking, including being happy with the final product.
This is an absolute must read.
Thank you to NetGalley for a Kindle copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I remember Rhys’ death and Mel and Steve’s demonstration of dignity so very clearly and having watched the ITV drama Little Boy Blue, I wanted to read Mel’s book.
It is such an honest and heartbreaking account, but at the same time, if shows it is possible to survive such a horrendous ordeal. It is to Mel and Steve’s absolute credit that they have been able to stay together and continue living their lives. I am sure their other son, Owen, and the memory of Rhys, play a huge part in this.
The book also gives the ITV drama credence as Mel explains the process the producers went through to ensure the family were involved at every stage of the filmmaking, including being happy with the final product.
This is an absolute must read.
Thank you to NetGalley for a Kindle copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 3, 2023
Such a heartbreaking read. I can remember watching this on the news as it just happened and it was such heartbreaking to watch. Rhys mum has been so brave in writing in this book in memory of her son. You get to learn more about Rhys and the little boy he was and how his love of football came about. This book shows you the raw emotional heartbreak of what a family goes though and all of Rhys friends when you lose someone so young and how they have kept his memory alive and how they have managed to move forward in life. The court cause was hard to read as I don’t think the people who got done for this murder and who helped after the murder got enough prison time at all they should of all got longer in my opinion. This was such a shocking and horrific murder that no parent and no sibling should of ever had to go though. His brother Owen is so a credit to Rhys and his family as he managed to go back to school after the murder and then years later graduate from university whilst grieving his little brother he has done amazing in his life. Rhys will never be forgotten. Xxx
May 30, 2020
Brave family .
Couldn't put this book down a nd read it in a couple of days . I remember the day this happened to poor Rhys and was shocked and digusted that a child could murder another child . I don't understand all this gang culture in our cities at the moment .Ste,Mel and Owen are a proud ,brave close family and. I couldn't imagine being in their shoes to be honest . To have their son so cruelly taken away from them . Dave Kelly and his team worked so hard to get these thugs jailed and can't believe he was treated by the force after solving the case . Couldn't understand how. Mercers parents and the others could defend and help their children knowing what they did .l would like to wish. the Jones family all the best for the future and the photos at the end of the book were beautiful .
Couldn't put this book down a nd read it in a couple of days . I remember the day this happened to poor Rhys and was shocked and digusted that a child could murder another child . I don't understand all this gang culture in our cities at the moment .Ste,Mel and Owen are a proud ,brave close family and. I couldn't imagine being in their shoes to be honest . To have their son so cruelly taken away from them . Dave Kelly and his team worked so hard to get these thugs jailed and can't believe he was treated by the force after solving the case . Couldn't understand how. Mercers parents and the others could defend and help their children knowing what they did .l would like to wish. the Jones family all the best for the future and the photos at the end of the book were beautiful .
July 3, 2018
People have to read this ............
Beautifully written by a wonderful mum and wife. She takes us through her heartbreaking story no mum,dad and brother should ever have to endure. You get to know their "little boy blue" through the stories told by his mum in her writings. Also tells what amazing community spirit is evident Liverpool over all. Respect💗💞
Beautifully written by a wonderful mum and wife. She takes us through her heartbreaking story no mum,dad and brother should ever have to endure. You get to know their "little boy blue" through the stories told by his mum in her writings. Also tells what amazing community spirit is evident Liverpool over all. Respect💗💞
February 1, 2019
Heart Aching Read
I remember the day this happened, the news breaking on the telly. Being local Rhys's story has never been forgotten.
Mel gives us an insight of her own heartbreaking story of Rhys and the fantastic work of Dave Kelly for his part in the case of bringing Rhys's cpwardly killers to justice.
In parts this story years at your heart strings. You'll need tissues.
I remember the day this happened, the news breaking on the telly. Being local Rhys's story has never been forgotten.
Mel gives us an insight of her own heartbreaking story of Rhys and the fantastic work of Dave Kelly for his part in the case of bringing Rhys's cpwardly killers to justice.
In parts this story years at your heart strings. You'll need tissues.
June 13, 2020
Little boy blue
Hello I missed the first two episodes on TV and found the last one very moving so I thought I would read the book the TV drama tells the story as it was as the parents so wanted a very good read and lovely written a tear jerker at times well done to the mother who put her son's life in to words definitely a good read
Hello I missed the first two episodes on TV and found the last one very moving so I thought I would read the book the TV drama tells the story as it was as the parents so wanted a very good read and lovely written a tear jerker at times well done to the mother who put her son's life in to words definitely a good read
May 8, 2018
Heartbreaking
I could not put this book down and finished it within 3 days. This family have been to hell and back and it has opened my eyes to the British justice system!! A fabulous book which written by a mothers love .
I could not put this book down and finished it within 3 days. This family have been to hell and back and it has opened my eyes to the British justice system!! A fabulous book which written by a mothers love .
May 15, 2019
a truely tragic tale but rhys,s mum is so honest and truthful and brave in losing her beloved child in such a cruel and horrible way the relatives of the guilty in covering up the truth make it utterly horrible and horrific in the actions
April 29, 2018
Heart sore
Beautiful written book from a heartbroken mum over the death of her beautiful son, my tears flowed reading this, but so glad that I did
Beautiful written book from a heartbroken mum over the death of her beautiful son, my tears flowed reading this, but so glad that I did
May 4, 2018
Heartbreaking but a must read book
This is such a powerful book
You could never imagine going through something so horrific they should have been locked up forever
This is such a powerful book
You could never imagine going through something so horrific they should have been locked up forever
May 12, 2018
Poignant and emotional read as told by the mother of Rhys Jones,who was shot in Liverpool in 2007 aged only 11 years old..Unputdownable book .❤❤❤
May 16, 2018
A book a mother should never have to write, absolutely heartbreaking. Very well written and a very good read. Such a sad story about little Rhys Jones may he r.i.p. bless him.
June 1, 2018
Fantastic
A true account of a mothers heartbreak and strength. I couldn't put it down. I cried with rhys mummy. A must have read.
A true account of a mothers heartbreak and strength. I couldn't put it down. I cried with rhys mummy. A must have read.
July 29, 2018
Such a moving book. You just can’t understand the grief and suffering this family went through and still are even ten years after the senseless murder of Rhys.
August 4, 2018
This was an absolutely brilliant book, the first book in a long, long time that actually brought me close to tears. Loved reading it and credit to Rhys' family.
September 17, 2018
This was such an heartbreak read, I really felt for his poor parents having to go through this.
August 27, 2019
Such an emotional story of a devastating event. Rhys’s family done him proud every step of the way with this book and remained dignified through every step of their heartbreaking journey.
February 9, 2020
It had me in tears from start to finish. The family wrote this book very well.
September 16, 2020
Amazing , Heartbreaking and very powerful.
November 12, 2022
Inspirational book by the mother of murdered little boy Rhys Jones who was the victim of gangland youths.
Perceptive, shocking and utterly heartfelt. I hope the family members gain some peace.
Perceptive, shocking and utterly heartfelt. I hope the family members gain some peace.
August 5, 2023
Absolutely beautiful book. Make sure you have tissues.
February 11, 2024
“ the book brought up memories what I went through and still do in loosing my own child. The author did a good job describing what it’s like to loose a child”.
3 1/2 star
3 1/2 star
September 20, 2024
Without a doubt the best and most heart breaking book I've read in a long time. If your a parent be warned it will make you cry . Highly recommended
June 9, 2018
Good read ,sad though
September 5, 2018
Well written so much heartache!!!
Well written and published book I read it because his dad (ste jones) is my boss in work I would of read it anyway it gives you small insight as to what they went throught and had to deal with from them monsters in court!!! Well written book and would definatly recommend..
Well written and published book I read it because his dad (ste jones) is my boss in work I would of read it anyway it gives you small insight as to what they went throught and had to deal with from them monsters in court!!! Well written book and would definatly recommend..
May 20, 2018
Absolutely beautiful book with a heartbreaking true story , after following this story on the news and watching little boy blue previous to reading this I can’t believe how strong this woman is and to put it all down in her own words and feelings takes a very very brave soul to do .
I feel privileged to have read this book and I would like to thank the publisher who sent me a physical copy to review as I had problems downloading .
I have nothing but the highest respect for Melanie Jones it was an emotional book with beautiful memories in the form of pictures
I feel privileged to have read this book and I would like to thank the publisher who sent me a physical copy to review as I had problems downloading .
I have nothing but the highest respect for Melanie Jones it was an emotional book with beautiful memories in the form of pictures
July 2, 2018
I'm always in such awe of the victims who have experienced, survived and learnt to live with these terrible events that have occurred in their lives. This book was ever more poignant for me as I have a football loving boy of around the same age as Rhys. Simply written and from the heart I really felt for Mel and Steve Jones and cannot imagine how they began to rebuild their lives after the death of their son. I think what I find hard to comprehend is the fact that they cannot even continue their daily lives even now due to the intrusion of well wishers(who I'm sure mean well) but want to hug Mel (in particular) and giving their best wishes whilst the couple try to get on with their daily lives. This must be even more of a constant reminder of who they have dearly lost. An inspirational read and a beautiful tribute to their son Rhys. My thoughts are with you Mel and Steve.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews