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For Laci: A Mother's Story of Love, Loss, and Justice
Laci Rocha Peterson, 8 months pregnant, was last seen by her sister, Amy, in the late afternoon of December 23, 2002. She spoke to her mother, Sharon Rocha, at 8:30 p.m. that night. This would be the last time anyone from her immediate family ever spoke to her.
A search began which lasted an agonizing four months. Sadly, Laci Peterson and her son Conner were found dead on the shores of San Francisco Bay on April 18, 2003.
Her husband, Scott, was eventually arrested and charged with the murder of Laci and Connor. After a sensational, media-saturated trial, Peterson was found guilty of capital murder and was sentenced to death on March 16, 2005.
This book deals with the story in three separate sections: first, Sharon describes the ordinary, loving life her daughter led, including fond memories of her childhood and adolescence. Second, it covers her marriage, disappearance, the community's moving search for her, and her and Connor's eventual recovery from San Francisco Bay. Third, it tells the story of the trial in detail not before revealed. Sharon will also talk about victim's rights, a subject on which she now campaigns regularly.
From the Hardcover edition.
A search began which lasted an agonizing four months. Sadly, Laci Peterson and her son Conner were found dead on the shores of San Francisco Bay on April 18, 2003.
Her husband, Scott, was eventually arrested and charged with the murder of Laci and Connor. After a sensational, media-saturated trial, Peterson was found guilty of capital murder and was sentenced to death on March 16, 2005.
This book deals with the story in three separate sections: first, Sharon describes the ordinary, loving life her daughter led, including fond memories of her childhood and adolescence. Second, it covers her marriage, disappearance, the community's moving search for her, and her and Connor's eventual recovery from San Francisco Bay. Third, it tells the story of the trial in detail not before revealed. Sharon will also talk about victim's rights, a subject on which she now campaigns regularly.
From the Hardcover edition.
335 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2005
208 people are currently reading
5662 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 388 reviews
May 13, 2011
I had to read this book because I followed the case closely from day one. I have read other books based on Scott Petersen and the murders. This is Mrs. Rocha's (Laci's mother's )version of what happened to Laci and all the drama surrounding her then son-in-law.
While reading this book, I could not help but feel connected in some way to Mrs. Rocha. When Mrs. Rocha cried, I cried, when she was angry, I was angry, when she mourned, so did I! She wrote this from her heart and soul. The book is one-sided, however, Laci's family did give Scott the benefit of doubt in the beginning, they stuck by him through thick and thin until the thin wore out and all his lies came out. Eventually, they realized that instead of mourning the loss of his wife and child, he was actually celebrating.
To this day, Scott denies any involvement in Laci's disappearance and murder. He was tried, found guilty and convicted to death (based solely on circumstantial evidence). He is now on death row overlooking the same bay where he dumped his wife's body.
If you read this book, please have a full box of facial tissues available, you'll need it.
While reading this book, I could not help but feel connected in some way to Mrs. Rocha. When Mrs. Rocha cried, I cried, when she was angry, I was angry, when she mourned, so did I! She wrote this from her heart and soul. The book is one-sided, however, Laci's family did give Scott the benefit of doubt in the beginning, they stuck by him through thick and thin until the thin wore out and all his lies came out. Eventually, they realized that instead of mourning the loss of his wife and child, he was actually celebrating.
To this day, Scott denies any involvement in Laci's disappearance and murder. He was tried, found guilty and convicted to death (based solely on circumstantial evidence). He is now on death row overlooking the same bay where he dumped his wife's body.
If you read this book, please have a full box of facial tissues available, you'll need it.
July 27, 2011
My mind is still in the story, so well told by Laci Peterson's Mother. No doubt most of us will remember this horrific event, how Laci, then 8 months pregnant had disappeared on Christmas Eve,how the town and outlaying areas, became involved in searching for her.
Her husband Scott Peterson had created some b.s. story as to when he last saw her, and the lies kept on building up.
Sharon being Laci's Mother records every detail from December 24th on, how the Rocha family was supportive of Scott, and believed what he had said, however early on into the story Sharon began questioning some of the conflicting details she heard from Scott, what a unbelievably painfull situation this must have been for her, Sharon writes about this like only a loving Mother could, the twists and lies in the stories slowly unravel, it was a Christmas season never to be forgotten, the Rocha's family life was destroyed,
It was not too long before it was discovered Scott had been living a dual life, and had several mistresses, it was one of the mistresses in fact when she realized who he was, as she learned of Laci being missing, that she went to the police, Scott lied about everything, Sharon did not want to believe the rumours at first, however when proof was given, she slowly realized that the Scott she had known for 8 years was not the same person she thought she knew.
Sharon writes very openly and honestly as to how desperate she felt not knowing were Laci, and her unborn child Connor were. The story is heartwrenching, the story deals with the Peterson family which appear to be a clan in themselves, this is simply a story which needs to be heard, I listened to it for two days, it held me spellbound, even now a few days later I live in my mind with Sharon and how she coped with that whole situation.
Laci and Connor are found in the bay, by San Francisco, the thought of the cold water, there were no hands, no head on Laci's body, which may have come off during there 3 months stay in the water. Scott had purchased a boat, never told anyone about this, he went fishing on December 24th, a person who did not fish, when asked what he fished for, he did not know. Yet he had already told neighbours that he spent the day on the golf course.
The court drama needs to be read about to be heard, and the interactions of the legal system are unbelievable, with all the evidence, the case could have been thrown out of court.
Scott Peterson was charged and is currently on death row, doing appeals, which I do not understand. The impact statements of the family members have to be read about, or heard on audio to get the full meaning of this. Sharon gives hers, being so frustrated by the system not being able to express herself, the arrogant manner in which Scott appears in court, Sharon was determined to be there daily, and made sure she had a seat in the court room from which she could observe Scott, who spent a lot of time with a smile on his face which she truly wanted to wipe off. This was his wife and unborn son they were talking about good heavens this really has to be a must read, Sharon does get the opportunity to give her impact statement,telling Scott that divorce was the option not death, and did he ask Laci if she wanted to die, what does he have in his mind revisiting Laci and his yet unborn son's last minutes, was she alive when taken in the boat? no one will ever know exactly what happened in those last minutes, just the thought of that made me weep, which needless to say is a toughie to listen to, however there were years of frustration, and sadness having lost her beloved daughter Laci and unborn grandson Connor, she is some lady, and Mother, this really is a worthwhile story hearing it from the Mothers voice, filling in so many details which I had not heard about
Her husband Scott Peterson had created some b.s. story as to when he last saw her, and the lies kept on building up.
Sharon being Laci's Mother records every detail from December 24th on, how the Rocha family was supportive of Scott, and believed what he had said, however early on into the story Sharon began questioning some of the conflicting details she heard from Scott, what a unbelievably painfull situation this must have been for her, Sharon writes about this like only a loving Mother could, the twists and lies in the stories slowly unravel, it was a Christmas season never to be forgotten, the Rocha's family life was destroyed,
It was not too long before it was discovered Scott had been living a dual life, and had several mistresses, it was one of the mistresses in fact when she realized who he was, as she learned of Laci being missing, that she went to the police, Scott lied about everything, Sharon did not want to believe the rumours at first, however when proof was given, she slowly realized that the Scott she had known for 8 years was not the same person she thought she knew.
Sharon writes very openly and honestly as to how desperate she felt not knowing were Laci, and her unborn child Connor were. The story is heartwrenching, the story deals with the Peterson family which appear to be a clan in themselves, this is simply a story which needs to be heard, I listened to it for two days, it held me spellbound, even now a few days later I live in my mind with Sharon and how she coped with that whole situation.
Laci and Connor are found in the bay, by San Francisco, the thought of the cold water, there were no hands, no head on Laci's body, which may have come off during there 3 months stay in the water. Scott had purchased a boat, never told anyone about this, he went fishing on December 24th, a person who did not fish, when asked what he fished for, he did not know. Yet he had already told neighbours that he spent the day on the golf course.
The court drama needs to be read about to be heard, and the interactions of the legal system are unbelievable, with all the evidence, the case could have been thrown out of court.
Scott Peterson was charged and is currently on death row, doing appeals, which I do not understand. The impact statements of the family members have to be read about, or heard on audio to get the full meaning of this. Sharon gives hers, being so frustrated by the system not being able to express herself, the arrogant manner in which Scott appears in court, Sharon was determined to be there daily, and made sure she had a seat in the court room from which she could observe Scott, who spent a lot of time with a smile on his face which she truly wanted to wipe off. This was his wife and unborn son they were talking about good heavens this really has to be a must read, Sharon does get the opportunity to give her impact statement,telling Scott that divorce was the option not death, and did he ask Laci if she wanted to die, what does he have in his mind revisiting Laci and his yet unborn son's last minutes, was she alive when taken in the boat? no one will ever know exactly what happened in those last minutes, just the thought of that made me weep, which needless to say is a toughie to listen to, however there were years of frustration, and sadness having lost her beloved daughter Laci and unborn grandson Connor, she is some lady, and Mother, this really is a worthwhile story hearing it from the Mothers voice, filling in so many details which I had not heard about
August 13, 2012
This was one of the most touching stories I have ever read. Sharon is very honest in her writing. There are really no words to express how devestatingly sad this book was to read. It was truly gut- wrentching. What the Rocha family endured was very devestating. I have read numerous books on the Laci Peterson case and by far this one was the saddest of all. The story was told like only Laci's mother could tell it.
One of the things that I read in this book that surprised me was how Scotts' parents were to the Rocha family throughout the trial. Although they were also victims of this horrific crime, I felt that Lee was very rude and very disrespectful to the Rocha family. I also felt that the witness statement that Sharon gave when Scotts was being sentenced was very impactful. It made me angry to know Scott just sat there during the trial, and even while he was being sentenced with a disrespectful smirk on his murderous face. He is where he deserves to be right now!
This book will take a reader on a very emotional journey. I advise you to have tissue handy......
One of the things that I read in this book that surprised me was how Scotts' parents were to the Rocha family throughout the trial. Although they were also victims of this horrific crime, I felt that Lee was very rude and very disrespectful to the Rocha family. I also felt that the witness statement that Sharon gave when Scotts was being sentenced was very impactful. It made me angry to know Scott just sat there during the trial, and even while he was being sentenced with a disrespectful smirk on his murderous face. He is where he deserves to be right now!
This book will take a reader on a very emotional journey. I advise you to have tissue handy......
June 20, 2024
A heartbreaking book of a mother’s anguish! Not only did she lose her beautiful daughter but her grandson as well!
Scott Peterson is a piece of filth!!!
Scott Peterson is a piece of filth!!!
November 2, 2018
On Christmas eve 2002, Scott Peterson tells his mother in law that her daughter is missing. Scott Peterson is really stupid! He murders his 8 month pregnant wife rather than filing divorce papers. Who does that? He has killed his wife, his unborn son, and sent himself to death row.
It is Laci Peterson's mother who writes the book and her agony is severe and unending. She is a bereaved mom in the worst way. In this book she takes us through the story and we get to know Laci a bit so she isn't just another tragedy in the news, she is a lovely human being and a precious memory.
It is Laci Peterson's mother who writes the book and her agony is severe and unending. She is a bereaved mom in the worst way. In this book she takes us through the story and we get to know Laci a bit so she isn't just another tragedy in the news, she is a lovely human being and a precious memory.
March 11, 2012
I picked up “For Laci” at the library, intending to read it as my true crime book for 2012. However after reading the book I don’t think it should be classified as true crime. Having been so close to the victim, she was not in a position to see what was going on. She wasn’t there when the crime was committed and did not have knowledge about the direction or progress of the investigation. The book narrates the initial grief of a mother who has lost her daughter in a crime. I have mixed feelings about this book.
I found the book dull and not well thought through. Some passages just seemed to go on and on about how wonderful her daughter was and how much she misses her. The perspective of the author is very narrow. For example, she passes judgment on someone, and then a few chapters latter does the exact same thing herself.
I did find positive aspects also. The exercise of listening to a mother grieve was helpful to me. The book reminded me that we all have a way of seeing ourselves different than we really are. I was captivated by the responses different characters had to events and influences throughout the book, and I felt guilty at being so impatient with the author in her great loss.
I found the book dull and not well thought through. Some passages just seemed to go on and on about how wonderful her daughter was and how much she misses her. The perspective of the author is very narrow. For example, she passes judgment on someone, and then a few chapters latter does the exact same thing herself.
I did find positive aspects also. The exercise of listening to a mother grieve was helpful to me. The book reminded me that we all have a way of seeing ourselves different than we really are. I was captivated by the responses different characters had to events and influences throughout the book, and I felt guilty at being so impatient with the author in her great loss.
September 19, 2017
This book has really affected me. Of course, most people know about the murder of Laci and Connor Peterson murders. But this book, written by her mother, Sharon Rocha, and so heartbreaking. I cannot imagine how she feels. This book is emotional and powerful. I cried several times, just thinking of what she had to go through. I am sure that writing this book was cathartic for her. Just reading about her going through the search, having their bodies found, Scott getting arrested, etc. made me start to feel like I was a part of it all. And I cried. Several times. I wanted to hug Sharon so much. The point of this book hit me. I will never forget Laci and Connor. Their legacy will live on.
September 27, 2010
One of the best, in-depth and heartfelt books I've ever encountered. I listened to the Audio CD for this as well. It was well organized, and you could really feel what Sharon Rocha was feeling about her daughter. It also was peppered with spiritual contemplation....Sharon wondering if she picked up any clues about Scott's future crime. I also liked the part about Laci's love for lady bugs and how they kept showing up in unusual numbers on the day the trial verdict was read. My deepest sympathies go out to Mrs. Rocha...what an ordeal to have to suffer through the murder of a beautiful, joyful daughter who was looking forward to a bright future.
August 23, 2010
Wow! I grew up in Modesto and my uncle cleaned the chimney of Laci Peterson, just 2 months before her murder, so there is a special interest in these stories when they feel closer to home.
I think Sharon did a beautiful job of telling about the special person that Laci was. I feel for her family. I did feel at times that Sharon spent too much time being depressed, but what mother wouldn't. I would think that her family/friends would have suggested immediate counseling. I hope that in writing the book, she was able to let go of some of the feelings and can now focus on helping others.
I have read other books about this same story. They are all intriuging, but this one was, by far, the best. Thank you for the courage you showed in reliving this horrible time of your life, Sharon. You will probably never know how many lives you have helped.
I think Sharon did a beautiful job of telling about the special person that Laci was. I feel for her family. I did feel at times that Sharon spent too much time being depressed, but what mother wouldn't. I would think that her family/friends would have suggested immediate counseling. I hope that in writing the book, she was able to let go of some of the feelings and can now focus on helping others.
I have read other books about this same story. They are all intriuging, but this one was, by far, the best. Thank you for the courage you showed in reliving this horrible time of your life, Sharon. You will probably never know how many lives you have helped.
April 23, 2010
I loved this book. I feel terrible saying this considering the unbelievable anguish this woman went through losing her daughter and unborn grandson. It amazes me that she was able to share her personal and heartbreaking story with everyone. I remember when Laci first went missing and immediately thought her husband was guilty of doing something to her. The way he acted in this book just confirms, at least to me, that he was 100% guilty for murdering his beautiful wife and their innocent baby boy. I just finished this book and keep asking myself Why? Why? Sharon Rocha says in this book that "Divorce is always an option" and it always is.
September 19, 2011
Couldn't put the book down. Could not believe what this family went thru. It is so different what you know from the media and reading it you live it thru the mother and family. From reading the book Laci seems like a wonderful person that everyone loved. In the book her mom says something about how if Scott Peterson wanted out "Divorce is always and option not murder" her comment just stuck with me the whole book.
April 10, 2009
A beautiful touching tribute to her murdered daughter Laci, Sharon Rocha lived through every mother's worst nightmare. Written without gore or details of the murder itself, but rather a clear and concise sharing of information and openness for us as readers to see and enjoy Laci as her family had for twenty-seven-years.
Laci Peterson was a vivacious, upbeat, happy girl who had a smile that the whole world will never forget. On Christmas Eve, 2002 Laci's mother, Sharon Rocha, received a phone call from Laci's husband Scott Peterson. Scott was inquiring as to whether Laci was at her mother's home as she appeared to be "missing".
When Laci disappeared she was eight and a half months pregnant with her first child; a son that Scott and Laci had named Conner. Laci was excited about having her first child and often shared her feelings about the impending birth with her mother and her close friends. Everyone also believed that Scott was just as happy at the prospect of becoming a father for the first time. No one really knew how untrue that assumption of belief was.
As this touching story made it's way around the world, through the media we came to learn that Scott had been dating another woman by the name of Amber Frey whom Scott told he was 'unmarried'. The shock and distrust that Laci's family began to feel toward Scott as the case moved forward, were feelings they never dreamed they'd have to deal with. Did our son-in-law actually murder our daughter?
Thousands of people turned up to help Laci's family find her. Massive search parties were sent out in teams to cover the same ground again and again and again. Scott participated in these searches, gave an interview on national television with Diane Sawyer which was aired on January 28th, about his crushing loss over his missing wife. He played the part of the grieving husband quite well.
Unfortunately, the bodies of Laci and her baby son Conner were found, washed up ashore on April 13th and 14th, 2003 near where Scott claimed to have been fishing around the time of Laci's disappearance.
Scott Peterson was eventually arrested on April 18th at the Torrey Pines Golf Course, in La Jolla, California and charged with the murders of his wife Laci and their unborn son Conner.
Not only did Sharon Rocha and her family have to live through the nightmare of their daughter missing and then found murdered, but they also had to endure the anguish of a preliminary hearing and then a trial. On November 18th, 2003, following an eleven-day preliminary hearing, Scott Peterson was ordered to stand trial for the murders of his wife and unborn child. After twenty-three weeks of testimony and 184 witnesses, Scott Peterson was found guilty and sentenced on December 13, 2004 to death.
Sharon Rocha goes far beyond previous accounts to tell this story with unprecedented immediacy and intimacy. Included are Sharon's private conversations with police investigators and with Amber Frey.
As a mother myself, I cannot begin to even imagine what it would be like to live through the murder of your child - Sharon's feelings of loss as recorded in her Victim's Impact Statement - "her beautiful smile, her contagious giggle, her happy heart, her love of life, her great expectations of becoming a mother, her generous soul, her knowing how much I love her, and my knowing how much she loves me", are words I hope Laci can hear. Laci's family will never forget and for Sharon Rocha, she will forever be left with a huge hole in her heart.
This was a powerful and deeply touching memoir of loss and love.
Laci Peterson was a vivacious, upbeat, happy girl who had a smile that the whole world will never forget. On Christmas Eve, 2002 Laci's mother, Sharon Rocha, received a phone call from Laci's husband Scott Peterson. Scott was inquiring as to whether Laci was at her mother's home as she appeared to be "missing".
When Laci disappeared she was eight and a half months pregnant with her first child; a son that Scott and Laci had named Conner. Laci was excited about having her first child and often shared her feelings about the impending birth with her mother and her close friends. Everyone also believed that Scott was just as happy at the prospect of becoming a father for the first time. No one really knew how untrue that assumption of belief was.
As this touching story made it's way around the world, through the media we came to learn that Scott had been dating another woman by the name of Amber Frey whom Scott told he was 'unmarried'. The shock and distrust that Laci's family began to feel toward Scott as the case moved forward, were feelings they never dreamed they'd have to deal with. Did our son-in-law actually murder our daughter?
Thousands of people turned up to help Laci's family find her. Massive search parties were sent out in teams to cover the same ground again and again and again. Scott participated in these searches, gave an interview on national television with Diane Sawyer which was aired on January 28th, about his crushing loss over his missing wife. He played the part of the grieving husband quite well.
Unfortunately, the bodies of Laci and her baby son Conner were found, washed up ashore on April 13th and 14th, 2003 near where Scott claimed to have been fishing around the time of Laci's disappearance.
Scott Peterson was eventually arrested on April 18th at the Torrey Pines Golf Course, in La Jolla, California and charged with the murders of his wife Laci and their unborn son Conner.
Not only did Sharon Rocha and her family have to live through the nightmare of their daughter missing and then found murdered, but they also had to endure the anguish of a preliminary hearing and then a trial. On November 18th, 2003, following an eleven-day preliminary hearing, Scott Peterson was ordered to stand trial for the murders of his wife and unborn child. After twenty-three weeks of testimony and 184 witnesses, Scott Peterson was found guilty and sentenced on December 13, 2004 to death.
Sharon Rocha goes far beyond previous accounts to tell this story with unprecedented immediacy and intimacy. Included are Sharon's private conversations with police investigators and with Amber Frey.
As a mother myself, I cannot begin to even imagine what it would be like to live through the murder of your child - Sharon's feelings of loss as recorded in her Victim's Impact Statement - "her beautiful smile, her contagious giggle, her happy heart, her love of life, her great expectations of becoming a mother, her generous soul, her knowing how much I love her, and my knowing how much she loves me", are words I hope Laci can hear. Laci's family will never forget and for Sharon Rocha, she will forever be left with a huge hole in her heart.
This was a powerful and deeply touching memoir of loss and love.
June 23, 2009
I read this not too long after it came out and was mesmerized by this womans strength. I had no problem spending my money on this since the money was going to charity and I ended up reading a fantastic book.
I later shared this with numerous people because I liked it so much. Anyone who likes memoirs, most mothers out there, anyone who followed what happened to Laci closely, will probably get a lot from this book.
I'm glad Sharon wrote it- Laci would have wanted her to I'm sure.
Don't miss it- it's a good one!
I later shared this with numerous people because I liked it so much. Anyone who likes memoirs, most mothers out there, anyone who followed what happened to Laci closely, will probably get a lot from this book.
I'm glad Sharon wrote it- Laci would have wanted her to I'm sure.
Don't miss it- it's a good one!
March 5, 2012
God Bless you,Sharon Rocha. I will not even attempt to understand the devastation and loss of faith that you were forced to experiance. I will tell you that I am touched by your compassion and your restraint. You can tell when you wrote this book that it was written for Laci and Connor.I want to Thank You for writing with your heart and sharing it with all of us that were not able to meet Laci for ourselves.
May god bless and keep your family.
May god bless and keep your family.
July 17, 2013
This book is, of course, from the point of view of the victims mother. She takes you down her road of anguish and despair of learning her precious daughter is missing and subsequently struggling with the mounting shadows of doubt cast upon her beloved son-in-law. This is NOT a true crime novel. Just a mom channeling her grief.
August 9, 2012
A deeply moving book. Many different emotions were felt while reading this book; from sadness, to anger, to extreme bewilderment of how someone could have done something so horrific.
From the moment I began to read, I just couldn't put it down. From the moment I heard about Laci going missing and following the story as closely as I could, while I prayed for the best possible outcome, I felt drawn to this story. I felt connected to Laci. I imagine a lot of young women felt this way.
For me, it is another example of why I read non fiction. Let me clarify; I am not pleased by any of what I read here, by any stretch. Being able to fully immerse myself into a book that it based on someone's real life experience and attempting to get into that place in their mind where the story comes from is truly an exceptional journey. My heart goes out to Laci's family. Dearest Conner and Laci, may you both rest in peace. hn
From the moment I began to read, I just couldn't put it down. From the moment I heard about Laci going missing and following the story as closely as I could, while I prayed for the best possible outcome, I felt drawn to this story. I felt connected to Laci. I imagine a lot of young women felt this way.
For me, it is another example of why I read non fiction. Let me clarify; I am not pleased by any of what I read here, by any stretch. Being able to fully immerse myself into a book that it based on someone's real life experience and attempting to get into that place in their mind where the story comes from is truly an exceptional journey. My heart goes out to Laci's family. Dearest Conner and Laci, may you both rest in peace. hn
February 18, 2014
To be fair, this book is from Laci Peterson's mother's point of view - so obviously it's going to be a sad book filled with sadness about a missing daughter. Beyond that, this book has little value. I don't mean that in a mean way, but there's nothing new to be learned or gleaned from this book. The book flap says that Sharon Rocha wrote this book to help the families of other victims and to be a resource, as well as to continue Laci's legacy -- but there is very little that families can take away from this; and even less that is explicitly called out. I had expected there to be a fair bit about what the family did to assist police when their daughter was missing, how they coped, tips that other families could use, etc. but there isn't. Instead, it's a depressing slog through Sharon's own difficulties with dealing with her daughter's disappearance (lots of chapters about being too depressed to get out of bed, etc.).
The first quarter of the book is about Sharon herself, which I suppose is meant to "set the stage" but mostly just felt like filler. If we're being honest, the only reason anyone knows about this case or Sharon Rocha is because of the media accounts of her missing daughter and the subsequent trial. We're all looky-loos wanting some inside information, some insight that wasn't shared on the news or "hindsight" indicators that something was wrong -- we really aren't that interested in Sharon's high school career. From there, the book talks about Laci starting from her childhood and what a wonderful person she was. Which, again, is fair play for a mother's memoir but only repeats itself again and again about how sweet and wonderful Laci was and she didn't deserve to die (Would she have "deserved" a worse fate if she had been an unlikable jerk?). Those sections are by turns boring and repetitive and full of "if we'd only known what he was capable of..." types of sentiments.
Finally, in the last part of the book we get to the actual police investigations and by now we know that Scott is evil because everything in this story is black and white. The fact that he wasn't searching around the clock for his missing wife, not to mention entertaining a girlfriend on the side, instantly means that he's guilty. And from there, there are no if's and's or but's about it - he's a cold blooded murderer and as far as the family (and police!) are concerned, there is no reason to look anywhere else. Instead, they all throw 100% of their focus into trying to craft a tricky (and honestly, it sounds highly unlikely) scenario where he could have murdered his wife. Rocha even talks at length about how the testimony did not have any physical evidence, everything was circumstantial and weak - but they still believed 100% that Scott was to blame because...because... well, because he was not super close to his in-laws (plus, he had a long distance girlfriend).
I didn't follow this case in the media, other than the inescapable knowledge that it was taking place, so I never really sat down to study the evidence, etc. but based solely on Rocha's book I was shocked and horrified. It's terrifying to see the criminal justice system railroad a single suspect out of convenience. It's mentioned in a brief passing that while the police were searching the Peterson's home, the house across the street was burglarized and that there had been checks stolen from the Peterson's mailbox - people who would have been worth looking in to, but weren't. The final 10 or so chapters focused on the trial and the strained relationships between the families. There were a lot of vague or rushed references about the families fighting and one of Rocha's children tampering with the jury. She seemed to address these as if everyone knew what she was talking about, which is fair I suppose, since most people reading this book will have followed all of the news stories. But, of course, every time that her side of the family started trouble, it was a 'misunderstanding' whereas anyone else was stirring up trouble because they're hateful, awful people. To be honest, I got bored and skipped a lot of those parts.
Ultimately, this book won't tell you anything more than you have read in the papers, so I wouldn't recommend it to any True Crime junkies. It also won't help families of victims - there are no best practices, things you should/shouldn't do, etc. And as far as keeping Laci's legacy alive, well it's hit or miss. This book tells her entire story, so there's that. And her mother continues to make herself present in the media as "Laci Peterson's mom", although to what extent this is self-serving is hard to say.
The first quarter of the book is about Sharon herself, which I suppose is meant to "set the stage" but mostly just felt like filler. If we're being honest, the only reason anyone knows about this case or Sharon Rocha is because of the media accounts of her missing daughter and the subsequent trial. We're all looky-loos wanting some inside information, some insight that wasn't shared on the news or "hindsight" indicators that something was wrong -- we really aren't that interested in Sharon's high school career. From there, the book talks about Laci starting from her childhood and what a wonderful person she was. Which, again, is fair play for a mother's memoir but only repeats itself again and again about how sweet and wonderful Laci was and she didn't deserve to die (Would she have "deserved" a worse fate if she had been an unlikable jerk?). Those sections are by turns boring and repetitive and full of "if we'd only known what he was capable of..." types of sentiments.
Finally, in the last part of the book we get to the actual police investigations and by now we know that Scott is evil because everything in this story is black and white. The fact that he wasn't searching around the clock for his missing wife, not to mention entertaining a girlfriend on the side, instantly means that he's guilty. And from there, there are no if's and's or but's about it - he's a cold blooded murderer and as far as the family (and police!) are concerned, there is no reason to look anywhere else. Instead, they all throw 100% of their focus into trying to craft a tricky (and honestly, it sounds highly unlikely) scenario where he could have murdered his wife. Rocha even talks at length about how the testimony did not have any physical evidence, everything was circumstantial and weak - but they still believed 100% that Scott was to blame because...because... well, because he was not super close to his in-laws (plus, he had a long distance girlfriend).
I didn't follow this case in the media, other than the inescapable knowledge that it was taking place, so I never really sat down to study the evidence, etc. but based solely on Rocha's book I was shocked and horrified. It's terrifying to see the criminal justice system railroad a single suspect out of convenience. It's mentioned in a brief passing that while the police were searching the Peterson's home, the house across the street was burglarized and that there had been checks stolen from the Peterson's mailbox - people who would have been worth looking in to, but weren't. The final 10 or so chapters focused on the trial and the strained relationships between the families. There were a lot of vague or rushed references about the families fighting and one of Rocha's children tampering with the jury. She seemed to address these as if everyone knew what she was talking about, which is fair I suppose, since most people reading this book will have followed all of the news stories. But, of course, every time that her side of the family started trouble, it was a 'misunderstanding' whereas anyone else was stirring up trouble because they're hateful, awful people. To be honest, I got bored and skipped a lot of those parts.
Ultimately, this book won't tell you anything more than you have read in the papers, so I wouldn't recommend it to any True Crime junkies. It also won't help families of victims - there are no best practices, things you should/shouldn't do, etc. And as far as keeping Laci's legacy alive, well it's hit or miss. This book tells her entire story, so there's that. And her mother continues to make herself present in the media as "Laci Peterson's mom", although to what extent this is self-serving is hard to say.
October 28, 2007
In short: This book finally gave me peace about Laci's murder.
Sharon talks about Laci's childhood and her relationships up until her death. Sharon's love for Laci is so strong that you hurt *with her* as she tells about how much she loved Scott...and her mother's intuition about Scott's strange behavior in the hours and days following her dissapearance.
Although Sharon insists that Laci told her everything and that they were as close as could be, there are undisputed things that Laci did not share with her mom that are brought out in other books (such as an affair that Scott had when he was in college, during their marraige, which Laci knew about). So, keeping that in mind, you have to read this book with a grain of salt, since Sharon's account is only her perspective as a mother, and not all of the facts. There are many details that come out about Sharon's dealings with the Peterson family as well.
At the end of the book, Sharon shares a dream that she had in which Laci spoke to her and told her that she "didn't want to die." Sharon got the feeling that Laci was at peace, though, and has felt better ever since the dream.
Sharon talks about Laci's childhood and her relationships up until her death. Sharon's love for Laci is so strong that you hurt *with her* as she tells about how much she loved Scott...and her mother's intuition about Scott's strange behavior in the hours and days following her dissapearance.
Although Sharon insists that Laci told her everything and that they were as close as could be, there are undisputed things that Laci did not share with her mom that are brought out in other books (such as an affair that Scott had when he was in college, during their marraige, which Laci knew about). So, keeping that in mind, you have to read this book with a grain of salt, since Sharon's account is only her perspective as a mother, and not all of the facts. There are many details that come out about Sharon's dealings with the Peterson family as well.
At the end of the book, Sharon shares a dream that she had in which Laci spoke to her and told her that she "didn't want to die." Sharon got the feeling that Laci was at peace, though, and has felt better ever since the dream.
June 18, 2009
Even if proceeds from this book weren't going to charity (and they are), this book would be worth the read not only because it's very well written but it provides one of the, if not the only, insider account of the Laci Peterson disappearance. Far from being just a missing person, and then a homicide victim, Laci Rocha Peterson comes alive in the pages of her mother's book, from the personal family photos, to Laci's pregnancy journal entries, to Sharon's emotional turmoil at losing her only daughter and grandson. Saddest of all is perhaps the pages wherein Sharon describes Laci's excitement over her pregnancy and her son's impending birth, knowing that Laci would never experience motherhood. Scott Peterson comes across as a slick, manipulative, unfaithful louse of a husband who inexplicably decided to kill a wife who obviously loved him very much. A sad, sordid tale, but kudos to Sharon Rocha for having the courage to tell it.
December 13, 2008
If you want to refrain from a good nights sleep for a little while this book is right for you. I couldn't put this book down even though I knew the unfortunate ending. It was like being unable to look away from a terrible accident & the result was me reading until 3 am on a weeknight. Sharon Rocha, Laci's mother, takes us on her heartwrenching journey of the day Laci went missing to Scott's sentencing. What grabs you is she is one of us. Just a regular person that went through hell & you feel her anxiety as she searches for her daughter & her unborn grandson. What is consistently eerie throughout the book is that she always had a motherly instinct that there wasn't something good or right about Scott & unfortunately he was exposed for what he really was at the ultimate cost. A great read but maybe not for the Holidays...
May 28, 2009
Sharon Rocha, the mother of Laci Peterson, wrote this wrenchingly heart-felt book about the love she has for her daughter and the pain of losing her. We've all seen pictures of the sweet girl with the beautiful smile, but here Sharon shares Laci's spirit with those of us who have gotten to know her a little bit through the media.
The fact that Scott's actions before/during/after the murder were reprehensible is an understatement, but the behavior of his parents towards Laci's family is (almost) equally as disgusting. Same goes for the attitude of defense attorney Mark Geragos. Shame on all of them. Some people truly are *heartless*, and this world needs people like Laci (even if only in memory) to outshine the evil that exists.
The fact that Scott's actions before/during/after the murder were reprehensible is an understatement, but the behavior of his parents towards Laci's family is (almost) equally as disgusting. Same goes for the attitude of defense attorney Mark Geragos. Shame on all of them. Some people truly are *heartless*, and this world needs people like Laci (even if only in memory) to outshine the evil that exists.
January 9, 2010
very well done- you are taken on the whole journey from start to finish with Sharon Rocha and it is really interesting how everything plays out, especially to see how Scott Peterson acted during the whole process. A lot of detail is given about each conversation, each feeling, each new discovery in the case.
I am intrigued and want to read more books about this case- the one thing where Sharon did not go into detail was the forensics and other evidence brought during the trial- she didn't even come to court the days those things were discussed. I am amazed at how a man can be on death row just by circumstantial evidence- not saying he is innocent, but I want to know more about the trial.
I am intrigued and want to read more books about this case- the one thing where Sharon did not go into detail was the forensics and other evidence brought during the trial- she didn't even come to court the days those things were discussed. I am amazed at how a man can be on death row just by circumstantial evidence- not saying he is innocent, but I want to know more about the trial.
March 26, 2012
I thought this book was well written, penned by the mother of a daughter who was killed in such a horrible way by her husband and he was very close to the family. The resulting events with the husband's (Scott Peterson) parents, post murder, and how the parents antics are described in this book ,with such control by the author, is amazing. I'm just glad that it was put out there in writing for all to see. It comes across as a very accurate account, not sensationalized at all. So glad that Scott is forced to think about his actions in prison -- he could have gotten off if it wasn't for a woman scorned......who blew his cover.
August 2, 2011
I started this book today and then realized I had already read it! I don't know why I didn't remember that, I read all the books about Laci when they came out. I was very disturbed by her disappearance and the events that followed. Living so close to where her whole family lives reminds me often of their loss. I've cried so often for Laci and her son, I didn't know them, I can't imagine the pain her friends and family feel. I decided to keep reading even though I could probably retell the course of events as if I was there.
February 15, 2009
Sharon Rocha writes about her daughter, Laci Peterson, who was murdered by her husband, Scott, when she was seven months pregnant. It's a heartbreaking story and it's obvious as you read the book that Sharon had a close-knit relationship with her daughter Laci. Despite her ordeal, Sharon went on to help pass a law that makes it a crime to harm a fetus during an attack on a pregnant woman. I'm glad that something positive came out of all of it.
September 29, 2019
If you follow true crime, you have certainly heard of Laci Peterson. I have seen and read a lot about this case over the years and finally got around to picking this one up. Sharon Rocha (Laci’s mother) penned this book that reads as a true crime book and a love story to her only daughter. My heart broke for her during points of the book - her love for Laci and little baby Conner is so clear and present. My heart also broke for Laci and Conner. Highly recommend.
November 27, 2016
Thank You Sharon
God Bless you Sharon, Ron, Brent, Amy and all of those mourning the loss of this sweet woman and her baby. Her baby, not Scott's. The book is full of emotion, and strength. What strength Sharon and her loved ones had to remain the honest, loving family they are.
God Bless you Sharon, Ron, Brent, Amy and all of those mourning the loss of this sweet woman and her baby. Her baby, not Scott's. The book is full of emotion, and strength. What strength Sharon and her loved ones had to remain the honest, loving family they are.
October 11, 2018
My heart breaks for Laci's mother, and for her family, but I've always questioned whether or not Scott Peterson was truly guilty. There just didn't seem to be enough evidence against him, beyond the fact that people didn't feel he acted appropriately. He was speedily convicted in the court of public opinion, and now, years later, quite a few people are questioning whether or not the right person is in prison.
I have to admit, this book did change my impression of the case a bit. Although clearly biased, Rocha's story reveals some damning evidence against Peterson that I wasn't aware of, including how many times he lied or changed his story about where he was the day Laci disappeared, how he hid the fact he'd bought a boat from everyone, and those photos of him smiling at her vigil are just creepy. While I believe that everyone shows grief differently, people who didn't know Laci were bawling at that vigil. To see her husband smiling throughout the event, and know that he was sneaking away to call his girlfriend throughout the evening, is chilling. If you were an innocent man having an affair, and something this traumatic happened to your wife and unborn child, you'd think you'd be absolutely beset by guilt, probably to the point you'd distance yourself from your girlfriend. Instead, Peterson's reaction appeared to be, "Whew!"
There is clearly a lot of justified rage, sorrow, and agony felt by Laci's family, which is understandable. But a book filled with harsh criticisms of Peterson's parents, his girlfriend (who didn't even know he was married during their relationship), etc. painted an unflattering portrait of this grieving mother. It felt to me like Rocha was upset over what she felt were untruths or injustices throughout the investigation and the trial, and this book was her way of setting the record straight about all of them. The ugliness between the Rocha and Peterson families was difficult to read about, and in some ways, this book read more like an attack on Scott and his family than some loving tribute to Laci. While the public is understandably curious to learn more about the real people at the centre of big cases like this, I really believe some of the private details--especially words said in the heat of the moment, and presented only from one side--should stay private. As much as my heart goes out to Laci's family, a lot of this felt like mudslinging and I'm not sure what purpose that serves.
I have to admit, this book did change my impression of the case a bit. Although clearly biased, Rocha's story reveals some damning evidence against Peterson that I wasn't aware of, including how many times he lied or changed his story about where he was the day Laci disappeared, how he hid the fact he'd bought a boat from everyone, and those photos of him smiling at her vigil are just creepy. While I believe that everyone shows grief differently, people who didn't know Laci were bawling at that vigil. To see her husband smiling throughout the event, and know that he was sneaking away to call his girlfriend throughout the evening, is chilling. If you were an innocent man having an affair, and something this traumatic happened to your wife and unborn child, you'd think you'd be absolutely beset by guilt, probably to the point you'd distance yourself from your girlfriend. Instead, Peterson's reaction appeared to be, "Whew!"
There is clearly a lot of justified rage, sorrow, and agony felt by Laci's family, which is understandable. But a book filled with harsh criticisms of Peterson's parents, his girlfriend (who didn't even know he was married during their relationship), etc. painted an unflattering portrait of this grieving mother. It felt to me like Rocha was upset over what she felt were untruths or injustices throughout the investigation and the trial, and this book was her way of setting the record straight about all of them. The ugliness between the Rocha and Peterson families was difficult to read about, and in some ways, this book read more like an attack on Scott and his family than some loving tribute to Laci. While the public is understandably curious to learn more about the real people at the centre of big cases like this, I really believe some of the private details--especially words said in the heat of the moment, and presented only from one side--should stay private. As much as my heart goes out to Laci's family, a lot of this felt like mudslinging and I'm not sure what purpose that serves.
January 23, 2016
I gulped this whole book down in a single day. I avoided knowing too much about this case before now, but I guess the time finally came. Very moving and ultimately baffling story that seems to defy logic -- but I'm glad the jury made the right call. And check this out: as I was closing out this review, "Brown-Eyed Girl" came on the radio -- Laci's personal theme song. You go girl!
August 7, 2024
I put off reading this book because I knew the story, we all watched it unfold many years ago. I was right to put it off, but it wasn't any less tragic, sad or infuriating. Tragic because of lives cut short, sad because the author has to live with the greatest loss imaginable, and infuriating because the culprit was smug about what he had done.
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