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Dark Secret: The Complete Story: The True Account of What Happened to Little Alex Suleski
When a young girl goes missing in Kentucky, thousands join the search for her. From military stationed at the nearby base to the local police department and many civilian residents who never even knew the girl or her family - the effort put forth to find her is immense. But, when the FBI get involved, the missing girl's case takes a different turn. Only three people know what really happened to the little girl. Will any of them talk? Will there ever be justice for little Alex Suleski? Includes a first hand account from a witness to the entire case, as well as court transcripts and wire tape transcriptions. * Updated version with the latest information on the case. (2018)
488 pages, ebook
First published August 16, 2018
768 people are currently reading
1604 people want to read
About the author
Nyssa Rebecca Corbin
1 book33 followersNyssa Corbin is a homeschooling mother of four who writes to promote awareness of child abuse. Through the thorough retelling of biographical events, she urges action by those who witness abuse, as well as encouragement for those who have suffered through traumatic childhood events.
She and her husband are currently working on creating a camp for children in the foster care system. This unique camp would off self defense training, outdoor appreciation, nutrition education, and team building activities. They are hoping to also provide individual counseling, as well as group sessions. The camp is named for the little sister from the book, “Dark Secret”... “Camp Alexandria”.
She and her husband are currently working on creating a camp for children in the foster care system. This unique camp would off self defense training, outdoor appreciation, nutrition education, and team building activities. They are hoping to also provide individual counseling, as well as group sessions. The camp is named for the little sister from the book, “Dark Secret”... “Camp Alexandria”.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
December 15, 2018
A great, but disturbing read
This book was rough going in some ways. It's a child's-eye-view memoir of what I can only call the torture murder of a little girl. The author did a great job of letting us see what was really going on just outside the wall of intimidation and incomprehension that blocked her from acknowledging what was going on in plain sight. I was very, very impressed with the way she turned the tables on her mom to finally get some justice for her little sister; it's safe to say most people her age couldn't possibly have done it. I'm also very impressed by the way she went ahead and made her own life bear zero resemblance to what she grew up with. This is an incredible story all the way around. With that said, this book really needed a final copyedit to clear out some confusing elements. For instance, is the first Mrs. Suleski's name Kim, Chong or Young? It kept changing without warning. And how does a person given life without the possibility of parole later somehow have a parole hearing on the calendar? I would have liked a few words of explanation to clear up points like that. None of this stopped me from finishing the book, even though I had to put it aside for a few days and take a breather as the narrative brought us closer to the events of October 26th...But the children in that house never got to take a breather, now did they? So I kept reading.
This book was rough going in some ways. It's a child's-eye-view memoir of what I can only call the torture murder of a little girl. The author did a great job of letting us see what was really going on just outside the wall of intimidation and incomprehension that blocked her from acknowledging what was going on in plain sight. I was very, very impressed with the way she turned the tables on her mom to finally get some justice for her little sister; it's safe to say most people her age couldn't possibly have done it. I'm also very impressed by the way she went ahead and made her own life bear zero resemblance to what she grew up with. This is an incredible story all the way around. With that said, this book really needed a final copyedit to clear out some confusing elements. For instance, is the first Mrs. Suleski's name Kim, Chong or Young? It kept changing without warning. And how does a person given life without the possibility of parole later somehow have a parole hearing on the calendar? I would have liked a few words of explanation to clear up points like that. None of this stopped me from finishing the book, even though I had to put it aside for a few days and take a breather as the narrative brought us closer to the events of October 26th...But the children in that house never got to take a breather, now did they? So I kept reading.
September 29, 2024
Needs editing, but it's a fantastic tribute and...
...message nonetheless.
The story and tribute to this poor little five-year-old little girl is extremely heartbreaking and poignant. The author has given us an inside look at what happened to her, and how she, herself, bravely helped bring the perpetrators to justice.
For an indie book, the errors weren't as prevalent or glaring as most are, but you can tell that a final read-through was not done prior to publishing as there were some noticeable ones that would have been caught if there had been.
One of the biggest things that needs to be fixed is the accuracy of the supposed excerpts from the transcripts. I cannot believe that the parts in the book claiming to be actual excerpts are truly excerpts because, for example:
▪there are parts where more than three dots are used for the ellipses and a court report either will not use an ellipses at all, or will only use the grammatically correct three dots. (In fact...this needs to be corrected throughout the ENTIRE BOOK - there should ONLY BE 3 dots in an ellipses. In this book, however, it's as many as the author feels like using at the time).
▪ during one of the questions, either a prosecutor or attorney asks a question referencing a "he" - but when the witness answers, the answer is about a female - so was that true to the transcript, a typo, or is that entire section being written from interviews and the authors memory?
▪there are too many errors - either in the typing, the punctuation (ellipses), spelling (especially as throughout the document the author misuses the words past and passed - so these need too be corrected thru the entirety of the book).
I wish I could give it 5 stars, but there is even an odd name mentioned in the book - it's when the birth of Novi occurs. Before telling us the name Novi, there is ANOTHER, different, name used for her, so I almost thought for a moment that twins were born. I think the name used was Chrysta(?)
If the author could have someone with more of an eye towards editing go through the manuscript and correct these errors, and compare the manuscript to what was actually written in the book so she can HONESTLY say that what she writes is directly from the transcript, and she changes those annoying ellipses from the zillion dots down to the correct 3 ONLY so our eyes don't go berserk reading, fixes the passed/past issue (and learn what 'jest' means cuz you'll find you're using that wrong as well ... it's gist, dear); then I'll gladly give that last star back.
I'm an editor. I'm sorry. I can't help being critical of errors in a book. Especially if you want to charge people for it. You cannot ask for money for a faulty product. That's unfair.
I understand this project is your baby, and means a lot to you. I'm just trying to help you make it the absolute best it can be. I do the same thing with popular and well-known authors every day. They appreciate it ... and trust me, their books are far from perfect before editors get ahold (another word you need to pay attention to in your book) of them.
...message nonetheless.
The story and tribute to this poor little five-year-old little girl is extremely heartbreaking and poignant. The author has given us an inside look at what happened to her, and how she, herself, bravely helped bring the perpetrators to justice.
For an indie book, the errors weren't as prevalent or glaring as most are, but you can tell that a final read-through was not done prior to publishing as there were some noticeable ones that would have been caught if there had been.
One of the biggest things that needs to be fixed is the accuracy of the supposed excerpts from the transcripts. I cannot believe that the parts in the book claiming to be actual excerpts are truly excerpts because, for example:
▪there are parts where more than three dots are used for the ellipses and a court report either will not use an ellipses at all, or will only use the grammatically correct three dots. (In fact...this needs to be corrected throughout the ENTIRE BOOK - there should ONLY BE 3 dots in an ellipses. In this book, however, it's as many as the author feels like using at the time).
▪ during one of the questions, either a prosecutor or attorney asks a question referencing a "he" - but when the witness answers, the answer is about a female - so was that true to the transcript, a typo, or is that entire section being written from interviews and the authors memory?
▪there are too many errors - either in the typing, the punctuation (ellipses), spelling (especially as throughout the document the author misuses the words past and passed - so these need too be corrected thru the entirety of the book).
I wish I could give it 5 stars, but there is even an odd name mentioned in the book - it's when the birth of Novi occurs. Before telling us the name Novi, there is ANOTHER, different, name used for her, so I almost thought for a moment that twins were born. I think the name used was Chrysta(?)
If the author could have someone with more of an eye towards editing go through the manuscript and correct these errors, and compare the manuscript to what was actually written in the book so she can HONESTLY say that what she writes is directly from the transcript, and she changes those annoying ellipses from the zillion dots down to the correct 3 ONLY so our eyes don't go berserk reading, fixes the passed/past issue (and learn what 'jest' means cuz you'll find you're using that wrong as well ... it's gist, dear); then I'll gladly give that last star back.
I'm an editor. I'm sorry. I can't help being critical of errors in a book. Especially if you want to charge people for it. You cannot ask for money for a faulty product. That's unfair.
I understand this project is your baby, and means a lot to you. I'm just trying to help you make it the absolute best it can be. I do the same thing with popular and well-known authors every day. They appreciate it ... and trust me, their books are far from perfect before editors get ahold (another word you need to pay attention to in your book) of them.
January 5, 2019
This book was written simply, and I became engrossed in it. It was sad, and at times hard to read, especially about the death of a child.
The only negative is the book had a lot of errors, and the ending was long winded, but it's hard to critique a heartfelt story.
Thanks so much @Goodreads, as I won this ebook, and thanks to the author, Nyssa Corbin for her honest story.
The only negative is the book had a lot of errors, and the ending was long winded, but it's hard to critique a heartfelt story.
Thanks so much @Goodreads, as I won this ebook, and thanks to the author, Nyssa Corbin for her honest story.
February 12, 2022
I've seen others comment that this book is poorly written. Admittedly it has quite a few typo's etc. but don't let that stop you reading it because the important details, facts and psychology involved in the murder of an innocent little girl are well organized and clearly laid out. I highly recommend this book providing, as it does, insight into child abuse and torture that is sadly prevalent in our society and could well be happening right next door.
This tragic tale gives an inside view from the perspective of a child who witnessed and survived it all, who, with the passage of years, came to realize that the home she grew up in was the antithesis of what family is all about. So finally she was able to share the story of a little girl who was silenced, tortured, brutalized physically and mentally by a monster. It details the sick mentality and psychological intimidation used by a woman who should never have born children or been entrusted with their care.
Its important that we understand the how's and why's and psychological makeup of all the players in this sad story including a spineless wuss of a father who failed his little daughter in the very worst way, not only allowing but complicitly aiding and enabling the sick and sadistic woman he introduced into his daughters' lives.
There are SO MANY WAYS to mistreat children leaving them psychologically and/or physically scarred and, in the process, robbing them of a happy childhood, which might even, in worst case scenario, end in their death. This is one story told by one valiant survivor about how her own mother killed a defenseless child while manipulating other family members into participating. If this story rescues one child from a toxic "home", if it saves one little life, then reading it is time well-spent.
This tragic tale gives an inside view from the perspective of a child who witnessed and survived it all, who, with the passage of years, came to realize that the home she grew up in was the antithesis of what family is all about. So finally she was able to share the story of a little girl who was silenced, tortured, brutalized physically and mentally by a monster. It details the sick mentality and psychological intimidation used by a woman who should never have born children or been entrusted with their care.
Its important that we understand the how's and why's and psychological makeup of all the players in this sad story including a spineless wuss of a father who failed his little daughter in the very worst way, not only allowing but complicitly aiding and enabling the sick and sadistic woman he introduced into his daughters' lives.
There are SO MANY WAYS to mistreat children leaving them psychologically and/or physically scarred and, in the process, robbing them of a happy childhood, which might even, in worst case scenario, end in their death. This is one story told by one valiant survivor about how her own mother killed a defenseless child while manipulating other family members into participating. If this story rescues one child from a toxic "home", if it saves one little life, then reading it is time well-spent.
February 10, 2020
Such bravery
Nyssa it takes great courage to speak out against abuse especially when it happens at the hands of a parent. Abuse of any kind is terrible but when it’s at the hands of those we should be able to trust the most it is particularly disgusting.
Sadly far to many parents use their children as weapons following separation without considering the effect it has on the child. I am so sorry for the loss of your sister Alex reading your account of her last few says was heartbreaking no child should have ever had to witness what you did and no child should ever suffer the way Alex did. You were placed in an impossible situation one that would have been hard on an adult let alone a 12 year old child but the bravery you showed in bringing those monsters to justice was humbling. Alex deserved justice and thanks to you and Dawn she can rest peacefully. To go through the nightmare you did and come through it the way you have testifies to how strong and special you are.
I know Alex is looking down on you with pride for her big sister and is your guardian angel. Thank you for sharing your life story I’m positive it will help many people that have been where you have and are struggling with it. I know it helped me so again thank you. You are a beautiful soul and you you have a beautiful family.
Nyssa it takes great courage to speak out against abuse especially when it happens at the hands of a parent. Abuse of any kind is terrible but when it’s at the hands of those we should be able to trust the most it is particularly disgusting.
Sadly far to many parents use their children as weapons following separation without considering the effect it has on the child. I am so sorry for the loss of your sister Alex reading your account of her last few says was heartbreaking no child should have ever had to witness what you did and no child should ever suffer the way Alex did. You were placed in an impossible situation one that would have been hard on an adult let alone a 12 year old child but the bravery you showed in bringing those monsters to justice was humbling. Alex deserved justice and thanks to you and Dawn she can rest peacefully. To go through the nightmare you did and come through it the way you have testifies to how strong and special you are.
I know Alex is looking down on you with pride for her big sister and is your guardian angel. Thank you for sharing your life story I’m positive it will help many people that have been where you have and are struggling with it. I know it helped me so again thank you. You are a beautiful soul and you you have a beautiful family.
December 30, 2018
This book affected me in ways I could never have imagined. When I first read the description, I expected it to be just another true-crime book where they are searching for who did it and how; this was much more.
I loved that it was written by someone that was so close to what happened so you know you are getting an accurate portrayal of what happened and not someone's best educated guess. The detail was almost too much sometimes, but was definitely necessary to really bring you into the story being told. As a parent with a child around the same age as Alex, I had a tough time reading through parts without taking a break and hugging my son.
Though there are several grammatical and spelling errors, it is a compelling book that you cannot wait to finish. However, the end of the book seems almost drawn out and quite unnecessary to the point of the book. I, personally, would have been satisfied with ending just after the verdict and a brief update of Nyssa (Rebecca) and her sisters.
Overall, I was glad to have read it. I learned something new and couldn't wait to look up more once I was done reading. I definitely recommend it.
I loved that it was written by someone that was so close to what happened so you know you are getting an accurate portrayal of what happened and not someone's best educated guess. The detail was almost too much sometimes, but was definitely necessary to really bring you into the story being told. As a parent with a child around the same age as Alex, I had a tough time reading through parts without taking a break and hugging my son.
Though there are several grammatical and spelling errors, it is a compelling book that you cannot wait to finish. However, the end of the book seems almost drawn out and quite unnecessary to the point of the book. I, personally, would have been satisfied with ending just after the verdict and a brief update of Nyssa (Rebecca) and her sisters.
Overall, I was glad to have read it. I learned something new and couldn't wait to look up more once I was done reading. I definitely recommend it.
March 28, 2019
Reasons Why Some People Shouldn't Have Children
I find it interesting when someone can write in the first person. Nyssa's mother is such an evil person. Tom the mother's husband was awful. Neither of them should have been parents. Nyssa's mother is so evil and I do equally that the grandmother is equally the same. Actually the grandmother finally showed her true colors.
Little Alex suffered from her step-mother, which is why she couldn't hold her bladder. The child lived in a petrified state.
Overall sentence structure is good. The story was told clearly. This was a very good book. I was glued to it.
I find it interesting when someone can write in the first person. Nyssa's mother is such an evil person. Tom the mother's husband was awful. Neither of them should have been parents. Nyssa's mother is so evil and I do equally that the grandmother is equally the same. Actually the grandmother finally showed her true colors.
Little Alex suffered from her step-mother, which is why she couldn't hold her bladder. The child lived in a petrified state.
Overall sentence structure is good. The story was told clearly. This was a very good book. I was glued to it.
February 18, 2020
I started this book knowing it was about a child abuse situation. When I got to the point where Nyssa's mother is feeding Alex her own feces I lost it. I broke down in tears for hours texting my boyfriend at the time about how upset I was. I almost decided to delete this book off my kindle and never finish it. I'm so glad I didn't. It could use some editing I noticed small mistakes but it was a good book. I'm happy to know that she went on with her life in a positive way and has an amazing family and support system.
December 31, 2018
Compelling Read
I was grabbed from the first word. A shocking tale that proves evil walks among us. I did have a little trouble following along as some details seemed to pop up as if they were explained earlier but they were not. All in all - i highly recommend this book - especially for anyone who works with children as a reminder that we never really know what happens behind closed doors and sometimes we need to peek.
I was grabbed from the first word. A shocking tale that proves evil walks among us. I did have a little trouble following along as some details seemed to pop up as if they were explained earlier but they were not. All in all - i highly recommend this book - especially for anyone who works with children as a reminder that we never really know what happens behind closed doors and sometimes we need to peek.
July 2, 2019
Incredible story- as the author perseveres
This was a sad but true story. The author is a brave woman that perseveres through a grueling and heartbreaking childhood. She tells a story of her, her sisters, and her Mom and and Tom, her step-father at the time. The journey she tells will give you a view of child abuse that will make you want to get up and “do something “ about. Great job!
This was a sad but true story. The author is a brave woman that perseveres through a grueling and heartbreaking childhood. She tells a story of her, her sisters, and her Mom and and Tom, her step-father at the time. The journey she tells will give you a view of child abuse that will make you want to get up and “do something “ about. Great job!
January 19, 2020
Interesting read
Interesting perspective from Nyssa’s perspective. To have the courage to speak the truth while still a minor was a courageous and wonderful act. It was hard to understand the continuation at the end till the last few pages when she spoke to her faith in God. While it was interspersed throughout the book, the author did not speak to the strong connection to our Lord till the very end.
Interesting perspective from Nyssa’s perspective. To have the courage to speak the truth while still a minor was a courageous and wonderful act. It was hard to understand the continuation at the end till the last few pages when she spoke to her faith in God. While it was interspersed throughout the book, the author did not speak to the strong connection to our Lord till the very end.
June 3, 2019
A story of survival
Nyssa’s (Rebecca’s) and her sister’s Dawn and Alex suffered tragically at the hands of a manipulative abusive mother and those in their life that stood by. This is the true story written at the autobiographical hand by Nyssa at her point of view and what happened in their lives. I was deeply moved and saddened by this book and the loss of their sister.
Nyssa’s (Rebecca’s) and her sister’s Dawn and Alex suffered tragically at the hands of a manipulative abusive mother and those in their life that stood by. This is the true story written at the autobiographical hand by Nyssa at her point of view and what happened in their lives. I was deeply moved and saddened by this book and the loss of their sister.
June 12, 2019
Sadistic evil
The book itself was impossible to put down. I only have it 4 stars due to the awful editing. Way too many misspelled words, wrong words altogether and just wrong sentence structure made it a little confusing sometimes. But all in all this book actually made me cry which hasn't happened in a very long time.
The book itself was impossible to put down. I only have it 4 stars due to the awful editing. Way too many misspelled words, wrong words altogether and just wrong sentence structure made it a little confusing sometimes. But all in all this book actually made me cry which hasn't happened in a very long time.
June 23, 2019
Fantastic book!
This book was amazingly compelling. The way the author told her story both gripped me and broke my heart. I’m so happy that she shared her story and moved forward with her life breaking the cycle. I read this book in only 3 sittings, couldn’t put it down and highly recommend it.
This book was amazingly compelling. The way the author told her story both gripped me and broke my heart. I’m so happy that she shared her story and moved forward with her life breaking the cycle. I read this book in only 3 sittings, couldn’t put it down and highly recommend it.
August 3, 2019
Child physical and emotional abuse
As a counselor for sexually, physical and emotional abused children, I found Rebecca's book very thoroughly descriptive of the processes of shaping behaviour and how abusers pair with passive unsure people to allow abuse of their own children! Her recovery was how it affected Alex and Dawn and her strong God given faith.
As a counselor for sexually, physical and emotional abused children, I found Rebecca's book very thoroughly descriptive of the processes of shaping behaviour and how abusers pair with passive unsure people to allow abuse of their own children! Her recovery was how it affected Alex and Dawn and her strong God given faith.
October 3, 2019
A page turner
This book told the sad yet gripping tale of child abuse that no one should have to experience. It has a few typos and errors, but is a harrowing tale of abuse, mistreatment, overcoming odds, love and faith. Everyone should read it, and if it saves just one life, it has done its job.
This book told the sad yet gripping tale of child abuse that no one should have to experience. It has a few typos and errors, but is a harrowing tale of abuse, mistreatment, overcoming odds, love and faith. Everyone should read it, and if it saves just one life, it has done its job.
January 2, 2020
Sad sad story. Displays how manipulative people do what they do so well. Inspiring as to how Nissa was so determined to stop a monster and did what she had to. There were errors but you get the idea. Can be a little annoying. The trial I actually only read a few parts, skipped through most of that part.
January 10, 2019
Couldn't put this down. A must read.
Harrowing story of 3 abused little girls, ending in the torture and death of little Alex and the brave story of how her sister's brought those responsible to justice. A very compelling account from a very brave young lady.
Harrowing story of 3 abused little girls, ending in the torture and death of little Alex and the brave story of how her sister's brought those responsible to justice. A very compelling account from a very brave young lady.
January 29, 2019
Heartless mother
Abuse at its worst. Follow NYSE, Dawn, and Alex as they live through dysfunctional households. Then follow how these events affect how she is as adult. A great book.
Abuse at its worst. Follow NYSE, Dawn, and Alex as they live through dysfunctional households. Then follow how these events affect how she is as adult. A great book.
February 1, 2019
Hard to read!
This was a really really hard book to read.
The abuse these girls suffered kept me awake at night. I stayed up late two nights to finish it. And when I finish it I couldn't sleep.
This was a really really hard book to read.
The abuse these girls suffered kept me awake at night. I stayed up late two nights to finish it. And when I finish it I couldn't sleep.
May 3, 2019
Good
Wow, incredibly hard to read at times because of the mothers abuse. I'm glad I kept reading, the life of this author is extradinary! I cannot even fathom what she went through.
Wow, incredibly hard to read at times because of the mothers abuse. I'm glad I kept reading, the life of this author is extradinary! I cannot even fathom what she went through.
June 14, 2019
Incredible story
This book was amazing but also heartbreaking! Very well written except for a few typos. I highly recommend it to anyone who likes non fiction and wants to learn more about child abuse....because it is definitely out there.
This book was amazing but also heartbreaking! Very well written except for a few typos. I highly recommend it to anyone who likes non fiction and wants to learn more about child abuse....because it is definitely out there.
December 22, 2019
Heartbreaking
This is an heartbreakingly sad story to read. Poor baby!!! She was so young and it is devastating to think about and know just how often this happens in life as well. How many others have similar life experiences?? Way TOO MANY!!!!!!
This is an heartbreakingly sad story to read. Poor baby!!! She was so young and it is devastating to think about and know just how often this happens in life as well. How many others have similar life experiences?? Way TOO MANY!!!!!!
February 2, 2020
Overcoming Family Ties.
Nyssa takes you from childhood to adult hood . Learning to live with abuse, sadness and fear. How could anyone be able survive? And yet she does. I felt so bad for this poor helpless child. What courage to share with us her journey. Well worth reading.
Nyssa takes you from childhood to adult hood . Learning to live with abuse, sadness and fear. How could anyone be able survive? And yet she does. I felt so bad for this poor helpless child. What courage to share with us her journey. Well worth reading.
January 15, 2019
Interesting read
February 9, 2019
unbelievable
a fascinating story of horror that someones childhood proving how different upbringings I could not put the book down excellent read
a fascinating story of horror that someones childhood proving how different upbringings I could not put the book down excellent read
February 18, 2019
Was heart breaking reading about what occurred. Thankful the other children made it out alive.
May 14, 2019
Wonderful
I have enjoyed this book it's just great highly recommend it is really sad how some women don't appreciate children.this women is a horrible human being
I have enjoyed this book it's just great highly recommend it is really sad how some women don't appreciate children.this women is a horrible human being
May 24, 2019
I loved this book I'm not really into true stories that much but this one had me hooked
June 5, 2019
Good more
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