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Killing Kate: A Story of Turning Abuse and Tragedy into Transformation and Triumph
A burning question around domestic violence is, “Why doesn’t she just leave?” Killing Kate reads like a real-life horror-thriller of what happened when one woman did “just leave”. Follow the crazy signs and red flags the husband showed and the tragedy that pursued. This book is a cautionary tale and a rallying cry for women to support each other. Kate’s story is an essential read in the fight against domestic and gun violence.
- GenresNonfiction
225 pages, Hardcover
Published October 1, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
November 26, 2019
Meet my friend Kate. She lived through hell and she is here to tell you about it. It takes a lot to tell the honest story of the most difficult period of your life. To do it with the hope that it might help others is the kindest and bravest thing you can do.
December 7, 2019
Working with Kate Ranta to tell and write her story has been an honor. She took the pain she experienced in her violent marriage and turned it into power as an advocate for women, a speaker on gun and domestic violence and is a true supporter of women. The details, the scenarios are clear signs others can use as real-life examples of dangerous abusive behavior. Our mission with this book is to educate women and men on signs and prevention of domestic violence.
December 7, 2019
Powerful and honest story of surviving what's supposed to kill you. Keep thriving Kate.
January 9, 2020
This book was a page turner. My heart was in my throat so many times even though I had followed Kate's story and knew she had survived. What strength she has! But also, what a sense of humor and what a powerful voice she has. She's not one to cross. I sit here, in tears, grateful she survived and thrilled that she found her voice. Her struggles are familiar to anyone who has been in an emotionally abusive relationship, but how she takes on the court system and addresses how the system is stacked in favor of defendants, how police can be so callous, how judges can be so obsequious in the presence of military, the way she takes on race and privilege-- Kate suffers no fools and tells it like it is. Her tenderness for her sons, her family, and the people who supported and support her is deeply affecting. She shares her heroism. In the end, I pray that her book makes it into every women's shelter in the country. I hope her story reaches the millions of women who every day, are abused by intimate partners before it's too late for them. You might feel down now, but you too can be your best advocate. Really powerful book. Also by the end, I wanted to beat the shit out of her ex-husband even though he's rotting in prison. And for that matter, I want to beat anyone who goes after Kate for any reason-- she's the kind of person who inspires fierce loyalty and is ferocious in her own right. We are so lucky that people like her survive trauma and continue to heroically walk among us. We would all be better off if we listened to her about abusers, red flags, and the justice system.
November 29, 2020
It saddens me that even the reviews show victim shaming. How can you read this book and still have those thoughts? How can you not understand THAT mentality is exactly why she and her father were shot! Her son forever traumatized. NO ONE LISTENED TO HER. No one who legally was required to save her did! And then you have the audacity to leave these reviews further shoving your heads into the ignorant holes of “why didn’t she just leave”... because abuse takes away your own identity, your own ability to survive, abusers create a trauma bond with their victims. Asking her why she didn’t leave is the same as asking a child being beaten why they didn’t just speak up. This woman tried to leave...and involved the courts, the police etc. she was turned away each time she asked for help. She was still being harassed and abused when she tried to get away. Why would she have felt life was going to be any better away from him when she was still being abused and the court system didn’t care?
October 28, 2020
Started reading for class, kept reading for Kate
This is a difficult read, and it should be for a story like this. If you’re thinking about buying this book? Do it. It’s not overly long, but everything about this story is important. However, you should take it easy if you’re a survivor of similar abuse. Everyone else? Read it until you absorb every word. This book is a great first step to take if you want to educate yourself on the various struggles abuse victims face over the course of their entire ordeal.
This is a difficult read, and it should be for a story like this. If you’re thinking about buying this book? Do it. It’s not overly long, but everything about this story is important. However, you should take it easy if you’re a survivor of similar abuse. Everyone else? Read it until you absorb every word. This book is a great first step to take if you want to educate yourself on the various struggles abuse victims face over the course of their entire ordeal.
January 26, 2020
Couldn’t put this book down. Even though I know the outcome I felt the pain Kate was feeling. DV is real. I cant get over no one was able to to stop this when Kate was telling them what was good on. Shane on the military, the judge the police for not protecting her.
April 25, 2020
Compelling and yet stunningly familiar book about a woman’s abuse, attempted murder and survival. I just kept thinking about Dirty John. These stories are so similar and yet the system continues to fail these women. Brava, Kate. Keep fighting!😘
May 30, 2020
I came across Kate Ranta in around 2013-2014 on a Facebook video about gun violence. I immediately followed her page ready to learn more about how to help stop gun violence in families. Her raw and powerful posts about her ex and his abuse were so similar to someone close to me. Myself. Realizing that and her consistent posts of signs of abuse showed up in my Facebook feed when I needed it the most and finally, I left my abusive marriage.
Reading this story was like reading my own story. It’s terrifying familiar. This should be a book given to any woman that is entering a new relationship. We often ignore our gut about people and give people the benefit of the doubt. Trust your gut. Set boundaries. Run the moment it’s iffy.
The book was raw, honest and descriptive. I don’t often give out reviews, but this book needs to be circled through out the US. It’s important. It’s life changing and a lifeguard for many people. Honestly, I hope that I can revisit this book in 30 years and say “wow, we really did treat women like shit back then...our system failed so many...so many died but it’s so much better.”
Women like Kate helps us get there and get better as a community.
Reading this story was like reading my own story. It’s terrifying familiar. This should be a book given to any woman that is entering a new relationship. We often ignore our gut about people and give people the benefit of the doubt. Trust your gut. Set boundaries. Run the moment it’s iffy.
The book was raw, honest and descriptive. I don’t often give out reviews, but this book needs to be circled through out the US. It’s important. It’s life changing and a lifeguard for many people. Honestly, I hope that I can revisit this book in 30 years and say “wow, we really did treat women like shit back then...our system failed so many...so many died but it’s so much better.”
Women like Kate helps us get there and get better as a community.
December 27, 2024
After listening to a True Crime Podcast and hearing Kate’s story, I felt compelled to understand how the horrific events that her family went through fueled her advocacy.
In this incredible recount of Kate’s traumatic, life altering experiences, I was taken through a journey of fear, pain, frustration, and terror. And then I saw the resiliency, love, compassion and healing that shone through Kate’s family.
This true account of an unimaginable tragedy, moved me to tears and anger and then had me cheering and feeling hopeful for the future because of Kate’s strength.
I highly recommend reading this book and joining the supportive network that surrounds Kate at SISU.
In this incredible recount of Kate’s traumatic, life altering experiences, I was taken through a journey of fear, pain, frustration, and terror. And then I saw the resiliency, love, compassion and healing that shone through Kate’s family.
This true account of an unimaginable tragedy, moved me to tears and anger and then had me cheering and feeling hopeful for the future because of Kate’s strength.
I highly recommend reading this book and joining the supportive network that surrounds Kate at SISU.
February 9, 2025
Amazing, powerful story
Sometimes, you read things that give you emotions as you read on. This story was a heart-wrenching and gripping tale of survival. Makes me realize that the abuse I endured could have ended so much worse. Not enough women have support. And our judicial system is terrible for women. No one should have to wait for this type of violence to get help. It's just unacceptable
Sometimes, you read things that give you emotions as you read on. This story was a heart-wrenching and gripping tale of survival. Makes me realize that the abuse I endured could have ended so much worse. Not enough women have support. And our judicial system is terrible for women. No one should have to wait for this type of violence to get help. It's just unacceptable
February 26, 2026
Interesting and insightful read. This is This is a very important topic. I did feel, after reading the book, a little banged up.
November 15, 2025
Kate you are the strongest woman ever. Your story will stick with me forever.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews