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In Search of the Rainbow's End: Inside the White House Farm Murders
**THE TRUE STORY BEHIND MAJOR ITV DRAMA WHITE HOUSE FARM, NOW ON NETFLIX**'An extraordinary book . . . both deeply moving and quietly inspiring' FREDDIE FOX'A beautiful, very moving book' CRESSIDA BONASIn 1985, the shocking murder of a family of five in a quiet country house in Essex rocked the nation. The victims were Nevill and June Bamber; their adopted daughter Sheila Caffell, divorced from her husband Colin; and Sheila and Colin's twin sons, Nicholas and Daniel. Only one survivor the Bamber's other adopted child, Jeremy Bamber. Following his lead, the police - and later the press - blamed the murders on Sheila, who, so the story went, then committed suicide.Written by Sheila's ex-husband Colin and originally published in 1994, In Search of the Rainbow's End is the first and only book about the White House Farm murders to have been written by a family member. It is the inside story of two families into whose midst the most monstrous events erupted. When Jeremy Bamber is later convicted on all five counts of murder, Colin is left to pick up the pieces of his life after not only burying his ex-wife, two children and parents-in-law, but also having to cope with memories of Sheila almost shattered by a predatory press hungry for stories of sex, drugs and the high life. Colin's tale is not just a rare insider's picture of murder, but testimony to the strength and resilience of one man in search of healing after he describes his process of recovery, a process that led to his working in prisons, helping to rehabilitate,among others, convicted murderers. By turns emotive, terrifying, and inspiring, Colin Caffell's account of mass murder and its aftermath will not fail to move and astonish.
412 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 9, 2020
90 people are currently reading
448 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
November 20, 2023
3.5- 4 stars.
This was a very personal and moving account of murder. I found the words eloquent and thought the author did a good job of portraying the victims and who they were in life. This is a memoir type of format although I found the parts about the criminal investigation and other snippets from around the time very interesting and telling, particularly about the character of the perpetrator. It also touches on the media, the police investigation, with some parts of the book talking about art and spirituality workshops and the author’s own healing process. These parts sometimes felt a little long winded. A clearer structure and some editing would have done this book justice in making it stand out more for the reader.
This was a very personal and moving account of murder. I found the words eloquent and thought the author did a good job of portraying the victims and who they were in life. This is a memoir type of format although I found the parts about the criminal investigation and other snippets from around the time very interesting and telling, particularly about the character of the perpetrator. It also touches on the media, the police investigation, with some parts of the book talking about art and spirituality workshops and the author’s own healing process. These parts sometimes felt a little long winded. A clearer structure and some editing would have done this book justice in making it stand out more for the reader.
July 14, 2022
Incredibly insightful, moving, and an in depth look into the soul and psyche. True-crime aspect aside, this novel by Colin Caffell has moved me in ways I don't think I will forget. Going into this I had expected to be given the x, y, and z of the horrendous murders that took place at the White House Farm in 1985. However, coming out of it, I find that I have been exposed to a different view of life and those around me.
After hearing the news that his children and ex-wife- beautiful, amazing, full of life, six year old twin boys Daniel and Nicholas, and innocent, loving Bambs (along with both of her parents) were callously murdered, Caffell finds himself in a free-fall of despair. Trying to discern how such young, vibrant lives could be snuffed out so quickly, left him reeling with trying to navigate his grief and that of those he loves. He details the events afterwards mishandled by both the police, and the press. The trial by media of Sheila (Bambs) Bamber making outlandish and exaggeratory claims hinders his ability to cope and come to terms with this new life without them. Caffell takes you on a journey to slowly piece together his shattered soul and find the destiny inevitably waiting for him.
The raw emotion that he exudes throughout the entirety of the the novel is something I find myself marveling at. I can't begin to comprehend the grief and loss of such a tragedy, but I highly admire how he eventually overcame his tragic past and used his circumstances to one day help better the lives of others in monumental ways. Caffell's own struggle with spirituality and organized religion tend to reflect a lot of my own beliefs and so I respected what he had to say, even when those opinions changed. I truly listened to, not just heard, how he found something bigger than himself to believe in and why. I've still have not experienced that epiphany, but I understand that there is need for a higher purpose/power in life and there may be. I just have yet to witness it.
Through research and interviews with multiple experts (professors, researchers etc.) in psychology, I find he compellingly relates how grief, causing you and others to look at yourself as a victim, and struggling with survivors guilt, can affect your mind. His take on mental illnesses and how they're developed and "treated" is something I found pretty compelling and worth debating over. He explores the "nature vs. nurture" theory-if people are inherently bad or if circumstance makes them so. It was an insightful, new perspective that had me questioning things I was thought and taught to have believed.
If you are an open-minded person who doesn't cringe from gore, and maybe needs a sign to start looking into ways to help cope with grief-this is a read I highly recommend.
After hearing the news that his children and ex-wife- beautiful, amazing, full of life, six year old twin boys Daniel and Nicholas, and innocent, loving Bambs (along with both of her parents) were callously murdered, Caffell finds himself in a free-fall of despair. Trying to discern how such young, vibrant lives could be snuffed out so quickly, left him reeling with trying to navigate his grief and that of those he loves. He details the events afterwards mishandled by both the police, and the press. The trial by media of Sheila (Bambs) Bamber making outlandish and exaggeratory claims hinders his ability to cope and come to terms with this new life without them. Caffell takes you on a journey to slowly piece together his shattered soul and find the destiny inevitably waiting for him.
The raw emotion that he exudes throughout the entirety of the the novel is something I find myself marveling at. I can't begin to comprehend the grief and loss of such a tragedy, but I highly admire how he eventually overcame his tragic past and used his circumstances to one day help better the lives of others in monumental ways. Caffell's own struggle with spirituality and organized religion tend to reflect a lot of my own beliefs and so I respected what he had to say, even when those opinions changed. I truly listened to, not just heard, how he found something bigger than himself to believe in and why. I've still have not experienced that epiphany, but I understand that there is need for a higher purpose/power in life and there may be. I just have yet to witness it.
Through research and interviews with multiple experts (professors, researchers etc.) in psychology, I find he compellingly relates how grief, causing you and others to look at yourself as a victim, and struggling with survivors guilt, can affect your mind. His take on mental illnesses and how they're developed and "treated" is something I found pretty compelling and worth debating over. He explores the "nature vs. nurture" theory-if people are inherently bad or if circumstance makes them so. It was an insightful, new perspective that had me questioning things I was thought and taught to have believed.
If you are an open-minded person who doesn't cringe from gore, and maybe needs a sign to start looking into ways to help cope with grief-this is a read I highly recommend.
April 19, 2021
This is, of course, a book about grief. It really could not be anything else after the suffering Mr Caffell endured. When I talk about parts of the book I did not enjoy or engage particularly well with, I want to make it clear my criticisms are written with that understanding. The courage and strength of character required to write such a book is something I endlessly admire and respect, and the lack of bitterness and anger in Colin's words are to me beyond such simplistic concepts such as admiration.
That said, as someone who is very anti pseudoscience, it was hard to listen to talk of mediums and tarot cards without feeling a little uncomfortable with their attributed credence. There are also thoughts about psychiatry that - whilst I believe are well intentioned - are poorly expressed. Yes, we absolutely do need to focus on the causes of mental illness and trauma rather than just piping people full of drugs. But that does not mean any psychopharmaceutical interventions are without merit. Such things can, and often do, save lives.
But the important thing, of course, is that this is Colin's story, not mine. And it is not an article in a scientific journal, it is a personal account of unimaginable grief that one could never obtain from a textbook. No such textbook will ever, or even could be written, such are the events and emotions he describes. Feelings of loss and guilt, of helplessness and hope, and the seemingly insignificant things that turn out to be the most important things in the world - and vice versa.
It is not perfect, but it is a man telling his story and I do not regret for a second having read it. Colin is an incredibly brave and insightful man and his thoughts are very well expressed. Many parts of the book are both moving and constructive to an overall understanding not just of the case itself but any similar case or indeed grief - and loss in all its forms - in general.
I recommend this to anyone who is seeking an understanding of these processes, but perhaps surprisingly also to those interested in crime and rehabilitation. As a former prison worker, Colin's words about offenders resonate with me almost viscerally, such is his commitment to understanding pain and healing through such a tragic paradigm. In that sense, this book is part of a puzzle that will never be completed, but remains a very worthy piece.
April 4, 2021
Deeply poignant and hopeful
To my mind, Colin Caffell always seemed to be the ‘most bereaved person in the Whitehouse Farm murders. He lost his ex-wife and childrenin one fell swoop; I cannot think of anything more terrible for a loving parent. He had to watch as Sheila was dragged through the mud after her death, not only by the
who killed her, but also by the press, and society which were all too willing to accept the old trope of ‘the madwoman who laid waste to everything’, the Bertha in the attic.
Having watched the tv series on Netflix, I was glad to find that it pretty much matched his telling of the story. His personal journey from bereaved, distraught father to someone who moved out of the shadow of victimhood feels genuine and really touching.
His journey through grief, and the places it took him along the way details it for what it is - a constantly-evolving process.
My only criticism would be that the later sections of the book read a little like a Jungian psych textbook. There is a bit too much theory for a memoir, although from my point of view as a student therapist, it is perfectly fine. It might be less so for someone with zero knowledge of Jungian theory.
The photographs at the end are a stark reminder what this book is all about; about five people who were murdered one night. The monochrome photos/drawings bring home the ‘realness’ of all this; these were real people.
They say the dead are not really dead until someone still speaks their name. This book is a powerful testament to that.
To my mind, Colin Caffell always seemed to be the ‘most bereaved person in the Whitehouse Farm murders. He lost his ex-wife and childrenin one fell swoop; I cannot think of anything more terrible for a loving parent. He had to watch as Sheila was dragged through the mud after her death, not only by the
who killed her, but also by the press, and society which were all too willing to accept the old trope of ‘the madwoman who laid waste to everything’, the Bertha in the attic.
Having watched the tv series on Netflix, I was glad to find that it pretty much matched his telling of the story. His personal journey from bereaved, distraught father to someone who moved out of the shadow of victimhood feels genuine and really touching.
His journey through grief, and the places it took him along the way details it for what it is - a constantly-evolving process.
My only criticism would be that the later sections of the book read a little like a Jungian psych textbook. There is a bit too much theory for a memoir, although from my point of view as a student therapist, it is perfectly fine. It might be less so for someone with zero knowledge of Jungian theory.
The photographs at the end are a stark reminder what this book is all about; about five people who were murdered one night. The monochrome photos/drawings bring home the ‘realness’ of all this; these were real people.
They say the dead are not really dead until someone still speaks their name. This book is a powerful testament to that.
August 1, 2021
Don't go into this book expecting a piece of investigative journalism into the awful crime(s) committed, or a retelling of what someone thinks happened. There are details in there but that's not what this book is. Ultimately this is a book about Colin Caffell and the monumental amount of grief he had to deal with, and how he continues to deal with it. The main takeaways are regarding press intrusion and how disgusting those people behave to get a story, and how in the darkest time imaginable a man had to use his strength and the support of those around him to carry on.
It's not without its negatives (f0r me) when it comes to ghostly experiences, speaking to mediums, tarot card readers, psychics et al. I'm not inclined to believe in that sort of thing, and shut down upon being told about it. This is his story though, and those experiences are very much part of Colin's healing process so who am I to judge where he chooses to find solace. If it helped him, I'm glad of that.
Overall, an amazing insight into something hopefully none of us ever have to endure on the level described in this book, but something that we all have to experience at some point in life - dealing with loss and the grief that follows.
It's not without its negatives (f0r me) when it comes to ghostly experiences, speaking to mediums, tarot card readers, psychics et al. I'm not inclined to believe in that sort of thing, and shut down upon being told about it. This is his story though, and those experiences are very much part of Colin's healing process so who am I to judge where he chooses to find solace. If it helped him, I'm glad of that.
Overall, an amazing insight into something hopefully none of us ever have to endure on the level described in this book, but something that we all have to experience at some point in life - dealing with loss and the grief that follows.
February 23, 2020
I absolutely loved the way Colin wrote about his experiences. It showed true insight and despite being just shy of the 2nd chapter (being a sample) I certainly found he found Jeremy as the sly man he is but very much raw about Sheila. It is even more evident that June Bamber is the driving force of the mental health issues of the household, going back there with only Nevill for support was never going to work. Colin HAD felt something off but couldn't work it out..sadly he may never know why as we are all questioning.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 2, 2020
It would be insensitive to so say that I enjoyed this book because it is about such awful events, however it is so well written and so emotional that I couldn't put it down. I decided to purchase it after watching the recent TV drama about the murders and It really does achieve the authors aim of clearing the name of a very vulnerable young mother who was taken advantage of at every opportunity. Despite everything the author has gone on to achieve great things and really gives an insight into the family life and what acted as a catalyst for the most awful of crimes.
November 13, 2021
colin shares his experience with grief, recounting his side of the story from his point of view - how he felt and what he saw.
awful to see how Sheila was attacked by the media.
he also talks about his life after the murders and how he helped out with many workshops that help survivors deal with their emotions and grief.
interesting read.
MAIN THEMES:
acceptance
grief
healing
FEELINGS:
sadness
enlightenment
gratitude
awful to see how Sheila was attacked by the media.
he also talks about his life after the murders and how he helped out with many workshops that help survivors deal with their emotions and grief.
interesting read.
MAIN THEMES:
acceptance
grief
healing
FEELINGS:
sadness
enlightenment
gratitude
December 11, 2021
The book was really good, but very repetitive. I sympathize with him because this was a very sad. a tragic story. I did not like the way they degraded Bamb in her death. From the onset of the book I could see that it was more to the story. However, I didn't like the organization of the book because Colin kept repeating the same things throughout. This is not my kind of book, it was like a memoir.
June 8, 2021
Amazing
So very thoughtful and sensitive in its insight. A remarkable man, and author. Although it is about a truly sad subject, I found it joyous and life affirming. I learned a lot. Thank you.
So very thoughtful and sensitive in its insight. A remarkable man, and author. Although it is about a truly sad subject, I found it joyous and life affirming. I learned a lot. Thank you.
August 23, 2021
Un poco largo si tenemos en cuenta de que se sabe desde el principio quién es el asesino.
Se habla poco del asesino y de cómo vive su vida en la cárcel después de acabar con toda su familia.
No lo recomendaría ni incluso a los que les gustan los libros de crímenes reales.
Se habla poco del asesino y de cómo vive su vida en la cárcel después de acabar con toda su familia.
No lo recomendaría ni incluso a los que les gustan los libros de crímenes reales.
April 28, 2024
This is not the definitive story of the murders at White House Farm - that’s probably Carol Ann Lee’s book - but it does tell how a bereaved father coped with the loss of his children in horrific circumstances. A bit too ‘new age hippie’ and spiritual for my own taste, but well worth the time it took to read.
February 11, 2020
Usually I'd be very put off by the amount of spiritual mumbo jumbo in this book, but whatever helps you cope after an event like this.
March 24, 2020
I read this book after reading the official book at the recent programmes were based upon - I probably should have read this first. What a rollercoaster life the author has had. A very humbling read.
June 30, 2020
A very good read
I thought it was a very good book because it can show how one can overcome the most tragic circumstances
I thought it was a very good book because it can show how one can overcome the most tragic circumstances
February 22, 2021
Its a fantastic first source to the terrors that happened. It has a highly emotionally charged narrative with great back stories to honor the victims.
August 19, 2021
Hard going at times but an interesting read - amazing fortitude and resilience.
January 25, 2024
I knew of the crime before reading this book and was interested to see the pov of the author and the impact it had on him. The chapters when discussing the lead up, the investigation and the aftermath were interesting as this is something you would never know about otherwise. I felt the latter chapters regarding spirituality workshops were a little long winded and felt this part of the book could have been condensed- but understand this was a huge part of the author’s healing process.
January 28, 2020
Very well written and a great insight into the people involved in this awful tragedy.
Highly recommended.
Highly recommended.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews