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A Killer's Confession: And a mother's fight to bring her daughter, Becky Godden-Edwards', murderer to trial
A mother's story behind one of the most dramatic true crime cases in recent history.
'I have lived every parent's worst nightmare. On what would have been my daughter's 29th birthday, Detective Superintendent Stephen Fulcher knocked on the door and told me my beautiful Becky was dead. Found buried in a shallow grave in a remote field, Becky had been brutally murdered.'
When Becky Godden-Edwards was killed, her mother Karen awoke to a world where the truth was never guaranteed; where taxi driver Christopher Halliwell got away with murder and the police officer who found her daughter was punished instead.
This is Karen's story. Despite unimaginable tragedy, her love for her daughter has been unbreakable: from her despair through Becky's troubled teenage years, to the agonising eight years when Becky was missing, and then the dramatic story of how a killer's confession led to a terrible discovery.
The one constant has been Karen's determination to fight for Becky, tirelessly campaigning for the truth about what happened to be heard and for Halliwell to face the consequences of his evil actions.
*The murders of Becky Godden-Edwards and Sian O'Callaghan will soon be the focus of major new ITV series A Confession starring Martin Freeman as Stephen Fulcher and Imelda Staunton as Karen Edwards*
336 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 22, 2019
259 people are currently reading
359 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
May 9, 2021
Heart-breaking account of a mother's fight to get justice for her daughter Becky, who was murdered by the psychopath Christopher Halliwell. Her story showed such bravery and courage, and how she coped with all the terrible things that kept happening to her was astounding.
January 29, 2023
This was a truly harrowing and upsetting book to read, but also one filled with hope for the future.
As this is a murder case, close to home, it has always been of interest to me. However, reading this book from Becky's mothers perspective really provided a fresh outlook to the investigation.
This book really provided me with a lot of information about Becky's teenage years, which I was not aware of and was incredibly difficult to read.
The agony and time Karen spent trying to find Becky, then collecting signatures for the appeal and making complaints to the relevant professional bodies, was really inspiring.
Ultimately, this is a really sad book to read. But it does end with a feeling of hope for the future, changes in policy, and policing.
Overall, this was a well thought out, well written book that any true crime fan will be able to appreciate and take something away from.
As this is a murder case, close to home, it has always been of interest to me. However, reading this book from Becky's mothers perspective really provided a fresh outlook to the investigation.
This book really provided me with a lot of information about Becky's teenage years, which I was not aware of and was incredibly difficult to read.
The agony and time Karen spent trying to find Becky, then collecting signatures for the appeal and making complaints to the relevant professional bodies, was really inspiring.
Ultimately, this is a really sad book to read. But it does end with a feeling of hope for the future, changes in policy, and policing.
Overall, this was a well thought out, well written book that any true crime fan will be able to appreciate and take something away from.
May 17, 2021
I always find it difficult to say that I really "enjoyed" a book when it is a book about something like this - the abduction and murder of a young woman, someone's daughter, their sister, their grandchild. And I'm sure you all know what I mean when I say this. So, please understand that I say I really enjoyed this book with the greatest respect to Becky's family and friends.
As mentioned above, this is the true story about the murder of Becky by Christopher Halliwell. The story is told by Becky's mother and it goes into some detail about Becky's life as a child, what they went through as a family in her early years, her subsequent addiction to heroin and how that culminated in her becoming a prostitute, which ultimately led to her crossing paths with Halliwell. It really is a fascinating story told with all the emotion of a mother who has lost her daughter in terrible circumstances. The book also highlights the police work that was done during the investigation, and how it was the work of one detective, Steven Fulcher, that ultimately led to her daughter's body being recovered. And to read about what happened to this great detective during and after this investigation was just extremely upsetting. It would seem that often the law and justice is indeed not on the side of the good guys.
Overall, this was a fascinating read and I definitely recommend it if you like true crime stories.
As mentioned above, this is the true story about the murder of Becky by Christopher Halliwell. The story is told by Becky's mother and it goes into some detail about Becky's life as a child, what they went through as a family in her early years, her subsequent addiction to heroin and how that culminated in her becoming a prostitute, which ultimately led to her crossing paths with Halliwell. It really is a fascinating story told with all the emotion of a mother who has lost her daughter in terrible circumstances. The book also highlights the police work that was done during the investigation, and how it was the work of one detective, Steven Fulcher, that ultimately led to her daughter's body being recovered. And to read about what happened to this great detective during and after this investigation was just extremely upsetting. It would seem that often the law and justice is indeed not on the side of the good guys.
Overall, this was a fascinating read and I definitely recommend it if you like true crime stories.
September 7, 2020
Heartwrenching read about the Christopher Halliwell murder trial and investigation, by the mother of Becky, the first of Halliwell's known victims. Martin Freeman starred in a series about the case called A Confession.
January 26, 2022
Really sad and heartbreaking .
August 25, 2019
This is a book you won't be able to put down!
I could not put this book down! I was with Karen all the way, I felt her emotions with each page turned, I smiled, I felt a mother's anxiety, I gasped, I cried, I felt the shock, the grief, the disappointments, frustration and the anger, but I also felt the intensity of a mother's love throughout Becky's life and death, the strength, determination, commitment and courage. This book has been written with so much integrity and honesty allowing the reader incredible insight into what can only be described as the most torturous and harrowing period of time for all involved.
I could not put this book down! I was with Karen all the way, I felt her emotions with each page turned, I smiled, I felt a mother's anxiety, I gasped, I cried, I felt the shock, the grief, the disappointments, frustration and the anger, but I also felt the intensity of a mother's love throughout Becky's life and death, the strength, determination, commitment and courage. This book has been written with so much integrity and honesty allowing the reader incredible insight into what can only be described as the most torturous and harrowing period of time for all involved.
January 26, 2020
Every parents worst nightmare. Karen dealt with this situation with such courage and dignity. I watched A Confession when it was televised and it helped a lot when reading this book.
September 3, 2019
Heartbreaking story. Karen is such a strong, warm and admirable woman and mother.
September 4, 2021
A heartbreaking memoir written, not by some well known or half known crime author, but by a mother who spent years, fighting for justice for her daughter's killer to be convicted.
You can feel every moment of pain, every moment of joy as Karen Edwards writes about her daughter Becky's early life, of her growing up and facing the problems which arose in said life time. She talks of the missing years where other's talk of seeing her daughter, of talking to her, bringing more pain to Karen, of making her feel and think different things...mostly, why doesn't she talk to me?
In all, I think Karen Edwards is a brave woman to go through so much horror and trauma and still come out on the other end, stronger and knowing that she has stood up for the rights of her daughter, for the rights of other mother's who have lost their own daughters. She's stood up for herself and for others, giving a voice to those who are too scared to stand up themselves, has giving back a voice too Becky, her daughter. Because at the end of the day, Becky wasn't just a drug addict and prostitute, she was a daughter, a sister, an auntie. She was much more and she was someone whose life was cruelly cut short because she happened to meet the wrong man, a man who should've never had the right to be on England's streets.
You can feel every moment of pain, every moment of joy as Karen Edwards writes about her daughter Becky's early life, of her growing up and facing the problems which arose in said life time. She talks of the missing years where other's talk of seeing her daughter, of talking to her, bringing more pain to Karen, of making her feel and think different things...mostly, why doesn't she talk to me?
In all, I think Karen Edwards is a brave woman to go through so much horror and trauma and still come out on the other end, stronger and knowing that she has stood up for the rights of her daughter, for the rights of other mother's who have lost their own daughters. She's stood up for herself and for others, giving a voice to those who are too scared to stand up themselves, has giving back a voice too Becky, her daughter. Because at the end of the day, Becky wasn't just a drug addict and prostitute, she was a daughter, a sister, an auntie. She was much more and she was someone whose life was cruelly cut short because she happened to meet the wrong man, a man who should've never had the right to be on England's streets.
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October 23, 2020This book broke my heart. Reading about how Becky's life fell apart was so heart wrenching and I admire Karen for being so honest about her daughter's struggles as it made you feel so sorry for the family and everything they went through. The journey that Karen took after finding out her daughter had been murdered and the killer wasn't going to punished for it is unbelievable. Despite having to grieve for daughter who suffered a horrible untimely death, Karen still pushed to ensure that Becky got justice and wasn't forgotten, just because Christopher Halliwell was in jail for Sian O'Callahan's murder did not mean that justice had been served for Becky. The detail of the book is impressive and allows you to feel everything that Karen went through and how harrowing Becky's teenage years and the time after Halliwell's confession was for her. Her admiration for Steven Fulcher really comes through and makes you understand how hard policing must be, particularly when following the rules may mean the killer getting away. This book was unputdownable and I would recommend it to anyone who likes true crime or is in favour of police reform because Karen Edward's is formidable and so strong despite all her setbacks, a wonderful read.
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August 26, 2025It feels odd to rate a book that deals with something so heart-wrenchingly cruel. At first, I was put off by the mother’s narration and her insistence on describing “good kids” and “perfect kids.” But as I continued, that initial discomfort faded. I began to feel the regret and desperation of all the what-ifs.
Just like Karen, even while knowing her daughter was no longer living, I still held on to the hope that she might be.
I also found myself frustrated with the law, fuming as I read about the years of battle. Just like Becky’s parents, I could only think “WTF” at the first judge’s ruling. Still, Karen’s resilience in seeking justice for her daughter kept me rooting for her.
There is not much more I can say, except that I hope she will one day be reunited with the people she loves.
Just like Karen, even while knowing her daughter was no longer living, I still held on to the hope that she might be.
I also found myself frustrated with the law, fuming as I read about the years of battle. Just like Becky’s parents, I could only think “WTF” at the first judge’s ruling. Still, Karen’s resilience in seeking justice for her daughter kept me rooting for her.
There is not much more I can say, except that I hope she will one day be reunited with the people she loves.
May 31, 2025
This was such a harrowing read. This book absolutely broke me whilst I was reading it. Becky’s mum never gave up the fight for her daughter and this book was such an eye opener to what Karen had to go through to get justice for her beautiful daughter. The way the family and friends all rallied around each other in grief was so emotional and it should what family’s go though when they lose a loved one in such a tragic situation. I am so glad the killer got the person sentenced that they deserved and won’t be ever getting out of prison. He took Becky’s life away in such a horrible and cruel way. I also felt heartbroken for Karen at the end of the book as she lost her wonder husband Charlie. This is a book I couldn’t put down and I was sobbing reading this book. Xxx
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 14, 2021
Heartbreaking
This is one of the most heartfelt books I have ever read. Had Karen Edwards not had the integrity and sense of fairness towards Steven Fulcher this would have been a very different book. I admire the tenacity and fighting for what's right that Karen showed. Thank goodness Karen and her family were strong enough to see justice done. Also, for trying to fight the wrongful way Steven Fulcher was treated whilst she was in such pain. Most people would see that he took the right steps to ensure at least two victims of Halliwell were found.
This is one of the most heartfelt books I have ever read. Had Karen Edwards not had the integrity and sense of fairness towards Steven Fulcher this would have been a very different book. I admire the tenacity and fighting for what's right that Karen showed. Thank goodness Karen and her family were strong enough to see justice done. Also, for trying to fight the wrongful way Steven Fulcher was treated whilst she was in such pain. Most people would see that he took the right steps to ensure at least two victims of Halliwell were found.
September 22, 2020
This is a harrowing story told in a mother's perspective about what happened to her daughter, Becky. It's a complete true story and it's absolutely horrific. The torture they went through was just unimaginable, even when Becky's body was found. So well written and it's amazing how strong Karen was going through everything she endured. If you're into watching murder documentary's, this is definitely a go to. Need to watch the series next!
October 11, 2023
heartbreaking story.
I honestly think Christopher halliwell murdered more women than Sian and Becky. There are families out there with missing daughters who deserve to know the truth about what has happened to their child. Karen you are a very brave women. Becky always said you were always there for her and I am sure in her last breath she knew you wouldn’t rest until she was found, justice was done and her story would be told. She knew you always had her back.
I honestly think Christopher halliwell murdered more women than Sian and Becky. There are families out there with missing daughters who deserve to know the truth about what has happened to their child. Karen you are a very brave women. Becky always said you were always there for her and I am sure in her last breath she knew you wouldn’t rest until she was found, justice was done and her story would be told. She knew you always had her back.
May 12, 2024
This solid just not my kind of thing. Wanted more details on this one as all that i knew came from the TV drama but was unaware that this was told from the mother of the victims perspective. Absolutely nothing wrong with this, i just prefer and objective journalistic approach either looking into the crimes and murderers or the police investigations or both, the tear-jerker detailing of somebodys journey through their grief is not what i'd pick but this is a solid book.
May 20, 2020
Amazing book
This book was outstanding. As a mom of four children, I could feel the author's severe pain. Difficult because the story is heart breaking , but a story that needs to be told. Karen is one courageous, loving woman who never gives up the fight for justice for her dear daughter Becky.
This book was outstanding. As a mom of four children, I could feel the author's severe pain. Difficult because the story is heart breaking , but a story that needs to be told. Karen is one courageous, loving woman who never gives up the fight for justice for her dear daughter Becky.
August 12, 2020
All human emotions come to the surface
Strikingly honest, heartbreaking, frustrating & triumph over evil and incompetence. My hero went after the truth & justice for Becky who deserved better.
Strikingly honest, heartbreaking, frustrating & triumph over evil and incompetence. My hero went after the truth & justice for Becky who deserved better.
January 2, 2021
Incredible book written by an incredible woman. You really feel the horrendous situation Karen Edwards found herself in. I read it in 2 days as it was difficult to put down. A horrible evil man but an incredible brave story to be told. Credit to a truly wonderful mum, step dad and brother.
May 9, 2021
What a read!!! Like many i watched the itv A Confession series but this book offers the backstory, the real account of what happened for the Edwards family!! The book had me catch my breath, cry and feel so many emotions. I couldn’t put it down!!
April 25, 2022
Absolutely incomprehensible how unjust the justice system can be.
This family shouldn't have been put through the years of sacrifice, campaigning and petitioning for justice when the murderer literally led the police to the exact spot that he buried their daughter.
This family shouldn't have been put through the years of sacrifice, campaigning and petitioning for justice when the murderer literally led the police to the exact spot that he buried their daughter.
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September 12, 2024Unbelievably sad how it took such a fight for a conviction. You could really feel Karen's pain and desperation and how much she tried to protect Becky and keep her out of harms way.
The family have had so much dignity in such heart breaking circumstances
The family have had so much dignity in such heart breaking circumstances
April 18, 2020
The most heartwrenching read. A shocking sad true story that kept you turning the pages.
July 7, 2020
Amazing and horrific all in a nut shell
July 9, 2020
A heart breaking story
With this book Becky will never be forgotten, neither will her mother's fight for justice. Despite the hurdles she had to overcome.
With this book Becky will never be forgotten, neither will her mother's fight for justice. Despite the hurdles she had to overcome.
January 23, 2021
One of the best books I have read in a long time.
March 22, 2021
So emotional...well worth a read!
April 25, 2022
A heart breaking read of a mothers tragic loss of a daughter and her story for justice
January 3, 2023
A truly tragic story but also very inspiring. The intense love of a mother prevails throughout this story of a mother's fight for justice for her beloved daughter.
February 11, 2023
Very emotional and telling insight into the families struggle when a loved one is murdered.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews