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Resurrection: The Kidnapping of Abby Drover
After being imprisoned in a five-by-six-foot underground cell in Port Moody, British Columbia, for more than two months, Abby Drover hid this note in the lining of one of her boots, assuming it would eventually be recovered with her dead body. Instead, Abby survived four more months of rape, starvation and psychological torture before she was dramatically rescued. Here, John Griffiths tells the incredible story of Abby's ordeal, the nationwide search that went on for her while she lay captive less than a half a block from her own home, and her courageous recovery.. "Additionally, Griffiths explores the twisted mind of Abby's abductor, Donald Alexander Hay, a repeat sex offender Abby believed was a trusted friend. Covering Hay's recent bids for parole after more than twenty years in jail, the book raises important questions around prisoner rehabilitation, victim's rights and the very nature of justice.
317 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 15, 1999
286 people are currently reading
308 people want to read
About the author
John Griffiths
208 books4 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads data base.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
January 9, 2025
(spoiler alert)**
Week 1
I saw this book at a thrift store almost brand new, so I read the back to see what it was about, and I love thrillers, real or not. Seeing that it was about a real kidnapping that took place, and that she was my age, I decied I wanted to read it.
I am happy with my choice to read this book. I’m only 20 pages in but it is very good so far. Its giving me info/ backstory about the people involved, how her mother came to be a single mother of 3, how her grandmother came to canada from russia, why they weren't imitdely worrying about why she didnt come home, her sisters and naborhood. Have background information helps me paint a image in my mind for the rest of the story.
If I wasnt able to finish the book within the 12 weeks given during class (which is very possible because Im a slow reader) I would read it outside of class and try my best to finish it. If I find a book that I like, I will try my best to keep interest in it and finish it.
Week 2
So far, the mother, Ruth has been the main focus, her sisters and ex husband that hasnt been in the picture for over a decade, and of course, Abby, the girl who got kidnaped. Right now they are slowly getting more and more worried, and finding out that she may have not even gone to school that day.
Week 3
This story takes place in a new naborhood to Abby, this makes it hard for them to find her because they dont know where she goes, who her new school friends are, who to ask if they have seen her, and she also hasnt left a foot print in the town, no one knows what she looks like, how she acts, etc. if this was their old nabourhood, everyone knew who abby was, she new everyone, if she was taken, someone would have seen but not care enough to investigate. But you also have too keep in mind this is late 70s early 80s where kidnappings was extremely often
Week 4
My grandparents house is in a small town, on a dead end rode, with a river past the forest. In this book, Abby has just moved to a small town near the highway, on a dead end road with a cliff near by that overlooks the highway. I have always lived in the city but I relate with her living area, since I consider my grandparents house my second home, I understand to a degree with her, she also is very close in age with me, (one year difference ).
Right now, she is missing, and its focusing on the mothers guilt, how the officer is feeling/thinking. This is making me feel worried, for Abby but also for the mother, how will she react, because theres multiple different reactions to these types of situations, like drinking, going around handing out flyers, becoming depressed, etc. I just cant emagin the emotions shes probly feeling
Week 5
Honestly, I feel sad while reading this book, not because Abby is gone/ missing but because its taking the police so long to do anthing. When they called to ask if they had put any missing posters out or any info on television they told them no, and that it was probably a runaway situation. No matter how much they tell them that Abby isnt that type of child, they still have to wait 2 days before they do imitate action. They explain how they have a “systim” yet the time periode of this book is when kidnapping was at its high.
The naboros husband Dan is a bad person, he had 2 marriages before and they both ended because hes a drunk, and has no contact with his bio children, and held his newe family at gunpoint while drunk and lost 2 jobs becaouse he showed up drunk. I can tell that they are trying to suger coat it by saying that he and Abby were close and hes been sober for a month, etc. but I get a bad feeling abouit him
Week 6
One of the best described scenes in this book so far is one of the first scenes and that is describing when Abbys mother Ruth came home from work with groceries, and they describe the scenery. It happened on a cold month, the cold wind hitting her face and the smell of the cold air hitting her nose when she steps out of the car, the sound of leaves crunching on the street. This set the spooky mood that something bad was about to happen, and it did.
Week 7
Summary: Im about almost half way through this book and so far we have gotten alot about Abbys background, and her mother and nabouhrs. Which in my opinion is important to know so when I read from Abbys perspective, I will understand alot more why certain things happen. Abby also has no idea that her dad came back to help look for her after abandoning them for 11 years, which I think is for the better. Abbys mother Ruth Drover has just received a handful of letters, she states that some arnt good at expressing emotion through writing, while others, people shes never met that saw/ heard of abbys story can make Ruth feel hopeful while also grefing the idea her child may be dead by now, or needing her help. Overall I feel the way they potray Ruth, a greving single mother is beautiful in a way, it shows the high and low of grief, and even though abby may be alive, its till greifing since she lost somthing.
Week 8
I think the author wanted the reader to understand why so much kidnapping happended in the early 80s, the way they told Abbys mother that she probly ran away and left it alone for the first 48 hours even though those hours are the most important, even though Ruth tried to tell them Abby isnt that type of person, the fact she didnt go to school, the fact no one saw her, almost like she vanished, but she didnt, and maybe someone saw her at some point in the morning but they didn't f
o anything
Week 9
I think the mother plays a very important role in the story because it shows the real emotion and emotional strength it takes on the family. After about a month of Abby being gone, she still believes she is out there somewhere, but the author seems to have put a lot of thought into the family dynamic, since she getting more and more irritated at her other daughters and even suggests sending them to their dads for easter, which is very out of character for her, and the girls except the offer which is even more out of character for them. I feel like the way they show how much of an emotional weight it causes a single mother to lose her youngest child is unimaginable.
Week 10
I wish I could've had the opportunity to know Abby in real life, she's been through so much and I wish I could've been a good support for her. She seems very sweet and smart, and quick to find salutations, and just seems like she wanted new friends in her new school, could having a friend to walk to school have solved her kidnapping and stopped the kidnapper from taking her in the first place?
Week 11
If this book were to be made into a movie I think it would be long, and Katie Douglas would play Abby Drover since Katie has played in many kidnapping movies before like believe me, I think she would capture Abby's emotions very well and would make it more known, she also fits her description well enough. I don't know if there is an actor who could capture the sheer craziness of the kidnapper but I feel as though Willem Dafoe would be the best at looking like him.
Week 12
I enjoyed reading this book because it's scary in a way, knowing that it has happened in real life and has happened to many others before Abby. I would recommend this book to the type of readers who like horror, but I don't think I would for someone who will think this is “scary” since it is in a way, I just don't think some can handle it since it touches very sensitive subjects and some may be triggering, but I learned Abby Drover's story and I think the book does a good job in touching the subjects that some authors are scared of and told the story in a way that it would all click, all the background info at the beginning and hearing the mothers side then the daughters side made it so I could understand what both were thinking at the time.
Week 1
I saw this book at a thrift store almost brand new, so I read the back to see what it was about, and I love thrillers, real or not. Seeing that it was about a real kidnapping that took place, and that she was my age, I decied I wanted to read it.
I am happy with my choice to read this book. I’m only 20 pages in but it is very good so far. Its giving me info/ backstory about the people involved, how her mother came to be a single mother of 3, how her grandmother came to canada from russia, why they weren't imitdely worrying about why she didnt come home, her sisters and naborhood. Have background information helps me paint a image in my mind for the rest of the story.
If I wasnt able to finish the book within the 12 weeks given during class (which is very possible because Im a slow reader) I would read it outside of class and try my best to finish it. If I find a book that I like, I will try my best to keep interest in it and finish it.
Week 2
So far, the mother, Ruth has been the main focus, her sisters and ex husband that hasnt been in the picture for over a decade, and of course, Abby, the girl who got kidnaped. Right now they are slowly getting more and more worried, and finding out that she may have not even gone to school that day.
Week 3
This story takes place in a new naborhood to Abby, this makes it hard for them to find her because they dont know where she goes, who her new school friends are, who to ask if they have seen her, and she also hasnt left a foot print in the town, no one knows what she looks like, how she acts, etc. if this was their old nabourhood, everyone knew who abby was, she new everyone, if she was taken, someone would have seen but not care enough to investigate. But you also have too keep in mind this is late 70s early 80s where kidnappings was extremely often
Week 4
My grandparents house is in a small town, on a dead end rode, with a river past the forest. In this book, Abby has just moved to a small town near the highway, on a dead end road with a cliff near by that overlooks the highway. I have always lived in the city but I relate with her living area, since I consider my grandparents house my second home, I understand to a degree with her, she also is very close in age with me, (one year difference ).
Right now, she is missing, and its focusing on the mothers guilt, how the officer is feeling/thinking. This is making me feel worried, for Abby but also for the mother, how will she react, because theres multiple different reactions to these types of situations, like drinking, going around handing out flyers, becoming depressed, etc. I just cant emagin the emotions shes probly feeling
Week 5
Honestly, I feel sad while reading this book, not because Abby is gone/ missing but because its taking the police so long to do anthing. When they called to ask if they had put any missing posters out or any info on television they told them no, and that it was probably a runaway situation. No matter how much they tell them that Abby isnt that type of child, they still have to wait 2 days before they do imitate action. They explain how they have a “systim” yet the time periode of this book is when kidnapping was at its high.
The naboros husband Dan is a bad person, he had 2 marriages before and they both ended because hes a drunk, and has no contact with his bio children, and held his newe family at gunpoint while drunk and lost 2 jobs becaouse he showed up drunk. I can tell that they are trying to suger coat it by saying that he and Abby were close and hes been sober for a month, etc. but I get a bad feeling abouit him
Week 6
One of the best described scenes in this book so far is one of the first scenes and that is describing when Abbys mother Ruth came home from work with groceries, and they describe the scenery. It happened on a cold month, the cold wind hitting her face and the smell of the cold air hitting her nose when she steps out of the car, the sound of leaves crunching on the street. This set the spooky mood that something bad was about to happen, and it did.
Week 7
Summary: Im about almost half way through this book and so far we have gotten alot about Abbys background, and her mother and nabouhrs. Which in my opinion is important to know so when I read from Abbys perspective, I will understand alot more why certain things happen. Abby also has no idea that her dad came back to help look for her after abandoning them for 11 years, which I think is for the better. Abbys mother Ruth Drover has just received a handful of letters, she states that some arnt good at expressing emotion through writing, while others, people shes never met that saw/ heard of abbys story can make Ruth feel hopeful while also grefing the idea her child may be dead by now, or needing her help. Overall I feel the way they potray Ruth, a greving single mother is beautiful in a way, it shows the high and low of grief, and even though abby may be alive, its till greifing since she lost somthing.
Week 8
I think the author wanted the reader to understand why so much kidnapping happended in the early 80s, the way they told Abbys mother that she probly ran away and left it alone for the first 48 hours even though those hours are the most important, even though Ruth tried to tell them Abby isnt that type of person, the fact she didnt go to school, the fact no one saw her, almost like she vanished, but she didnt, and maybe someone saw her at some point in the morning but they didn't f
o anything
Week 9
I think the mother plays a very important role in the story because it shows the real emotion and emotional strength it takes on the family. After about a month of Abby being gone, she still believes she is out there somewhere, but the author seems to have put a lot of thought into the family dynamic, since she getting more and more irritated at her other daughters and even suggests sending them to their dads for easter, which is very out of character for her, and the girls except the offer which is even more out of character for them. I feel like the way they show how much of an emotional weight it causes a single mother to lose her youngest child is unimaginable.
Week 10
I wish I could've had the opportunity to know Abby in real life, she's been through so much and I wish I could've been a good support for her. She seems very sweet and smart, and quick to find salutations, and just seems like she wanted new friends in her new school, could having a friend to walk to school have solved her kidnapping and stopped the kidnapper from taking her in the first place?
Week 11
If this book were to be made into a movie I think it would be long, and Katie Douglas would play Abby Drover since Katie has played in many kidnapping movies before like believe me, I think she would capture Abby's emotions very well and would make it more known, she also fits her description well enough. I don't know if there is an actor who could capture the sheer craziness of the kidnapper but I feel as though Willem Dafoe would be the best at looking like him.
Week 12
I enjoyed reading this book because it's scary in a way, knowing that it has happened in real life and has happened to many others before Abby. I would recommend this book to the type of readers who like horror, but I don't think I would for someone who will think this is “scary” since it is in a way, I just don't think some can handle it since it touches very sensitive subjects and some may be triggering, but I learned Abby Drover's story and I think the book does a good job in touching the subjects that some authors are scared of and told the story in a way that it would all click, all the background info at the beginning and hearing the mothers side then the daughters side made it so I could understand what both were thinking at the time.
November 14, 2020
Unfortunately Many More!
Since Abbey Drover, there have been several more infamous stories of
children confined, starved and mentally & physically abused - perhaps the most horrifying, being the Finish case, where the man's daughter birthed his children/ grandchildren. I understand her mental health is still badly compromised and even her physical health is forever scarred! I don't think that we can ever fully appreciate the ramifications of the long term damage. I think the most important response to the " Abbey's" of this world is to carefully listen to children around us, believe them, and immediately act to protect them. Let those with proper training, assess and proceed. Also, encourage children to keep on telling their story, until an adult hears them n acts! In so doing, we may snatch a few from the fire. A wonderfully pieced together story!!
Since Abbey Drover, there have been several more infamous stories of
children confined, starved and mentally & physically abused - perhaps the most horrifying, being the Finish case, where the man's daughter birthed his children/ grandchildren. I understand her mental health is still badly compromised and even her physical health is forever scarred! I don't think that we can ever fully appreciate the ramifications of the long term damage. I think the most important response to the " Abbey's" of this world is to carefully listen to children around us, believe them, and immediately act to protect them. Let those with proper training, assess and proceed. Also, encourage children to keep on telling their story, until an adult hears them n acts! In so doing, we may snatch a few from the fire. A wonderfully pieced together story!!
October 14, 2020
Heartbreaking
What was done to Drover was horrendous. I believe, however, the story was too long and drawn out. It seemed repetitive.
As to the pig who imprisoned her, I'm assuming in the mid 70's they used schizophrenia as a misdiagnosis, because he was pure pedophile, had nothing to do with schizophrenia. I'm glad he was never released and died in prison.
What was done to Drover was horrendous. I believe, however, the story was too long and drawn out. It seemed repetitive.
As to the pig who imprisoned her, I'm assuming in the mid 70's they used schizophrenia as a misdiagnosis, because he was pure pedophile, had nothing to do with schizophrenia. I'm glad he was never released and died in prison.
January 3, 2021
The Courage and Strength of Abby
A remarkable 12 year old endured a nightmare few could. Her perpetrator was an evil and perverted individual. Abby 's 181 day captivity was beyond cruel. Although Abby , her family, friends, community, and the police were able to celebrate her being found and her captor sent to prison, the effects will always be a part of their lives. That Abby and all who relentlessly never gave up , is a testament to the best of the human spirit. May Abby live a fulfilling life and know that her courage, faith and determination at just 12 years old is an inspiration to all .She triumphed over evil.
A remarkable 12 year old endured a nightmare few could. Her perpetrator was an evil and perverted individual. Abby 's 181 day captivity was beyond cruel. Although Abby , her family, friends, community, and the police were able to celebrate her being found and her captor sent to prison, the effects will always be a part of their lives. That Abby and all who relentlessly never gave up , is a testament to the best of the human spirit. May Abby live a fulfilling life and know that her courage, faith and determination at just 12 years old is an inspiration to all .She triumphed over evil.
October 10, 2020
Well-Written and Comprehensive Narrative; No Pics
Well written book, providing a 360 look into the perspectives of all the main characters with follow-up for several years. Two main deficiencies, however: (1) Author didn't include any pics; (2) Author integrated himself into the storyline a bit too much for my taste. (At the time of the crime, author was a newspaper reporter who actually covered the case).
Well written book, providing a 360 look into the perspectives of all the main characters with follow-up for several years. Two main deficiencies, however: (1) Author didn't include any pics; (2) Author integrated himself into the storyline a bit too much for my taste. (At the time of the crime, author was a newspaper reporter who actually covered the case).
November 27, 2020
A MIRACLE
I've read about POWs in WWII, Korea, Viet Nam, and this story was more disturbing and heart stopping than any of them. The helplessness, fear and evil that was inflicted upon this child was chilling and indescribable. The strength, faith in God, and courage this young girl faced and endured, even conquering is without a doubt a miracle!
John Griffiths has done a masterful job of telling the story.
I've read about POWs in WWII, Korea, Viet Nam, and this story was more disturbing and heart stopping than any of them. The helplessness, fear and evil that was inflicted upon this child was chilling and indescribable. The strength, faith in God, and courage this young girl faced and endured, even conquering is without a doubt a miracle!
John Griffiths has done a masterful job of telling the story.
January 3, 2021
Every parents nightmare, must read.. trust noone
Any and every parents worst nightmare came true in this girl's mother. I couldn't imagine what Ruth went through as a parent, during and even after her daughter's abduction and rescue. And for Abby to have endured 181 days of pure hell by who you think is a "friend" a neighbor. This is why I taught my kids, trust noone.. prayers for Abby always.
Any and every parents worst nightmare came true in this girl's mother. I couldn't imagine what Ruth went through as a parent, during and even after her daughter's abduction and rescue. And for Abby to have endured 181 days of pure hell by who you think is a "friend" a neighbor. This is why I taught my kids, trust noone.. prayers for Abby always.
April 9, 2021
Excellent book
This book was so engrossing that I could not put it down. Abby was a very brave child to confront her rapist in court, and she continually assured he would not be released, by testifying when he was up for parole. Abby was finally able to enjoy her life after he died in prison at age 73. I hope Abby has come to terms with her horrible ordeal, and has a wonderful life.
This book was so engrossing that I could not put it down. Abby was a very brave child to confront her rapist in court, and she continually assured he would not be released, by testifying when he was up for parole. Abby was finally able to enjoy her life after he died in prison at age 73. I hope Abby has come to terms with her horrible ordeal, and has a wonderful life.
July 20, 2021
Can't out it down
This is a straightforward account of an unbelievable crime against a child. It is also a excellent account of the damage that sexual offenders of children are never rehabilitated but their victims must fight for justice to keep them locked up and away from other potential victims. An astounding record of survival of the young victim who overcame unbelievable torture and abuse.
This is a straightforward account of an unbelievable crime against a child. It is also a excellent account of the damage that sexual offenders of children are never rehabilitated but their victims must fight for justice to keep them locked up and away from other potential victims. An astounding record of survival of the young victim who overcame unbelievable torture and abuse.
June 7, 2023
TRUE COVERAGE AT ITS BEST!
This revelation of the horror of a young 11 year old girl who was lured into a trap by a predator (neighbor man) is stunning. This is why I gave this book a 5-Star review. It showcases the life of Abby who is treated with abuse for 181 days and her fight to make sure her predator remains imprisoned for life. How will she survive and will she be his last victim? A must read!
Reviewed by J Matthews - June 7, 2023
This revelation of the horror of a young 11 year old girl who was lured into a trap by a predator (neighbor man) is stunning. This is why I gave this book a 5-Star review. It showcases the life of Abby who is treated with abuse for 181 days and her fight to make sure her predator remains imprisoned for life. How will she survive and will she be his last victim? A must read!
Reviewed by J Matthews - June 7, 2023
November 24, 2020
This book was interesting enough to keep me turning pages until the end. It was amazing to me how she was just left there for weeks at a time but still survived. Every time I read one of these crime books I find myself in wonder at what one person can do to another and realize more and more just how devastating alcohol and drugs are to the mind. It's been the ruin of many lives.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 21, 2021
Amazing Abby
Abby's survival is truly an incredible miracle. The fact that she was only 12 when she was kidnapped makes it all the more unbelievable. What a courageous, strong young lady. This is a gripping story of her 181 days in captivity, and what happened to her and her kidnapper after her amazing rescue.
Abby's survival is truly an incredible miracle. The fact that she was only 12 when she was kidnapped makes it all the more unbelievable. What a courageous, strong young lady. This is a gripping story of her 181 days in captivity, and what happened to her and her kidnapper after her amazing rescue.
March 4, 2021
Riveting from start to finish
Too often in true stories you find added sensationalism and/or foul language. This was written so as to draw you into the family and feel what they did. My heart pounded as Abby's must have when she heard her kidnapper coming. The courage of this heroic young girl is amazing and this book is a must read.
Too often in true stories you find added sensationalism and/or foul language. This was written so as to draw you into the family and feel what they did. My heart pounded as Abby's must have when she heard her kidnapper coming. The courage of this heroic young girl is amazing and this book is a must read.
March 25, 2022
Bravery beyond belief
Well written, an unbelievable true story that had me wanting to turn the next page to see if anyone could save Abby. Impossible to put the book down. The author covered this story with a passion wanting everyone to know the terror a twelve year old girl went through in conditions that many would not have survived.
Well written, an unbelievable true story that had me wanting to turn the next page to see if anyone could save Abby. Impossible to put the book down. The author covered this story with a passion wanting everyone to know the terror a twelve year old girl went through in conditions that many would not have survived.
February 18, 2021
Wrapped up in a neat package
The story of Abbey Drover is both devastating and heroic. The author did an excellent job of wrapping up not only Abbey's story, but all of the back stories for everyone who was involved in the case. Spelling and grammatical errors.
The story of Abbey Drover is both devastating and heroic. The author did an excellent job of wrapping up not only Abbey's story, but all of the back stories for everyone who was involved in the case. Spelling and grammatical errors.
March 14, 2021
Captivating story
This book is well written with compassion and lots of research. The descriptions of the places and people make them come alive. What a story of bravery and tenacity. Abby was a fighter. I highly recommend this book.
This book is well written with compassion and lots of research. The descriptions of the places and people make them come alive. What a story of bravery and tenacity. Abby was a fighter. I highly recommend this book.
July 6, 2021
Great book
I had never heard of this story! For true crime fans this is a journey into a mad man and the courage of a young woman to overcome the odds and live a successful life. Kudos Abby! You’re an inspiration.
I had never heard of this story! For true crime fans this is a journey into a mad man and the courage of a young woman to overcome the odds and live a successful life. Kudos Abby! You’re an inspiration.
August 30, 2021
Gripping and Revolting
The story became so intense,I read until 4 in the morning. I needed to understand how evil can exsist. I learned that belief in herself, and faith in God saved this child.
The story became so intense,I read until 4 in the morning. I needed to understand how evil can exsist. I learned that belief in herself, and faith in God saved this child.
January 5, 2023
After everything she went through, it’s amazing (in a disgusting way) that the doctor wanted her to sit on his knee. Did they not know much about pedophilia 50 years ago?
Good true crime book. What a scumbag Don Hay was.
Good true crime book. What a scumbag Don Hay was.
October 12, 2020
Good book!
Read this book! Very good. Some places in the book are about family facts, that goes on a little long. But I really recommend thisbook.
Read this book! Very good. Some places in the book are about family facts, that goes on a little long. But I really recommend thisbook.
December 21, 2020
Pure evil
What Abby Drover lived through was unimaginable. That she was able to move on in life is a testimony to her strength and courage.
What Abby Drover lived through was unimaginable. That she was able to move on in life is a testimony to her strength and courage.
January 10, 2021
Very well written
As a avid true crime reader this was a very well written book. The author does a good job of telling the truth story of Abby.
As a avid true crime reader this was a very well written book. The author does a good job of telling the truth story of Abby.
October 16, 2021
True crime!!
A sad and tragic story about fighting abuse!!Abby is a heroes for herself and others!! A brave girl who wouldn't give up!!
A sad and tragic story about fighting abuse!!Abby is a heroes for herself and others!! A brave girl who wouldn't give up!!
February 2, 2021
I have never heard this story before reading this book.
This young woman was heroic and unbelievably brave.
Her family went through a tragic event that shows their lives and determination.
The man was a MONSTER in human skin.
This young woman was heroic and unbelievably brave.
Her family went through a tragic event that shows their lives and determination.
The man was a MONSTER in human skin.
January 19, 2025
I think of all the abduction books I have read, this is probably one of the worst case scenario. For 181 days Abby Drover was held captive in an underground bunker with no fresh air and a bucket for a toilet. She saw no one except her abductor who sexually, physically and mentally abused her and would leave her for long lengths of time without food. Abby was 12 years old.
It was only through her mental strength that she survived. I hope the rest of her life is full of happiness and joy.
It was only through her mental strength that she survived. I hope the rest of her life is full of happiness and joy.
January 24, 2022
It was to drawn out for me
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews