The shocking true story of a bizarre kidnapping and the victims' re-victimization by the justice system.
In March 2015, Denise Huskins and her boyfriend Aaron Quinn awoke from a sound sleep into a nightmare. Armed men bound and drugged them, then abducted Denise. Warned not to call the police or Denise would be killed. Aaron agonized about what to do. Finally he put his trust in law enforcement and dialed 911. But instead of searching for Denise, the police accused Aaron of her murder. His story, they told him, was just unbelievable. When Denise was released alive, the police turned their fire on her, dubbing her the “real-life ‘Gone Girl’” who had faked her own kidnapping.
In Victim F , Aaron and Denise recount the horrific ordeal that almost cost them everything. Like too many victims of sexual violence, they were dismissed, disbelieved, and dragged through the mud. With no one to rely on except each other, they took on the victim blaming, harassment, misogyny, and abuse of power running rife in the criminal justice system. Their story is, in the end, a love story, but one that sheds necessary light on sexual assault and the abuse by law enforcement that all too frequently compounds crime victims’ suffering.
I think my takeaway from this is that I don't need to have an opinion on everything I see in the news. I can have compassion and stay informed, but there will always be more to the story than I can see, especially in the beginning. The sections about the actual crime are strange and harrowing. The sections about the aftermath are infuriating and maddening, and there are many other sections about the 2 survivors that are sweet and reveal how normal they are. I like that the book points out that the monetary and emotional burdens for these people were huge, but that they were incredibly lucky to have the support that they did. They mention that other people likely go through similar things without the money, legal representation, and emotional support to keep them out of jail. I hope this shows people that unchecked authority is a real danger for all of us.
Holy. Shit. I’ve seen the 20/20 specials about this case and they were crazy enough but this book delves in so much deeper. From the moment this couple is attacked they are victimized and victimized and victimized. As an outsider it’s hard to say if the criminal or the investigators were worse…which is not only upsetting but completely terrifying. At least the kidnappers showed them basic human things like water, bathroom breaks, and small comforts. I cannot recommend this book highly enough.
This story is the perfect example of why I have taught my daughter for about 25 years to NEVER talk to police or detectives without an attorney present and avoid all lie detection devices. They will tell you you are being deceitful and did not pass the test every single time. Another Reid tactic that will find your innocent ass treated like a criminal. 6/1/25- I’m currently watching a crime show on Hulu that is covering this crime and it’s excellent. I read this book ages ago and I’m supposing it did not give enough explanation or detail. If you have the opportunity watch the show. It’s under episodes.
4.0 Stars This was an absolute unbelievable true crime story that highlights the failings of the investigating departments. The story felt larger than life and it's appalling to know that it true. I would recommend to one to any true crime reader looking for something new and different. I felt very sympathetic to the victims.
I could not stop listening to the audio version of this book. The authors share their heartbreaking story succinctly and vividly, fulfilling their intended purpose of bringing light to the justice system and bravely telling their story. It is heartbreaking, infuriating at times when they describe their treatment by law enforcement, and heartwarming to learn about how things come full circle. This book inspired me to look at media even more critically than I already do and become educated on ways our justice system is broken. Thank you to the authors for your bravery, vulnerability, and not to mention excellent storytelling.
To be honest, I only bought this book (and thus read it) to pad the stats and proceeds for Denise Huskies and Aaron Quinn. I remember hearing about her bizarre abduction before she was miraculously released. It never occurred to me to question their story and when I realized the police and media were turning on them, it did not deem right to me. I am relieved that the official record now shows they did nothing wrong and were instead the victims of a horrific and bizarre crime.
It felt important to me to buy their book and read their story just to bear witness to want they went through and how badly they were treated by law enforcement.
If you believe law enforcement works only for good, this a story to read. And then imagine being in the position of this couple but not being white and upper middle class…
Wow, I haven't been so appalled and shocked by a book in a long time. I'm furious. I'm disgusted. I'm speechless.
This is an incredibly powerful book about a nightmarish crime, but I almost think that the treatment of the victims by the police is the more unimaginable and horrific crime. This book is not for the faint of heart, but I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys nonfiction or true crime stories. It was an engaging read, despite the awful subject matter.
Never ever talk to the police without a lawyer present. I know that and I know that means no if, ands or buts. But that's only when the police want to talk to you, not when you need to report a crime... Right?
WRONG. Denise Huskins and Aaron Quinn learned the hard way when Aaron called to report a home invasion and the kidnapping of his girlfriend, Denise. The kidnapping happened in 2015 and was all over the national news but somehow I missed any coverage so I went into this book blind about "The Real Life Gone Girl." Not knowing anything about the case added an extra layer of suspense and I tore through this book in one night but even those who followed the case will find this a captivating read.
This book covers so much from the initial kidnapping, the police misconduct, dealing with PTSD, the trials and lawsuits, etc. Reading made me angry, sad and inspired by Denise and Aaron. The actions of the police, the FBI, the media and the general public are so, SO horrible. It's impossible to wrap your mind around calling the police, sick with fear and worry for your girlfriend, for help and having your lives ruins as a result. If the police and the freaking FBI won't help, what can you do?
I really liked how this book dove deeper into the actions of the Vallejo Police Department, aside from how they handled this specific case. We hear about police brutality, a culture of bragging about kills, attending grandiose "career development" trips on the taxpayers dime, a culture of covering for each other and exiling those who attempt to report illegal activity. Each action feeds into the next and paints a bleak picture of the reality behind law enforcement agencies in our country. The police don't want to investigate and solve crimes, they want to find evidence that fits the narrative they establish and push to the media and they are experts at doing so. Even now, what accountability has there been for this department?
This book really makes you think about our justice system, how crimes are investigated and how victims are treated. Should a police officer have the power to require a 6 hour interrogation before allowing a kidnapping victim to receive a sexual assault examination? Where is the accountability for a police officer who toyed with Denise's life by turning off Aaron's phone while he was waiting for a call about the ransom? Above all else... if this happened to two upper-class, white doctors with connections to the FBI and high profile, expensive lawyers, what happens to the less "lucky" victims of police malice and negligence when investigating crimes?
Although I had listened to the 9-part series on Real Crime Profile regarding the case of Denise Huskins and Aaron Quinn, I wasn't prepared for how difficult it would be to dive head first into the detail that 'Victim F' goes into.
From the initial abduction, to the sexual assault, to the police incompetence...
Yet surprisingly, nothing hit harder than the Facebook messages.
I know what people can be like when they think they know a situation, but to see what people actually sent Denise and Aaron (and truthfully, some of the reviews of the book on here) really made me stop and take a moment to process what was happening.
With all those horrific things that happened to Denise and Aaron, the Facebook messages that rubbed salt in the wounds. How could those strangers, who knew nothing about what actually happened, send those messages to people they have never met?
I feel so privileged to be able to read this book, and to hear about Denise and Aaron's story in their own words, and I hope that they continue to grow and heal.
It’s hard to really rate this book, because it’s somebody’s actual story of abduction, torture and trauma.
I’m going to rate this solely on the writing, the conciseness and the feelings it evoked. The book was obviously detailed and well researched. It is an account of the events in the victims’ own words. They are walking us through Denise’s abduction step by step, talking about being drugged, being forced to listen to recordings with instructions, being blind folded and threatened. Denise talks about her kidnapper, all the interactions they had, the bizarre kindness shown to her that was such a stark contrast to the way the police investigators treated them.
This entire story is just mind blowing and bizarre. It’s so unbelievable, literally nobody believed them for a very long time. Heck, I was super skeptical about for the majority of it. Logically, this shouldn’t have happened. It was too whacked out to actually happen. And yet, it happened. And the fact that they were treated as suspects throughout it all added to the trauma, caused irreversible psychological damage, cut deeper wounds than the assault itself.
Can you imagine being abducted and raped? Now, can you imagine going through that and then being told you made it all up in some sort of attention seeking “Gone Girl” stunt?
Victim F is a well written book. It really shows how much these two people went through and just how much it changed their lives forever. It also shows their amazing bravery and perseverance. I am glad I got a chance to learn more about their case.
I love how this book was written with both Denise and Aaron’s perspectives. It gives the reader a broader sense of the the whole saga, and depth that the 2020 or Dateline just don’t have time to dive into. The voices feel very authentic and the nature and atrocity of this crime and repeated victimization will leave you speechless. Ultimately, the conclusion leaves you with many questions(that the writers appear to have, too) but leave you with a passion for victims’ rights and new appreciation for the strength of the human spirit in the face of unbelievable difficulty.
J’ai été grandement touchée par l’histoire traumatisante de ce couple et leur parcours dans le système judiciaire. Durant ma lecture, j’ai parfois eu l’impression de lire un Thriller, un page turner, et puis la triste réalité me frappait à chaque fois : de vraies personnes ont vécu ces tragédies. Le courage et l’amour qui unissent leur couple leur donnent la force de tenter d’apprendre à guérir de leurs blessures, ensemble.
Ce livre met bien en lumière la prise de conscience qui doit être faite en lien avec la revictimisation des victimes de crimes. ✨
Je conseille aussi de le lire sur un court délai, question de garder en tête les détails en lien avec les procédures légales.
I love me some true crime from the perspective of victims/survivors. This was a really captivating and compassionate look at what happened to Denise Huskins & Aaron Quinn. I had never really heard about this case and was really shocked by the police investigation. Similar to A False Report: A True Story of Rape in America, it is a woman investigator that sheds light on the case. The story moves thanks to the first-person POV from Huskins and Quinn. The second half of the book is about dealing with trauma and PTSD, which was also insightful. The audiobook narrators are great, especially Brittany Pressley who is one of my favorite narrators.
An amazing story of determination and resilience. Denise and Aaron are two incredible humans whose decision to shine a light on the system that initially failed them and use their experience to enact change and healing for others is awe inspiring. Wishing them every happiness and so grateful for their story.
I first heard about this true but horrendous crime when I listened to the podcast Real Crime Profiles. After this multi episode podcast, I decided I wanted to listen to the audio book, hear the real voices of the victims, and learn more details about their crime.
In 2015, Denise Huskins and her boyfriend Aaron Quinn, both physical therapists, were awoken to a group of armed men dressed in wet suits to no leave any DNA behind. The couple was blindfolded and drugged. They then abducted Denise telling Aaron that he was being watched by a camera they installed and to not call the police. They told him she'd be released in 48 hours if he got the money withdrawals from the bank.
He instead called his FBI brother who instructed him to call 911. That is when the second crime occurred. The Vallejo police immediately blamed the victim Aaron. His treatment at the hands of those who were supposed to help was horrific. Even after a "proof of life" video comes in and Denise is released, the police now accuse the both of them of fabricating this "Gone Girl" scenario.
It's not until the perpetrators strike again that one is caught, arrested, and put on trial. The police never admit wrongdoing or apologize for their incompetence. The effect that both the invasion and kidnapping, an the mistreatment and public accusations by the police affect the couple, their friends, and family in ways I never expected.
If you like true crime, or even if you don't normally follow such stories, this one will shake you to the core. The alternating chapters, from Denise and Aaron's point of view, retell the story chronologically from the home invasion to the trial and the aftermath leading up to today. A fascinating read!!
I had heard this story before and was hoping to get more details about why Denise and Aaron were targeted for this crime. Unfortunately that question wasn't really answered. What happened to Denise and Aaron is inexcusable and I feel terrible for them. That being said, I found this book to be dull and a little bit repetitive. If you haven't heard the story before this may be worth the read but if you know the story I doubt you will learn anything new.
An absolutely incredible, yet infuriating book! This poor couple was revictimized over & over again. By the criminals, the police, the media and online trolls.
I couldn't put this book down. I remember when this happened but to read the entire story - it's unbelievable what Denise and Aaron had to endure. What a horrible experience. I hope they live in peace now.
The survivors of a home invasion, kidnapping, and rape find themselves targeted by victim-blaming police. This was a difficult read, but it is an important story that deserves to be heard. Denise and Aaron are such strong individuals to have endured their horrific experiences. The abuse they suffered at the hands of a deranged monster was bad enough, but to be attacked by the police and FBI... how did they maintain their sanity?
This story hit me in so many ways. Obviously it was incredibly sad, but I was also overflowing with admiration for Denise and Aaron. I was seething with anger over how the police treated them. I was afraid to imagine the circumstances they were forced to survive.
This novel left me feeling uneasy to say the least. I wish Aaron and Denise all the safety, comfort, and love they clearly deserve. I hope the rest of their lives are peaceful and happy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
If you watched the Netflix documentary, American Nightmare, you already know most of Denise and Aaron's horrific story....but you don't know it all.
As the subtitle says, the couple went from victims to suspects to survivors through and because of astronomical incompetence of police. The arrogance of the investigators, including the FBI, to assume this crime was a hoax without even looking at most of the evidence. Ugh. The book does a good job of relaying the story without sensationalizing it, the use of alternating chapters from Denise and Aaron's point of view was done so well that you almost never had to wonder who was talking.
I hope Aaron and Denise have a long and happy life together and I hope the investigators involved in this fiasco have the life they deserve.
This is a harrowing, fascinating account of what it was liked to first be the victims of a home invasion, threatened, kidnapped, and raped and -- and then accused by police of faking the crime while nothing was done to pursue the actual criminals. Their ordeal was compounded by being villainized in the media, harrassed on social media, doubted by friends and colleagues, and treated as criminals by their employers. It's a story of repeated failures by the justice system to hold itself accountable for gross misconduct. It's also the story of people who *did* do the right thing, and of Denise and Aaron's incredible resilience and commitment to healing and refusing to allow themselves to be defined by their ordeal. It's a tough read emotionally.
I’m not sure how I didn’t hear about this case back in 2015, or maybe I’d simply forgotten it. I became aware by watching the Netflix documentary, which obviously is purposefully presented in a “did this really happen?” way.
Reading the first-hand accounts by Denise and Aaron is horrifying and infuriating at the same time. This was a huge, avoidable failure by law enforcement. The fact that these two people endured this and didn’t lose who they are, or each other, is amazing.
Victim F is a powerful non-fiction story that is possibly the most frustrating thing I've ever read. The way the authors were re-victimized, over and over and over by the police and the FBI is so incredibly disturbing. Just unimaginable, except it's all true and really happened. I had to put this down and stop reading several times, because it was too much. The first person accounts of their original trauma, and the way they were treated (and are still treated) by the authorities, is heartbreaking. The light in the story is this couple's amazing resilience and persistence for recovery and justice. They are the very definition of survivors.
I recently watched a documentary on this topic but had no idea how relevant it was to this book until I finished it.
I probably shouldn't be surprised by law enforcement using victims vulnerability as a weapon against them to close a case.
I've never been in a situation of interrogation so it's easy to ask why from the sidelines. However, I have viewed and heard first hand about experiences of injustice, manipulation, and strong arm tactics to get victims, bystanders, or the innocent to admit to a crime.
Imagine reporting something in good faith only to be accused of being the culprit. It's horrifying. There are a small percentage of these that get justice in the end but this isn't limited to rape victims; robberies, murders, arson, espionage, etc, etc.
In the end, the word is out but there has not been accountability for the behaviors of those who truly broke the law. Those who [allegedly] enforce it.
Wow, this book. I wanted to keep reading but sometimes had to stop at that moment because the strong emotions that I was feeling. What Denise and Aaron went through is truly horrific and then how the Vallejo police and FBI treated them, freaking inhumane. I was so angry at how they continued to revictimize and retraumatize. Absolutely disgusting. Denise and Aaron are amazing beyond belief. Sharing their story and going through what they did, yet continuing to find the light in the darkness through their community of support and their healing with one another. Truly inspiring.