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?