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Abused to Death 1
Read the shocking stories of 8 children, as I they were denied in their short lives, I often , with all fictionalised elements based . In addition, you will read Join me in my search for answers to the question,
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Published April 8, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
May 9, 2023
Excellent
This was an interesting book. It was a good read, although at times it was so very hard. I will be reading the others in this series
This was an interesting book. It was a good read, although at times it was so very hard. I will be reading the others in this series
February 15, 2022
Hard to Read - Important to Read
This book is so timely. It is a difficult book to read but it has facts that are important to know. There is so much to learn about our very scary world. Some doors people don't want to be opened because what's inside are unimaginable horrors. Why do we need to know these things?
Someone needs to give a voice to the atrocities that are committed on the children portrayed in this book. Even though I'm a true crime fan and a Criminal Justice graduate this was hard book for me to read. These helpless youngsters are put in impossible situations - the are cruelly tormented by the very people they depend on. People who are supposed to love and defend them not hurt them in some of the cruelest ways possible.
By peeling off the comfortable veneer that people have, by making us feel, by showing us what terrible things are going on around us there can be a positive outcome. People are made aware of what signs of abuse to look for. And now "parents" who seem so normal can be viewed as more - cruel monsters.
Noticing a child's bruises, neglect (dirty clothes), extreme hunger, and so called clumsiness can help prevent some of the tragedies you'll read about. See something, say something should be the golden rule to follow
This book is so timely. It is a difficult book to read but it has facts that are important to know. There is so much to learn about our very scary world. Some doors people don't want to be opened because what's inside are unimaginable horrors. Why do we need to know these things?
Someone needs to give a voice to the atrocities that are committed on the children portrayed in this book. Even though I'm a true crime fan and a Criminal Justice graduate this was hard book for me to read. These helpless youngsters are put in impossible situations - the are cruelly tormented by the very people they depend on. People who are supposed to love and defend them not hurt them in some of the cruelest ways possible.
By peeling off the comfortable veneer that people have, by making us feel, by showing us what terrible things are going on around us there can be a positive outcome. People are made aware of what signs of abuse to look for. And now "parents" who seem so normal can be viewed as more - cruel monsters.
Noticing a child's bruises, neglect (dirty clothes), extreme hunger, and so called clumsiness can help prevent some of the tragedies you'll read about. See something, say something should be the golden rule to follow
October 16, 2021
Purchased this book as a thank you, and the author gave the caveat of "You won't enjoy this." With a title like this, a given. So, let's see what we've got here.
The book is creative non-fiction where some of the stories have a victim or observer story then followed by the true crime overview of the circumstances that led to the child's eventual murder. I believe at least one of these crimes I've seen a documentary for, and several I've even heard of. If you watch true crime documentaries/television, you'll know what to expect here.
Because of that, I wasn't shocked by what was detailed. The author stories kindly and dialogues very well. The first person narratives are uniquely their own. The descriptions outlining the events balance it out. At the end of the book there is a detail of why these types of incidents could happen. It was raw, informative, and honestly a good piece of work about a horrible subject matter.
The book is creative non-fiction where some of the stories have a victim or observer story then followed by the true crime overview of the circumstances that led to the child's eventual murder. I believe at least one of these crimes I've seen a documentary for, and several I've even heard of. If you watch true crime documentaries/television, you'll know what to expect here.
Because of that, I wasn't shocked by what was detailed. The author stories kindly and dialogues very well. The first person narratives are uniquely their own. The descriptions outlining the events balance it out. At the end of the book there is a detail of why these types of incidents could happen. It was raw, informative, and honestly a good piece of work about a horrible subject matter.
June 30, 2022
Very well written and researched. The majority of these true stories are presented firstly, from the child's point of view; their thoughts and emotions, their hopes and dreams, their pain, confusion and despair. The second half of most of these stories provides facts and figures, and the backgrounds of the adults who abused each child. I can tell that the author has a real heart for children, by the compassionate way that she writes about them. All of the children written about in this book died at the hands of their abusers. I felt heart broken and helpless reading about their stories. I recommend this book for those who work with children, as it might help them to recognize signs that any of these children are possibly being abused by those who are supposed to be nurturing them.
March 10, 2022
HEARTBREAKING & TRAGIC! Intense. Twisted. Riveting. Emotional. Dark. Complex. Jaw-dropping. This book of shocking and devastating stories will indeed rip your heart out! I cried SO much. Truly a must for your TBR list.
*I received a complimentary ARC of this book in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.
*I received a complimentary ARC of this book in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.
September 23, 2024
I am a pretty tough cookie when it comes to dark subjects in books. However, when it comes to children and true horror inflicted upon them it’s very hard reading.
I’ve read a fair few books of this style but this is particularly disturbing the way it is written. The writing style I did not like at all. I struggled to finish this one for many reasons.
Not for me.
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I’ve read a fair few books of this style but this is particularly disturbing the way it is written. The writing style I did not like at all. I struggled to finish this one for many reasons.
Not for me.
::~~~~~~:::::~~~~~:::::~~~~~:::::~~~~~~::
Thanks so much for reading my review!
I hope you enjoyed it, if you did I’d be delighted if you leave me a “like” and I love to read your comments. If you’d like to connect you can follow me or please send me a friend request.
You can also find me on Amazon U.K. where I am a Top 500 Reviewer.
If you are an Author or Publisher and you’d like me to consider reading and reviewing your book(s) please just message me.
February 1, 2025
One of the toughest books I’ve read to date! Recognising some of these children from national news or historically, makes it even harder to read through their cases.
However, one of the most well written, fact based, heartbreaking books I think I will ever read!
PLEASE CHECK CONTENT WARNINGS!!!
However, one of the most well written, fact based, heartbreaking books I think I will ever read!
PLEASE CHECK CONTENT WARNINGS!!!
April 23, 2021
Abused to Death Volume 1
This book is about children who are neglected, abused, and killed by family members, be that by parents, close relatives, or foster families.
The incredibly sad thing is that if the authorities, neighbours, teachers, or officials charged with the welfare in the community had noticed one of these children and had insisted on some form of action they may have prevented the death of even one child.
We as communities and the authorities need to learn and process what the abuser is saying with what we are seeing when a child has bruises, cuts and is not acting right then maybe some children’s lives may change for the better as we reach out to them.
It is incredibly sad that even today with everyone being alerted to these tragedies on the news, people still do not feel children should be listened to and have a voice. In this book there are plenty of warning signs that not only you will hear from the victims but also the research Jessica has done when writing this book.
The scary thing is now with Coronavirus how many more children around the world are being abused as nobody is checking these children who could at least escape to school a few hours a day. It is incredibly sad, but abuse torture, witchcraft, poisoning, drugging, and agony young Children are subjected to are still carried out in our society in 2021 and the vulnerable innocent children are still the tragedy of society today.
This is a book that should be read by everyone with or without children and put into all communities where children live and help everyone to become educated and to learn the signs to make us all more aware of these vulnerable young people who we bring into this world and deserve to be treated fairly and humanly as children should be.
To the author Jessica how much I admire your stand on writing about children who are neglected, abused, and killed by family members. An awfully hard subject to write about but beautifully written and the pictures of each child in happier times was a lovely touch and a great way for us all to remember them by.
I received an advance review copy for free, as part of the Advanced Book Review Team from the author Jessica Jackson and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This book is about children who are neglected, abused, and killed by family members, be that by parents, close relatives, or foster families.
The incredibly sad thing is that if the authorities, neighbours, teachers, or officials charged with the welfare in the community had noticed one of these children and had insisted on some form of action they may have prevented the death of even one child.
We as communities and the authorities need to learn and process what the abuser is saying with what we are seeing when a child has bruises, cuts and is not acting right then maybe some children’s lives may change for the better as we reach out to them.
It is incredibly sad that even today with everyone being alerted to these tragedies on the news, people still do not feel children should be listened to and have a voice. In this book there are plenty of warning signs that not only you will hear from the victims but also the research Jessica has done when writing this book.
The scary thing is now with Coronavirus how many more children around the world are being abused as nobody is checking these children who could at least escape to school a few hours a day. It is incredibly sad, but abuse torture, witchcraft, poisoning, drugging, and agony young Children are subjected to are still carried out in our society in 2021 and the vulnerable innocent children are still the tragedy of society today.
This is a book that should be read by everyone with or without children and put into all communities where children live and help everyone to become educated and to learn the signs to make us all more aware of these vulnerable young people who we bring into this world and deserve to be treated fairly and humanly as children should be.
To the author Jessica how much I admire your stand on writing about children who are neglected, abused, and killed by family members. An awfully hard subject to write about but beautifully written and the pictures of each child in happier times was a lovely touch and a great way for us all to remember them by.
I received an advance review copy for free, as part of the Advanced Book Review Team from the author Jessica Jackson and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 23, 2021
These tragic stories are related with great empathy and skill. The topic is harrowing, but never sensationalised, thereby honouring these abused children's truncated lives. The fictionalised accounts read beautifully, and I was impressed with the variety of points of view and style, all of which nevertheless put the children at the heart of the story. These are well balanced with factual information on each individual case. An important book which urges us to be ever vigilant. This could be happening next door!
May 6, 2021
Definitely Worth Reading
This book is hard to get through. However, everyone should read this. The horrors that are inflicted upon these children need to be told. The more stories like these are written and read, the more it will empower something to be done to prevent future torture and abuse. The author does an excellent job of writing especially from the children's perspective. Because of this book, I will be much more aware and diligent if I see anything done to a child that has me even the least bit concerned.
This book is hard to get through. However, everyone should read this. The horrors that are inflicted upon these children need to be told. The more stories like these are written and read, the more it will empower something to be done to prevent future torture and abuse. The author does an excellent job of writing especially from the children's perspective. Because of this book, I will be much more aware and diligent if I see anything done to a child that has me even the least bit concerned.
May 13, 2021
This is a unique book bringing more to light the abuse of children and from their point of view. It can be hard going at times but necessary for us to realize what could be going right around us. Having been one of these children to a lesser degree, no one considered some of this abuse until later years. Let me assure you, it is exactly what the word entails, abuse! Remember children are the innocent and can't help themselves. They are stuck in this cylcle with no way to escape. What is horrifying to us is normal life for others.
July 2, 2021
Given the difficult nature of the subject matter, it is extraordinary that Jessica has written a book that is so engaging. Cleverly telling the stories of abused children through their own voices, the book, not only highlights just how evil adults can be, but also how utterly baffling their behaviour must be to a victim. The second half of each chapter switches narrative, to give the legal and factual account.
Although harrowing at times, this book will give all of us an appreciation of what can happen when sign are ignored and to spot those signs more readily.
Although harrowing at times, this book will give all of us an appreciation of what can happen when sign are ignored and to spot those signs more readily.
May 3, 2021
Heartbreaking
This is a difficult, but necessary book to read. Child abuse is so prevalent in our society, and the more we know the better prepared we are to put an end to it. These children’s stories are devastating, but Ms Jackson does a wonderful job of helping us to remember these precious souls.
This is a difficult, but necessary book to read. Child abuse is so prevalent in our society, and the more we know the better prepared we are to put an end to it. These children’s stories are devastating, but Ms Jackson does a wonderful job of helping us to remember these precious souls.
December 5, 2023
This is a tough book to read. I can’t fathom how people can do such atrocities to anyone much less a child in their care. The cases are well researched. I just did not like the whole fictional accounts. I thought they were weird and unnecessary. Otherwise it would have been a five star book for me.
January 5, 2024
Abused to Death' by Jessica Jackson is a powerful and deeply informative book shedding light on tragic cases involving children and the profound injustices they endured. Jackson's comprehensive research, combined with her compassionate storytelling, creates an emotionally impactful narrative that explores these heartbreaking cases with sensitivity and depth.
What sets this book apart is its meticulous attention to detail and the inclusion of post-case information, providing readers with a comprehensive understanding of the aftermath and the impact on the victims' families. The addition of an update from 2023, specifically addressing the Lucy Letby children's nurse case and its potential similarities to another case, adds a timely and thought-provoking dimension to the book.
Jackson's dedication to research is evident throughout the narrative, offering a clear, detailed account of each case while also incorporating insights from the families involved. By humanizing the victims and honoring their stories, she creates a profound connection between the readers and the tragedies these children faced.
The Kindle version's inclusion of recent updates showcases the author's commitment to keeping the information current and relevant, ensuring that readers receive the most up-to-date insights into these distressing yet crucial cases.
While the subject matter is undeniably heavy, 'Abused to Death' navigates these sensitive topics with grace, highlighting the resilience of the human spirit amidst adversity. Jackson's empathetic approach serves as a testament to her dedication not only in delivering factual information but also in honoring the memories of the children whose lives were tragically cut short.
In conclusion, 'Abused to Death' stands as a significant and indispensable contribution to understanding the complexities of these cases. Jessica Jackson's exhaustive research, compassionate storytelling, and inclusion of post-case information make this book an essential read, urging society to confront these injustices and strive for a better, safer world for our children.
What sets this book apart is its meticulous attention to detail and the inclusion of post-case information, providing readers with a comprehensive understanding of the aftermath and the impact on the victims' families. The addition of an update from 2023, specifically addressing the Lucy Letby children's nurse case and its potential similarities to another case, adds a timely and thought-provoking dimension to the book.
Jackson's dedication to research is evident throughout the narrative, offering a clear, detailed account of each case while also incorporating insights from the families involved. By humanizing the victims and honoring their stories, she creates a profound connection between the readers and the tragedies these children faced.
The Kindle version's inclusion of recent updates showcases the author's commitment to keeping the information current and relevant, ensuring that readers receive the most up-to-date insights into these distressing yet crucial cases.
While the subject matter is undeniably heavy, 'Abused to Death' navigates these sensitive topics with grace, highlighting the resilience of the human spirit amidst adversity. Jackson's empathetic approach serves as a testament to her dedication not only in delivering factual information but also in honoring the memories of the children whose lives were tragically cut short.
In conclusion, 'Abused to Death' stands as a significant and indispensable contribution to understanding the complexities of these cases. Jessica Jackson's exhaustive research, compassionate storytelling, and inclusion of post-case information make this book an essential read, urging society to confront these injustices and strive for a better, safer world for our children.
February 23, 2024
Hard hitting
This is a difficult book to read. I think it's meant to be though. I mean what sort of person could enjoy reading about such depravity? And I found myself wondering why I was reading it. And I think I agree with the author. There's a certain respect rewarded to the children in these cases by learning their story. Their betrayal. They're not forgotten. To understand what they went through, means we care. It means lessons can be learnt. I admit, I had to skim through parts, because I'd like to sleep at night, but the fact that these children are not lost to us, their stories not forgotten, that they remain in our thoughts, means their pain is no longer alone. I just wish these stories never existed. That we didn't need to learn these lessons, or fail so badly to protect those most vulnerable.
This is a difficult book to read. I think it's meant to be though. I mean what sort of person could enjoy reading about such depravity? And I found myself wondering why I was reading it. And I think I agree with the author. There's a certain respect rewarded to the children in these cases by learning their story. Their betrayal. They're not forgotten. To understand what they went through, means we care. It means lessons can be learnt. I admit, I had to skim through parts, because I'd like to sleep at night, but the fact that these children are not lost to us, their stories not forgotten, that they remain in our thoughts, means their pain is no longer alone. I just wish these stories never existed. That we didn't need to learn these lessons, or fail so badly to protect those most vulnerable.
September 17, 2024
For obvious reasons, this book is a harrowing read. Eight stories of child abuse that will shock you. The author tells us these stories as if it was being told from the child's perspective. We learn how the agency's that were in place to protect these children, severely let them down. We get a true crime overview after the stories. Although I know the background to some, but not all, the stories, it still shocked me seeing it in black and white. It's two days since I finished this book. It's taken me two days to even think about writing a review. I struggled as I felt that giving it 5 stars was like praising the abusers and not the author. I'm not sure if I will read the rest of the books in this series, but if I do, it won't be for a while.
#KindleBook
#KindleBook
December 23, 2025
I was originally just going to pick and choose which volumes I was going to read, but after finishing the first one I will read all.
Some stories are told from a child’s point of view and it is heartbreaking. I knew this was not going to be an easy read. I can’t tell you enough they are not easy to read. But these children deserve a voice. Deserve to be remembered.
Jessica tells the story of the facts as she believes to be true. I can’t say I enjoyed reading the book because that does not sound right, but I did. The pages flow.
I highly recommend reading. To gain knowledge, to learn who these children were. Heartbreaking. Triggering? I’m not sure I don’t get triggered but some things told of what some of the kids suffered are horrendous.
Some stories are told from a child’s point of view and it is heartbreaking. I knew this was not going to be an easy read. I can’t tell you enough they are not easy to read. But these children deserve a voice. Deserve to be remembered.
Jessica tells the story of the facts as she believes to be true. I can’t say I enjoyed reading the book because that does not sound right, but I did. The pages flow.
I highly recommend reading. To gain knowledge, to learn who these children were. Heartbreaking. Triggering? I’m not sure I don’t get triggered but some things told of what some of the kids suffered are horrendous.
February 4, 2025
Unbelievable
I've heard of only a couple of these poor children in the news.. but to actually read about them and know a little more insight is harrowing. I have downloaded the books in this series and will keep on reading them. These books couldn't have been written easily. However, I want to thank Jessica for writing them. They are informative and spread awareness on how much cruelty actually goes on behind closed doors and how opportunities are missed to save the children by not only outside family members, but by authorities
I've heard of only a couple of these poor children in the news.. but to actually read about them and know a little more insight is harrowing. I have downloaded the books in this series and will keep on reading them. These books couldn't have been written easily. However, I want to thank Jessica for writing them. They are informative and spread awareness on how much cruelty actually goes on behind closed doors and how opportunities are missed to save the children by not only outside family members, but by authorities
May 21, 2021
Debut book hits the nail on the head!!
This book was well researched and articulated. While the subject is disheartening and very hard to read at points, the topic needs to be shared so these crimes stop! These parents (and I use that term very loosely) don't deserve these children. Miss Jackson is helping bring awareness for the innocent children that need all of our voices to ring loud! Excellent book!
This book was well researched and articulated. While the subject is disheartening and very hard to read at points, the topic needs to be shared so these crimes stop! These parents (and I use that term very loosely) don't deserve these children. Miss Jackson is helping bring awareness for the innocent children that need all of our voices to ring loud! Excellent book!
February 27, 2022
Abused To Death 1. by Jessica Jackson.
Clarify the 3 star rating is not so much the ability of the author but more so the horrible nature of what these children had endured! All of these children have gone through horrendous abuse that is disgusting.
Recommend at least read one of these stories to see what nasty abuse these so called people have inflicted on these helpless children. It will make you cuddle your children just that bit more!
Clarify the 3 star rating is not so much the ability of the author but more so the horrible nature of what these children had endured! All of these children have gone through horrendous abuse that is disgusting.
Recommend at least read one of these stories to see what nasty abuse these so called people have inflicted on these helpless children. It will make you cuddle your children just that bit more!
February 11, 2023
Tears are not enough to absorb the pain and suffering of these children.
Jessica does a comprehensive telling of these heart wrenching stories. I could not keep the tears from falling as I read these gritty, horrible stories. I guess I will never understand, not in a million years, what makes a carer do the things they do. Children need our love and encouragement. Thank you Jessica for telling these stories.
Jessica does a comprehensive telling of these heart wrenching stories. I could not keep the tears from falling as I read these gritty, horrible stories. I guess I will never understand, not in a million years, what makes a carer do the things they do. Children need our love and encouragement. Thank you Jessica for telling these stories.
November 18, 2024
This was such a horrific and terrifying read. I picked this book up because it was included with kindle Unlimited and thought it was just going to be a serial killer true crime story, but this was so much worse than any true crime book I've read. These CHILDREN deserved to be loved and nurtured, not tormented to the point of loosing their lives. I wish nothing but peace to the victims and their loved ones.
February 15, 2025
Heartfelt
As you read through these stories, you can see that the system is still broken. It's sad how adults can do the things that they do to children. It's even worse when child social services don't always really look into child abuse cases.
In this book. case workers were called, neighbors heard abuse, police saw things, and doctors were involved, and they didn't do their jobs adequately.
This book shows us that we need to do better for the children.
As you read through these stories, you can see that the system is still broken. It's sad how adults can do the things that they do to children. It's even worse when child social services don't always really look into child abuse cases.
In this book. case workers were called, neighbors heard abuse, police saw things, and doctors were involved, and they didn't do their jobs adequately.
This book shows us that we need to do better for the children.
November 10, 2025
Wow just WOW. As a child educator and mother this really hurts my heart. How anyone can have the thought or the want to hurt a child is beyond me. This feels so close to my heart as one is close to where I live. These children’s stories and names should live on and shall not be forgotten. Well done to the author for sharing their stories and for the people involved having the courage to speak out on this difficult subject for a lot of people.
May 2, 2021
Excellent book
I thought Jessica's style of writing is excellent the research that has gone on in to Abused to death is quite unbelievable. She obviously knows her stuff and tells it in a unique sort of way. Some of the children's stories are very harrowing but nevertheless are true. I would thoroughly recommend this book and author
Billy Connolly
I thought Jessica's style of writing is excellent the research that has gone on in to Abused to death is quite unbelievable. She obviously knows her stuff and tells it in a unique sort of way. Some of the children's stories are very harrowing but nevertheless are true. I would thoroughly recommend this book and author
Billy Connolly
May 9, 2021
Sad tales.
It's a sad topic but Jess tells the stories of these poor children in a dignified respectful way, some.well known cases and some of not even heard of . She also raises awareness of child abuse which i think we all need to be aware of as too many children die from abuse and if we were more aware we could maybe stop this from happening. I'm looking forward to book 2
It's a sad topic but Jess tells the stories of these poor children in a dignified respectful way, some.well known cases and some of not even heard of . She also raises awareness of child abuse which i think we all need to be aware of as too many children die from abuse and if we were more aware we could maybe stop this from happening. I'm looking forward to book 2
May 28, 2021
Thank you, Jessica, for giving them a voice
This book is not an easy read, however, Jessica tells the story of each victim with compassion for the harrowing torture suffered by each little angel. This is followed up with facts about the case following the death of each child and insights, where possible, into the past of the abusers.
This book is not an easy read, however, Jessica tells the story of each victim with compassion for the harrowing torture suffered by each little angel. This is followed up with facts about the case following the death of each child and insights, where possible, into the past of the abusers.
September 26, 2024
Heartbreaking
This is a difficult book to read. That being said, I think it should be required reading for high school and college students. Everyone needs to know about how pervasive this tragedy is. It's well written, by an intelligent, compassionate author. I highly recommend this book, if you can bear to read it.
This is a difficult book to read. That being said, I think it should be required reading for high school and college students. Everyone needs to know about how pervasive this tragedy is. It's well written, by an intelligent, compassionate author. I highly recommend this book, if you can bear to read it.
October 2, 2024
Wow!
This is my first time reading anything by Jessica Jackson or reading a book like this. Yes it's a hard read and yes it is very sad. However telling these children's stories so they are never forgotten and also bringing an awareness to child abuse is something that is unmeasurable.
This is my first time reading anything by Jessica Jackson or reading a book like this. Yes it's a hard read and yes it is very sad. However telling these children's stories so they are never forgotten and also bringing an awareness to child abuse is something that is unmeasurable.
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