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The Girl I Never Knew
For over two decades the identity of Melissa Witt’s killer has been hidden among the dense trees and thorny undergrowth rooted deeply in the uneven ground of a remote mountaintop in the Ozark National Forest.
Determined to find answers, LaDonna Humphrey has spent the past six years hunting for Melissa’s killer. Her investigation, both thrilling and unpredictable, has led her on a journey like no other.
The Girl I Never Knew is an edge-of-your-seat account of LaDonna Humphrey's passionate fight for justice in the decades-old murder case of a girl she never knew. Her unstoppable quest for the truth has gained the attention of some incredibly dangerous people, some of whom would like to keep Melissa’s murder a mystery forever.
Determined to find answers, LaDonna Humphrey has spent the past six years hunting for Melissa’s killer. Her investigation, both thrilling and unpredictable, has led her on a journey like no other.
The Girl I Never Knew is an edge-of-your-seat account of LaDonna Humphrey's passionate fight for justice in the decades-old murder case of a girl she never knew. Her unstoppable quest for the truth has gained the attention of some incredibly dangerous people, some of whom would like to keep Melissa’s murder a mystery forever.
226 pages, Paperback
Published April 8, 2022
291 people are currently reading
2235 people want to read
About the author
LaDonna Humphrey
4 books103 followersLaDonna Humphrey is an award-winning writer, podcaster, documentarian, investigative journalist, and an advocate for victims of crime.
Her passions include advocating for missing adults, crime victims, children in foster care, and for women in recovery.
LaDonna is the Executive Director of Oasis of Northwest Arkansas, the co-founder of All the Lost Girls and True Crime Fest, and the co-host of the Deep Dark Secrets Podcast and the Extinguished Podcast.
LaDonna and her husband Danny live in Northwest Arkansas.
Her passions include advocating for missing adults, crime victims, children in foster care, and for women in recovery.
LaDonna is the Executive Director of Oasis of Northwest Arkansas, the co-founder of All the Lost Girls and True Crime Fest, and the co-host of the Deep Dark Secrets Podcast and the Extinguished Podcast.
LaDonna and her husband Danny live in Northwest Arkansas.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
July 2, 2022
I grew up with Missy.
I want justice for Missy like everyone else. I think like Tara and wonder how Missy’s post would look on my Facebook feed.
Many of us who knew Missy do not support this book. I broke down checked it out of the library, read the book in an hour and half this morning because I had to know what was actually in the book.
And while I didn’t learn anything new about the case, I do have a little more empathy for LaDonna. I sincerely think she is trying to do the right thing, I don’t think she is intentionally trying to hurt others. She did miss or didn’t include many different aspects of the culture in Fort Smith in 94 that would have given this book the layers it needed to give everyone a full understanding of the situation.
And I am sick to my stomach thinking that Missy’s picture is going to be on her 2nd book about strangulation fetishes. Missy’s face does not belong on that book.
I want justice for Missy like everyone else. I think like Tara and wonder how Missy’s post would look on my Facebook feed.
Many of us who knew Missy do not support this book. I broke down checked it out of the library, read the book in an hour and half this morning because I had to know what was actually in the book.
And while I didn’t learn anything new about the case, I do have a little more empathy for LaDonna. I sincerely think she is trying to do the right thing, I don’t think she is intentionally trying to hurt others. She did miss or didn’t include many different aspects of the culture in Fort Smith in 94 that would have given this book the layers it needed to give everyone a full understanding of the situation.
And I am sick to my stomach thinking that Missy’s picture is going to be on her 2nd book about strangulation fetishes. Missy’s face does not belong on that book.
May 16, 2022
The Girl I Never Knew is a true crime book about a varicole case. On December 1, 1995 Melissa Witt was kidnapped from a bowling alley where she went to eat a burger with her mother she wasn’t found until weeks later naked and the Ozark national Forest. Ladonna Humphrey is making a documentary about her murder and this book is the result of that investigation. It was very interesting hearing about the suspects, the confessions and people who just had the be apart of the investigation. The only thing I didn’t like is how she thought it was OK to laugh at Sandy Jones who is clearly psychologically affected and other people in the book that she confessd she laughed add behind their back‘s,Either way the book was it arresting anyone who likes true crime would most likely like this book. I usually do not like reading books with no conclusions, but the chapters on the different suspects satiated my need for an ending. I was given this book by book sirens and I am leaving this review voluntarily please forgive any grammar or punctuation errors as I am blind and dictate my review but all opinions are definitely my own. g
July 19, 2022
Wavering between two and three stars. The case is important and Witt deserves justice, but the author and I are not clicking. Part of the reason is because I really truly hate re-created conversations because there’s no way a person remembers exactly what was said unless literally every conversation was recorded. There was also a bit of filler in the book that was unnecessary and I’m definitely just not feeling great about this book.
EDIT:
You can find my review over on my blog https://allthebookblognamesaretaken.b...
EDIT:
You can find my review over on my blog https://allthebookblognamesaretaken.b...
April 9, 2022
WOW! This book is a true crime thriller, and it is written with passion and determination. LaDonna Humphrey has dedicated her life to finding the killer of Melissa Witt, a young woman killed at just 19 years old while on her way to visit her mom at a bowling alley in 1995. Humphrey is a journalist and this case captivated her. She has worked to track leads and interview countless people to try to find the killer.
I was completely transfixed by this story, and read the book in one sitting. Humphrey details other cases, as well as possible motives for the murder. I admire her determination and perseverance in working together with law enforcement to close this case. Hopefully, with her book, and help from social media, this case can finally be solved.
I thought Humphrey's writing was clear and methodically laid out the facts. I also appreciated the personal touches that she put into the book.
I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
I was completely transfixed by this story, and read the book in one sitting. Humphrey details other cases, as well as possible motives for the murder. I admire her determination and perseverance in working together with law enforcement to close this case. Hopefully, with her book, and help from social media, this case can finally be solved.
I thought Humphrey's writing was clear and methodically laid out the facts. I also appreciated the personal touches that she put into the book.
I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
August 27, 2022
DNF at 20 % due to phrases like “agonizing pain” (just say agony) and “tragic murder.”
I am now looking for books about non-tragic murders.
I am now looking for books about non-tragic murders.
May 10, 2023
A new case for me and was intriguing but shocking. Interested to read the follow up book
RIP Melissa
RIP Melissa
July 12, 2025
I’m not a big reader of true crime but this is a crime I know well, I was even a member of the author’s Facebook group so I was drawn to it. I wasn’t expecting to gain any new information. I did learn more about the author and why she feels connected to as the title says, a girl she never knew. I think the author and her documentary team have brought attention to an unsolved crime that we all hope is solved.
Parts of the story hit close to home. There was an eerie, unexplained feeling knowing I’ve been to every location mentioned… from the bowling alley where she disappeared to the “dump” site and everywhere in between. I visited that same bowling alley in 1994. There was even mention of a former middle school classmate of mine who was murdered by a serial killer in the area, something the author included while discussing other crimes from the mid-90s. I will never forget the day we were at school and gathered together to be told.
Even with my background knowledge, I enjoyed it, people who don’t know the story and enjoy true crime will find the book interesting.
If I was reading this not knowing this was based on a case and area I know well, I would think this was a fictional story about a journalist “based on a true crime” or simply one with a true crime plot.
With that said, the ending was a bit off! The story builds up to a point that she gives the impression that she knows exactly who the killer is, there is speculation but not known. This created some intrigue but then the entire book takes a turn in the last chapter into something entirely different, set-up to explore a dark and twisted topic in another book, unrelated to Missy’s actually case, other than how Missy died.
Parts of the story hit close to home. There was an eerie, unexplained feeling knowing I’ve been to every location mentioned… from the bowling alley where she disappeared to the “dump” site and everywhere in between. I visited that same bowling alley in 1994. There was even mention of a former middle school classmate of mine who was murdered by a serial killer in the area, something the author included while discussing other crimes from the mid-90s. I will never forget the day we were at school and gathered together to be told.
Even with my background knowledge, I enjoyed it, people who don’t know the story and enjoy true crime will find the book interesting.
If I was reading this not knowing this was based on a case and area I know well, I would think this was a fictional story about a journalist “based on a true crime” or simply one with a true crime plot.
With that said, the ending was a bit off! The story builds up to a point that she gives the impression that she knows exactly who the killer is, there is speculation but not known. This created some intrigue but then the entire book takes a turn in the last chapter into something entirely different, set-up to explore a dark and twisted topic in another book, unrelated to Missy’s actually case, other than how Missy died.
June 2, 2022
After 27 years of trying, the murder of Melissa Witt remains unsolved. LaDonna Humphrey writes about the girl she never knew, but merely seems to sum up where things didn't go.
I didn't try and count the use of the first person pronoun, but it's extensive. Even though she didn't know 19-year-old Melissa Witt - many people did - she still tries to crawl inside this woman's head and tell the reader what she might have been thinking after she was taken from the parking lot of Fort Smith's Bowling World on December 1, 1994, and later found dead about a month later in the Ozark National Forest.
Sometimes it reads like The Girl I Never Knew: Now, Let's Talk About Me.
LaDonna Humphrey was given exclusive access to the case file and the investigators. She even recruited two former detectives to help her in her documentary - which apparently never has been completed. What's the cliffhanger: Wait for the second book.
I didn't try and count the use of the first person pronoun, but it's extensive. Even though she didn't know 19-year-old Melissa Witt - many people did - she still tries to crawl inside this woman's head and tell the reader what she might have been thinking after she was taken from the parking lot of Fort Smith's Bowling World on December 1, 1994, and later found dead about a month later in the Ozark National Forest.
Sometimes it reads like The Girl I Never Knew: Now, Let's Talk About Me.
LaDonna Humphrey was given exclusive access to the case file and the investigators. She even recruited two former detectives to help her in her documentary - which apparently never has been completed. What's the cliffhanger: Wait for the second book.
August 8, 2022
I had never heard of the Melissa Witt case so I was excited to be educated and learn about the case and the young woman but the book was really about the author. I know more about her than I do Melissa. I’m glad the book and documentary is bringing this case back to the spotlight, as this woman deserves justice and I hope if one thing comes from this book it’s some answers because I certainly didn’t get any from reading this.
Wasn’t really my cup of tea in terms of a true crime as it felt more like a fictional true crime book with the journalist as the star.
Wasn’t really my cup of tea in terms of a true crime as it felt more like a fictional true crime book with the journalist as the star.
April 26, 2022
True crime is not my usual fix, but I read this on recommendation of a dear student. Wow. The writing, the journalism, the intrigue- they’re all there, and they’re all excellent.
September 7, 2022
True crime close to home
I remember when Melissa Witt was abducted from the parking lot of Bowling World. I think of her every time we drive past there. When word got out that there was blood in the parking lot, my heart sank. Would we ever see her again? It didn't seem likely. Silently we waited for the announcement that her killer had been captured, an announcement that never came.
Then little Morgan Nick was abducted from a little league game, and she has not been found. Our hearts cry out for justice for these girls.
This true story is well told, and I learned many things I did not know before. Thank you for your efforts and contribution in this tragic case. Be assured Melissa Witt has not been forgotten.
24
I remember when Melissa Witt was abducted from the parking lot of Bowling World. I think of her every time we drive past there. When word got out that there was blood in the parking lot, my heart sank. Would we ever see her again? It didn't seem likely. Silently we waited for the announcement that her killer had been captured, an announcement that never came.
Then little Morgan Nick was abducted from a little league game, and she has not been found. Our hearts cry out for justice for these girls.
This true story is well told, and I learned many things I did not know before. Thank you for your efforts and contribution in this tragic case. Be assured Melissa Witt has not been forgotten.
24
May 9, 2022
WOW!!!
Thanks LaDonna Humphrey for continuing to bring this case to light. Although I am a true crime podcaster, I have heard Melissa Witt's name, but did not know much about this case. I am now looking further into this case and planning on doing an episode on Melissa.
This book is compelling from the first word! There are very few people that are very passionate about anything I feel anymore, especially in the crime world. Paul Holes and Michelle McNamara where very passionate when it came to the Golden State Killer, but I think Ladonna Humphrey takes the cake!
For 7 years she has dedicated her life to this case and has unearthed things that no one else has. Maybe some things maybe she wish she didn't, but all in the pursuit of catching the person who killed this innocent 19 year old girl. This book made me feel and realize that nothing will ever make LaDonna stop in her pursuit of getting justice for Melissa Witt!
I so want to dive deep in this review, but I cannot without spoiling the book. I will say this though. If you are into True crime, even if you are not but you care about someone killing an innocent girl and maybe you want to know of someone that is trying to do something about it and find out ways you can help, then you want to read this book!! Somehow during this book I know that the person who did this is watching LaDonna. I also believe that she has talked to him. Somehow I think LaDonna does too!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Thanks LaDonna Humphrey for continuing to bring this case to light. Although I am a true crime podcaster, I have heard Melissa Witt's name, but did not know much about this case. I am now looking further into this case and planning on doing an episode on Melissa.
This book is compelling from the first word! There are very few people that are very passionate about anything I feel anymore, especially in the crime world. Paul Holes and Michelle McNamara where very passionate when it came to the Golden State Killer, but I think Ladonna Humphrey takes the cake!
For 7 years she has dedicated her life to this case and has unearthed things that no one else has. Maybe some things maybe she wish she didn't, but all in the pursuit of catching the person who killed this innocent 19 year old girl. This book made me feel and realize that nothing will ever make LaDonna stop in her pursuit of getting justice for Melissa Witt!
I so want to dive deep in this review, but I cannot without spoiling the book. I will say this though. If you are into True crime, even if you are not but you care about someone killing an innocent girl and maybe you want to know of someone that is trying to do something about it and find out ways you can help, then you want to read this book!! Somehow during this book I know that the person who did this is watching LaDonna. I also believe that she has talked to him. Somehow I think LaDonna does too!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 20, 2022
Melissa Witt had so much life ahead of her. Dreams and ambitions were all in her 19-year-old mind as she teetered on the brink of adulthood. In December 1994, instead of planning her future, she faced a terrifying death at the hands of a man she most likely knew. Abducted and driven into the remote forest she fought for her life and her last breaths as she was held down and strangled. LaDonna Humphrey has never met Melissa, yet something about her story and her horrifying death captivated and pulled her into a seven-year obsessional quest to find her killer.
The Girl I Never Knew is a heartfelt account of Melissa's story and the long and challenging road LaDonna has traveled so far trying to get her the justice she deserves. Her writing feels honest and true. She vividly describes her emotions at the crime scene, the images that haunt her dreams, and her horror and disgust when she is dragged into a dark underworld of serial offenders and disturbing fetishes. There are many frustrations and brick walls along the way but also new friendships and mentors helping her with the same dogged determination. And LaDonna isn't finished yet. Pick up this book and delve into the opening pages. You won't be disappointed and you won't be able to put the book back down until you've finished it.
The Girl I Never Knew is a heartfelt account of Melissa's story and the long and challenging road LaDonna has traveled so far trying to get her the justice she deserves. Her writing feels honest and true. She vividly describes her emotions at the crime scene, the images that haunt her dreams, and her horror and disgust when she is dragged into a dark underworld of serial offenders and disturbing fetishes. There are many frustrations and brick walls along the way but also new friendships and mentors helping her with the same dogged determination. And LaDonna isn't finished yet. Pick up this book and delve into the opening pages. You won't be disappointed and you won't be able to put the book back down until you've finished it.
June 7, 2022
I am so impressed by this book! I am a huge true crime addict and have read many a book on the subject and this has to rate very highly on my list of best true crime books! It is really well written, extremely factual and extensively researched. You feel like you are in the middle of the investigation with LaDonna Humphreys and with each fact or clue that is uncovered you are one step closer, willing the offender to be caught! The rapport and trust she gained with the police is amazing and the level of respect she gets from them is well deserved. It’s hard to believe that before beginning this investigation she had no experience and no qualifications pertaining to the legal field. I found this book hard to put down as I wanted to find out as much as possible! I am looking forward to watching the documentary and to read any future books by LaDonna Humphries! Well deserved 5 star book!
I received an advanced copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily
I received an advanced copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily
May 13, 2022
I don't think I have ever read a true crime book and I typically avoid entertainment, in general, that is about realistic or actual crimes. Real life is way scarier than fiction. But I am glad I read LaDonna's book and not just because she has an amazing name. What I loved about this book is how it reads like a story with a plot and character development. Yes, there were facts and informative sections but LaDonna managed to find the perfect balance between giving the reader a thorough account of her journey to tracking down Melissa's killer while allowing for a glimpse into the personal impact it has had on her life. Her passion comes through on every page and I highly recommend this book!
June 3, 2022
Intriguing
Keeps you on the edge of your seat w hope in the hunt for justice for Melissa Witt. The story pulls you in. Opens your eyes how one persons curiosity to things that are hidden around us and one persons heart for justice can make a difference in this world. Then it make our own selves take a step back and in some form or other we all know of a cold case or have heard of one from years gone by that we want Ms. Humphrey to use for her next investigation. She has inspired such intrigue into a world which we didn’t give much thought. Well written. Well researched.
Adonia Holden-Dunivan
Keeps you on the edge of your seat w hope in the hunt for justice for Melissa Witt. The story pulls you in. Opens your eyes how one persons curiosity to things that are hidden around us and one persons heart for justice can make a difference in this world. Then it make our own selves take a step back and in some form or other we all know of a cold case or have heard of one from years gone by that we want Ms. Humphrey to use for her next investigation. She has inspired such intrigue into a world which we didn’t give much thought. Well written. Well researched.
Adonia Holden-Dunivan
June 5, 2022
I was a senior in high school when Missy was murdered, and I can still remember the fear that we all felt, knowing her killer was still out there. I really hope that he is found and brought to justice, but even if it doesn't happen on this earth, it will happen when he goes to meet his Maker. I enjoyed this book, especially the glimpses into Melissa's diary, so we could get to know her a little better.
May 12, 2022
Having never heard of the case of Melissa Witt, I was intrigued to find out about it. The book follows the author's attempt to find out who did murder this young woman. I was fascinated why someone would want to go to such lengths to find the killer of someone she had never met and I think it is explained exceptionally well.
I received an advanced copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advanced copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 31, 2022
This was an excellent deep-dive into the unsolved murder of Melissa Witt. Ladonna and her team have spent years cobbling together information, tracking leads, and working with law enforcement to get this case solved. I commend their hard work and I would recommend reading this book!
October 17, 2022
November 20th, 1994
"I had the best time this weekend. Actually, it’s a long story but we did watch Aspen Extreme." - Melissa Witt
Woah. I truly don't know what to say. This book has made me very emotional - as it should.
I'm always a bit wary about consuming true crime because so many people seem to use it as a form of entertainment and way of making money - I can safely say; this book isn't that.
This book is just as much about the author and her personal experience as it is about Melissa herself. When the author says she feels connected to Melissa and wants nothing more than to find justice, I believe her.
Very well written with empathy, compassion and a furious drive to find the truth. The author's dedication to seek answers at serious risk to her own safety is truly remarkable.
The photo of Melissa used for the dedication page is absolutely beautiful.
Thank you for writing this book.
#justiceformelissawitt
~
November 22, 1994
"Today was an OK day. I went to school and work and that was about it. Got to go, Melissa." - Melissa Witt
*I received an advance review e-copy for free from BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
"I had the best time this weekend. Actually, it’s a long story but we did watch Aspen Extreme." - Melissa Witt
Woah. I truly don't know what to say. This book has made me very emotional - as it should.
I'm always a bit wary about consuming true crime because so many people seem to use it as a form of entertainment and way of making money - I can safely say; this book isn't that.
This book is just as much about the author and her personal experience as it is about Melissa herself. When the author says she feels connected to Melissa and wants nothing more than to find justice, I believe her.
Very well written with empathy, compassion and a furious drive to find the truth. The author's dedication to seek answers at serious risk to her own safety is truly remarkable.
The photo of Melissa used for the dedication page is absolutely beautiful.
Thank you for writing this book.
#justiceformelissawitt
~
November 22, 1994
"Today was an OK day. I went to school and work and that was about it. Got to go, Melissa." - Melissa Witt
*I received an advance review e-copy for free from BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 11, 2022
I felt as though I was investing alongside LaDonna, her imagery and telling of the story made it come alive. The love and compassion she has for Melissa is evident.
I feel confident that in time Melissa's killer will be brought to justice in large part thanks to LaDonna's tireless search for the truth. I look forward to reading the conclusion to Melissa's story.
I feel confident that in time Melissa's killer will be brought to justice in large part thanks to LaDonna's tireless search for the truth. I look forward to reading the conclusion to Melissa's story.
March 27, 2022
GREAT READ! Humphrey keeps you on the edge of your seat with her hunt for justice for Melissa Witt. The story pulls you in and opens your eyes to things that are hidden in the world around us. She shows you how a single person with a heart for justice can make a difference in the world.
April 9, 2022
OMG! This book is amazing! I received my copy and read it in one sitting-could not put it down. The details of the case and the way the author lays it out makes you feel like you’ve been working the case with her.
March 24, 2022
Warning! This book will have you gripped from page one. So don’t expect yo do anything else until you finish it!! You feel as though you’re there every step of the way with LaDonna feeling the way she does, hope, determination, sadness. From the very beginning it’s clear to see that LaDonna is a force to be reckoned with. I hope this book makes more people aware of Melissa’s case and can help spread the word.
Beautifully written.
Beautifully written.
March 20, 2022
“The Girl I Never Knew” is the fascinating story of the quest for justice in a decades old cold case. It’s a must read for True Crime lovers!
May 5, 2022
I could not put the book down. Living in NW Arkansas, I knew of the Melissa Witt's murder and that the case had never been solved. LaDonna Humphrey tells of how she became involved in the case and has worked with police to help find Melissa's killer. Not only does LaDonna share the work she has done, she gives a lot of important information people should be aware of. The Girl I Never Knew will invoke all kinds of emotions in you from the sadness and heartbreak of what happened to Melissa, to anger on how anyone could do that to a person, and to intense hair raising chapters. LaDonna has dedicated so much in helping to try and find who killed Melissa Witt and I am sure that one day the truth will be known and the killer will be brought to justice. I highly recommend The Girl I Never Knew.
Read
May 5, 2022I could not put the book down. Living in NW Arkansas, I knew of the Melissa Witt's murder and that the case had never been solved. LaDonna Humphrey tells of how she became involved in the case and has worked with police to help find Melissa's killer. Not only does LaDonna share the work she has done, she gives a lot of important information people should be aware of. The Girl I Never Knew will invoke all kinds of emotions in you from the sadness and heartbreak of what happened to Melissa, to anger on how anyone could do that to a person, and to intense hair raising chapters. LaDonna has dedicated so much in helping to try and find who killed Melissa Witt and I am sure that one day the truth will be known and the killer will be brought to justice. I highly recommend The Girl I Never Knew.
May 2, 2022
I found the book fascinating. It is well written. Mrs. Humphrey is very thorough in her research and hunt for what happened to Missy. As someone who knew Missy, I want to thank the author. You have truly explained what a special person she was. This book renews my hope that one day we will have justice for her.
April 26, 2022
Straight to the Heart
Anyone who has ever wondered about what happens to cold cases should read this author's investigation of Melissa Witt's murder and years of follow-up efforts to identity her killer. Kudos to LaDonna for a well-documented and well-written look at a reality most people never see or hear about.
Anyone who has ever wondered about what happens to cold cases should read this author's investigation of Melissa Witt's murder and years of follow-up efforts to identity her killer. Kudos to LaDonna for a well-documented and well-written look at a reality most people never see or hear about.
July 13, 2022
I would have rated The Girl I Never Knew 3 1/2 stars if Goodreads allowed that.
I haven't read much true crime in the past few years, but I saw The Girl I Never Knew on Book Sirens and decided to give it a chance. Due to the subject matter, I hesitate to say I enjoyed this book, but it was well-written and kept my interest throughout. I read it in two sittings. I do wish there had been more focus on Melissa, the murdered woman, than on LaDonna, the author of the book. I'm a little uncomfortable with the way she inserted so much of herself into the story, especially since (as the title says) she never even knew Melissa. But that's the story she chose to write so if you look at it from that point of view, it did what it set out to do. She details the access she has to the police records, discusses possible suspects, and recounts conversations with the detectives involved with the case. I hope Melissa's killer can someday be found.
I'm interested in knowing more about Melissa so I have located a few podcast episodes that I hope will provide some information about Melissa that the book did not. I suppose that, with both of her parents deceased, there aren't many people left who can provide those details.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I haven't read much true crime in the past few years, but I saw The Girl I Never Knew on Book Sirens and decided to give it a chance. Due to the subject matter, I hesitate to say I enjoyed this book, but it was well-written and kept my interest throughout. I read it in two sittings. I do wish there had been more focus on Melissa, the murdered woman, than on LaDonna, the author of the book. I'm a little uncomfortable with the way she inserted so much of herself into the story, especially since (as the title says) she never even knew Melissa. But that's the story she chose to write so if you look at it from that point of view, it did what it set out to do. She details the access she has to the police records, discusses possible suspects, and recounts conversations with the detectives involved with the case. I hope Melissa's killer can someday be found.
I'm interested in knowing more about Melissa so I have located a few podcast episodes that I hope will provide some information about Melissa that the book did not. I suppose that, with both of her parents deceased, there aren't many people left who can provide those details.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews