Her Alibi

by Mary L. Schmidt

Visions of her Cherokee grandmother, Cordie, flashed through Mary's mind as her mother, Marguerite, informed her that her stepfather shot himself and was in the hospital. Oh no! No! This can't be! Not after the joking around at my home last night . NO!!!! Did she use me last night? She'd never use her scapegoat child. No, she couldn't! Even Marguerite wouldn't sink that low! Or would she? Marguerite had always been abusive and vile to most people, and especially to her children and husbands, but would she shoot Harold?
Yet, here I was, and I had to tell the police that, yes, my mother was at my home all evening and into the night. How despicable that my mother connived her way into using me as her alibi.

This book is a true memoir drawing upon the locals and inspiration of the areas in which the author lives and works. Names of towns, places, facilities, and people are real except for three men. Any resemblance to persons living or dead is not coincidental in nature and places where events take place are from her life growing up.

Genres: Memoir, Nonfiction, True Crime

74 pages, Paperback

Published August 31, 2022

About the author

Mary L. Schmidt is a multi-hyphenate and writes under her given name and a pen name, S. Jackson, along with her husband Michael, pen name A Raymond. She grew up in a small Kansas (USA) town and has lived in more than one state since then. At this time, Mary and her husband split their time between homes in Kansas and Colorado as they love the mountains and off road four-wheeling. Traveling is one of their most favorite things to do and Mary always has a book to read on her Kindle. Books are one of her favorite things. When she was younger, it seemed like every time she turned around, a new library card was needed due to the current one being stamped complete. Diving into a good book made any day perfect and you would be surprised at the number of books she read over and over. Mary has written 48 books thus far, and they range from art book, recipe book, children's books, several memoirs, and romance books. As a child, Mary drew paper dolls, and clothes for them, using watercolor as her medium when painting scenes, especially flowers. She continued with art in high school exploring a wide variety of mediums such as jewelry making, ceramics, leather works, drawing, painting and more! Her creative loves to be an amateur shutterbug and she has an online art gallery. In college, she went into the sciences, and received a bachelor's degree in the Science of Nursing. Throughout her nursing career, Michael assisted Mary in her work with The American Cancer Society, March of Dimes, Cub and Boy Scouts, and sponsored children alongside his wife on music trips. Mary's nursing career was highly successful, and she hung up her nursing hat in December 2012. Mary and Michael love to read, fish, play poker, go Jeeping, and travel, especially to visit their grandson, Austin, and granddaughter, Emma. She has written 62 books with more in various stages.

Reviews

[Sherry Fundin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Her Alibi by Mary L Schmidt is one of those books that jump out at me. It may be only 76 pages in print, but the evil that oozes off the pages is endless. How could a mother do the things Marguerite does to her children? A psychopath wants what they want, regardless of the cost to others. Mary is one of those people whose inner strength keeps them moving forward, sharing their past so others may know they can have a future too.

I grew up in the sixties, so I can see how child abuse would go untreated. We had a big family, six children and my parents. The haircuts are familiar, as are the clothes. We entertained ourselves a lot, but never did I feel the need to hide from my mother. I remember The Beatles, The Monkeys and playing Cats Cradle, and the occasional treat.

I want to thank Mary L Schmidt for having the courage to share her story.

[Leslie aka StoreyBook Reviews · Rating 3 out of 5]

This short story shares the horrors one woman went through growing up with a mentally unstable mother. While reading this, it made me grateful for my family. I couldn't imagine the horrors this woman and her siblings endured at the hands of their mother. Mary seemed to be targeted the most by her mother, with no real understanding of why.

More and more stories like this come to light daily, making me sad for those who endured abuse from their parents or other family members. It is hard for me to understand or grasp that people can do this to someone they supposedly love.

Despite her upbringing, Mary is able to break free from the negativity in her life. It isn't easy, and she doesn't get it right immediately. But she moves forward with her life. I can only imagine the horror of being the "alibi" for her mother, whose husband is found shot. While nothing is ever confirmed, it is suspected that her mother shot him.

This is a gritty book, but it shares her story. There are photos included of her siblings, grandparents, and other celebrations in her life.

I did feel like the story was scattered and seemed to wander in places, but overall is a solid testament to her strength.

We give this book 3 1/2 paws.

[Kristy Volchko · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read.

Mary Schmidt’s Award-winning memoir, Her Alibi is the kind of candid read that will remind you that for many, life is nowhere near peaches and cream, as well as how much damage toxic mothers can do. But it’s also a reminder of how resilient and optimistic people can be when it comes to healing and ensuring the right thing happens. Mary doesn’t hold back here, and gladly so, making sure closure happens for those left in the path of this mother’s destruction.

“Harold mattered…” is for me, Harold getting his final last word. His story told through Mary and into the world shows that good does prevail. And he does, in fact, matter. And for Mary, anyone attempting to make her their scapegoat or alibi would not happen. Five stars.

[Chacha Lesley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a powerful layered book on the intricacies of what it is to come from and leave an abusive childhood. My heart goes out to Mary and all children in such homes.

The writing is spectacular and I have to say, gets you from the first paragraph. It's such a page-turner!

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A heartbreaking memoir about childhood abuse. Written with courage this short story is a real eye opener into the abuse the author suffered at the hands of her own mother. I’m glad that she was able to live to tell the tale so that maybe others going through the same thing have the courage to reach out for help.

[Catherine Mellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A heartbreaking truth behind a toxic parent

Knowing the cruelty of a mother's love can reach far beyond that of the Mommy Dearest portrayal of Joan Crawford. Reading Her Alibi was at times triggering. Back in the day when abuse and secrets were a families belongings to keep a growing child quiet from talking about the abuse that goes on inside the home. Silence and secrets were so easily kept back then. And I thank God everyday for today's world. A world where grown-up abused children can now tell their truth. Not for pity, but for our right to be heard and it's our stories of inhumane abuse that will help children in the future. That no matter what, abused children grow up. We claw our way through the shame, secrets and silence, so that our scars will become someone else's sign of strength, courage and a reason to believe. Mary L Schmidt did a remarkable job in doing just that. Can a mother's love only come with a motive? Can a mother use her own child as an alibi? Mary's strength, her courage and her heartbreaking scars are an inspiration of what a true strong woman is and I am so honored to now know her as a friend, sister and someone I look up too with much love and respect. A well-deserved five stars and a definite must read true crime story.

[Suzanne Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are no holds barred in this riveting memoir of child abuse and it’s far reaching consequences. What I liked best about this book was the message of hope it delivered in the final pages. In spite of all the horrific pain and suffering this child had experienced, she was still able to develop into an independent and loving adult, with an inner strength and goodness that helped her break the cycle of abuse. Well done Mary. Five stars.

[Ozioma · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book, "Her Alibi," is a raw and unflinching look at the enduring impact of childhood abuse and the resilience of the human spirit. The author bravely recounts her harrowing experiences growing up under the tyrannical rule of her bipolar mother, a woman who reveled in inflicting pain and suffering on her children, particularly the author, who was often the scapegoat. The narrative is a testament to the author's strength, as she details the emotional and psychological scars left by her mother's cruelty, including the manipulation and betrayal when her mother used her as an alibi after her husband (Harold) was shot.

The author's portrayal of her mother is chilling, capturing the unpredictable nature of her moods and the devastating consequences of her actions. The author's siblings also suffered, but the author bore the brunt of her mother's abuse.

Despite the overwhelming adversity, the story is ultimately one of hope and triumph. The author's journey to becoming a nurse, a profession dedicated to caring for others, is a powerful symbol of her healing and her determination to break the cycle of abuse. This transformation is a testament to her inner strength and her ability to overcome the trauma she endured.

The relationship between the author and her sister, Debi, is one of my favorite moments of the story. Their bond of sisterhood provided a source of comfort and support throughout their difficult childhood.

The author also paints a vivid picture of the other individuals affected by her mother's behavior. Joe, a character who sought peace and solace, and the tragic figures of Martha who later became the scapegoat when the author left home and Harold, who deserved far better, are all brought to life with empathy and understanding. Aunt Bea, who suffered neglect at the hands of the author's mother, is another poignant example of the collateral damage caused by their mother's actions.

The author's ability to weave together such a complex and painful narrative with such grace and clarity is truly remarkable. This book is a must read for anyone interested in understanding the long-term effects of childhood abuse and what it's like living with a bipolar and abusive parent. It is a story that will stay with you long after you finish reading it.

[Eve Koguce · Rating 5 out of 5]

People often do bad things. In some cases, the bad things they’ve done have long-lasting consequences for other people. Bad things done to children always have the most devastating consequences.

“Her Alibi” is a revealing, heart-wrenching memoir written by a person with a truly brave heart. Mary L. Schmidt doesn’t spare the details of what has turned her childhood into a nightmare. She doesn’t try to pretend that she’s come over it and no scars have been left on her soul.

When a child feels – and children always feel it – that the most important person in their lives doesn’t love them, it leaves marks that cannot be erased. When your mother doesn’t love you, it leaves the kind of wound that never heals. It doesn’t matter if after you grow up you understand the reasons behind her behaviour. Even if you realise that she had mental problems, which if untreated escalate causing other people’s sufferings, it doesn’t really help to completely come over the trauma.

I know that it works vice versa as well. I grew up surrounded by such deep, unconditional, and all-encompassing love that none of the hardships I had to go through later in life has scarred me irreversibly. This proves – at least to me – the profound meaning of a mother’s love in every person’s life.

“Her Alibi” is a book that will shock you. This dysfunctional family’s story will make you feel a plethora of unpleasant emotions. When the worst aspects of human nature are revealed, we always instinctively want to close our eyes hoping that ugly things will go away. True, some stories are better left untold. But this is not that case. I applaud the author for not closing her eyes and taking the courage to share her story with the world.

[Daisy Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Her Alibi

Before writing this review, I had to sit quietly and take in all that I had read. Mary Schmidt has written a memoir of her life from a very young age, which was heart renderingly profound, and at times, terrifying in its content. As I read each page, the abuse, both mental and physical, that her mother subjected her to, left me feeling numb, as though I too had suffered this. So powerful, and graphic were her words.
It was clear from what occurred, that her mother had severe, mental issues, coupled with bipolar and schizophrenia, but when needed, could show herself to be calm and caring to the outside world. She was also subjective in whom she would abuse. None of her husbands escaped her wrath.
Mary Schmidt suffered years of abuse, before she finally escaped, and then married. Her ordeal though, was not over, as her mother exploited her one more time, when her mother’s third husband supposedly shoots himself. She appears one day at Mary’s door, as though none of the years of abuse had ever occurred. It was only later Mary Schmidt realised that her mother had used her yet again, as an alibi.
My childhood years were idyllic in comparison. It is not until something like this happens, you realise that the world as you knew it, does not exist for some. Most of us live cocooned at that age, knowing nothing of the suffering of others, that is till we hear or read about it.
It must have taken immense courage to write this, but by doing so Mary Schmidt has maybe helped save another child from suffering what she endured. Mary Schmidt you have my total respect and admiration!!

[D.G. Kaye · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a memoir about the terrible abuse – both mental and physical, that author Mary Schmidt lived through as a child growing up in Lyons, Kansas. Her narcissistic and psychotic mother, Marguerite, was a manipulative bully who would go to any lengths to cover her lies and actions, and, who should have never have been a mother.

Marguerite was a sociopath who thought she was a great mother and feigned being one. Undoubtedly, before the days of diagnosing, that woman was not only a psychotic, narcissistic, sociopath, but a bi-polar schizophrenic who should have never been allowed to have children. (I am no MD, but have had plenty of experience with my own mother). She was a baby machine who lacked compassion, morals and basic human instincts. Schmidt shares her harrowing story of growing up in a household of siblings who were all emotionally neglected, but for some reason, Schmidt was the ‘chosen child’ for worst treatment and neglect. It’s astounding that Schmidt and her older brother Jack managed to turn out to be good and compassionate human beings after such a horrid childhood. I will always applaud another who has endured and came out right despite.

Throughout the book, the author shares painful instances of enduring her mother’s abuse. Schmidt tried her best to keep distance from her mother once she was old enough, but her mother was a seasoned manipulator showing up in an untimely fashion after Mary’s step-father died, hoping her daughter would be her ‘Alibi’. Would she? You’ll have to read to find out!

[N.N. Heaven · Rating 5 out of 5]

A dark memoir about the author’s troubled relationship with her abusive mentally mother.

Mary L. Copp Schmidt was raised in Kansas in the 1960s under the dark cloud of her mother Marguerite’s unpredictable outbursts, mood swings, and cruel behavior. Mary describes events from her childhood through adulthood with such clarity that I cringed, picturing the scenes in my head.

Her Grandma Cordie, father, stepfather, and six siblings come across as distinctive and real people who jump off the pages in tales of both good and bad memories from Mary’s past. Even more distinctive than any of the other characters is Marguerite with her flair for drama and diabolical ways. It takes an especially disturbed individual to use their own child as an alibi.

The story opens with a bang, literally, and you can’t help but get engrossed in this dark, suspenseful tale, wondering what happened leading up to the opening event. The narrative description is immersive and vivid, made all the worse knowing the author lived through it all. It becomes clear after reading this dark tale that monsters aren’t stories or figments of our imaginations. The monsters are real flesh and blood, living all around us behind closed doors.

I highly recommend this story for fans of true crime, crime fiction, and memoirs.

My Rating: 5 stars

Reviewed by: Michelle

This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/po...

[Diane Therrien · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Heart-Eye-Ooening Memoir

A Heart-Eye-Opening Memoir
“Her Alibi” by Mary L. Schmidt is a compelling and extraordinary memoir that delves deep into the harrowing experiences of a daughter enduring severe physical and mental abuse from her bipolar mother, aptly named “The Drama Queen.” This book is not just an eye-opener; it is a profound journey into the life of a child who faced unimaginable hardships and emerged stronger.
 
Mary’s story is a stark reminder of the hidden traumas many children endure behind closed doors. The narrative is raw and unflinching, shedding light on the often-unspoken horrors of child abuse. Yet, it goes beyond merely recounting these painful experiences. It opens the door to understanding and empathy for those who have survived such violence and have grown into resilient adults.
 
Schmidt’s writing is powerful and evocative, drawing readers into her world and making them feel every emotion she experienced. This memoir is not just a story of survival; it is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the importance of compassion and understanding.
“Her Alibi” is a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the complexities of abuse and the incredible resilience of those who endure it. It will stay with you long after you turn the last page, leaving you with a deeper sense of empathy and a desire to offer a caring hug to all the survivors out there.

[Ivy Logan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Writing a book about your life is like opening the door to your home and welcoming strangers in. They are free to judge and to pass comments. Why do it, though? Because doing so often frees you up from the burden of memories and nightmares from the past that prey upon your mind when you're all alone, and the shadows surround you.
Her Alibi by Mary Schmidt is one such book where the author opens her heart out. She does so without asking for or seeking pity. She shares her story bravely, head held high, without getting emotional and tearful. As the name suggests her mother most likely used her as an alibi, in an attempt to kill her stepfather (and may I add, she succeeds.) But the book details more the events leading up to his death. Her Alibi takes a look, up close and personal at the murderous intentions and rage of a woman who should have never been a wife, let alone a mother~ Mary's mother, Marguerite. Looking at young Mary's life filled with beatings, torture, negligence and watching it accelerate to Mary becoming an alibi to a murder is heart breaking. Her Alibi is hard hitting, and packs a punch. Author Mary L Schmidt definitely doesn't look at life through rose tinted glasses and you know what, she isn't apologetic about it. She seems to be a person who embraces life in all its glory and it's ugliness too.

[Brian Kitchen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Family abuse is still a taboo subject in even today’s 21st century society. To write about it candidly and non-sensationally, when the writer has first-hand personal experience of it takes great courage.

In Her Alibi, Mary L. Schmidt has written a very candid memoir which doesn’t seek or ask for pity, but recounts in detail the abuse she and her siblings suffered as children at the hands of their mother. Mary was scapegoated by her mother and suffered the worst of the abuse and recounts the effects and damage the abuse had upon her and her siblings.

Mary’s mother undoubtedly had mental illness and indeed in later life was diagnosed as bipolar. Mary’s mother genuinely believed she was a good mother and to society in general she presented herself as one, reserving her abusive behaviour, both physical and mental for behind closed doors. Suffering from the type of abuse that Mary was subjected to can have a damaging long-term effect and it speaks to Mary’s strength and resilience, that she turned out how she has.

I don’t usually read memoirs, but I’m glad I read this book. A child accepts the type of parenting he or she receives as being normal, unless they have experienced another model of parenting that differs from their own. In writing this book, Mary may possibly save another child from suffering what she had to suffer and for that alone the book is more than worth the five stars I’ve given it.

[Joy York · Rating 5 out of 5]

Her Alibi is a poignant memoir written by Mary Schmidt about her life growing up with an abusive mother. It is a realistic example of the damage and long-term effects a parent with mental illness can have on their children, spouses, and subsequent generations. The constant struggle between wanting to be loved and grasping those few moments of normalcy, to the suffering through the physical and mental abuse is heartbreaking. The helplessness of being at the mercy of her abuser from a small child to breaking away from the cycle in adulthood is portrayed in vivid detail.

Ms. Schmidt begins at a young age with examples of her mother’s neglect and apathy, most of which is initially centered around her. The confusing part for her as a child is the back and forth between caring parent and contempt and violence, never knowing why or what side of her mother she will get. As Ms. Schmidt and her siblings grow older, her mother’s narcissistic personality becomes more evident as she becomes more abusive and acts out with other men.

This is a raw and gritty portrayal of the constant anxiety, cruelty, and fear this family suffered through. It is also a tribute to overcoming the emotional and physical challenges she and her sibling endured to have successful and fulfilling lives.

[Syeda · Rating 2 out of 5]

This had some intriguing potential, but it felt rushed and lacking in depth. It left me wanting more in terms of character development and plot. The pacing was quick, but unfortunately, the narrative structure was a bit all over the place. It was hard to stay fully engaged with a storyline that jumped between different plot points too abruptly, without much room to breathe or allow the tension to build naturally.

One of the key aspects that didn’t sit well with me was the portrayal of the protagonist's father. The whole premise of him being completely oblivious to what was happening felt unbelievable. It didn’t seem plausible that a parent, particularly a father in such a close-knit family, would have no inkling of what was unfolding. The lack of any significant emotional response or suspicion from him seemed like a convenient way to push the plot forward, but it just didn’t ring true. I found myself questioning the realism of the character dynamics, especially in relation to his role in the story.

While the book had a good concept at its core, its execution felt somewhat rushed. With more time to flesh out the characters and the plot, Her Alibi could have been a much stronger read. As it stands, it felt like a missed opportunity for a deeper, more compelling narrative.

[K.D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story of Mary L. Schmidt is heart-wrenching. All too often, stoic victims hide stories of psychological abuse. In Her Alibi, Mary walks us back to a time when she suffered at the hands of her mother, both physically and emotionally. Though her mother has passed away, Mary still carries the scars from the past and brings them to light. These stories are hard to digest, difficult to fully grasp, except for those who have suffered at the hands of another. The effects and consequences can linger for a lifetime.
I applaud Mary's resiliency. She has traveled a long road of brutality and emotional trauma. This also raises the question of how families cope when a member has a mental illness, as her mother clearly did. Mary's testimony can help others draw strength from her experience to see beyond what she had to endure and find a fulfilling life.
Her candid memoir is disturbing and shocking. Regrettably, child abuse and mental health concerns are more widespread than we'd like to believe. Mary is a survivor, and her story will hopefully be a stepping stone to help others who have suffered the same ordeal.

[Amys Bookshelf Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interestingly disturbing

Mary L. Schmidt writes about an experience of abuse, lies and murder in Her Alibi. This is the first book I've read from this author, and when reading the story, knowing it was true, brought it more emotion and heart-wrenching. This book was written very well. Mary remembered the day that her mother told her that her stepfather, Harold, shot himself and was in the hospital. Mary, still young, and thinking about her grandmother, Cordie, couldn't believe what was happening. Mary was unknowingly used as her alibi during the evening and late night visit by Marguerite at her home. Marguerite was abusive to not only her children, but also her husbands. Unfortunately it is not far-fetched that a wretched person could do something like use her child as her alibi, especially since she is trying to cover up something, maybe the crime itself. It is one of those memoirs, and the author mentions names of siblings and how they reacted to this news, and the story and inspiration is true. It's a long road for Mary, and she is very brave for sharing her story. Especially when it involves such dastardly and incredible actions by her mother. Her Alibi is a definite recommendation by Amy's Bookshelf Reviews. I read this book to give my unbiased and honest review. I look forward to reading many more titles by this author. Amy's Bookshelf Reviews recommends that anyone who reads this book, to also write a review.

[Norb Aikin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A horrifying story of parental neglect and abuse that lasts long into adulthood. It's often jarring for those on the outside to learn that this stuff continues long after a child has grown and is on his or her own; it happens under names like gaslighting, manipulation, and verbal abuse. It's not always physical, although in this memoir there's plenty of that too. This book isn't for the faint of heart...be warned if there are certain triggers that will affect you upon reading this. Even though this is a shorter book, I have no doubt there are plenty of stories from the author's past that could fill a book more than 3x the size of Her Alibi. What the author's mom has done in every facet of this book is beyond heinous. The only thing disappointing about this book is that the mother never suffered for her crimes or faced any reckoning or accountability for her actions. I am glad however that the author has gone on to have success in her life, writing many books across varied genres. I hope she continues to share her stories with the world.

[Carol Cassada · Rating 5 out of 5]

***Warning***

(Some scenes may be graphic, so pleased be advised)

Mary L. Schmidt writes a gripping, emotionally-charged memoir about growing up with an abusive mother.

The author doesn’t hold anything back in reflecting about her childhood trauma. Your heart drops reading about all that she and her siblings endured. At times, you’ll ask yourself “what type of mother does that?”

Schmidt delves into her mother Marguerite’s psyche to give readers a glimpse of the terror they had to live with. On the outside, Marguerite acted like the perfect wife and mother, but behind closed doors, she was a monster. When she wasn’t mentally and physically torturing her kids, Marguerite turned her attention to men. Yet, Marguerite’s abuse wasn’t just directed at her kids, her husbands also faced her wrath.

Although this is a short book, it packs a powerful punch. As a reader, you’ll be filled with a mixture of emotions as you follow Schmidt’s harrowing journey.

[Anna Casamento Arrigo · Rating 5 out of 5]

No room for escape

I had to put the book down a few times because, in addition to cringing at the violence and abuse endured by this very young girl, it triggered my own abuse growing up. This is a very candid memoir that recounts horrific abuses of a mother upon her children, but, most specifically, one! People talk about mama drama and, particularly in this recounting, this mama was not only a psychopath but suffered from mental illness: specifically-she was bipolar. There are are touching and fond memories of a childhood fraught with ‘accidents’ that are recalled through a two-year-olds telling. How is it even possible for a mother NOT to love her child? It’s gets even more troubling as the memoir unfolds how that innocent abuse and traumatized girl grows to be her mother’s scapegoat. A touching and gut-wrenching read!

[Shehanne Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Painful to read as it must have been to write, this book is a testament to the human spirit, that it can be faced with mental and physical abuse at the hands of the person who should have protected and loved them, rise above it and draw a line under it where their own children are concerned. It's also deeply poignant and balanced. Mary L.Schmidt's mother, Marguerite, was mentally ill. In terms of what conditions she had, it might be easier to ask what ones was she free of, the worst being that she could at times appear reasonable, caring, settled, so the cruellest thing must have been to have had hope. I take my hat off to Mary for having that, although she may not have always seen it that way when it was dashed adn for coming through everything to be the person that seems to me to have emerged from this book, that she is today.

[Mitchelle Mbugua · Rating 3 out of 5]

Her Alibi is one of those stories that pulls you in quietly but deeply. Mary Schmidt doesn’t just write a mystery—she builds a world where trust is fragile, and everyone has something to hide. What really makes this book stand out is how real the characters feel. They’re messy, conflicted, and sometimes make choices that are hard to understand—but that’s what makes them so believable.

As the plot unfolds, you find yourself questioning not just what happened, but why people act the way they do when they're scared or trying to protect someone. The twists come at just the right moments, keeping you hooked without feeling forced.

In the end, it’s not just about solving a mystery—it’s about the emotional weight of carrying secrets. Thought-provoking, tense, and quietly powerful, Her Alibi stays with you. It reminds us that sometimes, the truth isn’t as simple as right or wrong.

[Brenda Mohammed · Rating 5 out of 5]

HER ALIBI reminds me of a movie I saw recently.
Marguerite felt her children were a burden, to her wanton lifestyle and treated them abusively. She may have been seriously mentally ill, but it went unchecked.
The memoir gave a clear understanding of what the author and her siblings had to endure in their lives.
As far as the shooting of Harold is concerned, only Marguerite knows the truth of what transpired, but her visit to Mary the night before was indeed suspicious.
The fact that her children shunned her on her dying bed tells a lot about the kind of mother she was.
However, there was light at the end of the tunnel. Mary L. Schmidt overcame all obstacles created by her mother and became a registered nurse. That is remarkable.
A short and sad read.

[Just another reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a riveting, bone-chilling, revealing memoir. With child abuse as the backdrop, this book takes us through the life of a person whose childhood was nothing but a nightmare. Schmidt's writing shows how certain scars run too very deep to be forgotten. Schmidt shows us how damages from a toxic mother, unhealed trauma, unerasable bruises, and continuing fears turn her life into a hell-hole. I do love the streak of positivity that is evident in her core despite this heart-wrenching pain she has had to go through. "Her Alibi" is a book that, though shocking, is a definite read for everyone. My thanks to Schmidt, the publishers M. Schmidt Productions, and Dorothy from PUYB PR, for gifting me with a copy of this book.

[Tammy Horvath · Rating 5 out of 5]

Her Alibi is a riveting tale that transcends the bounds of heartache and triumph. In the haunting shadows of a mentally ill mother’s torment, Schmidt and her siblings found themselves ensnared in a web of relentless abuse. Yet, against the backdrop of despair, the author emerges as a beacon of resilience, fiercely determined to break free from the shackles of her painful past and show her children the love she never had. That is until she faces the unimaginable loss of two of her children. Schmidt lays bare the raw, pulsating heart of her story in this and her other books, inviting you to share the cathartic release of emotions that only the written word can evoke. This book will resonate within you long after you’ve turned the last page.

[Sam Trueshan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Her Alibi is the memoir of Mary Schmidt’s childhood, written without sensationalism or exaggeration. Schmidt’s courage to write about her physical and mental abuse/ torture, at the hands of her mother, is not only a testimony to Schmidt’s human spirit, but also to her unwavering strength of character to overcome such horrific abuse. To overcome such a childhood to become a pillar of the community and gifted author adds further validation to Schmidt’s inner strength and undeniable talents as an author. Her Alibi is a look behind the curtain into the darkest moments Schmidt endured, and thankfully survived. Her Alibi is an exceptional read from start to finish, written by an incredible woman.
Five stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I highly recommended this book.

[Lisa Haden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emotional, raw, but beautiful.

This was a difficult read for me due to the subject matter, the author paints such a clear picture, I can feel her emotions. Childhood abuse is a very difficult topic to both write about and read about, as it’s so personal to many people. Mary handles this delicately, but truthfully. By explaining her personal story with facts and plenty of emotion, she is able to bring down the stigma attached to speaking out over childhood abuse. Her story makes anyone who has experienced anything similar feel validated and less alone in their experience. I commend the author for sharing her years of trauma with us. Five stars for me.

[Nina Romano · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review of HER ALIBI

Warning: The book is certainly not for the faint of heart!
Her Alibi by Mary L. Schmidt is the painful, violent story of a woman who has been tormented and abused by her mother. I won’t reveal the many details that make this a shocking, unflinching memoir. Most of what I could say has already been written in other reviews, or else might be considered "spoilers" so I'll skip these remarks. This book is a short read, but one that was worth it to underscore, as if I didn’t already know it, and make this reader realize how blessed and lucky I was to be brought up by loving parents. Heart-rending!