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Terror by Night: The True Story of the Brutal Texas Murder That Destroyed a Family, Restored One Man’s Faith, and Shocked a Nation
At 3:00 a.m. on March 1, 2008, Terry Caffey awoke to find his daughter’s boyfriend standing in his bedroom with a gun. An instant later the teen opened fire, killing Terry’s wife, his two sons, and wounding him 12 times, before setting the house ablaze.
Terry fell into deep depression and planned to kill himself, but God intervened. Upon visiting his burned-out property, Terry noticed a scorched scrap of paper from one of his wife’s books leaning against a tree trunk. The page read: “[God, ] I couldn’t understand why You would take my family and leave me behind to struggle along without them. And I guess I still don’t totally understand that part of it. But I do believe that You’re sovereign; You’re in control.”
That page was like a direct message from God, and it turned Terry’s life around. Now, one year later, Terry is remarried, the adoptive father of two young sons, and working to rebuild his relationship with his 17-year-old daughter, who is currently serving two life sentences in a Texas state penitentiary for her involvement in the crimes.
Terror by Night tells the compelling story of how Terry Caffey found peace after his wife and sons were brutally murdered and his teenage daughter implicated in the crime.
Sharing never-before-told details about the night of the crime and subsequent murder trial, it explains how Terry was able to forgive the men who murdered his family, and how he even interceded with the prosecutors on their behalf. A powerful example of how the power of forgiveness can bring healing after tragedy and great loss, it shows how God can bring good out of even the darkest tragedies.
Terry fell into deep depression and planned to kill himself, but God intervened. Upon visiting his burned-out property, Terry noticed a scorched scrap of paper from one of his wife’s books leaning against a tree trunk. The page read: “[God, ] I couldn’t understand why You would take my family and leave me behind to struggle along without them. And I guess I still don’t totally understand that part of it. But I do believe that You’re sovereign; You’re in control.”
That page was like a direct message from God, and it turned Terry’s life around. Now, one year later, Terry is remarried, the adoptive father of two young sons, and working to rebuild his relationship with his 17-year-old daughter, who is currently serving two life sentences in a Texas state penitentiary for her involvement in the crimes.
Terror by Night tells the compelling story of how Terry Caffey found peace after his wife and sons were brutally murdered and his teenage daughter implicated in the crime.
Sharing never-before-told details about the night of the crime and subsequent murder trial, it explains how Terry was able to forgive the men who murdered his family, and how he even interceded with the prosecutors on their behalf. A powerful example of how the power of forgiveness can bring healing after tragedy and great loss, it shows how God can bring good out of even the darkest tragedies.
288 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2009
134 people are currently reading
1786 people want to read
About the author
Terry Caffey
2 books6 followersTerry Caffey lives in Wills Point, Texas, with his wife, Sonja, and their two sons, Blake and Tanner. Since the tragic loss of his first wife, Penny, and their sons, Matthew and Tyler, he has gone into full-time ministry, speaking and reaching out to others who have suffered unspeakable tragedy and sharing his personal message of God’s faithfulness. Terry continues to visit his daughter, Erin, regularly and remains steadfast in his belief that she did not mastermind the plot to kill her family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 157 reviews
December 15, 2011
While the basic story is good, there were certain aspects of this book that really bothered me, including the dialogue which at times appeared very manufactured. There is an undertone which hints at a family which was extremly strict with their religion and morals, and the author seems to come off as surprised that his children could deviate from this standard at all. There is no justification for what role the daughter played in the disaster. I feel pained in saying so; however, on some level I can't help but think that if the parents had been more open-minded they may have had better communication with their daughter. Whether this would have changed the outcome is anyone's guess. However, the lack of acknowledgement of these issues made me dislike the author, which I did not want to do, based on the struggle he endured.
October 18, 2011
I give him 5stars for his strength and will to survive the horrendous attack. But, I had a hard time relating to his undying faith of "God is great, no matter what", as I would NOT be feeling that way had my husband and children been so brutally murdered; and even worst if a child of mine had something to do with it. I don't think I could be like him and think "this must've happened so I could help someone else" ...um..WHAT????
More power to him as it's better to live life without negativity, but in just 8months- I just couldn't grasp how he re-married and had a whole new family and life; and was just oh-so-happy. However..thou shall not judge...may he continue to live with peace and happiness.
More power to him as it's better to live life without negativity, but in just 8months- I just couldn't grasp how he re-married and had a whole new family and life; and was just oh-so-happy. However..thou shall not judge...may he continue to live with peace and happiness.
August 28, 2014
This book recently popped up on my Kindle, although I didn't recall buying it -- the author must have published a recent update which is why it came to the top of the list (I purchased in 2011 when the book was available as a free download in the True Crime category). I decided to start reading it, but about 1/4 of the way through I wished I'd looked up the reviews first. Mostly because this book is Terry Caffey's Christian testimonial. He barely survived a murderous rampage (orchestrated by his daughter) which resulted in the death of his wife and two young sons. His story is remarkable and, obviously, very sad but the tone of the book is mostly upbeat because this experience brought him closer to God and drove him into the ministry. The book is nearly 75% biblical quotes and re-tellings of bible stories (there's a LOT of Job in there) and very little about the crime itself. Not to sound callous, but I had initially been interested in the story to hear about the crime -- who were the perpetrators? What were the motives? What was the outcome? -- but instead there is very little to learn here. The author stands steadfastly beside his daughter (who is imprisoned for her role in the murders) and although he addresses criticisms that he is being hoodwinked by her, he claims not to care. She made a bad choice, she's in prison, and God will punish her -- so for him, it's back to business as usual. Which is fine for him, but I think that prevents him from telling the "true crime" aspect of this story. He does not go into the background or evidence, he doesn't discuss the other 3 people involved other than the boyfriend that was disliked because he was disrespectful (saying "yeah" instead of "yes, sir" and that sort of thing).
There are a LOT of instances in this story that are unsettling. Obviously, the author has been through a traumatic time and I wouldn't expect every old wound to be re-opened but there is zero admission that his family might have had some problems. I sincerely cannot believe that a homeschooled ultra-religious child would suddenly plot her family's murder without there being any incident to provoke it. Yes, teenagers often have grandiose ways of thinking, but honestly how many teens in such calm, perfect circumstances would come to that same conclusion? Not many. It was so out-of-the-blue that it seemed fishy -- which is what the police and attorneys kept trying to convince him of. After he returns from the hospital he talks about overdosing on pain medications and tripling his depression medications -- I thought maybe that this would be part of his testimony; the journey of addiction, etc. but he mentions it and drops it (with the impression that he quits cold turkey with zero repercussions). He talks about going to therapy but only a few months later, he's engaged to another woman and within 8 months of the murders he remarries. I have to believe that if he were truly in therapy (or even been surrounded by level-headed people) he would have been advised against this. But it sounds like he's surrounded by church friends who view everything as positive signs from God. Sure, you've lost your family, but that's so you can tell your story - hey, do you want to speak at my tent revival next weekend? That would be great! It was all so... icky. But if those are the types of people that he's surrounded himself with, then what does that say about him? I would not be surprised to learn that everything was not sunshine and roses in that household.
So if you're reading to learn about the "true crime" story - let me stop you. You won't find anything here beyond what Terry Caffey personally experienced (escaping alive). If you're coming for a testimonial about why God is good, always - then you're in luck!
The writing is pretty well crafted, which is saying something for a true crime book. But it is 75% gospel, so... take that as you will.
There are a LOT of instances in this story that are unsettling. Obviously, the author has been through a traumatic time and I wouldn't expect every old wound to be re-opened but there is zero admission that his family might have had some problems. I sincerely cannot believe that a homeschooled ultra-religious child would suddenly plot her family's murder without there being any incident to provoke it. Yes, teenagers often have grandiose ways of thinking, but honestly how many teens in such calm, perfect circumstances would come to that same conclusion? Not many. It was so out-of-the-blue that it seemed fishy -- which is what the police and attorneys kept trying to convince him of. After he returns from the hospital he talks about overdosing on pain medications and tripling his depression medications -- I thought maybe that this would be part of his testimony; the journey of addiction, etc. but he mentions it and drops it (with the impression that he quits cold turkey with zero repercussions). He talks about going to therapy but only a few months later, he's engaged to another woman and within 8 months of the murders he remarries. I have to believe that if he were truly in therapy (or even been surrounded by level-headed people) he would have been advised against this. But it sounds like he's surrounded by church friends who view everything as positive signs from God. Sure, you've lost your family, but that's so you can tell your story - hey, do you want to speak at my tent revival next weekend? That would be great! It was all so... icky. But if those are the types of people that he's surrounded himself with, then what does that say about him? I would not be surprised to learn that everything was not sunshine and roses in that household.
So if you're reading to learn about the "true crime" story - let me stop you. You won't find anything here beyond what Terry Caffey personally experienced (escaping alive). If you're coming for a testimonial about why God is good, always - then you're in luck!
The writing is pretty well crafted, which is saying something for a true crime book. But it is 75% gospel, so... take that as you will.
Read
March 18, 2023I’m not totally focused today d/t medication changes but there is an interview at the beginning of this audiobook and I could swear the interviewer just said to this survivor that “it’ll be fun to read about that” re: the gentleman’s website set up to discuss his story and other peoples stories and reflections of their terrible teenagers maybe they just mean god’s presence because I’ve rewound this a couple of times and that whole question seems quite awkward
So as usual I didn’t read the synopsis, BUT as uncomfortable as I am with mystical godspeak I did finish this audiobook. It really was not at all about the crime (I need to find a book about that). It was more about how the father survivor found god still influential in his life and how he kept his faith during one of the worst experiences any family could go through. I’m not going to rate it. But it might be an inspirational read for some people.
So as usual I didn’t read the synopsis, BUT as uncomfortable as I am with mystical godspeak I did finish this audiobook. It really was not at all about the crime (I need to find a book about that). It was more about how the father survivor found god still influential in his life and how he kept his faith during one of the worst experiences any family could go through. I’m not going to rate it. But it might be an inspirational read for some people.
October 27, 2011
Interesting and sad story but I think the author was using the book more for his ministry than to get out the story of his family's murder. Very preachy in some chapters. I am a Christian and believe that God can help you through tough times but I really felt this author sounded almost fanatical at times. I skipped alot of the book because I was sick of reading the same thing over and over.
May 31, 2021
Heard the author speak about ten years ago at the church I was attending at that time. After purchasing his book, I proceeded to let it collect dust on my bookshelf. God's timing? I was captivated by this man's story from the very first sentence and read the entire book in a matter of days. Still intrigued, I searched, found, and watched his appearance on the Dr. Phil show courtesy of YouTube! To be able to work through such horrific experiences and come back to faith in God is a miracle and gives the greater glory to our Abba Father in Heaven. Please read this book!
September 4, 2010
I didn't like this book so much.
It had too much "happily ever after" in it - which is so disheartening to other Christians who don't see God giving back everything they've lost through heartache and crime.
It had too much "happily ever after" in it - which is so disheartening to other Christians who don't see God giving back everything they've lost through heartache and crime.
July 2, 2012
Although he went thru an unbelievable tragedy, Terry comes out the winner as he delves into his relationship with God. Guess I just expected less ministry and more backstory about all the participants, including Charlie, Charles and Bobbi's backgrounds, but never happened. I really don't think I could come to the release point emotionally that he has with this , re: his remarriage and relationship with his daughter, but maybe it's different for mothers?
October 19, 2015
This book had such an impact on me that I'm still thinking about two weeks after I've finished reading it. If I could give a higher rating, I would rate it 10 stars.
Although it reads like a novel, this is a true story of a horrific crime that included the murders of the author's wife and two sons, severe injuries to the author, the destruction of his home by arson, and the conviction of his daughter along with three others for the crime.
Terry Caffey was in the medical supply business but had been very active in his church and on the verge of being ordained as a minister. By all accounts the family was loving and happy except for what seemed like normal teenage rebellion from a sixteen-year-old girl who was involved with a boy the parents didn't approve of. Then a week after his father's funeral, the family was brutally attacked in their home. Terry awoke from unconsciousness (apparently the killers thought he was dead) and found his wife dead next to him and the house engulfed in flames and smoke. He couldn't reach the three children he thought were on the second floor and crawled for hours to the nearest house, expecting to identify the killer and die himself to join his family in Heaven.
But God had other plans, and Terry lived, though severely physically and psychologically injured. He had some hope when he learned his daughter was found safe, only to have his hopes dashed when she was arrested as the mastermind of the murders. As would be expected, at first he didn't want to live, and he wanted to save the state of Texas the cost of executing the killers. He felt he could kill them himself.
But through a series of amazing events, remarkable people, prayer, and reading the Bible (especially the Book of Job), he reached the point that he could forgive the killers and even convince the prosecutors to bargain for life without possibility of parole instead of the death penalty. He said that Jesus had died for his sins, and he wanted the killers to have time to find the Lord and be saved before they died. He stood by his daughter throughout the ordeal and lobbied for her to get a sentence that would make her eligible for parole at age 59 so she would have some hope. He continues to visit her every visiting day. He has since been ordained and regularly gives his testimony in churches and prisons.
Though I have summarized some of the high points of the book, I highly recommend you read it yourself. There is so much more there, and the spiritual impact is so strong that all Christians will wonder how they would react if something this unimaginable happened to them. Could I forgive the people who took away everything? Is my faith strong enough to make a new life after the old one was destroyed?
Although it reads like a novel, this is a true story of a horrific crime that included the murders of the author's wife and two sons, severe injuries to the author, the destruction of his home by arson, and the conviction of his daughter along with three others for the crime.
Terry Caffey was in the medical supply business but had been very active in his church and on the verge of being ordained as a minister. By all accounts the family was loving and happy except for what seemed like normal teenage rebellion from a sixteen-year-old girl who was involved with a boy the parents didn't approve of. Then a week after his father's funeral, the family was brutally attacked in their home. Terry awoke from unconsciousness (apparently the killers thought he was dead) and found his wife dead next to him and the house engulfed in flames and smoke. He couldn't reach the three children he thought were on the second floor and crawled for hours to the nearest house, expecting to identify the killer and die himself to join his family in Heaven.
But God had other plans, and Terry lived, though severely physically and psychologically injured. He had some hope when he learned his daughter was found safe, only to have his hopes dashed when she was arrested as the mastermind of the murders. As would be expected, at first he didn't want to live, and he wanted to save the state of Texas the cost of executing the killers. He felt he could kill them himself.
But through a series of amazing events, remarkable people, prayer, and reading the Bible (especially the Book of Job), he reached the point that he could forgive the killers and even convince the prosecutors to bargain for life without possibility of parole instead of the death penalty. He said that Jesus had died for his sins, and he wanted the killers to have time to find the Lord and be saved before they died. He stood by his daughter throughout the ordeal and lobbied for her to get a sentence that would make her eligible for parole at age 59 so she would have some hope. He continues to visit her every visiting day. He has since been ordained and regularly gives his testimony in churches and prisons.
Though I have summarized some of the high points of the book, I highly recommend you read it yourself. There is so much more there, and the spiritual impact is so strong that all Christians will wonder how they would react if something this unimaginable happened to them. Could I forgive the people who took away everything? Is my faith strong enough to make a new life after the old one was destroyed?
May 30, 2023
I gave the book 4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ The book 📚 was a very profound tragic story of what happened to the Caffey family. I had watched a documentary of the case and honestly Terry Caffey lost his family who from what I have read was a very heinous crime. But reading this book 📕 for some reason it made me realize how God worked his blessings on this family. It inspired me to want to have a closer relationship with the God of my understanding which is Jesus Christ. Besides the inspiration this book gave me it also spoke about how drastic this crime was. His only living family is his daughter Erin who now she is serving 2 life sentences plus 25 years. I think she is up for parole after 25 years. Nonetheless, the loss of this family is true. Therefore, the book is a good read. You should definitely try to read it.
June 24, 2020
this story was so powerful that it seemed like it couldn’t possibly be real. i have so much respect for the author as he rehashed his various traumas in order to write this book, all so that he could reach people in need of faith restoration.
October 21, 2025
It dives into real-life fear with a fearless voice. The title alone sets a tense mood, hinting at nights haunted by danger and the uncertain rhythms of surviving family hardship. Caffey balances gravity with grounded detail, turning personal trauma into an accessible, engaging narrative. The memoir’s honesty is its strength—a clear, unflinching look at fear, faith, and resilience when the lights go out and the world feels suddenly unfamiliar.
May 22, 2018
Everything in Terry and Penny Caffey’s world was just wonderful. Jesus was the light of their lives. Erin, Matthew and Tyler were happy and well behaved children. Uh oh, then along came Satan’s spawn, Charlie Wilkinson. Chuckie was an 18 year-old high school student and boyfriend of the 16 year-old Erin. Ken and Barbie forced their rebellious teen daughter to break up with El Diablo. Dark forces overcame Terry and his brood. The born again narrator was shot five times but somehow managed to climb out a bathroom window of his burning house and to crawl 400 yards to a neighbor’s house. Terry somehow sees this as a part of God’s plan; personally, I see it as s*** happens, or there is no order to the universe and chaos rules and chaos reigns. Here on earth, a trauma team saved Terry’s life. They first gave him a bit of good news, Erin was alive. She had jumped out of a bedroom window. A few hours later, the bad news was that she was involved in the murders. After seven days in the hospital, Terry moved in with his sister’s family. Xanax and Zoloft dulled the pain. The funeral was held two weeks after the crime. The three caskets in the church overwhelmed Terry and he collapsed. Erin’s lawyer informed her father that Charlie and two cohorts, a second Charlie and a female getaway driver named Bobbie implicated his daughter as the mastermind behind the killings. The forced breakup was given as the reason. The attorney told Terry not to discuss the case during visits with his daughter. Terry still asked her if she planned it and his daughter answered that she tried to stop it but it got out of hand. It sounds like the kid who kills his parents and then asks the judge for mercy because he is an orphan. Terry eventually went back to work at a medical supply company. He purchased a used RV to live in while wrestling with God and seeking an answer as to why it all happened. He studied Job to gain a better understanding. Terry testified at a few churches and a prison. The ministry was his calling. Testifying is a commonly used term by born again Christians. Although I am allergic to all organized religion, the Catholicism of my childhood remains at some level forever. Three months after the brutal murders of his wife and sons, Terry was dating a divorced co-worker with two boys of her own. Life goes on, said the man of God. You have got to be kidding me. Sorry for a McCarthy hearing quote, but have you no decency? God, like Match.com, hooked the good reverend up with a new woman and they married just five months after the crime. I need a vomit bag. The wedding took place at the same church as wife #1’s funeral. Terry blamed Satan for leading Erin down the path of debauchery (drinking and sex). Personally, I believe that it was the Easter bunny. Terry’s tome is a long and tedious Sunday sermonette. Penny awaits her husband in heaven; what happens to wife #2, Sonja? Do they have a threesome in Paradise? All religions are divisive and dangerous. Modern day Jerusalem may be the starting point for WWIII. If you are looking for a good true crime book, this ain’t it. Terror by Night belongs in the theology section. God (or Allah, or Yeshua) help us all and to all a good night.
December 30, 2009
Terror By Night is an amazing story of how one man lived through a viscious attack on his family and not only survived but slowly learned to love and live again and serve God in the process.
After what happens on that horrible March night, Terry Caffey has every right to be bitter and he is, but the real story in this book is how he comes to terms with his life and his loss. The brutality of his family's murders is horrible and the only part of the book I had trouble with, though it is not discussed in detail. I just felt so much for this man and the loss he endured. But the book turns uplifting as Terry struggles to find his place. While he never loses his belief in God, he does question God, which would be natural in this circumstance. But the turn-around in his life due to a chance encounter with a page from a novel given to his wife by author James H. Pence, is nothing short of miraculous.
The book is with Terry every step of the way from the weeks leading up to the murder through the year following and his growth and journey.
It's thought-provoking, awe-inspiring and just plain inspirational to read. I am very sorry for all that Terry has been through, I can't even imagine losing my family. But I am glad he lived and got a chance to share his amazing journey. I wish him well in all he does.
I also read co-author James H. Pence's book Blind Sight a few weeks ago which was the book from which Terry found the page from. It is a wonderful book too and it was really interesting knowing how this book affected Terry Caffey's life.
I highly recommend both books. They are both honest and very readable. They aren't preachy, just straight-forward. Both books involve men trying to make sense of their lives, one fictional and one non-fiction. I am glad I got a chance to read both.
After what happens on that horrible March night, Terry Caffey has every right to be bitter and he is, but the real story in this book is how he comes to terms with his life and his loss. The brutality of his family's murders is horrible and the only part of the book I had trouble with, though it is not discussed in detail. I just felt so much for this man and the loss he endured. But the book turns uplifting as Terry struggles to find his place. While he never loses his belief in God, he does question God, which would be natural in this circumstance. But the turn-around in his life due to a chance encounter with a page from a novel given to his wife by author James H. Pence, is nothing short of miraculous.
The book is with Terry every step of the way from the weeks leading up to the murder through the year following and his growth and journey.
It's thought-provoking, awe-inspiring and just plain inspirational to read. I am very sorry for all that Terry has been through, I can't even imagine losing my family. But I am glad he lived and got a chance to share his amazing journey. I wish him well in all he does.
I also read co-author James H. Pence's book Blind Sight a few weeks ago which was the book from which Terry found the page from. It is a wonderful book too and it was really interesting knowing how this book affected Terry Caffey's life.
I highly recommend both books. They are both honest and very readable. They aren't preachy, just straight-forward. Both books involve men trying to make sense of their lives, one fictional and one non-fiction. I am glad I got a chance to read both.
July 4, 2012
I downloaded this book after watching the story of the Caffey family on ABC's Final Witness last week.
Penny Caffey and her two sons were brutally murdered by her daughter's (Erin Caffey) boyfriend and another young man. The house was then set on fire. Terry Caffey survived being shot four times. He crawled through the woods to his neighbor's house to get help. At that time, he believes his entire family is dead. Later, Erin is found hiding at her boyfriend's home. She claims that she was kidnapped by the two men. However, as the details come out, she is fingered by the other three culprits (one is the girlfriend of the other young man and drove the getaway car) as the mastermind behind the plot.
This book details some about the crime and the following trials. However, much of the book is about Mr. Caffey's attempts to put his life back together and to reconcile his faith with this tragedy. When he speaks of forgiving Erin for this crime, it isn't that he is wiping out her transgressions. He is simply choosing to stand by her and love her unconditionally. I don't know if I could do that, but I admire him for being able to do so.
Mr. Caffey remarried within the first year after their deaths. I am sure many folks take issue with that, but I have read that men who have truly loved will remarry soon after losing their wives, as they want to have that feeling again.
If you're looking for a thorough accounting of what happened that horrible night and all of the evidence that lead up to the trials, you will only find some of it here. Mr. Caffey didn't want to know more than he needed to know and he doesn't write much about the details. But if you're looking for a short summary of the murders and the story of finding faith again, then you'll probably enjoy this book.
Penny Caffey and her two sons were brutally murdered by her daughter's (Erin Caffey) boyfriend and another young man. The house was then set on fire. Terry Caffey survived being shot four times. He crawled through the woods to his neighbor's house to get help. At that time, he believes his entire family is dead. Later, Erin is found hiding at her boyfriend's home. She claims that she was kidnapped by the two men. However, as the details come out, she is fingered by the other three culprits (one is the girlfriend of the other young man and drove the getaway car) as the mastermind behind the plot.
This book details some about the crime and the following trials. However, much of the book is about Mr. Caffey's attempts to put his life back together and to reconcile his faith with this tragedy. When he speaks of forgiving Erin for this crime, it isn't that he is wiping out her transgressions. He is simply choosing to stand by her and love her unconditionally. I don't know if I could do that, but I admire him for being able to do so.
Mr. Caffey remarried within the first year after their deaths. I am sure many folks take issue with that, but I have read that men who have truly loved will remarry soon after losing their wives, as they want to have that feeling again.
If you're looking for a thorough accounting of what happened that horrible night and all of the evidence that lead up to the trials, you will only find some of it here. Mr. Caffey didn't want to know more than he needed to know and he doesn't write much about the details. But if you're looking for a short summary of the murders and the story of finding faith again, then you'll probably enjoy this book.
September 2, 2012
I first heard about this story while watching the TV show The Final Witness. I really enjoy true crime books so I thought this would be a really interesting book to read. Sadly I was incredibly disappointed. I was hoping that there would be more stories about the court cases and how the trials went and while they were discussed, it was not in much depth. Also, I had a hard time getting passed all of the religion. I have never been religious but have been jealous of people who have such faith in God. This book however was really hard to relate to. Terry Caffey finds solace in the book of Job and how their stories relate. When Job loses everything he requests a meeting with God to ask him why and instead of giving him answers, God tells him trust him and not ask questions... this seems absolutely ridiculous to me. If I have to answer to God, why shouldn't He have to answer for His actions??? This is an example of what pushes me away from religion. I could never lose my entire family and then think that it was all in God's plan... ANYWAY, I was also disappointed with the way his daughter was presented in the book. After watching the show, the evidence that the police presented clearly show that the daughter was the mastermind behind the whole crime but Terry Caffey's account shows a different (and naive) picture. Luckily this book was free on my Amazon prime account because I would've been disappointed if I paid for this.
January 16, 2013
Terry Caffey writes a gripping account of what he experienced when he lost his wife, & 2 sons to the hands of his daughter's (Erin) boyfriend and 2 friends. He never would have expected the shock that was awaiting him when authorities told him thaty his daughter was the mastermind behind the murders.
Terry describes in detail his road to forgiveness and coping with the loss of his family and coming to terms with the reality of the role that his daughter played in the crime.
It was good to hear that he eventually moves on with his life, while never forgiving what happened. It was also interesting to hear Erin's side of the story. Terry talks very honestly about this tragic experience.
I was saddened to read how much the public has critized this man because of his story and the judgement calls some people have made on him. It is very sad. I don't think we as readers can really comprehend what he went through and his feelings unless we ourselves have been victims of a crime like he was. Unless you are walking in his shoes then sit back and take his story for what it is.. HIS ACCOUNT OF WHAT HE EXPERIENCED & WENT THROUGH!!
Terry describes in detail his road to forgiveness and coping with the loss of his family and coming to terms with the reality of the role that his daughter played in the crime.
It was good to hear that he eventually moves on with his life, while never forgiving what happened. It was also interesting to hear Erin's side of the story. Terry talks very honestly about this tragic experience.
I was saddened to read how much the public has critized this man because of his story and the judgement calls some people have made on him. It is very sad. I don't think we as readers can really comprehend what he went through and his feelings unless we ourselves have been victims of a crime like he was. Unless you are walking in his shoes then sit back and take his story for what it is.. HIS ACCOUNT OF WHAT HE EXPERIENCED & WENT THROUGH!!
January 7, 2020
The author survives being shot, loses his wife and two very young sons by the same people who shot him, it ends up his teen daughter was the mastermind! Because they didn’t like her boyfriend. This dude thinks the boyfriend was a bad influence and therefore no way his daughter could have done it, because she was raised in the church. Even though his daughter has told him over and over that yes, she was behind it all. He still puts his faith before the truth, I thought the book was preachy and it’s very sad and even insulting to his wife and children that were murdered. Oh and he got remarried and had two more sons, visits his daughter weekly, who by the way, got life in jail. Too much denial for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 15, 2011
In just 1 short year Terry Caffey looses his whole family, his home, all his worldly goods, and his faith in the almighty. What he doesn't see at the time is that God has a plan for him that takes him through a wolrd of unspeakable hurt, torment, and struggle to bring him into a world of complete trust and desire in the Lord. Terry ends up knowing the true path of Job and even thought he still struggles with his loss his faith in God not only is restored, but his walk with God is strengthened. In the end, just like Job, God gives him back the life he lost and gives him a bounty of rewards he never thought he could have.
January 20, 2016
The story of what happened that night is still a mystery, and this book didn't really shed much more light on it. As a Christian I can understand Terry's reliance on his faith, but at the same time it seemed laid on a little thick. I found the writing itself not particularly exceptional. On a critical note - seriously?! Marries someone else eight months after his wife was brutally murdered? I have a hard time respecting that choice.
March 6, 2022
I started this book because it popped up
on my Kindle. I’m very sorry this family was lost in violence. But I really don’t think we are getting the entire story from the author. I am a believer in God, forgiveness, and miracles. I’m just skeptical about the descriptions of dynamics of the family up to the time of the brutal murders. I definitely would not go out of my way to hear Terry Caffey’s “testimony.” Lord, please forgive me if I am wrong.
on my Kindle. I’m very sorry this family was lost in violence. But I really don’t think we are getting the entire story from the author. I am a believer in God, forgiveness, and miracles. I’m just skeptical about the descriptions of dynamics of the family up to the time of the brutal murders. I definitely would not go out of my way to hear Terry Caffey’s “testimony.” Lord, please forgive me if I am wrong.
July 25, 2016
What a horrific story--and true. I remember reading about this crime soon after it happened, wondering what exactly went wrong. Pence and Caffey do a phenomenal job of painstakingly recounting the details of the case, unpacking the emotional story in a thriller-like manner. It's not often that I can't put down a book, but this one kept beckoning me to turn the page well into the night.
December 22, 2012
I saw this story on an episode of a show called "Final Witness" entitled, "The Kids Aren't Alright". I was moved by Terry's ability to survive after all the horrors he went through and how his faith enabled him to live life again. The book he wrote about the tragedy was very good and inspirational.
December 31, 2018
Overly simplistic
Terry Caffey is in denial about the true nature of his daughter. I also think his answers to his grief are simplistic. I “lost” my daughter to a cult and she married in to trouble. It’s been 8 years, and although I have forgiven her, my struggle with God and why this happened are not over yet. This book did not help.
Terry Caffey is in denial about the true nature of his daughter. I also think his answers to his grief are simplistic. I “lost” my daughter to a cult and she married in to trouble. It’s been 8 years, and although I have forgiven her, my struggle with God and why this happened are not over yet. This book did not help.
May 22, 2024
I can't put my finger on it but this book was a disappointment to me.. I seen the actual crime documentary and liked it.. Its almost like the dad knew what was going to happen or something.. Something seems off on the story and the fact he re-married so soon...
The actual book starts out with an interview with the dad and it just seemed over embellished and kind of boring..
The actual book starts out with an interview with the dad and it just seemed over embellished and kind of boring..
January 23, 2017
really good! read it in 2 days. Easy to read, great flow of words. such a very sad true story.
a must for true crime enthusiasts!!!!! its vert hard to think that there is so much evil in the world
a must for true crime enthusiasts!!!!! its vert hard to think that there is so much evil in the world
October 21, 2009
Excellent book, my heart ached for this father and his struggle for reason and his love for his daughter. Would recommend for anymore who's faith is low right now. Truly eye opening.
January 28, 2019
Scary topic but the book is not well written
May 5, 2024
I thought this was going to be about a true crime event. While it was about it the main focus was about a man preaching about God. His wife and two sons are murdered then the house burnt down by his daughter and her friends. He has two dogs that barely get a mention. One died but we don't know if also murdered or burned to death in the fire. The other is given to a shelter. These were family pets that he had no consideration for. The last living personal connection that he has to his house and family. There are a lot of inconsistencies in the telling of this book and at the end of those chapters it is said that it's been written in a certain way because it fitted better. Personally, I would much rather have read it in the correct order. Like the scene with the two men at their trial is written with them both being there at the same time. At the end of the chapter, it's revealed that they weren't together. It was two separate hearings. Another thing that annoyed me was when he was leaving hospital he said he had nowhere to go but someone had offered him a trailer for him to go and live in. He didn't really talk about what his community did for him, but then it's mentioned that despite him having no money, which seemed to be a massive thing because of his father's death. The community got together and paid for the entire funerals and plots. This book was all about this man 's journey with God. I don't believe in God So this felt like this book wasn't for me. I was much more interested knowing about why his daughter did this to them and it feels like while her crime is completely inexcusable it didn't really delve into the depths that her parents didn't want her seeing her boyfriend anymore, which seems to be a major contributor. Anyway, within a year of this massive tragedy, the man has sold his property that meant so much to him and remarried. There's also a bit where he decides to cut down a load of trees on his property Because he didn't like the fact that he had to crawl through that tree line to get to his neighbor's property which just seemed like destroying nature. I feel like the dad can't admit exactly what his daughter did and how much her involvement was because he's already lost his wife and two sons and if he really doesn't admit what she did and stop being in denial, he'll lose his daughter well and that's just too much for that man to take.
July 4, 2018
I didnt know it then, but my father's death was like the dark sky before a tornado. Soon a storm would blow through my life and leave devastation behind it.
As 3:00 draws nearer and nearer, a near defending silence becomes Terry Caffey's haunting new reality. Fast asleep besides his devoted wife of close to two decades; Penny, his young Sons; Bubba (Matthew) and Tyler lain asleep in their bedroom upstairs while their eldest child, sixteen year old Erin slinked from the family home, a dark secret and tragedy forming behind her every footstep. Sneaking out to meet with boyfriend, Charlie Wilkinson, Charles Waide, and Bobbi, Erin and them debate on a pressing subject, eventually falling into a dark plan, one leaving her entire family slain except her father, although near mortally wounded. Shot 6 times at point blank range in various locations, Terry witnessed his wife gunned down before the crying upstairs shocked him, his son pleading with Charlie to spare them. In and out on consciousness, his family shot, stabbed and the house set ablaze, Terry narrowly escaped through a bathroom window, fleeing 300 yards to neighbors' house to find salvation.
Following the tragedy, he turns more clearly to God and his Christian beliefs, a strong support system behind him as the trial haunts his every move. His lone survivor of his family, jailed until 58 years old, his daughter pleaded it wasn't her fault, she never intended this to happen. Yet avoiding the death penalty was a blessing, as her father remained loyal to his lone daughter's side, even after being blessed with a second Family... Sonya and her two sons.
As 3:00 draws nearer and nearer, a near defending silence becomes Terry Caffey's haunting new reality. Fast asleep besides his devoted wife of close to two decades; Penny, his young Sons; Bubba (Matthew) and Tyler lain asleep in their bedroom upstairs while their eldest child, sixteen year old Erin slinked from the family home, a dark secret and tragedy forming behind her every footstep. Sneaking out to meet with boyfriend, Charlie Wilkinson, Charles Waide, and Bobbi, Erin and them debate on a pressing subject, eventually falling into a dark plan, one leaving her entire family slain except her father, although near mortally wounded. Shot 6 times at point blank range in various locations, Terry witnessed his wife gunned down before the crying upstairs shocked him, his son pleading with Charlie to spare them. In and out on consciousness, his family shot, stabbed and the house set ablaze, Terry narrowly escaped through a bathroom window, fleeing 300 yards to neighbors' house to find salvation.
Following the tragedy, he turns more clearly to God and his Christian beliefs, a strong support system behind him as the trial haunts his every move. His lone survivor of his family, jailed until 58 years old, his daughter pleaded it wasn't her fault, she never intended this to happen. Yet avoiding the death penalty was a blessing, as her father remained loyal to his lone daughter's side, even after being blessed with a second Family... Sonya and her two sons.
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