Tragedy in Tin Can Holler

by Rozetta Mowery

"Tragedy in Tin Can Holler" is a captivating must read true story of a family's past transgressions revealing a family member who was a serial killer that got away with murder during the great depression, incest and child abuse, lies and betrayals and domestic violence buried for decades The vicious murder of the author's mother haunted her for 48 years, but discovering the truth about her mother's murder was just the tip of the iceberg. Her story is spell-bounding as she unveils the hidden secrets that shocked the residents of 3 counties in southeast Tennessee.This book has also been made into a documentary. This hard cover version has some new material.

Genres: True Crime

232 pages, Hardcover

First published May 7, 2007

About the author

Rozetta was born in Athens, TN in 1952. After the murder of her mother in 1959, at the age of 7, she was placed into the foster care system. She graduated with honors from Polk County High School in 1970 and began a career in the banking industry. Three years later she married and moved to Florida and gave birth to her three children. After living in domestic violence for 15 years she divorced her husband and attended college and obtained her real estate license and worked as an executive assistant for major corporations in south Florida.

Today, Rozetta is an advocate speaker against domestic violence and child abuse. She is also a motivational speaker for all ages as she speaks to the youth and young adults in churches, JobCorp Centers, colleges and universities. She's also a spokesperson for CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) and the Holston United Methodist Home for Children. Her book has made an enormous impact regarding the foster care system and is "required reading" for all the foster parents in the jurisdiction of the Holston United Methodist Home for Children in Greeneville, TN. She assists with fundraisers that support domestic violence programs and shelters for victims of domestic abuse and programs that help abused and neglected children.

Reviews

[Hannah Newell · Rating 2 out of 5]

I always find it difficult to assign a star rating to someone else's lived experience, but this book is particularly difficult to rate. It's written so poorly that it's difficult to read. There is a lot of unnecessary repetition and much of the "research" appears to be conjecture. However, the story was compelling and absolutely deserved to be told.

1★ for writing style and 5★ for an interesting story.

[Steven · Rating 5 out of 5]

You have got to read this captivating, true story of a family's past transgressions revealing a serial killer during the great depression, incest and child abuse, lies and betrayals and domestic violence buried for decades! The vicious murder of the author's mother haunted her for 48 years, but discovering the truth about her mother's murder was just the tip of the iceberg.

Rozetta Mowery discovered and is still learning what led her father kill her mother when Rozetta was only seven years old. I think you'll find today's program from The Back Story Radio show riveting and powerful! Click the link above to learn about the evil that men and women do. Every story has a back story. This story is the true life of the excellent author who penned it.

This book is a true-life story of a crime so hideous and inhuman that one could scarcely think to write a story so full of twists and turns as Rozetta Mowery discover more than what led her father to commit such a brutal crime. You will have a new appreciation for the tragedies that can change one's life. I give it all the stars possible to give!

[Ward · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tragedy in Tin Can Holler is an emotional read. It is a story about a family that needed to be told. I am so proud of Rozetta for having the courage and the fortitude to tell it — and with such brutal honesty and intensity. Having been through and overcome numerous challenges myself, I know personally the kind of strength it takes to survive on a totally different road than others travel. Rozetta’s road was one I am thankful to not have had to travel. Honestly, I most likely would’ve crashed. Life took her on one of the worst roads imaginable. Not only has she survived, but is now able to drive others to do so as well. She has taken the tragic story of her family and turned it into a gift to others. A gift of love. I recommend this book to everyone. Thank you, Rozetta.

[Tara Bush · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was certainly a story that needed to be told - s horrible example of how abuse, addiction and helplessness is passed down from generation to generation. But the writing was flooded with short choppy and often repetitive sentences. Unnecessary details are shared with the reader (like the names of every neighbor in Tin Can Holler) which detracted from the story and often made me want to put the book down. Very depressing.

[Bill · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing story and a must read. Living in Athens, the story meant so much more to me. I knew many of the individuals who were mentioned throughout the book and am familiar with the area within Athens. A very 'sick' family whose activities in Athens were terrible, but I believe were far worse in Decatur.

[Kimberly Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The fact that this book's title has the word Tragedy in it is fitting. It is a tragic tale and when you read all the names of the counties, cities, streets, and even some people you know or at least know of, it makes it even sadder. But, it is a story that needed to be told. I highly recommend this book!

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

A story from the area I live in. This is a story of the awful injustice that happens in families and how people turn their head. It was a truly horrific thing that happened in this family and the story of how it impacted their children.

[Lea Mantooth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is truly a story of human suffering that takes place at the hands of those who are tormented and filled with evil. Unfortunately, these types of crimes, as horrific as they are, have taken place through out history and continue today. I think the most disturbing thing about this story is the fact that so many people were aware of the abuses that were taking place. There were many who could have stepped in and helped, but rather than get involved just turned a blind eye to it, allowing the abuse to continue.
Thank you Rozetta Mowery for sharing your family history and raising awareness about domestic violence and abuse.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is one tragedy after another and written by one of the survivors of generations of abuse and disfunctional families. It is very sad and tells of how spousal abuse and men in general were allowed to do whatever they wanted to women with no consequences. The foster care system in this part of Tennessee was also abysmal as background checks weren't able to be done with any degree of thoroughness. It's really a miracle that any of the Mowery children survived and became functional adults. My heart goes out to them.

[Kerry Clair · Rating 2 out of 5]

This story was rather incredible and very interesting, but the writing was very poor. Short choppy sentences, multiple repetition within the same paragraph. Poor grammar and sentence structure. It really needed a good editor it really seemed like a child had written this. That said the story itself was well worth the read.

[Kim Robertson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting true story of the way a poor family survived in the South. Especially enjoyed it as it was from a small town in Tennessee, Decatur, TN and Athens, TN. My Husband's family owned a 200 acre farm in Decatur, TN for over 100 years.

[Lesa Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

[Leigh Haile · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing true story. The world really is a messed up place.

[Cheri Stinnett · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my most favorite books to read about a family in a town pretty local to me!!

[J'da Jackson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a quick read but so so sad!

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

I happened upon this book at a second hand bookstore. I had no idea it happened so close to my hometown. It is a story wrought in tragedy that spans three generations. Most every form of debauchery is found in this depressing yet gripping true story. Some have complained of its lackluster narrative. Yes, there are some careless and confusing typos. However, this is not a story written by a professional author or journalist. It's one woman's need to share her story and help others. Hopefully this tragic tale won't continue to the fourth generation of this family.

[Rita Sexton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read books from cover to cover in a sitting or two. This was not one of them, not because it was lengthy - but because it was a powerfully true story drenched in pain, death and mental illness from cover to cover. At times my very being would shake...I would lay the book down and walk away. The demons that seemed to posses the paternal grandmother and father, unfortunatley affected the life of Rozetta, her siblings and lead to the death of their precious mother. As I read the book, a strange sensation gave the feeling as though those same demons lay spread across the pages as their final contribution. Rozetta's life has proven that the dominion they controlled died with her grandmother and father. Many can write horror stories for entertainment, this however is truth - this is no story!

Rita Sexton,
Author of My Journey to My Happy House...

[Anna Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Tragedy in Tin Can Holler" is one of the most chilling books I have ever read. Rozetta Mowery tells this true story in a direct and compelling way. Its a must read story detailing bizarre and tragic events in the author's life. Mowery's hidden family secrets are told in an uncensored unveiling of murders and mayhem that will leave you stunned by the evil and demonic murder of her mother and the legacy left by her vicious serial killer family matriarch. Rozetta Mowery's story has turned a family tragedy into a triumphant life for herself and the communities she serves. She exemplifies strength, victory and courage with a strong dedication to help others overcome domestic violence. You must read this book. I could not put it down.

[Tracy]

I was VERY impressed not only with the book, but with Rozetta as a Survivor. She has taken a journey that I know many could not make, a journey back into the truth. I just had to spotlight her here in this issue, for she truly is an Empowered Survivor, that now takes all that she's gone through and learned and is going out and making a difference.

My life has been truly touched from my contact with Rozetta Mowery and reading her book, and I know that yours will be as well.

[Jeana]

I am lucky enough to have Rozetta as part of my friends. I have personally met Rozetta and she is an outstanding women. I feel very blessed to have her as a friend. I'm amazed that after all she has been through, from reading her book that she is the wonderful person she is today. I can only hope that she touches many more lives with her story.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was very intreging ( however u spell it ) and its wild to know that we are kin and grew up in the same area. I had no clue of this until I met Rosie at my Adopted moms house. She is a wonderful person who has been threw alot. Rosie I love you you are always in my prayers. I think you opened alot of eyes. Good Luck with #2 and I cant wait

[Rhonda Noble]

A must read for anyone who thinks they have had a hard life as well as a look back in time to how things were handled.

The book is well-written and the author deserves praise for her bravery into the exploration of her past as well as her ability to share her story with the rest of us - family, friends and those other she will never know but may have helped along her way.

[Roland Hinds · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic book that accounts for the abuse Ms. Mowery mother received throughout her marriage. It is a must read. If you would like to hear more about her story visit www.BlogTalkRadio.com/TruVueRadio about domestic abuse.

[Nan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had to read many pages over because I couldn't believe the horror of this family. I can't understand how a man (a daddy) could in any way be so damn horrendous.
What I learned is you never know what goes on behind closed doors.
n

[Roger Myers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Raw, tragic, and beyond belief that generations of one family could endure so much. An easy read. I wish there had been more about redemption and some reflection on "why I survived all this mess." Still, very powerful.

[Tricia Singleton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really great story, full of east TN history. A true story that proves the lives we lead influence future generations greatly. A must read!!!

[Shelia]

This is a very touching true story book, and my heart goes out to the people that were affected in this book!

[Reed Clayton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Book !! I learned about local people, area history and domestic violence. This book is a must read!

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was hard to put down.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn't believe this happened so close to home. Rozetta is a remarkable person!