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No Turning Back
"'My intention is simple -- to take the reader on the same journey I took, and have them experience the real truth of it. The book is for me, my family, the Falconios, for Pete -- and for anyone who has been the victim of violent crime.'" Almost raped and murdered, Joanne Lees became the key witness in one of the most high-profile trials of recent times -- the murder of Peter Falconio on a quiet stretch of deserted highway in Central Australia in mid-2001. Reported in sensational detail, the media's focus was often not on the man convicted of Peter's murder but on the woman who escaped him. Joanne has a unique and moving story to tell -- of the events of that terrible night, through the gruelling process of the police investigation, and the traumatic time of the trial, where she had to re-live so much. And she tells of the continuing effects on her life, on her family's life, and the Falconio family's life. Joanne Lees wasn't killed that night -- but from the moment she and Peter stopped to help a stranger on the highway her life was changed forever. No longer content to be a silent victim, Joanne Leees reclaims her life from other storytellers. The book is her story -- of what happened that night, and in the years that followed; and how she is facing the future. "No Turning Back" is a story of immense courage and survival.
304 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2006
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
February 6, 2017
I always thought the press should leave this poor (innocent) girl alone, however, after reading her own memoir on the case/incident,I'm not finding much warmth toward Joanne Lees.
She writes with a whiny and entitled projection,and while I was appauled that no councolling or anything was offered to her, she carries on and on, chapter after chapter about what the police did not do for her and how badly she was scrutinized.
She says 'aparantly I was not acting like a 'true victim'..how is a 'true victim' meant to act?'
Until I read this book, I had agreed, give the girl a break, people deal with trajedy differently, however...
we have her going back to Australia to do an interview with Martin Bashir - not only a few months of being back in the UK, and not even a year after Peter Falconio's dissapearance/murder. She says she did this although she was SO traumatised because she needed (wanted :/ )the MONEY.
THEN we have her saying 'It was my only CONSOLATION that 'the man' would attack again some day and then be caught. (Nice. and nice that a 12 yr old girl and her mother had to be raped before he was caught on suspicion) - she even says 'oh I feel guilty for wishing that he'd attack someone else so he could be caught although I never wished anyone hurt) :/
Then we have her only a year after Pete's 'death' (suspected murder, not confirmed) she enters into a relationship with a new guy that lasts about 2 years....(Geez that's quick love, you don't even actually know if your bf has been murdered but off you go partying (self confessed partier) and hooking up with another man. SO traumatized. :/
And in telling her story, SHE COMPLETELY MISSES OUT THE LINK BETWEEN 'NO Pete's not dead he's not been murdered, I could never allow myself to believe that!!!! (100 times) ' TO 'Oh yes I'm the girl whose bf was murdered' (before anyone was even arrested on suspicion of his dissapearance/ murder) :/ ... WHY would you leave that out love? Surely you realize that reader's may like to know the emotional equasion of how you jumped from one thought process (and acceptance) to the next?
Now I do know that behaviour does stem from methods of coping and trauma BUT the way she writes. Just ah. Any self awareness? - not so much.
Joanne wonders why the media kept saying she doesn't act like a 'true victim' uh well ...that's why.
My view of her has been distorted because of her own memoir.
She writes with a whiny and entitled projection,and while I was appauled that no councolling or anything was offered to her, she carries on and on, chapter after chapter about what the police did not do for her and how badly she was scrutinized.
She says 'aparantly I was not acting like a 'true victim'..how is a 'true victim' meant to act?'
Until I read this book, I had agreed, give the girl a break, people deal with trajedy differently, however...
we have her going back to Australia to do an interview with Martin Bashir - not only a few months of being back in the UK, and not even a year after Peter Falconio's dissapearance/murder. She says she did this although she was SO traumatised because she needed (wanted :/ )the MONEY.
THEN we have her saying 'It was my only CONSOLATION that 'the man' would attack again some day and then be caught. (Nice. and nice that a 12 yr old girl and her mother had to be raped before he was caught on suspicion) - she even says 'oh I feel guilty for wishing that he'd attack someone else so he could be caught although I never wished anyone hurt) :/
Then we have her only a year after Pete's 'death' (suspected murder, not confirmed) she enters into a relationship with a new guy that lasts about 2 years....(Geez that's quick love, you don't even actually know if your bf has been murdered but off you go partying (self confessed partier) and hooking up with another man. SO traumatized. :/
And in telling her story, SHE COMPLETELY MISSES OUT THE LINK BETWEEN 'NO Pete's not dead he's not been murdered, I could never allow myself to believe that!!!! (100 times) ' TO 'Oh yes I'm the girl whose bf was murdered' (before anyone was even arrested on suspicion of his dissapearance/ murder) :/ ... WHY would you leave that out love? Surely you realize that reader's may like to know the emotional equasion of how you jumped from one thought process (and acceptance) to the next?
Now I do know that behaviour does stem from methods of coping and trauma BUT the way she writes. Just ah. Any self awareness? - not so much.
Joanne wonders why the media kept saying she doesn't act like a 'true victim' uh well ...that's why.
My view of her has been distorted because of her own memoir.
November 6, 2018
3 Stars = I liked the book. I'm glad I read it.
June 1, 2012
I loved this book, I have read so many books about Joanne and Peter and what did and didn't happen on the dark night on that lonely highway, however NONE have addressed the issues that Joanne did in this book.
Joanne tells the story that only she can tell from her point of view and answers questions that have benn held up as doubt in other books.
I have read all the books on this subject and I found Joanne's gave me the greatest insight into what happened in her own words, for as much as everyone can argue she did or didn't behave in a certain manner, did or didn't say or do things expected of a "victin" she tells how it was for her in this situation and all I can say, is anyone going to be the perfect victim in everyone's eyes? how would you deal with the life changing events she endured?
Whatever your feelings about Joanne, you need to read her book and then weigh it all up for yourself, whatever the outcome you then have all sides. I found it a must read book.
Joanne tells the story that only she can tell from her point of view and answers questions that have benn held up as doubt in other books.
I have read all the books on this subject and I found Joanne's gave me the greatest insight into what happened in her own words, for as much as everyone can argue she did or didn't behave in a certain manner, did or didn't say or do things expected of a "victin" she tells how it was for her in this situation and all I can say, is anyone going to be the perfect victim in everyone's eyes? how would you deal with the life changing events she endured?
Whatever your feelings about Joanne, you need to read her book and then weigh it all up for yourself, whatever the outcome you then have all sides. I found it a must read book.
December 11, 2018
It seems that this book polarises its readers. I'm not sure why so many people were so unsympathetic to her story. Whenever I saw reports on the actual case it brought back unpleasant memories of how the NT justice system treated Lindy Chamberlain too. Neither of these women behaved in ways that the media expected them to and they were criticised. As someone who doesn't wear their heart on their sleeve and keeps her emotional breakdowns to herself, I could completely identify with Joanne Lees and I hope that the intervening years have brought her some semblance of peace. I couldn't say I enjoyed the book, the subject was far too horrific but I did find it very interesting.
November 26, 2020
Honestly, this book positively surprised me. At first, I thought to myself why am I reading a random book about a couple traveling Asia/Australia. But then the plot turned around and became much more than that. I felt like just from this one book, I learnt so much more about what is like to be a victim of a crime and live with the trauma for the rest of hour life. Also, I learnt a lot about how the whole criminal justice system is failing victims and needs to be reformed to become much more victim-centered. And lastly, this book was without doubt entertaining to read and I couldn’t peel my eyes of it as I always wanted to know what’s going to happen next.
June 26, 2015
Couldn't put this book down. I knew of the case when it happened, but I was of the age where I didn't pay much attention to the news, so I didn't know the full details. When i was in Australia on my whv I travelled up part of the Stuart highway on the way up to Darwin. It is a very lonely, desolate, empty and vast part of the country and just so hard to describe to anybody who's not been there. What Joanne and Peter suffered there at the hands of an evil man was heartbreaking. I have so much respect for Joanne and everything she endured - from the horrifying ordeal she went through, unprofessional incompetent police, fabricated media stories and false rumours. She is a brave lady with a great outlook on life and I hope both she and the Falconio family have happier futures.
February 5, 2012
I once read a review that cut this book to pieces, saying that there were discrepancies between the book and the case...as if the woman who posted the review had actual video footage of the event! I found it a heartbreaking recollection of an horrific event, from a frightened and devastated girl. I just wanted to hug Joanne Lees.
March 11, 2012
Couldn't put this book down. I can't believe what this woman went through and to have some police and folks think she actually had something to do with her missing boyfriend. It's is beyond me. She's a great writer and a very brave woman, who fought for her life with an evil killer.
July 7, 2020
Rather in spite of myself, I ended up thinking that this wasn't a bad effort.
From a literary standpoint, it was poor. Ok, it is her story, but she din't have to use the word 'I' on over 3o occasions on pretty much every page. The other offender was 'so': she was 'so afraid'; he was 'so kind'; they were 'so hurtful'. It all became so irritating after a while. From a legal stance, and with a bit of knowledge of the case, she seems to have glossed over parts of the story which didn't suit her narrative. Certainly, on the basis of her account of the evidence, anyone but a headstrong half-wit would have advised their client to plead Guilty here. From a personal perspective, she doesn't present as either likable or sympathetic.
Some parts of the book are quite compelling, especially the interview/trial transcripts. Others are (pardon the pun) so-so.
However, underpinning the book is the fact that she was, in all probability, the victim and key witness in a dreadful crime; she was given an incredibly hard time for not recalling every detail. On all sorts of levels, no-one should have to put up with what she went through. I wish her well, but probably not as a writer.
From a literary standpoint, it was poor. Ok, it is her story, but she din't have to use the word 'I' on over 3o occasions on pretty much every page. The other offender was 'so': she was 'so afraid'; he was 'so kind'; they were 'so hurtful'. It all became so irritating after a while. From a legal stance, and with a bit of knowledge of the case, she seems to have glossed over parts of the story which didn't suit her narrative. Certainly, on the basis of her account of the evidence, anyone but a headstrong half-wit would have advised their client to plead Guilty here. From a personal perspective, she doesn't present as either likable or sympathetic.
Some parts of the book are quite compelling, especially the interview/trial transcripts. Others are (pardon the pun) so-so.
However, underpinning the book is the fact that she was, in all probability, the victim and key witness in a dreadful crime; she was given an incredibly hard time for not recalling every detail. On all sorts of levels, no-one should have to put up with what she went through. I wish her well, but probably not as a writer.
January 4, 2015
How can a book about such an interesting case be so bloody boring? I'm not sure, but it was. I pretty much skimmed through most of the last 20 or so pages because I just couldn't be bothered reading another account about what she had for dinner or who she had a drink with at what pub. I suppose that sort of thing is the difference between the true crime books written about this story and a personal memoir but I don't know, it was pretty much a snooze.
Along with that, it was just poorly written and at times kind of hard to follow. I realise Joanne Lees isn't a writer but surely she would have had a ghost writer or at least a very involved editor for that exact reason so I'm not really sure why the quality of writing wasn't better.
All in all I would give this one a miss.
Along with that, it was just poorly written and at times kind of hard to follow. I realise Joanne Lees isn't a writer but surely she would have had a ghost writer or at least a very involved editor for that exact reason so I'm not really sure why the quality of writing wasn't better.
All in all I would give this one a miss.
March 15, 2022
Firstly I would like to say all these years later I hope Joanne Lees has found peace in her life. That I was embarrassed to live in Australia with the way she was treated by the police is a understatement.
While she may not be the worlds best author, does it really matter!
Any one could have been in her shoes.
While she may not be the worlds best author, does it really matter!
Any one could have been in her shoes.
April 10, 2024
A great account of the disappearance and presumed murder of Peter Falconio and the resulting trial. I remember the case, but Lees has provided much additional background, not reported at the time. A clear, well written account of her recollections. Sad to read online that she has never married and still lives alone, more than 20 years after the events described.
January 6, 2016
Regrettably my sympathy for the author diminished rather than increased after reading this book. It was easy reading. I felt I must be close to the 'important' part of the story, however, it never seemed to arrive. In many ways I guess that describes the whole event.
June 19, 2012
Amazing recount of a traumatic event
August 13, 2017
Read for Pop Sugar challenge 'A book you got from a used book sale'.
December 30, 2020
It took me over nine years to finish this book. That probably tells you something.
I picked this up with great interest in 2012, while living in Darwin. I was new to the high profile case which had occurred to a British couple backpacking through the Australian Outback a decade or so earlier. As a fellow traveler about the same age who had recently taken the same route, I was keen to read the surviving victim's personal story.
The details of the crime are indeed horrific, but it was tough to slog through this text. The attention to detail is overwhelming in places which feel totally irrelevant, and severely lacking where it truly matters. While the evidence presented here by Ms Lees makes for a seemingly open and shut case, further reading beyond her point of view reveal legal complexities which leave me more uncertain.
The quality of the writing is, regrettably, a disaster. Ms Lees is obviously not an experienced writer, and I can only suspect her publisher failed her by rushing the process to get the book onto store shelves and satiate public interest. But the storytelling could have been far superior with at least a few more meticulous editorial passes on every level, or better yet, the use of a ghost writer. Significant details could have been clarified and trivial matters removed, while minor flaws could be fixed, such as the frequent POV and tense shifts and repetitive phrasing, and the overall style improved upon. With just a bit more time spent before pushing the book out the door, Ms Lees' first person account could have had far greater impact.
One thing is for certain. Based on the victim's experiences, the criminal justice system in Australia is desperately in need of reform, particularly when it comes to the treatment of victims in the earlier stages of an investigation. Also, the worldwide media needs to get a grip and offer a modicum of respect to the subjects they obsess over for the sake of sales. I hope no one else has to go through what Ms Lees went through ever again.
I picked this up with great interest in 2012, while living in Darwin. I was new to the high profile case which had occurred to a British couple backpacking through the Australian Outback a decade or so earlier. As a fellow traveler about the same age who had recently taken the same route, I was keen to read the surviving victim's personal story.
The details of the crime are indeed horrific, but it was tough to slog through this text. The attention to detail is overwhelming in places which feel totally irrelevant, and severely lacking where it truly matters. While the evidence presented here by Ms Lees makes for a seemingly open and shut case, further reading beyond her point of view reveal legal complexities which leave me more uncertain.
The quality of the writing is, regrettably, a disaster. Ms Lees is obviously not an experienced writer, and I can only suspect her publisher failed her by rushing the process to get the book onto store shelves and satiate public interest. But the storytelling could have been far superior with at least a few more meticulous editorial passes on every level, or better yet, the use of a ghost writer. Significant details could have been clarified and trivial matters removed, while minor flaws could be fixed, such as the frequent POV and tense shifts and repetitive phrasing, and the overall style improved upon. With just a bit more time spent before pushing the book out the door, Ms Lees' first person account could have had far greater impact.
One thing is for certain. Based on the victim's experiences, the criminal justice system in Australia is desperately in need of reform, particularly when it comes to the treatment of victims in the earlier stages of an investigation. Also, the worldwide media needs to get a grip and offer a modicum of respect to the subjects they obsess over for the sake of sales. I hope no one else has to go through what Ms Lees went through ever again.
January 29, 2023
I didn’t know anything about this case beforehand but I thought the book would be more interesting. I couldn’t warm to her at all. On a separate note, I didn’t like the way the book was written in short sentences. I’m sure there’s a technical term for this way of writing but it’s definitely not a style I could take to; not in this book anyway.
April 25, 2020
Good book however i don't believe a word she says. She put the wrong man behind bars, hopefully the truth will come out one day.
June 2, 2020
A harrowing retelling of an horrific and traumatic expeience.
November 9, 2022
Simply written but very good. The plain English was just what I needed to get back into reading. I think this account of the events is the one that happened.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 21, 2023
A very special sharing of a horrific event. Hard book to put down, beautifully written and again a special sharing.
November 23, 2024
I’m not sure about this book.
July 22, 2025
Read this in Yr 6 as an introduction into non fiction and now it is my absolute favourite genre and I want to be a lawyer when I'm older. 😃
March 14, 2017
In her blurb Joanne asks "has anyone stopped to think about the person he (Peter Falconio) was?
Good question, but was it answered in this book? In my opinion, no definitely not. If I hadn't read
anything else or seen documentaries about these case, I wouldn't have learnt too much about it by reading this one. There was more about where they went to have drinks, meals, how many showers and swims she had, than what actually went on out on the roadside or in the courtroom.
I was hoping that some of the big questions about this case might have been answered or at least touched on, but after reading No Turning Back, I only have more questions about what is the real story behind Peter Falconio's disappearance that night.
Good question, but was it answered in this book? In my opinion, no definitely not. If I hadn't read
anything else or seen documentaries about these case, I wouldn't have learnt too much about it by reading this one. There was more about where they went to have drinks, meals, how many showers and swims she had, than what actually went on out on the roadside or in the courtroom.
I was hoping that some of the big questions about this case might have been answered or at least touched on, but after reading No Turning Back, I only have more questions about what is the real story behind Peter Falconio's disappearance that night.
August 29, 2012
When I saw this book I couldn't wait to read it. I'd been following the case from the beginning. When I first saw Joanne Lees on the news, I immediately felt sorry for her. The stunned look on her face made me immediately believe she was innocent, no matter what the press said. I'd seen a similar look once before - on Lindy Chamberlain. She was also accused of a crime she didn't commit, and I always believed that she was innocent too.
As soon as I got this book home, I began reading. I couldn't put it down, not only did it take you into the mind of this very brave young woman, but I found it extremely well written. I loved her total honesty and her fighting spirit. She even mentions the names of uncaring, and cruel cops - that takes courage. Some of them treated her terribly, but not all ' there were quite a few endearing ones too. But in the beginning, Joanne was given absolutely no care and treated like she was guilty - and she was in a strange country with no one close by to help her, the poor girl.
Although my heart went out to her, once I'd read this wonderful book - which is terrifying in parts - I realised Joanne Lees doesn't need sympathy. She's one of the most courageous and beautiful souls I've ever read about - a genuine heroine. (She's also extremely funny and quick witted.
Some reviewers have said they didn't know why she even wrote the book ' well maybe she wanted to help other victims as well as set things straight. What if another young woman - or man, came across the same situation? The way she escaped was marvellous and brave. Instead of being accused of killing her boyfriend, she should have been praised. I was ashamed to be human after the way she was treated by some people, by some police, and by some of the media.
When I was fourteen, I caught the wrong train and ended up stranded at a deserted railway station. There were no working pay-phones nearby, and a strange man grabbed me and shoved me into his car through the driver's door. He told me it was too dangerous to be sitting at that station late at night. (I'd been there for a couple of hours, hoping for another train.) He said there weren't any more trains that night, and then he pushed me across the gear stick into the passenger seat. I was terrified. All the doors except for the driver's one were tied together with wire cable from inside the car. I panicked and tried to open the door, but it held tight. I was a prisoner and there was no way out.
The man said he'd had an accident and was getting the doors fixed. I didn't believe him. He asked for my address and said he'd drive me home. I told him the street, but I was shaking with fear. I pretended to be calm and chatted to him as if I trusted him. I was surprised when he pulled into the street next to mine, but he kept driving until he reached a deserted area with no houses. He threatened if I didn't do what he told me, he'd drag me into the scrub close by. As he reached over to kiss me, I panicked ' and without consciously thinking what I was doing, I leaped on top of him and bashed him over the head as hard as I could with my handbag.
Holding his arms over his head, he yelled at me to stop. I think his face was bleeding from the buckle of my bag. As if someone else had taken over my mind, I screamed as loud as I could, climbed over him, opened the door and jumped out. Then I ran for my life.
When I read Joanne Lee's story, the memory of that night came flooding back. I knew what I did probably wasn't the smartest thing to do, after all, he could have overpowered me, but he must have been too stunned to react or it was his first time. He certainly wasn't expecting that and neither was I. Sorry to get off track.
For Joanne Lees to be treated so badly and keep her dignity is a credit to her. After reading her story, she will remain one of my heroes, always. I loved that she can still laugh and joke even in times of stress and despair. What a wonderful spirit she is and a great role model for other young women.
I wish her well and hope she sells millions of her books ' she deserves to. I thank Joanne for sharing her story, and I highly recommend it. It makes you cry, but gives a few laughs too, and you get an idea of how an evil and cunning a murderer thinks when he's planning things. I found the ending satisfying, and although I felt dreadfully sad for Peter Falconio and his poor family, I was happy that Joanne Lee's survived the horrendous things that happened to her. She's one tough lady.
As soon as I got this book home, I began reading. I couldn't put it down, not only did it take you into the mind of this very brave young woman, but I found it extremely well written. I loved her total honesty and her fighting spirit. She even mentions the names of uncaring, and cruel cops - that takes courage. Some of them treated her terribly, but not all ' there were quite a few endearing ones too. But in the beginning, Joanne was given absolutely no care and treated like she was guilty - and she was in a strange country with no one close by to help her, the poor girl.
Although my heart went out to her, once I'd read this wonderful book - which is terrifying in parts - I realised Joanne Lees doesn't need sympathy. She's one of the most courageous and beautiful souls I've ever read about - a genuine heroine. (She's also extremely funny and quick witted.
Some reviewers have said they didn't know why she even wrote the book ' well maybe she wanted to help other victims as well as set things straight. What if another young woman - or man, came across the same situation? The way she escaped was marvellous and brave. Instead of being accused of killing her boyfriend, she should have been praised. I was ashamed to be human after the way she was treated by some people, by some police, and by some of the media.
When I was fourteen, I caught the wrong train and ended up stranded at a deserted railway station. There were no working pay-phones nearby, and a strange man grabbed me and shoved me into his car through the driver's door. He told me it was too dangerous to be sitting at that station late at night. (I'd been there for a couple of hours, hoping for another train.) He said there weren't any more trains that night, and then he pushed me across the gear stick into the passenger seat. I was terrified. All the doors except for the driver's one were tied together with wire cable from inside the car. I panicked and tried to open the door, but it held tight. I was a prisoner and there was no way out.
The man said he'd had an accident and was getting the doors fixed. I didn't believe him. He asked for my address and said he'd drive me home. I told him the street, but I was shaking with fear. I pretended to be calm and chatted to him as if I trusted him. I was surprised when he pulled into the street next to mine, but he kept driving until he reached a deserted area with no houses. He threatened if I didn't do what he told me, he'd drag me into the scrub close by. As he reached over to kiss me, I panicked ' and without consciously thinking what I was doing, I leaped on top of him and bashed him over the head as hard as I could with my handbag.
Holding his arms over his head, he yelled at me to stop. I think his face was bleeding from the buckle of my bag. As if someone else had taken over my mind, I screamed as loud as I could, climbed over him, opened the door and jumped out. Then I ran for my life.
When I read Joanne Lee's story, the memory of that night came flooding back. I knew what I did probably wasn't the smartest thing to do, after all, he could have overpowered me, but he must have been too stunned to react or it was his first time. He certainly wasn't expecting that and neither was I. Sorry to get off track.
For Joanne Lees to be treated so badly and keep her dignity is a credit to her. After reading her story, she will remain one of my heroes, always. I loved that she can still laugh and joke even in times of stress and despair. What a wonderful spirit she is and a great role model for other young women.
I wish her well and hope she sells millions of her books ' she deserves to. I thank Joanne for sharing her story, and I highly recommend it. It makes you cry, but gives a few laughs too, and you get an idea of how an evil and cunning a murderer thinks when he's planning things. I found the ending satisfying, and although I felt dreadfully sad for Peter Falconio and his poor family, I was happy that Joanne Lee's survived the horrendous things that happened to her. She's one tough lady.
February 22, 2017
A very interesting read that had me wanting to read more all the time.
There were a few things that stood out. She started off by saying how much she loved her boyfriend who was killed. She kept on saying it a lot and I wondered why. Then she revealed that she was cheating on him so that was why! She was very brave in escaping from the killer but then she seemed very naive and from her own account acted very strange and cold afterward. This is why the police suspected her of doing it.
There were too much accounts of her personal life that seemed a bit boring but when she got back onto talking about the case it was very good. The police definitely bungled the investigation but she clearly did herself no favours as she seemed a bit aloof. This is what I got from her own account!
Overall this is well worth reading.
There were a few things that stood out. She started off by saying how much she loved her boyfriend who was killed. She kept on saying it a lot and I wondered why. Then she revealed that she was cheating on him so that was why! She was very brave in escaping from the killer but then she seemed very naive and from her own account acted very strange and cold afterward. This is why the police suspected her of doing it.
There were too much accounts of her personal life that seemed a bit boring but when she got back onto talking about the case it was very good. The police definitely bungled the investigation but she clearly did herself no favours as she seemed a bit aloof. This is what I got from her own account!
Overall this is well worth reading.
September 2, 2011
The storyline of the book is really interesting and as it is non fiction and it happened in Australia, I think it made more personal to me. I did feel, though, that the book was extremely dragged out and the author did not have great literary skills which made the book boring quite often. The book is about Joanne Lees and her boyfriend who were backpacking in Australia and were attacked at nightime in the middle of no where in the Northern Territory outback. Joanne miraculously escaped but her boyfriend was never found again. The book is written from Joanne's perspective and her emotions before and after the attack.
March 15, 2020
A brilliant lesson in not judging people or events through the eyes of the media. It will probably make you second-guess yourself forever about every event you read about/hear about that you think you have all figured out. You don’t realise just how much prejudice there is/you have and how many assumptions you make about how you think people should/will act in a crisis. We’re all guilty of tabloid thinking & here’s the book that proves it.
May 2, 2013
I have now read this book a few times , and every time , I read it I cannot believe the horror inflicted on Joanne , Peter and their families . This book retells her story and how much courage she has shown .
January 28, 2015
An excellent read! What an ordeal to go through! not just the night it happened but also the police 'investigation' if you can even call it that. I'm filled with admiration for Joanne, shes a courageous young woman.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews