Betrayed

by Lyndsey Harris, Andrew Crofts

For the first few years of her life, Sarah Harris was a normal, happy, popular little girl. But from the age of six she was targeted by a vicious, manipulative but invisible enemy — and her life became a living hell.

Before long she was suspended from school, alienated from her friends, completely bewildered and utterly terrified. Her happy childhood had been destroyed forever.

For her mother, Lyndsey, it was a life beyond her worst nightmares.

Her little girl, the daughter she loved so much, seemed to have transformed overnight — into a child she hardly recognized. A child she almost feared. Suddenly, Lyndsey was fighting to keep her family together — and to save her daughter’s sanity.

But then the horrific truth started to become clear. And both Lyndsey and Sarah discovered they had been the innocent victims of the most horrifying betrayal imaginable…

Genres: Nonfiction, Abuse, Biography, True Story, Psychology, Autobiography, True Crime

432 pages, Paperback

First published June 22, 2006

Reviews

[Eva-Marie Nevarez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow. I expected this to be along the lines of the other books I've gotten out of the U.K. Books from survivors of sexual, mental, emotional abuse, etc. This was in fact different than anything I've ever read before. The story follows Lyndsey Harris and her daughter, along with her husband and son throughout their lives after befriending Tanya. Tanya and Lyndsey were extremely close, so close that they almost lived with one another at certain times. Lyndsey's daughter Sarah started causing trouble, along the lines of stealing money, cutting clothes and other household items, slicing wires, etc. and no one could figure out why. Lyndsey had a hard time believing that her beloved little girl could change into a monster over night but along with everyone else, she couldn't see any alternative. Mrs. Harris was honest, perhaps overly so, in talking to Sarah's school and Social Services, the police, etc. in hopes of someone, anyone, being able to help her help Sarah. This backfired on her in the end with her children almost being taken into care. It was thought she was making the allegations up due to Munchausen by Proxy. After so many, many months of thinking she was losing her mind along with her family, a confession came. The confession came from the one person who Lyndsey trusted most, the person who helped Lyndsey think of punishments for her daughter, the person who was always with her family. Her best friend.
I'm not even sure what else to say about this. I was so angry reading this book while I thought about what this family went through because of some foul woman who wanted to be "a strong friend" to Lyndsey. It's frightening to think that there are people like this in the world and if nothing else this book teaches that you should ALWAYS take what your children are saying into consideration.

[Nayha Faris · Rating 5 out of 5]

My mom bought this book back from somewhere, and I thought it looked interesting, so I picked it up and started the first few chapters, finding that I couldn't put it down. I took it literally everywhere with me and read it over again and again. Such a shocking, sad book.

[Lindsay · Rating 1 out of 5]

From very early on in the book it was obvious what was going on. The story was very slow and not engaging at all.

[brigid · Rating 4 out of 5]

no way this is a true story what i was genuinely gobsmacked at the plot twist even tho it actually makes a lot of sense. anyway very happy w my camby market purchase

[Kym · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really liked this book.

I figured out who was behind all the incidents about half way through but then the twists made me think otherwise so the ending was both a surprise & a yes I knew it was them.

A well written book that I found hard to put down & would recommend to all who like a gripping real life story.

[Yax · Rating 4 out of 5]

The start was increasingly dull because it just covers what her life was like, blah, blah. I'd gotten the book out because it looked interesting. To my greatest relief, it wasn't about sexual abuse! It was a good book and I honestly did not expect the culprit of the crime until Luke spoke up. Highly recommend this book for those who think they know their best friend's.

[Joana]

Esta estória (verídica) impressionou-me bastante. Percebi o final muito antes da metade do livro e não resisti a ir verificar o que fez que estivesse a rebentar de raiva durante praticamente toda a leitura. É um livro que todos os pais deveriam ler.

[Laura Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a devastating story of the utmost betrayal and was shocked at the outcome. It was a very predictable ending, but sad a good read.

[Nola · Rating 2 out of 5]

Typical ghost written true crime book. Should be advertised ad a warning against intense friendships. I don't really understand how the author was so pulled in by her friend and believed all the stories. I'm sure if she had told someone else they would have pointed out the inconsistencies. If you are overwhelmed by what someone is telling you, and you don't want to tell anyone you know personally, you yourself can see a therapist to download and they should be able to give you tips on how to be supportive, without exhausting yourself and in this case, may have prodded the author towards some conclusions that she didn't seem to be able to make on her own.

Really I don't understand why people already working with the family, especially if they were thinking she was doing the things and saying the daughter did them, didn't suggest she do therapy by herself, under the guise of giving her coping techniques. Why just family therapy? Why wasn't the daughter in therapy by herself. There's a lot if whys. It was a really specific set of circumstances that let this unfold and I'm glad 'Lyndsey' is in therapy herself now.

I'm glad 'Tanya' ended up getting jail time and she'll have a record. I think it's better off that her kids know what kind of person she is too, so they can steel themselves against being manipulated in the future.

[Gemma · Rating 3 out of 5]

As awful as this story was, this book just seemed to go on, and on, and on.. very repetitive in parts. I had worked out what was going on around a quarter of the way into the book.
It bothers me that as a mum, she believed a "friend" more than her own daughter. I have a child a similar age and I would risk any friendship to get the truth and to ensure my child isn't suffering. If it is a true friendship, they understand. Obviously it is harder looking in on a situation than being in it, as often the most obvious things are right infront of you.

[Val · Rating 1 out of 5]

I know the author must have put a lot of effort into this book, but the book was disappointing. I thought that book started off extremely slow and was not relevant to the plot of the story. The "betrayal" is so loud that it got quite upsetting to read how the mother chose not to believe who was doing it - even her own son caught on quick! The ending was also a let down for me as if was only a confession. So, I felt that no justice was truly given to the daughter. Since this is a true story, I hope that the family is doing well today.

[Morag Mackay · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was clear from the beginning who was doing all the damage. Talk about having tunnel vision or wearing blinkers!! Sorry if I am offending anyone but this went from one extreme to the other. Some mothers think their children can do no wrong, whereas this one could only see the negativity 🙄 Three stars given as despite the fact that I had to continually pick my mouth up off the floor, I kept on reading till the end.

[Vicky · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was very moving and terrible what happened to the little girl Sarah. I did feel frustrated at a lot of points when it was blaringly obvious what was happening. I do however understand as an outsider looking in it is easier to spot as there is no emotional attachment and no relationship with any of the people involved.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read and reread this book so many time sI had to eventually throw it away due to wear and tear. Deeply moving and emotional, it's horrific to think it's a true story and leaves the reader thinking over it for days, weeks, on end.

[Katie C1990 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow I just couldnt put this book down.. the book was upsetting..confusing and frustrating all in one and tells a story of the worst betrayal anyone could imagine. Easily one of ths best books I have read this year.!

[Pat Osment · Rating 1 out of 5]

I skim read this as it was so awful.I really didn,t want to give it a star at all.
The writing is dreadful so slow and repetitive and I guessed the plot from the first few pages.I should have guessed it wasn,t up to much if it was a Richard and Judy winner,they are always awful.

[Melissa Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a deep attachment to this book. Very slow movement however. Don’t have much else to really say. Kind of hate the setting of schools and stuff it felt like going nowhere at someone point felt like a very slow never ending possible horror movie

[Aruna Kumar Gadepalli · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy and quick read. Worth time spending reading the book that gave me different perspective towards people particularly children.

[Carolyn West · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting read even though I was able to predict the ending, to some extent.

[Daksha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed reading this book. Quickest read.

[Lettie Cox · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read the trilogy on Kindle (chosen at random as I couldn't get to the library. LOVED this story. I'd like to read more by Lyndsey Harris.

[Maria Kotris · Rating 3 out of 5]

As I am reading this book at this moment I am enjoying it very much.

[Janette Padley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well from the moment I picked this book up I was hooked, scarey that this could happen , beautifuly told xx

[Chris Peace · Rating 5 out of 5]

An unbelievable true story. So unbelievable I first thought it was fiction.

[Diane · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a well written book. There's lots of twists and turns which kept me reading. I did not see the ending coming.

[Lindsey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very good and sad

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

such a depressing book and story but is reality and shows what can happen.
you never really know anyone even your friends...

[Syeda Izma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Recommended...good for beginners to gain interest in reading ❣️

[Catherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

A page turner and easy to read. Predictable though.

[Liz Shearn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book was a little slow to get started but it was good to know the background. Once I got into the story I found it hard to put the book down.