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Perfect Victim
One night in March 1999, fifteen-year-old dance student Rachel Elizabeth Barber vanished. No one could have guessed that she had become another girl's 'perfect' victim. Happy. Beautiful. Talented. She had everything her killer could want.
Perceived by crime experts everywhere as one of the most bizarre homicides they had encountered, Perfect Victim recounts two stories: Rachel's mother Elizabeth Southall tells of her family's heart-rending experience - how they lived through unimaginable tragedy, going to extraordinary lengths to prove their daughter wasn't a runaway. Criminal court reporter Megan Norris provides another side of the picture; the analysis, the astonishment of professionals when faced with the killer's weird and unsettling letters, and the police proceedings that led, eventually, to the Rachel Barber case being solved.
Confronting and compelling, this is an incredible story about a callous and calculated crime.
Perceived by crime experts everywhere as one of the most bizarre homicides they had encountered, Perfect Victim recounts two stories: Rachel's mother Elizabeth Southall tells of her family's heart-rending experience - how they lived through unimaginable tragedy, going to extraordinary lengths to prove their daughter wasn't a runaway. Criminal court reporter Megan Norris provides another side of the picture; the analysis, the astonishment of professionals when faced with the killer's weird and unsettling letters, and the police proceedings that led, eventually, to the Rachel Barber case being solved.
Confronting and compelling, this is an incredible story about a callous and calculated crime.
334 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2002
36 people are currently reading
457 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Southall
2 books3 followersElizabeth Southall is the pen-name of Elizabeth Barber. She was born in Victoria in 1959, one of four children on Ivan Southall, a distinguished Australian writer of children's literature. Elizabeth herself is known for her work as a children's book specialist.
The disappearance and murder of Elizabeth and Michael's eldest daughter Rachel first made headlines around Australia in the first weeks of March 1999. Elizabeth kept a journal from that time on, including letters she'd written to Rachel. Perfect Victim stems from those writings.
Elizabeth lives in Heathmont, Victoria, an outer suburb of Melbourne, with her husband Michael who is a toymaker and designer, and their two other daughters, Ashleigh-Rose and Heather. Elizabeth has a Diploma of Arts in Professional Writing and Editing. She is currrently studying for a Bachelor of Theology degree.
The disappearance and murder of Elizabeth and Michael's eldest daughter Rachel first made headlines around Australia in the first weeks of March 1999. Elizabeth kept a journal from that time on, including letters she'd written to Rachel. Perfect Victim stems from those writings.
Elizabeth lives in Heathmont, Victoria, an outer suburb of Melbourne, with her husband Michael who is a toymaker and designer, and their two other daughters, Ashleigh-Rose and Heather. Elizabeth has a Diploma of Arts in Professional Writing and Editing. She is currrently studying for a Bachelor of Theology degree.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
January 11, 2010
This is such a weird book. Given the subject matter it should be much more interesting than it is but the mother/author continually raves on and on and on about how special and talented and unique her family is and repeatedly lists their accomplishments as though this book were a Christmas newsletters.
This is a compelling story but it is told in a shoddy self congratulatory way that sat uncomfortably with me.
This is a compelling story but it is told in a shoddy self congratulatory way that sat uncomfortably with me.
October 16, 2016
This is an incredible story that suffers due to its writing. It's not poorly written, but rather the organization of the book that's at fault.
The book begins with the sudden disappearance of Rachel Barber, a fifteen-year-old Australian dance student. From the very beginning, within an hour, Rachel's parents know something is wrong. Something has happened to their daughter--she didn't just run away. And of course, sadly, they are right.
The mother of the victim tells this part of the story in her own words, and it is a riveting, if rambling and sometimes confusing, account. But when the journalist, Megan Norris, takes over the story, there is a lot of repetition of facts we already know from the mother's chapters. And subsequent chapters from the mother are filled with her letters to her deceased daughter, which are heart wrenching, but mostly amount to reading, "Life is not the same without you and we miss you" for dozens upon dozens of pages. At one point, I stopped reading and watched the movie just to find out what happened to Rachel, as the book was taking so long to explain what did happen.
I understand a mother's desire to tell this story in her own words, and to engage the help of a professional writer known to the family. But it would have been so much more effective to tell this story in a cohesive narrative, with the family's words and recollections interwoven throughout. My heart goes out to the Barbers for what they've endured. The death of their daughter has to be one of the most senseless tragedies I've ever heard of, and I also feel great regret that no one intervened in the killer's life before it was too late.
A troubling story that could have been told better, but still well worth the time.
The book begins with the sudden disappearance of Rachel Barber, a fifteen-year-old Australian dance student. From the very beginning, within an hour, Rachel's parents know something is wrong. Something has happened to their daughter--she didn't just run away. And of course, sadly, they are right.
The mother of the victim tells this part of the story in her own words, and it is a riveting, if rambling and sometimes confusing, account. But when the journalist, Megan Norris, takes over the story, there is a lot of repetition of facts we already know from the mother's chapters. And subsequent chapters from the mother are filled with her letters to her deceased daughter, which are heart wrenching, but mostly amount to reading, "Life is not the same without you and we miss you" for dozens upon dozens of pages. At one point, I stopped reading and watched the movie just to find out what happened to Rachel, as the book was taking so long to explain what did happen.
I understand a mother's desire to tell this story in her own words, and to engage the help of a professional writer known to the family. But it would have been so much more effective to tell this story in a cohesive narrative, with the family's words and recollections interwoven throughout. My heart goes out to the Barbers for what they've endured. The death of their daughter has to be one of the most senseless tragedies I've ever heard of, and I also feel great regret that no one intervened in the killer's life before it was too late.
A troubling story that could have been told better, but still well worth the time.
June 16, 2022
A fascinating case... hugging my beautiful son extra tight after finishing this one...
September 11, 2009
This book is a true story about the disappearance and murder of 15 year old Rachel Barber in March 1999 in Victoria, Australia. There are two “stories” running parallel – the story of Rachel's family's anguish and grief as told by her mother, Elizabeth Barber (using the pen name of Elizabeth Southall), and, an account of the investigation and court case by criminal court reporter, Megan Norris.
Because of the natural of the book, I do not feel it's relevant to dissect the book as I usually do and talk about characters, plot, setting and voice. These things are what they are...true, disturbing, heartfelt and a complete waste of a young life. It would be wrong for me to “critique” a book which has been written out of love, need and pain, so I am going to talk about this book in relation to the loss of my son in 2006.
The loss of a child by murder and the loss of a child by suicide are two completely different things, yet they are so similar as well. The loved ones of each are left with unending questions that may never be answered. The deep feelings of guilt are overwhelming, although usually unwarranted. The grief is never ending. The lives of everyone close to the person who has gone forever are never the same.
Reading Elizabeth's words made me cry...not only for her and her daughter, but for me and my son. As I read the Barber family struggles with accepting what had happened and their feelings of isolation, distress and frustration, I thought of my own family facing those same issues.
And then, when Elizabeth spoke directly to her daughter through the book, my heart broke. In her words I heard echoes of my own thoughts and feelings. It was like Rachel's mother had crawled into my mind and plucked secret thoughts from my head.
Finally, Elizabeth mentioned that she wrote the book not only for herself or for Rachel...she wrote it to make the appropriate authorities – such as the police and the court system – aware of how the family of someone who has gone missing and murdered are feeling, how stressed they are. She needed them to know the anguish, frustration and total devastation felt by Rachel's family and closest friends. It was important to her to inform and educate them of these things because she didn't want another family having to deal with the lack of communication and isolation she experienced during the disappearance and then the murder investigation of her daughter. I could relate to the reasons, although in this regard my reasons are quite different. For me, I want to raise suicide awareness in others and I feel the need to educate people about grief.
In conclusion, Elizabeth said that at the time the book was published, it had been three years since her daughter's death. It has been three years now since my son's death. She said that her family were trying to move forward, although Rachel's memory would never be forgotten. My family feels the same way. She mentioned the pain she still felt and the tears still shed on an everyday basis, but especially on “important” dates. I can attest to that as I'm the same. She also said how difficult it was to face everyday questions from strangers, such as “do you have children?” and then the inevitable questions that follow, like “how many?” and “what are their ages?”. For most people, these are easy questions and they eagerly reply. For a parent who has lost a child these questions are difficult and bring a lump to their throat because it's hard to know how the questions should be answered as we are fully aware that whatever we say someone will feel uncomfortable.
Because of the natural of the book, I do not feel it's relevant to dissect the book as I usually do and talk about characters, plot, setting and voice. These things are what they are...true, disturbing, heartfelt and a complete waste of a young life. It would be wrong for me to “critique” a book which has been written out of love, need and pain, so I am going to talk about this book in relation to the loss of my son in 2006.
The loss of a child by murder and the loss of a child by suicide are two completely different things, yet they are so similar as well. The loved ones of each are left with unending questions that may never be answered. The deep feelings of guilt are overwhelming, although usually unwarranted. The grief is never ending. The lives of everyone close to the person who has gone forever are never the same.
Reading Elizabeth's words made me cry...not only for her and her daughter, but for me and my son. As I read the Barber family struggles with accepting what had happened and their feelings of isolation, distress and frustration, I thought of my own family facing those same issues.
And then, when Elizabeth spoke directly to her daughter through the book, my heart broke. In her words I heard echoes of my own thoughts and feelings. It was like Rachel's mother had crawled into my mind and plucked secret thoughts from my head.
Finally, Elizabeth mentioned that she wrote the book not only for herself or for Rachel...she wrote it to make the appropriate authorities – such as the police and the court system – aware of how the family of someone who has gone missing and murdered are feeling, how stressed they are. She needed them to know the anguish, frustration and total devastation felt by Rachel's family and closest friends. It was important to her to inform and educate them of these things because she didn't want another family having to deal with the lack of communication and isolation she experienced during the disappearance and then the murder investigation of her daughter. I could relate to the reasons, although in this regard my reasons are quite different. For me, I want to raise suicide awareness in others and I feel the need to educate people about grief.
In conclusion, Elizabeth said that at the time the book was published, it had been three years since her daughter's death. It has been three years now since my son's death. She said that her family were trying to move forward, although Rachel's memory would never be forgotten. My family feels the same way. She mentioned the pain she still felt and the tears still shed on an everyday basis, but especially on “important” dates. I can attest to that as I'm the same. She also said how difficult it was to face everyday questions from strangers, such as “do you have children?” and then the inevitable questions that follow, like “how many?” and “what are their ages?”. For most people, these are easy questions and they eagerly reply. For a parent who has lost a child these questions are difficult and bring a lump to their throat because it's hard to know how the questions should be answered as we are fully aware that whatever we say someone will feel uncomfortable.
July 2, 2023
What happened to poor Rachel is a tragedy. I found the book very hard to read in the sense that it was just so heartbreaking for the family and for Rachel’s boyfriend and friends.
Rachel mattered, and I felt privileged to read about her life. Her mother, Elizabeth, has done a good job of describing Rachel and making it seem that you were also part of the family. I myself wonder what Rachel could have achieved if she hadn’t been cruelly taken.
However, I do think the book could do with an update. Some of the language surrounding Caroline implies that other people agree she was plain, obese and has nothing going for her. For instance, the Defence Lawyer for Caroline describes Caroline as having nothing going for her compared to Rachel.
I think she was a person who wrongly perceived these things, identified someone she thought to be her ideal person and decided to be evil and commit murder. She did have things going for her before she chose to be evil and do what she did to Rachel.
The mother does touch on this point by saying that Caroline never saw the things Rachel struggled with, such as school.
Overall, a great book but it could do with some updates.
Rachel mattered, and I felt privileged to read about her life. Her mother, Elizabeth, has done a good job of describing Rachel and making it seem that you were also part of the family. I myself wonder what Rachel could have achieved if she hadn’t been cruelly taken.
However, I do think the book could do with an update. Some of the language surrounding Caroline implies that other people agree she was plain, obese and has nothing going for her. For instance, the Defence Lawyer for Caroline describes Caroline as having nothing going for her compared to Rachel.
I think she was a person who wrongly perceived these things, identified someone she thought to be her ideal person and decided to be evil and commit murder. She did have things going for her before she chose to be evil and do what she did to Rachel.
The mother does touch on this point by saying that Caroline never saw the things Rachel struggled with, such as school.
Overall, a great book but it could do with some updates.
December 12, 2016
When I picked this up secondhand, I was immediately drawn to the cover. The striking girl's eyes drew me in, and I wanted to know her story. This is her story, but also her mother's and the rest of her family. The struggle they went through for two weeks while they canvassed the neighbourhood handing out flyers and asking strangers if they had seen their daughter. The frustration at what seemed to be an uncaring Police Force- the reiteration of 'Teenagers run away". Elizabeth knew her daughter, and knew she wouldn't leave them like that. She had everything going for her, and that was what her killer wanted most.
I particularly liked the parts written by Elizabeth herself, and was less engaged by the court explanations and the psychological breakdown of the killer- it just felt stale compared to the compelling writing from Elizabeth. It's not to say it didn't have a place in this novel, just that I felt the personal grief of Elizabeth stands out more than trying to dissect her killer's mind and motivation- I didn't really want to know about Caroline, I wanted to know more about Rachel.
I basically read this in a single afternoon due to the compelling writing and story. It is an excellent true crime book and highlights the impact on a victim's family long after the crime has been committed. Four stars.
I particularly liked the parts written by Elizabeth herself, and was less engaged by the court explanations and the psychological breakdown of the killer- it just felt stale compared to the compelling writing from Elizabeth. It's not to say it didn't have a place in this novel, just that I felt the personal grief of Elizabeth stands out more than trying to dissect her killer's mind and motivation- I didn't really want to know about Caroline, I wanted to know more about Rachel.
I basically read this in a single afternoon due to the compelling writing and story. It is an excellent true crime book and highlights the impact on a victim's family long after the crime has been committed. Four stars.
June 21, 2022
Overall, good book.
I first heard about this case when I saw "In Her Skin" years ago, and I only recently found out that there was a book on the topic. It was a nice elaboration of everything that went on during the investigation.
And also, on pages 282-284, where the author does a two-three page diatribe about how female killers often get more sympathy, and that the best ones know how to play the system (like Caroline's subtle implication that she MIGHT be a victim of sexual abuse) to work that in their favor. She talks about how women are seen as inherently good, nurturing, and kind, and men are seen as aggressive and inherently suspicious. Hence, people were shocked about Caroline being the killer because, well, GOSH, if a guy did it we'd understand, it's some sick sex thing, right? But how could this GIRL have done this???
And I just... Mmm, that's the shit right there. I love it when crime authors/shows/movies point out that women have a GREAT deal of advantage and privilege over men when it comes to violent crimes, because people are much quicker to sympathize or find an excuse for why she did it.
I first heard about this case when I saw "In Her Skin" years ago, and I only recently found out that there was a book on the topic. It was a nice elaboration of everything that went on during the investigation.
And also, on pages 282-284, where the author does a two-three page diatribe about how female killers often get more sympathy, and that the best ones know how to play the system (like Caroline's subtle implication that she MIGHT be a victim of sexual abuse) to work that in their favor. She talks about how women are seen as inherently good, nurturing, and kind, and men are seen as aggressive and inherently suspicious. Hence, people were shocked about Caroline being the killer because, well, GOSH, if a guy did it we'd understand, it's some sick sex thing, right? But how could this GIRL have done this???
And I just... Mmm, that's the shit right there. I love it when crime authors/shows/movies point out that women have a GREAT deal of advantage and privilege over men when it comes to violent crimes, because people are much quicker to sympathize or find an excuse for why she did it.
August 18, 2013
Chilling account of the kidnap and murder of a teenage girl - made especially so by the words straight from the murdered girls' mother, Elizabeth Southall (real name Elizabeth Barber), who recounts her side of the investigation as compared to what Megan Norris writes from the point of view of a court reporter. I read this as an older teenager and it prompted me to say to my mum "If I ever disappear, it's not because I've run away or I'm out with friends. Something's happened to me and you need to make sure the police know that." Ever since I've semi-regularly reiterated that fact, just in case.
September 27, 2023
I first heard about this story on a YouTube channel called "MrBallen" and I wanted to know more, so I finally got the ebook and began reading.
It's a good book, written well, with lots of personal details from Elizabeth Southall, Rachel's mother. My one and only problem with it is this one part, when she and Rachel's father are still waiting to find out if she was hurt, dead, or only a runaway:
"Mike moved closer. He was aroused. Oh no, I thought. ... Michael's hand came round & squeezed my nipple. I was so weary. Mike was weary. Too tired for sleep. Oh, Rachel, I thought, as her father gently entered me. "This will relax you," whispered Mike."
Sooooo many things went through my mind reading that passage. First of all, I don't think it was necessary for people to know details of their sex life. Secondly, I know everyone grieves or releases stress in different ways, so I'm really not trying to "shame" them for having sex, I just don't personally think that if one of my beloved daughters was missing, that sex would be anywhere in my thoughts or desires at that point. There's no way that I could be *that* worried about my child, yet still be horny. But even if I did- I don't see why anyone else would need to be made aware of it. The inclusion of this little "interlude" seems ill-fitting with the subject matter, and frankly, off-putting to me as a reader. I read this to find out the details of precisely who killed Rachel Barber, why she did it, and how she was caught. I'm not particularly interested in reading about the dad squeezing the mom's nipple, or about the mom thinking of her daughter at the moment the dad "gently entered" her. It gave me the ick, to be honest.
It's a good book, written well, with lots of personal details from Elizabeth Southall, Rachel's mother. My one and only problem with it is this one part, when she and Rachel's father are still waiting to find out if she was hurt, dead, or only a runaway:
"Mike moved closer. He was aroused. Oh no, I thought. ... Michael's hand came round & squeezed my nipple. I was so weary. Mike was weary. Too tired for sleep. Oh, Rachel, I thought, as her father gently entered me. "This will relax you," whispered Mike."
Sooooo many things went through my mind reading that passage. First of all, I don't think it was necessary for people to know details of their sex life. Secondly, I know everyone grieves or releases stress in different ways, so I'm really not trying to "shame" them for having sex, I just don't personally think that if one of my beloved daughters was missing, that sex would be anywhere in my thoughts or desires at that point. There's no way that I could be *that* worried about my child, yet still be horny. But even if I did- I don't see why anyone else would need to be made aware of it. The inclusion of this little "interlude" seems ill-fitting with the subject matter, and frankly, off-putting to me as a reader. I read this to find out the details of precisely who killed Rachel Barber, why she did it, and how she was caught. I'm not particularly interested in reading about the dad squeezing the mom's nipple, or about the mom thinking of her daughter at the moment the dad "gently entered" her. It gave me the ick, to be honest.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 2, 2024
This is my 150 book i have read this year and completed my second goal for this year ! ♥
My thoughts:
- this made me cry after finding out a 15 year old was murdered
- it is an incredible story about how callous and calculated crime that this girl. Caused .
- reading this story what Rachel Mother went through,it was truly heartbreaking
Book summary:
One night in March 1999, fifteen year old dance student Rachel Elizabeth Barber vanished. No one could have guessed that she had become another girl 'perfect victim'. Happy. Beautiful. Talented. She had everything her killer could want.
Perceived with crime experts everywhere as one of the most bizarre homicides they had encounted, Perfect Victim recounts two stories: Rachel's mother Elizabeth Southall tells of her family's heart-rending experience-- how they lived through unimaginable tragedy, going to extraordinary lengths to prove their daughter wasn't a runaway .
My thoughts:
- this made me cry after finding out a 15 year old was murdered
- it is an incredible story about how callous and calculated crime that this girl. Caused .
- reading this story what Rachel Mother went through,it was truly heartbreaking
Book summary:
One night in March 1999, fifteen year old dance student Rachel Elizabeth Barber vanished. No one could have guessed that she had become another girl 'perfect victim'. Happy. Beautiful. Talented. She had everything her killer could want.
Perceived with crime experts everywhere as one of the most bizarre homicides they had encounted, Perfect Victim recounts two stories: Rachel's mother Elizabeth Southall tells of her family's heart-rending experience-- how they lived through unimaginable tragedy, going to extraordinary lengths to prove their daughter wasn't a runaway .
July 30, 2018
The true story of the murder of 15 year old Rachel Barber at the hands of her unhinged former neighbor and babysitter, Caroline Reed Robertson. Very well written, truly gut wrenching, and quite a terrifying look into the inner world of an unstable stalker turned killer, as well as the absolutely heartbreaking journey of a grieving mother. Not a light hearted read by any means but very captivating and hard to put down. Highly recommended to any fans of true crime.
January 10, 2019
Absolutely harrowing and a gripping read. How sad that we can't teach children and teens to look for the good and best in everyone but have to alert them to dangers lurking everywhere - and they are.
A parent's worst nightmare and very balanced and well told.
Tragic that they don't know all the details and where Rachel's missing belongings are. How Caroline can live with her conscience I will never know.
A very, very good read and so sad.
A parent's worst nightmare and very balanced and well told.
Tragic that they don't know all the details and where Rachel's missing belongings are. How Caroline can live with her conscience I will never know.
A very, very good read and so sad.
July 25, 2017
Thank you.
A revolting experience to live through, cope with, despair with & try to deal with.
Such a hard life lesson for all of Rachel's family & friends.
I've never had to 'knock on wood' - I really hope I don't have to. But I would gladly become a family advocate, because the judicial system does not deal kindly with those who suffer the most in violent crimes.
A revolting experience to live through, cope with, despair with & try to deal with.
Such a hard life lesson for all of Rachel's family & friends.
I've never had to 'knock on wood' - I really hope I don't have to. But I would gladly become a family advocate, because the judicial system does not deal kindly with those who suffer the most in violent crimes.
September 12, 2021
An interesting story however I found it to be poorly written (particularly the sections by Elizabeth) and frustrating to read. The start of the book was long and drawn out and included so many different people. There wasn’t enough story dedicated to the police investigation. It’s a tragic story nonetheless but I felt more could have been with it.
March 5, 2018
this book had me in tears from the start. it is a good read though a little long in later chapters
May 13, 2020
As a true crime novel this book delivered way past my expectations. I bawled my eyes out on a sunny Monday morning because of it, and the really wonderful way it mixes storytelling, from both the view of a mother who was there as it happened, and a factual retelling of the offical proceedings.
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October 27, 2025I think this book struggles in the way that it feels the need to document every single thought to the point that it’s extremely clunky and reads uncomfortably.
October 11, 2015
It is a story that needed to be told and I am so glad I read the book if only to honour the life of Rachel lost too soon. There are parts where I thought hey that needs more detail like the "friend" of Elizabeth's who was bordering stalking her and the ballet school issues. Don't allude to something but not give the reader appropriate details is just my way of thinking. Overall it is a very brave story to be told. RIP Rachel.
January 12, 2011
I read this book in my late teens and couldn't put it down. It was a tragic true story of the disappearance of a teenage girl told from her mother's point of view. It was intriguing, very sad and compelling.
August 3, 2013
Tragic story. The mothers account is heartbreaking but she has an amazing compassionate outlook on life. There's no way I could imagine one of my first thoughts being worried for the twisted perpetrators mother and sisters and how they would take the news. A must read.
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July 27, 2011Decent book.
August 30, 2012
great book. tragic story of a beautiful young life taken way too soon
July 13, 2013
Quite scary stuff :(
April 21, 2014
Eye opening!
May 19, 2015
I really loved this book. It is a must read.
June 7, 2016
so sad, well written my Elizabeth
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May 14, 2011this one was shocking and so sad....
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews