Aruba: The Tragic Untold Story of Natalee Holloway and Corruption in Paradise (Hardcover)

by Dave Holloway (Author), R. Stephanie Good (Author), Larry Garrison (Author) "I CANNOT TELL YOU HOW MUCH IT HURTS TO LOSE A child..." (more)
Key Phrases: United States, Holiday Inn, Carlos'n Charlie (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly
Though nearly a year old-an eternity in media time-the story of 19-year-old Natalee Holloway's disappearance in Aruba continues to stir in the public consciousness (a new arrest was reported as recently as April 16). This latest addition to the missing girl's casefile is co-authored by her father, whose motivation for writing the book is straightforward: "I am a father who has no idea what happened to my child. ... Is she dead? Is she alive? Is she being held captive somewhere? ... I need to know." Trouble is, Holloway doesn't know. As such, there isn't enough new or complete information here to draft a true crime story, and Holloway is repeatedly frustrated in his attempts to investigate. While he remains convinced that Dutch teen Joran van der Sloot and his friends are connected to Natalee's death, Holloway also floats possible involvement by the Mafia, a sex ring, and the drug trade. The closest Halloway comes to a complete theory, "Either ... local boys chase after unsuspecting girls, drug and rape them the night before they leave ... or there is a much larger conspiracy where girls are made to disappear at the whim of some higher-ups," is too broad and unsubstantiated to generate much suspense. Sadly, those who follow the case will discover much more about the anguish of a confused and desperate father than they will about Natalee Holloway or her disappearance.
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Product Description

One father's mission to find his daughter

I am a father who has no idea what has happened to his child. The questions run through my mind all day long. They keep me awake at night. Is she dead? Is she alive? Is she being held captive somewhere? Are they hurting her? Is she crying out for me? 

These are the impassioned words of Dave Holloway, father of Natalee Holloway, whose disappearance in Aruba sparked a media frenzy and an international scandal. This book is the heart-wrenching story of his search, the most complete account of Natalee Holloway's disappearance in Aruba. Continuing his investigation to this very day, Holloway discloses:

• behind-the-scenes details of the investigation
• new revelations about the corruption of the Aruban law enforcement
• and the countless trails leading to possible rape, murder, and even sexual slavery

This book is the first insider's account of one of the decade's most disturbing and mysterious stories. Using never-before-seen photographs from their family album and stories of Natalee's childhood, Holloway relates the horror of personally searching through crack houses and trash dumps for Natalee-working alone, with authorities, even with psychics-while enduring the stonewalling of Aruban officials.

Learn what really went on behind the headlines of the tragic disappearance of Natalee Holloway.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 256 pages
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson (April 11, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1595550631
• ISBN-13: 978-1595550637
• Product Dimensions: 9.7 x 6.4 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (92 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #213,548 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

26 of 34 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Amazingly Rational & Focused, June 25, 2006

By	Victoria T. Armstrong "Dixie Rose" (Gulf Shores, Alabama) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This book is unforgettable...as is Natalee Holloway herself. Having recently returned from a week in Aruba, my soul reached out for more information on what happened in Aruba over one year ago when Natalee was there. During the trip, the conversation turned to her disappearance daily. The Aruban people for the most part were caring and I was touched by their reference to Joran as 'the dutch boy'. No love there. I saw the California lighthouse, the beach where they were digging for possible evidence, the pond, the landfill, Carlos & Charlies. I had a strong feeling that Natalee is still alive. I left Aruba knowing that she is still linked to that island. Her father's book is heartwrenching, touching, honest, and totally focused on the 'truth'. He makes no real accusations and no assumptions. He just doesn't know and he describes the search and the daily questioning within himself of where could his daughter be? He doesn't place blame on her classmates, on anyone but he does point out the inconsistencies, the lies, and the faulty processes and conclusions involved in this case. I didn't' realize the scope of facts behind the boycott against Aruba until I read this book. To be honest, I thought the boycott was an emotional response to their loss, but now I realize the boycott is an honest method to denounce the way the disappearance of their daughter was mishandled by the legal system in that country. God bless America and God help Aruba. The people themselves are not bad, but their system of justice is very wrong. As much as I love Aruban itself, the land and the native people, I will not return until Aruba makes a legitimate effort to prove it has sincerely tried to find Natalee and even better than that, until it returns Natalee or gives us someone who can answer all of her father's questions. Read the book, its the ultimate height of honesty from a wounded father's heart. He is right, Natalee is 'everybody's daughter, sister, or female relative.' She is the symbol of the need for safety and justice for our women in the world. God help us all if our women and children cannot live safely in this world protected by a system of international laws.

15 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars What a Wonderful Book!, July 1, 2006

By	CRIME BUFFER (Portland) - See all my reviews

I have read a lot of true crime books, but this one was so riveting I couldn't put it down. I loved the way the book takes the reader through the entire ordeal while leaving the door open for us to decide for ourselves what actually happened. After all, we really don't know for sure, do we?

The Shango riddle is incredible and shows that someone on the inside wanted to let us know what happened, but they were too afraid or too closely involved to come forward.

Dave Holloway's passion comes through clearly, thanks to his co-authors who must have spent months listening to his heartfelt frustrations while he was trying desperately to find his daughter. His account of the difficulties faced when attempting to work with the Aruban authorities leaves the reader hating the police while feeling a bit sorry for the native Aruban. How tragic that the authorities didn't let the family know until the last minute that their hands were tied due to their overseers, the Hague. One would think that between the Aruban and Dutch authorities working on the case, they would be able to deal with the crime of a missing person without having to defer to an even higher authority. What a bunch of baloney to hand the family so late in the game!

Clearly written, to the point, very articulate and passionate. Quick read, yet thought-provoking and somewhat stunning. I learned things I never saw on the news. The only thing left to be answered is "Who done it?" I'd suggest this book to anyone who loves true crime. It made the New York Times Best Seller list for a reason...it's a truly great book!

12 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great story, July 26, 2006

By	Gail G. High "literature buff" (Baltimore) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I enjoyed this book because it was written from the heart and the feelings of Dave Holloway really came through.