Customer Reviews

Bones in the Desert: The True Story of a Mother's Murder and a Daughter's Search (St. Martin's True Crime Library)

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

Riveting.....I read the book in one sitting because I simply couldn't put it down. Better than any murder mystery novel you will ever read, but it really happened. Jana Bommersbach paints an incredible picture with her words. You will feel like you were there. She also takes on the case of elder abuse, which is much more prevalent than you can imagine. Entertaining, horrifying, spellbinding, heart stopping and sensational. I am holding my breath waiting for Jana's next book.

I don't know how this book is getting all these four and five star reviews because it just isn't that good. First of all, it completely lacks any depth or emotion. I never felt I knew or understood Loretta any better by the end of the book than I did the beginning and that applies to all secondary characters as well. Although it is very sad that Ms. Bowersock was murdered, this book just didn't make me "feel" for her.

Second of all, this book has an identity crisis throughout - is it a murder mystery? Is it a book about psychological abuse? Is it a book about psychics who prey on the vulnerable and innocent? It's too hard to tell. All of these topics are brushed on but never well-defined or focused.

And too much of it is nothing more than a compilation of journal entries and excepts from news sources. It would've been a much better read if it had just been more captivating.

Bommersbach is a first-rate investigative reporter and she really struts her stuff in this compelling new book. Her total access to the principals in the story add both drama and grit to the prose. You won't be able to put it down.

Jana Boomersbach did a wonderful job of detailing this crime but at the same time kept the personal side in focus. She never let the readers forget at any moment that even before the crime happened the emotional events leading up to, during and after the crime were committed were always an intergral part of the story. This book is worthy of being made into a movie!

Loretta Bowersock knew how to raise a family, how to run a household, and how to be a successful businesswoman. Together with her daughter, Terri, she ran a multi-million dollar furniture store based in Tempe, Arizona. Although it sounds as if Loretta was the epitome of the Modern Woman, she wasn't. She was a child of her times who didn't feel complete without a man. Enter Taw Benderly, a legend in his own mind. He swept Loretta off her feet and stole her heart. In the process, he alienated mother and daughter.

For over twenty years, Benderly wormed his way into every facet of Loretta's life. He was controlling and abusive, and rather than throw his sorry hide out of her house, Loretta was convinced that she needed a man, and she was too old to start over again. This lovely older lady believed that she'd made her bed, and the only thing she could do was to lie in it. That is, until she discovered just what a despicable excuse for a human being Benderly was.

Loretta's daughter Terri knew that things weren't right between Benderly and her mother, and she'd tried to get her mother to see reason, but Loretta would have none of it. Terri had no clue just how abusive Benderly was until her mother disappeared shortly before Christmas, 2004. It would be over a year before Terri Bowersock knew everything that had happened to Loretta.

Bommersbach quickly turns what could have been a rather simple tale of murder into a multi-faceted story of a daughter's love, endless months of searching out in the desert, and a heart-breaking case of elder abuse. This is a story that has been told with great compassion because it is very personal to Bommersbach:

"I couldn't get her out of my mind. I'm exceptionally close to my mother, and I knew Terri had been close to hers. My mother, Willie, is the single most important person in my life, always has been, always will be. I can't even imagine the day I'll lose her.... What if someone stole her from me? What if someone hurt her, and made her suffer?"


Back in the 70s and 80s, I read quite a bit of true crime, but I stopped when it seemed to become repetitive and aimed at sensationalism. Living in the Phoenix metropolitan area as does Terri Bowersock and Jana Bommersbach, I was familiar with this case. I saw it being discussed on television. I've read several things that the author has written. I've seen her on television, and I've come to respect her opinions. I'm glad I steered myself back to the true crime genre for this book. I was in the mood for a book that not only was informative but that also showed how deeply the author cared about the subject.

Bones in the Desert delivered splendidly on all counts.

Jana Bommersbach first book is an impressive attempt in the true crime genre. The case of Loretta Bowenstock is interesting and intriguing. The prime suspect is her long-time partner, Taw Benderly, after eighteen years. The daughter, Terri Bowenstock, first comes to realize many truths about her mother's life with Taw. Loretta never wanted to be without a man because that's what women of her generation did to fit in the norms. She didn't want to be alone but she didn't realize that her commonlaw husband, Taw Benderly, was conning her out of money and home and for years. I wished the author focused more and explained Taw's background before he met Loretta. The author should have done some investigation and we have little information regarding his life.

Researched and written by our own Arizona treasure, Jana Bommersbach, I bought this because her name was attached to it and I am a long time admirer of her advocacy for the disenfranchised of our state. I knew the ending but I did not know the details and there lies the sadness of the story told so thoroughly that you feel the daughter's pain, yet the satisfaction of being able to find her mother's remains in such a fasinating way with the help of untold volunteers, psychics, hikers with courage and a spirit that would not rest until found. This is an amazing story if you understand the vast solitude and desolation of the arid lands between Phoenix and Tucson and know how impossible a task was offered and yet, it was solved. There is also the respectful portrayal of women of a certain age and their place in time where identities were so closely tied to that of a man, any man, in this case, that allowed a vulture to target an otherwise accomplished woman who was vulnerable because society had certain expectations that she could not free herself from. Luckily for women much has changed but the spirit of this woman guided others to her salvation and peace for her daughter..Kudos to Jana for a tale well told!

I live in Arizona and thought I knew everything about this crime. I read the book from cover to cover in a day was amazed at the in-depth coverage Ms. Bommersbach presented. I highly recommend it.

That sounds horrible and I am shocked at myself but what a bunch of lowlifes and idiots.No redeeming or inspiring people here.Save your money and donate it to charity.

This is true crime at its best. It shows how a daughter could keep her mother's case from going "cold." There is plenty of suspense in the solving of this crime. Highly recommended.