Deadly Devotion [Mass Market Paperback]

Alysia Sofios (Author), Caitlin Rother (Author)

Book Description

Release date: July 26, 2011

For decades, the family of Marcus Wesson—his wife, Elizabeth, and seventeen children—lived sequestered in a social and emotional prison, enduring his tyrannical reign of physical, sexual, and mental abuse. Then came the terrible day when a family confrontation erupted into a harrowing standoff: with police and SWAT teams descending on a small blue house in central Fresno, Marcus Wesson murdered nine of his children.

Television reporter Alysia Sofios got the first tip about Wesson’s arrest and was witness to every twist and turn of the horrific case through to Wesson’s trial. Risking her job and her life to offer friendship and support to the traumatized family members—scarred by memories and guilt, reviled for having the Wesson name—Sofios chronicles the case that shocked the nation, and gives voice to their astounding stories of survival. This is a stunning account of healing from one man’s unimaginable acts, and how each, in time, learned to break free from a deadly devotion.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Please pick this book up and read it. It is well-written and it is an inspirational story of courage."

--Dr. Phil

About the Author

Alysia Sofios is an award-winning journalist who is known in the Fresno area for her exclusive stories about the Marcus Wesson murders.  She was the first reporter to hear about the story from police and the only reporter to obtain interviews with most of Wesson's family.  

Sofios majored in journalism at Michigan State University.  In 2000, she became a reporter and anchor at Fox affiliate WSYM in Lansing, Michigan. She was recognized by the Michigan Association of Broadcasters for her work covering the local impact of the Iraq War.  She later accepted a reporting position at Fox affiliate KMPH in Fresno, California, where she remains as a reporter.  She has covered the Scott Peterson and Marcus Wesson trials. Several of her stories have appeared on Fox News and CNN.

Before turning to books full-time, Caitlin Rother worked at the San Diego Union-Tribune and the Daily News in L.A.  She is the author of true-crime books TWISTED TRIANGLE (Wiley, 5/08) and POISONED LOVE (Kensington, 7/05), and the novel NAKED ADDICTION (Kensington, 11/07).

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Pocket Star (July 26, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1439131511
• ISBN-13: 978-1439131510
• Product Dimensions: 1.2 x 4.2 x 7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (29 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,194,029 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

26 of 26 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars An Unbelievable Book September 19, 2009

By J. Reisbeck

Format:Hardcover

You always hear the cliche, 'I couldn't put it down', when it comes to reading... well, this is the first book I've read that I COULD NOT PUT DOWN. The story of the Wesson family and what they've been through is unbelievable enough, but then add the brilliant writing of this book, the sweet stories of Sofios' relationship with the Wesson's, and you have an absolute gem. It is emotional, fun, extremely sad, gut wrenching, funny, entertaining, and moving all in one, and at different times. It goes back and forth from the family's horrendous experiences, to the inspirational story of how they were rescued by Sofios, and overcame pure hell to work there way into society... and it's done perfectly. It is the most amazing story you can imagine. A family going through the most heinous acts of sexual, physical, emotional, and mental abuse done by their father/husband for decades, being rescued by a brave and courageous news reporter, and how they all grew to be better people together.
Read this book. You will not be disappointed!

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars What an inspiring story!! September 24, 2009

By M. Parmer

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

I could not put this book down! This amazing account of the Wesson tragedy is written with care and compassion and is a brilliant reminder that there are still people who will risk more than most to be a light in the darkness. Alysia Sofios does not try to pat herself on the back, or try to shine a light on her unbelievable bravery - her risks and the rewards that came from those risks speak for themselves. When the news of the Wesson tragedy first broke, I like most wondered how anyone could live in a situation like that. What mother wouldn't remove herself and her children from the grasp of that monster? It was obvious to the world that Marcus Wesson had abused and tortured his entire family and I could not understand why they had stayed, and how they could possibly defend him. Alysia Sofios does an excellent job of re-telling the consistant brain washing and abuse that his wife,children and grandchildren endured. I went from being disgusted and sickened by the surviving family members to wanting to find them and apologize for not understanding their situation. This is an excellent book - full of heart-breaking, horrid, gut wrenching sadness - only to be left with amazing, wonderful, awe inspiring hope. If there were more people willing to take the risk of caring for others in difficult situations like Alysia Sofios did, we'd be the better for it. I highly recommend this book.

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars I Couldn't Put It Down September 21, 2009

By Nathan Volk

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

"Where Hope Begins" is the first book by Fresno, California news and feature reporter Alysia Sofios. She masterfully recounts her experiences covering the nationally publicized mass murder perpetrated by Marcus Wesson upon 9 members of his immediate family in Fresno in March 2004. She injects insight, personality, worldly perceptiveness, and soul to this highly publicized tragedy in a way that would not be possible by any other reporter/writer. To say any more would spoil the twist to Alysia's story that helps make the book so uniquely special; (and far superior to the standard True Crime effort).

If you love True Crime stories, you must read this book. (it is way better than most and frankly stands up on many levels with the likes of the wonderful "Fatal Vision") If you could care less about True Crime, but just love a great story with a lot of heart, you must read this book. If you read to be entertained only, you must read this book. If you read to be reaffirmed and enriched by real life exploration of universal themes like: the fight of goodness vs. true unrepentant evil, redemption, religious devotion, unconditional love and generosity... you must read this book. If you are like me and seek all the above when you read, you must read "Where Hope Begins".

I came into it as a junkie for more scuttle on big events, and came away pleasantly surprised by the book's overall excellence and depth. Besides being one hell of a fascinating page turner, it made me think about a lot of really important issues/struggles that we all share. When that happens with me, a book becomes way more than just another way to pass the time. Highest recommendation.

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A Must Read! September 19, 2009

By Harry Chinaski

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

This is an absolutely amazing story. This book is beautifully written and will make a huge impact on anyone who reads it. I can't recommend it enough. As I said, A MUST READ!

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Book Review September 17, 2009

By R. Thompson

Format:Hardcover

I rate this book with 5 stars (even more if I could)... I highly recommend reading Where Hope Begins. The author's writing style is captivating and you end up with a deeper understanding of the struggles, events and courage of both the family and the reporter who helped them. Very inspiring, insightful and tragic all at the same time. This honest writing style makes "Where Hope Begins" is a must read!!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Title, Great Author, Great Book February 6, 2010

By Powell's Partisan

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

I saw this author and family interviewed on "Oprah" and was simply dumfounded by their story. The author is a strong, compassionate, remarkable, modern day heroine. This family is an absolutely inspiring testament to how vulnerable, soul-crushed humans can -- and do -- survive the unsurvivable, starting from below ground level, and going on to learn how to live productive, worthwhile lives. Due to my professional background, I also especially appreciated the insights as to how this kind of tragedy can come to happen, and how ordinary people fall victim to it. I strongly recommend this book!