Customer Reviews

Shattered Silence: The Untold Story of a Serial Killer's Daughter

5 star:		(25)
4 star:		(9)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(5)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

This book is about hope and new beginnings from an individual affected by the bad choices of those close to her. This book does not glorify the crimes committed by the guilty parties, but instead honors the courage and survival of an innocent victim. The author describes both the internal and external hardships, adversities, and trials associated with her life circumstances. I felt her pain, despair, and eventually her triumph over those circumstances. This book gives hope to anyone that struggles with their own self-worth, that has been a victim of crime, and / or needs courage to survive what life has dealt them. The authors did such a great job putting this story to words that I feel like I know Melissa personally. She is an uplifting, spiritual person and I thank her for her willingness to share her story with others.

A very inspiring book created from the author's experiences that many would consider a 'hopeless' upbringing. It's beautiful to experience Melissa's triumph over childhood events and relationships that once 'shattered' from secrecy created the space for her to blossom as a rose and truly experience the beautiful dance with life she now experiences. The authors effectively place the reader in Melissa's shoes in an amazing way such that the reader comes away empowered to be the light and love that genuinely creates peace and joy in this life's journey! Thank you for your willingness to risk and be your inspiring contribution in my life and thousands of others!

Wow! I was interested in the story right away. I have seen this lady on Dr. Phil and Oprah and was so intrigued. I couldnt put the book down. It was so inspiring to see how she made different choices then her family and turned out to be so compassionate. This is a must for your collection.

This book was interesting but I was hoping to hear more about her father and less about her day to day events.

I won't echo previous reviews in recounting the details of this book, but I will say that the writing is poorly done, stilted and downright clunky. Most of the descriptions simply aren't credible--not because I doubt they happened--but because the writing gets in the way and boots you right out of the story. Yes, what's described here is horrendous, yet the writing style is so distancing and cringe-inducing I find myself skimming huge sections. Instead of being appalled, I am simply bored. Most of this story could've been told in half the number of pages.

Clearly, in the realm of true crime writing, there is a dearth of credible accounts by the people closest to these kinds of perpetrators. They are the other victims we don't hear about, and I'd had high hopes for this memoir. This story may be worth telling but not this way. If you're after good writing, look elsewhere.

This book was interesting, but it did not seem to be written very well. I didn't have any trouble finishing the book, but in places in was somewhat boring.

I was very disappointed in this personal story and thought it was slow and plodding and totally without real substance...a lot of trivia. At about the half way point was the first revelation about her serial killer father. It certainly was a therapeutic event for Melissa Moore but she revealed very little and even avoided important discussions of some of her feelings. I would have liked more research about what her father was really doing when she was leading her very poor and abusive life. It felt more like reading someone's personal and dull diary.

I feel that it would have been a better account if her life was woven with what her father was actually doing on his long rides. Apparently he wrote some accounts to newspapers which are probably much more revealing as a murderer. I would have learned more about the disturbed mind of her father from his account. Her life was told from the fringe and therefore was very pallid.

I have read other books on keith Hunter Jesperson. This book was interesting but not well written...I would of liked more insight....Sad story all around...

Although this book needed a good editor I loved Melissa's story. She has a lot of love in her and it came through. I really was as concerned about her step father as much as her father. He was a nasty piece of work. Her mother was a coward. God bless Melissa for breaking that cycle. I had only one problem and she never talked about it in the book. At the back of the book is a picture of her, her children, her husband and her father. At some point I guess she took her children to see him. I can't see exposing my children to someone so vile and unsafe. Sorry, didn't agree with that one. Other than that I think she is an inspiration. I can't believe some reviewers said her story isn't exceptional. Of course it is. How many people do you know have a father that is a serial killer? How easy do you think that is to overcome?

We often hear about the victims of brutal crimes. Newscasters tell us stories about their families and how they are suffering from the loss of their loved ones. Occasionally we get the inside story on a serial killer made famous by sensationalism. We're told the gory details of his (or her) crimes and we attempt to delve into their minds to learn the why behind the behavior. However, it isn't often that we hear from the family of the serial murderer. Rarely do we even consider what their lives must have been like.

Melissa Moore, daughter of the "Happy Face" killer, gives us that inside scoop. Melissa bravely shares an intensely personal story of what life was like for her and her family. We see this serial murderer through the eyes of a young girl who wants nothing more than her daddy's love.

This book is an easy read, sort of like we're sitting with Melissa as she confides in us. Her father puts the family through horrible psychological abuse while her mother stands by and allows it. I found her mother's indifference appalling. Melissa had virtually no one to turn to. Whatever you may think of this book, it would be impossible not to walk away without immense respect for Melissa Moore.