If I am Missing or Dead

A Sunday Times and New York Times bestselling memoir - both heartbreaking and inspirational. In April 2002, Janine Latus's youngest sister Amy wrote a note and taped it to the inside of her desk drawer. 'If I am gone or dead', it read, 'question Ron'. By the time the letter was found, Amy was already missing. Helicopters and 'missing' posters went up and search dogs were sent out. It took more than two weeks to find Amy's body, wrapped in a tarpaulin and buried at a building site. Ron had been Amy's boyfriend. He is now in prison for her murder. Since childhood, Janine and Amy had been sexualised and belittled. As adults the sisters, trapped in a cycle of abuse, ended up in a series of violent relationships. Finally, Janine faced her demons and, with Amy's support, escaped in time. But Amy was keeping a terrible secret of her own ... Amy never escaped. She died in silent fear and pain. Janine has resolved to break that silence so that her sister didn't die in vain.

About the Author :
Janine Latus is a freelance writer, radio commentator, local TV celebrity and regular public speaker. She has also taught writing and journalism at several universities and is on the board of directors of the American Society of Journalists & Authors. She lives in Virginia, USA. If I Am Missing or Dead is her first book. For more about Janine Latus visit www.ifiammissingordead.com

Review :
From the first line I was captured and couldn't put the book down. In these pages is the echo of so many other stories I have known. For anyone trapped in the maddening internal banter that justifies another's sinister actions, read this book. You will walk taller from these pages. A story of heartbreak and liberation Latus has a spare, economical style, softened by an undercurrent of humour and marked by a total absence of self-pity ... Unforgettable, unsentimental and profoundly affecting ... resonates long after the final page is turned A haunting story of abuse at the hands of the men in their lives. Latus writes here to save the lives of women like her sister and herself, so desperate for love that they'll pay any price for it. An honest, unsparing look at the deadly erosion of self-worth A heartbreaking look at domestic violence Riveting ... you won't want to put this look at the dark side of male-female relationships down Unfolds like a gripping novel, getting at the brutal heart of darkness that underscores domestic violence Heartbreakingly honest There are no heroes here - just real people whose bravely told stories could save lives Chilling Gripping