A Rip in Heaven

By: Jeanine Cummins

Narrated by: Jeanine Cummins

This program is read by the author.

The acclaimed author of American Dirt reveals the devastating effects of a shocking tragedy in this landmark true crime book.

A Rip in Heaven is Jeanine Cummins’s story of a night in April 1991, when her two cousins Julie and Robin Kerry, and her brother, Tom, were assaulted on the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge, which spans the Mississippi River just outside of St. Louis.

When, after a harrowing ordeal, Tom managed to escape the attackers and flag down help, he thought the nightmare would soon be over. He couldn’t have been more wrong. Along with their entire family, he and his sister, Jeanine, were just at the beginning of a horrific odyssey through the aftermath of a violent crime, a world of shocking betrayal, endless heartbreak, and utter disillusionment. It was a trial by fire from which no family member would emerge unscathed.

A Macmillan Audio production from Henry Holt and Company

©2004 Jeanine Cummins (P)2020 Macmillan Audio

A MUST READ

I purchased this book based on its reviews rather than its content. I am so glad I did. Thank you, Jeanine Cummins, the author. I believe your cousins would be and your brother is proud. I am one of the “curious humans” you write about. However, your story has forever changed my views on the death penalty. Your story has also pushed a “reset”: do I allow my mindless curiosity to read more about the crime and the perpetrator or shift that energy by helping to make a difference in the victim’s healing? I am forever changed. Victims of violent crimes deserve more!

What a great book!

I enjoyed this book so much and decided to write my first review.

It was a new book out so it was a flip of the dice with no prior reviews. Anyway good job author and narrator.
Sad story and I did skip a chapter or two because it was too intense. I loved it!

Betsy

Compelling, Heartbreaking Story of Crime. Justice

Jeanine Cummins' family tragedy could happen to anyone. This is a heartbreaking story told with psychological insight about the criminals and the police involved. I loved her American Dirt novel and liked this as much. Jeanine writes miningly and compassionately about hard realities. I couldn't stop listening.

A Clear Thought

Jeanine, when Gary Gilmore was given the death penalty and wanted to be executed there was a huge book written about him, and later a movie made. The day he was executed was a sad day BECAUSE of the MEDIA and their agenda to soften our hearts towards him.

Jeanine, my eyes are now wide opened. Thank you for your words and thoughts and FACTS to make me see CLEARLY, to pay attention to the facts that puts these men away.

Moving forward I will always think of the victims and their families when I hear of another death penalty or execution by the state.

thank you for your book

Wow

I thought I was getting a good true crime book, came away with a lot more to think about than I’d expected. There are some truly gut wrenching scenes. I feel so bad for this family, and since the author was there, she tells it well. The only thing is I had to speed up the narration, otherwise it was too slow.

Gripping, Intelligent and Thoughtful

My first Cummins experience but definitely not my last. I found her writing compelling and her delivery courageous. I cannot imagine the pain of reliving every stitch of that nightmare to tell the full story and address such an emotionally charged societal topic. Thank you for sharing it all with us.

Touching, captivating story!

The author wrote, and narrates a tragic story in an honest and fair way. So well written, so well read.

A Tragedy

A heart wrenching story of 2 young girls who lost their lives at the hands of 4 vicious young men. It’s a good read but a very hard read at times. To think that these things can happen, and continue to happen, reiterates the need for stronger mental health implementation and perhaps, to have difficult conversations with our children about awareness of others. It’s a tough position to be in as a parent wanting to protect your children but not terrify them and others the truths of what evil lies within some people. My heart breaks for the victims and their families…so many loves affected by 4 troubled and vicious boys.

Compassionate

The saddest part of murders like these two bright young women is the void left in our society.

ABSOLUTELY OUTSTANDING!

One of the most absorbing true stories in Audible; one of the very finest authors in Audible; one of the most talented readers/narrators in Audible!! I was so focused (like a bullet in flight) that I had to stop this book in chapter 12 just to write this beginning of my review because I could not wait to tell you even this much since I’m flabbergasted with the many twists and turns in this extraordinary nonfiction. I have begun to slow down my pace as I don’t want this terrific writing to end: however, there are sad, harrowing events in this sorry tale so that aspect is not anything I would wish to have been prolonged for the victims. // More later when I have finished this, promise! (but I am reluctant to tell “spoilers” and this is why I’m skirting around plot information ... just buy “A Rip in Heaven” and get the information directly from this marvellous author and reader (since they are both the same person).
UPDATE and Conclusion (days later)—SPOILER ALERT: It was no lofty pipe dream that the superb author (Jeanine Cummins) hoped to bring forth the brilliance with which her slain cousins lived their shining lives because in fact, she succeeded in illuminating them here (in my humble opinion). In many True Crime books, much is written about the criminals yet comparatively little about the good and fine people caught up in tragedy: however, many wonderful human beings are highlighted in this particular narrative. I realize my review is rather over-the-top with praise but I must insist to you that I know none of the story’s participants and neither have I ever been paid for any book reviews. Ever. Certainly, this book is far too quality to need this as already in 2 full pages of reviews the ratings are 5 stars all the way! Needless to say, I recommend this book highly.