The Witness Wore Red

The 19th Wife Who Brought Polygamous Cult Leaders to Justice

By: Rebecca Musser, M. Bridget Cook

Narrated by: Rebecca Musser

You've watched Keep Sweet: Pray and Obey, the top 5 true-crime docuseries on Netflix. Now discover the revealing memoir of one woman featured in the series who was forced into polygamous marriage and her brave struggle to protect others from the same fate.

Rebecca Musser grew up in fear, concealing her family's polygamous lifestyle from the "dangerous" outside world. Covered head-to-toe in strict, modest clothing, she received a rigorous education at Alta Academy, the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints' school headed by Warren Jeffs. Always seeking to be an obedient Priesthood girl, in her teens she became the nineteenth wife of her people's prophet: 85-year-old Rulon Jeffs, Warren's father. Finally sickened by the abuse she suffered and saw around her, she pulled off a daring escape and sought to build a new life and family.

The church, however, had a way of pulling her back in-and by 2007, Rebecca had no choice but to take the witness stand against the new prophet of the FLDS in order to protect her little sisters and other young girls from being forced to marry at shockingly young ages. The following year, Rebecca and the rest of the world watched as a team of Texas Rangers raided the Yearning for Zion Ranch, a stronghold of the FLDS. Rebecca's subsequent testimony would reveal the horrific secrets taking place behind closed doors of the temple, sending their leaders to prison for years, and Warren Jeffs for life.

The Witness Wore Red is a gripping account of one woman's struggle to escape the perverse embrace of religious fanaticism and sexual slavery, and a courageous story of hope and transformation.

Critic reviews

"Compelling . . . the book speaks to the ways isolation, fear and secrecy can shelter insidious abuses until someone has the courage to step forward as a witness."—Kirkus Reviews

Compelling and emotional read

I normally shy away from audio books read by the author, but this is a gem. Her story is powerful, and to hear her share her own FLDS experiences will leave you wanting to know more. I finished this book in 2 days, and I'd love to read more by this author. I'm fascinated by the FLDS, and this memoir stands apart because it delves into the aftermath of growing up in such an environment. I commend this woman for stepping out and for being so vulnerable.

Compelling yet sad story

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes, gives real insight into the FLDS church in a frightening yet real story

Who was your favorite character and why?

Rebecca, obviously as the story was from her.

Would you be willing to try another one of Rebecca Musser’s performances?

No. The reading was way too dramatic which really distracted from the story. When Brooks and the other Texas characters were introduced things got worse in her attempt to imitate them. At one point I almost stopped listening. A different narrator would have been a better choice.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No, this book could have used some additional editing as many parts seemed like excess information that didn't pertain to the message of the book.

Any additional comments?

Overall good book, frightening story especially since it's true.

Good for her!

I hope every one of these sick pedophiles rot in prison! She has made such improvements in her life. By her self!

Captivating and informative

I wouldn't say this book is a masterpiece as a work of literature. However, it is a fascinating and informative documentary of the FLDS in the 1980s through the first decades of the 21st Century.
I like the fact that the author is not writing out of bitterness or hate against the FLDS, but rather from love and sadness.
When she describes her upbringing she does it in a rather objective manner. Describing the facts and the feeling they evoked in her, rather than chastising and criticizing.
She did what she did out of love to her people not out of vengeance.
I believe that this what made her such a critical part of bringing the corrupt, power drunk, megalomaniacal male leadership to justice.
She is not "out to get them", she is out to get the truth and save next generations of FLDS children.
The beginning of the book is a bit slow and overloaded with details. I understand the need to present these details so you can understand the background and setting that would allow such sickness to run rampant with very little resistance from the subject of the abuse. The details, while tedious, help you understand the absolute brainwash that the FLDS followers are born into and subjected to.
It is worth the effort of getting through the start of the book in order to get to rest of it which is riveting and she's light on this secretive parallel universe of the FLDS.
It becomes hard to put down the book (or hit the "pause" icon since we are discussing and audio book). This book is definitely very thought provoking and important as a cautionary tale about the power and danger of cults and of any group where the leaders have absolute and undisputed power. It reminds us that many times such leaders use God as an excuse and justification for the atrocities thet are committing while in reality it has nothing to do with God and everything to do with their sick twisted minds.
I applaud Rebecca Musser for her courage and determination.

An angel among us.?

Her beautiful spirit and willingness to not try to destroy people but just go after the destructive actions that destroy so many people especially women. she is literally a Harriot Tubman, Martin Luther King and many others who sacrificed life and reputation after she was free to go back into the fire to save as many others that she could, one at a time. My grandfather is Joseph Musser, I know of some of the horror that went on with self proclaimed prophets.

Thank you so much, you inspired me so much, I only wish that one day I could have the privilege to meet such a beautiful person as you have proved to be.

DK Belcher, SLC Utah