Survivors

One Brave Detective's Battle to Expose the Rochdale Child Abuse Scandal

By: Maggie Oliver

Narrated by: Maggie Oliver

Length: 10 hrs and 27 mins

Publisher's summary

The shocking true story behind the hit TV drama Three Girls.

When detective Maggie Oliver first discovered that children as young as 10 were being groomed, abused and trafficked for sex by gangs of men in the Rochdale area, she felt like a lonely voice calling for people to act.

Banging on closed doors, it seemed that nobody was able or willing to help her save these vulnerable girls, but she couldn't just sit back while countless lives were being destroyed forever in plain sight. Instead, she launched a one-woman campaign to bring down these sickening gangs.

This is the heartbreaking and shocking story of how the actions of one determined detective secured convictions in what is now one of the most notorious grooming cases in the UK. Along the way Maggie discovered countless examples of how the authorities were letting down our most vulnerable children. She blew the whistle, losing her job and at times her mind, in a bid to stop others from experiencing the same.

This is the first ever account from a police insider on the endemic problem of child sexual exploitation across the nation and how these cases are handled by the authorities put in place to protect us.

It tells the story of a woman brave enough to speak out and a group of girls who found the strength to fight for justice after having their lives completely shattered by their abusers; together they show in shocking detail why this must never happen again.

©2019 Maggie Oliver (P)2019 Bonnier Books UK

Cliffhanger

Very well-told, upsetting story. Just wish there were more answers regarding the cover-ups. I kept thinking that someone higher up in police or government must have been involved with the crimes for them to be thrown under the rug the way they were. Hope answers and justice will come.

The Love of Money & Power

Incredibly sad and angering story. Thank you Maggie for following your heart and thank you to all of the girls who did whatever they could to survive and to thrive. I believe children all over the world are sacrificed to the love of money and power. This is why these cases stop before going all the way or never go anywhere at all. One day we will all give an account for what we did or did not do to help others.

wow. my heart hurts 💔

I just want to hug all of you. I'd love nothing more to help. as a survivor of sexual abuse my self. my heart hurts so bad for each and every one 😢

Her bio info should be condensed into 1 chapter.

A suggestion to potential listeners/ readers:
Skip ahead to the section that actually deals with the case mentioned in the book description, if you have a time constraint (or are the impatient-type).
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I kept waiting, and waiting for her to start talking about the case, but it was just 6+ chapters detailing the author's life before the case (youthful backpacking trips around Europe & N. Africa, her relationship with her future husband, how she got her education, info on her family life, and her husband's bout with bowel cancer).

I haven't yet decided if I should keep listening (and maybe skip ahead to the actual case mentioned in the description) or just give up.

I really wish she'd had a better editor--one who had forced her to condense her bio section down to only the relevant info, because I'm sure she is losing many readers/ listeners, with it as is.

10 chapters in before story begins?

Enjoyed narration but sorry , this was difficult to finish. I kept waiting for story to start;the intro is 9 chapters!

Someone Cared

The most important note to take is this woman cares enough to continue to make a difference in protecting the most vulnerable in society. Thank Mrs. Oliver for putting yourself out there. Your story is painful and inspiring.

I tried.

I felt the story may have been interesting and inspiring. I felt an amount of empathy for the author, I admired her for working through some very tough things. Perhaps it would have been best narrated by someone else. She is a beautiful reader, it is her story. It is also tough to listen to.

Queen Maggie

If you ever need a champion on your side, Maggie Oliver is your woman. Maggie you are brilliant and brave. A light in the dark. How incredible you are to stand up to the status quo for the right thing. Thank you.

A must read (listen)

very sad that this goes In, and Maggies determination priceless. a well put together true event that we should never forget continues to go on!
Now watching Three girls which is award winning, but hard to watch at times.

Inspirational!

Maggie Oliver is very inspiring. Her accomplishments are astonishing especially considering what all she’s been through. Thank you Maggie for your dedication in this subject and thorough work.

Side note: Maggie your voice is sooooo soothing! I loved it!! Please consider reading more books for Audible!