Amy: My Search for Her Killer

Publisher's Summary

"I fell in love with Amy Mihaljevic not long before her body was discovered lying facedown in an Ashland County wheat field. I fell for her the first time I saw that school photo TV stations flashed at the beginning of every newscast in the weeks following her kidnapping in the autumn of 1989 - the photo with the side-saddle ponytail...."

So begins this strange and compelling memoir, which delves into the investigation of one of Northeast Ohio's most frustrating unsolved crimes. Ten-year-old Amy Mihaljevic disappeared from the comfortable Cleveland suburb of Bay Village in the fall of 1989. Thousands of volunteers, police officers, and FBI agents searched for the girl. Her picture was everywhere - anyone who watched the local TV news remembers the girl with the sideways ponytail. Tragically, Amy was found dead a few months later. Her killer was never found. 

Now, 15 years later, journalist James Renner picks up the leads. Filled with mysterious riddles, incredible coincidences, and a cast of unusual but very real characters, his investigation quickly becomes a riveting journey in search of the truth.

Contains mature themes.

©2006 James Renner (P)2018 Tantor

More than just a true crime story

This book is as much about the process of a writer investigating a cold case as it is about the cold case itself. The author gives a lot of insight into how he went about the investigation and his experiences dealing with the people around the case. It's refreshing to see a book that's this genuine and forthcoming. If you like this book you will also like his book about Maura Murray. Not much more I can say besides I enjoyed this book very much.

7 of 7 people found this review helpful

Read every Renner

I enjoyed both this and True Crime Addict. I enjoy Renner's style of writing and narration. I appreciate how deep he has gone to understand this case.

5 of 5 people found this review helpful

uncharted dedication

While you will find a new clear map of the crime Renners own dedication to this case is uncharted! I have often feared only my own mind was wired this way. it is refreshing to know others out there are obsessed with finding hidden clues & maybe even a bad guy! it is not about the blood or gorey details! It is about just wanting to help. I wish there were an ending to this however the resolve and persistence of this one man gives hope that one day there might just be an answer!

4 of 4 people found this review helpful

A different approach to true crime; I enjoyed it

I really got into the author's dogged hunt from one interviewee to the next for direct testimony that could explain what became of the murdered girl. And at the end the narrative was well wrapped-up, in my opinion, in spite of the fact that the answer is still yet to be found. I felt some satisfaction to know what probably happened, and what kind of murderer was likely involved.

The author spoke with dozens of people who knew Amy, and a few people who witnessed something on the day of her disappearance, and managed to keep it interesting as his trek wound on. The story begins on the fringes of the investigation with people who know a little something about something, and gradually works its way into the circle of people who knew Amy, and finally to those who saw Amy on her last day, even her last moments, alive in her normal life.

The listener is rewarded in the end with more details and firmer evidence of what is known and what is probable about Amy's fate.

And it is gratifying that Amy herself is brought to life through the memories of those who loved her. She is no longer just one more tragic childish image in the gallery of child victims in the media today. Amy emerges as a bright, talented, creative and much-loved child, who did not like the school photo that represents her into posterity, and who would have enjoyed a life of love and accomplishment had she not been cut down by a human predator.

This time the author was the right narrator.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Poor little girl.

it is so sad that this little girl was murdered and the murder has still to be found and brought to justice. This in depth investigation by the author was intense and impressive. it is my hope that the murderer comes forward soon.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

A solid listen...

I loved True Crime Addict and was excited to see this recording of Renner's first book. It is presented in a similar style to True Crime Addict, in that it follows Renner as he blurs the line between investigative journalist and detective. I liked True Crime Addict better, as I enjoyed Renner's deep dive into his own psyche in that book. However, this is also a good listen and definitely worth the credit. This case is a bit more convoluted than the one detailed in True Crime Addict, even as the victim -- a ten-year-old girl -- is understandably less complex of a character because she is so young. That said, this is true crime at its most respectful, in that it is not a salacious rehash of a terrible crime, but an honest attempt at getting to the truth.

3 of 4 people found this review helpful

Interesting, but frustrating read.

The story is told from a different perspective and does not resolve the readers' wanting for the killer to be found. Overall, it was a good book.

Captivating!!

Very glad I chose this book. I felt as if I was side by side with the Author. Love how each scene, person, thoughts were so descriptive Also enjoyed that he read it himself.

Worth every penny

I have followed Amy's case and read every article/ blog and listened to Podcasts. Her story is one that never lets you go. James did an excellent job with this book and I hope they catch Amy's killer!

Just Wish there was a Concret Ending!

I liked it. Was well written from a very interesting perspective. I just wish that we had a hard suspect, or a conviction.