My Sister Milly

By: Gemma Dowler

Narrated by: Ruby Thomas

Length: 22 hrs and 35 mins

Publisher's summary

Penguin presents the audiobook of My Sister Milly by Gemma Dowler, read by Ruby Thomas.

This is Gemma Dowler's powerful account, as seen on The One Show and This Morning....

'My name is Gemma Dowler. On 21 March 2002, a serial killer named Levi Bellfield stole my sister and sent our family to hell....'

Everyone thinks they know the story of Milly Dowler.

Haunting headlines about the missing schoolgirl splashed across front pages. The family's worst fears realised when her body was found months later. The years of waiting for the truth, only to learn that the killer, known to the police, lived just yards from where Milly had vanished. The parents subjected to horrific psychological torture at a trial orchestrated by the murderer. And the shocking revelation of what journalists would do for a story - criminal acts that brought down a national newspaper.

But these bare facts hide the true story.

In My Sister Milly, Gemma Dowler shares the heartbreaking account of Milly's disappearance, the suspicions that fell on the family, the fatal errors made by the police, and the media's obsession that focused relentlessly on every personal, intimate and emotional aspect of the Dowlers' lives. It is the story of two stolen childhoods - Milly's and Gemma's - and about the love that kept the family together as they struggled with terrible darkness and injustice.

However, this book is a story of hope and recovery.

It's taken 15 years of pain for the family to find their voice. The family has worked hard and has received intensive therapy to recover from the trauma of Milly's murder. Their story shows that whatever suffering you endure in life, there is always hope, and there is always love.

Now, for the first time, Gemma tells their story and that of the real Milly. Above all, in this book the family want to bring back to life their incredible daughter and sister. Now, finally, the truth about Milly Dowler can never be denied.

©2017 Gemma Dowler (P)2017 Penguin Audio

Absolutely incredible

Found myself unable to put this down and at so many times brought to tears in empathy and compassion and frustration and agony. Gemma did an unbelievable job at articulating some of the most difficult emotions a human can experience. My heart will always be with this family after reading this book.

Incredible story!

Completely moving story. I laughed and cried... a lot. Gemma you are amazing! Much love to you and your family. May Milly’s light shine forever! 💖

Shameful Investigation Added to This Family's Pain

This book shook me to the core. I was interested in the British justice system and it let this family down in a huge way.
I believe the Dowler family experienced the most horrific tragedy imaginable but that was only the beginning of their ordeal.
Without giving too much away I was floored at their treatment in the aftermath of losing their precious daughter and sister.
I feel that sweet Milly found peace the moment her life ended. Not even close for the people who loved her.
It angers me how the person who did this, a non-human in my mind was afforded so many rights while the family had NONE.
The person who is upmost in my admiration is Michelle, the therapist who literally brought Sally and Gemma back to life.
Gemma Fowler managed to write an incredibly beautiful tribute to her cherished sister and I loved hearing about her short but wonderful life.
They are such a strong family! I was continually amazed at how they kept it together for Milly.
This is a book I will never forget and Gemma, Milly,, their parents and Lovely Granny have made a lasting impact on my heart.
Gemma, I am so sorry for all you went through. Thank you for writing this. The power of love, as you said is greater than anything else. I wish you all the very best.
Narrator was great.

5 stars - should be more

Brought Me To Tears, and Rage, Many Times.

Exceedingly well-written book. For once, the whole impact of the survivors, family, friends is laid bare by a sister who truly loved/loves her murdered little sister, her mother, father, grandmother, extended family.

Truly, the Surrey police should be deeply ashamed of their very poor police work, their bullying, their lies,selling out to Rupert Murdoch with little or no regard for the family. In fact, they should be flayed in public, as should Murdoch and the murderer. I'd be happy to participate. It wasn't until the Surrey police were commanded by a new female commander that anything at all was done. The fact that the PM was cozy with the CEO of the offending Murdoch publications, neighbors, in fact made the hacking of phones including the murdered Milly's phone...as well as many other innocent victims..a whole lot easier as they had inside info from the police.

If I ruled the world (happily for them I do not), each of them would have a very slow, painful, public death. But before that I'd have QUALIFIED CSI go through their homes, phones, computers, the phones of their children parents, girl and boyfriends, everyone they were in contact with...and plaster everything in the newspapers, on YouTube, Vimeo, in fact I'd put up websites showing their dirty laundry. THAT is the impact the book had on me. Oh, and the murderer? I'd hire Stephen King to come up with a unique, horrible death for that turd.

I am so sorry for this family but..

I gave the book 4 stars because of all the pain and sorrow this family went through. I have to say that I didn’t listen to all of it. It was just so redundant. I don’t think her sister realizes that not everyone wants to hear the minutia of their family life. I have seen documentaries on this case so I know the story. I hope the horrible man who killed Milly will have a horrendous life in jail until he dies. I hope this review didn’t sound mean. My heart breaks for Molly’s family!

Milly

Written with so much love for family. Thank you for sharing such an intimate loss.

Wrenching and devastating

This book is so beautifully written and narrated that it’s impossible to hear it and not be as heartbroken about the ordeal as if you are a member of the Dowler family. I thank Gemma for allowing us to know her sister and her family, and I deeply regret that the family has had to endure two decades of seemingly-perpetual agony. The narration of this book is as skillful as the writing, overall a well-deserved 5 star rating.

Emotional

Hard to believe how heartless those police and investigators were to these families. The performance is done very well. Although there are many different time frames, it is easy to follow. Definitely recommend this story.

Superb

Loved this book but did find some parts long. The narration is superb and the long parts were well written and once you get through them you will see the value in why they had to be part of the story.

Terrifying, Heartbreaking

Could not put this down. I am from the US and had never heard of this case. What a terrifying, horrifying, and heartbreaking ordeal for the Dowler family. I hope someday, they can find happiness again. Rest peacefully, Milly.