Bitter Remains

A Custody Battle, a Gruesome Crime, and the Mother Who Paid the Ultimate Price

By: Diane Fanning

Narrated by: Karyn O'Bryant

On July 13, 2011, Laura Jean Ackerson of Kinston, North Carolina, went to pick up her two toddler sons. It would be the last time she was seen alive. Laura's ex, Grant Hayes - the father of her two sons - and his wife, Amanda, the mother of his newborn daughter, both pointed the finger at each other as the one guilty of murdering Laura, cutting up her body, and then transporting and disposing of the remains on the shores of Oyster Creek, Texas. This is the hauntingly true story of a devoted mother, a disturbed couple, and how these horrific events came to pass.

©2016 Diane Fanning (P)2016 Tantor

Slow burn

Definitely had instances where it seemed like it just kept dragging on, however it was an enjoyable long listen overall

WOW

Laura's story was a great way to honor a life that ended too soon. Gripping story that sounds like a work of fiction, but it's not.

I feel like it coulda been good, but...

Seems like a looooong build-up to get to the murder that I now already know from the start of the book. The narrator was really hard to listen to; I’m not going to be able to finish it. I love true-crime stories but unfortunately listening to her was distracting in that I was just annoyed. I’ll google the story to get the nuts and bolts.

Compelling & Riveting

What made the experience of listening to Bitter Remains the most enjoyable?

Most enjoyable for me would be the attention to detail of the facts of this case. I watched the trial from beginning to end and Diane Fanning included the most important facts accurately.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Bitter Remains?

One of the most memorable moments of this book for me would have to be the trials of both Grant and Amanda Hayes.

What does Karyn O'Bryant bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Karyn O'Bryant had inflection in her tone and wasn't monotone. She managed to capture my attention and hold it from beginning to end.

If you could give Bitter Remains a new subtitle, what would it be?

I wouldn't change the subtitle. It reflects the murder of Laura Ackerson accurately.

Loved it

Another great one by Diane Fanning. I am a huge fan. On to find another!