Is He Dead?

By: Rick H. Drew

Narrated by: Andrew Start

Length: 5 hrs and 38 mins

Publisher's summary

During the fall of 1984, as this case was reaching its tragic conclusion, I was a detective in Central Florida. This homicide case was assigned to me.

This story is about the lives of two children, a brother and sister, who endured unthinkable cruelty at the hands of their stepfather. Their journey lasted for nearly a decade in the bowels of Southern Tennessee and came to an abrupt ending in Central Florida.

As you hear this book you will learn of the horrific experiences forced on these two kids and the failures of our system to protect them. You will be inspired by their will to survive and the love that they had for each other. Is He Dead? will take you on a journey that will affect all of your senses. Their intimate thoughts will be revealed to you as you watch their childlike plans to steal a gun and execute their stepfather. You will be on the edge of your seat each time their plans fail. I was with this monster when he died; I watched his last gurgling breath as blood oozed from his wounds. Not knowing what he had done, I actually felt sorry for him.

©2014 Rick H Drew (P)2015 Rick H Drew

Very well written

This is probably the worst case of child abuse, rape and incest I have ever heard. How these two kids lived from day to day not knowing what that evil stepfather would do to them is unfathomable to me. I know their mom was also abuse, but she’s just as guilty as he is!

Narrator

The narrator could have been better. The book was written well and kept my interest thru the entire book. very sad story!

A true look through the eyes of justice and pain

This was one of the most heart wrenching, difficult, terrifying, reads I have ever experienced. The author places you as a silent witness to the horrors these children have endured. I found myself screaming for justice that almost never came. It touched a very deep, private pain. For the reader that has never experienced such atrocities, pain and triumph, you will when you read this.

Acts of unspeakable Crimes!

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

I had already read the book but listening to an audiobook brought this case to life even more.

Who was your favorite character and why?

It would actually be both the sister and brother

What about Andrew Start’s performance did you like?

I really enjoyed Andrew Start's narrarating capability

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

This whole book moved me. I really appreciated the author Rick Drew's telling of the case. This story of child abuse /sexual abuse was extreme. There were many missed opportunities that could've ended this earlier.

Any additional comments?

Since he personally handled this particular case no one could have relayed the story better than Rick Drew the author .

Amazing, Frightening, Horrific

Would you listen to Is He Dead? again? Why?

I have read the book and now listened to the audio version I am not certain i can make it through it again. When I was finished i couldn't relax, I had to walk off the stress the story created for me

What did you like best about this story?

It was so down to earth, the cursing and sexual content were rather strong but so realistic.

Which character – as performed by Andrew Start – was your favorite?

In a story like this it's hard to side with anyone except the good guys, but Andrew performed the Tom character very well scary even

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

I did not stop until it was over, an amazing book

Any additional comments?

Once I started listening to this book I did not stop until it was over. The narrator made such a horrific story even more frightening. Very graphic and very well well written. How those to kids were able to survive for so long. Thank God for cops like Rick Drew

Awesome book

I really enjoyed listening to Andrew Start tell the story of Rick Drew's book Is He Dead? This is a book you will find yourself reading or listening to more than once. It's a story about horrible abuse that two children endured from their step father for far too long. Their mother played a terrible part in the abuse also. I'm amazed that the kids survived and are now living a happy normal life. I highly recommend this book. I'll be reading Rick Drew's next book for sure!

Should be a required read.

Very moving, amazing story of survival. All people that work with abused children should read.

Very real story

I was amazed at how accurately the
author understood and conveyed the manipulation that occurs when living with a sadistic narcissist. Also well conveyed the thinking of the abused. Thank you

5 Stars from me!

*I received this in exchange for an honest review
This is a true-crime story about 2 children, Amanda and Robert, who have been abused for 10 years. When their stepdad, who’s been in their lives for the last decade, ends up dead the police get involved and start asking questions. The book is the account of the investigation, statements, and a behind-the-scenes type view of police work. It is very much a statement, not a made up story. A warning to any that may be sensitive to hearing of abuse to others, you need to think about it before reading/listening to this book, because you might have problems at some parts of the book. Having a law enforcement background, I think this is well done.

Recommend

Highly recommend! This book is very sad but brings up awareness of how the state often fails the children that are in dyer need of help. This book is not for those who can not handle hearing about horrific child abuse. This book will touch your heart but also bring deep sadness upon you. It does have hope for those in situations others may be facing. Once again this book touched my heart because the truth it brings. It is a book I would highly recommended to bring awareness of child abuse and to please do what ever you can to END and STOP child abuse!