Helpful Score: 7
I could hardly put this book down. This true account of a young girl who somehow fell into the hands of a convicted pedophile, who raised her as his own child,is one of the most haunting books I've ever read. The fact that she was a brilliant, vivacious, and beautiful person makes the truth of her life all but unbelievable. How could such a thing happen? Why didn't she ever confide her predicament to anyone? This is a well-researched book with information on the various agencies that help in searching for missing and exploited children.
Helpful Score: 7
Sharon Marshall was the daughter anyone would have loved to have. Smart, popular and an outstanding member of the ROTC, she appeared to be going places in her life. But this sweet girl next door had secrets too horrible to share with anyone. Caught hopelessly in a web of deception with the man she referred to as her father, Sharon's story remains one of the most baffling unsolved crime cases in America. It is very well-written, but incredibly sad because it is a true story. It is amazing to think someone really went through the things she did. You will be affected deeply by this book. I recommend it for anyone interested in the true crime genre.
Helpful Score: 7
I thought this book was very interesting in regards to how the human psyche works both with the perpetrator and the victim. There is a section at the end explaining how missing children have been looked at over the years, which was very enlightening as well. Sad story but it was an interesting read.
Helpful Score: 5
Wow! True crime at its very best. This book had me glued to the pages all the way to the very end. I am utterly impressed at what the author went through to put this story together. This is the true story of a mystery girl that was kidnapped by a ex-con pedophile at a young age who he subsequently raises as his own daughter. This mystery girl is an amazing person that left a remarkable imprint on numerous lives during her short time on earth. The fact that her true identity is still a mystery as of today (July 2009) is very sad. The book details the weird life of her 'father' Franklin Floyd. It truly makes you wonder how many more lost children are out there. Thank you to Matt Birkbeck for assuring that 'the beautiful child' will not be forgotten in death.
Helpful Score: 4
This is the horrifying true story of a mysterious young woman caught in the violent web of the murderous fugitive she called her father-and a heartrending testament to the profound courage and perverance of one woman trapped in the grip of extreme evil.
