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Description

In June 1986 the police in Jersey County, Illinois accepted Paula Sims's story of a masked kidnapper who snatched her baby girl Lorelei from her bassinet. Three years later her second newborn daughter suffered an identical fate and this time the police were unable to stop searching until they had discovered the whole, horrifying truth. This is the full terrifying story of twisted sexuality and hate seething below the surface of a seemingly normal family, and of the massive investigation and show more nerve shattering trial that made the unthinkable a reality. Written by the lawyer who won the case and the reporter who covered its entirety, the reader is given a unique close-up of the riveting drama that unfolds, painting a dark picture of the depraved family who lived with a murderous secret. show less

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Member Reviews

2 reviews
This book is well written, but so very sad. I cannot say it had the added bonus of letting me connect to any of the players. That always takes a little away from the story for me, but truth, you can't help but feel pity for Paula Sim's babies. Weber does a good job going in depth on the energy and effort it took to convict Paula for the murder of her 6 week old infant daughter. He further goes deeply into the trial. More back story would have been good. It is a heart breaking story. I would compare this work to Jerry Bledsoe.
I know this story, of couuse I do but I do not remember the book. Read it in 2004.
I did find that I thought it was worth the read but if I donot remember it it will not be a 5 star book. I will settle for 3.

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Author Information

6 Works 229 Members
2 Works 201 Members

Common Knowledge

Original publication date
1991-10-03
People/Characters
Paula Sims
Important places
Alton, Illinois, USA
Dedication
To the prosecutors, the police, and the press, and their search for the truth.

Classifications

Genres
Nonfiction, General Nonfiction, Politics and Government, Biography & Memoir
DDC/MDS
364.15230973Society, Government, and CultureSocial problems and social servicesCrimeCriminal offensesOffenses against the personHomicideMurderHistory, geographic treatment, biographyNorth AmericaUnited States
LCC
HV6533 .I3 .W42Social sciencesSocial pathology. Social and public welfare. CriminologySocial pathology. Social and public welfare.CriminologyCrimes and offenses
BISAC

Statistics

Members
111
Popularity
286,901
Reviews
2
Rating
½ (3.43)
Languages
English
Media
Paper, Audiobook, Ebook
ISBNs
4
ASINs
10