We Thought We Knew You by M. William Phelps

We Thought We Knew You by M. William Phelps
Pages: 336

Genres: True Crime
Source: ARC, NetGalley

Goodreads

New York Times bestselling author, television personality, and host of the #1 podcast "Paper Ghosts," M. William Phelps is one of America's most celebrated true crime authorities. In WE THOUGHT WE KNEW YOU, he takes readers deep into the murder of Mary Yoder, a popular wife, mother, and healer in Upstate New York -- telling a gripping tale of a family drama, a determined investigation, and a killer with the face of an angel.

In July 2015, Mary Yoder returned home from the chiropractic center that she operated with her husband, Bill, complaining that she felt unwell. Mary, health-conscious and vibrant, was suddenly vomiting, sweating, and weak. Doctors in the ER and ICU were baffled as to the cause of her rapidly progressing illness. Her loved ones--including Bill and their children, Adam, Tamryn, and Liana--gathered in shock to say goodbye.

In the weeks that followed Mary's death, the grief-stricken family received startling news from the medical examiner: Mary had been deliberately poisoned. The lethal substance was colchicine, a chemical used to treat gout but extremely toxic if not taken as prescribed. Mary did not have gout. Another bombshell followed when the local sheriff's office received a claim that Adam Yoder had poisoned his mother. But Adam was not the only person of interest in the case.

Pretty and popular Kaitlyn Conley, Adam's ex-girlfriend, worked at the Yoders' clinic. She'd even been at Mary's bedside during those last terrible hours. Still, some spoke of her talent for manipulation and a history of bizarre, rage-fueled behavior against anyone who dared to reject her.

Had Kaitlyn and Adam conspired to kill Mary Yoder, or was the killer someone else entirely?

In another twist, accusations were hurled at Bill Yoder himself, ricocheting blame in still another direction...

Renowned investigative journalist M. William Phelps details this incredible story piece by piece, revealing a heartless plan of revenge--a scheme that would tear a family apart, divide a community, and result in two gripping, high-profile trials.

We Thought We Knew You is the true crime story of the murder of Mary Yoder. As a true crime buff, I had heard the story before (there is an episode of Dateline dedicated to it), but I was interested in getting Phelps’ take on this twisted family murder. Phelps is known for giving his readers every detail, evidence, etc so the information is provided for readers to make their own conclusions with the proper knowledge. He is very comprehensive.

Because of this comprehensiveness, I learned a lot more about the case than I knew previously. I knew that the son’s ex-girlfriend was convicted of the crime and that she tried to frame her ex, Mary’s son. Phelps presents the evidence, but he does clearly state what he believes (and backs it up with evidence). The story is more than just the facts, its Phelps’ interpretation and conclusion as well.

Because Phelps gives so much information, the book is a bit long. Adding to that is that information is repeated at different points in the story. Honestly, it made the book feel LONG to me. I skimmed a bit at times because I had read the info the first time and didn’t need it repeated. I don’t know if he thought readers might forget what they already read, or if he thought it would add impact. Either way, it certainly made me enjoy the story a tad less.

authors like John Glatt, John Douglas, Ann Rule…then you will probably like We Thought We Knew You!

 

 

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