Welcome to The Official Websleuths Investigative Book Club !

[Tricia]

Does anyone think Melinda would have gone through with the murder without Laurie? I found Laurie to be especially disturbing.

I think it was a perfect storm of teenagers getting together. That combo was combustible.

 

[na19]

This was one of the first cases I ever read about when I first got a computer back in the 00's. I'm looking forward to receiving the book and discussing with you all.

 

[Indyhandmade]

Hi all! Excited to join the club. I’ve never heard of this case and I’m from Indiana. I might have to skip the forum until I’ve caught up so I don’t find out too much ahead of time!

 

[Tricia]

I would like to remind members of this book club that they can post any time they want now. We are discussing the first 60 pages or 30 pages a week but we may change that. Feel free to come in and start posting. Don't worry if you don't get a response right away. People will be going in and out of this forum 24/7

 

[Bipolar Express]

I read until page 38, or in my book , “part 2-The Girls”.

I read this a million years ago after it first came out. My friends and I passed it around and were horrified by what we read.

I had been reading True Crime for a while by then, and I was currently in law enforcement and had seen horrible things….yet, this was still horrifying to me.

The contrast between these girls borrowing clothes from Melinda and giggling at the start of this macabre non-sleepover, and what would happen the next morning is mind numbingly terrifying.

I wish Shanda had fought harder-I get the feeling she was just so terrified…but still I so badly wish she just would have went to sleep in her own bed that night.

But for the grace of God, go I….

My new version of this book (the original copy lost decades ago) does not have any pictures in it all-good thing Google is a thing now.

 

[Tricia]

I read until page 38, or in my book , “part 2-The Girls”.

I read this a million years ago after it first came out. My friends and I passed it around and were horrified by what we read.

I had been reading True Crime for a while by then, and I was currently in law enforcement and had seen horrible things….yet, this was still horrifying to me.

The contrast between these girls borrowing clothes from Melinda and giggling at the start of this macabre non-sleepover, and what would happen the next morning is mind numbingly terrifying.

I wish Shanda had fought harder-I get the feeling she was just so terrified…but still I so badly wish she just would have went to sleep in her own bed that night.

But for the grace of God, go I….

My new version of this book (the original copy lost decades ago) does not have any pictures in it all-good thing Google is a thing now.

Interesting that they took the pictures out of the latest book.
I can't even go there trying to imagine Shonda's terror. OMG

 

[Bipolar Express]

I have seen in my readings that people "go along" for one of two reasons. 1) They get into a situation they have no idea how to get out of and are scared of being hurt themselves or 2) They already have a tendency towards doing what the others are doing, but are conflicted because they KNOW their inclination is not morally correct or right. Like dipping a toe in the water or living vicariously by watching. That one is the one that bothers me a lot.

Yes. Also, they were kids. They dont understand reality…sure they knew it was wrong, but they naively thought theyd never be caught, the naively thought they wouldnt be told on, they didnt give any real thought to the repercussions. Instant gratification, grandiose ideas, being “cool”, “fitting in”. Being a teenager sucks.

Yet, there is more to it. These particular girls had to be lacking natural empathy, which is scary.

I did stupid things as a teen but never in a million years would I sit by and allow someone to be killed. Its not in my nature…but it was in theirs. And herewithin lies the question. Whats the difference? Upbringing? Genetics? Brain abnormalities? All put together? Nature Vs Nurture. I dont think we will ever truly know the magic ratio of these variables that go into the making of monsters.

 

[umchocky]

I just ordered the book from Amazon.

I resubscribed to kindle unlimited!

 

[NeilC]

Why do you think this type of horrific crime with teenage girls didn't happen say in

I read until page 38, or in my book , “part 2-The Girls”.

I read this a million years ago after it first came out. My friends and I passed it around and were horrified by what we read.

I had been reading True Crime for a while by then, and I was currently in law enforcement and had seen horrible things….yet, this was still horrifying to me.

The contrast between these girls borrowing clothes from Melinda and giggling at the start of this macabre non-sleepover, and what would happen the next morning is mind numbingly terrifying.

I wish Shanda had fought harder-I get the feeling she was just so terrified…but still I so badly wish she just would have went to sleep in her own bed that night.

But for the grace of God, go I….

My new version of this book (the original copy lost decades ago) does not have any pictures in it all-good thing Google is a thing now.

I felt the same for Shanda and kept saying “girl RUN!” The whole thing is just horrific. I’m former LEO, too. I also worked in jail facilities, a women’s penitentiary, men’s prisons and community corrections and I don’t remember anything this twisted.

 

[Lisa G1]

Loving the book it has me hooked. Looking forward to discussing with everyone.

 

[mickey2942]

Nice, I just found the book, "Cruel Sacrifice" on Amazon Unlimited.

 

[PeachesVonTT]

I felt the same for Shanda and kept saying “girl RUN!” The whole thing is just horrific. I’m former LEO, too. I also worked in jail facilities, a women’s penitentiary, men’s prisons and community corrections and I don’t remember anything this twisted.

I agree. I wish she would have ran and the other girls help her. It really bothers me that she was only twelve years old. I feel like, as a teenager, you live a lot of life between twelve and fifteen. It was an easy target for misplaced anger.

I also think about how Shanda must have thought these were the "cool older girls". She was trying to fit in and impress them.

 

[justice4joe]

I read 69 pages in one sitting! I didn’t want to stop reading !

 

[justice4joe]

Melinda’s background is horrifying, but no excuse for a crime like this. Oops I’m probably beyond the first 30 pages

 

[PeachesVonTT]

Melinda’s background is horrifying, but no excuse for a crime like this. Oops I’m probably beyond the first 30 pages

I did too! I read the first 60 and I'm busting to talk about it. I think it's new week.

 

[Baba O'Riley]

Although I have read a lot of true crime books in my life, I usually avoid reading about the murders and abuse of children. I have never read anything by Aphrodite Jones. I started reading it today, and I am already past page 60. I am horrified but I cannot look away. Looking forward to the discussion on this thread. Thanks for choosing this book.

 

[Tricia]

Although I have read a lot of true crime books in my life, I usually avoid reading about the murders and abuse of children. I have never read anything by Aphrodite Jones. I started reading it today, and I am already past page 60. I am horrified but I cannot look away. Looking forward to the discussion on this thread. Thanks for choosing this book.

Hey @Baba O'Riley,
I hear you.
Aphrodite Jones is incredible. And this story is so shocking.
In case you didn't catch it, Aphrodite will be joining us on a Zoom call when we finish the book.
If you would like to join us in our twice-a-month Zoom calls with other book club members, and when we do the Zoom with Jones, please make sure you email Stacy at [email protected]. Tell Stacy you want to join the book club and give her your user name. When it's time for our Zoom calls, you will receive an invite.
Thanks again.
I'm loving the vibe in this book club. I think this is the beginning of a long and beautiful friendship. Is that a famous line from a movie, or am I losing what is left of my mind?
Thanks
Tricia