Who Killed My Daughter by Lois Duncan

This is the story of a mother's search for the truth behind her daughter's death and shows how she was able to uncover information that the police could not.In one sentence you get an idea of what the book is about but truthfully this book is really about a mother's love for her daughter,the journey she took to find her killers,a process of healing,an idea that if she could not control the circumstances leading to her daughter's death then she could try and control what happens afterwards.A tragic journey into the mind of a parent who loses a child,an insight of what every parent most dreads.

I got the distinct feeling that Lois Duncan wrote this book as a letter to her daughter,to let her know wherever she is that her mother loved her.That her time on this earth was precious and she will be in her mother's heart now and forever.

I chose this book to review because of what happened today.My daughter did not go to school today as she has an ear infection.I had to go to work and left her at home alone.At about midday I saw there was a missed call from her on my cell.I tried calling back and no answer on the landline and no answer on her two other cell numbers.I started panicking and immediately as I was driving back home I had these thoughts on how I was going to perform CPR and call the ambulance at the same time and worrying that they were going to ask me to spell out my street address as this happens every time and wondering why people that sell houses never make this a selling point,as in, your street name is David Street,you will never have to spell it out when you order take outs,ever.I called a friend and said they must be on stand by so that if I miss called,he is to call the ambulance right way.As I screeched to a halt in front of my house she finally answered the phone,I burst out crying,she told me she had been in the bath and then called me a "retard" for being so emotional.My daughter,my angel,my reason for living!!

Back to this wonderful book by Lois Duncan,this courageous mother who decided to take action and do something,anything.My heart goes out to her.She wrote this book in such an open way,and totally bares her feelings for all to see.The writing itself was so easy to read and follow despite the painful content.The story leaves a lot of unanswered questions but the investigation by this mom raised a lot of questions which might never have arisen were it not for her.Some questions are answered,some not.Quite a few unresolved issues but I would not have missed reading this book for the world.

The most tragic for me is when she explores in hindsight what she could have done to prevent what happened.Could she have insisted Kaitlyn not go out?So many little things she could have changed if only she could have foreseen the future.Guilt she will live with forever.No human being should have to shoulder pain like this for a lifetime.

Basically this was a book about a mother's love for her child,a love letter,a final journey she took with her daughter,putting her own mind to rest,gaining some peace,an apology "I couldn't protect you".I have always loved you and will always love you.

I feel priveleged to have read this book.I read it in May 2007.For South African readers who would like to know more about this book please use this link for Kalahari Books or if you would like to read some more reviews on this amazing book then use the Amazon link below.
Who Killed My Daughter?
There are no photographs in this book but the front cover was all I needed.The way Lois Duncan wrote this book was enough for me to be able to visualize all I need to know.