One-line Summary:

Unbelievable is a gripping true crime book that explores the shocking story of a young woman named Marie who is accused of lying about being raped, and the two female detectives who work tirelessly to uncover the truth.

Introduction:

Unbelievable, written by T. Christian Miller and Ken Armstrong, is a riveting true crime book that delves into the harrowing story of a young woman named Marie who is accused of fabricating a rape allegation. Set in Washington and Colorado, the book follows the parallel investigations of two female detectives, Stacy Galbraith and Edna Hendershot, as they work tirelessly to uncover the truth. Through meticulous research and interviews, Miller and Armstrong shed light on the flaws in the criminal justice system and the impact of trauma on survivors.

The Investigation Begins:

The book opens with the story of Marie, a teenager who reports being raped in her own apartment. However, as the investigation progresses, doubts arise about the veracity of her claims. Detectives Galbraith and Hendershot, who are initially skeptical, soon realize that Marie’s case bears striking similarities to other unsolved cases in the area. As they dig deeper, they uncover a pattern of serial sexual assaults that have gone unnoticed by law enforcement.

The Power of Belief:

Unbelievable explores the power of belief and the biases that can cloud judgment. Marie’s case is met with skepticism and disbelief by those in authority, leading to a traumatic experience for the young woman. The authors delve into the psychological impact of trauma and the ways in which survivors are often re-victimized by a system that fails to support them. Through their meticulous research, Miller and Armstrong highlight the importance of believing survivors and the need for a more compassionate and victim-centered approach to investigations.

Key Takeaways:

• The criminal justice system often fails survivors of sexual assault, leading to a lack of justice and support.
• Believing survivors is crucial in creating an environment where they feel safe to come forward and seek justice.
• The impact of trauma on survivors is profound and can have long-lasting effects on their mental health and well-being.
• Serial offenders can go undetected for years due to systemic failures and biases within law enforcement.
• Improvements in training and protocols are necessary to ensure that survivors are treated with empathy and respect.

A Memorable Quote:

“The system was built to protect the innocent, but it also protected the guilty.” – Unbelievable

Unbelievable is a powerful and thought-provoking book that sheds light on the flaws in the criminal justice system and the impact of trauma on survivors of sexual assault. Through the parallel investigations of two determined detectives, the authors expose the biases and systemic failures that often prevent justice from being served. This book serves as a call to action, urging readers to believe survivors, challenge societal norms, and work towards a more compassionate and victim-centered approach to addressing sexual assault.