Who Killed My Daughter?: The Startling True Story of a Mother's Search for Her Daughter's Murderer

Thanks to my friend Amy, who told me she was currently reading I Know What You Did Last Summer, I was reminded of the summer of 1989 and wondered what had ever happened in the murder of the author's daughter and came across mention of this book. It was a local news story for me at the time, and I was just a couple of years younger than Kait. At that time I was so familiar with all the places mentioned in the book and had loosely followed the case over the years. I remember when this book came out and Ms Duncan was on the national talk show circuit. I was in college far out of state at the time and was interested to an extent. I had been a reader of Ms Duncan's books prior to all of this, and remember being excited to find out she lived in our city and even had the opportunity to hear her speak once. So though I did not personally know anyone in the Arquette family, I did have a bit of a person investment I suppose. As it has been more years than I would like to admit, and the case has been cold for most of those, I still found this book mesmerizing and touching in ways I couldn't have at the time it was released. As a mother my heart breaks for the family and, naturally makes me have those stray thoughts no mother ever wants to have - what lengths would I be able to go to if such tragedy struck my family. It's a very chilling road to even accidentally step a toe into, but brings such empathy to the author and her struggle. Relating to the environment in which this took place, both physically and politically, takes it to yet another level. Knowing that the author has since passed after a long and fruitful life just makes it sadder that justice was never served. At least with this book still easily found, and the story being mentioned in the author's bio, the story and her lovely daughter live on. Extremely well written.

I bought "Who Killed My Daughter?" because, as a Middle School English teacher, I was aware of the author's novels, which my students had read eagerly. It was only after the book arrived, and I started to read it, that I appreciated the role of psychics in this narrative. Lois Duncan has bravely presented the frustrations and limitations of the criminal justice system, especially in places where there is gang activity and a major drug trade. The police choose their battles, or are actually criminal themselves -- for whatever reason, an individual crime, such as Kaitlin's murder, becomes a low priority. As soon as I finished the book, I went on-line and was sad to learn that there has not been a resolution for this family. Lois and Don have done incredible work in putting forward the issues, and pointing out the reasonable explanations for what has happened. As they have done so, they have also -- I am sure -- inspired and comforted many other families. I found the psychics to be an interesting strand in this book, although I agree that some of the actual transcripts are difficult to read. Still, it is in that difficulty that the truth lies, and so the actual documentation is essential. I hope and pray that this crime will be solved, and that this family will find some peace.

I originally read this in middle school or should I say started it and forgot about it. Last year, it popped up on my Amazon and knew i wanted to finish it. Great read, truly can feel the mother’s love for her daughter and the justice she wants as well.

This is kind of a weird book. It was interesting and I found it a compelling read, but it felt like the author suddenly ran out of steam towards the end. It ended somewhat abruptly and there were a lot of missing links and inconsistencies. I also had a lot of trouble feeling the sympathy that the author wanted me to feel about her daughter, due to the fact that the daughter's choices led her to where she ended up. Sad.

I have probably read this book a dozen times. Each time I read it, I am entirely mesmerized by all of the lessons this book has taught me. Every copy I buy, I’ve made a point to pass it on to another person in my life. Lois writes so eloquently about the lessons that she learned along her journey to find her daughters killer and deal with her immense grief.

After reading Gallows Hill by Lois Duncan I decided to buy all of her supsense novels just because it was so good. Well...I hadn't read any of them but for some reason I was like I'll buy Who Killed My Daughter? and I just have to say WOW!!...I'm a Christian so some of the things in this book really made me think; and I really feel like contacting this author because she also explained her faith a tad bit in the book also. This book is heart-breaking but also very inspirational. I also looked forward to reading this because my sister's friend died in a car accident three years ago and her mother has also written a novel, filled with interviews of her daughter's friends (my sister is in the book). However, I do not know what the title of this book, the last name of the author, or when this book is due to release but it is in the publication process. Overall, read this book.

When Lois Duncan got the call that her youngest daughter was in the emergency room, murder was the last thing on her mind. As time passed, she learned more than she could have imagined about Kaitlyn, her boyfriend, and organized crime. There are more questions than answers in this book, but don't let that stop you. It's an excellent true crime story and memoir.

Lois Duncan has always been one of my favorite authors. In my early teens, she helped me really get into reading. Her books always have held me spell-bound. The story of her daughter has held me captured once again but in a true to life experience. I have been reading this book with such haste and concern for my dear "friend" hoping to find answers to the circumstances around her daughters death. My heart is broken for her and yet so amazed as she still moves on and never gives up. I find the similarities to her books and the true life experiences mesmerizing. I do believe in a life here after. I believe they are very aware of our feelings and thoughts.

I'd always loved Lois Duncan's books and was curious to read more about her daughter's murder. This was a really fascinating read and hard to put down. Such a terribly sad story at the same time, especially as all these years later there is still no resolution.

Inspiring

Sad story, boring book.