In 2005, Dennis Rader confessed without remorse to the murders of ten people, including two childrenacts that destroyed seven families and wrecked countless lives in the process. As the town of Wichita, Kansas, celebrated the end of a thirty-one-year nightmare, another was just beginning for his daughter, Kerri Rawson.
Suffering from unexplainable night terrors for much of her childhood and young adult years, Kerri was unaware of her father's crimes until the FBI knocked on her apartment door, plunging Kerri into a black hole of horror and disbelief. Her dad had been leading a double life. The same man who had been a loving father, devoted husband, church president, Boy Scout leader, and public servant had been using his family as a cover for his heinous crimes since before she was born.
Telling her story with candor and courage, Kerri writes for all who carry unhealed wounds and who struggle to protect themselves and their families from the crippling effects of violence, betrayal, anger, and loss. A Serial Killer's Daughter is an intimate and honest exploration of life with one of America's most notorious serial killers. For anyone grappling with how to forgive the unforgivable, rebuild lives in the shadow of death, and hold on to sanity in the midst of madness, Kerri's story will shock, astound, and ultimately encourage.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Kerri Rawson is the daughter of Dennis Rader, better known to the world as the serial killer BTK. Since her father's arrest, Kerri has been an advocate for victims of abuse, crime, and trauma, sharing her journey of hope, healing, faith, and forgiveness. She lives with her husband, two children, and two cats in Michigan.
REVIEWS:
As a Kansas who's been hearing about Dennis Rader or his deeds for forty years, this is an excellent story because of the different perspective that the author provides. Kerri Rawson shares her grieving and dealing processes so vividly, not only for those murdered and for their families, but for herself and her own shocked family as they themselves were victimized. Incredibly brave and realistic writing. Reading about what a loving and supporting family she grew up with makes her father's crimes all the more unbelievable and horrifying. So glad I read this. Odd but it left me with a soothing sense of closure, peace, and this refreshing lack of having any more curiosity about the whole story/saga/BTK thing. This book really puts a lot of thoughts to rest. All these years I've wondered about how Dennis Rader's family dealt with the aftermath of his crimes. Now I feel like I know. Thank you Kerri. I feel like I know you too, now. Very good book.
-Merry Present
For all we have been confronted with in the BTK story, this book was a glimpse into the personal devastation to Dennis Rader's own family. Kerri weaves a story giving the reader the background of her growing up years with her father which allows us to truly understand the shock and trauma she has been through since the day of his arrest. I couldn't lay this down.
-Sally lackey
