Book description
In April 2002, Janine Latus's youngest sister Amy wrote a note and
taped it to the inside of her desk drawer. 'If I am gone or dead', it
read, 'question Ron'.
By the time the letter was found, Amy was already missing.
Helicopters and 'missing' posters went up and search dogs were sent
out. It took more than two weeks to find Amy's body, wrapped in a
tarpaulin and buried at a building site. Ron had been Amy's boyfriend.
He is now in prison for her murder.
Since childhood, Janine and Amy had been sexualised and belittled.
As adults the sisters, trapped in a cycle of abuse, ended up in a
series of violent relationships. Finally, Janine faced her demons and,
with Amy's support, escaped in time. But Amy was keeping a terrible
secret of her own ...
Amy never escaped. She died in silent fear and pain. Janine has
resolved to break that silence so that her sister didn't die in vain.
Janine Latus is a freelance writer, radio commentator, local TV
celebrity and regular public speaker. She has also taught writing and
journalism at several universities and is on the board of directors of
the American Society of Journalists & Authors. She lives in
Virginia, USA.
If I Am Missing or Dead
is her first book. For more about Janine Latus visit www.
ifiammissingordead. com
