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Terror by Night: The True Story of the Brutal Texas Murder that Destroyed a Family, . . .
by
Terry Caffey
At 3:00 a.m. on March 1, 2008, Terry Caffey awoke to find his daughter’s boyfriend standing in his bedroom with a gun. An instant later the teen opened fire, killing Terry’s wife, his two sons, and wounding him 12 times, before setting the house ablaze. Terry fell into deep depression and planned to kill himself, but God intervened. Upon visiting his burned-out property, T...more
Kindle Edition, 288 pages
Published
November 5th 2009
by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.
(first published 2009)
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I give him 5stars for his strength and will to survive the horrendous attack. But, I had a hard time relating to his undying faith of "God is great, no matter what", as I would NOT be feeling that way had my husband and children been so brutally murdered; and even worst if a child of mine had something to do with it. I don't think I could be like him and think "this must've happened so I could help someone else" ...um..WHAT????
More power to him as it's better to live life without negativity, but...more
More power to him as it's better to live life without negativity, but...more
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Terry Caffey writes a gripping account of what he experienced when he lost his wife, & 2 sons to the hands of his daughter's (Erin) boyfriend and 2 friends. He never would have expected the shock that was awaiting him when authorities told him thaty his daughter was the mastermind behind the murders.
Terry describes in detail his road to forgiveness and coping with the loss of his family and coming to terms with the reality of the role that his daughter played in the crime.
It was good to hea...more
Terry describes in detail his road to forgiveness and coping with the loss of his family and coming to terms with the reality of the role that his daughter played in the crime.
It was good to hea...more
The book was one that was from the heart, you could feel the emotions Mr. Caffey experienced from the very start from the Love he had for he family, to the concern he had for his daughter Erin in her dating choices. You could feel the nervousness and the lack of security, but most of all you could feel the power of the Holy Spirit working in his life. And then In my life, In 1984 my brother at the age of 17 was involved in a one vehical accident in which he was one of 3 passengers that were kill...more
I downloaded this book after watching the story of the Caffey family on ABC's Final Witness last week.
Penny Caffey and her two sons were brutally murdered by her daughter's (Erin Caffey) boyfriend and another young man. The house was then set on fire. Terry Caffey survived being shot four times. He crawled through the woods to his neighbor's house to get help. At that time, he believes his entire family is dead. Later, Erin is found hiding at her boyfriend's home. She claims that she was kidnap...more
Penny Caffey and her two sons were brutally murdered by her daughter's (Erin Caffey) boyfriend and another young man. The house was then set on fire. Terry Caffey survived being shot four times. He crawled through the woods to his neighbor's house to get help. At that time, he believes his entire family is dead. Later, Erin is found hiding at her boyfriend's home. She claims that she was kidnap...more
This book had such an impact on me that I'm still thinking about two weeks after I've finished reading it. If I could give a higher rating, I would rate it 10 stars.
Although it reads like a novel, this is a true story of a horrific crime that included the murders of the author's wife and two sons, severe injuries to the author, the destruction of his home by arson, and the conviction of his daughter along with three others for the crime.
Terry Caffey was in the medical supply business but had b...more
Although it reads like a novel, this is a true story of a horrific crime that included the murders of the author's wife and two sons, severe injuries to the author, the destruction of his home by arson, and the conviction of his daughter along with three others for the crime.
Terry Caffey was in the medical supply business but had b...more
This book is an interesting story, and I ended up giving it three stars more for the perseverance and courage of the author rather than the book itself.
The book itself has a couple typos here and there (not in letters or anything, just in the main text of the story), and the author repeats himself numerous times, up until the ending. I also wasn't expecting the book quite as religious-focused as it turned out to be- most Christian books do a better job of advertising on the cover that they will...more
The book itself has a couple typos here and there (not in letters or anything, just in the main text of the story), and the author repeats himself numerous times, up until the ending. I also wasn't expecting the book quite as religious-focused as it turned out to be- most Christian books do a better job of advertising on the cover that they will...more
Terry Caffey thought that things were going well with his family. They were having some trouble with his daughter, and the boys she had been choosing to date, but he felt like this was under control and he was preparing to be ordained by his church in a month. Erin had broken up with her last boyfriend about a month before and there hadn't seemed to be any repercussions - until the night of March 1.
As it states above, on March 1, 2008, Terry's wife and sons were murdered, he was shot and left f...more
As it states above, on March 1, 2008, Terry's wife and sons were murdered, he was shot and left f...more
Terror by Night
Terry Caffey with James H. Pence
2009
Tyndale House Publishing
Non-fiction/True Crime
Reviewed by Cindy Loven
Terry Caffey, has truly lived a nightmare, no one should ever have to live. His family murdered, his house burned down, and himself left for dead, he thinks he is the only surviving member of his family.
To his delight, then horror, he discovers his daughter has survived, however she was involved with the murders. In fact the District Attorney, believes she is the master mind b...more
Terry Caffey with James H. Pence
2009
Tyndale House Publishing
Non-fiction/True Crime
Reviewed by Cindy Loven
Terry Caffey, has truly lived a nightmare, no one should ever have to live. His family murdered, his house burned down, and himself left for dead, he thinks he is the only surviving member of his family.
To his delight, then horror, he discovers his daughter has survived, however she was involved with the murders. In fact the District Attorney, believes she is the master mind b...more
Terry thought that he had the perfect family and that things were going well. When his 16-year-old daughter Erin began acting out, he and his wife Penny coughed it up to normal teenage rebellion. However, at 3:00 a.m. on March 1, 2008, Terry awoke to find his daughter’s boyfriend standing in his bedroom with a gun, the teen then opens fire on Terry, his wife and thier children, brutally and violently murdering them. Afterwords, by some miracle, Terry makes it out of his burning house several yar...more
Jan 15, 2010
Haley Mathiot
rated it
5 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
all 14+
Shelves:
5-star-bookshelf
Terror by Night: the true story of the brutal texas murder that destroyed a family, restored one man’s faith, and shocked a nation.
by Terry Caffey with James H. Pence
Genre: True Crime, Christian, memoir
Rating: 5
My summary: Terry woke up one night and saw his daughter’s ex-boyfriend standing in front of him with a gun. Charlie shot him several times, killed his wife, then him and his friend brutally killed his two sons. They set the house on fire, thinking everyone was dead. Terry managed to esc...more
by Terry Caffey with James H. Pence
Genre: True Crime, Christian, memoir
Rating: 5
My summary: Terry woke up one night and saw his daughter’s ex-boyfriend standing in front of him with a gun. Charlie shot him several times, killed his wife, then him and his friend brutally killed his two sons. They set the house on fire, thinking everyone was dead. Terry managed to esc...more
This is one of those books that you can never say that you "enjoyed" as it is about someones tragedy. But it also shows with God, all things really are possible and you can get through your worst case scenario.
I am shocked that I do not remember hearing about this story when it happened, but someone recommended the book to me, and it was free on e-reader. I see that there are varying comments about this book, saying he wrote it for money or recognition. And that it is too "preachy". People, it...more
I am shocked that I do not remember hearing about this story when it happened, but someone recommended the book to me, and it was free on e-reader. I see that there are varying comments about this book, saying he wrote it for money or recognition. And that it is too "preachy". People, it...more
I first heard about this story while watching the TV show The Final Witness. I really enjoy true crime books so I thought this would be a really interesting book to read. Sadly I was incredibly disappointed. I was hoping that there would be more stories about the court cases and how the trials went and while they were discussed, it was not in much depth. Also, I had a hard time getting passed all of the religion. I have never been religious but have been jealous of people who have such faith in...more
Dec 29, 2009
Crystal
rated it
5 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
for-review,
read-december-2009
Terror By Night is an amazing story of how one man lived through a viscious attack on his family and not only survived but slowly learned to love and live again and serve God in the process.
After what happens on that horrible March night, Terry Caffey has every right to be bitter and he is, but the real story in this book is how he comes to terms with his life and his loss. The brutality of his family's murders is horrible and the only part of the book I had trouble with, though it is not discus...more
After what happens on that horrible March night, Terry Caffey has every right to be bitter and he is, but the real story in this book is how he comes to terms with his life and his loss. The brutality of his family's murders is horrible and the only part of the book I had trouble with, though it is not discus...more
While the basic story is good, there were certain aspects of this book that really bothered me, including the dialogue which at times appeared very manufactured. There is an undertone which hints at a family which was extremly strict with their religion and morals, and the author seems to come off as surprised that his children could deviate from this standard at all. There is no justification for what role the daughter played in the disaster. I feel pained in saying so; however, on some level I...more
This is a true-crime story about the murders of Penny and her two sons, as told by Terry Caffey, the husband and father who was also nearly killed in the same attack. This book is slightly different than the usual true-crime fare in that this book has a lot of Christianity interspersed throughout the story, as the author details his feelings about God and how they evolve before, during, and long after the crime has been resolved. As a true-crime reader, I enjoyed reading this and didn't find the...more
Just in an instant Terry's family was gone, his house was gone and somehow her daughter was involved with the unfortunate event.
Here, Terry let us entered his life, the trauma, the struggles, the pain he went through. But what makes this a very special book is how he overcame all of this... by his faith. God has everything for a purpose for those who love Him, we may not understand sometimes but we should not forget that He is in control of everything.
If you still don't get it on how God is in c...more
Here, Terry let us entered his life, the trauma, the struggles, the pain he went through. But what makes this a very special book is how he overcame all of this... by his faith. God has everything for a purpose for those who love Him, we may not understand sometimes but we should not forget that He is in control of everything.
If you still don't get it on how God is in c...more
In just 1 short year Terry Caffey looses his whole family, his home, all his worldly goods, and his faith in the almighty. What he doesn't see at the time is that God has a plan for him that takes him through a wolrd of unspeakable hurt, torment, and struggle to bring him into a world of complete trust and desire in the Lord. Terry ends up knowing the true path of Job and even thought he still struggles with his loss his faith in God not only is restored, but his walk with God is strengthened. I...more
I downloaded this book for mere curiosity in how someone that lived through such a horrific tragedy would write a story on it. It was really hard for me to relate to Caffey in the way that he forgave his daughter and the other killers for murdering his wife and two sons! I understand his views in the Lord suffering for our redemption and can understand why he would feel the need to act in the same manner; I just personally could not do it. Overall, easy read, interesting story, and a lot of spir...more
Although he went thru an unbelievable tragedy, Terry comes out the winner as he delves into his relationship with God. Guess I just expected less ministry and more backstory about all the participants, including Charlie, Charles and Bobbi's backgrounds, but never happened. I really don't think I could come to the release point emotionally that he has with this , re: his remarriage and relationship with his daughter, but maybe it's different for mothers?
This book was such an inspiring story. The events that transpired happened not far from where I have lived and grown up, so it was easy for me to visualize many of the places referenced in this book. What Terry physically and spiritually went through is more than I could ever imagine and yet he made it through to the other side. This book inspired me to go back and read the book of Job in the bible, and there are many similarities to Job and Terry. You can see the hand of God working through out...more
This was a great story of a christian family and the tragedy that happened. It showed that no matter what happens in your life, God can always bring about good from it. This is a book that you can hardly put down. I along with many will ask if I could ever go through something like this. The answer is probably no but....with God all things are possible and with God He can make a way when there is no way.
I could not put this book down even though I knew what was coming. I felt Mr. Caffey was brutally honest with what could only have been excruciating memories. Some wonder how Mr. Caffey could be so gracious regarding God, but I believe that is the ONLY way to survive something this horrendous. He has tapped into the secret of a life of peace and contentment. Amazing story of love and mercy.
A truly touching story of Terry Caffey who in one night lost his wife and two sons, as victims of a brutal murder. On top of the loss, his only daughter, Erin, was accused of being the mastermind behind the murders. Follow Terry's journey through grief, shattered hope, questioning his faith in God and finally forgiveness in the truest sense of the word. His faith in God is remarkable.
What a horrific story--and true. I remember reading about this crime soon after it happened, wondering what exactly went wrong. Pence and Caffey do a phenomenal job of painstakingly recounting the details of the case, unpacking the emotional story in a thriller-like manner. It's not often that I can't put down a book, but this one kept beckoning me to turn the page well into the night.
Based on a true story, this man's account of the tragedy of losing his family will keep any reader wondering how he made it through. His anger towards God is not only understandable, but easy for most to relate to as we have all had struggles in our lives that don't make sense. His eventual peace comes after placing his trust in God and finding good in the tragedies he has faced.
Interesting and sad story but I think the author was using the book more for his ministry than to get out the story of his family's murder. Very preachy in some chapters. I am a Christian and believe that God can help you through tough times but I really felt this author sounded almost fanatical at times. I skipped alot of the book because I was sick of reading the same thing over and over.
The perfect family, yet tragedy strikes. How does a father survive when his family is murdered and his daughter is convicted of the crime? How does a person understand this type of horror? How can a Father continue a relationship with his daughter, who sits in jail? How does a person pick up the pieces and move on in their life?
I saw this story on an episode of a show called "Final Witness" entitled, "The Kids Aren't Alright". I was moved by Terry's ability to survive after all the horrors he went through and how his faith enabled him to live life again. The book he wrote about the tragedy was very good and inspirational.
(Not a spoiler this is listed on the book jacket!) The true story of a teenage girl who was so upset that her parents told her she couldn't date her boyfriend anymore that she tried to gundown her whole family! Her father, Terry somehow managed to survive and write this book. Scary, intresting, quick read.
I think I would have rated the book 4-stars but it was an emotional book to read and it made me cry. I was inspired by the author's faith and strength, but I was also troubled and upset reading about the crime. If you don't mind going on an emotional roller-coaster then I definitely recommend reading this book.
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Terry Caffey lives in Wills Point, Texas with his wife, Sonja, and their sons, Blake and Tanner.
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