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No One Can Hurt Him Anymore
Author Rothgeb ("Hometown Killer") and Lantana, Florida, prosecutor Cupp tell the riveting inside story of how Jessica Schwarz was successfully convicted in the brutal abuse and death of her own stepson in 1993. photos.
320 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published May 3, 2005
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
September 14, 2012
the one thing that bugs me about this book, it was dedicated to the volunteer guardian, "his guardian angel" who despite the red flags, let the boy slip through the cracks. to me it should have been dedicated to the teacher. she showed more affectionn and love than the guardian with his 17 visits.
December 25, 2009
I Started this book on July 31, 2009 and finished it on August 2, 2009. That is a fast read for me. I find I am always able to read a book faster when I am intrigued by it. I have to rate this book a 5 on a scale of 1-5.
I like the way it was written. It flowed smoothly. Although the detectives and judges were mentioned, they were not overly done.
I liked the inclusion of witness interviews. I also like the format that was used in showing what the people said.
Most of all, I found this book interesting because it made me feel emotion. I don't think it can be said any better than the way the prosecutor, Joseph Marx put it, in his closing remarks.
"Last night, when I was staying up thinking about what I was going to say - and crumpling up paper - I had a recurring thought and it was this: That in today's society we've come to accept violence as a way of life. And we just accept that's the way it is.
"We turn on the TV when we get home and we turn on the news. This person has been shot. This person has been killed. This child has been kidnapped. And we just accept it because we can't do anything about it.
"It's hard to believe that people can be so cruel to one another. Sometimes this thing we call a trial - this search for truth and justice - is an ugly process.
"But the sad part of the story- and what's unfortunate - is that it's true and you can't turn your head and you can't change the channel.
"But you see, there's some good news here. Because this time it's your chance, as citizens and as jurors that you can do something. It reminds me of an old movie with Faye Dunaway and William Holden called Network. And everybody sticks their head out the window and shouts, 'I'm mad as hell and I'm not going to take it anymore!'
"And this is your chance. You send this defendant a message that you're mad as hell and you are not going to take this anymore. You're not! This is your opportunity. "
Reading this book made me mad as hell. I wanted to take this little boy home with me and show him that the world did have some good people in it. I wanted to love him. And all the time I was reading it I was thinking about how we all failed him. At some points I found myself thinking I was glad he finally died so now maybe he's somewhere he can find some happiness or at least be at peace. I found myself thinking God sent this little child to earth and gave people a chance to love it and then he finally gave up that anyone was going to and just said "That's enough, come home my child!"
The really sad thing about this crime book is that there are more and more being written about unloved, uncared for, abused, helpless children every day. God help us!
I like the way it was written. It flowed smoothly. Although the detectives and judges were mentioned, they were not overly done.
I liked the inclusion of witness interviews. I also like the format that was used in showing what the people said.
Most of all, I found this book interesting because it made me feel emotion. I don't think it can be said any better than the way the prosecutor, Joseph Marx put it, in his closing remarks.
"Last night, when I was staying up thinking about what I was going to say - and crumpling up paper - I had a recurring thought and it was this: That in today's society we've come to accept violence as a way of life. And we just accept that's the way it is.
"We turn on the TV when we get home and we turn on the news. This person has been shot. This person has been killed. This child has been kidnapped. And we just accept it because we can't do anything about it.
"It's hard to believe that people can be so cruel to one another. Sometimes this thing we call a trial - this search for truth and justice - is an ugly process.
"But the sad part of the story- and what's unfortunate - is that it's true and you can't turn your head and you can't change the channel.
"But you see, there's some good news here. Because this time it's your chance, as citizens and as jurors that you can do something. It reminds me of an old movie with Faye Dunaway and William Holden called Network. And everybody sticks their head out the window and shouts, 'I'm mad as hell and I'm not going to take it anymore!'
"And this is your chance. You send this defendant a message that you're mad as hell and you are not going to take this anymore. You're not! This is your opportunity. "
Reading this book made me mad as hell. I wanted to take this little boy home with me and show him that the world did have some good people in it. I wanted to love him. And all the time I was reading it I was thinking about how we all failed him. At some points I found myself thinking I was glad he finally died so now maybe he's somewhere he can find some happiness or at least be at peace. I found myself thinking God sent this little child to earth and gave people a chance to love it and then he finally gave up that anyone was going to and just said "That's enough, come home my child!"
The really sad thing about this crime book is that there are more and more being written about unloved, uncared for, abused, helpless children every day. God help us!
November 9, 2012
Unless you LOVE reading page after page of verbatim court transcripts, pass this up in favor of a TC with more psychological analysis.
February 1, 2019
Disturbing! Not only the story about this murderer, but how it has become increasingly noted that in our society today that the likes of these tormentors are prevalent & almost everyday
August 18, 2019
AJ's story was difficult to read. The poor child was truly alone. The System failed him miserably.
The System meant to protect children was presented as a group of incompetents who ignored reports of abuse because the supposed abuser said the stories were not true? No follow-up?!
This story is important and it needed to be told. However, the writing style of this book leant toward sensationalism and read rather flat at times.
A sad story of neglect, abuse and incompetence of authority agencies.
I would have liked to hear more from the father's perspective. Throughtout, there is no direct word from him and he's barely mentioned in any real sense.
Rest in peace, AJ.
The System meant to protect children was presented as a group of incompetents who ignored reports of abuse because the supposed abuser said the stories were not true? No follow-up?!
This story is important and it needed to be told. However, the writing style of this book leant toward sensationalism and read rather flat at times.
A sad story of neglect, abuse and incompetence of authority agencies.
I would have liked to hear more from the father's perspective. Throughtout, there is no direct word from him and he's barely mentioned in any real sense.
Rest in peace, AJ.
January 24, 2009
read this book last night. it is such a sad story. On amazon this book has raving reviews and that is why I added it to my wish list but I do not agree with the 5 stars a lot of people are giving this book.
I think they are only giving it 5 stars because they feel sad for little A.J cause the book , the writing is definitely not worth 5 stars.
So repetitive. it has been a long time I've read a book so repetitive as this one.
I give it 3 stars because of the boy and the prosecutor
I think they are only giving it 5 stars because they feel sad for little A.J cause the book , the writing is definitely not worth 5 stars.
So repetitive. it has been a long time I've read a book so repetitive as this one.
I give it 3 stars because of the boy and the prosecutor
September 11, 2010
I needed to take a genre break and bought a couple of true crime....this was an awful book that was full of stupid repition and shock tactics but yet a general lack of feeling. I felt dirty after reading it, as though I enabled the authors to make money on a very tragic story.
February 11, 2017
Sad
I am amazed that we are now in 2017 and these hideous crimes continue to happen How can the very people who are suppose to feed nourish guide most importantly love commit these crimes to these children Rest in peace AJ I'm sure you will never be forgotten fly high angel Xx
I am amazed that we are now in 2017 and these hideous crimes continue to happen How can the very people who are suppose to feed nourish guide most importantly love commit these crimes to these children Rest in peace AJ I'm sure you will never be forgotten fly high angel Xx
July 18, 2018
Heartbreaking story..
February 17, 2020
Well that was depressing. I went into this book expecting some awful things and came out thinking "That was WAY worse than I thought". It's telling how cruel humans can be when they're willing to mistreat and kill children. If you don't want that child send them off, you literally do not have to keep them. Was she guilty? Oh hell yeah. Did she get what was coming? No. I'm a firm believer in an eye for an eye so her only getting I believe 40 years? Joke. Give her a life sentence at least.
The author goes all in and gives you every detail on this crime and the following case. It's an amazing damnation on the Florida Child Services (of whatever they want to call it) as well as the neighborhood around them. Yes, some people did call Child Services but that was it. No follow up, no "Get someone over here now", no calling the police. I'm sorry but I worked with a librarian who literally got fired because she called the cops on an abusive father and she always said she never regretted that (apparently you're not supposed to give out patron's names to the police which I believe to be beyond moronic; there is no confidentiality when you get a library card). We as a society need to protect children better because otherwise you end with with 2 futures: the child is murdered or that child goes on to kill a bunch of people and we as a society damn their parents.
So yes, while this book can be hard to read (I literally took a week break just to adjust my mindset) its a subject that needs to be discussed and enforced before something like this happens.
The author goes all in and gives you every detail on this crime and the following case. It's an amazing damnation on the Florida Child Services (of whatever they want to call it) as well as the neighborhood around them. Yes, some people did call Child Services but that was it. No follow up, no "Get someone over here now", no calling the police. I'm sorry but I worked with a librarian who literally got fired because she called the cops on an abusive father and she always said she never regretted that (apparently you're not supposed to give out patron's names to the police which I believe to be beyond moronic; there is no confidentiality when you get a library card). We as a society need to protect children better because otherwise you end with with 2 futures: the child is murdered or that child goes on to kill a bunch of people and we as a society damn their parents.
So yes, while this book can be hard to read (I literally took a week break just to adjust my mindset) its a subject that needs to be discussed and enforced before something like this happens.
June 6, 2019
Lost Little Boy
My heart broke for A.J., and I could not only sympathise, but empathise with how his short life was lived. I sat here, crying, over all he had been through, and how scared he had to have been in the end. I was scared too, and though my life didn’t end, there are still times I wished it had. The 1960’s where a different time, and place, people didn’t talk about things like abuse, but I had hoped by the time A.J.’s life with Bear, and Jessica came along, there would have been changes in how abuse cases were handled.
This is a story of the injustice, and an over worked, and often times uncaring child protective service who not only allowed A.J. To remain in an abusive home, but, I feel strongly, contributed to his death.
Shame on them.
My heart broke for A.J., and I could not only sympathise, but empathise with how his short life was lived. I sat here, crying, over all he had been through, and how scared he had to have been in the end. I was scared too, and though my life didn’t end, there are still times I wished it had. The 1960’s where a different time, and place, people didn’t talk about things like abuse, but I had hoped by the time A.J.’s life with Bear, and Jessica came along, there would have been changes in how abuse cases were handled.
This is a story of the injustice, and an over worked, and often times uncaring child protective service who not only allowed A.J. To remain in an abusive home, but, I feel strongly, contributed to his death.
Shame on them.
January 14, 2019
Justice for AJ
I was intrigued by the title of this book, mainly because I don't remember this case at all. This is the saddest book I have ever read.
The first chapter had me hooked, I had to find out what occurred to this little boy at the hands of the most despicable person I have ever read about in a long time. I found myself hating this woman, and, cheered when AJ finally got his revenge. Well written, kept my interest. I would recommend this book for anyone who enjoys a good comeuppance!!!
I was intrigued by the title of this book, mainly because I don't remember this case at all. This is the saddest book I have ever read.
The first chapter had me hooked, I had to find out what occurred to this little boy at the hands of the most despicable person I have ever read about in a long time. I found myself hating this woman, and, cheered when AJ finally got his revenge. Well written, kept my interest. I would recommend this book for anyone who enjoys a good comeuppance!!!
August 13, 2018
Multiple causes of a tragedy
It was very difficult to read this book, but I wanted to know how such a tragedy could happen. In this case, I find a lot of people to blame, from the school, to the neighborhood, the stepmother and especially the father. If course, the stepmother, with such hatred. I believe this wouldn't have happened if the father cared about his son.
It was very difficult to read this book, but I wanted to know how such a tragedy could happen. In this case, I find a lot of people to blame, from the school, to the neighborhood, the stepmother and especially the father. If course, the stepmother, with such hatred. I believe this wouldn't have happened if the father cared about his son.
July 6, 2017
Thoroughly researched and very well written account of the murder of ten-year-old Andrew ``A.J.'' Schwarz, who was slain by his beast of a step-mother.
No one can hurt you anymore, sweet A.J., may you rest in peace.
No one can hurt you anymore, sweet A.J., may you rest in peace.
September 8, 2018
I am glad that A J is now able to rest. This poor little boy had such a hard life. I know that he is now in Jesus's arms
I chose the rating because I enjoyed the book. So glad that monster will spend the rest of her life in jail
I chose the rating because I enjoyed the book. So glad that monster will spend the rest of her life in jail
October 19, 2018
The story begins with the death of A.J. This is a horrific story of a young boy that was abused and somehow managed to slip through the cracks of the system. This story still haunts me. He endured such cruelty. Prepare yourself before you read this book.
January 6, 2019
The title says it all......
That poor child.....the mental and physical abuse he suffered at the hands of his step-mother was just appalling. Even though he was ‘supervised’ by government agencies, he truly slipped through the cracks. An emotional read.
That poor child.....the mental and physical abuse he suffered at the hands of his step-mother was just appalling. Even though he was ‘supervised’ by government agencies, he truly slipped through the cracks. An emotional read.
July 14, 2025
this one was a very sad but important read. it’s interesting to see how child abuse cases play out in court and the strategic choices of both prosecution and defense here. it helps when the defendant is as monstrous and unrepentant as Jessica Schwarz though.
July 15, 2017
...it's just so heart-breaking (fast read, read in 2 days)
July 1, 2018
This book was very hard to read, so sad, because it was a true story.
December 21, 2018
So sad that a young not lost his life and it could have been prevented.
January 3, 2019
Absolutely devastating how many people failed this child. :(
December 20, 2019
So sad
August 10, 2020
Well written if a little overly done on some of the conversations in court. Sad and depressing story of the reality some children face.
September 10, 2021
Sad. This little boy had a difficult life. Only giving 4 stars because there was too much court stuff. Otherwise, definitely worth a read. Reminded me of Gabriel Fernandez (Netflix tv show).
September 18, 2022
3 - 3.5 Sad
July 22, 2013
Very disturbing true crime story of child abuse. I have mixed emotions about it. I can't say I "enjoyed" reading this book. It was difficult to read because of the subject matter. However, I did get the sense that the authors cared very much about the case (one author being a prosecutor on the case). And really I thought the book was fairly well written. It reads a bit like a court transcript at times, but I appreciate that because it was a real crime involving a real trial. I like the fact that the authors don't attempt to try to make you feel a certain way about the case, they let the actions speak for themselves. And they speak volumes.
November 8, 2013
For some reason, this true crime novel was boring to me compared to the one I read previously. I'm not sure if it is the style of writing or the context of the story that left me uninterested. However, I think too many things were repeated and it made the book tedious to read. Also, I'm not sure using excerpts of official transcript was an effective way to get parts of the story / trial across. Overall the story was good and tragic and worth knowing about. However, I could have easily read court transcripts and been just as riveted, because of how this book was written.
September 2, 2012
Make no mistake, this is a sad story. And it is sadder yet, that after so many reports, the abuse continued. This boy did not even have a chance. This was a fast read for me, but I felt like I was reading some of it over again and again. Could have been edited a tad better. But all in all, it is certainly worth a read. Kudos to Scott H. Cupp, for his extreme diligence, hanging in there and his admirable devotion to justice for A.J. It was evident through out the book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews