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A Light in Dark Places
In December, 2009, Susan Cox Powell was reported missing from her home in West Valley City, Utah. As law enforcement tried to piece together what had happened to Susan, her husband, Josh Powell, became the only person of interest in the case. For Jennifer Graves, Josh’s sister, the nightmare started long before Susan’s disappearance. From her experiences growing up in the Powell family to the terrifying moment when she first started to believe her brother was a killer, she relied on her faith to stay strong. She devoted herself to the safety of Susan’s boys, Charlie and Braden, whom she hoped to be able to raise as her own. When the boys were murdered by their father in February, 2012, Jennifer was more than devastated, but she had to believe there was a reason for it all---including the deaths of her beloved nephews. In A Light In Dark Places, Jennifer shares her struggles and her triumphs. In coming to terms with such tragedy she finally was able to embrace the truth that we all have the power to choose our own path---and there is always hope, no matter how dark things may seem.
202 pages, Paperback
First published June 12, 2013
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1236 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
February 9, 2019
I've been listening to the Cold podcast, which has finally shed light on a case that has always bothered me. The podcast inspired me to read this book. I didn't have any expectations, but found myself pleasantly surprised. The writing is solid and I was gripped by the story. My hat goes off to Jennifer Graves and those brave enough to break the cycle of violence and abuse, listen to their own conscience despite the fury of the crowd and be willing to be a light in dark places.
November 13, 2013
Many people followed the story of Susan Powell and her mysterious disappearance. It was interesting to read what went on behind-the-scenes with Jennifer. She had a sick feeling about her brother Josh early on and I can't imagine how that would feel to realize that your sibling could actually commit murder. As she goes into more of their family situation, I was impressed at how she was able to remove herself from them and improve her life. It sounds like she married a fantastic man that helps her through the rough times.
The ending to this story isn't a secret. I remember watching TV and seeing the headline flash across the bottom that Josh had blown up a house with his sons and himself inside. I hadn't been following the story closely so I didn't realize what exactly led up to that and it sounds like he felt cornered where the truth would come out and didn't want to face up to it. I felt devastated for Jennifer as she thought she would be able to raise her adorable nephews and give them a safe home only to have Josh perform one last, selfish act.
Jennifer shares the comfort she has received in her faith, knowing that the boys are now with Susan and they are all safe. Her story is inspiring and demonstrates that peace can be found in tragedy. I was also impressed with Susan's parents and how they've handled all that's happened and I hope they are also able to find peace.
Mel's Shelves
The ending to this story isn't a secret. I remember watching TV and seeing the headline flash across the bottom that Josh had blown up a house with his sons and himself inside. I hadn't been following the story closely so I didn't realize what exactly led up to that and it sounds like he felt cornered where the truth would come out and didn't want to face up to it. I felt devastated for Jennifer as she thought she would be able to raise her adorable nephews and give them a safe home only to have Josh perform one last, selfish act.
Jennifer shares the comfort she has received in her faith, knowing that the boys are now with Susan and they are all safe. Her story is inspiring and demonstrates that peace can be found in tragedy. I was also impressed with Susan's parents and how they've handled all that's happened and I hope they are also able to find peace.
Mel's Shelves
November 7, 2013
I live in Utah, so I saw quite a bit of the Susan Powell case in passing. Soon after the horrifying conclusion, one of my critique partners, Emily Clawson, had a daunting new project: she was friend with Jennifer Graves, Josh Powell’s older sister, and Jennifer needed to tell her story—and she needed Emily’s help to do it.
For over a year, I caught snippets of the direction and message of this memoir. Finally this weekend I cleared out the time to sit down and read it Sunday afternoon. Even though I was familiar with the story and the premise of the memoir, I couldn’t put it down, and I finished the whole thing in one afternoon.
Although it deals with very dark and disturbing behaviors and the most difficult ordeal Jennifer has ever experienced, the book’s message of hope resounds loud and clear. The cover implies that Susan was a light in dark places, but I come away feeling like it’s really Jennifer who continues to fight, to try to cast light in dark places, who carries a message of hope for anyone trapped by a dark past.
(I received a copy of this book free for review, but I’d already purchased it at full price plus tax. What do you make of that, FTC?)
For over a year, I caught snippets of the direction and message of this memoir. Finally this weekend I cleared out the time to sit down and read it Sunday afternoon. Even though I was familiar with the story and the premise of the memoir, I couldn’t put it down, and I finished the whole thing in one afternoon.
Although it deals with very dark and disturbing behaviors and the most difficult ordeal Jennifer has ever experienced, the book’s message of hope resounds loud and clear. The cover implies that Susan was a light in dark places, but I come away feeling like it’s really Jennifer who continues to fight, to try to cast light in dark places, who carries a message of hope for anyone trapped by a dark past.
(I received a copy of this book free for review, but I’d already purchased it at full price plus tax. What do you make of that, FTC?)
November 26, 2019
I read this after listening to the COLD podcast. The COLD podcast is phenomenaland I highly recommend it for true crime junkies. I grew up in Washington, close to Puyallup where a lot of the story took place so I was familiar with this case as it happened. I am also LDS so there was another element of the story that made it interesting to me.
I thought this book was well written. It was not as informative as the COLD podcast, but it did shed some light on some of her mother's thoughts and actions. I was expecting by the title for it to have more information about Susan, but it was mostly of Jennifer's experiences and thoughts throughout the ordeal. Which was fine. I was just expecting something different.
The last chapter wrapped things up well. I wish that would have been a little longer, but still, it was good.
Often I have problem with true crime books which are written from someone directly involved with the case. They are one sided and seem to be done to make money and not to shed light on the case. This book could have fallen into that category, but because of the COLD podcast I was okay with that because the COLD podcast gave tons of information from all sides.
I would recommend listening to the COLD podcast and then if you are interested in hearing more of Jennifer;s story, pick up this book.
I thought this book was well written. It was not as informative as the COLD podcast, but it did shed some light on some of her mother's thoughts and actions. I was expecting by the title for it to have more information about Susan, but it was mostly of Jennifer's experiences and thoughts throughout the ordeal. Which was fine. I was just expecting something different.
The last chapter wrapped things up well. I wish that would have been a little longer, but still, it was good.
Often I have problem with true crime books which are written from someone directly involved with the case. They are one sided and seem to be done to make money and not to shed light on the case. This book could have fallen into that category, but because of the COLD podcast I was okay with that because the COLD podcast gave tons of information from all sides.
I would recommend listening to the COLD podcast and then if you are interested in hearing more of Jennifer;s story, pick up this book.
November 15, 2013
A Light in Dark Places by Jennifer Graves and Emily Clawson is a courageous book. People who live in Utah and Washington may be familiar with the story of Jennifer's sister-in-law Susan Powell who went missing under suspicious circumstances in December of 2009. Her husband, Jennifer's brother, Josh Powell exhibited clear signs that he killed Susan, but not clear enough to be arrested by the police. The story became national news when Josh eventually killed his two young sons and committing suicide.
My wife knows Jennifer Graves through home schooling activities and Steven Koecher, another missing person that Jennifer's father Stephen Powell tried to implicate in Susan's disappearance, was a neighbor of mine, so I was familiar with the story before I read the book. Nevertheless, the book provides a perspective that only a family member could have. It must have been a trying experience to be raised in such a difficult family environment and equally difficult to write about it.
The story is a good example of how someones childhood can have an adverse impact under the influence of a bad father, as obviously happened to Josh, but at the same time it shows that under the positive influence of religion, people can make good choices, as obviously happened to Jennifer. Two people, raised in the same environment, end up living very different lives.
Josh became a selfish, controlling tyrant while Jennifer became a loving wife and home school mom. It should give hope to people growing up in difficult circumstances. When life gives you a hard situation, you can still make good choices and it is made much easier when you have religious faith and understanding.
As a society we would be better off encouraging greater religiosity instead of greater secularness that accepts pornography and other vices as normal. Such positive actions give us more people like Jennifer Graves and Susan Powell and fewer people like Josh Powell and Stephen Powell.
My wife knows Jennifer Graves through home schooling activities and Steven Koecher, another missing person that Jennifer's father Stephen Powell tried to implicate in Susan's disappearance, was a neighbor of mine, so I was familiar with the story before I read the book. Nevertheless, the book provides a perspective that only a family member could have. It must have been a trying experience to be raised in such a difficult family environment and equally difficult to write about it.
The story is a good example of how someones childhood can have an adverse impact under the influence of a bad father, as obviously happened to Josh, but at the same time it shows that under the positive influence of religion, people can make good choices, as obviously happened to Jennifer. Two people, raised in the same environment, end up living very different lives.
Josh became a selfish, controlling tyrant while Jennifer became a loving wife and home school mom. It should give hope to people growing up in difficult circumstances. When life gives you a hard situation, you can still make good choices and it is made much easier when you have religious faith and understanding.
As a society we would be better off encouraging greater religiosity instead of greater secularness that accepts pornography and other vices as normal. Such positive actions give us more people like Jennifer Graves and Susan Powell and fewer people like Josh Powell and Stephen Powell.
November 12, 2013
I knew going into this book that it was going to be hard to read. So emotional and such disturbing events. I actually debated for quite awhile before committing to review this because I just wasn't sure I wanted to delve into this. It's almost like an accident on the freeway or something where you don't want to see but you just can't look away.
I am really glad I read this book though. I have such admiration for Jennifer Graves and what she is trying to accomplish by writing this book. The things she has been through are so heart wrenching. So, so sad. But she is pushing forward. She has found light in all the darkness that surrounded her and now she is trying to tell a story that could save others from the same fate.
Reading this book was hard. It made me sad and it also made me angry. Nobody should have to endure abuse in any form. It takes bravery to tell this kind of story. It's so personal and so devastating. Jennifer Graves was raised in a twisted home full of darkness but she was able to break the cycle and rise above it. Her beautiful family is a testament to her and her husband that cycles can be broken and one person can make a difference.
Jennifer is speaking out for the voices that no longer can. She is telling her story to help those who may be suffering similar things. Her message is clear. There is hope. There is help. Please get help before it's too late.
I feel like I walk away from this book with a better understanding. I walk away with a greater appreciation for the husband and family that I have, determined to never take that for granted. I walk away with more compassion and empathy and hopefully knowledge that can help me if the day ever comes that I need it.
May God bless you, Jennifer Graves, and your family. Thank you for sharing your message with me. I won't forget.
I am really glad I read this book though. I have such admiration for Jennifer Graves and what she is trying to accomplish by writing this book. The things she has been through are so heart wrenching. So, so sad. But she is pushing forward. She has found light in all the darkness that surrounded her and now she is trying to tell a story that could save others from the same fate.
Reading this book was hard. It made me sad and it also made me angry. Nobody should have to endure abuse in any form. It takes bravery to tell this kind of story. It's so personal and so devastating. Jennifer Graves was raised in a twisted home full of darkness but she was able to break the cycle and rise above it. Her beautiful family is a testament to her and her husband that cycles can be broken and one person can make a difference.
Jennifer is speaking out for the voices that no longer can. She is telling her story to help those who may be suffering similar things. Her message is clear. There is hope. There is help. Please get help before it's too late.
I feel like I walk away from this book with a better understanding. I walk away with a greater appreciation for the husband and family that I have, determined to never take that for granted. I walk away with more compassion and empathy and hopefully knowledge that can help me if the day ever comes that I need it.
May God bless you, Jennifer Graves, and your family. Thank you for sharing your message with me. I won't forget.
November 13, 2013
A Light In Dark Places is an intriguing true account story into what really happened in the high profile media murder case of Susan Cox Powell and her sons Charlie and Braden by husband/father Josh Powell.
As the sister of Josh Powell, Author Jennifer Graves thoughtfully shares the heartbreaking story of the dysfunctional family dynamic of domestic abuse and other disturbing events that occurred in their family, while finding the strength to stand her ground and fight for justice for her sister-in-law and nephews' murders.
You can't help but feel compassion for Jennifer as she shares the details of the traumatic events that unfolded in her family, and feel inspired by her message of courage, love, hope, faith and peace that comes out of this senseless tragedy. Jennifer does a wonderful job of honoring the memory of Susan and her boys, while providing the reader with an enlightening and healing story of being able to stand up and overcome domestic abuse within a family/relationship.
The authors' inspirational message about breaking the cycle of abusive relationships is invaluable. It truly does take someone removing themselves from their abusive family's presence to stop the cycle. Kudos to Jennifer for having the courage to share this tragic story with the world.
A Light In Dark Places is an inspirational story that everyone needs to read, it will resonate with you for a long time.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the authors in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by I Am A Reader.
http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot...
As the sister of Josh Powell, Author Jennifer Graves thoughtfully shares the heartbreaking story of the dysfunctional family dynamic of domestic abuse and other disturbing events that occurred in their family, while finding the strength to stand her ground and fight for justice for her sister-in-law and nephews' murders.
You can't help but feel compassion for Jennifer as she shares the details of the traumatic events that unfolded in her family, and feel inspired by her message of courage, love, hope, faith and peace that comes out of this senseless tragedy. Jennifer does a wonderful job of honoring the memory of Susan and her boys, while providing the reader with an enlightening and healing story of being able to stand up and overcome domestic abuse within a family/relationship.
The authors' inspirational message about breaking the cycle of abusive relationships is invaluable. It truly does take someone removing themselves from their abusive family's presence to stop the cycle. Kudos to Jennifer for having the courage to share this tragic story with the world.
A Light In Dark Places is an inspirational story that everyone needs to read, it will resonate with you for a long time.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the authors in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by I Am A Reader.
http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot...
March 7, 2016
Unique and very personal perspective. Kudos to Jennifer for her courage and inner strength.
December 21, 2020
Put this on my list of negligent reviews. Woops. Well, this is 2020, right? Haha.
Susan Powell's disappearance was heavily covered in the media, and the story was an extremely disturbing one all around. I watched many interviews and documentaries regarding the case, and I cannot draw any other conclusion that Josh Powell was responsible for his wife's disappearance. I just don't see how anyone else had such direct opportunity, and as much motive as he did.
The Powell family, overall, was a disturbing story all on its own. Poor Susan for having this misfortune to marry into such a dysfunctional mess. The father was a disgusting creep, the brother seemed to just go along with whatever his brother and father said or did, and the one sister Alina seemed to make excuses for everyone in her family. Jennifer is the only one who sounds as though she came out of that toxic family life relatively unscathed, though she still mourned for her friend and even her family, to a point.
I applaud Jennifer for finding light through her faith- I cannot imagine how she must feel each day, with all shes lost. Susan's parents are also to be commended, with how much dignity and grace they have shown through everything they've been put through. Not every parent would be able to find that strength.
It's a tragic tale all around. Perhaps most tragic of all is that there will never really be solid answers, and that two young boys will never be able to grow up to adulthood.
Susan Powell's disappearance was heavily covered in the media, and the story was an extremely disturbing one all around. I watched many interviews and documentaries regarding the case, and I cannot draw any other conclusion that Josh Powell was responsible for his wife's disappearance. I just don't see how anyone else had such direct opportunity, and as much motive as he did.
The Powell family, overall, was a disturbing story all on its own. Poor Susan for having this misfortune to marry into such a dysfunctional mess. The father was a disgusting creep, the brother seemed to just go along with whatever his brother and father said or did, and the one sister Alina seemed to make excuses for everyone in her family. Jennifer is the only one who sounds as though she came out of that toxic family life relatively unscathed, though she still mourned for her friend and even her family, to a point.
I applaud Jennifer for finding light through her faith- I cannot imagine how she must feel each day, with all shes lost. Susan's parents are also to be commended, with how much dignity and grace they have shown through everything they've been put through. Not every parent would be able to find that strength.
It's a tragic tale all around. Perhaps most tragic of all is that there will never really be solid answers, and that two young boys will never be able to grow up to adulthood.
September 27, 2023
I love True Crime Podcasts. I love True Crime Podcasts that take place in Utah. I loved the Cold Podcast about the Susan Powell case. I actually loved it so much, that I listened to in a second time in the last several weeks. Dave Cawley mentions Jennifer Graves book in the podcast, and I decided to check it out. It was hard to find, but I finally found a copy on Amazon. I splurged and bought it and am so glad I did.
It is a fantastic book written by Josh Powell’s sister. It tells the story (which I am really aware of having listened to the podcast twice) but from er perspective. It is so incredibly hopeful and positive which seems contradictory telling such a sad story. I admire Jennifer Graves immensely. I don’t know her, but if I ever had a chance to meet her I would want to hug her and tell her she did the right thing.
I give it a 5 out of 5 stars.
It is a fantastic book written by Josh Powell’s sister. It tells the story (which I am really aware of having listened to the podcast twice) but from er perspective. It is so incredibly hopeful and positive which seems contradictory telling such a sad story. I admire Jennifer Graves immensely. I don’t know her, but if I ever had a chance to meet her I would want to hug her and tell her she did the right thing.
I give it a 5 out of 5 stars.
March 18, 2023
Like many others, I heard about this book through the podcast, Cold. That podcast is phenomenal by the way. Dave Colley goes into great detail on this case and others he covers in other seasons.
Anyway, this book gave a different perspective, through the eyes of Jennifer. This case has sucked me in since the first time I heard about it. I really enjoyed, also, how Jennifer speaks about breaking toxic and dangerous generational cycles.
This is a great read for both those familiar with the case and those who don’t know much about it.
Anyway, this book gave a different perspective, through the eyes of Jennifer. This case has sucked me in since the first time I heard about it. I really enjoyed, also, how Jennifer speaks about breaking toxic and dangerous generational cycles.
This is a great read for both those familiar with the case and those who don’t know much about it.
March 10, 2019
I have been fascinated (as so many others) with the Susan Powell case over the years. I have recently listened to the "Cold" podcast that has highlighted this case and the fascination continues. I read this quick read (able to read in a day) book about Jennifer Powell Graves, the sister to the infamous Josh Powell.
It was such an interesting read about her experience in trying to find out the truth while knowing in her heart that her brother was responsible for Susan's disappearance.
It was such an interesting read about her experience in trying to find out the truth while knowing in her heart that her brother was responsible for Susan's disappearance.
April 27, 2019
Affecting account of the Susan Powell disappearance from the POV of Josh Powell's sister, who believed in his guilt and worked on behalf of Susan and her children. Her motivation in writing the book is to show how faith and hope helped her through the tragedies, and to help others break the cycle of generational domestic abuse.
June 10, 2019
It felt like Jennifer was just talking to a friend who already knew a lot of information about her life and the case. There was not enough context or background information given for this to be an independent read. Anyone going in with no prior knowledge of the Susan Powell case would be completely lost.
May 15, 2019
What a breathtaking story of Jennifer and her loyalty and love of Susan Powell and her boys. She brings to light a whole new perspective of the abusive environment she grew up in and how she survived and thrived after escaping that terrible home life. This is a powerful read
July 18, 2019
After listening to the COLD podcast, I knew I had go read this book and see the story from the eyes of Susan's friend and sister-in-law, someone who adored Susan's boys and did all she could to protect them from the harm of her brother and father. Jennifer is a courageous person.
October 31, 2019
After listening to the Cold podcast, I decide to read this book. I liked the back story that is told. It gives you definite insight on Josh (& the whole Powell family), seeing it from his sisters perspective. It also raises awareness on domestic violence.
April 29, 2023
It feels weird to rate a memoir, but it was well-written where it was very compelling and the ending message is touching and uplifting.
I hope this book's message reaches many many more people who need to hear it ♥️
I hope this book's message reaches many many more people who need to hear it ♥️
May 11, 2018
Very emotional and raw. Jennifer Graves gives heart-wrenching details about the hardest thing her family ever went though.
June 16, 2019
Nice to get another take on the Susan and Josh Powell story. Difficult and painful to read, but highly interesting.
June 23, 2019
I read this after listening to the "Cold" podcast. So, most of the information I already knew, but it was interesting reading this story from Jennifer Graves's point of view.
January 28, 2020
I’ve been wanting to read this for a wile now. I’m glad I did. If you liked the the podcast “Cold”, you’ll like this book.
May 16, 2022
Graves courageously shares her experience of fighting for justice and overcoming tragedy. She advocates with strength for breaking the cycle of abuse.
March 3, 2023
Such a very sad story. Unbelievable that they can’t find her. Unbelievable that he harmed the children.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 30, 2024
3.5, such a sad story but an interesting point of view to see it through his sisters eyes.
July 17, 2022
A short but to the point book by the only member of Josh Powell's family that was able to break the chain of abuse. An inspiring story of courage in the worst times. An inside look at the Susan Cox Powell saga told from a woman who did her best to shield the children from danger.
November 15, 2023
This is one of my favorite books. I have never been a huge reader but when I found out this story had a book I bought it immediately. Although this book is very upsetting and sad, it is a very good book and puts out a great story. I loved how they got almost everyone's point of views. It was very detailed and I loved how I never felt like there was something missing after I read it. Even though the story hasn't been 100% solved it was amazing. I hope one day we find out everything!
February 23, 2021
The Susan Powell case will always bother me, because unfortunately I don’t think it will ever be solved in this life. When I heard about this book I was so intrigued to hear Jennifer Graves (Josh’s sister) perspective. I believe that Josh killed Susan, along with many many other people.
It was so interesting to see her perspective on the case, hear about her and Josh’s upbringing, and how she wishes she would have done more to encourage Susan to get help.
May 13, 2022
I read this after I listened to the Podcast about the Powell family. It was interesting to hear it from the sister's perspective and she really is a decent writer. The book captured me just as much as the podcast did and overall it was a good read whether or not you know the story.
November 7, 2013
On December 7, 2009, a nightmare that eventually spanned two years began with a single phone call: "Susan never dropped off the boys." Susan Cox Powell was reported missing from her West Valley City, Utah home in December, 2009. As law enforcement diligently tried to piece together what had happened to Susan, suspicion fell on her husband Josh Powell, and he soon became the only person of interest in the case.
For Jennifer Graves, Josh's sister, the nightmare began long before Susan's disappearance. From her experiences growing up in the Powell family to the terrifying moment when she first started to believe that her brother was capable of murder, she relied on her faith to stay strong. She devoted herself to ensuring the safety of Susan's sons, Charlie and Braden, whom she hoped to be able to raise as her own.
When the boys were murdered by their father in February, 2012, Jennifer was beyond devastated. However, somehow she had to believe there was a purpose for it all - including the deaths of her precious nephews. In A Light in Dark Places, Jennifer shares her struggles and triumphs. In coming to terms with such tragedy, she was finally able to embrace the truth that we all have the ability to choose our own path through life - and there is always hope, no matter how dark things may seem.
This was such a poignant story for me to read - in my opinion, A Light in Dark Places is truly a wonderfully inspiring tribute to the memories of Susan, Charlie, and Braden. I give this book an A+!
For Jennifer Graves, Josh's sister, the nightmare began long before Susan's disappearance. From her experiences growing up in the Powell family to the terrifying moment when she first started to believe that her brother was capable of murder, she relied on her faith to stay strong. She devoted herself to ensuring the safety of Susan's sons, Charlie and Braden, whom she hoped to be able to raise as her own.
When the boys were murdered by their father in February, 2012, Jennifer was beyond devastated. However, somehow she had to believe there was a purpose for it all - including the deaths of her precious nephews. In A Light in Dark Places, Jennifer shares her struggles and triumphs. In coming to terms with such tragedy, she was finally able to embrace the truth that we all have the ability to choose our own path through life - and there is always hope, no matter how dark things may seem.
This was such a poignant story for me to read - in my opinion, A Light in Dark Places is truly a wonderfully inspiring tribute to the memories of Susan, Charlie, and Braden. I give this book an A+!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews