Almost Eleven: The Murder of Brenda Sue Sayers

by Harrell Glenn Crowson

Almost Eleven is the documentation of the January 7, 1965 abduction, rape and murder of ten year-old Brenda Sue Sayers in the small town of Brawley, California. Imperial Valley's biggest crime is detailed through volumes of official records and interviews with witnesses, relatives and investigators. Serial killer Robert Eugene Pennington not only murdered Sayers, but was a suspect in killing Dorothy Minor-Hindman in Fresno and possibly fifteen other innocent victims from coast to coast including one victim attributed to the Boston Strangler. Extensive research provides the reader with details of Pennington's life before and after his encounter with Brenda.

Genres: True Crime

270 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 2, 2013

Reviews

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was very surprised to learn this summer of the story of Brenda Sue Sayers. I met the author, Glenn Crowson, and learned of the murder and why he chose to write this book. He has written a well documented crime story of a horrible crime in a small town and of the last effects it has on the community. Glenn keeps the grim and gorey aspects of the crime out of the story and focuses on the ivestigation and trial of Pennington. I enjoyed reading about Brawley in the 1960's and seeing the names of so many people we know. I haven't met a single Brawley native who was here at that time who doesn't have something to add to the story. Perhaps Mr. Crowson should do a follow up with some of their responses. He shows lots of respect for Brenda and the Sayers family. He even shared with me he has visited Brenda's grave site and left flowers and a toy.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Glenn Crowson's book tells the story of a painful time in our hometown's history, and even though at times he seems to recover ground already covered, he does a painstakingly and remarkably researched job of telling the story of the abduction/murder of Brenda Sue Sayers, of the hunt for/trial of her killer, and of her killer's life. There were things that I remembered too painfully well, and there were many things that were a surprise to me. I enjoyed reading this book, and I was thoroughly impressed with the depth of research that Mr. Crowson put into it. However, even though Glenn is not a writer by profession, he desperately needed a good editor.

[Mary Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting read, as I grew up and currently live in that area.

[William Gay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book and perceptive history of the tragic murder of a young girl.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exceptionally written. Loved the details and insite the author brought to the story. A must read for all true crime readers.

[Pat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Painful but well written portrayal of the murder of a young girl in my home town, Brawley, CA. I remember it vividly, and the author has documented his research beautifully. While I continued to abhor the crime, I enjoyed revisiting the area and people involved with the case - lots of memories. He ended it with style catching us up with those most involved, and with the chronicle of 1965 including a detailed listing of BUHS staff, students, etc.

[Barbara Fusi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Murder in Brawley

A complete essay of the Imperial Valley in 1965 and the circumstances of Brenda Sayer's death.

Also a very good description of Robert Patterson describing his despicable murderous life.

The two trials are interesting to me especially as I am acquainted with many of the participants. Although the murder occurred just prior to the birth of my second child so I wasn't paying a lot of attention to the news at that time.

An excellent well written book.

[lela pool · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting

very good book as far as criminal content is concerned. Too much alternate content that wasn't necessary. Somewhat confusing at times due to flashbacks or just jumping around of facts too much

[Laura Dalton Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very sad topic .... extremely well written!

[Jillian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great depiction of this crime. I had never heard about this saga. I love how the author delved into the victim's life, suspect's life and the feelings of the entire town.