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Stolen
“Andi’s missing,” said the frantic caller. A call that changed the trajectory of many lives.
May 15, 1999, 12-year-old Andi Brewer, disappeared from the living room of her rural Arkansas home. Vanishing without a trace, the community was left wondering how a child could be there one second and gone the next. Local law enforcement, Arkansas State Police, and the FBI launched a three-day massive statewide search for the young girl.
STOLEN takes you along the heartbreaking journey of a mother’s trip down the road of child abduction as a community pulls together to search for one missing girl as the minutes turn to hours, and hours turn to days. Experience the helplessness a parent goes through when their child seemingly vanishes into thin air.
This is the extraordinary true story of one little girl, her mother, and the shocking finality.
May 15, 1999, 12-year-old Andi Brewer, disappeared from the living room of her rural Arkansas home. Vanishing without a trace, the community was left wondering how a child could be there one second and gone the next. Local law enforcement, Arkansas State Police, and the FBI launched a three-day massive statewide search for the young girl.
STOLEN takes you along the heartbreaking journey of a mother’s trip down the road of child abduction as a community pulls together to search for one missing girl as the minutes turn to hours, and hours turn to days. Experience the helplessness a parent goes through when their child seemingly vanishes into thin air.
This is the extraordinary true story of one little girl, her mother, and the shocking finality.
359 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 21, 2023
745 people are currently reading
977 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
January 3, 2025
Gut wrenching and sad beyond words
In 2010, I retired from Reno, Nevada,casino employment, and I moved to Mena, Arkansas, sight unseen. Wanting to learn as much about this town's history, I read local history articles. It was in a current newspaper article that I first heard of Karl Roberts, but never knew the story in detail.
I accidentally came across this book on Kindle Unlimited on New Year's eve not knowing it was about that sleazeball's crime. This book was so sad and yet uplifting. I am absolutely in awe of how Ms. Petty survived and fought against the obstacles put in her path.
Extremely frustrating to me , especially more so than the Arkansas DOC arrogance, is the intrusion of a local Mena church, and other Polk County churches to protest the death penalty while completely ignoring the needs of the murdered girl's family.
I have come away from this book feeling inspired, uplifted, and totally in awe of this most excellent woman😊😊
In 2010, I retired from Reno, Nevada,casino employment, and I moved to Mena, Arkansas, sight unseen. Wanting to learn as much about this town's history, I read local history articles. It was in a current newspaper article that I first heard of Karl Roberts, but never knew the story in detail.
I accidentally came across this book on Kindle Unlimited on New Year's eve not knowing it was about that sleazeball's crime. This book was so sad and yet uplifting. I am absolutely in awe of how Ms. Petty survived and fought against the obstacles put in her path.
Extremely frustrating to me , especially more so than the Arkansas DOC arrogance, is the intrusion of a local Mena church, and other Polk County churches to protest the death penalty while completely ignoring the needs of the murdered girl's family.
I have come away from this book feeling inspired, uplifted, and totally in awe of this most excellent woman😊😊
December 9, 2024
Heartbreaking!! But what a woman Rebecca is! Andi would be so proud!
January 4, 2025
This book was very well written, but extremely hard to read. At times, I had to set the book down because my emotions were so strong and I had too many tears in my eyes to see the words on the page. The devastating loss of a child is a nightmare for all parents. I admire the strength this mother/author showed throughout her life and the empathy she had for others. Even when she was still grieving, as that never goes away, she was able to console and offer support to other grieving families. This book demonstrates the love a mother has for her children, the hideous monsters lurking about, and the fight for justice.
December 22, 2024
It is hard to criticize a book about something as tragic as this book is about, but l just didn’t like the book. The book focused more on what happened after the murder than before/during.
Within a few chapters, we knew who did it; by halfway through the book, the trial was over. I do love how Rebecca dedicated her life to caring about the safety of other children, but l feel that was more the story than Andis.
Within a few chapters, we knew who did it; by halfway through the book, the trial was over. I do love how Rebecca dedicated her life to caring about the safety of other children, but l feel that was more the story than Andis.
October 24, 2024
Such a tragic story
This is such a sad story. There were times when I had to lay the book down and walk away. It takes a strong and courageous person to fight their way through the grief of losing a child and to accomplish the things that Rebecca Petty did.
I lost my only granddaughter two weeks after her 19th birthday. Her boyfriend shot her in the back and murdered her in 2020. She died alone in the hospital because no one contacted us until she had already passed. It is one of the most heart wrenching things you can ever experience.
I don't know how my daughter survived it but like Rebecca she took her grief and turned it into something good. She is now a grief counselor for traumatized children and adults. She is also part of the Visiting Angels program, helping the elderly.
My granddaughter's boyfriend was only given a 12 year sentence after pleading guilty. I'm thankful we did not have to go to trial but 12 years for murdering someone is insane. One month after he was sent to prison he was eligible for parole. Thankfully he did not get it.
I am a strong believer in the death sentence.
Stay strong Rebecca , we are praying for you.
This is such a sad story. There were times when I had to lay the book down and walk away. It takes a strong and courageous person to fight their way through the grief of losing a child and to accomplish the things that Rebecca Petty did.
I lost my only granddaughter two weeks after her 19th birthday. Her boyfriend shot her in the back and murdered her in 2020. She died alone in the hospital because no one contacted us until she had already passed. It is one of the most heart wrenching things you can ever experience.
I don't know how my daughter survived it but like Rebecca she took her grief and turned it into something good. She is now a grief counselor for traumatized children and adults. She is also part of the Visiting Angels program, helping the elderly.
My granddaughter's boyfriend was only given a 12 year sentence after pleading guilty. I'm thankful we did not have to go to trial but 12 years for murdering someone is insane. One month after he was sent to prison he was eligible for parole. Thankfully he did not get it.
I am a strong believer in the death sentence.
Stay strong Rebecca , we are praying for you.
October 4, 2024
Thank you Rebecca for all your work!!
When I first started this book, I didn’t connect Andi’s story with Representative Petty’s story because of the use of full names vs nicknames but I’ve known this story for years because of the Amber alert laws and find it a little ironic that Colleen Nick is so prevalent just 1 day after major development in Morgan’s story, I finish this book! Such gratefulness to Rebecca, Colleen, Marc & of course the great John Walsh for all your hard work in trying to keep our kids safer!
When I first started this book, I didn’t connect Andi’s story with Representative Petty’s story because of the use of full names vs nicknames but I’ve known this story for years because of the Amber alert laws and find it a little ironic that Colleen Nick is so prevalent just 1 day after major development in Morgan’s story, I finish this book! Such gratefulness to Rebecca, Colleen, Marc & of course the great John Walsh for all your hard work in trying to keep our kids safer!
July 14, 2024
Sad Story, Brave Mom
A sad story about this beautiful young girl and victim. Her brave and courageous mom set out to make sure her story was told, and that everything is about her sweet daughter and not the monster who took her life!
A sad story about this beautiful young girl and victim. Her brave and courageous mom set out to make sure her story was told, and that everything is about her sweet daughter and not the monster who took her life!
September 11, 2024
My heart goes out to Rebecca. Losing a loved one is the hardest journey one goes through in life. I’m glad you got some kind of closure by helping other families. And getting the law changed for the victims rights. Concerning the policy for who can witness an inmate getting lethal injection.
September 25, 2024
Loss
The story was heartbreaking as a mother grandmother and great mother I can feel her pain. I lost two daughters to health issues and that grief is unbearable. I know grief but hers was so preventable and I grieve with her. May God give her peace.
The story was heartbreaking as a mother grandmother and great mother I can feel her pain. I lost two daughters to health issues and that grief is unbearable. I know grief but hers was so preventable and I grieve with her. May God give her peace.
February 21, 2025
What a gut wrenching story. I cried a lot reading this.
The mother’s story of a little girl stolen from her home, murdered and then the fight for justice.
I’m a believer of things happen for a reason, if it wasn’t Andi, would it have been an other little girl later? Would her parents have done what Rebecca has? I can’t possibly understand the grief and pain of Rebecca, she has fought for other parents who walk in her shoes. Fought to be someone who can change the law, stood strong waiting for justice- still-waiting.
If she was to read this review, I would say, Rebecca-thank you for sharing your story, thank you for telling us about Andi. Thank you for helping others and stepping up even when the pain is the worst a parent could ever imagine. Thanks for sharing your life.
I read on my kindle fire so I was able to see all the photos in colour.
The mother’s story of a little girl stolen from her home, murdered and then the fight for justice.
I’m a believer of things happen for a reason, if it wasn’t Andi, would it have been an other little girl later? Would her parents have done what Rebecca has? I can’t possibly understand the grief and pain of Rebecca, she has fought for other parents who walk in her shoes. Fought to be someone who can change the law, stood strong waiting for justice- still-waiting.
If she was to read this review, I would say, Rebecca-thank you for sharing your story, thank you for telling us about Andi. Thank you for helping others and stepping up even when the pain is the worst a parent could ever imagine. Thanks for sharing your life.
I read on my kindle fire so I was able to see all the photos in colour.
May 6, 2025
Reading this book was incredibly difficult for me. I recently lost my cousin in a tragic accident—her car was struck by an Amtrak train in Buffalo on January 16, 2024—and while the story of Andi is different, the grief it evoked felt deeply personal. "Stolen" tells the story of a young girl who was raped and murdered, and yet in so many ways, her loss echoed the heartbreak I’m still processing. It summoned every tear I thought I had already cried..
There’s truly no more fitting title than "Stolen" because that’s what both Andi and my cousin were: stolen far too soon. Rebecca Petty has written this book with such care, sensitivity, and emotional depth. Her storytelling is raw and compelling, making it impossible not to feel the weight of the loss. It’s a powerful, painful, and beautifully told story that I won’t forget.
RIP Andi
RIP Simran
There’s truly no more fitting title than "Stolen" because that’s what both Andi and my cousin were: stolen far too soon. Rebecca Petty has written this book with such care, sensitivity, and emotional depth. Her storytelling is raw and compelling, making it impossible not to feel the weight of the loss. It’s a powerful, painful, and beautifully told story that I won’t forget.
RIP Andi
RIP Simran
August 9, 2025
Such a horrific situation for a family to endure. No parent should have to bury their child. I truly admire Rebecca for fighting onwards for Andi’s honour. The achievements she has made, many of which are mentioned in the book, are an inspiration to all. I am so sorry this had to happen for laws to change, however I know you have saved so many other children due to your continuous charitable efforts. I know I speak for countless people around the world when I say “thank you” for all you have done to help other families and victims, even when you were grieving yourself. Andi’s memory lives on through your hard work and she would be so proud of her momma. ❤️
August 27, 2025
I didnt realize it was a true story. The parts about how it feels to be a grieving mother are all too accurate. I am one. The religious bits irritated me. I have felt god forsake me and my family. She describes this but then just sort of moves past it and returns to faith without any explanation that makes sense to my hurting heart. The divorce part felt accurate too. 6 years out i am still slogging through the depths of grief with no hope of escape in sight. I wish i had something to be passionate about-a cause to fight for. Like the mother here. But i dont. Just left empty. Im happy she was able to fight for others and make a positive impact on the world. The writing is a bit choppy and a bit preachy at times. A good 3.75. It's depressing. It really is. No happy endings. Just like real life.
February 10, 2025
I’m not good at writing reviews, but this is a must read if you like true crime type of books. This particular child abduction, rape, & murder leads to the mother meeting John Walsh, President George W. Bush, Oprah, and more. This case also lends a hand in President Bush signing the upgrades to our Amber Alert system protocols and Andi’s Law and so much more. I was hooked on every word. It’s worth the read!
March 12, 2025
Heartbreaking book about the story of a mother who lost her young daughter in such a violent and gruesome way. I had to take breaks in between some parts. I’m a mother now, so I put myself in her place and in the place of the other mother’s she met along the way, and my heart just broke for them and for all of the innocent children. It’s so sad the way Andria’s life was cut so short, but her mother went on to do incredible things in memory of her.
December 15, 2024
I read this book in one sitting! The first few chapters were a little heartbreaking, but the rest of the story was very inspiring. This mother took her pain and used it to help so many! I think this book is probably classified as true crime, but I see it more as a memoir/autobiography. I recommend if you like that kind of thing.
February 19, 2025
Good book
I like that this is told by the Mother. I recommend all parents read this book. It will open your eyes to how criminals are given all the rights and the victims are left with all the burden. This Mom showed that you can make a difference and it is up to YOU to stand up and be the voice for your children.
I like that this is told by the Mother. I recommend all parents read this book. It will open your eyes to how criminals are given all the rights and the victims are left with all the burden. This Mom showed that you can make a difference and it is up to YOU to stand up and be the voice for your children.
April 4, 2025
Unbelievable great read
I am so moved by this mother telling the most horrible experience and fear we as parents, grandparents and great grand parents fear. Her struggles and her truths are raw and emotional. I hope writing this in some way has been cathartic for you. God bless you, your family and Andi.
I am so moved by this mother telling the most horrible experience and fear we as parents, grandparents and great grand parents fear. Her struggles and her truths are raw and emotional. I hope writing this in some way has been cathartic for you. God bless you, your family and Andi.
December 9, 2024
Rebecca Petty’s 12-year-old daughter Andi, was abducted from their home raped, and murdered. The story is as harrowing as it is inspiring. An account of a mother’s love and quest for justice and change.
January 9, 2025
Beautifully written!
This had to be the hardest book to ever write, but like everything else the author tackled, she scored. What a strong human being she is. Such a bright light in a dark world. Peace and love be with you always Rebecca Petty!
This had to be the hardest book to ever write, but like everything else the author tackled, she scored. What a strong human being she is. Such a bright light in a dark world. Peace and love be with you always Rebecca Petty!
February 9, 2025
Andi is definitely looking down from heaven and is proud of you.
Such a good read. Heartbreaking but realistic. Sometimes you have to find a way to make something good from a very shitty situation.
Such a good read. Heartbreaking but realistic. Sometimes you have to find a way to make something good from a very shitty situation.
March 17, 2025
This book was absolutely heartbreaking you could literally feel Rebecca’s pain. I do believe that no matter how hard a book like this is to read it must be read because that child’s story deserves to be told and they had to endure everything that happened to them.
March 22, 2025
Heartbreaker
My heart goes out to Rebecca. I felt her rage and pain. I hope they put this monster to death so he will know that he is going to die. If he dies of natural causes it just will not be the same. May he rot in hell
My heart goes out to Rebecca. I felt her rage and pain. I hope they put this monster to death so he will know that he is going to die. If he dies of natural causes it just will not be the same. May he rot in hell
May 20, 2025
Moving
This book will open you eyes to how quick your life can change and just how messed up our justice system can be . No victim or their family she be treated the way this mother was treated.
This book will open you eyes to how quick your life can change and just how messed up our justice system can be . No victim or their family she be treated the way this mother was treated.
August 23, 2025
Heartbreaking Yet Uplifting
This is an amazing story of despair, hope, love and a fierce fighting spirit. Ms. Perry's journey from victim's mother to victims' advocate is full of raw, real emotions that, I believe, would make her murdered child proud.
This is an amazing story of despair, hope, love and a fierce fighting spirit. Ms. Perry's journey from victim's mother to victims' advocate is full of raw, real emotions that, I believe, would make her murdered child proud.
September 3, 2025
A child murdered.
Ms Petty’s pain at losing her daughter to a violent, senseless death is raw and palpable but she never gave up fighting for justice for victims and their families. Read it.
Ms Petty’s pain at losing her daughter to a violent, senseless death is raw and palpable but she never gave up fighting for justice for victims and their families. Read it.
September 7, 2025
Heartbreaking though Inspiring.
Such a sad and horrific loss of a beautiful child. Walking through the grief with her mother who used this tragedy to make changes for other small children. So inspiring. So heartbreaking.
Such a sad and horrific loss of a beautiful child. Walking through the grief with her mother who used this tragedy to make changes for other small children. So inspiring. So heartbreaking.
August 25, 2024
4 star
I felt that the family dynamics during her journey should have been fleshed out more. I am sure she didn't travel this road alone.
I felt that the family dynamics during her journey should have been fleshed out more. I am sure she didn't travel this road alone.
September 17, 2024
09/16/2024
October 31, 2024
grippingly true story.
Great book about one mother’s pursuit of justice. Hard to read at times but a must read. God bless all of the missing children.
Great book about one mother’s pursuit of justice. Hard to read at times but a must read. God bless all of the missing children.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews