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In The Attic
“I’m so terrified... that psycho’s going to kill me!” Maria Dersch prophetically predicted her death at the savage hands of her ex-boyfriend, Billy Ray Shaughnessy, who hid in her attic for two and a half days with an ax before sneaking down in the dead of night, chopping Maria and her new lover to death.
In The Attic is based on a true crime story - an intense, shocking, and unforgettable psychological crime thriller - and a real double murder case author Garry Rodgers investigated as a homicide detective. It’s also told from the killer’s point of view through his lyrical, psychotic, and homicidal thoughts.
In this lightning-paced, mind-twisting, psychological ride, you’re suspended in a six-day investigation and search for Billy Ray after Maria reported a violent, knife-point, sexual assault committed by him on a Friday afternoon. Over the weekend, police and friends made a frantic attempt to lock Billy Ray from the house and track him down to prevent escalation. They failed.
In The Attic allows a terrifying yet fascinating access to a psychopathic, anti-social mind—a mind diagnosed as one of the most outstanding cases of mental disorder a team of forensic psychiatrists ever saw.
Here’s what readers of In The Attic are
“Aghast! This is one of the best written and easily the most horrifying suspense story I have read. The writing is so clear and so compelling that you are immediately drawn in. I. Could. Not. Put. This. Down.”
“The author’s seamless POV transitions are genius. You’re given a disquieting look into the deeply disturbed, misogynistic psyche of a killer and the concern of a dedicated, seasoned police officer.”
“As events unfolded, I found myself praying the victim would somehow survive, which is absurd, as you know going in, the story is about a double murder. Garry Rodgers’ writing is so fluid, he places you in the detective’s shoes without effort—you’re there, you’re experiencing scenes as they unfold. I’m not prone to nightmares by something I’ve read, but Garry Rodgers has succeeded where others left little, or no impact.”
“Do not let the horrific and graphic nature of this novel dissuade you. This is a must-read for crime novel enthusiasts. I felt driven to finish this book in record time. True story, great writing, emotional investment. What more could you want from a title?"
"In my opinion, Garry Rodgers is slated to become one of the most outstanding crime writers of our time.”
”If you've ever read The Widow by Fiona Barton or The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins, my feeling while reading In The Attic was akin to my feelings while reading Widow and Train. I don't just think it's a great read, I think it's an important story—of mental illness, abuse, and how the limitations in social services can sometimes coalesce at the wrong moment, hurting all involved.”
“It sounds like a cliché, but I couldn’t put it down. I was gripped from the first sentence, and was not so much reading as inhaling the story until it was done. I took a long, cathartic shower to get my head back in my own world, so I could write sensibly about my experience as a reader of this gripping story.”
"No awareness that I was reading a book, more like I was completely inside the story"
In The Attic is based on a true crime story - an intense, shocking, and unforgettable psychological crime thriller - and a real double murder case author Garry Rodgers investigated as a homicide detective. It’s also told from the killer’s point of view through his lyrical, psychotic, and homicidal thoughts.
In this lightning-paced, mind-twisting, psychological ride, you’re suspended in a six-day investigation and search for Billy Ray after Maria reported a violent, knife-point, sexual assault committed by him on a Friday afternoon. Over the weekend, police and friends made a frantic attempt to lock Billy Ray from the house and track him down to prevent escalation. They failed.
In The Attic allows a terrifying yet fascinating access to a psychopathic, anti-social mind—a mind diagnosed as one of the most outstanding cases of mental disorder a team of forensic psychiatrists ever saw.
Here’s what readers of In The Attic are
“Aghast! This is one of the best written and easily the most horrifying suspense story I have read. The writing is so clear and so compelling that you are immediately drawn in. I. Could. Not. Put. This. Down.”
“The author’s seamless POV transitions are genius. You’re given a disquieting look into the deeply disturbed, misogynistic psyche of a killer and the concern of a dedicated, seasoned police officer.”
“As events unfolded, I found myself praying the victim would somehow survive, which is absurd, as you know going in, the story is about a double murder. Garry Rodgers’ writing is so fluid, he places you in the detective’s shoes without effort—you’re there, you’re experiencing scenes as they unfold. I’m not prone to nightmares by something I’ve read, but Garry Rodgers has succeeded where others left little, or no impact.”
“Do not let the horrific and graphic nature of this novel dissuade you. This is a must-read for crime novel enthusiasts. I felt driven to finish this book in record time. True story, great writing, emotional investment. What more could you want from a title?"
"In my opinion, Garry Rodgers is slated to become one of the most outstanding crime writers of our time.”
”If you've ever read The Widow by Fiona Barton or The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins, my feeling while reading In The Attic was akin to my feelings while reading Widow and Train. I don't just think it's a great read, I think it's an important story—of mental illness, abuse, and how the limitations in social services can sometimes coalesce at the wrong moment, hurting all involved.”
“It sounds like a cliché, but I couldn’t put it down. I was gripped from the first sentence, and was not so much reading as inhaling the story until it was done. I took a long, cathartic shower to get my head back in my own world, so I could write sensibly about my experience as a reader of this gripping story.”
"No awareness that I was reading a book, more like I was completely inside the story"
212 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 8, 2016
881 people are currently reading
429 people want to read
About the author
Garry Rodgers
27 books276 followersGarry Rodgers is a retired Royal Canadian Mounted Police serious crimes detective who went on to a second stint doing sudden and unexplained death investigations for the Province of British Columbia Coroners Service. In his younger years, Garry served as a marksman (sniper) on British Special Air Services (SAS) trained RCMP Emergency Response Teams. He's also a recognized expert witness in Canadian courts on the identification and operation of firearms.
In his third reincarnation, Garry Rodgers made #5 bragging rights on the Amazon Best Seller list, sandwiched between the names Stephen King and Dean Koontz with his debut crime thriller novel No Witnesses To Nothing. It’s based on a true story where many believe paranormal intervention occurred. At the moment, Garry is working on a series of books based on true crime cases he was involved in. These are In The Attic, Under The Ground, From The Shadows and Beside The Road. In the works are On The Floor, Between The Bikers, By The Throat, Below The Deck, At The Cabin and Off The Grid.
Garry hosts a popular blog at www.DyingWords.net. The tagline is provoking thoughts on life, death and writing. There are 300+ posts ranging from rants on bureaucratic stupidity to analyzing high-profile death cases. He also blogs at the HuffPost and does ghost-written op-eds. Recently, The Kill Zone gang invited Garry as a regular contributor.
A few non-fictional facts about Garry Rodgers…
~He grew up around the drag strip and was an NHRA ModProd racer.
~He also raced snowmobiles (sleds) for Mercury Marine on the SnoPro circuit.
~He won a mechanical bull riding competition — stayed on 8 seconds at level 8.
~He was struck by lightning and survived to talk about it (that really, really sucked).
~He was bitten by a venomous brown recluse spider while he was innocently writing a book.
~He was thoroughly humiliated by having to karaoke sing You Ain’t Nothing But A Hound Dog.
~He almost killed Neil Young, the rocker. Story goes that Neil was flying over a tree-lined hill crest on his bicycle and Garry nearly bug-squashed him with his Ford Explorer. According to Garry and Neil, it was a close call. Real close.
Outside of crime writing, Garry Rodgers is an old boat skipper. He went to school and took Transport Canada courses, exams and proved sea time to get his 60-Tonne Marine Captain ticket. Garry says, "I’m good-to-go (from a legal point) to run tugs, seiners, small ferries and luxury yachts. However, outside of operating a few touristy whale-watching boats, I don’t drive watercraft commercially. I just love spending time around the Pacific saltwater near my home in Nanaimo on British Columbia’s Vancouver Island at Canada’s beautiful west coast."
In his third reincarnation, Garry Rodgers made #5 bragging rights on the Amazon Best Seller list, sandwiched between the names Stephen King and Dean Koontz with his debut crime thriller novel No Witnesses To Nothing. It’s based on a true story where many believe paranormal intervention occurred. At the moment, Garry is working on a series of books based on true crime cases he was involved in. These are In The Attic, Under The Ground, From The Shadows and Beside The Road. In the works are On The Floor, Between The Bikers, By The Throat, Below The Deck, At The Cabin and Off The Grid.
Garry hosts a popular blog at www.DyingWords.net. The tagline is provoking thoughts on life, death and writing. There are 300+ posts ranging from rants on bureaucratic stupidity to analyzing high-profile death cases. He also blogs at the HuffPost and does ghost-written op-eds. Recently, The Kill Zone gang invited Garry as a regular contributor.
A few non-fictional facts about Garry Rodgers…
~He grew up around the drag strip and was an NHRA ModProd racer.
~He also raced snowmobiles (sleds) for Mercury Marine on the SnoPro circuit.
~He won a mechanical bull riding competition — stayed on 8 seconds at level 8.
~He was struck by lightning and survived to talk about it (that really, really sucked).
~He was bitten by a venomous brown recluse spider while he was innocently writing a book.
~He was thoroughly humiliated by having to karaoke sing You Ain’t Nothing But A Hound Dog.
~He almost killed Neil Young, the rocker. Story goes that Neil was flying over a tree-lined hill crest on his bicycle and Garry nearly bug-squashed him with his Ford Explorer. According to Garry and Neil, it was a close call. Real close.
Outside of crime writing, Garry Rodgers is an old boat skipper. He went to school and took Transport Canada courses, exams and proved sea time to get his 60-Tonne Marine Captain ticket. Garry says, "I’m good-to-go (from a legal point) to run tugs, seiners, small ferries and luxury yachts. However, outside of operating a few touristy whale-watching boats, I don’t drive watercraft commercially. I just love spending time around the Pacific saltwater near my home in Nanaimo on British Columbia’s Vancouver Island at Canada’s beautiful west coast."
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
July 20, 2020
In The Attic is definitively a police procedural of an actual murder investigation. While the authenticity cannot be denied, it was a difficult read. The subject matter is, of course, stomach-turning but the format was the thing I had the most problems with. I would have preferred less time with the killer's thoughts - which were projected - and a little more time with the victim.
November 17, 2020
This story is straight out of a horror movie!
I don't think anybody could have prevented Maria's death. She was on a trajectory with Billy Ray that would have ultimately led to her death. He didn't get enough time for taking two lives. It's A dam shame , the whole story. I just don't understand why the police didn't check the attic? This is where the story gets side tracked. Also Billy Ray's rambling about music over and over was a waste of writing that could have been used to build u the story and characters.
I don't think anybody could have prevented Maria's death. She was on a trajectory with Billy Ray that would have ultimately led to her death. He didn't get enough time for taking two lives. It's A dam shame , the whole story. I just don't understand why the police didn't check the attic? This is where the story gets side tracked. Also Billy Ray's rambling about music over and over was a waste of writing that could have been used to build u the story and characters.
December 24, 2020
Huh?
Just as we were getting to the psych part of the perpetrator and his crimes the book just...ends.
The first few chapters while the perpetrator is talking or singing to himself was very tedious as well. The violence and descriptions just seemed gratuitous and for shock value
Very disappointing.
Just as we were getting to the psych part of the perpetrator and his crimes the book just...ends.
The first few chapters while the perpetrator is talking or singing to himself was very tedious as well. The violence and descriptions just seemed gratuitous and for shock value
Very disappointing.
July 12, 2020
Great
It was so interesting in that the detective seemingly gave lessons on the entire process. This intrigued me to no end. I learned about the process and was able to follow the storyline better. Now Billy Ray's rantings?? I skipped.
It was so interesting in that the detective seemingly gave lessons on the entire process. This intrigued me to no end. I learned about the process and was able to follow the storyline better. Now Billy Ray's rantings?? I skipped.
September 2, 2021
This was an interesting, if very different, short novel. It is basically well-written, but the f-word is worn out and the violence is very graphic. I basically just skipped the portions that were supposed to be the killers thoughts. I doubt I will search out any more books by this author.
December 27, 2016
Simply horrific.
Read
September 10, 2020"If you got decent entertainment value"?
Mr. Rodgers, are you are of your subject matter? And that it's based on TRUE events? Sir, only true psychopaths would get "decent entertainment value" from this book. (I just needed to point this out while I remembered!)
As for the book... The writing itself was better than expected for a detective-turned-author but he could use a better editor (especially one who knows the basic difference between to & too) & knows there needs to be both opening & closing quotation marks.
Once the murder happened, all I could think to myself is: 'please tell me this is part of the UNreal portion of the story' since it's a 'based upon' true events novel and we don't really know what's true and what isn't.
I'd be curious to know what case this is based off of though because I'm a true crime junkie and would look if up. Just as I'm sure all of I'd would.
The end came upon me very abruptly. I was reading along and suddenly, there was the epilogue! I feel there should have been more of a transition - like a big chunk of something was missing between the epilogue & the chapter before it.
The book was good, though, and I'd recommend it. The small things I found won't stop me from reading the others that are offered in KU. But I won't pay for any until the editing is cleaned up.
Mr. Rodgers, are you are of your subject matter? And that it's based on TRUE events? Sir, only true psychopaths would get "decent entertainment value" from this book. (I just needed to point this out while I remembered!)
As for the book... The writing itself was better than expected for a detective-turned-author but he could use a better editor (especially one who knows the basic difference between to & too) & knows there needs to be both opening & closing quotation marks.
Once the murder happened, all I could think to myself is: 'please tell me this is part of the UNreal portion of the story' since it's a 'based upon' true events novel and we don't really know what's true and what isn't.
I'd be curious to know what case this is based off of though because I'm a true crime junkie and would look if up. Just as I'm sure all of I'd would.
The end came upon me very abruptly. I was reading along and suddenly, there was the epilogue! I feel there should have been more of a transition - like a big chunk of something was missing between the epilogue & the chapter before it.
The book was good, though, and I'd recommend it. The small things I found won't stop me from reading the others that are offered in KU. But I won't pay for any until the editing is cleaned up.
June 4, 2020
The truly gripping aspect of this book? It's a true story. My and I just this past year moved into an older home he inherited from his parents. And inside one of the closets, if that's what you would call it was very shallow and narrow with a ladder built in for getting into the attic. The opening to the attic had no covering and I could absolutely not stand opening that door with a big dark hole with it's attic air breathing in on me! So I took a moving box and cut a piece to fit the hole and took my trusty house stapler and closed that baby up. Problem solved. Never gave it another thought and all was well. Then you, Mr. Rodgers tells this TRUE story so fittingly titled... IN THE ATTIC. If only I hadn't read it ! Trust me when I say I got jist of it.....no good comes from any attics or basements!!!
October 29, 2020
If Only
A true crime story that delves into the minds of the victim, perpetrator, and investigators, In The Attic held my attention from the minute Maria came into the police precinct till the last insight by the detective.
The story unfolds as a short snapshot of relationship abuse and a poster for caution. Many times during the retelling if the course if her journey, I wanted to call out to Maria - "no, Red Flag". I also felt a desire to turn back the clock for Billy Ray and change his childhood. Alas, as thus us a " ripped from the headlines" story - no one had seen enough to plot the crash course the couple had set upon.
Rodgers allowed the reader to see the developing saga, but also to relive UT through the eyes of law enforcement. Will definitely look at other books in thus series.
A true crime story that delves into the minds of the victim, perpetrator, and investigators, In The Attic held my attention from the minute Maria came into the police precinct till the last insight by the detective.
The story unfolds as a short snapshot of relationship abuse and a poster for caution. Many times during the retelling if the course if her journey, I wanted to call out to Maria - "no, Red Flag". I also felt a desire to turn back the clock for Billy Ray and change his childhood. Alas, as thus us a " ripped from the headlines" story - no one had seen enough to plot the crash course the couple had set upon.
Rodgers allowed the reader to see the developing saga, but also to relive UT through the eyes of law enforcement. Will definitely look at other books in thus series.
June 15, 2023
Garry Rodger's is a Canadian cop who based In The Attic on a real crime in British Columbia. His writing style reminded me of Joseph Wambaugh. Both have a dark sense of humor.
A woman filed a complaint against her boyfriend, telling the police that he threatened to kill her. They searched for him without realizing that he was hiding in plain site in the attic of their home.
The text is filled with imagined musings of the killer/musician as he sings a few recognizable rock songs with altered lyrics. Helter Skelter is one of the the tunes in his head as he curses out his "Jezebel" girlfriend.
My only disappointment is the label of both true crime and fiction being used as the category for the book. A follow-up with the real names would have been useful.
At only 184 pages, it is a quick and entertaining read.
A woman filed a complaint against her boyfriend, telling the police that he threatened to kill her. They searched for him without realizing that he was hiding in plain site in the attic of their home.
The text is filled with imagined musings of the killer/musician as he sings a few recognizable rock songs with altered lyrics. Helter Skelter is one of the the tunes in his head as he curses out his "Jezebel" girlfriend.
My only disappointment is the label of both true crime and fiction being used as the category for the book. A follow-up with the real names would have been useful.
At only 184 pages, it is a quick and entertaining read.
August 25, 2020
It’s a read-worthy crime and investigation thriller. Some details could be gruesome but that the way crime happens unfortunately! It’s gripping in the beginning but loses your interest towards the end. As it leaves with simple questions- how come police didn’t look in the attic?!, why there was no guarding officer at her house in the night? Criminal profile in this crime book also somewhat looks incomplete. But overall, a good summertime read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 8, 2021
Couldn't stop reading
It's almost 4 am and I just finished reading. I couldn't put this book down. It is well written and keeps you wanting more. Also I will admit, I'm going to have a hard time sleeping because of the subject matter. The words of the victim will be haunting my dreams.
It's almost 4 am and I just finished reading. I couldn't put this book down. It is well written and keeps you wanting more. Also I will admit, I'm going to have a hard time sleeping because of the subject matter. The words of the victim will be haunting my dreams.
November 21, 2020
It really makes you feel like you are listening to this creep. It's sad how he got to be that much in need of help. It also makes it very hard to read this book. Read during the Corona Virus Pandemic of 2020.
February 19, 2021
Highly recommend
Very well written story. This book is hard to put down and will stay with you long after you're done reading it. Not for the faint of heart. Author has an excellent way of getting into the minds and characterization of everyone in story.
Very well written story. This book is hard to put down and will stay with you long after you're done reading it. Not for the faint of heart. Author has an excellent way of getting into the minds and characterization of everyone in story.
September 14, 2021
Shocking
This was such a gruesome story. I felt bad for the cop and Maria. He did everything possible to keep Maria safe, but to no avail. He is haunted now by the words 'If only'. If you like reading true crime stories, you won't be disappointed...as long as you can stomach it.
This was such a gruesome story. I felt bad for the cop and Maria. He did everything possible to keep Maria safe, but to no avail. He is haunted now by the words 'If only'. If you like reading true crime stories, you won't be disappointed...as long as you can stomach it.
December 15, 2021
Brilliant
Absolutely brilliant book. I couldn't put this book down. The details in the book about what happened to them poor people, I just felt for them both. I can't wait to read the next book.
Absolutely brilliant book. I couldn't put this book down. The details in the book about what happened to them poor people, I just felt for them both. I can't wait to read the next book.
December 11, 2024
Great book until the end
This book is about murder in slow motion. For any DV survivors, I don't suggest reading. It is so real. Hated the ending though. I think it could have ended in a better way to really make it a series. All in all, its a good read
This book is about murder in slow motion. For any DV survivors, I don't suggest reading. It is so real. Hated the ending though. I think it could have ended in a better way to really make it a series. All in all, its a good read
March 1, 2025
First off, my heart goes out to the victims friend and family & especially the little girl who was left an orphan. Very well written book. It was hard for me to put down. I could have done without the song lyrics throughout the book, but other than that, it was a great read.
June 16, 2020
After a couple of chapters which were primarily song lyrics I couldn't it anymore.
December 8, 2020
Depressing
A good enough story reasonably well written, but the speculation about what may be going through the subject's mind is distracting to the point of annoyance
A good enough story reasonably well written, but the speculation about what may be going through the subject's mind is distracting to the point of annoyance
February 9, 2021
I really enjoyed this. It was fast paced and hard to put down. I
March 25, 2024
Bored me to death
May 26, 2024
I am currently reading this book & have to say it is NOT for those with a weak stomach. The author goes into GREAT detail about cases he has worked on during his service with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. He states before you even get into reading the actual story, that he tries to be as descriptive as possible, well he does that & more... This is one of the best detailed novels I've ever read & I've read many over the years. I will update again once I'm finished reading the entire book.
Sick & twisted is an understatement for one of the main characters. This novel will leave the reader saying... If Only. EXCELLENT READ.
Sick & twisted is an understatement for one of the main characters. This novel will leave the reader saying... If Only. EXCELLENT READ.
August 13, 2024
Actually a decent read.
Good storyline and it kept me going till the end.
Good storyline and it kept me going till the end.
August 21, 2024
Was different felt I was singing 🎵 the baddies chapter
October 31, 2016
I am a true crime junky; fascinated with the things people are capable of doing to others. In The Attic, is based on the true crime story of a psychopathic killer. No wonder this story has stayed with the author. Some of the chapters will make your heart thunder with fear. The dread and impending doom haunting the detective will jump right off the page and into your sense of well-being. You know what is coming, but pray you're wrong. When the worst happens, you're not prepared for it - how could you be. The book is graphic and chilling. It will leave you shaken.
I understand the author was depicting a psychotic killer but, found the repetitive words of the killer to be at times, too much. Also, I wondered why the phrase "zero sum game," was used by both the detective (in the first chapter) and by the killer, repeatedly. That confused me. Why not name the book Zero-Sum Game?
I understand the author was depicting a psychotic killer but, found the repetitive words of the killer to be at times, too much. Also, I wondered why the phrase "zero sum game," was used by both the detective (in the first chapter) and by the killer, repeatedly. That confused me. Why not name the book Zero-Sum Game?
October 14, 2025
Obviously from the title, we know as readers where the psycho is hiding the whole time - but it’s the one place they forget to look?! They make a point to search the house from top to bottom, to take every possible precaution to ensure the victim's safety, and it's all for naught! So we spend all this time waiting alongside everyone else while he is up there, waiting...
The psychology behind it is what gets me the most, and the terrifying thrill of having all the information but being entirely helpless makes this an interesting read for sure. Ultimately, the writing was very well done, but I was not sure if this was something I would often pick up and read more than once.
The psychology behind it is what gets me the most, and the terrifying thrill of having all the information but being entirely helpless makes this an interesting read for sure. Ultimately, the writing was very well done, but I was not sure if this was something I would often pick up and read more than once.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 31, 2022
This book may be to much for the faint hearted to read. Some of the descriptions are really way out there. A woman is threatened by a boyfriend she threw out her house. She told the cops she was afraid he was going to kill her. She had a small child - which he loved and never would have hurt. He was hard to find and keep track of. Why ,cause he never really left. It heats up in the end with lots of gruesome things happening. But the baby is safe , but not so much for others.
September 9, 2016
Awesome!!!
Great story and was hooked beginning to end. After reading this book I had chills and bought 2 more of Gary's books. He has interestingly creepy cases.
Great story and was hooked beginning to end. After reading this book I had chills and bought 2 more of Gary's books. He has interestingly creepy cases.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews