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From Miracle To Murder: Justice For Adam
Would a mother kill her own child?
It seems unfathomable, but it happens all the time.
Joyce was a single mother of Anne, a nine-year-old daughter, and Adam, a six-year-old severely disabled son. Adam required constant care. Joyce was on welfare. She wanted more. Was she tired of taking care of her kids? When Adam died, her ex-husband said she was an abusive mother. The babysitter said Joyce brought him a dead child. The coroner said the timing of Adam’s death placed him with Joyce, and his little body showed signs of ongoing abuse.
How could Child Protective Services, the investigating officers, the district attorney, state psychologists, and a grand jury be wrong? How could anyone believe Joyce didn’t murder Adam?
From Miracle to Murder: Justice for Adam
is written in a gripping, this-really-happened style. It is a true crime memoir based on police reports, depositions, court records, a grand jury transcript, criminal trial transcripts, psychologist’s written evaluations, eye witness accounts, journals, victim impact statements, different avenues of public media, Adam’s autopsy, and haunting memories.
It seems unfathomable, but it happens all the time.
Joyce was a single mother of Anne, a nine-year-old daughter, and Adam, a six-year-old severely disabled son. Adam required constant care. Joyce was on welfare. She wanted more. Was she tired of taking care of her kids? When Adam died, her ex-husband said she was an abusive mother. The babysitter said Joyce brought him a dead child. The coroner said the timing of Adam’s death placed him with Joyce, and his little body showed signs of ongoing abuse.
How could Child Protective Services, the investigating officers, the district attorney, state psychologists, and a grand jury be wrong? How could anyone believe Joyce didn’t murder Adam?
From Miracle to Murder: Justice for Adam
is written in a gripping, this-really-happened style. It is a true crime memoir based on police reports, depositions, court records, a grand jury transcript, criminal trial transcripts, psychologist’s written evaluations, eye witness accounts, journals, victim impact statements, different avenues of public media, Adam’s autopsy, and haunting memories.
310 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 15, 2018
13 people are currently reading
27 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
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January 27, 2026Note : I am not rating this book as this memoir was written by a member of my local neighborhood book club, and we will be discussing it with her at our next meeting.
This real life memoir details the unfathomably horrific experiences of a woman who had her special needs son murdered, and then was framed as being responsible. Only after decades was the real killer brought to a watered down version of justice, and only after the mother had nearly everything in her life stripped away by the dual tragedy of losing her son AND being falsely accused and abandoned by the justice system in Arizona.
A devastatingly difficult read, and not for the easily triggered by violence, misogyny, or injustice. Written from the viewpoint of a victim who somehow found the fortitude to somehow push forward with living and make sure her son’s memory was not lost.
This real life memoir details the unfathomably horrific experiences of a woman who had her special needs son murdered, and then was framed as being responsible. Only after decades was the real killer brought to a watered down version of justice, and only after the mother had nearly everything in her life stripped away by the dual tragedy of losing her son AND being falsely accused and abandoned by the justice system in Arizona.
A devastatingly difficult read, and not for the easily triggered by violence, misogyny, or injustice. Written from the viewpoint of a victim who somehow found the fortitude to somehow push forward with living and make sure her son’s memory was not lost.
February 25, 2019
We are proud to announce that FROM MIRACLE TO MURDER: Justice for Adam by Joyce A. Lefler is a B.R.A.G.Medallion Honoree. This tells readers that this book is well worth their time and money!
February 23, 2019
From Miracle to Murder by Joyce Lefler, is a very well written account of a mother's worst nightmare, the loss of her most precious possession. And if that was not enough, to be charged with the murder of that child. A detailed personal story of journey through abuse, grief bewilderment, and injustice, by the judicial system. Somehow, Joyce with the help of her "hero's", found the strength an courage to pull herself out of despair and find out the truth about what "actually really" happened to her beloved child. The book uncovers sloppy detective and police work. It is a true real life NCIS, Law and Order "TRUE" mystery. The book will leave you on the edge on your chair waiting to read the next chapter. I literally read the entire book in about six (6) hours. It's a gripping story that is almost hard to believe it is "not" fiction. I totally recommend this book.
April 12, 2023
This is a true story account of how one mother's life was forever changed by a false accusation. What starts out as an episodic letter of explanation to her daughter soon becomes a compelling story that is both hard to read because of its biting honest portrayal of an innocent woman's mistreatment by her family, her community, and the justice system, but also hard to put down because of Ms. Lefler's compelling story. As she shares her story which spans decades, her skills as a writer grow. I have the privilege of belonging to a book club to which Ms. Lefler spoke via zoom. Her courage and honesty and ability to choose to give her misjustices to a higher power moved me in ways that I cannot find words to express.
July 9, 2024
It is hard to believe everything this woman had to go thru and is still going thru. To have such an awful home life that that your parents, friends and church think you deserve and will not help you. Then you have a beautiful child that society says shouldn't be alive. You do your best for what you believe in and then after overcoming everything thrown at you, you are accused of murdering that beautiful child. And all because some members of the police, who should be protecting you, don't want to do their own job. I am very thankful that members of the police finally stepped up and found justice for this miracle little boy.
February 7, 2019
A powerful, powerful story of justice and triumph for a little boy who deserved so much more, and for an innocent woman who was accused of murdering her own child. Joyce Lefler tells Adam's story, and her own, with compassion and dispassion, with conviction, and most of all, with a frightening clarity in exposing the weaknesses in our justice system. Kudos to the detectives who reopened the cold case on Adam's murder, and refused to give up until they uncovered the truth.
Adam's story will break your heart. Joyce's story will renew it.
Adam's story will break your heart. Joyce's story will renew it.
February 22, 2019
This was a book I could not put down. The author does an exceptional job of drawing the reader in and making us feel like we were with her throughout the journey. The fact that it is a true story only serves to add to this amazing book. Some parts seems so unimaginable that I had to reread them just to get it through my head. It is a story that needed to be shared, both for the author and for readers who may connect on a personal level. It is a story ANY mother can relate to and will make you want to hug your children.
February 22, 2019
February 22, 2019
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Format: Kindle Edition
Picked up this book and couldn't put it down. If you like a really good Dateline or Cold Case Files story, then you will love this book. All this lady has gone through and still survived is the exact image of a strong women. May God forgive those who trespassed against her. May God forgive the "church" for their part in leaving her feeling hopeless and alone. God bless you Joyce. I know that you have found that God's grace is sufficient.
Verified Purchase
Format: Kindle Edition
Picked up this book and couldn't put it down. If you like a really good Dateline or Cold Case Files story, then you will love this book. All this lady has gone through and still survived is the exact image of a strong women. May God forgive those who trespassed against her. May God forgive the "church" for their part in leaving her feeling hopeless and alone. God bless you Joyce. I know that you have found that God's grace is sufficient.
February 24, 2022
Being accused or convicted of a crime you did not commit the way Joyce was is absolutely horrifying.
The justice system is flawed in so many ways.
This book was heart wrenching and beautiful and I’m very glad I picked it up.
What she went through is enough to chill anyone to the core.
This woman is a hell of a lot stronger than I could imagine being if I were put in this situation.
Definitely recommend reading this book.
The justice system is flawed in so many ways.
This book was heart wrenching and beautiful and I’m very glad I picked it up.
What she went through is enough to chill anyone to the core.
This woman is a hell of a lot stronger than I could imagine being if I were put in this situation.
Definitely recommend reading this book.
November 22, 2022
This book was so heartbreaking and inspiring at the same time. What Joyce went through is absolutely horrific. The book was hard to put down at times. If I could have, I probably would have finished it in a day. As a fellow mother, Phoenician, and nurse, I felt like I related to Joyce in a lot of ways. She shows her vulnerability on so many occasions, and at times I wanted to somehow reach through the book and hug her. I will definitely be recommending this book to others.
May 31, 2021
Excellent
This was such a great book, I could not stand through everything she did, someone murdering your child, you would have to be strong, the courts and law really did her wrong, I cried , sometimes laughed cause of her comments, you really need to read this book, you won't be disappointed, I have this book on my tablet and I'll read it again
This was such a great book, I could not stand through everything she did, someone murdering your child, you would have to be strong, the courts and law really did her wrong, I cried , sometimes laughed cause of her comments, you really need to read this book, you won't be disappointed, I have this book on my tablet and I'll read it again
February 26, 2019
This was a book I could not put down!! It was horrible that a mother who just lost her son was now having to prove she did not murder her child. It is a true story of a mom not losing one child but lost 2 children. This is a must read book!!!
May 5, 2019
Awesome
I fought this book hard to put down, I read it all in one day and I laughed, cried, and got so angry. I highly recommend this book to every one
I fought this book hard to put down, I read it all in one day and I laughed, cried, and got so angry. I highly recommend this book to every one
July 16, 2025
Heartbreaking
This incredible woman went through the worst imaginable pain. I wish her all of the best in life moving forward as she was dealt the worst too early.
This incredible woman went through the worst imaginable pain. I wish her all of the best in life moving forward as she was dealt the worst too early.
November 18, 2025
This was a wonderfully written sharing of horrific events in the author's life. I was horrified by what she went through and how awful our world can be to people. Definitely worth reading.
February 6, 2019
Incredible survival and success story, I highly recommend this book!
February 7, 2019
This was a very good book. A book about survival of a mother who had to defend herself and the love for her son. It was a page turner and didn't want to stop reading. It got real intense that I had to put down and reflect on what I had read. If you like a true crime novel you will really love this book. I would recommend to anyone and my friends.
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February 22, 2019Writing a review for this book is such an honor!! This book will leave you feeling a mutitude of emotions. This book was so intense that I read it in its entirety in about 6 hours, It was a very hard book to put down
Whatever happened to being inniocent before being provern guilty?? There was a GREAT miscarriage in the judicial system!!
This book will leave you wanting to read the next chapter!
Whatever happened to being inniocent before being provern guilty?? There was a GREAT miscarriage in the judicial system!!
This book will leave you wanting to read the next chapter!
February 22, 2019
What an amazing story about strength and conviction and the unconditional love that was required for both. This book will draw you in. You will experience through the words, every conceivable emotion. You will come away with an appreciation for life itself.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews