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Don't Tell a Soul
“Phelps is a true-crime veteran.” —New York Post
Cherry Walker was a devoted, trusting, uncommonly innocent young woman who loved caring for a neighbor’s little boy. But when she was asked to testify in court against his abusive mother, Cherry never got the chance. She couldn’t lie if her life depended on it—and it did. Cherry’s body was found on the side of a Texas road, after being doused with lighter fluid and set aflame.
Attractive, manipulative, and violent, mother of four Kim Cargill had a wealth of dirty secrets she’d do anything to keep hidden. This in-depth account by bestselling investigative journalist M. William Phelps takes you inside Cargill’s shocking trial—and into the mind of one of the most conniving female psychopaths in recent history—and on death row.
“Anything by Phelps is an eye-opening experience.” —Suspense Magazine
“Phelps dares to tread where few others will: into the mind of a killer.” —TV Rage
“Phelps is the king of true crime.” --Lynda Hirsch, Creators Syndicate columnist
“One of our most engaging crime journalists.” —Dr. Katherine Ramsland
INCLUDES 16 PAGES OF DRAMATIC PHOTOS
Cherry Walker was a devoted, trusting, uncommonly innocent young woman who loved caring for a neighbor’s little boy. But when she was asked to testify in court against his abusive mother, Cherry never got the chance. She couldn’t lie if her life depended on it—and it did. Cherry’s body was found on the side of a Texas road, after being doused with lighter fluid and set aflame.
Attractive, manipulative, and violent, mother of four Kim Cargill had a wealth of dirty secrets she’d do anything to keep hidden. This in-depth account by bestselling investigative journalist M. William Phelps takes you inside Cargill’s shocking trial—and into the mind of one of the most conniving female psychopaths in recent history—and on death row.
“Anything by Phelps is an eye-opening experience.” —Suspense Magazine
“Phelps dares to tread where few others will: into the mind of a killer.” —TV Rage
“Phelps is the king of true crime.” --Lynda Hirsch, Creators Syndicate columnist
“One of our most engaging crime journalists.” —Dr. Katherine Ramsland
INCLUDES 16 PAGES OF DRAMATIC PHOTOS
422 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 28, 2017
249 people are currently reading
552 people want to read
About the author
M. William Phelps
88 books1,164 followersCrime, murder and serial killer expert, creator/producer/writer and former host of the Investigation Discovery series DARK MINDS, acclaimed, award-winning investigative journalist M. William Phelps is the New York Times best-selling author of 30 books and winner of the 2013 Excellence in (Investigative) Journalism Award and the 2008 New England Book Festival Award. A highly sought-after pundit, Phelps has made over 100 media-related television appearances: Early Show, The Today Show, The View, Fox & Friends, truTV, Discovery Channel, Fox News Channel, Good Morning America, TLC, BIO, History, Oxygen, OWN, on top of over 100 additional media appearances: USA Radio Network, Catholic Radio, Mancow, Wall Street Journal Radio, Zac Daniel, Ave Maria Radio, Catholic Channel, EWTN Radio, ABC News Radio, and many more.
Phelps is also a member of the Multidisciplinary Collaborative on Sexual Crime and Violence (MCSCV), also known as the Atypical Homicide Research Group (AHRG) at Northeastern University, maintained by NU alumni Enzo Yaksic.
Phelps is one of the regular and recurring experts frequently appearing on two long-running series, Deadly Women and Snapped. Radio America calls Phelps “the nation’s leading authority on the mind of the female murderer,” and TV Rage says, “M. William Phelps dares to tread where few others will: into the mind of a killer.” A respected journalist, beyond his book writing Phelps has written for numerous publications—including the Providence Journal, Connecticut Magazine and Hartford Courant—and consulted on the first season of the hit Showtime cable television series Dexter.
Phelps grew up in East Hartford, CT, moved to Vernon, CT, at age 12, where he lived for 25 years. He now lives in a reclusive Connecticut farming community north of Hartford.
Beyond crime, Phelps has also written several history books, including the acclaimed, New York Times bestselling NATHAN HALE: The Life and Death of America’s First Spy, THE DEVIL’S ROOMING HOUSE, THE DEVIL’S RIGHT HAND, MURDER, NEW ENGLAND, and more.
Phelps is also a member of the Multidisciplinary Collaborative on Sexual Crime and Violence (MCSCV), also known as the Atypical Homicide Research Group (AHRG) at Northeastern University, maintained by NU alumni Enzo Yaksic.
Phelps is one of the regular and recurring experts frequently appearing on two long-running series, Deadly Women and Snapped. Radio America calls Phelps “the nation’s leading authority on the mind of the female murderer,” and TV Rage says, “M. William Phelps dares to tread where few others will: into the mind of a killer.” A respected journalist, beyond his book writing Phelps has written for numerous publications—including the Providence Journal, Connecticut Magazine and Hartford Courant—and consulted on the first season of the hit Showtime cable television series Dexter.
Phelps grew up in East Hartford, CT, moved to Vernon, CT, at age 12, where he lived for 25 years. He now lives in a reclusive Connecticut farming community north of Hartford.
Beyond crime, Phelps has also written several history books, including the acclaimed, New York Times bestselling NATHAN HALE: The Life and Death of America’s First Spy, THE DEVIL’S ROOMING HOUSE, THE DEVIL’S RIGHT HAND, MURDER, NEW ENGLAND, and more.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 127 reviews
January 19, 2022
Cherry Walker was an innocent, sweet woman. Although being development delayed, she manages to move out on her own and make a life for herself. She meets Kim Cargill one day at her apartment complex. Kim needed a babysitter for her young son and starts dropping him off at Cherry's home. Cherry starts to discover the child is being neglected. Constantly hungry, dirty, and being left for days on end. Child protective service's step in after the father intervenes and petitions for custody. Cherry is called to testify to Kim's horror. Cherry knows a lot of Kim's dirty little secrets. She sets a deadly plot in motion to silence Cherry forever. A reasonable good read. I found Phelps repeated himself needlessly. Facts are well put together.
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May 4, 2017
Buddy read with Josh! Thank you Josh and sorry for reading so fast!
This is one of my first True-Crime reads. I did read others but that was over 20 years ago so I have nothng fresh in my mind to compare this one with.
The story is about the murder of Cherry Walker. A good hearted young woman who was also mentally challenged.
Cherry was unfortunate in that her path in life crossed with Kim Cargill, who is a very aggressive, mentally unstable person with a history of abusing her children (and husbands), as well as being a compulsive liar and manipulator.
Long story short, Cherry was ordered to appear in court to testify in a child custody hearing that would result in Kim losing another child to one of her ex's. Having already lost custody of one child, it appears Kim was desperate and killed Cherry to prevent her testimony.
The author of this book is by trade a journalist, so his writing was of a different style to what I am used to. Overall I was engaged right from the first chapter and had a hard time putting the book down, but I also felt it was a little ridgid due to incorporating a story with timeline, facts and forensic information. Then again, I have no basis for comparison.
The story itself is heartbreaking to me, being a mother myself. There were a lot of details involving the abuse of children. Also, being a former police dispatcher, I was disgusted with the handling of the ongoing domestic issues from the Cargill residence by the local police. I would think most police officers would agree with my assesment that had authorities done their job, and had people had faith in their police department enough to go to them when they should have early on, many lives could have been spared such tradgey.
Back to the story....There were some aspects that were never made clear, and I suppose it really is insignificant. How did Kim get 250 Lb Cherry back into her vehicle alone? Why did Cherry's mother state Cherry's apt. was neat upon finding it when in fact it was not? Why would a court want to rely on a mentally challenged woman's testimony?
Well anyrate, I suppose it doesn't matter.
A quick Google search showed me that Kim is still making appeals and is still on Death Row.
This is one of my first True-Crime reads. I did read others but that was over 20 years ago so I have nothng fresh in my mind to compare this one with.
The story is about the murder of Cherry Walker. A good hearted young woman who was also mentally challenged.
Cherry was unfortunate in that her path in life crossed with Kim Cargill, who is a very aggressive, mentally unstable person with a history of abusing her children (and husbands), as well as being a compulsive liar and manipulator.
Long story short, Cherry was ordered to appear in court to testify in a child custody hearing that would result in Kim losing another child to one of her ex's. Having already lost custody of one child, it appears Kim was desperate and killed Cherry to prevent her testimony.
The author of this book is by trade a journalist, so his writing was of a different style to what I am used to. Overall I was engaged right from the first chapter and had a hard time putting the book down, but I also felt it was a little ridgid due to incorporating a story with timeline, facts and forensic information. Then again, I have no basis for comparison.
The story itself is heartbreaking to me, being a mother myself. There were a lot of details involving the abuse of children. Also, being a former police dispatcher, I was disgusted with the handling of the ongoing domestic issues from the Cargill residence by the local police. I would think most police officers would agree with my assesment that had authorities done their job, and had people had faith in their police department enough to go to them when they should have early on, many lives could have been spared such tradgey.
Back to the story....There were some aspects that were never made clear, and I suppose it really is insignificant. How did Kim get 250 Lb Cherry back into her vehicle alone? Why did Cherry's mother state Cherry's apt. was neat upon finding it when in fact it was not? Why would a court want to rely on a mentally challenged woman's testimony?
Well anyrate, I suppose it doesn't matter.
A quick Google search showed me that Kim is still making appeals and is still on Death Row.
February 25, 2017
Don't Tell a Soul by M. William Phelps is a true crime read about the killing of thirty nine year old Cherry Walker. Cherry was considered mentally challenged but she had made a life for herself living on her own with only a bit of help. She'd also taken on babysitting for her neighbor Kim Cargill who was ultimately accused of murdering Cherry.
When Cherry didn't show up one day where she normally would be her family tried contacting her with no luck. Later a body is found and the family just knew before the testing was done that it was going to be Cherry. As things unfold it's found that Kim was an abusive mother and Cherry had been set to be a witness to her abuse.
Don't Tell a Soul just turned out to not be a read for me simply based on the style the book is written in. It felt the entire time reading that it's more of a run down of facts without feeling or emotion written in to make me love or hate the characters as I should when reading about a murder. This one really made me feel more like reading case files or newspapers stories than a book throughout a lot of the story. While it's not a style of writing I enjoyed if anyone is a fan of true crime they may still like this one.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.wordpress....
When Cherry didn't show up one day where she normally would be her family tried contacting her with no luck. Later a body is found and the family just knew before the testing was done that it was going to be Cherry. As things unfold it's found that Kim was an abusive mother and Cherry had been set to be a witness to her abuse.
Don't Tell a Soul just turned out to not be a read for me simply based on the style the book is written in. It felt the entire time reading that it's more of a run down of facts without feeling or emotion written in to make me love or hate the characters as I should when reading about a murder. This one really made me feel more like reading case files or newspapers stories than a book throughout a lot of the story. While it's not a style of writing I enjoyed if anyone is a fan of true crime they may still like this one.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.wordpress....
March 14, 2017
Don't Tell a Soul narrates the true account of the tragic death of 39-year-old Cherry Walker in Texas in 2010. Cherry was developmentally disabled but lived independently with the help of a carer/an aid. Kim Cargill, a 43-year-old mother of four, was later accused of murdering Cherry to stop her from testifying in a child protective case. Cargill had used Cherry as a babysitter for her youngest son.
The book starts off at the time Cherry's parents begin to wonder where their daughter is and leads through the investigation and the subsequent trial. The reader learns a lot about Kim Cargill's background, family, relationships, and her erratic and abusive behavior.
This was my first experience of reading true crime, so I was unsure what to expect. I assumed this genre was going to be more an objective reporting of facts, but there were several instances where the account seemed pretty subjective. I'm not doubting the decision the court arrived at in any way, but I was surprised by the way some of this was worded. I also really disliked that Cherry was constantly referred to as "mentally retarded". Seriously, do people still use this term?! After reading about 20% of this, I was almost ready to give up, but I'm glad I finished it (although it took me ages). It became more interesting the more I read. However, it was repetitive and there was too much over-explaining. With some good editing, it could have been condensed.
The author, M. William Phelps, seems to have quite a following and is a well-known journalist and true crime writer, so don't let me put you off reading this. This is purely my personal reaction to this particular style of writing and the language used, and I know I'm a fussy reader when it comes to those two aspects.
Lastly, the cover doesn't do the book any favors either. In my opinion, it's more a fictional romance/romantic suspense cover.
Overall, I'm still inclined to read other true crime books, but this one just wasn't right for me.
I was invited to read this book by the publisher who provided me with an ARC.
The book starts off at the time Cherry's parents begin to wonder where their daughter is and leads through the investigation and the subsequent trial. The reader learns a lot about Kim Cargill's background, family, relationships, and her erratic and abusive behavior.
This was my first experience of reading true crime, so I was unsure what to expect. I assumed this genre was going to be more an objective reporting of facts, but there were several instances where the account seemed pretty subjective. I'm not doubting the decision the court arrived at in any way, but I was surprised by the way some of this was worded. I also really disliked that Cherry was constantly referred to as "mentally retarded". Seriously, do people still use this term?! After reading about 20% of this, I was almost ready to give up, but I'm glad I finished it (although it took me ages). It became more interesting the more I read. However, it was repetitive and there was too much over-explaining. With some good editing, it could have been condensed.
The author, M. William Phelps, seems to have quite a following and is a well-known journalist and true crime writer, so don't let me put you off reading this. This is purely my personal reaction to this particular style of writing and the language used, and I know I'm a fussy reader when it comes to those two aspects.
Lastly, the cover doesn't do the book any favors either. In my opinion, it's more a fictional romance/romantic suspense cover.
Overall, I'm still inclined to read other true crime books, but this one just wasn't right for me.
I was invited to read this book by the publisher who provided me with an ARC.
October 16, 2021
So I’ve read almost all of Phelps’ books and I’m actually flummoxed by the fact that he flip flopped the terms “psychopath “ and “sociopath “ as if they mean the same thing multiple times in this one. This book was also all over the place on a timeline. I’ve never noticed him do that. So this is prob the lowest I’ve ever rated one of his books.
February 14, 2017
DON'T TELL A SOUL by M. Willam Phelps
I was provided with a digital copy of this book for review by Netgalley and Kensington Books.
I've long been a fan of M. William Phelps, investigative journalist and true crime writer. I enjoy the type of detailed writing that presents true crime stories in such a well-researched form. This book is another example of his talent for choosing interesting stories and sharing them in a way that makes us feel that we know the nitty gritty of the case. This case is a real heartbreaker. It involves a young lady who is adapting to finally being out on her own in her own efficiency apartment by the name of Cherry Walker. Her friends know her to be sweet and unselfish. Cherry was 39, but with her mental disability she was much like a child herself. She became attached to a young boy that a neighbor of hers in the same apartments was babysitting for. When the neighbor could no longer watch the boy, Cherry allowed herself to be talked into taking on the task.
Problem was, the boy's mother was unreliable, often leaving him for days without calling, with no clean clothes or food for him. Cherry put up with it because she loved the little boy, using part of her food stamps to feed him. Little did most people know, but the boy's mother Kim Cargill, was a woman with a lot of problems on a downward spiral. And when Cherry got a subpoena one day for her to testify against Kim in a Child Endangerment case, that's when something awful happened. Everyone's lives changed then. This story will leave you shaking your head at all of the things that had already gone on, and twisted outcome that develops.
I was provided with a digital copy of this book for review by Netgalley and Kensington Books.
I've long been a fan of M. William Phelps, investigative journalist and true crime writer. I enjoy the type of detailed writing that presents true crime stories in such a well-researched form. This book is another example of his talent for choosing interesting stories and sharing them in a way that makes us feel that we know the nitty gritty of the case. This case is a real heartbreaker. It involves a young lady who is adapting to finally being out on her own in her own efficiency apartment by the name of Cherry Walker. Her friends know her to be sweet and unselfish. Cherry was 39, but with her mental disability she was much like a child herself. She became attached to a young boy that a neighbor of hers in the same apartments was babysitting for. When the neighbor could no longer watch the boy, Cherry allowed herself to be talked into taking on the task.
Problem was, the boy's mother was unreliable, often leaving him for days without calling, with no clean clothes or food for him. Cherry put up with it because she loved the little boy, using part of her food stamps to feed him. Little did most people know, but the boy's mother Kim Cargill, was a woman with a lot of problems on a downward spiral. And when Cherry got a subpoena one day for her to testify against Kim in a Child Endangerment case, that's when something awful happened. Everyone's lives changed then. This story will leave you shaking your head at all of the things that had already gone on, and twisted outcome that develops.
February 6, 2017
Release Date: February 28, 2017
Genre: True Crime
M. William Phelps is my favorite true crime author to date. This is because he turns these cold hearted murder cases into something we as readers and crime aficionados can get lost in and learn from. Now, with that being said, he tells this story with poise and ease and I did enjoy it. However, there were so many different introductions in the beginning in terms of the people who were supervising the crime scene that I got a little lost. I couldn't seem to remember who was who, what they did, and how it played into this murder case. Remembering these details is important for me as it helps me to understand the case as a whole, so when too many people are introduced I become a little disinterested. After all, this is a true crime murder case not a introduction to detective work.
As far as the case and the way it is told goes, Phelps does a wonderful job. Readers will not only learn about the victim and killer, but a slew of important background information that is helpful in understanding how everything played out. I really did enjoy the book due to this and would definitely recommend it to those who enjoy this genre.
Rating: 3.5 stars
Source: Netgalley
Genre: True Crime
M. William Phelps is my favorite true crime author to date. This is because he turns these cold hearted murder cases into something we as readers and crime aficionados can get lost in and learn from. Now, with that being said, he tells this story with poise and ease and I did enjoy it. However, there were so many different introductions in the beginning in terms of the people who were supervising the crime scene that I got a little lost. I couldn't seem to remember who was who, what they did, and how it played into this murder case. Remembering these details is important for me as it helps me to understand the case as a whole, so when too many people are introduced I become a little disinterested. After all, this is a true crime murder case not a introduction to detective work.
As far as the case and the way it is told goes, Phelps does a wonderful job. Readers will not only learn about the victim and killer, but a slew of important background information that is helpful in understanding how everything played out. I really did enjoy the book due to this and would definitely recommend it to those who enjoy this genre.
Rating: 3.5 stars
Source: Netgalley
January 1, 2018
This was an excellent read about a really twisted criminal case. The author draws pretty clear portraits of the killer and her victims, leaving little doubt that it all happened just the way he says it did. With that said, I have some unanswered questions. It seems to me that Family Protective Services should have been down this woman's throat years before; was nobody reporting her? That's the big one. And how well was this defendant able to participate in her own defense, given her two-fisted problem-solving skills? I generally liked the writing, but Phelps kept getting too wordy and gumming up what he was trying to say. The copy needed a good text editing.
February 4, 2017
This is a factual account of the cold blooded murder of Cherry Walker, and the trial and conviction of Kim Cargill for that murder. Cherry was mentally handicapped and although she was in her late 30s, she had only recently begun to live on her own with the help of an aid who would check in on her and help her with her daily living skills. Cherry was so proud of her little apartment, and everyone who knew her loved her, and was proud of her accomplishments. Everyone but Kim Cargill that is, who saw her as an easy target to be used and manipulated. Kim had 4 children by 4 failed relationships, often telling her various men that she could not get pregnant and then "surprising" them with a pregnancy in order to manipulate them further. She did not seem to want any of her children or get any joy from motherhood. Her children were an outlet for her anger, something to bully and beat on and take out her rage. But after already having lost custody of one child she was willing to kill to keep from losing custody of another. Not because she wanted him, or cared about him, or loved the child, but mainly because she did not want to have to pay child support. I am not a violent person but honestly this book made me want to throttle Kim Cargill myself. It was satisfying to learn how her lies caught up with her and ultimately landed her on death row. I would have liked to see pictures of her trial but the version I received did not contain any.
I received an advance copy for review
I received an advance copy for review
February 20, 2017
I received an e-ARC of this true crime book through NetGalley and Kensington Books, Pinnacle. Thank you.
This is a book which is simply crying out for an introduction to the material which will be covered before the reader begins to follow the crime, the investigation and the trial. The first portion of the book was confusing to some degree and it took me urging myself to continue reading which allowed me to get past that slightly disconnected feeling. Also, there is no objectivity in the telling of this story. I realize that Kim Cargill was convicted and sentenced for the murder, but the case is still going through the appeals system of the state of Texas. Reading the story as Mr. Phelps told it, it would seem unlikely that a court would overturn the guilty verdict, but anything is possible when you become involved in the criminal courts. Ms. Cargill hasn't been executed yet and if there was even the slightest chance that she might be allowed another trial, it seems to me a less biased presentation would have been a better idea.
Thirty-eight year old Cherry Walker was killed in June 2010, and forty-three year old Kim Cargill went on trial for her murder in May 2012. This book examines the lives of both those women as well as the murder investigation and highlights of the trial of Kim Cargill for murder. At the end of the book there are crime scene photographs released by the Smith County Sheriff's Office, Tyler, Texas. These photos will not be disturbing to anyone looking at them because the only close-up one from the scene where the body was found is of the soles of the shoes Cherry Walker was wearing. Following these photographs there is an excerpt from another book written by William Phelps, Dangerous Ground.
I often read books which explain how true crime events are investigated and tried. I did enjoy this book and would certainly recommend it to someone looking for reading material within this genre. I would feel compelled to tell anyone I recommend the book to that it contains copious amounts of examples of mental and physical child abuse. If you are especially sensitive to that issue, you need to be aware of the content before you begin reading. At one point I just could not stomach another example of Kim Cargill's abuse of her children and I had to begin skimming over those sections. Those examples were prolific and even the author stated he could have written even more about the abuse but decided not to. Also, Cherry Walker had learning disabilities with a maturity level generally equal to a nine year old. Throughout the book Cherry is often referred to as "MR" or "mentally retarded". If you might find that phrasing objectionable, reconsider your decision to read this book.
I would like to add, just as a purely personal opinion, that I don't think the cover of this book is representative of the material contained within the covers. The cover makes it look like a crime fiction novel which could certainly cause some readers to purchase it expecting one type of crime novel and getting another entirely if they don't do a thorough investigation of what type of book it actually is. The cover certainly doesn't do the book any favors. I've never read a book written by William Phelps before so this might be the way his books are usually marketed. I hope not.
This is a book which is simply crying out for an introduction to the material which will be covered before the reader begins to follow the crime, the investigation and the trial. The first portion of the book was confusing to some degree and it took me urging myself to continue reading which allowed me to get past that slightly disconnected feeling. Also, there is no objectivity in the telling of this story. I realize that Kim Cargill was convicted and sentenced for the murder, but the case is still going through the appeals system of the state of Texas. Reading the story as Mr. Phelps told it, it would seem unlikely that a court would overturn the guilty verdict, but anything is possible when you become involved in the criminal courts. Ms. Cargill hasn't been executed yet and if there was even the slightest chance that she might be allowed another trial, it seems to me a less biased presentation would have been a better idea.
Thirty-eight year old Cherry Walker was killed in June 2010, and forty-three year old Kim Cargill went on trial for her murder in May 2012. This book examines the lives of both those women as well as the murder investigation and highlights of the trial of Kim Cargill for murder. At the end of the book there are crime scene photographs released by the Smith County Sheriff's Office, Tyler, Texas. These photos will not be disturbing to anyone looking at them because the only close-up one from the scene where the body was found is of the soles of the shoes Cherry Walker was wearing. Following these photographs there is an excerpt from another book written by William Phelps, Dangerous Ground.
I often read books which explain how true crime events are investigated and tried. I did enjoy this book and would certainly recommend it to someone looking for reading material within this genre. I would feel compelled to tell anyone I recommend the book to that it contains copious amounts of examples of mental and physical child abuse. If you are especially sensitive to that issue, you need to be aware of the content before you begin reading. At one point I just could not stomach another example of Kim Cargill's abuse of her children and I had to begin skimming over those sections. Those examples were prolific and even the author stated he could have written even more about the abuse but decided not to. Also, Cherry Walker had learning disabilities with a maturity level generally equal to a nine year old. Throughout the book Cherry is often referred to as "MR" or "mentally retarded". If you might find that phrasing objectionable, reconsider your decision to read this book.
I would like to add, just as a purely personal opinion, that I don't think the cover of this book is representative of the material contained within the covers. The cover makes it look like a crime fiction novel which could certainly cause some readers to purchase it expecting one type of crime novel and getting another entirely if they don't do a thorough investigation of what type of book it actually is. The cover certainly doesn't do the book any favors. I've never read a book written by William Phelps before so this might be the way his books are usually marketed. I hope not.
December 28, 2017
I read this in a day.
Once again a stellar job by Mr. Phelps. He gives a voice to the victim, not making her a goody-goody but bringing out her personality, comments from those who loved her. He shows the evil perpetrator, not with his own words, but the testimony of others, who in his words, "could not find anything nice to say about her".
4 big stars and a recommendation.
Once again a stellar job by Mr. Phelps. He gives a voice to the victim, not making her a goody-goody but bringing out her personality, comments from those who loved her. He shows the evil perpetrator, not with his own words, but the testimony of others, who in his words, "could not find anything nice to say about her".
4 big stars and a recommendation.
May 2, 2019
When I came across this book on my eReader, my first thought was, "What is this?", followed after I started to read it, "Why in the world did I request this?", as I am not into true crime anymore, but then I realized it was a book requested because I need to expand my knowledge of that section of the store. I can't only recommend the one or two titles I read of true crime years ago. So I read this.
As a child I LOVED true crime. At one point it was all I would read. Now that I am older, I don't enjoy reading about people hurting others, fact or fiction. This was true, which made it much sadder than a murder mystery book.
As I was reading this book, I thought it was written on a more middle grade/YA level, other than the content of the book. The word choices, the repetition, the very simple A to B to C type of "storyline" all made me feel like I was reading a middle/YA reader. I guess with true crime, it is rather exact, A to B to C leads to murder and the murderer getting caught. Maybe that's the pattern for all true crime and why I liked it as a kid, it was more my speed than other adult books?
Anywho, this book was very depressing. The poor victim (WARNING: some pictures of the body, one from far off and one showing the mid-thigh down, not graphic but made me tear up. She was a HUMAN BEING. What was done to her was so WRONG.), was mentally handicapped and sweet as anything and the murderer was just EVIL, at least as portrayed in the book, but seriously, to kill and then burn the body of a mentally handicapped woman, for ANY reason is just pure evil, especially to show no remorse or sorrow, other then in getting caught is pretty terrible.
I am glad I read this to have another title/author of true crime to recommend to my customers, but I can never un-read what happened to that poor woman and for that, I am not glad. A solid 3 stars. Recommended if you like true crime books, as it told the story clearly.
My thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Books Pinnacle for an eARC copy of this book to read and review.
As a child I LOVED true crime. At one point it was all I would read. Now that I am older, I don't enjoy reading about people hurting others, fact or fiction. This was true, which made it much sadder than a murder mystery book.
As I was reading this book, I thought it was written on a more middle grade/YA level, other than the content of the book. The word choices, the repetition, the very simple A to B to C type of "storyline" all made me feel like I was reading a middle/YA reader. I guess with true crime, it is rather exact, A to B to C leads to murder and the murderer getting caught. Maybe that's the pattern for all true crime and why I liked it as a kid, it was more my speed than other adult books?
Anywho, this book was very depressing. The poor victim (WARNING: some pictures of the body, one from far off and one showing the mid-thigh down, not graphic but made me tear up. She was a HUMAN BEING. What was done to her was so WRONG.), was mentally handicapped and sweet as anything and the murderer was just EVIL, at least as portrayed in the book, but seriously, to kill and then burn the body of a mentally handicapped woman, for ANY reason is just pure evil, especially to show no remorse or sorrow, other then in getting caught is pretty terrible.
I am glad I read this to have another title/author of true crime to recommend to my customers, but I can never un-read what happened to that poor woman and for that, I am not glad. A solid 3 stars. Recommended if you like true crime books, as it told the story clearly.
My thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Books Pinnacle for an eARC copy of this book to read and review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 30, 2025
A few minor issues with the presentation of events and minor information, but overall a powerful read. However, so many people failed the murder victim and the child victims—I felt like the author could have put them on blast, but maybe he did: he got them to talk at length and readers can see that all of their “I need to save myself” for what it is. Also, why did no one—including those who knew what the murderer was doing with the victim prior to the murder, call child protective services? Record her crazy phone calls? I found myself yelling at this book as I listened a lot. The author was very thorough, with getting people to talk and with official records. I wish there had been more at the end as to where everyone is now and how they are.
June 26, 2019
I’d give this book 6 stars if I could, one great read.
July 29, 2019
Just can't believe how sick some humans can be
March 1, 2017
I used to read a lot of true crime when I was in my teens/early 20’s. I had books on Ted Bundy, Charles Manson, the Son of Sam and other lesser known killers. It was somewhat of an obsession of mine to read these types of books. I was obsessed with the psychological aspect. I wanted to know what made these killers do what they did and what was that breaking point where they resorted to killing. I stopped reading true crime when an ex boyfriend of mine made a flip comment about my collection one day….which resulted in my donating all of my books (awful, I know :() But, my fascination continued. I watch ID and Snapped all the time. BK has made the comment that I probably know more than the police when it comes to this stuff.
So, when Kensington approached me to review Don’t Tell a Soul, I jumped at the chance….even though it was not the usual genre that I review.
This book gave me chills because KC was such an evil person. I mean, you would have to be to kill someone and them light them on fire, trying to hide their identity. Even before that, she was just a bad person. She abused and terrorized her children, abused and terrorized her husband and basically anyone that came within her radar and didn’t give her what she wanted. She manipulated people into doing things (like her friend who tampered with evidence). She had no sense of remorse for anything she did….including Cherry’s murder.
Like I said above, the psychological aspect of this book was fascinating for me to read. Could KC have turned out to be a better person if she got the psychological help that she needed? I don’t know. There are arguments about people like her. Some people say they are born that way (genetic) and others say that environment creates these monsters. My opinion is that it is a combination of both.
I am going to end this post saying that Cherry’s murder was a senseless one and that I hope her parents get some sort of closure when KC is put to death. While these types of reviews are supposed to be impartial, I connected with Cherry through what the author wrote about her. She was one of those rare innocent people whose light got extinguished well before her time.
How many stars will I give Don’t Tell a Soul: 4
Why: I couldn’t put this book down, even though KC scared me. This isn’t a book for those who have weak stomach’s though. There are some pretty graphic descriptions of Cherry’s body and child/spousal abuse.
Will I reread: Yes
Will I recommend to family and friends: Yes
Age range: Late teen
Why: Violence and some pretty graphic scenes/pictures of dead bodies and child/spousal abuse (no pictures of that!!)
**I chose to leave this review after reading an advance reader copy**
So, when Kensington approached me to review Don’t Tell a Soul, I jumped at the chance….even though it was not the usual genre that I review.
This book gave me chills because KC was such an evil person. I mean, you would have to be to kill someone and them light them on fire, trying to hide their identity. Even before that, she was just a bad person. She abused and terrorized her children, abused and terrorized her husband and basically anyone that came within her radar and didn’t give her what she wanted. She manipulated people into doing things (like her friend who tampered with evidence). She had no sense of remorse for anything she did….including Cherry’s murder.
Like I said above, the psychological aspect of this book was fascinating for me to read. Could KC have turned out to be a better person if she got the psychological help that she needed? I don’t know. There are arguments about people like her. Some people say they are born that way (genetic) and others say that environment creates these monsters. My opinion is that it is a combination of both.
I am going to end this post saying that Cherry’s murder was a senseless one and that I hope her parents get some sort of closure when KC is put to death. While these types of reviews are supposed to be impartial, I connected with Cherry through what the author wrote about her. She was one of those rare innocent people whose light got extinguished well before her time.
How many stars will I give Don’t Tell a Soul: 4
Why: I couldn’t put this book down, even though KC scared me. This isn’t a book for those who have weak stomach’s though. There are some pretty graphic descriptions of Cherry’s body and child/spousal abuse.
Will I reread: Yes
Will I recommend to family and friends: Yes
Age range: Late teen
Why: Violence and some pretty graphic scenes/pictures of dead bodies and child/spousal abuse (no pictures of that!!)
**I chose to leave this review after reading an advance reader copy**
March 1, 2017
Thank you to Netgalley and Kensington for a copy of the eARC in exchange for a fair review.
Let me start by saying it has been quite awhile since I have read a True Crime book, in fact I had forgotten this was a true crime and thought I was reading a work of fiction. Yes laugh because the whole time I was reading it, I kept thinking this reads like a True Crime... Well that's because it is.
My only mild complaint is the lack of pictures, and the cover makes it seem like another genre.
However, it is the compelling straight forward account of the murder of Cherry Walker. A black woman with a mental handicap that got involved with the wrong woman.
Cherry was a sweet woman who recently had begun living on her own with assistance, and she meets Kim through her neighbor. Being the kind of woman she is, she agrees to help babysit Kim's young son. Soon she is watching him all the time, and it becomes clear to Cherry's caseworker that Kim isn't picking her son up, often leaving him with Cherry for days.
As Pauline and the other caseworker get involved and report Kim to DCFS, and Kim's husband gets wind of it and drags her into court and goes so far as to subpoena Cherry. The cops know that everything is unraveling for Kim, and when she calls Cherry and asks her to dinner it ends up being the last time anyone sees Cherry alive.
The real reminder in reading True Crime is that the world is full of crazy, evil people who do things for the most basic of reasons or the worst reasons. Cherry by accounts was a wonderful caring woman, loved by all her friends and she was killed by someone she thought was her friend simply because she wouldn't lie or not show up for the court date.
I applaud the authors who write True Crime it has to be heartbreaking, and not very rewarding work. I am glad I took the time to read this book, it made me remember why I used to read so much of this genre, because the least we can to do is to share the stories of those so tragically taken from life.
Let me start by saying it has been quite awhile since I have read a True Crime book, in fact I had forgotten this was a true crime and thought I was reading a work of fiction. Yes laugh because the whole time I was reading it, I kept thinking this reads like a True Crime... Well that's because it is.
My only mild complaint is the lack of pictures, and the cover makes it seem like another genre.
However, it is the compelling straight forward account of the murder of Cherry Walker. A black woman with a mental handicap that got involved with the wrong woman.
Cherry was a sweet woman who recently had begun living on her own with assistance, and she meets Kim through her neighbor. Being the kind of woman she is, she agrees to help babysit Kim's young son. Soon she is watching him all the time, and it becomes clear to Cherry's caseworker that Kim isn't picking her son up, often leaving him with Cherry for days.
As Pauline and the other caseworker get involved and report Kim to DCFS, and Kim's husband gets wind of it and drags her into court and goes so far as to subpoena Cherry. The cops know that everything is unraveling for Kim, and when she calls Cherry and asks her to dinner it ends up being the last time anyone sees Cherry alive.
The real reminder in reading True Crime is that the world is full of crazy, evil people who do things for the most basic of reasons or the worst reasons. Cherry by accounts was a wonderful caring woman, loved by all her friends and she was killed by someone she thought was her friend simply because she wouldn't lie or not show up for the court date.
I applaud the authors who write True Crime it has to be heartbreaking, and not very rewarding work. I am glad I took the time to read this book, it made me remember why I used to read so much of this genre, because the least we can to do is to share the stories of those so tragically taken from life.
March 13, 2017
An unusual true crime book in that the victim is a middle-aged, mentally handicapped, black woman who is trying to make an independent life for herself. Before long the book shifts its' focus to the perpetrator, a mother who abuses her many children (each with a different father). Frankly, a lot of the material was difficult to read, but justice triumphed in the end, so I was satisfied.
August 30, 2017
Author: M. William Phelps
Title: Don’t Tell a Soul.
Narrator: Jonathan Yen
Publisher: Tantor Media
Unabridged
Length of Production: 10 discs/12 hours
Year of Publication: 2017
On June 18, 2010, Smith County, Texas, was rocked by a brutal murder. In a location where blacks are in the minority, a black female’s body was found. Sadly, this young woman had been asphyxiated and set on fire in a blatant attempt to make her unrecognizable. Cherry Walker, a mentally handicapped 39-year-old, had recently emancipated herself from her parents’ care and was living in her own apartment.
Cherry enjoyed life and tried to live it to the fullest. Two of her favorite past times were getting her hair done or watching horror films. People genuinely liked Cherry as she had the vibrant personality that drew people to her. Her parents, Rueon and Gethry Walker, had grown accustomed to hearing from her regularly. Having not heard from her in days, their fears that something had happened were only strengthened when she missed church…something Cherry Walker never did.
As it turns out, Cherry Walker was brutally murdered by a psychopath who currently resides on death row in Texas. In fact, in April 2017, the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals rejected 15 claims raised by Kimberly Cargill, who was convicted in Smith County in 2012 of causing the asphyxiation of 39-year-old Cherry Walker.
M. William Phelps illustrates the extreme evil of Kimberly Cargill and her ultimate conviction of this crime. As a trained licensed vocational nurse, she convinced her nursing educators that she was caring and compassionate; however, in her personal life, this was eons from the truth. Kim, by anyone’s account, is the epitome of a loser: three failed marriages and four children by different fathers. While that paints an adequate picture of her societal failures, it only thinly reveals the depth of her psychopathy.
Kim had been leaving her youngest child with Cherry - whose developmental age approximated a four-year-old. After losing custody of one of her children, Kim was facing additional legal action which might have resulted in losing more children. Cherry had been summoned to testify against Kim and conveniently, shortly thereafter was murdered. Kim was the last person to see her alive and admitted to setting her body on fire but vehemently denied killing her.
The preponderance of this audiobook walks the listener through the depth of Kim’s psychopathy. Listeners will be aghast at how horribly Kim treated her children. She yanked them around by their arms, tossed infants in car seats into the back seat, and verbally maligned her kids. Her anti-social personality disorder is not only manifested against her children, it also includes the men in her life. It’s all there: stalking behaviors, fighting her ex’s, and always looking for the next man to lure into her seductive trap.
The cadence of the audiobook is at an appropriate pace, perhaps even a little quicker than most would read. In an amazing baritone voice, Jonathan Yen speaks with a distinct and perceptive role-playing style that makes for an engaging story performance.
If you enjoy true crime, you will enjoy this story and the ultimate justice carried out against a despicable murderer.
Title: Don’t Tell a Soul.
Narrator: Jonathan Yen
Publisher: Tantor Media
Unabridged
Length of Production: 10 discs/12 hours
Year of Publication: 2017
On June 18, 2010, Smith County, Texas, was rocked by a brutal murder. In a location where blacks are in the minority, a black female’s body was found. Sadly, this young woman had been asphyxiated and set on fire in a blatant attempt to make her unrecognizable. Cherry Walker, a mentally handicapped 39-year-old, had recently emancipated herself from her parents’ care and was living in her own apartment.
Cherry enjoyed life and tried to live it to the fullest. Two of her favorite past times were getting her hair done or watching horror films. People genuinely liked Cherry as she had the vibrant personality that drew people to her. Her parents, Rueon and Gethry Walker, had grown accustomed to hearing from her regularly. Having not heard from her in days, their fears that something had happened were only strengthened when she missed church…something Cherry Walker never did.
As it turns out, Cherry Walker was brutally murdered by a psychopath who currently resides on death row in Texas. In fact, in April 2017, the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals rejected 15 claims raised by Kimberly Cargill, who was convicted in Smith County in 2012 of causing the asphyxiation of 39-year-old Cherry Walker.
M. William Phelps illustrates the extreme evil of Kimberly Cargill and her ultimate conviction of this crime. As a trained licensed vocational nurse, she convinced her nursing educators that she was caring and compassionate; however, in her personal life, this was eons from the truth. Kim, by anyone’s account, is the epitome of a loser: three failed marriages and four children by different fathers. While that paints an adequate picture of her societal failures, it only thinly reveals the depth of her psychopathy.
Kim had been leaving her youngest child with Cherry - whose developmental age approximated a four-year-old. After losing custody of one of her children, Kim was facing additional legal action which might have resulted in losing more children. Cherry had been summoned to testify against Kim and conveniently, shortly thereafter was murdered. Kim was the last person to see her alive and admitted to setting her body on fire but vehemently denied killing her.
The preponderance of this audiobook walks the listener through the depth of Kim’s psychopathy. Listeners will be aghast at how horribly Kim treated her children. She yanked them around by their arms, tossed infants in car seats into the back seat, and verbally maligned her kids. Her anti-social personality disorder is not only manifested against her children, it also includes the men in her life. It’s all there: stalking behaviors, fighting her ex’s, and always looking for the next man to lure into her seductive trap.
The cadence of the audiobook is at an appropriate pace, perhaps even a little quicker than most would read. In an amazing baritone voice, Jonathan Yen speaks with a distinct and perceptive role-playing style that makes for an engaging story performance.
If you enjoy true crime, you will enjoy this story and the ultimate justice carried out against a despicable murderer.
February 16, 2017
I would like to thank NetGalley and Kensington Books, Pinnacle for the ARC of "Don't Tell a Soul" by M. William Phelps for an honest review. The genre of "Don't Tell a Soul is true crime, and this is the first time I have read and reviewed a true crime novel. This genre reminds me of the true case trials on television, and through M. WIlliam Phelps' vivid descriptions of the crime and characters, I felt that I had a front row seat.
The author retells the death of Cherry Walker, a kindhearted woman with mental challenges, who is found murdered and burned on the side of the road. Kim Cargill often left her son at Cherry's house to babysit for days on end. Cherry has been given a subpoena to testify at a custody hearing dealing with Kim's abuse to her child. Kim Cargill has a history of abusing her ex husbands and children. If Cherry does testify, Kim will be in major trouble. With Cherry's death, Kim has no worries about her testifying.
I find it fascinating how the author can process and explain how a sociopath and complicated liar can manipulate people so easily. From the autopsy to the actual trial with witnesses. attorneys and the jury, the author manages to give a visual timeline. I felt like I was in the courtroom. I would recommend this book for those who would like to experience a true crime novel.
The author retells the death of Cherry Walker, a kindhearted woman with mental challenges, who is found murdered and burned on the side of the road. Kim Cargill often left her son at Cherry's house to babysit for days on end. Cherry has been given a subpoena to testify at a custody hearing dealing with Kim's abuse to her child. Kim Cargill has a history of abusing her ex husbands and children. If Cherry does testify, Kim will be in major trouble. With Cherry's death, Kim has no worries about her testifying.
I find it fascinating how the author can process and explain how a sociopath and complicated liar can manipulate people so easily. From the autopsy to the actual trial with witnesses. attorneys and the jury, the author manages to give a visual timeline. I felt like I was in the courtroom. I would recommend this book for those who would like to experience a true crime novel.
February 26, 2017
Another great book by M. William Phelps. This one is about the murder of Cherry Walker by Kim Cargill. This book was well researched and well-written, with a lot of in-depth information on the case. It was compelling and intense, to say the least. I felt like I got to know both Cherry and Kim. I will say it now - Kim Cargill is a horrible, vile, evil person who is right where she belongs. I had heard of the case previously, but the book gave so much more information and perspective. And of course, the author did not forget the victim, Cherry Walker, such an innocent victim who did not deserve what happened to her, And she probably did not really understand what was happening to her until it was too late. To think of her fear in those moments really saddens me.
This is a great book and if you like true crime, read it!
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley for an honest review.
This is a great book and if you like true crime, read it!
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley for an honest review.
June 26, 2018
Kept My Interest
In the True Crime genre, this is top-notch. Mr. Phelps walks you through the crime, from the events leading up to it to the final verdict at the trial.
I felt the time-line jumped around and was a little confusing in places, but I have a cold so it may just be me.
In the True Crime genre, this is top-notch. Mr. Phelps walks you through the crime, from the events leading up to it to the final verdict at the trial.
I felt the time-line jumped around and was a little confusing in places, but I have a cold so it may just be me.
February 20, 2019
Don't Tell a Soul is one of the finest examples of true crime investigative journalism I have ever read.
When the body of Cherry Walker, a 39-year old woman with the mental capacity of a nine-year-old, was found burned on the side of a rural road in Tyler, Texas, the crime made the national news. It was an outrageous violation--who could have killed, and then set on fire, a sweet woman like that? The idea was, and is, so horrific that it cannot be reconciled rationally. There is simply nothing such a woman could have done to make someone react to her in such a way. She could not have possibly had a mean bone in her body. And all reports from family, friends and professionals who worked with her testified to that. Cherry had worked very hard to improve her cognition and learn the life skills she needed to move into her own little apartment. She was working with a social worker on a daily basis to practice and remember the regular household tasks we all took for granted--depositing checks, going to the grocery store, taking her daily medications. When she could not manage things, she could get very stressed, which is typical of people with this disorder.
Cherry had one serious stressor in her life. She was doing favors for a woman who lived nearby, by babysitting the woman's five-year-old boy. The problem was, the woman usually left the boy with her for days on end, without clothes or food or word of when she would return. Cherry was not mentally equipped to take care of a child. She didn't possess the skills to anticipate a child's needs, or know when that child was hurt. Or being seriously abused at home, the way this boy was.
When Kim Cargill was first arrested for child abuse and child neglect, she knew that she was caught on far more serious charges. She spent her days in jail trying to put together additional alibis for the weekend Cherry was killed--and being recorded by the police department working to make sure she would never see the outside again. When she was eventually charged, there was an obvious problem with the case in the eyes of the public. Cherry was a big girl, around 250 lbs., whereas Kim Cargill was a petite 5'3", perhaps 130 lbs. soaking wet. How could such a slight woman, who spoke with such a soft Texas drawl, have managed to kill and then lift or drag Cherry's body out of her truck onto the ground to light her on fire?
At her trial, prosecutors brought witnesses who would tell stories about Kim's violent, abusive rages and crazy attacks. Kim had picked up and thrown her children--even when they were teenagers--through walls, body slammed them onto the ground, and, most importantly, had a habit of choking them uncontrollably until she had almost killed them. One time, Kim had choked one of her sons so severely that she had left ugly bruises around his neck, and at school the next day the bruises were immortalized in his school photo.
Phelps delves into the full stories behind this testimony by investigating the entire history of Kim Cargill's life, especially the history of her marriages and abuse of her children. By fulling exploring what happened with the men and children in her life, as well as the others she manipulated into doing her bidding throughout her adulthood, a picture emerges of a woman eventually diagnosed with intermittent explosive disorder, major depressive disorder and borderline personality. She burst into crazy rages, essentially, and when she did she could exhibit strength beyond her size.
Kim felt she had a reason to be angry with Cherry. She was also angry with the police, the prosecutors, her ex-husbands, the friends she had manipulated who refused to be her alibis, and anyone else who came into her orbit who didn't do exactly what she demanded. By the time Phelps takes you through the trial, it's all a foregone conclusion.
When the body of Cherry Walker, a 39-year old woman with the mental capacity of a nine-year-old, was found burned on the side of a rural road in Tyler, Texas, the crime made the national news. It was an outrageous violation--who could have killed, and then set on fire, a sweet woman like that? The idea was, and is, so horrific that it cannot be reconciled rationally. There is simply nothing such a woman could have done to make someone react to her in such a way. She could not have possibly had a mean bone in her body. And all reports from family, friends and professionals who worked with her testified to that. Cherry had worked very hard to improve her cognition and learn the life skills she needed to move into her own little apartment. She was working with a social worker on a daily basis to practice and remember the regular household tasks we all took for granted--depositing checks, going to the grocery store, taking her daily medications. When she could not manage things, she could get very stressed, which is typical of people with this disorder.
Cherry had one serious stressor in her life. She was doing favors for a woman who lived nearby, by babysitting the woman's five-year-old boy. The problem was, the woman usually left the boy with her for days on end, without clothes or food or word of when she would return. Cherry was not mentally equipped to take care of a child. She didn't possess the skills to anticipate a child's needs, or know when that child was hurt. Or being seriously abused at home, the way this boy was.
When Kim Cargill was first arrested for child abuse and child neglect, she knew that she was caught on far more serious charges. She spent her days in jail trying to put together additional alibis for the weekend Cherry was killed--and being recorded by the police department working to make sure she would never see the outside again. When she was eventually charged, there was an obvious problem with the case in the eyes of the public. Cherry was a big girl, around 250 lbs., whereas Kim Cargill was a petite 5'3", perhaps 130 lbs. soaking wet. How could such a slight woman, who spoke with such a soft Texas drawl, have managed to kill and then lift or drag Cherry's body out of her truck onto the ground to light her on fire?
At her trial, prosecutors brought witnesses who would tell stories about Kim's violent, abusive rages and crazy attacks. Kim had picked up and thrown her children--even when they were teenagers--through walls, body slammed them onto the ground, and, most importantly, had a habit of choking them uncontrollably until she had almost killed them. One time, Kim had choked one of her sons so severely that she had left ugly bruises around his neck, and at school the next day the bruises were immortalized in his school photo.
Phelps delves into the full stories behind this testimony by investigating the entire history of Kim Cargill's life, especially the history of her marriages and abuse of her children. By fulling exploring what happened with the men and children in her life, as well as the others she manipulated into doing her bidding throughout her adulthood, a picture emerges of a woman eventually diagnosed with intermittent explosive disorder, major depressive disorder and borderline personality. She burst into crazy rages, essentially, and when she did she could exhibit strength beyond her size.
Kim felt she had a reason to be angry with Cherry. She was also angry with the police, the prosecutors, her ex-husbands, the friends she had manipulated who refused to be her alibis, and anyone else who came into her orbit who didn't do exactly what she demanded. By the time Phelps takes you through the trial, it's all a foregone conclusion.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 11, 2017
Often truth is far nastier than fiction.
Gethry Walker and his wife Rueon, become increasingly worried when they don’t hear from Gethry’s daughter, Cherry. Cherry is a loving, caring and very conscientious daughter. However, she has learning difficulties and with the help of carers visiting her daily, has finally been able to move into her own flat and gain some independence. It therefore comes as shocking news to the parents that her body has been discovered on an open plot, badly disfigured after being set alight.
This is the true story of how the police (from the Tyler Police Department) are tasked with discovering why this murder in Whitehouse, a small town in Texas, was carried out. They do have a suspect almost immediately; Kim Cargill a forty-three-year-old, three-times divorcee and mother of four boys, but suspecting her and proving that she had maliciously killed Cherry, was not going to be straightforward.
I found the writing and language used by the author very interesting. The story is relayed step-by-step as to who Kim Cargill is and why she needed to murder Cherry, her mentally retarded babysitter. What did Kim’s ex-husbands, boyfriends and sons think of her? It was fascinating taking each step, with the author’s help, to try to understand Kim; a narcissist and also the perfect casebook example of Borderline Personality Disorder. She had the ability to lie with such conviction that she even managed to convince a school friend, who she hadn’t seen for twenty odd years, to change all her passwords while she was incarcerated awaiting trial on the custody charge of her youngest son, Timmy, thus preventing the police from immediate access to these vital pieces of information on her movements.
I read this book thinking that if this had been fiction, I would have thought that the author was seriously stretching the storyline, because this type of behaviour would never be allowed to happen “in real life”! How silly of me! This is the story of a murderer, who is possibly the most vicious, vindictive and nasty human I’ve ever come across. The way she behaved towards her children is horrifying and. for this alone, she should have faced a long jail sentence. However, this behaviour is almost insignificant when you realise how she deliberately sets out to murder Cherry to prevent her from testifying in the custody battle she’s facing over her youngest son.
This is an example on how an author can tell a story by simply letting the facts speak for themselves. I would like to find more books written by M William Phelps on other cases that he’s researched and recorded.
I recently watched a film based on the hangings that took place in Pretoria, South Africa under the Apartheid regime. It shocked me so much that I must just add that I think the death penalty, regardless of the circumstances, (and Kim Cargill committed one of the most disgusting acts; not just murdering Cherry, but also the cruelty she used on her children) is wrong. I cannot condone its use in any circumstances and hope that eventually all countries throughout the world will desist from this form of punishment. especially as I wonder what effect it has on those prison wardens who need to take part in the execution. By killing the killer are we not also somehow committing their wardens to terrible anxiety and possibly PTSD?
Treebeard
Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review.
Gethry Walker and his wife Rueon, become increasingly worried when they don’t hear from Gethry’s daughter, Cherry. Cherry is a loving, caring and very conscientious daughter. However, she has learning difficulties and with the help of carers visiting her daily, has finally been able to move into her own flat and gain some independence. It therefore comes as shocking news to the parents that her body has been discovered on an open plot, badly disfigured after being set alight.
This is the true story of how the police (from the Tyler Police Department) are tasked with discovering why this murder in Whitehouse, a small town in Texas, was carried out. They do have a suspect almost immediately; Kim Cargill a forty-three-year-old, three-times divorcee and mother of four boys, but suspecting her and proving that she had maliciously killed Cherry, was not going to be straightforward.
I found the writing and language used by the author very interesting. The story is relayed step-by-step as to who Kim Cargill is and why she needed to murder Cherry, her mentally retarded babysitter. What did Kim’s ex-husbands, boyfriends and sons think of her? It was fascinating taking each step, with the author’s help, to try to understand Kim; a narcissist and also the perfect casebook example of Borderline Personality Disorder. She had the ability to lie with such conviction that she even managed to convince a school friend, who she hadn’t seen for twenty odd years, to change all her passwords while she was incarcerated awaiting trial on the custody charge of her youngest son, Timmy, thus preventing the police from immediate access to these vital pieces of information on her movements.
I read this book thinking that if this had been fiction, I would have thought that the author was seriously stretching the storyline, because this type of behaviour would never be allowed to happen “in real life”! How silly of me! This is the story of a murderer, who is possibly the most vicious, vindictive and nasty human I’ve ever come across. The way she behaved towards her children is horrifying and. for this alone, she should have faced a long jail sentence. However, this behaviour is almost insignificant when you realise how she deliberately sets out to murder Cherry to prevent her from testifying in the custody battle she’s facing over her youngest son.
This is an example on how an author can tell a story by simply letting the facts speak for themselves. I would like to find more books written by M William Phelps on other cases that he’s researched and recorded.
I recently watched a film based on the hangings that took place in Pretoria, South Africa under the Apartheid regime. It shocked me so much that I must just add that I think the death penalty, regardless of the circumstances, (and Kim Cargill committed one of the most disgusting acts; not just murdering Cherry, but also the cruelty she used on her children) is wrong. I cannot condone its use in any circumstances and hope that eventually all countries throughout the world will desist from this form of punishment. especially as I wonder what effect it has on those prison wardens who need to take part in the execution. By killing the killer are we not also somehow committing their wardens to terrible anxiety and possibly PTSD?
Treebeard
Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review.
October 2, 2017
Yet another overly sensational crime writer who, like Ann Rule, takes a story that is perfectly sensational on its own, if the author merely presents the facts in a complete and balanced manner, and turns it into a piece of trashy gossip in which the perpetrator is 100% evil and none of their actions are excusable and every single individual they interact with is 100% good and every action they take (no matter how horrible or absurd) is 100% excusable. While I have no question the perpetrator of the crime is a terrible human being who deserves to be put to death, when writing about her life and crimes, this author lives in a black and white world and lacks any amount of critical thinking. I often think authors like this dichotomize so much because they worry that if multiple individuals in crime books are somewhat "evil", then the murderer will seem less evil somehow.
In this story, the victim really was 100% innocent. So I am not suggesting, at all, that the author be more critical when it comes to her character. I am suggesting that when recounting the story of Kim, the murderer, and her life leading up to the murder, there should have been a much more balanced retelling of her interactions with her mother in-law, her exes, and her children. Even if some of these people also engaged in questionable acts, they never committed acts as bad as Kim and they certainly never murdered anyone. So what is the harm in being more honest about who they are? It makes a credible and interesting story far less interesting and makes it clear that the author will say anything, frame any instance in any way, to make the reader believe the absolute best about every single person the murderer has ever come into contact with, all so you will hate the murderer that much more. Believe me, there is enough evidence to make you hate Kim without embellishing every interaction she had to make it seem as if everyone she ever talked to is a saint and she was the devil himself. She is evil. It is plain to see if you let only the facts speak for themselves, without trying to shove ideas into people's head.
In this story, the victim really was 100% innocent. So I am not suggesting, at all, that the author be more critical when it comes to her character. I am suggesting that when recounting the story of Kim, the murderer, and her life leading up to the murder, there should have been a much more balanced retelling of her interactions with her mother in-law, her exes, and her children. Even if some of these people also engaged in questionable acts, they never committed acts as bad as Kim and they certainly never murdered anyone. So what is the harm in being more honest about who they are? It makes a credible and interesting story far less interesting and makes it clear that the author will say anything, frame any instance in any way, to make the reader believe the absolute best about every single person the murderer has ever come into contact with, all so you will hate the murderer that much more. Believe me, there is enough evidence to make you hate Kim without embellishing every interaction she had to make it seem as if everyone she ever talked to is a saint and she was the devil himself. She is evil. It is plain to see if you let only the facts speak for themselves, without trying to shove ideas into people's head.
January 13, 2026
This book had stayed with me long after I finished it, mostly because of how deeply it explored the idea of secrets and the damage they cause when they are allowed to rot in silence. One of the strongest themes running through the story was how lies do not just protect the guilty but slowly destroy everyone around them. The crime itself was horrifying, but what made it even more unsettling was how long it remained hidden and how many warning signs were ignored along the way. It showed how easily evil can exist in plain sight when people choose comfort over confrontation.
Another powerful theme was the failure of systems that are meant to protect the vulnerable. Time and again, opportunities to intervene were missed, brushed aside, or misunderstood. The book highlighted how authority figures, institutions, and even loved ones can contribute to tragedy through inaction or disbelief. It was frustrating to read at times, but that discomfort felt intentional. This was not a story meant to be consumed lightly. It demanded that the reader sit with the consequences of neglect and denial.
What really made this work was the way it focused on the human cost rather than sensationalizing the crime. The writing was straightforward and emotionally heavy without being exploitative, allowing the reality of the situation to speak for itself. By the end, it felt less like a recounting of a single case and more like a warning about what happens when truth is buried for too long. This was the kind of true crime that did not just inform, but forced reflection, and those are the ones that tend to linger the longest.
Read more here: https://annietheinkdrinker.wordpress....
Another powerful theme was the failure of systems that are meant to protect the vulnerable. Time and again, opportunities to intervene were missed, brushed aside, or misunderstood. The book highlighted how authority figures, institutions, and even loved ones can contribute to tragedy through inaction or disbelief. It was frustrating to read at times, but that discomfort felt intentional. This was not a story meant to be consumed lightly. It demanded that the reader sit with the consequences of neglect and denial.
What really made this work was the way it focused on the human cost rather than sensationalizing the crime. The writing was straightforward and emotionally heavy without being exploitative, allowing the reality of the situation to speak for itself. By the end, it felt less like a recounting of a single case and more like a warning about what happens when truth is buried for too long. This was the kind of true crime that did not just inform, but forced reflection, and those are the ones that tend to linger the longest.
Read more here: https://annietheinkdrinker.wordpress....
November 15, 2019
Pinnacle Books and NetGalley provided me with an electronic copy of Don't Tell a Soul. I was under no obligation to review this book and my opinion is freely given.
Don't Tell a Soul is the true crime story about the suspicious death of 39 year old Cherry Walker. Found on the side of the road, having been murdered elsewhere and burned, the police follow crucial clues left at the crime scene to find a suspect. Investigative reporter M. William Phelps, in exhaustive detail at times, goes through the crime, the identification of the suspect, the background of that suspect, and the trial, to bring the story full circle.
The problems that I had with Don't Tell a Soul were the oversharing of certain details and the awkwardness of the writing. The horrific nature of the crime and the coverup should have been compelling, but the dry delivery of the details did not convey this. With the focus more on the criminal than the victim, I did not feel that Cherry Walker's life and death was of importance to this author. The information that I gleaned outside of the reading of this book was more compelling, so I would not recommend the reading of Don't Tell a Soul.
Don't Tell a Soul is the true crime story about the suspicious death of 39 year old Cherry Walker. Found on the side of the road, having been murdered elsewhere and burned, the police follow crucial clues left at the crime scene to find a suspect. Investigative reporter M. William Phelps, in exhaustive detail at times, goes through the crime, the identification of the suspect, the background of that suspect, and the trial, to bring the story full circle.
The problems that I had with Don't Tell a Soul were the oversharing of certain details and the awkwardness of the writing. The horrific nature of the crime and the coverup should have been compelling, but the dry delivery of the details did not convey this. With the focus more on the criminal than the victim, I did not feel that Cherry Walker's life and death was of importance to this author. The information that I gleaned outside of the reading of this book was more compelling, so I would not recommend the reading of Don't Tell a Soul.
October 7, 2021
M. William Phelps is one of the best true-crime authors. If you are a fan of true-crime, you really should check out his books. This one might be one of my favorites by him so far.
This book shares the murder of Cherry Walker, who befriends one of the worst woman that you will ever hear about, Kim Cargill. Not only does Cherry get taken advantage of for babysitting duties of Kim's youngest child, but Kim repays her by killing her (that is not a spoiler, fyi).
Most of this book covers Kim's life (I wish more talked about the victim though). But Kim is seriously the worst of the worst mothers you can possibly imagine. Locks her children in their bedroom, bites them, cracks stuff over their head, can kick a door in half, sets fire to her ex-boyfriend's apartment - she literally made my jaw drop.
At the end of the book, M. William Phelps talks about a Snapped episode featuring this "lady" Kim. I'm interested in one day watching it (I have it on basically all weekend, so it's only a matter of time to see this crazy bitch on my TV).
If anyone deserves death row in Texas, it is Kim Cargill.
This book shares the murder of Cherry Walker, who befriends one of the worst woman that you will ever hear about, Kim Cargill. Not only does Cherry get taken advantage of for babysitting duties of Kim's youngest child, but Kim repays her by killing her (that is not a spoiler, fyi).
Most of this book covers Kim's life (I wish more talked about the victim though). But Kim is seriously the worst of the worst mothers you can possibly imagine. Locks her children in their bedroom, bites them, cracks stuff over their head, can kick a door in half, sets fire to her ex-boyfriend's apartment - she literally made my jaw drop.
At the end of the book, M. William Phelps talks about a Snapped episode featuring this "lady" Kim. I'm interested in one day watching it (I have it on basically all weekend, so it's only a matter of time to see this crazy bitch on my TV).
If anyone deserves death row in Texas, it is Kim Cargill.
May 15, 2018
Cherry was a mentally challenged female who had just started living on her own even though she was in her late 30s. Kim Cargill took advantage of her child-like ways and had her babysit for her youngest son for weeks at a time. Kim Cargill had 4 children by 4 different husbands and some of the children were taken away from her. She was in the process of losing her 4th child and Cherry was subpoenaed to go to court. Kim liked to inflict injury, both physical and verbal, to her children and to her husbands. Kim decided that she had to prevent Cherry from testifying against her. This book is a thorough account of all of the people and incidents involved as well as the trial and verdict. It is a very sad story about a lying and manipulative person who took advantage of everyone to get what she wanted. The scariest part of this book is finding out that Kim was a LVN and a caregiver at various hospitals. When police searched her home they found out that she lived in what was described as filthy condition.
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