What do you think?
Rate this book
The Unveiling: A Mother's Reflection on Murder, Grief, and Trial Life
Ruth Markel’s tenacious fight for justice on behalf of the murder of her son, Dan Markel, and the struggle to be legally reunited with her grandchildren.
Ruth Markel is the mother of the late Dan Markel, a noted law professor who was murdered in Tallahassee, Florida in 2014.
In The Unveiling , she describes her experiences since the day of Dan’s death from several distinct
Ruth Markel is the mother of the late Dan Markel, a noted law professor who was murdered in Tallahassee, Florida in 2014.
In The Unveiling , she describes her experiences since the day of Dan’s death from several distinct
240 pages, Hardcover
Published September 20, 2022
65 people are currently reading
163 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
September 24, 2025
a diary about wanting Wendi arrested, and we all countin them minutes now.....🤍
September 2, 2022
3.5 stars. I think this needs some real editing and to be streamlined so that it reads more as a coherent timeline of events. I was often gripped especially with details of the divorce and that aspect of things and how it began to unfold in this young man’s life. But then there would be a long hiatus and that thread was lost and I began to skim to try and get back to it. Other times there was some jumping back and forth. It’s such a shocking story with murky characters and such a shame that he was in the position he was, in and amongst them.
I was genuinely interested to hear the authors story and her journey through this desperately sad situation. Thanks to Netgalley for the arc.
I was genuinely interested to hear the authors story and her journey through this desperately sad situation. Thanks to Netgalley for the arc.
January 7, 2024
I’ve recently delved into the court proceedings of the Dan Markel murder, and so wanted to read the book his mom wrote. While parts felt repetitive or somewhat clunky, the feelings she expresses about the loss of her son and the trials that have come afterward are what stuck with me. I hope all those who are responsible will be convicted, and most of all that the Markel family can resume meaningful contact with Dan’s sons.
October 30, 2022
Well I gave the book 2 ⭐️⭐️ I feel bad giving the book just 2 stars because I have been following the trial of Dan Markel. His mother Ruth Markel wrote the book. It was to long winded. She used a lot of court jargons and it started to get boring. But all in all I respect her and I wish her the best and I’ll be watching the case and see that all that were part of the murder for hire get arrested!!
August 1, 2022
I read this book with a tissue beside me. Thanks to NetGalley, I received an advance copy. I saw this story a few years ago, and it broke my heart. Dan was a father and son and meant the world to his relatives. This book offers the entire story and how Ruth Markel fought for justice. Great book and a must-read!
November 1, 2022
In this book, Ruth Markel shares about her life before and after her son’s murder. We often hear about the police investigation and the suspected or convicted criminals in true crime stories. That’s been the case with most of the coverage of Dan Markel’s murder in Tallahassee, Florida, up to this point. It was poignant to hear instead from a victim’s close family member directly.
I remember coming across the podcast “Over My Dead Body” by Wondery sometime after it started releasing back in 2019 and I was hooked. It told the story of Dan Markel’s murder and the investigation up to that point. I always wanted to know more about Dan’s family since they were relatively quiet in the media at the time of the podcast. I knew I had to read this book once I saw it was being published and especially because it was written by Ruth Markel.
Ruth begins by describing the day of the murder and the events following when she and her family were still coming to understand what transpired. She paints a picture of how they knew very little at first and gradually learned more from the police while also dealing with their grief, spending time mourning, figuring out Dan’s estate, and trying to support Dan’s children. She also takes the reader through their life as victim’s dealing with police, investigators, attorneys, victim advocates and others. The complexity is overwhelming and not often discussed in our culture. There have been several trials for those involved in Dan’s murder, so Ruth describes how their family experienced the many setbacks and delays common in the court system along with the trauma of hearing testimony of the crime during what she calls the “trial life.” She explains how her family, friends and legal counsel have helped her and her family navigate these many difficult years. The family's Jewish faith is weaved throughout the book which I felt added an interesting and personal element.
What I found most interesting is the point of view of Dan’s mother and family in this case of a murder for hire plot. Ruth described how their family was pushed away by Dan’s ex-wife and the many strange occurrences that didn’t make sense in the time immediately after Dan’s murder. I heard and read about much of this in the podcast and online news media, but it was all one-sided. I had lots of questions in my mind about how Dan’s family handled all of this, so it was very interesting to read Ruth’s description of events. She not only describes what occurs, but also the emotions and feelings she experienced, and how she took action to hopefully prevent others from dealing with the same things.
Dan had two young sons at the time of his murder and his ex-wife has retained custody of them despite her family being implicated in Dan’s murder. Ruth describes her fight to see her grandchildren and remain a presence in their life after they were told they would no longer have contact with them by Dan’s ex-wife. She specifically describes her work in the legislature along with many of Dan’s friends to secure better grandparent rights in Florida which was inspiring.
This book is a window into what Ruth Markel and her family suffered and continue to deal with in the aftermath of Dan Markel’s murder. The grief is raw and personal. Ruth doesn’t seem to hold much back. I appreciate her for sharing her story and being vulnerable. After everything she has been through, it must have taken a lot of courage to write this book and put it into the world. It also honors the life Dan Markel led which was tragically cut short. This is a compelling and worthwhile book which I hope many people will read.
Thank you NetGalley and Post Hill Press for providing this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
I remember coming across the podcast “Over My Dead Body” by Wondery sometime after it started releasing back in 2019 and I was hooked. It told the story of Dan Markel’s murder and the investigation up to that point. I always wanted to know more about Dan’s family since they were relatively quiet in the media at the time of the podcast. I knew I had to read this book once I saw it was being published and especially because it was written by Ruth Markel.
Ruth begins by describing the day of the murder and the events following when she and her family were still coming to understand what transpired. She paints a picture of how they knew very little at first and gradually learned more from the police while also dealing with their grief, spending time mourning, figuring out Dan’s estate, and trying to support Dan’s children. She also takes the reader through their life as victim’s dealing with police, investigators, attorneys, victim advocates and others. The complexity is overwhelming and not often discussed in our culture. There have been several trials for those involved in Dan’s murder, so Ruth describes how their family experienced the many setbacks and delays common in the court system along with the trauma of hearing testimony of the crime during what she calls the “trial life.” She explains how her family, friends and legal counsel have helped her and her family navigate these many difficult years. The family's Jewish faith is weaved throughout the book which I felt added an interesting and personal element.
What I found most interesting is the point of view of Dan’s mother and family in this case of a murder for hire plot. Ruth described how their family was pushed away by Dan’s ex-wife and the many strange occurrences that didn’t make sense in the time immediately after Dan’s murder. I heard and read about much of this in the podcast and online news media, but it was all one-sided. I had lots of questions in my mind about how Dan’s family handled all of this, so it was very interesting to read Ruth’s description of events. She not only describes what occurs, but also the emotions and feelings she experienced, and how she took action to hopefully prevent others from dealing with the same things.
Dan had two young sons at the time of his murder and his ex-wife has retained custody of them despite her family being implicated in Dan’s murder. Ruth describes her fight to see her grandchildren and remain a presence in their life after they were told they would no longer have contact with them by Dan’s ex-wife. She specifically describes her work in the legislature along with many of Dan’s friends to secure better grandparent rights in Florida which was inspiring.
This book is a window into what Ruth Markel and her family suffered and continue to deal with in the aftermath of Dan Markel’s murder. The grief is raw and personal. Ruth doesn’t seem to hold much back. I appreciate her for sharing her story and being vulnerable. After everything she has been through, it must have taken a lot of courage to write this book and put it into the world. It also honors the life Dan Markel led which was tragically cut short. This is a compelling and worthwhile book which I hope many people will read.
Thank you NetGalley and Post Hill Press for providing this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
Read
October 5, 2025A unique read and insight. And yes I too saw the aspects mentioned by others like the repetition. Still it's such an unique and rare peek inside a world none of us want to be part of. Some further information gleaned via the murder. And how accomplished Ruth herself is.
left with a few more questions;
-Is Harvey seeing the boys? Wendi in contact with Harvey?
-Was Wendi at any of the trials? or not because of her testifying in them?
pg 80
pg 109 "It is hard to capture in words the joy and excitement I felt when Dan became a father and I became a grandmother." She keeps saying this yet her daughters children are older, no? see pg 111
pg 136 learning Dan talked to his mother right before then talking to Stewart Schlazer re: a charter school for the kids, stemming from Wendi's plans/request, and THAT was who he was on the phone with when shot and that Stewart called 911 as well. And still there is the issue of how long it apparently took paramedics to arrive with both the neighbor and Stewart calling...
pg 189 "Our culture is obsessed with murders, victims, law enforcement, and the FBI." and ".... true crime addict's.."
left with a few more questions;
-Is Harvey seeing the boys? Wendi in contact with Harvey?
-Was Wendi at any of the trials? or not because of her testifying in them?
pg 80
pg 109 "It is hard to capture in words the joy and excitement I felt when Dan became a father and I became a grandmother." She keeps saying this yet her daughters children are older, no? see pg 111
pg 136 learning Dan talked to his mother right before then talking to Stewart Schlazer re: a charter school for the kids, stemming from Wendi's plans/request, and THAT was who he was on the phone with when shot and that Stewart called 911 as well. And still there is the issue of how long it apparently took paramedics to arrive with both the neighbor and Stewart calling...
pg 189 "Our culture is obsessed with murders, victims, law enforcement, and the FBI." and ".... true crime addict's.."
February 6, 2026
This is a 5 Star, outstanding book that I wish Ruth Markel never had to write. I agree that a Parent's worst nightmare is to lose your child no matter the age - let alone it be orchestrated by his ex-Wife's evil Family. It was a tragic day when Dan Markel crossed paths with the Adelson Clan.
Ruth Markel has written many books & possesses vast experience in counseling & the business world. I have watched this case since the beginning & reside in SW Florida. I have been fortunate enough to visit the charming community of Tallahasse, FL also.
I have such admiration for how Ruth, Phil, Shelly (Dan's Sister) & her Husband, Ian have handled themselves as this case unfolded over the last 12 years. I am "staying tuned" as Prosecutor Georgia Cappelman spoke after Matriarch Donna Adelson was found guilty in 2025.
I hope Ruth Markel continues to write & her next book will be about Wendi Adelson's arrest. The Adelsons ended Dan's life here on Earth, but his legacy will be his brilliance & his love for his two Sons plus the respect of the many communities where he studied, practiced law & taught. His spirit will live on & I do not doubt that Dan will "keep the fires burning".
Ruth Markel has written many books & possesses vast experience in counseling & the business world. I have watched this case since the beginning & reside in SW Florida. I have been fortunate enough to visit the charming community of Tallahasse, FL also.
I have such admiration for how Ruth, Phil, Shelly (Dan's Sister) & her Husband, Ian have handled themselves as this case unfolded over the last 12 years. I am "staying tuned" as Prosecutor Georgia Cappelman spoke after Matriarch Donna Adelson was found guilty in 2025.
I hope Ruth Markel continues to write & her next book will be about Wendi Adelson's arrest. The Adelsons ended Dan's life here on Earth, but his legacy will be his brilliance & his love for his two Sons plus the respect of the many communities where he studied, practiced law & taught. His spirit will live on & I do not doubt that Dan will "keep the fires burning".
August 1, 2022
I’m sure many people recall when this tragic crime took place in Tallahassee, FL in 2014. The daytime murder of the much – loved and respected law professor Dan Markel lingered in my mind, making me want to learn more about the case. When I figured out that this book was the answer to my curiosity, I was torn. It’s well written and kept me zeroed in on it all the way through. But it was also triggering for me, as I lost my son, my only child last October, and he was murdered as well. But I feel that this book is important enough that I pushed through and read it, mostly through tears. I don’t think I’ve ever related so much to a book in its descriptions and explanations of profound or complicated grief. While it’s not an easy, emotionless read, I found it very worthwhile. My heart goes out to the author and her family.
September 10, 2025
I'm not going to give stars to the story or anything relating to the real thing because that doesn't feel right. Every book by a victim is important. So I'm just going to comment on the book as a non-fiction read in general.
It was quite repetitive and in need for more editing in my opinion. The book jumped from one thing to another which wasn't my favorite thing. Instead of talking about one thing in one chapter and then moving on to another topic in the next chapter, same things were talked about multiple times.
I would have liked to hear more about the author's day-to-day routine with trials and how it felt to be part of something like that.
The audiobook also could have used some more editing. There weren't clear cuts between chapters or texts. So it was a bit hard to follow at times when the POV switched from the author to an email or another text from someone else.
It was quite repetitive and in need for more editing in my opinion. The book jumped from one thing to another which wasn't my favorite thing. Instead of talking about one thing in one chapter and then moving on to another topic in the next chapter, same things were talked about multiple times.
I would have liked to hear more about the author's day-to-day routine with trials and how it felt to be part of something like that.
The audiobook also could have used some more editing. There weren't clear cuts between chapters or texts. So it was a bit hard to follow at times when the POV switched from the author to an email or another text from someone else.
September 28, 2025
I listened to The Unveiling: A Mother's Reflection on Murder, Grief, and Trial Life after following the trial of Donna Adelson, and it offered a powerful new perspective on the tragedy surrounding Dan Markel’s death. Hearing the story through his mother’s voice gave me a deeper understanding of who Dan was—not just as a victim, but as a son, father, and person.
This is a deeply emotional and painful story, highlighting how greed can devastate not just one life, but many. I have a great deal of respect for Dan’s family, especially for the grace and strength they’ve shown through such unimaginable loss. I’m grateful I had the opportunity to support them, even in a small way, by listening to this book.
This is a deeply emotional and painful story, highlighting how greed can devastate not just one life, but many. I have a great deal of respect for Dan’s family, especially for the grace and strength they’ve shown through such unimaginable loss. I’m grateful I had the opportunity to support them, even in a small way, by listening to this book.
March 6, 2023
fascinating tale of a family that has gone through too much!
The tale of Dan Markel’s assassination is gut wrenching, to say the least. No dedicated, upstanding family man should lose his life because of a devious ex and her family! But, the agony inflicted upon Ruth and her family by that family and by prosecution of the criminals who killed Dan are beyond words. Ruth did an excellent job of mapping out what a surviving family member goes through to attain justice, and to try to keep relationships with their grandchildren after being denied visitation! My heart goes out to Ruth and the entire Markel family! Very good read!
The tale of Dan Markel’s assassination is gut wrenching, to say the least. No dedicated, upstanding family man should lose his life because of a devious ex and her family! But, the agony inflicted upon Ruth and her family by that family and by prosecution of the criminals who killed Dan are beyond words. Ruth did an excellent job of mapping out what a surviving family member goes through to attain justice, and to try to keep relationships with their grandchildren after being denied visitation! My heart goes out to Ruth and the entire Markel family! Very good read!
September 3, 2022
While the memoir is a heartfelt cry for the loss of a beloved child to murder, the focus of this story is how the murder affected extended family dynamics in a highly negative way. The author grieves loss of time with grandchildren, and after repeated snubs, loses faith in her son's wife and in-laws' good intentions. The gradual realization of the guilt of those people who murdered her son seems to be as painful as the murder itself.
The reader will empathize with the author of this gripping narrative.
The reader will empathize with the author of this gripping narrative.
December 4, 2025
I have been so enamored and interested in the Dan Markel killing in 2012 . I folllowed the court trial of Mrs Donna adelman and the public's hope for some conviction for the ex wife Wendi. This is the case of the college law professor at FSU shot in the driveway. 5 people
Convicted so far. This book is dans mother who founded an act to help grandparents receive child visitation rights. The Markel's loved their son and this book is a dedication to him and his legacy through the grandkids they cannot see.
Convicted so far. This book is dans mother who founded an act to help grandparents receive child visitation rights. The Markel's loved their son and this book is a dedication to him and his legacy through the grandkids they cannot see.
January 4, 2026
I based my rating on the content alone. Ms. Markel’s pain was evident and I found myself empathizing deeply. While Dr. Dan Markel’s life ended tragically, his family “keeps the fire burning”. I hope the justice system holds everyone who liked any part in this plot accountable for their actions. The Markel family deserves to see the end of this story. I pray they continue to focus on love as they navigate the legal journey.
June 21, 2024
I couldn’t finish this book. I bought it to support the author as I followed Charlie Adelson’s trial and wanted to support Dan Markel’s family. I am a fellow mother who has lost a child so these types of books usually grip me in a deeper way.
However, I had a hard time getting into the book, and it just never held my attention. I read 75% of it before other books took over.
However, I had a hard time getting into the book, and it just never held my attention. I read 75% of it before other books took over.
August 14, 2022
A tragic story with a determined mother who shares every intimacy of what she and her family has endured. You cannot help but admire and be inspired by her. This is a book not to be missed. Thanks to Netgalley, the author and publishers for an e-arc in exchange for my honest opinion.
September 8, 2025
This was a little clunky but after following the Markel’s journey for justice since 2015, I really enjoyed hearing more from Ruth. I wish Dan got more time on earth and hope for continued justice for the Markels.
September 11, 2025
This book appears to have had No Editor
Material is ridiculously repetitive. Lots of copy and paste to pad the text and seemingly no editing work was done. I am extremely sympathetic to the author and her circumstances and hence reluctant to give a negative review of her book.
Material is ridiculously repetitive. Lots of copy and paste to pad the text and seemingly no editing work was done. I am extremely sympathetic to the author and her circumstances and hence reluctant to give a negative review of her book.
October 28, 2025
Hard to give a bad review to a woman who lost her son in such a horrible way, but the way the book was written was why the 2 star deduction. Too much repetition - too much repetition- too much repetition
September 24, 2022
Needed a bit of editing and it jumped around a ton, but being so familiar with the case it was easier for me. I found out some details I didn’t know. Just so tragic and unnecessary.
June 3, 2023
3.5. Ruth did amazing things in this book and in life. The book could benefit from some editing to make the flow more natural, otherwise well done.
March 16, 2024
A very sad story, but this mother and grandmother did not give up, even when she was not allowed to see her grandchildren.
July 7, 2024
Well written book about what it is like to deal with the legal system at the same time as grieving the loss of her 42 year old son who was killed by men who were hired by his ex wife's family.
September 3, 2025
I’ve watched this trial case from the beginning on Court TV. Well written by a mother whose son was killed in a conspiracy to remove him. My heart goes out to the two children.
September 7, 2025
Written by the mother of a murder victim, whose killers turned out to have been hired by the in-laws. Her own feelings and observations. Very very sad story. So senseless.
September 9, 2025
repetitive but was ok to read for the most part. just a sad story.
September 11, 2025
This book is difficult to read. While the events are horrific, the book is overwritten and repetitive.
December 6, 2025
I followed the trails from jury selection to victim impact statements. Unveiling provided a true perspective from a mothers point of view
December 29, 2022
This book is a challenging read. It's a hard read, not because it's poorly written. It's challenging because it's hard to read through the author's emotions and not want to cry. This book is well-written, and it pulls on your heartstrings.
Ruth's son was murdered, and if that is not enough, her grandsons were also ripped from her life by one of the people probably involved in her son's untimely death. The author writes about her son and his life, his accomplishments, and then his murder. Not only his murder but how his murder affected her and her struggle. Ruth is a powerful woman, and she still charges forward, trying to get answers to get justice for her son. Ruth gives hope and advice to anyone who has or is going through the kind of loss she has with her son. She is fearless. This is an excellent story for anyone who enjoys true crime or biographies. I enjoyed her story, and her bravery and courage to write this story are extraordinary! I would like to extend my gratitude to Netgalley as well as Post Hill Press for the unimaginable but strong story I was able to read and review.
Ruth's son was murdered, and if that is not enough, her grandsons were also ripped from her life by one of the people probably involved in her son's untimely death. The author writes about her son and his life, his accomplishments, and then his murder. Not only his murder but how his murder affected her and her struggle. Ruth is a powerful woman, and she still charges forward, trying to get answers to get justice for her son. Ruth gives hope and advice to anyone who has or is going through the kind of loss she has with her son. She is fearless. This is an excellent story for anyone who enjoys true crime or biographies. I enjoyed her story, and her bravery and courage to write this story are extraordinary! I would like to extend my gratitude to Netgalley as well as Post Hill Press for the unimaginable but strong story I was able to read and review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews