Holly

Holly asked:

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Ann Warman I believe that Jacob not only killed Ben, but Hope as well. As more information came out about him, it was obvious that the child was likely a psychopath and his father (unlike the mother) was in denial, refusing to see the signs that there was something amiss because he was afraid he himself might take on the characteristics of his father and grandfather. As a result, two innocent people suffered for it. Supporting your child is one thing but obstructing justice to relieve him of the consequences for his actions is inexcusable. I never thought the pedophile was guilty and when he hanged himself had no doubt that the Jacob's convict grandfather engineered a murder suicide from prison to protect his grandson; not caring about the victims as he himself was a murderer. I didn't expect the ending but was not unhappy about it. The mother did what she thought was right in order to protect potential future victims from her son.

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Myste

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Rachel This answer contains spoilers.

In my opinion, Jacob was guilty of killing both Ben and Hope, no question. But the story is told by Andy, who is a perfect example of an unreliable narrator. He will never accept that Jacob could hurt anyone.

Jen

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Valerie Solberg

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Megan

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Judy

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Erin Fortenberry

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Lisa

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Siddharth Suripunj The author did not let guilt prove in court however all circumstantial evidences were against Jacob. The fact that crime ran in his family aggravates his incrimination furthermore but not conclusively.The end was similar to that of 'Anatomy of Murder' by Robert Traver where too acquittal did not confirm the innocence nor the guilt of accused.

Jean

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Tammy

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Carol

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Julie

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ivysobsession My thoughts are that Jacob really did kill both of them, Hope and Ben. The narrator, Andy, is very unreliable and very clearly in denial and is almost desperate to find another alternative, and it's clear that his mind is telling him that it might have been Jacob, but he doesn't want to believe it. He wants to protect his son, and will go out of his way to harm others in order to do so.

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Shane So Laurie killed Hope because she couldn't stand Jake being bullied, when his bully was already dead? If you honestly believe that, you are bigger eni ...more
Oct 22, 2019 10:18AM · flag

U 25x33

Joerd There's no way we would know that Laurie killed Hope. The writer puts us in a Jury position, where we, unlike the jury in the book, know all the facts ...more
May 17, 2020 02:30AM · flag

Velma McCloud did jacob kill the boy

Jenn

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Defending Jacob

by William Landay (Goodreads Author)

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