Unbelievable

The Story of Two Detectives' Relentless Search for the Truth

By: T. Christian Miller, Ken Armstrong

Narrated by: Hillary Huber, T. Christian Miller, Ken Armstrong

Now the Netflix Limited Series Unbelievable, starring Toni Collette, Merritt Wever, and Kaitlyn Dever • Two Pulitzer Prize-winning journalists tell the riveting true crime story of a teenager charged with lying about having been raped—and the detectives who followed a winding path to arrive at the truth.

“Gripping . . . [with a] John Grisham–worthy twist.”—Emily Bazelon, New York Times Book Review (Editors’ Choice)

On August 11, 2008, eighteen-year-old Marie reported that a masked man broke into her apartment near Seattle, Washington, and raped her. Within days police and even those closest to Marie became suspicious of her story. The police swiftly pivoted and began investigating Marie. Confronted with inconsistencies in her story and the doubts of others, Marie broke down and said her story was a lie—a bid for attention. Police charged Marie with false reporting, and she was branded a liar.

More than two years later, Colorado detective Stacy Galbraith was assigned to investigate a case of sexual assault. Describing the crime to her husband that night, Galbraith learned that the case bore an eerie resemblance to a rape that had taken place months earlier in a nearby town. She joined forces with the detective on that case, Edna Hendershot, and the two soon discovered they were dealing with a serial rapist: a man who photographed his victims, threatening to release the images online, and whose calculated steps to erase all physical evidence suggested he might be a soldier or a cop. Through meticulous police work the detectives would eventually connect the rapist to other attacks in Colorado—and beyond.

Based on investigative files and extensive interviews with the principals, Unbelievable is a serpentine tale of doubt, lies, and a hunt for justice, unveiling the disturbing truth of how sexual assault is investigated today—and the long history of skepticism toward rape victims.

Previously published as A False Report

True storytelling that showed resilience

this was a amazing book. it was so accurate on how rape survivors are precieved and why so many sex crimes go unreported.

A victim of rape speaking

I and both my daughters are victims of rape. I first watched the movie. I wanted to know more of the story. This book did not disappoint. The authors leave no aspect of the story unexamined and there is so much more as usual, than the movie has time to explore. I strongly recommend this book to any survivor or person who knows a survivor and wishes to understand their experience. As a survivor myself, I feel at peace more than I have in 40 years since the event. I hope my daughters, one of whom was also disbelieved, will Read it too.

Best Nonfiction Book 2018

This book makes it very clear why we should believe women. Even if a story of rape seems off kilter, we should give them the benefit of any doubt.

The book should be required for every police officer. And they should have to pass a test on it.

Unbelievable...

I found myself watching a new limited series show with the above title on Netflix when it hit me at the end that it must’ve been based on the book A False Report which had been in my cue for sometime. It was the same, so I jumped in and started it immediately. I couldn’t stop listening. Such a completely unfathomable experience for Marie especially because she wasn’t believed. Such stellar and diligent police work accomplished by Stacy and Edna. This book provides not only a picture of what happened in this particular case, but spends time sharing important data and telling the listener/reader what progress there’s been from events like this. Improving communication, yes, but also to believe the victim always until you get solid evidence to the contrary. Period.

Intense and powerful

This book was incredibly well researched and put together in an addictive listening experience. Combining one woman's tragic handling by police with a valiant detective effort to catch a serial rapist, the great detail provided drew me in from the start. I actually spent a whole day listening because I couldn't stop. Highly recommended true crime story with great details, heart, wonderful narration, and great storytelling. If you like true crime I think this book will be one of the best you've ever read.