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If I Can't Have You cover art

If I Can't Have You

By: Gregg Olsen,Rebecca Morris
Narrated by: Laural Merlington,Kevin Pierce
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Summary

Best-selling author Gregg Olsen and co-author Rebecca Morris investigate one of the 21st Century's most puzzling disappearances and how it resulted in the murder of two children by their father.

Every once in a great while a genuine murder mystery unfolds before the eyes of the American public. The tragic story of Susan Powell and her murdered boys, Charlie and Braden, is the only case that rivals the Jon Benet Ramsey saga in the annals of true crime. When the pretty, blonde Utah mother went missing in December of 2009 the media was swept up in the story - with lenses and microphones trained on Susan's husband, Josh. He said he had no idea what happened to his young wife, and that he and the boys had been camping in the middle of a snowstorm.

Over the next three years bombshell by bombshell, the story would reveal more shocking secrets. Josh's father, Steve, who was sexually obsessed with Susan, would ultimately be convicted of unspeakable perversion. Josh's brother, Michael, would commit suicide. And in the most stunning event of them all, Josh Powell would murder his two little boys and kill himself with brutality beyond belief.

©2014 gregg olsen and rebecca morris (P)2014 gregg olsen

What listeners say about If I Can't Have You

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  • 07-10-16

What a heartbreaking listen

Where does If I Can't Have You: rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This is one of my Top 5 audiobooks.

What did you like best about this story?

This is a very difficult story to listen to. It is very raw and you can almost feel the pain of Susan Cox Powell's family (particularly her father) and friends went through. To have a daughter disappear then be at the mercy of a seriously creepy and deranged son in law who clearly hates you and finally to have two of your grandsons brutally murdered - absolutely heartbreaking. The story however is beautifully told, very captivating throughout, with no unnecessary information but at the same time with plenty of detail.

What does Laural Merlington and Kevin Pierce bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?

Kevin Pierce is the main narrator and does an amazing job as always, Laural is Susan's voice - I liked this touch as it made Susan seem a bit even closer to the listener.

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6 people found this helpful

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review

Very good I recommend this as a good read especially if you have a long drive

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5 people found this helpful

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Fantastic

This was one of the best true crime stories I have listened to. Story brilliant narration brilliant thank you

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4 people found this helpful

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Heartbreaking

Heartbreaking, Tearful, True Crime Story. A must read for all true crime readers. ... .

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4 people found this helpful

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Kevin pierce 5 star

Very sad case dont know why she ever married him what a complete monster that guy was

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3 people found this helpful

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Good account of a true crime

My favourite Greg Olsen to date….a good account of an awful crime but also sympathetic to the families

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1 person found this helpful

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starts well

This is an interesting book at first, but I felt that it dragged much of the book out trying to get Josh to confess and looking at dead ends. Nothing much happens until chapter 45 and even then we are left with little understanding of Josh's behaviour. I'm still non the wiser after reading what seems to be a book based on what could have been a great story (if it were fiction) although reality is, there are always many lose ends and unanswered questions.

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great narrator lovingly written very sad

the book is very sad strange to say I loved it as the tagedy was so high but the narrator was straight and direct it was him that kept me gripped to the storyline

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Incredible deep dive and narration. Kevin Pierce is a consummate professional.

This is just one of the most tragic stories I’ve ever listened to. I’ve read or listened to 100’s of True Crime books but this one reduced me to tears. I won’t be able to stomach another for a long time to the point that I deleted all downloaded audiobooks and have instead filled my library with Agatha Christie stories, good old fashioned mysteries.

HOWEVER Susan’s name must be kept in the public consciousness. Please don’t let me put you off I don’t regret starting the book. Please listen to it and if nothing else take from it the warning signs and when you are telling people if you die it will have had something to do with their husband it’s time to leave or ensure your loved one gets out. Trust your gut instincts.

Josh was a cowardly bully and I don’t care what influence his father had on him, many people have abominably awful childhoods and manage not to kill (allegedly) their wives and hatchet their young vulnerable children to subdue them while setting fire to the house.

Susan was a beautiful, sweet, loving young woman who just wanted a happy family and to make people feel pretty. My heart breaks for her loss to the world.

Susan’s boys, Charlie and Braden were damaged by the disappearance of their Mommy. However they were so beloved by so many people he they were on the road to recovery and ironically Josh’s eldest sister Jennifer and husband Kirk Graves were close to Chuck and Judy Cox and it was hoped eventually they would be able to adopt the boys.

If any of Susan’s friends and loved ones read this I extend my deepest sympathies for your loss and my respect for your tenacity and determination.

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Brilliantly written, perfectly narrated

Enjoyed listening to this thorough and informative book. Beautifully narrated. I would definitely recommend to readers.

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