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When the Moon Turns to Blood
By: Leah Sottile
Publisher: Twelve Books
Pub Date: 6/21/22

This is a true crime book that follows the case of Tylee Ryan and J.J Vallow their 2019 disappearance and the disturbing facts of the case. Lori Daybell the children’s mother had become involved with and married Chad Daybell who was a self proclaimed prophet. This book explores extreme religious ideologies and doomsday prophecies which brought the children’s unfortunate deaths. Reading this removed from its publication date gave me the knowledge that their Mom has been convicted of several murders at this point in 2025 and is currently on trial again for conspiracy to commit murder.
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I was expecting more of this book to be focused on Lori, Chad, and their victims rather than the LDS Church. I suspect my view is tainted by the fact that I read this after their trials, including the recently concluded trial for the death of Charles Vallow. I’m curious what the author would include for an update. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Leah Sottile’s When the Moon Turns to Blood delves into the deeply unsettling and bizarre case of Lori Vallow and Chad Daybell, whose doomsday beliefs and disturbing actions led to a tragic string of deaths. The book is at its best when it explores the twisted psychology of religious extremism, end-times paranoia, and the cult-like influence that fueled the couple’s crimes.

Sottile’s investigative depth is impressive, particularly in tracing the historical and cultural roots of fringe religious movements. She paints a disturbing portrait of how radicalized faith can be weaponized in destructive ways. However, while the book contains compelling analysis, the narrative often feels unfocused. The timeline jumps back and forth, sometimes losing sight of the core mystery—the disappearance and murder of Tylee Ryan and J.J. Vallow. Readers unfamiliar with the case may find themselves struggling to keep track of the many players involved.

Additionally, while Sottile’s writing is thoughtful and well-researched, the book leans heavily into broader discussions of extremism at the expense of maintaining narrative momentum. This makes it more of a sociological exploration than a straightforward true crime thriller.

I really enjoyed this book. I can’t wait to read more by this author. Thank you to the publisher for allowing me the chance to read.

This book was a tough one to read. I still can't fathom why people torture people they claim to love. No matter how many psychological books are written, it's still hard to believe that they can love anyone but themselves and that is simply sad. I enjoyed this writer's style and the background of the dynamics in play in this web of people.

This book is not at all what I expected based off the title and cover. I was familiar with details of this case as it took over national headlines. I did like the insight the author brought to factors that impact this case but I realize this was not the in depth true crime deep dive to the case as the case was on going at time of publication.

Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my review.

I had followed this case from the beginning so I was thrilled to be able to read ‘When the Moon Turns to Blood: Lori Vallow, Chad Daybell, and a Story of Murder, Wild Faith, and End Times’ by Leah Sottile. I was honestly expecting to read about the events surrounding the disappearance and murders of the children but the author provided so much more including information and history about the LDS religion, background about Lori and Chad’s beliefs and behaviors, and other case related information that I was unaware of. #WhentheMoonTurnstoBlood #NetGalley

This case has horrified the nation. What kind of mother would kill her children? I have followed this case from day one. This book gave insight into the case that I had not yet seen on the news

I have wondered since this case first began when JJ went missing why and how these two did this. As an outsider who's mostly sane it didn't make sense. But this book dove into Lori and Chad's upbringings, adolescents, young adulthoods, all the way to the moment they met and committed this horrid act. And, boy, what a twisted tale--there are details even the news and documentaries have not covered. Though this was informative, well researched, and interesting, the stories try broke off on long tangents--detailing other cases to make a point or explain one. There were too many details and the side quests just ended up derailing.

I honestly only have one word for this book and this womans actions: wow. This book will leave your jaw on the floor when you find out more about Lori Vallow and her latest husband Chad Daybell. Its utterly disgusting and mindblowing the things they believe and what they did to those poor children. This book covers this case VERY well and sheds light on how anybody can be impacted by mental health illnesses.

I really enjoyed reading this book. It was interesting to learn more about this case. A well-written true crime book.

This was a very well researched novel. While the topic is very hard to get through, the author put the work in to bring this story to life. You have to be sure you have a strong stomach for it because they did not hold back on details of this case. As a mother, it was a rough read, even knowing the details of this case. If you like true crime I highly reccomend this.

Really dark and disturbing true crime about a mother who got wrapped up in fanatical religious cult-like beliefs that eventually led to her murdering her children. Its devastatingly sad and disturbing that these people live among us and seem "normal" from the outside. I imagine Lori and Chad are guilty of much more than we even know about and I enjoyed this well written account of their horrific crimes.

"When the Moon Turns to Blood" by Leah Sottile was my first introduction to this famous case and provided a thorough exploration of it. The book's extensive focus on religious background may be overwhelming for readers like me, who are less interested in that aspect. However, I do see how the in-depth religious context is necessary to properly tell this true story. If you have a strong interest in the case, this book offers a comprehensive narrative worth delving into.

Thank you NetGalley and Twelve Books for approving me to read this ARC!

When I started reading When the Moon Turns to Blood I had no clue just how close to home this would hit. I had obviously heard of this infamous case but was unaware of how many odd connections I would have with this story.

To start I grew up in Utah. I also grew up LDS/Mormon. All of the places discussed in this story are places I have been and places I love. Specifically, Manti Utah. My grandparents lived in Manti for decades. I spent many summers, and many weeks/weekends staying with them. My grandparents were devout members of the church and with that they worked in the Manti Temple. The same Manti Temple that Chad and Tammy were married in the 90's. I cannot help but wonder if my grandparents were there working that day of their sealing.

Also, we are given a detailed account of the many written works of Chad Daybell. Those "Tiny Talks" he wrote... I used those to help prepare the several talks I gave in sacrament and in primary.

I have my share of problems with the church and some of the teachings and beliefs. That is why I find it odd that I am now in a position where I need to defend the church. As many wrongs as the church has they do have many positives. They largely promote service and giving back. Some of the best and most kind people I know are deeply devoted to the church.

Through the first portion of the book the author seemed to demonize not only the church but those affiliated with it, which is just unfair and incorrect. One bad egg does not represent the entirety. With that being said throughout the book the author seemed to almost convince herself of how the actions that took place by Lor and Chad were insane and very much unlike the Mormon teachings. It may have started with a base of the teachings but slowly escalated into something monstrous and entirely unbelievable.

I would like to say that I would not view this as true crime. It does not get into the forensics or really into the legalities of this case. When the Moon Turns to Blood really is a deep dive into the lives of Lori and Chad and an even more deep dive into the history of the church. With that being said, I did enjoy this book and the way it was written and was pleased with just how much I actually was able to learn.

WHEN THE MOON TURNS TO BLOOD examines the culture of end times paranoia and a trail of mysterious deaths surrounding former beauty queen Lori Vallow and her husband, grave digger turned doomsday novelist, Chad Daybell.

I'm not a huge true crime fan but I found this engaging and interesting. The case is horrifying and I've watched a couple of documentaries about it.

This story has garnered coverage from numerous sources, but I was pleasantly surprised to discover that this book offers a wealth of information I hadn't encountered before. The author's meticulous research into the case and the aftermath of the decisions made by Lori Vallow and Chad Daybell is commendable. The author's capacity to detach herself from the narrative and maintain impartiality is particularly impressive.

Writing about such a notorious case undoubtedly posed challenges, yet the author remains steadfast in presenting the facts without deviation. Furthermore, the book provides insightful context on the beliefs of the fringe LDS community and its leaders, shedding light on the intricacies of this case.

I was particularly intrigued by the accounts of preppers and end-of-the-world believers, delving into the significance of their faith to them. This book is undeniably chilling, yet its significance cannot be overstated. Prior to reading this, I had limited understanding of the cult-like mindset that ensnares individuals in such situations.

For enthusiasts of true crime, this book is an absolute must-read. Its value is not to be underestimated.

This review is based on an e-copy provided via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.

I think this book should be partially marketed as a book about Latter Day Saints and near death experiences more so than about Lori Vallow and Chad Daybell. I understand that it was good background on who they are and where they come from but I ended up skimming a lot of the book. It’s really well researched but I struggled to finish it.

I love all things related to unraveling cults and cult-like behavior, although I had not heard of the Vallow/Daybells. This is probably because I stopped watching the news around 2017 when I literally began to feel like we were all doomed, a feeling that seems to have been the driving force behind the events of this tragic story. The research and care that went into creating this book was obvious from page one. Nothing occurs in a vacuum, and the author took time and deliberation building the context out of which these events transpired: the perfect storm of social, political, cultural, and religious influences that lead to these people in this place, committing these terrible acts. Although much public attention has been given to the juicier parts of the story (the end-times prophecies, the multiple marriages and delusions of grandeur, the beauty queen and the cult leader on the run from the law), the author refocuses us on the missing children, who were always at the dark heart of this tragedy.

I enjoyed the writing style, although it did on occasion lean into cliché, particularly at the end of each chapter. In spite of this, I found myself thinking about the story at random times, and looking forward to the next time I would be able to pick it up. I have also downloaded a couple of podcasts to follow up with this case and the events that have transpired since the completion of the book. I hope the author continues with more cult stories, and I would be glad to continue reading them!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for access to a digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I thought I knew all there was to know about this case but, it’s so much worse. Everyone in this tragedy deserved better.