Haunting. Absolutely terrifying to wade through this story. Such a heartbreaking tale and I hope justice is served some day.

Susan Hendricks walks the reader through her journey of reporting on the story of the deaths of Liberty German and Abigail Williams. I picked up this book expecting a third person narrative of what happened to these two girls and the investigation into their murder. Instead, Hendricks has inserted herself and her relationship with the victims families throughout the story. I found some of her anecdotes unnecessary to learning about this heinous crime and the ensuing investigation. I wish that the book had not been published before the end of the court case as the ending left me very unsatisfied in how things are left.

A captivating compilation of the facts of the case, but with a humanizing factor. Susan Hendricks becomes close with the family, and you can feel her pursuit for answers is personal. As a true crime aficionado I was fascinated by this case, especially by the tenacity of the victims to capture their killer on video on their cell phones. Most grown adults wouldn't have had the fortitude to think to do something like that. Ultimately it is this ingenuity that helps lead law enforcement to their killer.

Down the Hill is the story of the Delphi murders. I live in Ohio, and this happened in Indiana, so it was close enough it was covered on local news. Soon, it was national news. That is where Susan Hendricks steps in-a HLN/CNN anchor.

Susan covered the story, but then became hooked. For true crime fans, Susan does an amazing job of focuses on the victims. This story focuses on the families of the girls and the girls life. She weaves the chronological police investigation into the story of the girls and their families. She spends a lot of time with family and covers their thoughts as the investigation continues on. There were times this investigation seemed fumbled or poorly communicated. The complete change in suspect appearance, the delay in release of important details. However, there was a strategy behind their apparent mismanagement.

While this case is still ongoing, I thought this was a really well done exploration into the life and death of two teenagers. Down the Hill is a well researched, well written true crime story.

Thank you Netgalley. I am a huge true crime reader but was hesitant to read this book. The crime itself was so horrific and tragic I wasn't sure I could handle it. I read the entire story and was not sorry. The book itself is very factual and did not contain many emotional parts. I would have liked more about the families etc. Overall very well done and worth a read.

I received a free advance digital copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review. Working on getting through the rest of the advanced books I received in 2023.
This book did a good job of covering the murders of Abby and Libby. It was nice that they included how the family has been feeling through their fight for justice so far. Last year several books were released about this case since there is a suspect in custody awaiting trial. The one thing I have to say is I wish maybe they’d waited to release these books till after the trial is done so there could hopefully be more of a sense of closure.

This case is haunting. I lived about an hour from here when these murders happened and it is amazing how hardly any information has been given out about how Abby and Libby were actually murdered. So many suspects have been examined, but there is finally a man awaiting trial. This was an in-depth look into this very sad case. I would recommend this to any true crime reader.

"Down the Hill" by Susan Hendricks is a chilling true crime story that meticulously examines the harrowing case of the Double Murder of two girls in Delphi. Hendricks delves into the details with a committed investigative approach, providing readers with a comprehensive look at the tragic events and the subsequent investigation.

One of the strengths of the book is Hendricks' dedication to presenting the facts of the case with clarity and attention to detail. The narrative unfolds with a sense of urgency and respect for the victims, encouraging readers to grasp the gravity of the situation. The inclusion of perspectives from those involved in the investigation adds depth to the storytelling.

However, the nature of true crime narratives demands a careful balance, and some readers might find that certain sections lack the emotional depth needed to fully convey the impact of the crime. While the book offers a thorough overview, those seeking a more empathetic exploration of the victims' stories may find aspects of the narrative somewhat clinical.

In conclusion, "Down the Hill" is a commendable true crime story that diligently examines a tragic case, offering readers a thorough account of the events and the subsequent investigation. Susan Hendricks' investigative approach and commitment to providing factual information make it a valuable resource for those interested in true crime narratives. While the book provides a detailed overview, readers looking for a more emotionally resonant exploration may find themselves seeking additional insights into the human aspects of the case.

In Down the Hill: My Descent into the Double Murder in Delphi, former CNN/HLN anchor and broadcast journalist Susan Hendricks becomes obsessed with the double homicide of two teens in Delphi, Indiana.
On February 13, 2017, two teenage girls (13-year-old Abby Williams and 14-year-old Libby German) disappeared while exploring the Monon High Bridge. The next day, their bodies were found about a mile from where they were last seen. There were few clues and little to go on in terms of physical evidence that the public knew about. The only thing the police put out were visual and audio remnants of a strange encounter the girls had with a man before their disappearance from a video on Libby’s cellphone. Hendricks was one of the first on the case and was deeply unsettled by this tragedy. This book chronicles Hendrick's relationships with family members, law enforcement officials, armchair detectives, and her personal stake in the story.

This is less a true crime novel and more of a behind-the-scenes book about reporters and how they cover and produce their work, especially in newscasts. Hendrix describes how her life changes as she follows the case. The readers also see how reporters join live newscasts from anywhere which is a neat tidbit. While there is no focus on ratings, there are hints at the viewership strain she is under to produce something new or speak with others to get viewers. She says it’s to keep the story alive to help the case when we all know the station wants higher numbers.
Hendrix loses all objectivity becoming so close to the family. She doesn’t look into the family and any possible connections they might have to who killed the girls. It looks unprofessional and makes you think she doesn’t know how to do her job. But maybe I should be more polite as I don’t think anyone called Hendrix an “investigative” reporter.
Little is added to the reader’s knowledge of the case if they have already heard about the case and researched it. Only a true newbie could enjoy the basic repetition of things true crime fans are bored with. Part of that is because the police are keeping things close to the chest to do the best work with the case. The other part is that Hendrix doesn’t investigate anything (as I mentioned above). It is interesting because she claims to be so invested in the case. But maybe she didn’t want the roller coaster of emotions that clues and false leads take one on. Also, several chapters are her talking to “experts” about the case and their thoughts.
Overall, I wouldn’t suggest this to any of my true crime friends. If you are interested in how the media handles such tragedies, you might get something out of this.

Down the hill takes you along for the ride of a news anchors journey covering the Delphi murders of two young girls Libby and Abby. During her journey Susan becomes close with the families of the two girls. Susan gives readers an insight on her conversations and interactions with the family throughout the years as they waited for answers. While some would expect these grieving families to stop living their life, they managed to muster the courage and strength to live each day for Libby and Abby. This book provides a unique perspective to true crime and the roller coaster that sometimes comes with the case.

I have followed this case since it first happened. So when I saw this book, I knew I had to read it. I hate spoilers, so if you follow this case or are just needing to catch up, you should definitely read this one.

As someone who lives in Indiana, with children myself of the same age, this tragedy hit us all really hard. Hendricks does an excellent job at digging deep into this investigation and providing grisly details that weren't in the news. While it's difficult to tell a story like this and folks not feel like it's a form of exploitation, Hendricks does a great job of dissecting everything respectfully. We are all absorbed in true crime these days but it takes a decent soul to tell a story this tragic and not just bog it down with the investigation details that people are already privy to due to nonstop news coverage. Quite a well written, investigative true crime tale.

"Down the Hill:My Descent into the Double Murder in Delphi", by Susan Hendricks, delves into the details of the notorious double murders in Delphi, Indiana. I've been interested in this case ever since I first heard about it, so this book was very relevant for me. Hendricks details her time researching this case and the relationship she developed with various family members. I enjoyed hearing the behind-the-scene details of this case and am so glad that the perpetrator was finally found!

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

Down the Hill explores the relationship author Susan Hendricks cultivated with the families of the victims and her discussions with law enforcement and other professionals working in the field about the case and suspect. This was not a typical true crime book, as it focused more on the murder and its investigation through the eyes of the writer than on the background information of those involved. As the trial has still not begun, there is no resolution of the case at the end. Just the family members reflecting on how they have found peace instead of letting anger and hatred win.

This book is 3 stars for me. The writing was great, but it was too soon. Despite being on the edge of my seat and begging for this story to be told, it needs the closer we don’t have yet. This is the authors story of how they worked through the case. The case isn’t over, we can’t dive into the majority of the facts, we can’t speculate on the why.

I have been following this story forever and am glad that this guy has been caught!! I wish it talked more about the actual kidnapping and what they found out.

RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
GENRE: Forensics Biographies & Memoirs/True Crime

A BIG “Thank You” to NetGalley and Hachette Books for gifting me this advanced reader’s copy in exchange for my honest review!

SYNOPSIS: Former CNN/HLN anchor & veteran broadcast journalist Susan Hendricks takes an investigative deep-dive into the still-unsolved double homicide of two teens in Delphi, Indiana—and its lasting impact on the community. On 2/13/17, 13-year-old Abby Williams & 14-year-old Libby German decided to enjoy a day off from school by exploring the popular hiking trails near the Monon High Bridge in their hometown in Delphi, IN. Libby’s sister, Kelsi, dropped the two girls off at the head of the trail & waved to them as they walked down the path, which was the last time they’d ever be seen alive. Less than 24 hours later, their bodies were found on the north bank of Deer Creek, about a mile from where they were last seen. There were few clues & little to go on in terms of physical evidence, except for the visual & audio remnants of a strange encounter the girls had with a stranger just hours before their disappearance, an encounter unsettling enough that Libby had thought to record it on her cellphone as it unfolded. In the years since the murders were first made public, Libby’s audio & video recordings have been released, & 2 very different composite sketches of the suspect have been shown, but local law enforcement remained vague about developments for years—until finally, on 10/20/22, the long-awaited suspect was arrested & a trial date was set. A year after the murders, Susan went to Delphi to interview the victims’ families for an in-depth special report. Over the years, Susan has built close relationships with family members, and law enforcement officials & armchair detectives alike who are determined to get justice for Abby & Libby.

REVIEW: I was so pleased to have been approved for a copy of this book because being the true crime junkie I am, I’ve followed this case for years. The first 70% of the book gives you the background on the town, the victims, & their families. Susan does a great job of filling you in on the crime that occurred & of law enforcement’s communications (with the town, other reporters, & media) about the case.  I, like most everyone, has never understood why law enforcement hasn’t shared more about this crime & the manner of the girls’ deaths. However, it wasn’t until the last 30% of this book that it goes into detail about the reasons for that. I especially enjoyed Susan’s conversations with Paul Holes (the detective that identified the Golden State Killer), & Dr. Ann Burgess (an internationally recognized pioneer in the field of criminal profiling. His insight into how a predator (or serial killers) can develop oddities in their sexual behavior, & that over time, they can become “fantasy-motivated,” wherein those fantasy oddities known as “signatures” are left at a crime scene, as they’ve been confirmed in this case. Dr. Burgess does a great job explaining how profiling of a criminal can be determined.  I was also interested in learning as much as possible about the man they arrested last year, Richard Allen, whose next hearing is today. Even though a trial may take years to occur, I plan to follow along, and I’m hopeful that justice comes soon for the victim’s families. 🙏🕊️

In February 2017, two teenage girls from a small town on Indiana went on a hike on a school holiday. They never returned home. Originally thought to be lost in the woods, unfortunately their bodies were discovered the next day. Down the Hill is a fascinating and heartwrenching look into the Delphi murders & how they impacted those who loved Abby & Libby. Rather than focusing on the perpetrator or the actual crime, this author chooses to focus on the victims. She memorializes them by honoring their impact on those around them. She lifts up their families' voices far above the crime details.

It was clear through the writing that Susan knows the families well & continues to stay connected with them as this case continues to unfold. While a conviction would put a nice bow on this book, unfortunately justice is not always served on the timeline the victims truly deserve. This author did an excellent job reviewing the class, uplifting the families' voices, and respecting the ongoing investigation.

I was not very familiar with the particulars of this horrendous case involving the murders of Libby German and Abby Williams in tiny Delphi, Indiana - a town so small it doesn't have a motel, and where everyone knows everyone. And that's the real horror of this story - SOMEONE in this town murdered these two teenagers.

If you're looking for the traditional "true crime" book, this is not it. Instead, Susan Hendricks gives us a nuanced story of the effect such a crime has on the community, on the family, on law enforcement and on social media. Delphi's murder rate was virtually nonexistent and as such, Delphi's law enforcement was relatively untried. But they had heart, and truly cared about the families and solving this crime. Hendricks spent time with LE over the years she covered the case and knew how deeply they cared about this case and how much it affected them.

Hendricks very carefully shares how social media in particular can be a two-edged sword. As she notes "But what happens when the ask for a tip from law enforcement and family members turns into or perpetuates the public's desire to solve the crime no matter the cost? Can that desire lead to an online witch hunt? The short answer is yes."

And especially in this case, where virtually no information was released from LE and details on possible murderer(s) was vague and inconsistent, social media "influencers" posted speculation about many members of the community and family, not considering how deeply their careless conjectures could wound. As Libby's grandmother said "The best revenge is none. Heal more, move on. Don't become like those who hurt you."

As the book ends, a suspect has been arrested and a new phase of the case begins. It leaves the families in new territory, not setting their grief aside, but entering into a new and different stage of grief. 4 stars for this very insightful and heart-rendering account.

This is a deep dive from a more personal view of this case. I have followed this case closing and I found this book haunting, gripping, and full of facts that I never knew. Written respectfully like true crime should be.