Secrets of a Marine's Wife

A True Story of Marriage, Obsession, and Murder

By: Shanna Hogan

Narrated by: Sophie Amoss

Length: 10 hrs and 33 mins

Publisher's summary

This program includes a bonus episode of Case Closed, a true-crime podcast based on Secrets of a Marine's Wife, that brings Erin Corwin's story to life through firsthand interviews conducted by author Shanna Hogan. Available wherever you listen to podcasts.

Award-winning journalist and New York Times best-selling author Shanna Hogan tells the true story of a young Marine wife whose illicit affair ended in tragedy.

In June 2014, 19-year-old Erin Corwin was living a quiet life in Twentynine Palms, California, expecting her first child with her husband, US Marine Corporal Jon Corwin - until the day she drove off into the desert and never returned. As temperatures climbed into the hundreds, friends and family teamed up with local law enforcement in a grueling search of Joshua Tree National Park. Nearly two months after her disappearance, Corwin's body was found at the bottom of an abandoned mine shaft, a homemade garrote wrapped around her throat.

Detectives quickly turned their attention to the Corwins' next-door neighbors: fellow Marine Christopher Lee and his wife. The couples had leaned on each other for support, but it soon became clear that Chris and Erin's relationship had developed into a whirlwind romance that consumed them both and left the paternity of Corwin's baby in question. Lee told investigators he'd gone out hunting the day of Corwin's disappearance, but his claims of innocence soon began to crumble. And while Corwin was researching baby names, Lee was reportedly searching the internet for ways to dispose of a human body.

Through interviews, court records, and extensive research, best-selling true-crime author Shanna Hogan constructs a chilling story of betrayal, deception, and tragedy.

©2019 Shanna Hogan (P)2019 Macmillan Audio

Impactful book, inconsistent narration

The crime and criminal are truly disturbing in so many ways but I'm very thankful for the author's emphasis on Erin's life and personality as well as the dedication of those who brought the family justice. I was deeply moved by this book. Unfortunately I had to remove a star because the audiobook performance contained many pronunciation errors and vocal inconsistencies which distracted from the narrative too often to ignore in an honest review.

Unbelievable

Such a sad and senseless murder. His reasoning sickens me. His arrogance and narcissistic personality makes him a monster.

Amazing, yet such a sad story

I listen to a lot of true crime audible books. This was one that kept me interested the whole time! I love what the writer said at the end about this creep murderer! She was spot on about his character and I love the ending part. She wasn’t scared to talk truthfully about this evil person. Plus all the Credit she gave and the praise she gave to the homicide detectives the firefighters etc. because these people do care so much to get justice for people like Erin. Its just such a sad fact that the number one death of pregnant women is homicide, that’s just scary. Theres too much evil in this world, but bravo on the book.

Very good true crime book.

Well done. Good writing. Good narration. A very sad story, told with compassion and seemingly lots of research.

A true story that kept me in suspense!

This book came to me as a suggestion based on similar books I have purchased. Coming from a military family and whose husband was stationed at 29 Palms in the early 90's, hearing the familiarity of the locations and goings on in military life for these young couples is what hooked me. I shudder as I know the lure of what draws you to these young marines - the excitement of being married to a marine - a young, tough military trained man ready to fight the world while you hold down the home front. Yet, it's so easy to forgot that they are just young people, barely out of high school, and making adult decisions all in the face of war and long deployments. This poor girl got caught up in the all too common relationship drama that occurs on most military bases regardless of age. She was so trusting and young minded herself - nothing prepared her for what she experienced and it is so sad that she became the victim of a man who had his own psychological issues by his own admissions. As another reviewer stated, this should never have happened. I hope John and the rest of Erin's family find peace.
I highly recommend this book!

Captivating

This really peaked my interest. Other books I have listened to made it hard for me to pay attention. The book is well written, keeping you on the edge of your seat. The narrator is excellent, great voice for telling this story. I have been listening to it in the car, at work, and at home, I couldn't get enough and needed to know who the killer was.

Such a tragic story of Erin Corwin, a very amazing girl, as remembered by her family and friends. I am glad justice has been served for Erin.

Narrator is great...

Not sure why some are ranting about the narration. It was well done, and kept me on the edge for the whole book.
The only thing wrong with this book is the truth. The defense gave an obnoxious theory. There was no way defendant could have gotten out of this. But I expected much much more from Defence team than what they gave the jury.
Otherwise, a very good book. Just so much evidence ag/killer.

Great reporting

Great detail and reporting on a gruesome case of a murdered pregnant teenager killed by her ex-marine lover.

Great Listen

I wasn’t sure how I was going to like this book, but it really captured me. I was hooked in the first couple chapters. Overall the book was put perfect. 👍

A very good read!

I love how this author writes - her style is my style. This is a very interesting story that I only heard of while looking for a new book to listen to. I was really having some feelings hearing about Chris and what he did to sweet Erin. I totally relate to Lore (mom) and I give her huge props, the way she handled everything. Prayers for Erin's family and friends, for healing and peace