Unbelievable (Movie Tie-In)

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, 18-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: details of the crime didn't seem plausible, and her foster mother thought she sounded as though she were reciting a Law & Order episode. 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. One of Marie's best friends created a web page branding her 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 - the attacker's calm and practiced demeanor, which led the victim to surmise "he's done this before" - 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 realized 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 reality of how sexual assault is investigated today - and the long history of skepticism toward rape victims.

Previously published as A False Report

©2018 T. Christian Miller and Ken Armstrong (P)2018 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

"This is a deep, disturbing, compelling, important book. A False Report digs into timeless issues - crime, victimhood, honesty, sexism - which have never been more timely. It is also a fascinating, sharply written story that will twist and surprise you." (Susan Orlean, author of The Orchid Thief and Rin Tin Tin)

“America has never adequately addressed sexual violence, a tragedy made worse by many who employ their own hierarchy of victimization, leaving many women and vulnerable people unaided. This meticulously researched, powerful exposé eliminates ignorance as a defense. This is a devastating but necessary read, composed by masters of investigative journalism.” (Bryan Stevenson, author of Just Mercy)

"Acaptivating page-turner.... There’s a gripping 'you are there' immediacy as crackerjack officers and criminalists pore over scant evidence - a wisp of skin left on a stuffed animal, videos of a white truck canvassing apartment complexes - before finally homing in on their man.... It would be all too easy to compare the book to a Grisham novel or an episode of Law & Order: SVU, but to do so would trivialize its achievement. A False Report is framed as a police procedural but illuminates the agonizing realities of rape culture as well as the fractures in our criminal justice system.... Rich in forensic detail, deftly written and paced, A False Report is an instant true-crime classic, taking its rightful place beside Vincent Bugliosi’s Helter Skelter and Dave Cullen’s Columbine." (The Minneapolis Star Tribune)

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.

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.

Amazing!

A well-written piece that does a great job of sharing the facts and figures on rape in America and the story of the amazing survivors or a serial rapist.

Great Way to tell an Unbelievable Story

I came across the crimes when I found the trailer to Unbelievable on youtube. I watched the unbelievable series and fell in love. I later heard it also became a famous newspaper article and book. I knew I had to listen to it for a more in-depth teaching on the crime that made national headlines. The full length story didn't disappoint. This book gave insight on damage rape can cause, how law enforcement can appropriately or misappropriately handle these cases, and how if a victim is being accused of lying it can cause more damage than the rape already caused.

great listen

really enjoyed the use of three separate story lines to convey a story for all involved

Riveting

A riveting book that revolves around a woman who reports being raped, is doubted by the police and her friends, forced to recant, charged with making a false report, and basically made to plead guilty. But she’s not making up the story. Everything is fascinating on so many levels because everyone is interviewed: the woman, the rapist, the detective who charged her with making a false report, the detectives who caught the rapist, other victims. At the end is a rage-inducing description of the history of women not being believed about rape claims, as well as the institutional mechanisms that keep it happening even today. P.S. If you’ve read Jon Krakauer’s “Missoula” and are wondering if you want to tackle another book about rape, please know that they cover completely different territory. Grade: A

Narration is solid.

Must read for women

Very inspiring story of how trust and collaboration for the greater good gets everyone farther, both police departments and journalists.

Much more info than the movie, i found the narrators easy to listen to and they held my attention.

I’m telling every women I know this is a must, be it the movie, the book, or the audio book.