If I Can't Have You

Susan Powell, Her Mysterious Disappearance, and the Murder of Her Children

By: Gregg Olsen, Rebecca Morris

Narrated by: Laural Merlington, Kevin Pierce

Length: 10 hrs and 34 mins

Publisher's 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

That empty feeling...

The book is great but the story is brutal, it's such a trip into a freak show. From the oblivious police\detectives\CPS and the closed knit wack job Powell family its just a road that gets darker and darker...

well written

Very interesting. I heard of the story but never knew the details. I pray for the day Susan can be laid to rest

In depth overview of a dramatic case

This audible was a great listen to a book I don’t think I would’ve been able to finish in physical form. The narration pulled me in, sullen yet shocking describing all the heartbreak, evil and drama involved with Susan Powell’s case. This story is a true testament to how much damage one man can do. I was gripped and couldn’t put this down while on vacation in Yosemite. My heart aches for the suffering that Susan and her children had to endure at the hands of her husband and his family. This story really puts you in her perspective as well as others involved with journal entries, emails and quotes from Susan and all those surrounding her. The environments are well described poignantly. You really feel as if you almost got to know all those involved on a personal level. I hope someday Susan is found, laid to rest and her family has peace. This book is a nice tribute and remembrance of Susan, her children and a case which held the nation’s attention for good reason.

Good book, sad story

Very, very good book but sometimes really difficult to listen to such a horrific story. Tragic.

I was literally in my car yelling at the radio

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

10

What was the most compelling aspect of this narrative?

I've heard of this story, but never really read anything about it till now. I downloaded it based on the reviews and the fact that this guy was able to do what he did is insane. It was a really good book, really sad in the way this women and her children lived and how they suffered at the hands of the man that was supposed to love them the most.

What about Laural Merlington and Kevin Pierce ’s performance did you like?

They did a really good job in reading the story and making the emotion be felt. I could not stop listening.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Yes! I was literally in my car listening on the way home from work yelling at the radio, it has a lot of "DUH" moments. When I was listening to the way it all ended and how tragic it was a bawled.

Any additional comments?

The fact that this evil man was able to do what he did to this women and her babies is disgusting. I hope he burns in hell for what he did to her, her children and her family. He is manipulative and was all about what he wanted and would make others suffer for his own entertainment, he a vile man does the devils work. I pray for this family, I know Susan and her babies and in the glory of heaven together with no pain and suffering. Praise God!

Riveting.

What made the experience of listening to If I Can't Have You: the most enjoyable?

I followed this case from the very beginning. I recall seeing the deterioration of Josh Powell with each and every interview. He went from dark circles to darker circles under the eyes ... his anguish was palpable. His torment was etched on his face. Having the experience of following the case as it unfolded made reading this more much more interesting.

What about Laural Merlington and Kevin Pierce ’s performance did you like?

Excellent narrators. Kevin Pierce is one I've heard on a number of other books and he's really good.

If you could give If I Can't Have You: a new subtitle, what would it be?

Get out of abusive relationships EARLY. The longer you wait, the more dangerous the situation.

Any additional comments?

The story of the Powell's heart breaking. This was not an easy read for that reason. While it's a well written work, the story itself is painful, dark and scary.

Truly devistating!

Would you listen to If I Can't Have You: again? Why?

I don't know if I could listen to this book again.... not because of the narrator or the composition of the story. It would be because of the intense emotional toll this book took on me. It's so hard to imagine that someone could be so heartless, selfish and evil but, as we all know, there are people like Josh Powell out there.

What was the most compelling aspect of this narrative?

The fact that Susan was in fear of her life and she allowed herself to be vulnerable enough for Josh to kill her was extremely compelling to me. If only she would have left him when she had the chance. It angers me sometimes that people put so much weight in the views of their religion when it comes to divorce. No one should ever have to be miserable or in a dangerous situation just because their church would look down on them for ending a marriage. There are too many marriages that end in murder for this very reason.... ONE is too many!

Which character – as performed by Laural Merlington and Kevin Pierce – was your favorite?

Susan Cox

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes

Gripping and tragic story

I loved this audible! From the narrating to the storyline, I was hooked. I found this to be a moving story and well done with narration in that it was read similar to transcripts, not a story. It was emotional, and had a few edge of seat moments. Well done!

Great Listen! Female Narrator - Not So Much

The only thing I wasn't a fan of was the female narrator that popped up at the beginning of each chapter. It took away the seriousness for me, because she sounds like a robot in my opinion. I loved the male narrator and the story. Finished it in two days!

Read like the eulogy at a funeral

All the fight and intrigue is gone out of Kevin’s voice in this one. His mournful, somber pace never lets you forget — for a minute — this book about the terrible loss of loved ones.