The Doomsday Mother: Lori Vallow, Chad Daybell, and the End of an American Family by John Glatt
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Prior to reading this book, I already knew quite a lot about the Lori Vallow and Chad Daybell case, as I have followed the story via the news, YouTube, and social media. I went into reading this book with caution, as I know that some who try to tell the story lean away from the facts and the evidence in an attempt to dramatise what is already a horribly dramatic case with no need for added shock-value.

Nevertheless, I was surprised by the high quality of this book. The author refrains from embellishing the story, in favour of providing an objective overview backed up by evidence. His use of language is balanced and fact-driven, making it clear when anecdotal claims are made.

The author lays out the story in an accessible format, separating the elements into sections, then linking them together in a way that allows the reader to follow the timeline with ease.

The level of detail the book provides is impressive. Having followed and researched this case extensively, I was surprised to learn of many details and viewpoints of which I was previously unaware.

It should go without saying that this book is a difficult read in terms of the subject matter. Trigger warnings for murder, violence, abuse, gore/graphic descriptions, cults, and religious extremism to name just a few. It’s definitely a “reader discretion is advised” book.

I would recommend this book for anyone who would like to delve deeper into this case and/or to gain a better understanding of the full timeline and history. The only thing I would like to have seen is a bit more focus on Tylee and JJ, but I understand that this book is more focused on the perpetrators rather than the victims.

I received a free copy of this audiobook from the publisher via NetGalley.

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