A Rip in Heaven

By: Jeanine Cummins

Narrated by: Jeanine Cummins

This program is read by the author.

The acclaimed author of American Dirt reveals the devastating effects of a shocking tragedy in this landmark true crime book.

A Rip in Heaven is Jeanine Cummins’s story of a night in April 1991, when her two cousins Julie and Robin Kerry, and her brother, Tom, were assaulted on the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge, which spans the Mississippi River just outside of St. Louis.

When, after a harrowing ordeal, Tom managed to escape the attackers and flag down help, he thought the nightmare would soon be over. He couldn’t have been more wrong. Along with their entire family, he and his sister, Jeanine, were just at the beginning of a horrific odyssey through the aftermath of a violent crime, a world of shocking betrayal, endless heartbreak, and utter disillusionment. It was a trial by fire from which no family member would emerge unscathed.

A Macmillan Audio production from Henry Holt and Company

©2004 Jeanine Cummins (P)2020 Macmillan Audio

I couldn’t put down ...riveting

Very pleased with this book.
Story was riveting and factual as well.
Informative of our criminal justice system

Important True story deserved to be read and heard

People are saying this book is too sad or too vulgar... seriously? Well it's a true story about this very talented amazing author a celebrated author of American Dirt that has given voice to so many who needed her to be theirs . That has changed my views on so so much. This authors family and what she's finally been able to tell the actual story. It deserves to be heard and read. For the victims, her lovely cousins. Her strong brother who was accused and assaulted, traumatized. No it sounds like spoilers. But it is a very good book. Written from many souls. her sweat blood and tears went into it, you can feel it. May God bless her and her family and her dear cousins. Forever young and free and innocent

A tragic story beautifully written.

A tragic story beautifully written. Heartbreaking and devastating but Jeannine Cummins somehow made it poetic and a beautiful tribute to her cousins, brother, and to her family as a whole.

Great book!!

Jeanine is an amazing author! Really enjoyed listening to this book, my heart breaks for her family and all they went through! I love this author so far! I’ve listened to two of her books (American dirt , and now this one) both being 5 stars all around! Kept me wanting to listen the whole entire time!!!
Highly recommend!
Bought this in paper back so my mom can read now!

Thank you!

I am so moved and amazed at your bravery in writing this story of your beautiful cousins and their life and death. You achieved your goal of honoring them by sharing their story. It was a real education in how these cases are often misrepresented by the media and I was horrified by the tactics used on your brother by the police. This story will stay with me for a long time. I wish your family well as you continue to process. Thank you!

Amazing

This book changed me. Changed the way I view our justice system, the way I view death, and grief. Most importantly, it changed the way I view heroism. The families in this book are heroes. This book is their story.

Well done

Julie and Robin would be very proud of you. This shined a bright light on so many issues of our times. It was a tough listen at times as you paint a vivid picture, but the simplicity and matter-of-fact way of your reading kept me going. Thank you for your courage and the thoughtful clarity you bring to Robin, Julie, and Tom’s lives.

Thought provoking true crime

This book was well written and well performed by the author. It provided an inside look at how a violent crime impacts a whole family not only the victim. It also provides insight into how the way the justice system plays a role in how the crime impacts the victim’s family.

what our society really thinks about murder and rape.

I disliked how police treated Tom and wouldn't try to see his side. miss treated him. author never resolved Tom's physical injury from his fall and fight with offenders.

Thank You Jeanine Cummins!

Ms. Cummins book does such an honest and thirough telling of how she and her family continue to to be impacted by the murders of her beloved cousins. She lays out how a sole survivor of a murderous attack was further repeatedly victimized by the media and our criminal justice system- from deceptive stories and focus on the criminals to tortuous police interrogations. She also shares the impact on the surviving family of a death sentence, potential parole, and a lingering, unimposed death penalty. I will never forget this heart-breaking story and how much suffering this family continues to endure.