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

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!