Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book from the publisher. Opinions shared are mine.
Over the weekend, my sweet sister tried to give me a self-help book. Pish Posh! I don’t want to read about bettering myself when I have a juicy domestic drama to read. This one comes in the form of a memoir — the title says it’s “a mystery of betrayal, family secrets, and stolen identity.” Sounds thrilling, right?! Big thanks to Grand Central Publishing for sending me a copy of The Less People Know About Us by Axton Betz-Hamilton.
Normally I’m not a fan of memoirs, but this one caught my attention with its tagline.
While the story itself isn’t suspenseful, exactly, it’s dark and sad. The reader can’t help but feel compassion for young Axton as she goes around doing her homework on a cold patio because the electricity was out. Reading about her nightly hunger was just so sad.
When the mystery is revealed, it’s shocking and glaringly obvious at the same time. Knowing how different things were in the 1980s, it makes sense how something like this could happen. Still, it makes you wonder how such crimes could be committed in the context found in this book.
The story dragged on at certain points, but overall it’s a worthy read.
About the Book
Growing up in rural Indiana in the 90s, Axton’s family was plagued by an identity thief. They became increasingly paranoid as a result, isolating themselves from the world, and even each other. Years later, thousands of dollars in debt and facing the consequences of ruined credit, Axton would uncover a shocking betrayal. The Less People Know About Us is her attempt to unravel an intricate web of lies and grapple with the lasting effects of the crime that both inspired her career and almost destroyed her family.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Axton Betz-Hamilton is an expert in identity theft, having personal experience that she’s now turned into a career. After discovering her own mother had stolen hers and her father’s identities for years, Axton made understanding the nuances of identity theft her life’s work. She frequently speaks on the topic at a wide range of conferences and has won multiple awards for her research, teaching, and service.
Axton has a Master’s degree in Consumer Sciences and Retailing and a PhD in Human Development and Family Studies, focusing on child identity theft and elder financial exploitation perpetrated by family members. She teaches at South Dakota State University.
TWO lucky readers will win a copy of this book, thanks to Grand Central Publishing! The giveaway is open to US & CAN readers ages 18+. Void where prohibited by law. Enter on the form below. Good luck!
I love true crime books and this one sounds so good! I love to read.
True Crime books are awesome!
I love mystery books and this sounds like a great one.
The book looks intriguing.
I want to win this because I’m a huge true crime fan. Thanks for the fun giveaway!
Sounds so interesting. An intriguing book
I really, really want to read this book! It is on my list of to-read 😛 Fingers Crossed and thank you :):)
Honestly, this book sounds amazing! If I don’t win, I am going to HAVE to buy it for myself. It sounds like such an interesting, mind-blowing book. I have never been a victim of identity theft and I hope to never be.
I love reading true stories!
As a gift for my mom!
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It sounds like an interesting read!
I would like to win because it looks like a very interesting book.
I would love to win as this sounds like a really interesting read!
I would like this book because it sounds very intriguing and I love the stories based on real life events
I love true crime books and this one sounds good! Thanks for the chance.
I love true stories
I want to win because I read a lot of books.
i like true life books and this sounds like a good read
This sounds like an awesome read! I grew up with toxic family who did a number on all of us children. I’d love to read this.
It sounds like an exciting story to learn about the backstory to how it all started and was inspiration.
Sounds like a fascinating story!
I’d like to win as I love to read memoirs…I learn so much about others and myself through them. Thanks and God bless!
I would like to win because this is my favorite kind of book. Intrigue and suspense