Bones in the Desert: The True Story of a Mother's Murder and a Daughter's Search

by Jana Bommersbach

This book tells the chilling story of a well-known daughter's search for her mother's body, and the discovery that her mother was a victim of domestic violence. This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Mass Market Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0312947410
• Release Date: September 2008
• Publisher: St. Martin's True Crime
• Length: 288 Pages
• Weight: 0.15 lbs.
• Dimensions: 6.7" x 0.8" x 4.2"

Customer Reviews

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I did not care for this book as I thought the writing was scattered and not well constructed. A sad story for this family and I do hope they find the healing they seek.

Well Written

As a true crime addict I loved this book! It was well written and kept me turning pages and losing sleep because I could not stop reading. Interesting story and well researched. Everyone in this book comes to life so you care about them. You are haunted by the victim and feel for their loved ones. Well done.

Bommersbach leads with her heart but never lets it overrule the facts.

Loretta Bowersock knew how to raise a family, how to run a household, and how to be a successful businesswoman. Together with her daughter, Terri, she ran a multi-million dollar furniture store based in Tempe, Arizona. Although it sounds as if Loretta was the epitome of the Modern Woman, she wasn't. She was a child of her times who didn't feel complete without a man. Enter Taw Benderly, a legend in his own mind. He swept Loretta off her feet and stole her heart. In the process, he alienated mother and daughter. For over twenty years, Benderly wormed his way into every facet of Loretta's life. He was controlling and abusive, and rather than throw his sorry hide out of her house, Loretta was convinced that she needed a man, and she was too old to start over again. This lovely older lady believed that she'd made her bed, and the only thing she could do was to lie in it. That is, until she discovered just what a despicable excuse for a human being Benderly was. Loretta's daughter Terri knew that things weren't right between Benderly and her mother, and she'd tried to get her mother to see reason, but Loretta would have none of it. Terri had no clue just how abusive Benderly was until her mother disappeared shortly before Christmas, 2004. It would be over a year before Terri Bowersock knew everything that had happened to Loretta. Bommersbach quickly turns what could have been a rather simple tale of murder into a multi-faceted story of a daughter's love, endless months of searching out in the desert, and a heart-breaking case of elder abuse. This is a story that has been told with great compassion because it is very personal to Bommersbach: "I couldn't get her out of my mind. I'm exceptionally close to my mother, and I knew Terri had been close to hers. My mother, Willie, is the single most important person in my life, always has been, always will be. I can't even imagine the day I'll lose her.... What if someone stole her from me? What if someone hurt her, and made her suffer?" Back in the 70s and 80s, I read quite a bit of true crime, but I stopped when it seemed to become repetitive and aimed at sensationalism. Living in the Phoenix metropolitan area as does Terri Bowersock and Jana Bommersbach, I was familiar with this case. I saw it being discussed on television. I've read several things that the author has written. I've seen her on television, and I've come to respect her opinions. I'm glad I steered myself back to the true crime genre for this book. I was in the mood for a book that not only was informative but that also showed how deeply the author cared about the subject. Bones in the Desert delivered splendidly on all counts.

I thought I knew everything about this crime

I live in Arizona and thought I knew everything about this crime. I read the book from cover to cover in a day was amazed at the in-depth coverage Ms. Bommersbach presented. I highly recommend it.

An Incredible Account of A Horrific Crime Written With Great Compassion

Jana Boomersbach did a wonderful job of detailing this crime but at the same time kept the personal side in focus. She never let the readers forget at any moment that even before the crime happened the emotional events leading up to, during and after the crime were committed were always an intergral part of the story. This book is worthy of being made into a movie!

This true story makes CSI look tame!

Bommersbach is a first-rate investigative reporter and she really struts her stuff in this compelling new book. Her total access to the principals in the story add both drama and grit to the prose. You won't be able to put it down.

A well told story of deceit and murder in the desert........

Riveting.....I read the book in one sitting because I simply couldn't put it down. Better than any murder mystery novel you will ever read, but it really happened. Jana Bommersbach paints an incredible picture with her words. You will feel like you were there. She also takes on the case of elder abuse, which is much more prevalent than you can imagine. Entertaining, horrifying, spellbinding, heart stopping and sensational. I am holding my breath waiting for Jana's next book.