Quick Take

On April 5, 1981, two college coeds were kidnapped from a residential street of Albuquerque, New Mexico. The next morning, the girls were found in a desolate mountain arroyo; one raped and murdered, the other savagely stabbed 33 times and left for dead. As fear engulfed the University of New Mexico's quiet campus, police had few clues to assist them in tracking down the vicious killer. This book is based on the true story of what happened that night in the Sandia Mountains, a shockingly brutal crime that changed the city of Albuquerque forever. It is a gritty tale of unspeakable violence and the relentless search for justice, but it is also the story of a young woman's incredible will to live ... and her life-long struggle to escape the legacy of that deadly arroyo.

Reader's Review

Book Review Summary: Escaping the Arroyo

Introduction

"Escaping the Arroyo" is a gripping true crime story that recounts the tragic events surrounding the kidnapping and murder of two college coeds in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Written by Joyce Nance, this book takes readers on a harrowing journey through the night of April 5, 1981, and the aftermath of the crime that shook the city. With its fast-paced narrative and descriptive prose, "Escaping the Arroyo" captures the essence of a young woman's incredible will to survive and her lifelong struggle to escape the legacy of her attacker.

About Joyce Nance

Joyce Nance, the author of "Escaping the Arroyo," is a talented writer with a passion for storytelling. While this is her first published work, her dedication and research shine through in her writing. Nance draws on court documents, interviews, and extensive research to create a compelling account of this true crime. Her ability to delve into the personal histories of the victims, perpetrator, and their families adds depth and emotion to the story.

Analysis of Views

Horrific Tale of True Crime: Many readers found "Escaping the Arroyo" to be a horrific tale of true crime. The book's vivid descriptions and graphic details made them feel for the victims and empathize with their suffering. The author's ability to convey the brutality of the crime without sensationalizing it further added to its impact.
Courage and Survival: The resilience and determination of one of the victims to survive the attack were awe-inspiring to readers. Their unwavering will to live, despite the unimaginable circumstances, left a lasting impression on many. The book highlighted the courage and strength of the survivor, which resonated with readers.
Insight into Criminal Tendencies: Some readers appreciated the book's insight into the criminal tendencies of the perpetrator. It provided a deeper understanding of how individuals can commit such heinous crimes and the factors that contribute to their behavior. The book delved into the psychological aspects of the crime, offering readers a more comprehensive understanding of the case.
Victim-Centered Approach: "Escaping the Arroyo" focused on the victims rather than solely on the crime itself. The book highlighted their struggles, pain, and resilience in the aftermath of the tragedy. It provided readers with a more compassionate perspective on the victims and their families, emphasizing their humanity and resilience in the face of unimaginable trauma.
Shocking Impact on Society: The book also explored the shocking impact of the crime on society as a whole. It highlighted how individuals can become obsessed with fame and celebrity, even at the expense of others' lives. The book shed light on the media's sensationalization of crimes and how it can contribute to a culture of victim-blaming and insensitivity towards victims.

Reasons for Recommendation

Gripping Narrative: The book's fast-paced narrative kept readers engaged throughout. The short chapters made it easy to read and kept them invested in finding out what happened next. The author's ability to maintain tension and suspense throughout the story made it difficult to put down.
Descriptive Prose: Joyce Nance's descriptive prose added depth and emotion to the story. Her vivid descriptions brought the scenes to life, making readers feel like they were right there with the characters experiencing their struggles and triumphs. The author's attention to detail made the story feel real and authentic.
Insightful Analysis: While "Escaping the Arroyo" is primarily a true crime story, it also offers valuable insights into criminal tendencies, victimhood, and society's response to such tragedies. The book provides readers with a deeper understanding of these complex issues, making it a thought-provoking read beyond just being a gripping narrative.

Reasons for Not Recommendation

Typos and Errors: Some readers found errors in punctuation, spelling, and grammar throughout the book, which detracted from their reading experience. These mistakes made it difficult to focus on the story and took away from the overall quality of the writing. While these errors were not widespread, they were noticeable enough to affect some readers' enjoyment of the book.
Limited Insight into Survivor's Life After Attack: While "Escaping the Arroyo" highlighted Colene Bush's incredible will to survive, some readers felt that her life after the attack was not explored in sufficient detail. They wanted to know more about her struggles and how she coped with her trauma over time. The book focused more on the immediate aftermath of the crime rather than delving into her long-term journey of healing and recovery.

Conclusion

"Escaping the Arroyo" is a compelling true crime story that captures the essence of human resilience and survival in the face of unimaginable horror. Joyce Nance's writing shines through her passionate portrayal of Colene Bush's courage and determination to overcome her ordeal. While some readers found errors in punctuation and grammar, overall, "Escaping the Arroyo" is a gripping read that offers valuable insights into criminal tendencies, victimhood, and society's response to tragedies. It is a must-read for fans of true crime stories who appreciate well-researched accounts that delve deeper into human experiences beyond just providing sensationalized details.