From the Edgar-nominated and #1 New York Times bestselling author Gregg Olsen comes the true story behind one of America's most shocking Munchausen by Proxy cases.
In and out of hospitals since birth, angelic nine-month-old Morgan Reid finally succumbed to what appeared to be Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. Her Texas-born mother Tanya, a nurse and devoted wife, pulled up stakes with her grieving husband Jim, and moved on. It was the best way to put the past behind them.
Until their son Michael – a boy who by all accounts was terrified of his mother – began suffering the same terrifying episodes of stopped breathing, always when no one else was around. A team of Iowa doctors and investigators began to suspect something far darker than tragedy or coincidence.
What followed was a landmark investigation and two extraordinary trials, in Iowa and Texas, that exposed a pattern of manipulation and medical deception behind a seemingly ordinary family. Her neighbours saw a caring mother. Her colleagues saw a competent nurse. Her own family refused to believe what the evidence made undeniable – that Tanya Reid's own troubling childhood held the dark secrets that drove a woman to the cruelest deception of all.
Perfect for readers who love:
· Gripping true crime built on meticulous investigative reporting
· Courtroom drama with multiple trials and shocking reversals
· Small-town secrets and families torn apart by denial
· Deep dives into how medical professionals and law enforcement uncover hidden abuse
· Binge-worthy true crime for podcast listeners and documentary fans
· Book club reads that spark conversation about justice and institutional failure
Acclaim for Cruel Deception:
"A remarkable and amazing book...a piece of art in suspense and entertainment for the reader of crime books." ―Thomas V. Hill, criminal justice consultant
"[Cruel Deception] is a fascinating and groundbreaking book. Through a riveting examination of harrowing psychological issues, Gregg Olsen has triumphed with both sensitivity and insight." ―Elizabeth F. Loftus, Ph.D., coauthor of The Myth of Repressed Memory
"Illuminating. The most complete account of Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy I have seen." ―Murray Levine, J.D., Ph.D., codirector, Research Center for Children and Youth, adjunct professor of law
"Intensely interesting and moving...eye opening and educational. An in-depth and sensitive analysis of this complex disorder." ―Gary King, author of Web of Deceit and Blind Rage
"Compelling...suspenseful...Gregg Olsen is masterful in creating this incredible story. As he brings his characters to life, he evokes emotions in us, as we hope against hope that the inevitable crime will not happen." ―Rod Clovin, author of Evil Harvest
