After Etan: The Missing Child Case that Held America Captive

Brilliant reporting, riveting story- a must read

AFTER ETAN, Lisa R. Cohen's mesmerizing account of the tragic and complex circumstances surrounding the Etan Patz abduction, is one of the most engrossing books I've read in a long time. I was only 5 years old when the Etan Patz case became a media event, but being from the NY area, it permeated my world for years to come and likely added a sense of paranoia to every parent from my generation. Periodically, the story of Etan Patz would come to mind, and I failed to believe that after so much time this was still an unsolved case. No longer is that true, thanks to this remarkable and multi-faceted triumph. Cohen weaves together incisive factual reporting on every twist and turn of this enigmatic case with the suspenseful, page-turning instincts of a seasoned mystery writer.

Cohen delves into the morass of this well documented case and sifts through some of the truly choice details that made it so nagging and painful. Cranks and crazies, psychic visions, hippie communities, jailhouse snitches and one pesky typewriter ribbon- they all coalesce to make AFTER ETAN a nerve jangling ride. Cohen seamlessly weaves together three concurrent and equally captivating stories throughout the book: the suffering of the Patz family and their ability to rise above their grief; the eerie and lurid life of Jose Ramos, the primary suspect in the case who eluded prosecution for years; and finally, Assistant U.S. District Attorney Stuart GraBois' valiant and dogged pursuit of justice. Cohen takes the reader from one unexpected event to the next, flouting the urge to sensationalize the story when it could have been so easy to succumb.

As a result, AFTER ETAN stands as a salient piece of non-fiction and a riveting human interest piece. To call it simply a crime story, suspense novel, courtroom drama or even public service would be reductive. It's all of those and much, much more. It also stands as the definitive resource on the Etan Patz story, humanizing this child in ways that his widely-circulated image cannot. This is an essential and rewarding read for anyone willing and able to delve into such an emotionally wrenching story.

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Highly Recommended

I remember seeing the posters all over the city when I visited my brother in NYC. On one of my last visits, I saw an old frayed poster and wondered if they'd found him. He was a beautiful lttle boy with the strange name that I never forgot. I was startled to learn there was only one book on this pioneer missing child case but I have to say, no other is needed, as this one covers it all. In a moving and empathetic way, the author depicts the parents heartbreak and despair, along with their struggle to get answers. The police investigation and possible suspects are all detailed. Cohen makes clear that this is one case that law enforcement has never given up on, despite the number of years that passed. And it is heart warming to know they cared, even when it dropped from public view. Although I knew there was no happy endings here - I read the book in one night.

Relevant again...

I read this last year, and in light of new developments, am following new news reports closely. Hope it will not just lead to more heartache for his parents. They've been down this road so many times. The book is a great read!

Truly, this is an excellent book

I was a child myself when Etan went missing, and always wondered if this case was ever solved. The author conveys the sheer horror of the Patz family experience, as well as the sorrow and frustration all involved went through. The fact that the Patz family had new laws enacted through this tragedy is a testament to their strength. Also, because of the author's great detail and expressive writing regarding the story of Stuart Grabois, I do again believe in Superheroes.

An Engaging Read

Cohen tells this complicated story with great passion and finesse. I found the account of the disappearance absolutely compelling. Cohen blends circumstance and emotion skillfully without resorting to anything approaching histrionics. I doubt there is a parent alive who wouldn't read the account of Etan's disappearance and be dropped headfirst into the well of what such a moment would feel like, all the while being relieved and grateful that they could close the book and walk away from it. The work reminded me of the excellent writing by Philip Gourevitch in "A Cold Case." Highly recommended.

After Etan chronicles the search for a missing child who the whole country was looking for.

This cautionary tale is a must for parents, teachers, and community leaders. Lisa Cohen's compelling narrative tells a heartbreaking story of loss, strength, diligence and faith.

AFTER ETAN left me breathless

I only knew a little bit about this case - the MISSING POSTER has always stuck in my mind. But this book went from A to Z, leaving nothing out, in story form. There were so many just incredible twists to this case, and I was blown away by the diligence of the federal prosecutor and the endurance of the family. They are true heroes in a world that doesn't have enough.

I couldn't put this down - read it in two days.

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