{"product_id":"the-forever-witness-isbn-9781524746278","title":"The Forever Witness","description":"“Thought-provoking true-crime thriller…the book raises urgent questions of balancing public and private good that we’ll likely be dealing with as long as the title implies.”—\u003cb\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eWall Street Journal\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eA relentless detective and a civilian genealogist solve a haunting cold case—and launch a crime-fighting revolution that tests the fragile line between justice and privacy.\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e In November 1987, a young couple from the idyllic suburbs of Vancouver Island on an overnight trip to Seattle vanished without a trace. A week later, the bodies of Tanya Van Cuylenborg and her boyfriend Jay Cook were found in rural Washington. It was a brutal crime, and it was the perfect crime: With few clues and no witnesses in the vast and foreboding Olympic Peninsula, an international manhunt turned up empty, and the sensational case that shocked the Pacific Northwest gradually slipped from the headlines. \u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e In deep-freeze, long-term storage, biological evidence from the crime sat waiting, as Detective Jim Scharf poured over old case files looking for clues his predecessors missed. Meanwhile, 1,200 miles away in California, CeCe Moore began her lifelong fascination with genetic genealogy, a powerful forensic tool that emerged not from the crime lab, but through the wildly popular home DNA ancestry tests purchased by more than 40 million Americans. When Scharf decided to send the cold case’s decades-old DNA to Parabon NanoLabs, he hoped he would finally bring closure to the Van Cuylenborg and Cook families. He didn’t know that he and Moore would make history.\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e Genetic genealogy, long the province of family tree hobbyists and adoptees seeking their birth families, has made headlines as a cold case solution machine, capable of exposing the darkest secrets of seemingly upstanding citizens. In the hands of a tenacious detective like Scharf, genetic genealogy has solved one baffling killing after another. But as this crime-fighting technique spreads, its sheer power has sparked a national debate: Can we use DNA to catch the murderers among us, yet still protect our last shred of privacy in the digital age—the right to the very blueprint of who we are?“Whether one is interested in cold case puzzles or genealogy, or just curious about solving crimes, \u003ci\u003eThe Forever Witness\u003c\/i\u003e should be read and reread until it becomes a dog-eared part of one’s library.”\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e—New York Journal of Books\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e“This book was fabulous. \u003ci\u003eThe Forever Witness \u003c\/i\u003ewas thorough, informative, and deeply emotional.”\u003cbr\u003e—\u003cb\u003eTrue Crime Index\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e“Thoughtful true-crime.”\u003cbr\u003e—\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003ePeople\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e “Humes' writing is suspenseful yet also journalistic, providing fascinating details about the case, technological advances in police work, and genetic genealogy. A winner for any fan of true crime.”\u003cbr\u003e—\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eBooklist \u003c\/i\u003e(starred review)\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e“Stellar true crime account… Humes matches taut prose with assured storytelling. This fascinating look at how technology has revolutionized crime solving is must reading.”\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003e—Publishers Weekly \u003c\/i\u003e(starred review)\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e“Fans of Michelle McNamara’s acclaimed \u003ci\u003eI’ll Be Gone in the Dark \u003c\/i\u003eshould clear their schedules, because Edward Humes’ riveting account is nearly impossible to put down…\u003ci\u003eThe Forever Witness \u003c\/i\u003ehas earned a well-deserved place among top-notch true crime.” \u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003e—Bookpage \u003c\/i\u003e(starred review)\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e“A well-paced true-crime procedural that offers new twists on old methods of police work.”\u003cbr\u003e—\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eKirkus\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e“An excellent addition to any true crime collection, this one is sure to intrigue readers who are interested in delving deeper into the hows and whys of solving cold cases.”\u003cbr\u003e—\u003ci\u003e\u003cb\u003eLibrary Journal\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e“Some detectives never give up, and in this expert retelling, you'll follow Jim Scharf as he attempts to crack the coldest of cases: A golden young couple abducted and murdered in Washington state in 1987, with almost no clues left behind. This book is that rare thing, terrifying true crime told with a beating heart.” \u003cbr\u003e—\u003cb\u003eMaureen Callahan, \u003ci\u003eNew York Times\u003c\/i\u003e bestselling author of \u003ci\u003eAmerican Predator\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e“In this brilliantly told, addictively readable book, Edward Humes reminds us that the term “cold case” is misleading, that unsolved murders simmer for decades with angry life and grief and the long-shadow of justice denied. And he also reminds us to hope that the answers to our most stubborn mysteries can yet be found if we simply refuse to give up on them.” \u003cbr\u003e —\u003cb\u003eDeborah Blum, \u003ci\u003eNew York Times\u003c\/i\u003e bestselling author of \u003ci\u003eThe Poisoner's Handbook: Murder and the Birth of Forensic Medicine in Jazz-Age New York\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e“\u003ci\u003eThe Forever Witness\u003c\/i\u003e is a remarkable achievement in true crime reporting, as Edward Humes brilliantly guides readers through a cold case investigation that’s smart, suspenseful, and on the cutting edge of forensic science. This book will keep you reading well into the night.”\u003cbr\u003e —\u003cb\u003eGilbert King, Pulitzer-prize winning author of \u003ci\u003eBeneath a Ruthless Sun\u003c\/i\u003e and \u003ci\u003eDevil in the Grove\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e“A story within a story within a story—once you think you know what \u003ci\u003eThe Forever Witness\u003c\/i\u003e by Edward Humes is about, Humes takes you deeper. It is not only a story of the tragic murders of two young people—but about the tale their bodies told, and how, after decades, that tale was able to come to light. Layered and informative, compassionate and analytical, this book picks up where Michelle McNamara's \u003ci\u003eI'll Be Gone in the Dark\u003c\/i\u003e leaves off, explaining the miracle that is genetic genealogy as well as the ethical quagmire that surrounds it, while also offering a dignified eulogy to two lives violently, monstrously cut short.” \u003cbr\u003e—\u003cb\u003eRachel Rear, author of \u003ci\u003eCatch the Sparrow\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e“Ed Humes is not a fancy writer, and I mean that as a compliment.  He does not write for the applause of literary reviewers or book critics.  He writes for smart readers.  He is a gifted storyteller, an absolute master of the narrative.  \u003ci\u003eThe Forever Witness\u003c\/i\u003e, the story of a kidnapping and murder, seizes you on the first page and holds you captive until the end.”\u003cbr\u003e —\u003cb\u003eGene Weingarten, two-time Pulitzer Prize winner for feature writing, \u003ci\u003eWashington Post\u003c\/i\u003e journalist and author of \u003ci\u003eOne Day\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e “Top-notch, must-read true crime. Edward Humes has crafted a brilliant and riveting account of a haunting cold case, a relentless detective, and the birth of a cutting-edge forensic tool.” \u003cbr\u003e —\u003cb\u003eDean Jobb, author of \u003ci\u003eThe Case of the Murderous Dr. Cream\u003c\/i\u003e and \u003ci\u003eEmpire of Deception\u003c\/i\u003e, and professor in the MFA in Creative Nonfiction program at the University of King’s College\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e“\u003ci\u003eThe Forever Witness\u003c\/i\u003e is one of the best true crime books I’ve ever read—a riveting page turner that also made me so much smarter. With his deep and empathetic reporting, Humes manages to illuminate both the vivid history of a cold case and the complex future of criminology and genealogy.” \u003cbr\u003e—\u003cb\u003eEli Saslow, Pulitzer Prize winner, \u003ci\u003eWashington Post \u003c\/i\u003ejournalist, and author of \u003ci\u003eRising Out of Hatred\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e“\u003ci\u003eThe Forever Witness\u003c\/i\u003e is a nuanced examination of the role of genetic genealogy in criminal investigations, told through the wrenching, personal story of a horrific double murder left unsolved for decades. Humes approaches his subject with intelligence and probing curiosity, and the result is a fascinating study of the newest frontiers in information and DNA science.” \u003cbr\u003e—\u003cb\u003eSteph Cha, author of \u003ci\u003eLos Angeles Times\u003c\/i\u003e Book Prize winner \u003ci\u003eYour House Will Pay\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eEdward Humes is a Pulitzer Prize–winning journalist and author whose fifteen previous books include \u003ci\u003eBurned\u003c\/i\u003e, \u003ci\u003eMississippi Mud\u003c\/i\u003e, and the PEN Award–winning \u003ci\u003eNo Matter How Loud I Shout\u003c\/i\u003e. He splits his time between Seattle and Southern California.PART I\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e We'll Be Back Tomorrow Night\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e If ever there was time, I would lie in the sands of Gonzales and wiggle my toes in the sun. So leave me not forever, and keep love in your soul.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e -Tanya Van Cuylenborg,\u003cbr\u003e from the last entry in her notebook\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e We were only eighteen. We were kids. We felt invincible. But you grow up fast when your best friend is kidnapped and murdered.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e -May Robson\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 1\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e If Only . . .\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e November 17, 1987\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \"Why don't you come with us?\" Tanya Van Cuylenborg grinned, picturing the look on her best friend's face.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \"What, me?\" May Robson sputtered. \"Jump in the car and drive to Seattle tomorrow, just like that?\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \"Nope,\" Tanya said. After a beat, she added, \"We're going in Jay's dad's van.\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e This last-minute trip to Seattle was actually her boyfriend's idea, she told May. And, okay, yes, she admitted, she was feeling a little nervous about it, this first extended trip alone with Jay Cook. So Tanya was doing what any eighteen-year-old almost-adult would do in such a situation: she asked her girlfriend to come along.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e But May had gone quiet.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \"C'mon, Mary-Anne,\" Tanya implored, emphasizing each syllable of May's proper first name. \"You need a little adventure.\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \"So true,\" May muttered grumpily.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Tanya held her breath. Impulsive last-minute trips abroad were not May's thing. That was Tanya's role in this friendship. But once persuaded to jump in, Tanya knew, no one had her back better than May.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \"Please come,\" Tanya pressed. \"We're going to be sleeping in his dad's van and I'll be uncomfortable alone with Jay. It'll be so much easier with you there. It'll be fun.\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Normally, Tanya could expect May to agree then, no further discussion needed. The two had done everything together, after all, ever since they bonded at a Brownie troop meeting when they were eight. They'd become a constant presence at each other's homes and tables ever since. May considered Tanya's dad, Bill, a second, funnier father. The best friends graduated from high school together, ate and drank their way through London and Paris on a school trip that spring together, bluffed their underage selves into bars together. Tanya relished making it her personal mission to coax her more conventional friend into impetuous day trips and expeditions. She couldn't remember May ever expressing regret at going along for the ride, not even when they got hopelessly lost in France late one evening. Tanya kept a cool head that night for May's sake, and they finally found their way back to their hotel, arm in arm.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e This time, though, May said she'd have to disappoint her friend: she was sick. The pressure of the hard plastic telephone was making her relentless earache worse, she told Tanya. She had a pounding headache, fever, and chills. She wanted to say yes, but as much as she loved to be spontaneous with her best friend, and as much as she hated to say no when Tanya played the girlfriend-in-need card, May said she wasn't going anywhere anytime soon. Certainly not the next day.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \"I'm sorry, sweetie. I'd be miserable, and I'd make the both of you miserable. I need to stay home in bed.\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Tanya grumbled a bit, then mastered her disappointment, straining to sound both sincere and sympathetic when she said that, of course, she understood. Everything would be fine in Seattle, she assured May. They both knew Jay was a great guy, that she'd be fine without May playing third wheel. She was just being silly.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e In truth, she said, the impetus for the trip hadn't been fun and adventure but a request from Jay's dad, Gordon Cook. He needed a replacement furnace for a customer of his heating service and repair business. His regular supplier in Vancouver on the mainland had fallen through, but a company in Seattle had the right furnace and fittings. He just needed someone to make the five-hour car and ferry trip to pick up the old-style oil burner and haul it back.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Normally Gordon's business partner, Spud Talbot, would do it. When a trip to Seattle was needed, Spud would depart on a Friday and bring his wife. They'd make a weekend getaway of it, then return with the parts on the following Monday. But this job couldn't wait for the weekend-winter had come and the customer needed a working furnace as soon as possible.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e So Jay volunteered to handle it, then asked Tanya to join him. His dad had given him money for a hotel, but Jay wanted to pocket the cash and spend the night in the family van, parked outside the supply warehouse. He and Tanya could pick up the furnace first thing in the morning, then there'd be time and money for some sightseeing and shopping before returning to Vancouver Island. They'd arrive back home that evening, Tanya explained.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \"I'll talk to you then,\" Tanya and May said at the same time. The two friends laughed their good-nights before hanging up.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e May Robson would replay that phone call in her mind time and again over the days, years, and decades to come. Sometimes she would dream about it. Thirty-plus years later, she still remembers her last conversation with Tanya with the sort of clarity normally reserved for a favorite song or a beloved movie replayed more times than can be counted. The warmth of her friendÕs voice still rings in her ears, the laugh she knew better than her own, the easy intimacy with the one person she could and did tell everything. Except, on that last day, she told her friend no. After all this time, May still cannot speak of that without squeezing her eyes shut.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e In her dream version of that conversation, May usually gives a different answer. She sees herself happily packing a bag with her mom's help, then waiting for Tanya to swing by with Jay at the wheel of his hulking copper-colored family van.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e If only that dream version were true, May often thinks, everything might have been different. Two people headed to Seattle had been an easy target for a predator, she reasons. But had she gone along, had she been in that van during that trip, three might have been a crowd, and the predator might have moved on in search of easier prey. There's a chance nothing would have happened if she just had gone along for the ride, a chance Tanya would have come home as planned.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The dream, which she has had many times, evokes in May's imagination the life that might have been: Her kids would be in school with Tanya's. She and Tanya would call each other on the phone every day. Tanya would still be talking her into crazy, impulsive adventures. She had no doubt their friendship was one of those special ones that would have endured longer than anything else in their lives.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Of course, every dream has its nightmare alternative: May could have gone to Seattle with Tanya and Jay and shared their fate. A seasoned predator might not have been deterred by one additional teenaged girl. Another young woman in the van might have provided even more inducement for the killer to strike.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e It's not that May hasn't thought about that chilling alternative outcome: it would have been horrible, she knows. May has lived a good life since then, and, all these years later, she is glad she chose to stay home, glad she chose life and a family and a future, even if she had not known she was choosing them at the time. But the part of her that she usually keeps to herself knows if only she had said yes to Tanya, one way or the other she would have been spared a lifetime of grief, survivor's guilt, and regret.","brand":"Dutton","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46304226148581,"sku":"NP9781524746278","price":28.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1842\/7735\/files\/9781524746278.jpg?v=1767739400","url":"https:\/\/k12savings.com\/products\/the-forever-witness-isbn-9781524746278","provider":"K12savings","version":"1.0","type":"link"}