Nancy Jo Andrade, the author's mother, went missing when King was twelve years old. It was later revealed that she was tragically murdered by her husband at the time, Mark Christopher Crew. Sadly, her body was never found. Crew was sentenced to death row but refused to disclose the location of Nancy's remains, preventing her family from achieving closure and giving her a proper burial. Years later, Santa Clara County District Attorney Jeff Rosen announced that he no longer believed the death penalty was an effective or appropriate punishment. As a result, Crew would be resentenced from death to life in prison without parole. Upon hearing this devastating news, King and her family tried every means possible to have this decision reversed, but their efforts were in vain.

In her book, King deftly explores her childhood experiences related to her mother's disappearance and later, her murder. She provides detailed, poignant accounts of how these events affected her as a child, particularly when she was twelve, allowing readers to connect with her on a deeper level and truly understand her feelings at that time. Additionally, she reveals the impact her mother's murder had on her as an adult and how it shaped her identity. Another significant aspect she discusses is how the inability to find a loved one's body can hinder a family's closure. This element is crucial as she explains the profound effects that not having her mother's remains had on her and her family. Through this context, the narrative will likely resonate with those who have faced tragic losses of their own. King also highlights how the judicial system can sometimes fail the victims' families, leaving them feeling powerless. This perspective may appeal to those who have experienced similar injustices, helping them appreciate this powerful work.

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