A Rip in Heaven by Jeanine Cummins captivates readers with its gripping true crime narrative, detailed research, and emotional depth. Praise centers on its heartfelt portrayal of family and survival. However, some criticize its pacing and perceived melodrama. Overall, it’s a compelling, if occasionally heavy-handed, read that resonates deeply.

A reader who would enjoy Jeanine Cummins' A Rip in Heaven is likely drawn to true crime narratives and emotional, personal storytelling. Fans of Ann Rule's The Stranger Beside Me or Michelle McNamara's I'll Be Gone in the Dark will appreciate its poignant recounting of a family tragedy, balancing investigative details with intimate reflections.

A Rip in Heaven: A Memoir of Murder and Its Aftermath by Jeanine Cummins recounts the traumatic events following the brutal rape and murder of Julie and Robin Kerry and the wrongful accusation of their cousin, Tom Cummins, who survives being thrown off a bridge. The narrative explores the immediate police investigation, the family’s suffering, and the eventual capture and conviction of the real killers. The book discusses topics of sexual violence and murder.

Dark / Unnerving / Emotional / Melancholic / Challenging

- A Rip in Heaven is based on true events from the author's own family, offering a deeply personal perspective on the crime narrative.
- The book marked Jeanine Cummins's debut as an author, showcasing her narrative strength in both non-fiction and subsequent fictional works.

Jeanine Cummins

Adult

Autobiography / Memoir

Nonfiction

Guide

Study Guide

Before You Read

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Before You Read A Rip in Heaven | SuperSummary

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Overview

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A Rip in Heaven Summary and Study Guide

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Prologue-Chapter 3

A Rip in Heaven Prologue-Chapter 3 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 4-6

A Rip in Heaven Chapters 4-6 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 7-9

A Rip in Heaven Chapters 7-9 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 10-12

A Rip in Heaven Chapters 10-12 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 13-Afterword

A Rip in Heaven Chapters 13-Afterword Summary & Analysis

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Key Figures

A Rip in Heaven Key Figures

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Themes

A Rip in Heaven Themes

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A Rip in Heaven Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

A Rip in Heaven Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

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A Rip in Heaven

Before You Read

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Book Details