Reader Reactions

I have recently read your book "Nightmares and Secrets" and simply cannot stop thinking about what a great job you did in gathering all of that information and conveying it to the reader. That was quite a difficult task that you undertook but my sense is that you feel it was well worth it (well, at least most of the time you probably feel that way!) The many people that you have already helped through the process of writing and publishing this book reaches farther than you could ever comprehend.

- Robin J. Dedeker, Shakopee, MN

...just finished reading it. Very informative and well documented. I did hear of the scandal from my mother and did visit Jordan every year but had no idea how gut wrenching it was for the people involved. I always asked my classmate Chief Alvin about it at our 5 year reuniouns and now I know why he was so non-conversant on the subject. Thank you...

- Tom Casey, Jordan High School Class of '59

Judge's commentary:

Congratulations on a nicely packaged product; hard cover, high picture quality, and excellent binding. I like your intriguing title and strong subtitle. Your cover picture and title harmonize and you offer a variety of believable back cover endorsements.

It is obvious you've done widespread research for this work and should be proud of your efforts and accomplishment.

This book stirs indignant, infuriating emotions in me. But, it reminds readers that anyone can be the victim of false allegations and we live with the fragile illusion of a justice system. I agree with p.130 where you discuss the presumption of innocence that unfortunately doesn't apply in child abuse cases. Usually the fault lies with over-zealous social workers and other advancement-oriented individuals who know how to pad their files with testimonies of accusers while overlooking equally compelling defense testimony. An old adage that applies here is, "Figures don't lie, but liars can figure."

- Judge 26, Writer's Digest

Author, Tom Dubbe,

I am one of the children of _____ and ______. My father bought your book and was very pleased by it, though it brought back quite a few painful memories. My father would be interested in talking to you. This has affected our family horribly! Now that I have children of my own, I am so over paranoid because this is proof that children can get taken from their parents for doing absolutely nothing wrong. Thank you.

- Author wished to remain anonymous

Mr. Dubbe,

I am a Jordan native. I had mixed feelings about your book and as a member of the class of 1984, I did not respond to your letter requesting information. This morning my friend gave me the book as a Christmas gift. I just finished it, in less than one day. THANK YOU for it. It said what I have been trying to tell people for years. IT JUST DID NOT HAPPEN. I just hope it can perhaps start some of the healing that these families need. Thanks so much for getting it right!

- Author wished to remain anonymous

Mr. Dubbe,

I have just read "The Innocent Man" by John Grisham. The similarities in the two cases are surreal. I have passed your book on to others I know affected by this case. We all agree that you have done us a great service by uncovering the truth and making this knowledge public.

- Author wished to remain anonymous

Mr. Dubbe,

I first want to thank you for writing this book! It has been the best "therapy" I have received since this horrifying event helped shape my life. I was one of the many children who falsely accused many adults of sexual abuse and even murder. I think back to when I was seven living in Valley Green Park wondering why I choose to lie in the first place. The answer is an Ice cream cone. I saw all of the attention my brother was getting from the police, my parents, and other individuals, and I wanted a part of it also. At first it was fun going to the police station, and making up stories so sexually graphic that I couldn't even fathom today as an adult. The police and social workers ate up every word and encouraged me to tell even more by giving me small rewards such as police patches, meals at restaurants and other things. I have repressed many memories and statements that I made during that time, however I have spent the last 22 years thinking I was the only one who told stories such as the children being killed and dumped in the river, the sex parties in Shakopee, and the pornography created in the hills near Jordan. After reading this book I'm convinced that I either started some of these stories or was lead into them by the police. I have many memories of the police telling me what to say into the recorder so that the testimony could be used. The main information they wanted was dates. I think about it now and wonder "how could they expect a seven year old to be conscious of dates?"

After a while the interviews got more intense and I was intimidated by the police and social workers. At first I only accused Jim Rudd (whom I didn't even know) but the police kept asking me about other adults and eventually I caved into the pressure and admitted that others also abused me. This continued until my parents were under scrutiny. The police, social workers, Kathleen Morris began to ask me if my own parents had abused me. The answer was no but that didn't stop them from drilling me. I was forced to see many councilors, doctors and legal professionals. I finally recanted; I admitted that every statement I made was a lie.

About ten years ago I went to the Scott County court house and looked at the James Rudd file. I was surprised to find that I was one of the four children that accused Rudd in which he plea-bargained and was charged for abusing, even though I recanted before his sentencing.

I had hurt many people with the lies I told, and I sincerely regret that, and I am very sorry for my actions. I too was a victim in this situation, abused by the court system who subjected me to an over-zealous attorney, police who encouraged me to lie and threatened me if I stopped, social workers and doctors who taught me about "bad touch" by demonstrating on themselves and on me.

As you have stated there are many secrets and nightmares that still exist in our lives surrounding the events that took place in Jordan decades ago. I think the only way to for us to heal is to admit our faults, ask for forgiveness, and forgive those who have wronged us, and finally move on.

- Author wished to remain anonymous

Dear Mr. Dubbe,

I wanted to Thank you for writting this book. I have just finished reading it and am so glad someone is getting the truth out there. I lived in Valley Geen Park from 1983 to 1985 and I knew Lois Bentz and I lived accross the street from Marlene Germandson. I was newly married and had a new baby. Lois was at my house the night I went in to labor. I know there were a few who were Guilty, but the lifes of those recked by Kathleen Moris that had nothing to do with it still to this day makes me sick! My Husband wanted me to leave the state with the baby and of course I said are you nuts I am not going anywhere. I look back now and think My God that could have been us! I just wanted to sy Thanks and I hope your book does well and and I wish you the Best!

Thanks again, Kat