MADELINE MOREHOUSE

2017 New York Book Festival Critique 

Of 

Code 10-71 Victim to Victor: A True Story
By Madeline Morehouse 

 

This is a true crime story that reads like gripping pulp fiction thanks to the skillful writing of author Madeline Morehouse. It’s not an easy read, particularly for those who may themselves be victims of violent crime. 

 

But its ultimate message is one of triumph, as our author manages to overcome the pressures of unwanted fame and flashbacks from her horrible experience to emerge as a spokesperson for others afflicted by criminals. 

Morehouse ran a coffee shop in the suburban town of Edmonds, Washington, and had a happy and contented life. But a heinous serial rapist broke into her townhouse and made her submit to rape, assault and robbery. 

Fortunately, Morehouse was a gun owner, and in a moment of inattention by the deranged criminal, managed to get to her gun. This allowed her to turn the tables and hold the criminal while police were summoned. 

Unfortunately, that was only the beginning of the story. Because she had captured a serial rapist, Morehouse became an object of media fascination. She rejected the label of hero and wanted only to go back to her quiet and anonymous life. 

The media attention and her struggles to overcome the physical and mental trauma of the assault made living difficult, causing turmoil in her personal and professional life. Ultimately, she manages to come to terms with what happened, and when the rapist is sentenced to a long prison term, she eventually finds the courage to become a victim advocate in major media. 

This is a gripping story and provides lessons to crime victims, their families, and perhaps the media and law enforcement. Morehouse is great at picking out details and painting a vivid picture of her issues. Readers will feel like they are right there with her as she tries to make sense of what happened and find a path back to a “normal” life, at least as much as anyone can who has undergone such horrible trauma. 

One lesson to be drawn from this story is the incessant need of the media to find a hero. Much as the movie “Sully” showed a pilot’s struggle with redefining what happened to him in the wake of an extreme event, so this book provides a glimpse at what life is like when something extraordinary happens to someone. It will serve as a reminder to all conscientious people that fame is not everyone’s goal, and that severe experiences require time for the victim to rest and heal. 

Morehouse’s story is a beacon to those trying to make sense of the unthinkable. Ultimately, the fact that she managed to get back on track is an ennobling story of the human spirit. Time spent with this book will cause deep reactions in the reader, and its powerful message will resonate with anyone who follows the daily injustices of life chronicled in our news cycles. 

For Morehouse, who wrote this book as part of her catharsis after the crime, this is a platform to be proud of. For the rest of us, it’s a chilling glimpse at how our society deals with crime and its aftermath. Here’s hoping that lessons can be learned from Morehouse’s experience.

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Other Reviews:

 

​​Please meet my Super Pal, Madeline Morehouse.This is her first book based on her true life story: "Code 10-71" is Police radio talk for "Shots Fired."
I have had the extreme honor of lightly mentoring Maddie thru the publishing minefields.
"Code 10-71" is about fighting back, with bullets, guts and God.
~ David J Brown  

My copy came this afternoon.  Love it my friend.
~ Debi Burghardt

Just read and is fabulous. Well done . A must read.
~ Cyndi Correnti 

This book is amazing and riveting to say the least.  Very well written.

~ Sharon Hadsall

Just finished the book.  It is incredible. Madeline writes with such clarity and makes you "see" what is going on as she details the events. The courage it took for her to go through all of this is just amazing.

I could not put it down. I am so sorry you had to go through such horrors, but from what I have seen in the last 2 years in your posts, your heart is as sweet as ever. May God surround you with His love.
~ Suzanne Jahns 

Riveting is right! Couldn't put it down! What courage you have. I know it will always be in your mind, but it sounds like you have moved forward in your healing in the intervening years. Peace and strength to you Madeline!
~ Linnda Dumont

Congratulations, well written book.
~ Karen Sue Meade

Congrats! You are one courageous lady!
~ Pam Roth

Everyone wants to buy your book! Thank you for sharing your personal journey!!
~ Evelyn Shores Robinson

 

Congratulations, well written book.
~ Karen Sue Meade

Very PROUD of you for sharing your experience when too often the voices of MANY get shrouded in fear & shame.
~ Camille Hebert-Thomas 

This unimaginable trauma and THEN your family experiences an international abduction??! You are a strong, sensitive and capable woman worthy of much admiration!
~ Amy Vican Savoie

Am so Proud of you my friend, has been a long time coming! Smiling and crying at the same time.
~ Renee Schumacher

Congratulations, great accomplishment. Proud of you.
~ Caroline Pingatore Holmes

 

Reading it now. Riveting...
~ Larry Vogel

You inspire and leave me in wonderment. Monster hugs for you my Champion!
~ David Brown
   Djbrownbooks

Read this book,,, it is a great read and brings rape to a whole new level. I can't imagine such a horrendous ordeal. Thank you for sharing your story. Thank you for helping victims of crime.
~ Linda Marie Ihrke Tenny

 

So happy to speak with my personal hero, and fellow author, Madeline Morehouse today. If you haven't read 
"Code: 10-71" you're cheating yourself out of a life changing event. How many people do we know who have been brutally beaten and raped and then captured a serial rapist and held him at gunpoint while still naked and profusely bleeding? Madeline is a true study in courage, she works with other rape victims and has been a guest on several national television talk shows. In my reading of "Code 10-71" I found a humility I have never known before.
Thank you Maddie, you have made me a better man. 

~ David Brown

   Djbrownbooks/Author of

   Daddy Had To Say Goodbye