Abandoned Prayers : An Incredible True Story of Murder, Obsession, and Amish Secrets

True crime journalist Gregg Olsen, author of the instant bestseller If You Tell, unravels the twisted tale of a shocking murder in Amish country.

On Christmas Eve in 1985, a hunter found a young boy's body along an icy corn field in Nebraska. The residents of Chester, Nebraska buried him as "Little Boy Blue," unclaimed and unidentified-- until a phone call from Ohio two years later led authorities to Eli Stutzman, the boy's father.

Eli Stutzman, the son of an Amish bishop, was by all appearances a dedicated farmer and family man in the country's strictest religious sect. But behind his quiet façade was a man involved with pornography, sadomasochism, and drugs. After the suspicious death of his pregnant wife, Stutzman took his preschool-age son, Danny, and hit the road on a sexual odyssey ending with his conviction for murder. But the mystery of Eli Stutzman and the fate of his son didn't end on the barren Nebraska plains. It was just beginning...

Olsen's Abandoned Prayers is an incredible true story of murder and Amish secrets.

Praise for IF YOU TELL, the instant #1 Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and Washington Post bestseller:

“This riveting account will leave readers questioning every odd relative they’ve known.” —Publishers Weekly (starred review)

“Olsen presents the story chronologically and in a simple, straightforward style, which works well: it is chilling enough as is.” —Booklist

“An unsettling stunner about sibling love, courage, and resilience.” —People Magazine (book of the week)

“If You Tell accomplishes what it sets out to do. The result is a compelling portrait of terror and a powerfully honest, yet still sensitive, look at survival.” —Bookreporter

“This disturbing book recounts the unimaginable abuse and torture three sisters Nikki, Sami, and Tori Knotek endured from their own mother, Shelly…the strong bond they form to survive and defy their mother’s sadistic tendencies is inspiring.” —BuzzFeed

Praise for ABANDONED PRAYERS:

“A searingly tragic look behind the headlines that broke America's heart. Brilliantly researched, wonderfully written.” —Ann Rule

“A riveting and deeply disturbing chronicle of true crime. Olsen has done a superior job.” —Cleveland Plain Dealer

“Among the top true crime books published. Once picked up, it's hard to put down.” —New Philadelphia Times Reporter

“A superior true crime account that should not be missed.” —Jack Olsen, author of Doc and I: The Creation of a Serial Killer

“A tough new voice rises in the ranks of true-crime writers. Even the reigning giants of the genre are taking notice and offering praise.” —Seattle Post-Intelligencer