☆ARC REVIEW☆
Publication date: April 22, 2025

Thank you to NetGalley, the authors, and Post Hill Press for an advanced copy in an exchange for a review.

Honestly, 90% of the time I'm a Nancy Grace fan. She's a great investigative journalist and definitely made for TV. However in my opinion I do not think she is cut out to be an author.

Surprisingly, I had not heard of this case before despite being a huge true crime junkie. I found the book extremely hard to follow because of the writing. It was extremely repetitive, and more opinion based rather than sticking to the facts.

I personally wouldn't read another book by this author.

📚 E-ARC BOOK REVIEW 📚

What Happened To Ellen?
By Nancy Grace and Benee Knauer
Publication Date: April 22, 2025
Publisher: Post Hill Press | Regalo Press

📚MY RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

📚MY REVIEW:

If you're a fan of true crime and you aren't yet familiar with Ellen Greenberg, allow me to introduce you to the next rabbit hole you're about to go down.

Ellen was 27 years old, engaged to be married later that year, and a beloved schoolteacher to young children, when she was found brutally k*lled in the luxury apartment she shared with her fiance in Philadelphia on January 26, 2011. Ellen was stabbed 20 TIMES -- with wounds to her liver, her neck, her head, and her spinal cord -- and the knife was still in her chest when she was discovered. One of her stab wounds did not bleed, which means it was inflicted post-mortem -- after she was already dead. And the police and medical examiner ultimately ruled her death a suicide.

Ellen's parents have been engaged in a legal fight for mid than a decade to have the manner of death changed to homicide or even undetermined, so that the police investigation can be re-opened. This book offers many more details about this case and the family's fight for justice in Ellen's name.

I've been aware of this case for years and have been disgusted by the lack of transparency and humanity from the local law enforcement, the district attorneys, and the medical examiners involved in this case. The evidence is limited because of the police's determination on-site this was a suicide, and then the crime scene was forensically cleaned before law enforcement could obtain a search warrant. The fiance's extended family was given permission to take personal belongings from the apartment the day after Ellen's death - which included some of Ellen's belongings. None of the typical reading testing was done by the medical examiner to determine the actual time of death. Forensic evidence doesn't match up with the manner of death being suicide. And we're expected to believe Ellen brutally stabbed herself 20 times - in places which were nearly impossible for her to reach and once after she was already dead - while holding a perfectly clean white dish towel in her dominant right hand, which she was still holding when her body was found?!

Okay. Sure. Seems plausible.

I think it's good to know that only about 35% of this book is a written narrative about Ellen, her family, and details about the case. The remaining 65% of the book contains legal filings and deposition transcripts. Nancy Grace's voice comes through loud and clear in the narrative within these pages, with phrases like "this stinks to high Heaven," and you can practically hear her voice as you read. Though the way this book shares information is a little all over the place and there are details that are repetitive, I'm grateful Grace uses her platform to bring attention to abhorrent miscarriages of justice like Ellen's case. Everyone should be DISGUSTED by the appalling way this case has been handled, and we need to shout from the rooftops until justice is served for Ellen and the Greenberg family.

I'll see you on the other side of the rabbit hole.

#WhatHappenedToEllen #NancyGrace #BeneeKnauer #PostHillPress #RegaloPress #bookreviews #bookrecs #truecrime #truecrimereads #coldcase #injustice #booklover #bookaddict

Even though I follow a lot of true crime cases through news coverage and shows like Dateline, I had not heard of Ellen Greenberg. Any armchair detective could easily determine there was no way this could be a case of suicide. How disappointing that a thorough investigation was never conducted. It's very suspicious! Hopefully, Nancy Grace's book will play a role in bringing about justice for Ellen and her family. Thanks to NetGalley, Post Hill Press and the author for an advance copy to read and review.

“The best way to get away with homicide is to have it ruled a suicide”

Once again, it’s time for my CONFESSION: true crime is my biggest guilty pleasure…and this genre is definitely all over the place with some great work, and some real basura. You know, the “wow, that was a LOT! Now I need a shower” stuff. And Nancy Grace? Generally a strong no for me, but when I saw she had a new book coming out (“What Happened to Ellen?” about the death of Ellen Greenberg, a case that has long baffled and intrigued me) and thanks to Post Hill Press/Regalo Press and NetGalley I could have a copy in exchange for my honest review, I was SOLD.

Ellen Greenberg, a beautiful 27-year-old elementary school teacher in Philadelphia, was just in the midst of planning her dream wedding – she’d already mailed out those “save-the-date” cards, etc. She lived in an upscale apartment building with her fiance, and he (supposedly) went downstairs to the gym to work out, and came back to find the door locked from the inside (deadbolt-style) and he was unable to reach her by phone. Finally he broke down the door and (supposedly) found her covered in blood, sitting on the floor up against the kitchen cabinets. She had a knife stuck in her chest, and over twenty stab wounds – with more than half of them in her BACK (head, neck, etc)??? Following an autopsy, it was ruled as a homicide (duh), but then, after some meetings involving the Philadelphia PD, the DA, and possibly the AG’s office, the ruling was changed to SUICIDE. Yes, seriously. It wasn’t enough that there were so many stab wounds in her back, but at least one of them occurred POSTMORTEM. WTAF? Suicide?

The story has been the source of an incredible amount of scrutiny, including MANY podcasts, and Ellen’s family has been fighting for answers for more than fourteen years. I find Nancy Grace less than the best person to find the truth, but she definitely has an audience, and that might help Ellen’s family get a real honest investigation into this horrible story. And while this book can’t be attributed solely to Ms. Grace (Benee Knauer, a well-known editor and ghost writer, is at least partly responsible), she is the one who will get the credit as well as the blame.

To be honest, I have not completely finished the book, but am about 90% through so feel I can give my recommendation: it is worth reading if for no other reason than this is one of the most egregious examples of horrible screwups by our “justice” system EVER, and I hope the ongoing publicity helps shed more light on this. I’m still not a big fan of Nancy Grace, and the writing is what I’d call acceptable (definitely not the worst TC book I’ve ever read). The subtitle pretty much says it all: “An American Miscarriage of Justice.” Three stars.

Oh, and one last thing: IT WAS NOT SUICIDE.

I am so beyond frustrated after reading this book, the insane injustice that this woman has faced and she’s not even here to defend herself. I feel so sorry for her parents, for everyone who loved Ellen. We will get justice for her, without a doubt in my mind she was killed and this was not suicide.

Okay, so this one was a lot. The story of Ellen Greenberg is heartbreaking and honestly infuriating—she was found with 20 stab wounds (10 in the back??) and somehow her death was ruled a suicide?? The math is not mathing.

Nancy Grace definitely brings the drama, which works sometimes but also made parts of the book feel a little over-the-top. I get that she’s passionate (and I respect that), but the tone can be a bit much—like I’m watching a true crime segment on daytime TV that’s made for ratings and feels kind of exploitative instead of reading a thoughtful investigation.

That said, the case itself is so wild and deeply messed up, and I appreciate that the book is shining a light on it. Ellen’s parents have been fighting so hard for justice, and the system really seems to have failed them. That part got to me.

Overall? Glad I read it. Important story, but the delivery was uh…something.

Ellen Greenberg’s death and the miscarriage of justice that occurred was a pure tragedy. I appreciate the research that was done for this book, but the writing was a mess. It was chaotic and repetitive and really really hard to get through.

As a forensic science teacher, I have heard of this case and actually use it as a case study in my class. This is one of those cases that truly boggles the mind. What were these people thinking!? I'm really glad that it is back in the news because Ellen truly deserves justice. However, this account of the case is just awful. I chose this hoping to learn new information that I could use in class. But the writing is just unbearable. The storyline is so jumbled up and repetitive that I could not stand it. Nancy Grace has her place in the media, but author is NOT it. This was just a mess. She told the same information in multiple chapters. There were personal expressions of hers in there. it was like she just started dictating into a computer and it wrote down what she said and she just went with it. Big DNF. Hated.

The best way to get away with homicide is to have it ruled a suicide
3.5 stars
I have to admit I am avid true crime watcher and have done courses in forensic psychology and criminology, so I was already aware of the Ellen Greenberg case.
I did hope that this book would be handled respectfully and I was happy to see that all profits for this book are going to charity.
However I'm not the biggest fan of Nancy Grace and I was hoping that she wouldn't make this all about herself and thankfully she didn't. Although you can definitely hear her voice and brash style throughout the book.
I liked how this was written and although it is hard to say it is an enjoyable read simply because of the subject manner.
This has got to be one of the most unbelievable miscarriages of justice out there at the moment.
It is infuriating reading about how right from the start this was mishandled.
This book is packed full of information and at times it does feel slightly repetitive, but at the same time it feels very important to raise awareness and get people talking about Ellen's case.
If you haven't heard about Ellen Greenberg I encourage you to look up her case.

Thanks to NetGalley and Post Hill Press for the eARC!

This case hasn't been investigated properly, so there just isn't much to talk about. Because of that fact, grace does a good job of running down what is known about the case and discussing the questions that are left by the lack of investigation.
The actual content of the book is about 100 pages, but the appendix is where Grace includes actual copies of depositions, filings, and important documents.
I didn't love the voice Grace used while writing, but it VERY MUCH sounds like her - so if you're a fan of her show, you'll probably love her book. It includes lots of exclamation points and random capitalizations, which feels unserious as a way to discuss true crime.
That being said, again, Grace covers the case pretty well, if a bit repetitively in places.
If you are interested in this case, I'm not sure you'll learn anything new this this book, but I did appreciate that she constantly advocates for how we can pressure people to get the case reopened.

Netgalley ARC 3.5 star
True Crime

Nancy Grace tells the story of Ellen Greenburg's death which is obviously a homicide, however the ME has changed his report from homicide to suicide.

Ellen had 20 stab wounds many to the back of the head and her back and at least 1 wound was postmortum. HOW?

Very well written and researched. This case has been in the headlines lately, so I am thrilled the book came out right at this time. I think before I was semi-convinced the fiancé was the guilty one. After reading the book and the reports that were attached in full, I am convinced and mad as hell he isnt in jail. We know, also that Sam, aside from being guilty-IMO- his family did not like Ellen.

Ellen's family has been through a really bad time throughout the years and the fight to keep going must be brutal. We pray for them and justice will mean some arrests Make it happen

I am very interested in true crime and this book did not disappoint. As I was reading, I could honestly hear Nancy Grace's voice!

This entire book blew me away. The injustice is beyond disturbing. How can Ellen's death be viewed as a suicide? How does one stab themselves when they are already dead. The proof is all there. Why is no one listening? The logistics just do not make sense. How was Ellen even able to stab herself from the various angles that she was stabbed on her body?

The secret meetings? Changing the cause of death from homicide to suicide. Getting so close to getting the case to be heard and then another stone wall. A curbside viewing of her spine in a jar! WHAT? Why? I had questions before I started reading, but after finishing it, my questions are endless.

The most disturbing of all, Ellen's family cannot get the peace they deserve, or the justice for Ellen.

Read it.

First off, what occurred was a pure tragedy. Ellen did not deserve a brutal death that was clearly not her ending her own life. With the descriptions of the crime scene and the placement of the stab wounds, there was no was she could have done that to herself.

The way the story was written, however, was not exactly the best. It was all over the place without a clear, constant timeline. The repetition within each chapter became extremely tedious to read through. As far as a true crime novel goes, this one needs more editing, more refinement, and less chapters.

Thanks to NetGalley, Nancy Grace, and Post Hill Press for allowing me to read an advanced reader copy of What Happened to Ellen? in the return of an honest review.

Oh my goodness. I truly didn't realize that errors of such magnitude could happen in today's legal system. My heart broke for the parents of Ellen. My heart broke for Ellen's friends and extended family, not only the devastation of not getting anywhere legally but being left with the questions of the unknown. What really happened? Who killed her? Why was such a poor job done of investigating? It truly left me with a sense of sadness, especially with the brutality shown to Ellen in her final hours. The story itself helped me feel as though I knew Ellen. The case documents at the end appeals to those who love all things legal. It was a great combination of drawing the reader into the story to get to know Ellen the person and for readers to see all the evidence in front of them as well. Excellent book. Great read.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley and wasn't obligated to write a review. All opinions are solely mine.

I received a free copy of, What Happened to Ellen, by Nancy Grace, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. School teacher Ellen, was obviously murdered, but the police, detectives, coroner, screwed up, and did a horrible job on this case. Philadelphia did Ellen wrong, and is still doing Ellen wrong.

Release: April 22, 2025
-Nancy Grace
Publisher: Post hill press

Rating: 4 ★

What Happened to Ellen by Nancy Grace is a gripping and emotional true crime novel that delves into the real-life disappearance of 15-year-old Ellen Greenberg. Nancy Grace, a former prosecutor and renowned TV personality, brings her legal expertise and passion for justice to this chilling case, exploring the circumstances surrounding Ellen's mysterious death. The book is part memoir, part investigative report, as Grace passionately questions the official ruling and uncovers new angles of the case that might have been overlooked.
Grace uses her platform to highlight the flaws in the investigation and the subsequent handling of the case. The book is a blend of personal reflection and journalistic investigation, providing a deep dive into the complexities of the justice system and its impact on victims’ families. Grace's commitment to shedding light on Ellen's case, and possibly reopening it, adds a layer of urgency to the story. Her emotional connection to the case makes it all the more compelling, making readers question what really happened to Ellen Greenberg.
The tone is intense, driven by the author's unwavering determination to uncover the truth. Nancy Grace doesn’t shy away from confronting uncomfortable truths about law enforcement's role in the case, as well as the emotional toll it takes on Ellen’s family and loved ones. Fans of true crime, as well as those interested in legal justice, will find this book both informative and heartbreaking.

Summary:
What Happened to Ellen centers around the tragic and mysterious death of 15-year-old Ellen Greenberg, who was found dead in her apartment in January 2011. Initially ruled a suicide, the circumstances surrounding Ellen's death were suspicious, and Nancy Grace digs into the investigation, questioning the validity of the official findings. The book explores the flaws in the case, highlighting potential cover-ups and the emotional toll on Ellen’s family. Grace’s investigative approach and legal expertise bring fresh insight into the case, leaving readers with lingering questions about the true nature of Ellen’s death.

Favorite Quote:
"you can run from the past, but it always catches up with you - usually when you least expect it".

An excellent read for any and all readers! Author comes at you with both barrels and knocks you out of your shoes! Great job fleshing out all the characters. I give this book FIVE stars! Definitely recommend!

Already knowing of this case, I was intrigued to read more about the Ellen's life and get to know her and her family more than what other media outlets have reported on.
While this case is still heart breaking for the family, I don't believe this was the way to display the evidence of the case. I was offten confused more than understanding. A d i felt like I learned the same information from a true crime podcast.
Thank you to NetGalley for the e-arc.

I was familiar with this case before reading this book but I learned so much. This story is as frustrating as it is sad. I hope there will be justice for Ellen one day. She deserves the truth to come out. Nancy Grace did a wonderful job with this book and I hope it gets into the right hands and something can be done.