It’s been almost 25 years since the tragic death of Shanda Sharer, and in that time, there have been a number of books written about her case. If you’re looking for a comprehensive look at the events leading up to her death, and the trial that followed, these are the books for you.
In 1992, 12-year-old Shanda Sharer was brutally murdered by four other girls. The girls, who were all between the ages of 15 and 17, lured Shanda out of her home in the middle of the night and took her on a drive around southern Indiana. Once they had her in their car, they beat and tortured her for hours before finally setting her on fire.
The four girls responsible for her death were tried as adults and sentenced to lengthy prison terms. Two of the girls, Melinda Loveless and Toni Lawrence, are still in prison today.
If you’re interested in learning more about the case, these are the best books about Shanda Sharer.
1. “Shanda’s Story” by John R. Ewing Jr.
This is the definitive book about the Shanda Sharer case. Ewing, who is a journalist, takes a detailed look at the events leading up to Shanda’s death, the investigation, and the trial. He also interviews many of the people involved in the case, including Shanda’s parents, the police detectives, and the prosecutors.
2. “The Burning” by Joel Williamsen
This book is a fictionalized account of the Shanda Sharer case. Williamsen imagines what might have happened in the hours leading up to Shanda’s death, and how the girls might have felt after they killed her. While it’s not a true story, it’s a well-written and compelling book that will give you a new perspective on the case.
3. “Girls Who Kill” by Carol Anne Davis
This book looks at a number of different cases of girls who have killed other people. In addition to the Shanda Sharer case, Davis also discusses the cases of Amy Bishop, Aileen Wuornos, and the West Memphis Three. She examines what might have motivated the girls to kill, and what their lives are like now.
4. “Beware the Daughter-in-Law” by John Ewing Jr.
This book is a follow-up to “Shanda’s Story.” In it, Ewing interviews Toni Lawrence, one of the girls who killed Shanda. Lawrence talks about her life in prison, her relationship with the other girls involved in the case, and how she feels about what she did.
5. “The Bully” by Paul Langan
This book is a novel based on the true story of the Shanda Sharer case. It follows the events of the case from the perspective of Melinda Loveless, the girl who was most responsible for Shanda’s death. The book is a fascinating look at the mind of a killer, and how someone can be driven to commit such a horrific act.