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My Sister Milly

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My Sister Milly

By: Gemma Dowler
Narrated by: Ruby Thomas
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About this listen

Penguin presents the audiobook of My Sister Milly by Gemma Dowler, read by Ruby Thomas.

This is Gemma Dowler's powerful account, as seen on The One Show and This Morning . . .

'My name is Gemma Dowler. On 21 March 2002, a serial killer named Levi Bellfield stole my sister and sent our family to Hell . . .'

Everyone thinks they know the story of Milly Dowler.


Haunting headlines about the missing schoolgirl splashed across front pages. The family's worst fears realised when her body was found months later. The years of waiting for the truth, only to learn that the killer, known to the police, lived just yards from where Milly had vanished. The parents subjected to horrific psychological torture at a trial orchestrated by the murderer. And the shocking revelation of what journalists would do for a story - criminal acts that brought down a national newspaper.

But these bare facts hide the true story.

In My Sister Milly, Gemma Dowler shares the heartbreaking account of Milly's disappearance, the suspicions that fell on the family, the fatal errors made by the police, and the media's obsession that focused relentlessly on every personal, intimate and emotional aspect of the Dowlers' lives. It is the story of two stolen childhoods - Milly's and Gemma's - and about the love that kept the family together as they struggled with terrible darkness and injustice.

However, this book is a story of hope and recovery.

It's taken fifteen years of pain for the family to find their voice. The family has worked hard and has received intensive therapy to recover from the trauma of Milly's murder. Their story shows that whatever suffering you endure in life, there is always hope, and there is always love.

Now, for the first time, Gemma tells their story and that of the real Milly. Above all, in this book the family want to bring back to life their incredible daughter and sister. Now, finally, the truth about Milly Dowler can never be denied.

Abductions, Kidnapping & Missing Persons Crime Murder True Crime Disappearance Inspiring Thought-Provoking

Critic Reviews

This is Gemma Dowler's powerful account, as seen on The One Show and This Morning . . .

'My name is Gemma Dowler. On 21 March 2002, a serial killer named Levi Bellfield stole my sister and sent our family to Hell . . .'

Everyone thinks they know the story of Milly Dowler.

Compelling, an amazing book (Jeremy Vine)
The most honest and unsettling account
Powerful
Tragic . . . poignant . . . full of emotional memories
[Gemma] opens up . . . the books serves as 'fighting spirit'
Inspired . . . the book to allows her voice to be heard
Gemma Dowler has finally revealed how deep they sank in My Sister Milly . . . her family's story is told in their own words
Gemma's book paints happy memories of her sister, a quirky teen who loved music, dancing and playing the saxophone
All stars
Most relevant
Just finished listening to this and I don’t really have the words to articulate how heartbreaking, but also brilliant this book was.
It made me cry and laugh and was so beautifully raw. A terrible story, but a stunning piece of art that deeply moved me. It was a privilege and honour to be let in by Gemma and learn about Milly - the real Milly. This is a book that I will remember and carry with me throughout my life.

A stunning and personal tribute unlike anything I’ve ever read

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This is not just a true crime story
It’s an incredible story …yes…of a terrible crime but the author brings to the listener the other side of crime.
From the family
A heart wrenching account of the event and the repercussions of the murder of a loved one.
A unique approach
This is a must listen book
I was very moved from the start to the finish
Well done to the author
My sympathies are with you and your family

A very very moving book

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Those in charge (at the time) at the Surrey Police (exc Maria Woodall, Alice Barr and John Meaney) need to be ashamed of themselves and those who were simply “moved on” to other places/positions should have been sacked or sacked or even better, sued! I don’t believe the Dowlers’ would have found any pleasure from obtaining a single penny from such a court case but how else are the top “knobs” in such a position of power to learn from their mistakes? The frustration I felt listening to this audiobook version was only a fraction of what this amazing and beautiful family suffered. Shame on Rebekah Brooks and Andy Coulson from the now defunct News of the World and kudos to Colin Sutton from the Metropolitan Police.

What a brilliant author Gemma Dowler had become!

Highly recommend and such a beautiful and loving family you will enjoy getting to know as Gemma does a brilliant job describing them all.

Nicola, South Australia 🇦🇺

The Love is immeasurable

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I thoroughly enjoyed the writing and narration of this story of such an incredible family. My emotions were taken on a rollercoaster ride as they fell into the depths of sadness and heartache for the Dowlers and what they experienced for such a long time at the loss of their beautiful Milly.

I loved getting to know them all in this superbly written book and my prayers go out to them. Rest in Peace sweet Milly, may the love of your family bring you comfort always. Thank you for sharing your family’s journey Gemma, you have done them proud by writing such a wonderful memoir.

Beautifully raw and moving

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I can barely find the right words to write a review. The Dowler Family are the meaning of strength and love, dedication, tenacity, and loyalty. How they have endured not only the loss of Molly but the ineptitude and betrayal of the Surrey police, I will never know. Thank you for letting us in Gemma. Thank you for your grace, your will, your heart. You will all forever be in mine. RIP Milly ❤️

Exasperatingly sorrowful and indescribable strength

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