Twenty-One Boxes: Robin's Story and the Tragedy of the Edenton Seven

This story is so unimaginable and heartbreaking. When lies become so abundant that no one knows up from down and innocent lives are destroyed, where do you go from there? This book will bring you to tears and remind you of how lies or rumors can spread like wildfire leaving everyone to pick up the broken pieces and try to return to some sense of normalcy. It’s a must-read true crime tale of seven lives ruined by lies regarding inappropriate behavior at a daycare in a small town. The author ties in The Crucible and the Salem witch trials. It’s such a relevant reference and will have you wondering, when will we ever learn our lesson?

I absolutely loved this book! It was such a good depiction of the events of the Little Rascals Day Care scandal and all the players involved. It was so well-written and such an insightful look at the power of suggestion in kids by respected adults. Hands-down, one of the best books I have read in a long time!

An excellent must read!! Every one who has ever lived in Edenton, NC; past and present should read this book!! As a dear close friend of Robin, this book was a hard read. We had lost touch during this time in her life, and to read what she went thru as a new young mother first hand was very difficult. I never doubted her innocence from day one. She was right about the town being divided and you were on one side or the other; there were no in betweens. Sadly, the town of Edenton is still like that to this very day. The facts are there, plain and evident. Wouldn't you have seen evidence of these supposed incidents with the children? Markings on them? Why were no photos taken? Recordings of interviews? Again, why were there 21 (TWENTY-ONE!!) boxes of evidence never turned over to the attorneys?This story of Robin and her pain filled journey for the truth should be read by everyone. Walk a half of a mile in her shoes! She is so courageous and strong; such an inspiration to me. I pray that Robin and the other defendants get the exoneration they so deserve.Go read this book!!

Betsy is a gifted author and has ruminated on these cases for decades. This book is so well written and factually supported. It’s a page turner! So thought provoking.

This was a very good although sad book about the Edenton 7 and how rumors can escalate in a small town ruining the lives of innocent people. Hopefully it will allow the victims to be exonerated after way too long.

As a psychotherapist in 2024, I was shocked and horrified at the way these cases were handled. We don't do things this way now- and probably because of the cases like this one! Courts can't tell parents where to take their children for therapy, CPS can't violate confidentiality of those being investigated, and forensic interviewing is a specific science left to the experts in child abuse cases! As having had interactions with numerous court systems over the years, I do not find it surprising that the integrity of the legal system was called into question. I'm not here to speak about what happened- I wasn't there- but I will state that this was a complete mishandling by the professionals and those who lost many years of their lives due to it need to be compensated and declared innocent. I would have loved this book more if it was Robyn's story alone, with less 1600s references, it was distracting and frankly, I skimmed most of it.

Love this book. Very well written. It holds your attention from the very beginning! It's informative and eye opening about issues from past trials and interrogation procedures that are still current today! Heartbreaking but inspiring at the same time!

As a teacher who teaches Miller's The Crucible, this book was recommended to me by an instructional coach who followed the trials. I am horrified by the condemnation of these individuals. I commend Robin for her bravery in telling her side of the story.