Matt BirkbeckA Beautiful Child: A True Story of Hope, Horror, and an Enduring Human Spirit

As you read Matt Birkbeck's stunningly powerful book A BEAUTIFUL CHILD, you will soon realize that though he is razor focused on the disturbing and gut-wrenching case of Sharon Marshall, he is writing a tome to the millions of the lost, battered, and abused children of America.His research is impeccable; his story-telling captivating. You will not be able to put this book down until you know....Within its story, Mr Birkbeck also relates the shameful history of missing children and how their absence was treated by law enforcement up and until the late 80's. I don't know how families stood for this as estimates reported close to a million children a year went missing.The story of Sharon Marshall is shocking. It has activated hundreds of thousands around the world.The good news is the advancements made by organizations dedicated to finding lost children has raced the percentages to finding the recently missing to as high as 95 per cent.Read this book. Then join the fight.

I rated this book a five because of the depth and detail of the author in telling this complex, winding story. He hooks you into the plight of poor, beautiful Sharon and the evil rained upon her by Franklin Floyd from the get go. It is a disturbing story-- absolutely heartbreaking. Birkbeck brings Sharon to life. I don't think anyone could read this story without feeling terrible pain for the suffering of Sharon and her son at the hands of a monster. Hopefully, it will also make mean-spirited, judgemental types rethink the plight of young girls forced into the sex trade businesses. We never know what others face in life when we haven't walked in their shoes. I don't think I will ever forget Sharon or Michael or the Bean family or "Stevie" who all crossed paths with the psychopath Floyd. I wish I could forget Floyd because he doesn't deserve one iota of attention. He is the devil. It is beyond tragic but Sharon is finally free of him.

Birkbeck details the case in his book, A Beautiful Child, with clear and concise information, allowing the reader an intimate understanding as to how such at crime was able to manifest, and how her tormentor, Franklin Delano Floyd, could continue his reign of terror undiscovered. Absolutely chilling.It is important to note that during the time of Sharon's burial, her real identity remained a mystery, so her friends naturally put the name she went by on her headstone. Today, however, her real name is on her headstone–owed to the relentless efforts of people like Matt Birkbeck and other good people, unwilling to let Sharon’s real name and life story remain a mystery forever. Finding Sharon is the conclusion to The Beautiful Child. The second book unravels the law enforcement end of this mystery, revealing how the FBI conducted their case.While certainly a provocative and fascinating case in hindsight, it was also deeply troubling to read about this young woman’s torturous life and subsequent death. From all accounts, people who knew her said 'Sharon' was a kind and generous soul who, despite the many hardships and challenges, never stopped reaching out to help others. Even in death, her humanity defined her.For True Crime readers–this is story you won't want to pass up.

I never leave reviews but just had to for this book. I learned about "A Beautiful Child" from a couple of podcasts (if you google podcasts and Franklin Delano Floyd they should pop up). This story has haunted me ever since I read it back in 2017... the depths of depravity this man went to to commit his various crimes is astounding, and the author did an incredible job weaving the story into a cohesive form. It is easy to see, when reading this book, how convoluted and unwieldy this story could be, but the author reined it in and made it make sense. Highly recommend this book for true crime fans.

This was an extremely well-written and cohesive telling of an almost unbelievable true crime story. It is obvious that the author did extensive research including interviews of people who were witnesses to this tale of generational kidnapping and murder. The reader comes away with clear portraits of the book's main characters as a result of a well-constructed telling of a story that developed over 25 years. One will have to "Google" the book's chief character, "Sharon Marshall", to learn her true identity, not confirmed until late 2014. The author also offers some eye opening information about the historical difficulties of tracing "missing" children, modern day efforts to improve reporting and tracking, and the efforts of some lawmen dedicated to providing answers for the parents of the missing. One can only hope that future events provide answers to the mysteries of the disappearances of her brother and son. This is an absorbing telling of an astonishing story that leaves the reader wondering how such injustices, personified in the conduct of one man, could go unidentified and unreported for so long.

...if only a real demme like character (silence of the lambs) could direct this as this is surely one of the best stories I have read in along time that urgently requires the full on movie treatment.What can I say? What a story and excellently told by Matt Birkbeck. You don't want to miss this one. Harrowing and full ultimately full of hope!

I honestly couldn't recommend this enough. Incredible story that you often forget is true due to how devastating it is, and how many twists and turns there are. As soon as you think you've worked it out, you're proven wrong in the next paragraph. Enjoyed reading every single word of this book and couldn't put it down or stop thinking about it. Brilliantly written. Incredible story. Absolute must-read.

Written with clear direction and very informative riding the fine balance between setting the scene and over dramatisation. A truly sad and cruel existence for a beautiful intelligent and strong child. Heartbreaking

The book gave an insight into how clever and beautiful Sharon was.I found the story a bit drawn out and repetitive.I had never heard about this missing persons case. Although it was very sad it didn't take a book of this length to ultimately leave more questions than answers.Disappointed.

Wow what a story ( and what a sad sad story it is.). I've recommended this book to at least 6 friends and all of them are blown away at this story.After you read it you need to go online to find out the very latest news of which there is an update.