Betsy Roberts

This incredible story is based on true events concerning young Betsy Roberts: how she was kidnapped, abused, but survived America's first serial killers - the evil Harpe brothers - how she outlived and ultimately profited using her wits and sheer determination.

Betsy Roberts, a young woman from Kentucky, is brutally kidnapped by notorious outlaws Micajah and Wiley Harpe who abuse, then exploit her. The novel describes how Betsy uses her wits and courage to survive, and then ultimately prospers despite the most appalling conditions and treatment she suffers, in the wilderness of late 18th-century America. She gradually becomes tainted by the evil, murderous activities of the Harpe brothers who, amongst other things, use her as bait to lure travelers to their deaths. She does this under duress initially, but later becomes indifferent, even to the extent of being a willing accomplice.

Part two of the novel describes her long, gruelling journey of escape to New York in the early 1800s. It covers how she became a key figure there, developing businesses, illicit and legal, and the family dynasty she establishes.

The story is an extraordinary and gripping tale of horrific violence, a kaleidoscope of extraordinary characters, settings, and and yet also incredible willpower, survival instincts. Betsy ultimately becomes a strong, determined woman, but also uses almost any means to achieve her ends.