We Thought We Knew You: A Terrifying True Story of Secrets, Betrayal, Deception, and Murder

We Thought We Knew You: A Terrifying True Story of Secrets, Betrayal, Deception, and Murder

M. William Phelps

Enjoyment: Quality: Characters: Plot:

New York Times bestselling author, television personality, and host of the #1 podcast "Paper Ghosts," M. William Phelps is one of America's most celebrated true crime authorities. In WE THOUGHT WE KNEW YOU, he takes readers deep into the murder of Mary Yoder, a popular wife, mother, and healer in Upstate New York -- telling a gripping tale of a family drama, a determined investigation, and a killer with the face of an angel. In July 2015, Mary Yoder returned home from the chiropractic center that she operated with her husband, Bill, complaining that she felt unwell. Mary, health-conscious and vibrant, was suddenly vomiting, sweating, and weak. Doctors in the ER and ICU were baffled as to the cause of her rapidly progressing illness. Her loved ones--including Bill and their children, Adam, Tamryn, and Liana--gathered in shock to say goodbye. In the weeks that followed Mary's death, the grief-stricken family received startling news from the medical examiner: Mary had been deliberately poisoned. The lethal substance was colchicine, a chemical used to treat gout but extremely toxic if not taken as prescribed. Mary did not have gout. Another bombshell followed when the local sheriff's office received a claim that Adam Yoder had poisoned his mother. But Adam was not the only person of interest in the case. Pretty and popular Kaitlyn Conley, Adam's ex-girlfriend, worked at the Yoders' clinic. She'd even been at Mary's bedside during those last terrible hours. Still, some spoke of her talent for manipulation and a history of bizarre, rage-fueled behavior against anyone who dared to reject her. Had Kaitlyn and Adam conspired to kill Mary Yoder, or was the killer someone else entirely? In another twist, accusations were hurled at Bill Yoder himself, ricocheting blame in still another direction... Renowned investigative journalist M. William Phelps details this incredible story piece by piece, revealing a heartless plan of revenge--a scheme that would tear a family apart, divide a community, and result in two gripping, high-profile trials.

Publication Year: 2020


From the Forum

No posts yet

Kick off the convo with a theory, question, musing, or update

Recent Reviews

Your rating:

  • fraggle
    Apr 06, 2025
    Enjoyment: Quality: Characters: Plot:

    0
    comments 0
    Reply
  • AuroraBiggs
    Apr 22, 2025
    Enjoyment: Quality: Characters: Plot:

    0
    comments 0
    Reply
  • Emilyb101
    Mar 25, 2025
    Enjoyment: Quality: Characters: Plot:

    Overall, I really liked this true crime book. While true crime is a genre that I generally do not gravitate to and I would hardly consider myself a crime junkie, I really enjoyed reading all of the evidence. I thought the author did a good job of highlighting the relationships of all of the people that were potential suspects. The killer was pretty evident within the first half of the book which made it less exciting at some parts, because some of the suspense was gone. One of the most interesting parts of the book was the part about how the killer behaved during trial. It was completely unexpected and made me realize that perhaps the way some of the events that occurred in this killer's life were not quite as they had said. I liked the psychological outlook and felt as though it made the last third of the book. Overall, I would recommend this book to a friend. This book makes me think that perhaps I am missing out by not reading more true crime.

    0
    comments 0
    Reply
  • View all reviews
    Community recs if you liked this book...