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Once Upon A Time, A True Story of Memory, Murder and the Law
Recounts George Franklin's 1990 trial in a California courtroom for the rape and murder of an eight-year-old girl, after his daughter testified she had witnessed the crime but had repressed the memory for twenty years. Reprint.
Kindle Edition
First published July 1, 1993
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About the author
Harry N. MacLean
10 books110 followersHarry MacLean, an Edgar Award winning true crime writer (In Broad Daylight) has changed genre's with his new novel, "The Joy of Killing." Variously described as a literary thriller, a psychological thriller or philosophical thriller, the book earned a rave review from Kirkus:
"MacLean’s writing is lyrical, ebbing and flowing like a deep riptide that conceals the danger beneath; there is something unsavory and even panic-inducing about being pulled inside his tale. . . A dizzying and delirious meditation on desire, violence, guilt, and philosophical justification."
The book will be on sale in early July.
MacLean's first book was “In Broad Daylight,” published by Harper Collins. This book tells the story of the killing of a town bully on the main street of a small town in northwest Missouri. It won an Edgar Award for Best True Crime and was a New York Times Bestseller for 12 weeks. Brian Denehey stars as the bully in the movie version. “In Broad Daylight” became available as an e-book July 2012.
MacLean’s second book was “Once Upon A Time, a True Story of Memory, Murder and the Law.” Also published by Harper Collins, it tells the true story of a man on trial for murder based solely on his daughter’s “repressed memory” of witnessing him murder her playmate 20 years earlier. “Once Upon a Time” was a New York Times Notable Book of the Year.
Basic Books published his third book, “The Past Is Never Dead, The Trial of James Ford Seale and Mississippi’s Search for Redemption,” which was shortlisted for the William Saroyan Award, given by Stanford University.
MacLean released “About In Broad Daylight, the Story Behind the Book,” in the fall of 2014.
MacLean’s first career was as a lawyer. He graduated from the University of Denver College of Law, magna cum laude, and also received a master’s degree in Law and Sociology from DU. He worked as a trial lawyer for the Securities and Exchange Commission and as a magistrate in Denver Juvenile Court. He taught as an Adjunct Professor at DU Law. He served as First Assistant Attorney General for the state of Colorado, and as General Counsel of the Peace Corp during the Carter Administration.
For the past twenty years he has worked as a labor arbitrator and author.
His next effort, a memoir, will tell the story of his year working undercover as a prison guard in a maximum security prison in Delaware.
"MacLean’s writing is lyrical, ebbing and flowing like a deep riptide that conceals the danger beneath; there is something unsavory and even panic-inducing about being pulled inside his tale. . . A dizzying and delirious meditation on desire, violence, guilt, and philosophical justification."
The book will be on sale in early July.
MacLean's first book was “In Broad Daylight,” published by Harper Collins. This book tells the story of the killing of a town bully on the main street of a small town in northwest Missouri. It won an Edgar Award for Best True Crime and was a New York Times Bestseller for 12 weeks. Brian Denehey stars as the bully in the movie version. “In Broad Daylight” became available as an e-book July 2012.
MacLean’s second book was “Once Upon A Time, a True Story of Memory, Murder and the Law.” Also published by Harper Collins, it tells the true story of a man on trial for murder based solely on his daughter’s “repressed memory” of witnessing him murder her playmate 20 years earlier. “Once Upon a Time” was a New York Times Notable Book of the Year.
Basic Books published his third book, “The Past Is Never Dead, The Trial of James Ford Seale and Mississippi’s Search for Redemption,” which was shortlisted for the William Saroyan Award, given by Stanford University.
MacLean released “About In Broad Daylight, the Story Behind the Book,” in the fall of 2014.
MacLean’s first career was as a lawyer. He graduated from the University of Denver College of Law, magna cum laude, and also received a master’s degree in Law and Sociology from DU. He worked as a trial lawyer for the Securities and Exchange Commission and as a magistrate in Denver Juvenile Court. He taught as an Adjunct Professor at DU Law. He served as First Assistant Attorney General for the state of Colorado, and as General Counsel of the Peace Corp during the Carter Administration.
For the past twenty years he has worked as a labor arbitrator and author.
His next effort, a memoir, will tell the story of his year working undercover as a prison guard in a maximum security prison in Delaware.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
August 21, 2018
I abandoned this book after 269 pages. I read it for my IRL True Crime book club and only 1 out of 6 participants finished it; those of us who had not finished it prior to meeting agreed we had no interest in investing additional time into it. For several good reasons.
Mr. MacLean needed a good editor. This book is at least 150 pages longer than it should be, and there's a great deal of repetition that adds no value. It is a research dump of every single fact MacLean observed. For example, he provides details on the facts and outcomes of cases being tried in adjoining courtrooms. I kid not.
Child sex abuse. Multiple children over the years, including at least one infant. Sexist and homophobic statements that grate on one's nerves - even if you try to give him the, 'well, it was published in 1995" excuse.
Pass on this one.
August 9, 2019
This book is about the legal issues involved with prosecution based on unreliable memory. The case, known as the Memory Murder Case or the Eileen Franklin case (for the accuser rather than the victim, an eight-year-old girl) is sadly fascinating. The sections on the trial are excellent and well presented. That part of the book kept me reading well past my bedtime.
But the earlier sections of the book (character and place descriptions) contain way too much detail. MacLean (a lawyer and the author of the Edgar-winning In Broad Daylight) never met a fact he didn’t like. In a courtroom, lawyers are checked in the facts they can use by the opposing lawyers (“Objection, Your Honor”) and by the judge (“Sustained.”) But MacLean dumped all his research on the Franklin case into Once Upon a Time, and his HarperCollins editor didn’t object. Which means that the reader has to do her own editing. (It’s called ‘skipping.’)
Don’t get me wrong. This is a good book that raises compelling legal issues. It was named a New York Times Notable Book in its day (it was published in 1993), apparently by somebody who didn’t object to all that detail. It is still very much worth reading for MacLean’s expert, nuanced trial reporting. The digital edition I’m reading (Crime Rant Classics, 2011) contains a 2011 Epilogue in which the author discusses important post-publication trial developments. (True crime is a genre that often requires rewrites.)
Unlike most true crime nonfiction, Once Upon a Time does not conclude with a strong sense of justice served. If you’re a reader who likes things wrapped up neatly, this will likely leave you feeling . . . inconclusive.
But the earlier sections of the book (character and place descriptions) contain way too much detail. MacLean (a lawyer and the author of the Edgar-winning In Broad Daylight) never met a fact he didn’t like. In a courtroom, lawyers are checked in the facts they can use by the opposing lawyers (“Objection, Your Honor”) and by the judge (“Sustained.”) But MacLean dumped all his research on the Franklin case into Once Upon a Time, and his HarperCollins editor didn’t object. Which means that the reader has to do her own editing. (It’s called ‘skipping.’)
Don’t get me wrong. This is a good book that raises compelling legal issues. It was named a New York Times Notable Book in its day (it was published in 1993), apparently by somebody who didn’t object to all that detail. It is still very much worth reading for MacLean’s expert, nuanced trial reporting. The digital edition I’m reading (Crime Rant Classics, 2011) contains a 2011 Epilogue in which the author discusses important post-publication trial developments. (True crime is a genre that often requires rewrites.)
Unlike most true crime nonfiction, Once Upon a Time does not conclude with a strong sense of justice served. If you’re a reader who likes things wrapped up neatly, this will likely leave you feeling . . . inconclusive.
January 21, 2016
This book is exceptionally well researched. It delves into the reliability of the recovery of repressed memory by means of hypnosis. After listening to this book I cannot say that my opinion of this pseudo-science has changed. Like the author of this book, I would not say they are all planted, but it is very sketchy business.
September 1, 2016
I really enjoyed the fact that the author wrote about the different participants' reactions and opinions to portions of the trial, throughout the book. Very engaging. I felt that it ran a little long (maybe too detailed) but overall, this was a fascinating portrait of a very twisted family.
January 19, 2016
Good true crime book. VERY hard to read due to subject. It is about Eileen Franklin who accused her father of sexually attacking and murdering her best friend.
December 28, 2012
This book tells a true story, a story of physical and sexual abuse of a family of 4 children living in a middel class California neighborhood during the 1960's. It also tells the story of the murder of an eight-year old child, the best friend of one of the girls in the aforementioned family. After a 20 year gap, the story picks up when Eileen, the best friend of the murdered child suddenly recalls watching her friend being raped, then murdered by Eileen's father.
This brought the issue of repressed memories into the courtroom. The book discussed the trial and the ultimate finding by the jury of guilty for the murder charges, although the man was never charged in the abuse cases.
It was a book that was tough to read. My immediate feeling was that any man who could sexually molest his children could be guilty of murder; but, repressed memories are still a topic I know far too little about. While I believe the man should have been charged with the rape of his daughters, I'm not sure if he should have been charged with the murder of a child. I just cannot say that I am convinced of the repressed memory syndrome.
This brought the issue of repressed memories into the courtroom. The book discussed the trial and the ultimate finding by the jury of guilty for the murder charges, although the man was never charged in the abuse cases.
It was a book that was tough to read. My immediate feeling was that any man who could sexually molest his children could be guilty of murder; but, repressed memories are still a topic I know far too little about. While I believe the man should have been charged with the rape of his daughters, I'm not sure if he should have been charged with the murder of a child. I just cannot say that I am convinced of the repressed memory syndrome.
February 27, 2017
Once Upon a Time suffers from details. This interesting book is laid out like a court case recounted by an overworked and underpaid public defender. Everything is logical and ordered. Most of the relevant facts are there. The specifics, some more gory than one cares to read, seem to be all there. But the excitement never shows up. In the end, it's just the tension of knowing that keeps one reading to the end. How will the trial end?
This book also suffers from being written two years too early. Having followed events in the late eighties and early ninety, this book was published in ninety four. New details arise in ninety six that change the ending. Be sure to google George Franklin Sr. for the actual details of the end. Compelling, interesting, but certainly not exciting. Nor for the faint of heart. Certainly not for children. Incest, rape, violence, and murder are detailed in this courtroom history.
This book also suffers from being written two years too early. Having followed events in the late eighties and early ninety, this book was published in ninety four. New details arise in ninety six that change the ending. Be sure to google George Franklin Sr. for the actual details of the end. Compelling, interesting, but certainly not exciting. Nor for the faint of heart. Certainly not for children. Incest, rape, violence, and murder are detailed in this courtroom history.
August 9, 2009
A fascinating look at repressed memory syndrome which swept the nation in the 80's and 90's. (Think McMartin Preschool and the hundreds of lawsuits children filed against their parents for "recovered memories" of abuse). Also a good view of the criminal justice system at work. I found myself in the jury box, realizing that there really wasn't enough evidence to convict this man, but he was such a scum-bag I couldn't help feeling he deserved what he got. But was justice served? I recommend this for anyone interested in psychology or the legal system.
April 16, 2016
I found Harry N. MacLean's recounting of this murder case to be quite compelling. Since I don't usually read this genre, I am not sure how it compares to others. I do know some of those who reviewed this book found the repetition of facts annoying, but to me it seemed reminiscent of court proceedings and realistic and helpful.
I listened to this book and felt the narrator did an excellent job - I suspect I could listen to her read anything, even my shopping list and find it pleasant.
How grateful I feel for not having grown up in that household and not having to serve on that jury
I listened to this book and felt the narrator did an excellent job - I suspect I could listen to her read anything, even my shopping list and find it pleasant.
How grateful I feel for not having grown up in that household and not having to serve on that jury
December 13, 2015
Memories and childhood trauma
I had this book for about 3 years and this book had me from the very first page. I couldn't put this book down the author has a writing style that keeps you wanting more and almost like a story. He doesn't bore readers at all I would definitely read more books from this author. This book is amazing and it shows the flaws with the judicial system. Great book
I had this book for about 3 years and this book had me from the very first page. I couldn't put this book down the author has a writing style that keeps you wanting more and almost like a story. He doesn't bore readers at all I would definitely read more books from this author. This book is amazing and it shows the flaws with the judicial system. Great book
January 19, 2018
8-year old Eileen, from a dysfunctional, family witnesses her father molesting and killing her best friend, Susan. From Eileen's repressed memory, 20 years later, she turns her father in. A very challenging read, full of details, but held my interest because it's true.
July 13, 2025
As you might guess, any book that is 566 pages long with small print, it just seemed to go on forever and I kept putting it up to read shorter books, so it took me about 3 months to finish this. This book is about a woman who suddenly remembers seeing her father murder a young girl through a repressed memory. The research done into the past lives of the families was very thorough. The courtroom scenes were a bit repetitive. At the end, the author gives his personal opinion about repressed memories, which I pretty much agree with. Worth a google search to find out what happened to the father after the book was printed.
March 29, 2019
I'm adding this book which I read probably 20 years ago. Listening to the Kavanaugh hearings brought this book to mind, specifically how fallible our memory can be, especially in situations where there is trauma, shame or confusion. The author lays out one story from one point of view, and then another, from another point of view. Both entirely credible, and yet different.
July 5, 2017
Me,our, murder, and the law
A lot of info not needed. Storyline drug out way too long. We still do not know if guilty or innocent. Feel no closure to story.
A lot of info not needed. Storyline drug out way too long. We still do not know if guilty or innocent. Feel no closure to story.
October 3, 2020
Excellent if a little long
Classic true crime book about the role of repressed memory in a complex criminal case - a little dated but well worth the read
Classic true crime book about the role of repressed memory in a complex criminal case - a little dated but well worth the read
September 20, 2020
This was an interesting book in the sense that it gave a lot of insight into the way the American judicial system works. In South Africa we do not have a jury system for instance, and I always wondered what the role of the judge is, what a 'hung' jury is, how the jury comes to a conclusion etc.
The topic of repressed memory is thought-provoking and often emerges when victims of child abuse log a case against the perpetrators many years later.
The book gets very tedious about 3/4 through and I started skipping pages. I learnt a lot from the book, but it was a slog (it almost felt as if I was part of the court case, and relieved when I finished the book and it was over, as did the attendees of the court case many years ago!).
The topic of repressed memory is thought-provoking and often emerges when victims of child abuse log a case against the perpetrators many years later.
The book gets very tedious about 3/4 through and I started skipping pages. I learnt a lot from the book, but it was a slog (it almost felt as if I was part of the court case, and relieved when I finished the book and it was over, as did the attendees of the court case many years ago!).
January 12, 2012
Interesting topic (repressed memories), and an interesting murder trial, but it was tedious and long. The details on the case were rehashed over and over, but the final outcome of the trial was a given based on the actions of the trial judge. The reversal of the outcome was also deserved. The judge should have been removed from office for his actions and rulings. The woman who brought the charges against her father should have been prosecuted.
November 23, 2012
*Received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads*
This was a fascinating story of a very dysfunctional family and a strange trial. The account was very well written and documented, but maybe with too much detail. By the time I finished I felt like I had been at the trial...I was exhausted. That's both good and bad...the detail made you feel like you were there, but it was tedious at times. I would definitely read another by the author.
This was a fascinating story of a very dysfunctional family and a strange trial. The account was very well written and documented, but maybe with too much detail. By the time I finished I felt like I had been at the trial...I was exhausted. That's both good and bad...the detail made you feel like you were there, but it was tedious at times. I would definitely read another by the author.
June 26, 2015
While this was a good book detailing the lives of the Franklin family and their abuse by their father, there were SO many details and information that I got bogged down in places and almost wanted to put the book away. I enjoyed the authors book "In Broad Daylight" and would probably read something else written by him.
September 29, 2013
Once Upon A Time is a very well written story of a true crime.
I remember hearing about the crime and controversy in the news regarding this story many years ago. The author did an excellent job trying to sort through fact and fiction.
I remember hearing about the crime and controversy in the news regarding this story many years ago. The author did an excellent job trying to sort through fact and fiction.
July 22, 2014
True muder
True muder
Not sure what to think as to the outcome of this trivial. personally I think the man accused was a horrible man but I'm not sure he was guilty of murder.
True muder
Not sure what to think as to the outcome of this trivial. personally I think the man accused was a horrible man but I'm not sure he was guilty of murder.
July 8, 2008
Similar to Witness for the Defense, except questioning regression therapy for use on the witness stand.
November 14, 2011
I registered a book at BookCrossing.com!
http://www.BookCrossing.com/journal/10275151
http://www.BookCrossing.com/journal/10275151
January 12, 2016
This was just sad all around.
June 11, 2016
Extremely good. It got a little lengthy at the end...but other than that...I would recommend the book to others.
Read
December 16, 2016Very interesting story. Weaved fairly chronologically through the court case and details, easy to follow, nice to read actual testimony and rebuttal. Dragged in some parts as repetitive.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews