As a true crime, memoir, and crime fiction author, most of Sue's books are based on true events from her own life, or the lives of friends.
SUE JULSEN
Author of
TRUE CRIME, MEMOIR,
CRIME FICTION and more
I think my early life is what influenced my writing the most and led me to become a True Crime, Memoir and Crime Fiction author. I enjoy the extensive research on most all unsolved cold cases, but writing what I learn is my passion.
For my first book, if I'd known years ago what I know today, I could have titled Bitter Memories: A Memoir of Heartache & Survival....My Father Was A Serial Killer.
Certainly not something I'd like to have included on a resume! However, most of my life, from earlier memories after my abduction, I suspected my father had killed numerous women over the years....26 women to be exact.
Read Bitter Memories and Drowning In Memories to learn the full story. See if you have the same suspicions I had for so many years.
NOTE: Bitter Memories is not for the faint of heart. It contains explicit language and sexual content, but this was my life as I remember it. With help from nightmares, many pieces of the puzzle were eventually filled in.
HOW TO ORDER AN AUTOGRAPHED COPY:
All paperback books can be ordered directly from the author; signed for you or for a friend. Gift copies can also be mailed to your recipients if you wish.
To order or if you have questions go to "Contact the Author" page, fill out the contact form and send a private message.
Sue Julsen typically responds within one to two days.
A FEW Reviews from Readers
5.0 out of 5 stars It may change your life!
By cindy43 --- Bitter Memories: A Memoir of Heartache & Survival
I was referred to this book by my daughter. Whom encouraged me that it was time to start my healing process I had put off all of my life. As a child I had been abused myself. She purchased this book for me. The moment I started reading it I knew the pain Sue had described was extremely real. The best part about it was she did not sugar coat anything! She told it like it was not how people wanted it. She did use colorful words in which may have offended some but from personal experience there is nothing clean that runs through your mind when things like this are being done to you as a child! Sue used real life feelings, thoughts and emotions. That IS what you call a true story! When you tell it like it REALLY happened. For other people like me, you can relate to it and learn from what she did to get through this traumatic event! And seeing she had became the most amazing person in the end shows people like me that there IS HOPE, weather the abuse was as serious as Sue's or even mild cases which mine now seems now that I have read her TRUE story. For others who haven't been abused, it allows you to understand what its like. And to set an example of what was over looked in her life and that others don't make the same mistake. We all look for books that can really reach out and grab us, something we can relate to and ultimately let you feel everything the characters felt. This book does all of these things and soo much more! If you haven't had the pleasure of reading it then you need to!
5.0 out of 5 stars Bitter Memories
By Mary H. Cosgrove
This review is from: Bitter Memories: A Memoir of Heartache & Survival (Paperback)
Everyone should read "Bitter Memories" to learn more about child abuse and its effects, but especially by people who have been abused. This true story is about a little girl who is kidnapped by her father at three years old. He abused her so much that her story could be, and reads like, a horror story. Sue Julsen write in a way that is easy to read. keeping your interest from page to page. She has to be my hero for surviving all the abuse she took. Highly recommended.
5.0 out of 5 stars Horrifying, Heart-breaking, and Horror
By RJ Parker (Toronto) (Top 500 Reviewer - Real Name)
Several years ago, I read a book called "A Child Called It" by David Pelzer. Subsequently, I got involved and became the Chairperson of "Child Abuse Awareness". This little tidbit of information leads me to a most memorable book I just finished, "Bitter Memories" by the prolific and courageous writer and survivor, Sue Julsen. This book is not for the feint of hearts, but damn near heart-breaking.
How a little innocent girl survived this horrible nightmare is beyond me. As a true crime writer, I've read and written some of the worse dregs of society you can imagine, but while reading this book, I found myself wishing that this story was fiction. My heart ached. I cried many times. I was tormented emotionally reading this real life travesty. At just three years old, Sue Julsen was kidnapped by her father who travelled from State to State across the U.S., while her mommy was at home desperately waiting news about her missing little girl. The Satan's spawn of a father abused her, and used her to fulfil his habits, while renting her out to other perverts and sexual deviants. But, through all the molestation, beatings and starvation, she maintained her trust in one person, her daddy. A heart-retching story that will have you begging for someone to rescue her. Sue Julsen today is a caring, loving woman that I've only just met. She's been Blessed with good friends and support. This book is a well-written masterpiece. I salute Ms. Julsen for having the courage to write it.
RJ Parker
Internationally Acclaimed True Crime Author
5.0 out of 5 stars Bitter Memories
By Cookie_baker150 --- This review is from: BITTER MEMORIES: A Memoir of Heartache & Survival (Kindle Edition)
I've just finished reading this well written book. This is the horrifying story of a little girl who was basically kidnapped by her father and made to do "grown up things" with him as well as many others while being on the run. Throughout the book, I was wishing someone would rescue poor little Sarah. The things that were done to her and the way she was treated brought tears to my eyes. How can anyone survive what she has?
It's a must read gripping novel. I wish Sue the best and much happiness in her life. God Bless.
5.0 out of 5 stars When someone digs deep inside to share the horror they could not control
By Z-ManOfANewWorld “Reader” (Zombieland) --- This review is from: Bitter Memories: A Memoir of Heartache & Survival (Paperback)
Sue opens her life to us and you discover the helplessness of a child whose life never seemed normal. There were so many in her young life who seemed not to understand that the things they did to this child, either through neglect or ignorance, affected her deeply. This is a powerful book that goes out of its way to separate the real girl from the one in the story, who in her mind creates other children to face the horrors of her life. Sue stepped outside herself to share this, and we have only to read it and say, "whew."
5.0 out of 5 stars Best book I've ever read!!!!
By Tyra -- This review is from: Bitter Memories: A Memoir of Heartache & Survival (Paperback)
I purchased this book to help my mom cope with being abused when she was younger. I don't regret my decision going with my instinct and choosing this one. I went through every single emotion the main character Sarah went through, throughout the entire story. Sue Julsen did the best job I've ever seen on taking you and putting you in the story. It will take you by the heart and suck you in. Taking you on one of the most emotional journeys you've ever been on in a book. She didn't hold any punches in the story which helped you feel every emotion that was told in the story. I don't think I will ever read a true story like this ever again. Unless Sue Julsen has more to tell!
5.0 out of 5 stars The sadness of a little girls life
By Jane B. -- This review is from: Bitter Memories: A Memoir of Heartache & Survival (Paperback)
Sue did a very good job at telling her story. The life of Sarah, this is filled with the love that she had for her Dad, he is all she had, and she loved him with all her heart. The dad that did not share his love with her. I recommend this book to anyone and hope it helps them know that they are not alone if they are a victim of child abuse. and it was not their fault. I know Sue today, she is my neighbor and she is loving and caring, she never had any children, but her animals are her children and she loves them as such.
5.0 out of 5 stars A Book of Healing
By Barb Pack -- This review is from: Bitter Memories: A Memoir of Heartache & Survival (Paperback)
Sue Julsen, the author of Bitter Memories, tells her true life story of abuse from a child’s perspective, with an extremely excellent writing talent.
This book is a learning experience for everyone young and old. It will reach into your soul and grab it. All you want to do is save the child. You will experience almost every type of emotion possible. It will open your eyes to how cruel people can really be to a child. In our time children were afraid to come forth and tell anyone what was happening. For her to survive this cruel and unjust treatment, and to be brave and courageous enough to share her story with the world is truly an amazing miracle. For anyone that has suffered any type of child abuse, or anyone that knows a child is being abused. You need to please read her book. It is truly an emotional journey and a healing experience. I will cherish my copy of this book forever as I am a victim of child abuse, and it has helped me in so many ways. To the world this will be an eye opener for you, It is a page turner, and a must read.
5.0 out of 5 stars Emotional and gripping
By Kathryn Joy (Morgan Hill, CA United States) --- This review is from: Bitter Memories: A Memoir of Heartache & Survival (Paperback)
This book will take the reader on an emotional journey through years of abuse as told by the victimized child. It is heart wrenching to realize what suffering, despair, agony and fear this child had to endure. She remains resilient and faithful over the years, and after the horrors of her early life, the author is a caring, compassionate and loving friend to many. She tells her story from the heart, and it is inspiring to learn there is always hope, and to anyone that is suffering with abuse, this book may be a tool to seek out help that is needed to be a survivor.
5.0 out of 5 stars Bitter Memories reviewed by Jessica Alyse:
Sarah’s life starts as a stolen, abused, and hungry little girl. Her story brings unimaginable pain no soul should bear. This memoir tears at your heart which makes your pages fly in need to know how she survived. Sarah is an inspiration to those who have survived abuse, to know that life can get better when it seems that its’ against you from the start. Also she raises awareness that bad things can and will happen to the innocence youths of the world. I am glad to have had the privilege to learn the heart wrenching memories of a survivor.
5.0 out of 5 stars One of the best books I've ever read!!!!
By Tyra -- This review is from: Trophy Murders (Paperback)
I thought Sue Julsen couldn't do any better then she did when she wrote "Bitter Memories" the first part to this book. That was until I read this book, the second part. She came extremely close!!!! Now I have 2 of the best books I've ever read on my shelf! After reading the first book and going through all the emotions the main character goes through, you think that a child couldn't undergo any more then she already has. And your proved wrong. Both books prove how much a child can undergo during abuse and still come out to be a survivor and to be proud and prove to others that it is possible! This book will chill you to the bone and then turn around and bring a tear to your eye just in the flip of a page. I have never known any other book capable of doing this! If you haven't read either of these books, YOU HAVE TO!!! Their both a must read! Had there been 10 stars I would have given them all. The only problem now is the wait to see what masterpiece she can come out with next! Well done!!!!!
5.0 out of 5 stars INTRIGUE
By Joy S. -- This review is from: Trophy Murders (Paperback)
Author Sue Julsen continues her story in this second of her three book series.
The characters draw you into their lives as the drama "on the hill" is told. It is a masterpiece of intrigue, mystery, and passion.
Sue maintains her gift as a talented author, using details to illustrate the story so that the reader is drawn into the story, feeling the emotions on each turn of the pages.
Definitely another book you cannot put down once you start to read it!
Sue's message of raising awareness of neglect and abuse is heartfelt. Through her books she is reaching out to others to continue this message.
5.0 out of 5 stars A Book You Got To Get
By cindy43 -- This review is from: Trophy Murders (Paperback)
I finished reading the book of Trophy Murders!! Omg, it is one awesome book!! I read Bitter Memories and enjoyed it soo much and wondered how was Sue going to combine it with Trophy Murders, well she pulled it off!! She did a marvelous job!! Y’all have to buy both books I promise you will not regret it!! I give Trophy Murders and Bitter Memories 5 stars!! Sue you out did yourself it was superb!! I look forward to reading your next book !! Her dream was to be a writer and I must say Dream Come True!!!! Congratulations on a job well done Sue!!!
You are a great Author!!!
5.0 out of 5 stars Trophy Murders
By Kharis A. Macey (Ocean Grove, NJ)
This review is from: TROPHY MURDERS (Bitter Memories) (Kindle Edition)
Sue Julsen writes the best survival novels to date. By allowing the mind to protect her character's emotions, she gives them the opportunity of redemption, the saving of their souls. I enjoyed this novel.
5.0 out of 5 stars Trophy Murders
By Mary H. Cosgrove --- This review is from: Trophy Murders (Paperback)
"Trophy Murders" is the sequel to Sue's first book, and is a must read as she continues parts of her actual life mixed with a crime fiction story, delivering an exciting, page-turner. "Trophy Murders" is easy to read and keeps you interested till the very end. Sue is very good in mystery writing and kept me not wanting to put the book down until the last page. Highly recommended.
5.0 out of 5 stars A spellbinding decent into the mind of a killer
By RJ Parker (Toronto) (TOP 500 REVIEWER) (REAL NAME)
This review is from: TROPHY MURDERS (Bitter Memories) (Kindle Edition)
TROPHY MURDERS is the sequel to BITTER MEMORIES: A Memoir of Heartache & Survival and although fiction, it is written on the foundation of a true story. A small peaceful town suddenly gets turned upside down when a gang moves in and a serious of murders follow. It's the job of the new police chief Henry Frye to solve these killings and return his town to order where people aren't living in fear.
This story is captivating from the first page and gripping until the end. A well written book. I look forward to reading the third book in this series, CUTTER'S REVENGE (Bitter Memories).
5.0 out of 5 stars 5 stars for Trophy Murders
By barb -- This review is from: Trophy Murders (Paperback)
Gifted author Sue Julsen, has done it again. Her 2nd book which is a sequel to Bitter Memories, continues her story of child abuse. The way she links action, suspense and sadistic murder together keeps you on edge and you won't be able to stop reading once you start.
Her books are fantastic and a must read. Buy a copy now while supplies last!!
5.0 out of 5 stars Little Love Lost
By Amelia -- This review is from: Trophy Murders (Paperback)
In comparison to the first book/memoir, "Bitter Memories," this novel is a bit lighter in tone, though still distressing as poor little Sarah is continually alone, mistrusted and beaten by her overtly strict and religious aunt, and dealing with blackouts from a split-personality disorder.
Olivia insists on instilling strict rules in Sarah to teach her proper manners, but she has no concept of forgiveness or any understanding that she should be learning from her daily readings of her Bible. The word and theme that continually comes to mind is "contradiction," not only with Olivia's skewed sense of a proper upbringing, but with other people in Sarah's life.
Uncle Henry, who loves Sarah and wants to protect and make her happy, cannot get his priorities straight. How can a police chief do nothing except yell at his wife when she beats Sarah to a point of massive bruising and welts? For a man who swore to uphold the law, he doesn't do a good job of upholding the rights of his little niece in his own home. Turning a blind eye to his wife may be cowardice, but putting his desire for his mistress ahead of the well-being of helpless little Sarah is just selfish.
Yes, there are many more moments of frustration and agony in this story. But, luckily, there are moments of friendship and understanding between children and teachers that lend small light to the gloom. Though a complete resolution is not offered, a cliff-hanger is not exactly visible either. However, after wishing and hoping for some good to come into poor little Sarah's life, continuing readers will be anxious for the third installment in this series.
5.0 out of 5 stars Cutter's Revenge
By Kharis A. Macey (Ocean Grove, NJ) -- This review is from: Bitter Memories: A Memoir of Heartache & Survival (Paperback)
This novel is a classic novel of the mind protecting the emotions.
Sue is one of the best authors to write in this genre; the suspense is worth the wait.
5.0 out of 5 stars the perfect ending to the best trilogy ever!
By Tyra -- This review is from: CUTTER'S REVENGE (Bitter Memories) (Kindle Edition)
After reading the two beginning book Bitter Memories and Trophy Murders I wandered what else author Sue Julsen could possibly come up with to compete with them. My worries vanished once I read Cutter's Revenge. It was the perfect crime fiction to end what started off as a real life horror story of the author. I've gone through every emotion possible reading these three books!! Starting with sadness, going through anger, laughing on some parts, chewing my nails and ending with one big smile for the way its all brought together for the ending. This book will have you guessing every step of the way!! I was a little sad to know this would be the last book of the trilogy, but after reading how she closed it all up, there's no other way she could have made the best story ever any longer or shorter!! Great job Sue!! It was a pleasure reading all of your book and I look forward to anything else your brilliant mind comes up with!!!
5.0 out of 5 stars Bitter Memories
By Kharis A. Macey (Ocean Grove, NJ) -- This review is from: CUTTER'S REVENGE (Bitter Memories) (Kindle Edition)
This novel, written by one of the best authors of psychological suspense, offers the readers a look into the disorder resultant of the main character's traumatized mind and emotions. Kharis Macey
5.0 out of 5 stars Cutter's Revenge
By Mary H. Cosgrove -- This review is from: CUTTER'S REVENGE (Bitter Memories) (Kindle Edition)
WOW!!! "Cutter's Revenge," the last of the bitter memories series, really gets into the life of a brutal, mentally ill person's story. If you like shows like Criminal Minds then this is the book for you! It is easy to read and keeps you wanting more and more. Needing to see how the next plot would unfold, I was unable to drag myself away. I pray that people like this do not exist, but I know they do. Even though this is a blood and guts book, it has an amazing plot with lots of twists and turns, and it has a good ending. Highly recommended.
5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing Trilogy
By barb -- This review is from: CUTTER'S REVENGE (Bitter Memories) (Kindle Edition)
Brilliant Author, Sue Julsen has done it once again. She has tied all of her books together, to make a fantastic ending to her sequel. The first book Bitter Memories, is about severe child abuse and survival. Anyone that has suffered child abuse needs to read the books.
Cutter's Revenge will keep you on the edge of your seat with all of the gruesome details of murder, dark secrets and a love story to boot!! I don't know how she does it, but I hope she continues to write fantastic books. All of her books are a HAVE TO READ!! Buy your copies today, you will be glad you did. Can't wait to read the next book. Check out her website at Brilliant Author, Sue Julsen has done it once again. She has tied all of her books together, to make a fantastic ending to her sequel. The first book Bitter Memories, is about severe child abuse and survival. Anyone that has suffered child abuse needs to read the books. Cutter's Revenge will keep you on the edge of your seat with all of the gruesome details of murder, dark secrets and a love story to boot!! I don't know how [...]
5.0 out of 5 stars Enlightening
By Joy S. -- This review is from: From the Heart (Audible Audio Edition)
Highly recommended!
Sue has skillfully brought together the trauma and emotional upheaval of her early childhood into this collection of poems that will draw the audience into each story. The narrator tells each story with a calm and steady voice, yet with a strength that reflects a desire to survive, as each poem and story brings to light. Sue has opened her heart to her readers with these poems, sharing her life of surviving child abuse, neglect and fear.
***A Very Special Testimonial***
A testimonial from my real aunt "Julie." This is what she told me after reading Bitter Memories and Trophy Murders:
"I am the aunt Sue talks about in her books, the nice 'Aunt Julie.' The way Sue describes her characters not only brought back memories for me, but I could see the faces so clearly in my mind as I read her books. It is amazing to me how she brought both books together. Wonderful writing. I am so proud of her!" —Aunt "Julie"
I