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Secrets of a Marine's Wife: A True Story of Marriage, Obsession, and Murder
In Secrets of a Marine's Wife, award-winning journalist and New York Times bestselling author Shanna Hogan tells the true story of a young Marine wife whose illicit affair ended in tragedy.
In June 2014, 19-year-old Erin Corwin was living a quiet life in Twentynine Palms, California, expecting her first child with her husband, U.S. Marine Corporal Jon Corwin—until the day she drove off into the desert and never returned. As temperatures climbed into the hundreds, friends and family teamed up with local law enforcement in a grueling search of Joshua Tree National Park. Nearly two months after her disappearance, Corwin's body was found at the bottom of an abandoned mine shaft, a homemade garrote wrapped around her throat.
Suspicions mounted within the tight-knit Marine community as residents questioned if the killer was one of their own. Fellow Marine Christopher Lee and his wife lived next door to the Corwins, and the two young couples had leaned on each other for support. But detectives soon discovered that Chris and Erin's relationship had developed into a whirlwind romance that consumed them both and called the paternity of Corwin's baby into question. Lee told investigators he'd been out hunting the day of Corwin's disappearance, but his claims of innocence soon began to crumble. And while Corwin was researching baby names, Lee was reportedly searching the internet for ways to dispose of a human body.
Through interviews, court records, and extensive research, bestselling true-crime author Shanna Hogan constructs a chilling story of betrayal, deception, and tragedy.
In June 2014, 19-year-old Erin Corwin was living a quiet life in Twentynine Palms, California, expecting her first child with her husband, U.S. Marine Corporal Jon Corwin—until the day she drove off into the desert and never returned. As temperatures climbed into the hundreds, friends and family teamed up with local law enforcement in a grueling search of Joshua Tree National Park. Nearly two months after her disappearance, Corwin's body was found at the bottom of an abandoned mine shaft, a homemade garrote wrapped around her throat.
Suspicions mounted within the tight-knit Marine community as residents questioned if the killer was one of their own. Fellow Marine Christopher Lee and his wife lived next door to the Corwins, and the two young couples had leaned on each other for support. But detectives soon discovered that Chris and Erin's relationship had developed into a whirlwind romance that consumed them both and called the paternity of Corwin's baby into question. Lee told investigators he'd been out hunting the day of Corwin's disappearance, but his claims of innocence soon began to crumble. And while Corwin was researching baby names, Lee was reportedly searching the internet for ways to dispose of a human body.
Through interviews, court records, and extensive research, bestselling true-crime author Shanna Hogan constructs a chilling story of betrayal, deception, and tragedy.
320 pages, ebook
First published February 26, 2019
About the author
Shanna Hogan
10 books93 followersA New York Times bestselling American non-fiction author and journalist. She was best known for writing the book Picture Perfect about convicted killer Jodi Arias.
In 2005, Hogan graduated with a bachelor's degree in journalism from Arizona State University.
Hogan was awarded the 2009 Arizona Press Club's Virg Hill Journalist of the Year.[9] She was also awarded "Journalist of the Year 2011" by the Arizona Newspaper Association.
Hogan lived in Phoenix, Arizona with her husband, Matt LaRussa, and son Zander.
She was an adjunct professor at the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Arizona State University.
She died September 1, 2020 after being found unresponsive in her swimming pool after a fall.
In 2005, Hogan graduated with a bachelor's degree in journalism from Arizona State University.
Hogan was awarded the 2009 Arizona Press Club's Virg Hill Journalist of the Year.[9] She was also awarded "Journalist of the Year 2011" by the Arizona Newspaper Association.
Hogan lived in Phoenix, Arizona with her husband, Matt LaRussa, and son Zander.
She was an adjunct professor at the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Arizona State University.
She died September 1, 2020 after being found unresponsive in her swimming pool after a fall.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews
February 14, 2019
Secrets of a Marine’s Wife: A True Story of Marriage, Obsession, and Murder
This book by Shanna Hogan was good for keeping my interest, but I kept thinking the story seemed familiar, a missing marine’s wife in the desert, very young, pregnant. But it seems like an older story somehow. Like I read a book like this, but before these events even happened. Erin Corwin followed her marine husband Jon to Twenty-nine Palms, California after he was stationed there. They build their new married life together there, make friends, and get used to the desert. Erin has bouts of homesickness and loneliness, and there are eventually distancing arguments about finances. I didn’t remember how the story ended, at least, so it was still new to me. There was a twist before she went missing. There are some surprises before the end for sure, this turned out to be quite a story. I know I’ve read this author, but it’s been quite a long time. I would read her work again. My thanks for the advance electronic copy that was provided by NetGalley, author Shanna Hogan, and the publisher for my fair review.
RATING: 3.75 of 5.0 Stars
Also on my BookZone blog:
https://wordpress.com/post/bookblog20...
This book by Shanna Hogan was good for keeping my interest, but I kept thinking the story seemed familiar, a missing marine’s wife in the desert, very young, pregnant. But it seems like an older story somehow. Like I read a book like this, but before these events even happened. Erin Corwin followed her marine husband Jon to Twenty-nine Palms, California after he was stationed there. They build their new married life together there, make friends, and get used to the desert. Erin has bouts of homesickness and loneliness, and there are eventually distancing arguments about finances. I didn’t remember how the story ended, at least, so it was still new to me. There was a twist before she went missing. There are some surprises before the end for sure, this turned out to be quite a story. I know I’ve read this author, but it’s been quite a long time. I would read her work again. My thanks for the advance electronic copy that was provided by NetGalley, author Shanna Hogan, and the publisher for my fair review.
RATING: 3.75 of 5.0 Stars
Also on my BookZone blog:
https://wordpress.com/post/bookblog20...
July 21, 2019
review to follow.
This is the true story of Erin Corwin, a marine's wife. It is true crime and tells the story of what happened to her.
This was a tough book to read. It really was. Erin sounds like a wonderful lady who unfortunately got mixed up with some really bad people.
I must complement the writer on the sensitive and beautiful way she writes. Although this book is tragic, it is also a story of love..and hope. That her family chooses to forgive the murderer (something doubt I could do) is deeply touching. I was also moved by the description of the fearless rescue workers who worked tirelessly and were able to find Erin.
True crime books are always heart breaking but some can be written very poorly. NOT THIS ONE. I was quite touched and felt for this beautiful family. I highly recommend this book.
This is the true story of Erin Corwin, a marine's wife. It is true crime and tells the story of what happened to her.
This was a tough book to read. It really was. Erin sounds like a wonderful lady who unfortunately got mixed up with some really bad people.
I must complement the writer on the sensitive and beautiful way she writes. Although this book is tragic, it is also a story of love..and hope. That her family chooses to forgive the murderer (something doubt I could do) is deeply touching. I was also moved by the description of the fearless rescue workers who worked tirelessly and were able to find Erin.
True crime books are always heart breaking but some can be written very poorly. NOT THIS ONE. I was quite touched and felt for this beautiful family. I highly recommend this book.
March 5, 2019
Much closer to to a 3.5 star rating but I've rounded it up for the core third (that exact middle portion of the book) which was at least a 4 star. That period which chronicled the apartment complex couple mixture and hours spent there (en group) in those units within Twentynine Palms, CA. Marine husbands and their wives living in the married couples lodging residencies available "while he is on duty". That was actually excellent- 4.5 stars for the period of months Erin spent as a wife there- the onus of all those day to days.
Because in college dorms or any other small sized units like those framed in this book- and in nearly any era too- the mixtures! It's very different from long term lodgings of any other sizes. Renters so seemingly same but NOT same. Within personality and cognition and the resulting stew is compatible or NOT- but to me, intriguing. They just are- these lodging groups. Because you so often have same age, peer situations supreme, vocational and event similarities and at the same time nearly as many compelling competitions or melding meshes of quite the opposite of attraction. Not only the sexual attraction but skill/sport/hobby similarities. Often going from one to the other (attract/ repel) and back for the "melding" at that. I've seen it myself in small housing "new" sub-divisions too. Or public housing of workplace graded association occupancy mobility "stops". It's drama in the small pond. Often. Majority are "beginnings" places too. And can instigate either life long friendships and also quite the opposite. But nearly all the time it encompasses an almost supreme "knowledge" from one set of "flat" apartments about "the other". So all told not just a crime study here at all which escalated interest. The "eyes" look of Erin and the language of those who experienced her company, interesting and almost enthralling for the group psychology aspects alone. It did for me- that middle portion, the horse rescue farm too- absolutely compelling.
The beginning was rote and biographical and naming all the names. And origins. 3 star at best but also written simply and clearly. There are few extra asides and endless redundancies as sometimes occur in this genre when it is not well organized.
The last quarter of the book was anti-climatic. It just was. The reader knows all the answers and the reciting of all the police names and forms and procedures numb you. With outcomes you know will echo tragedy and ultimate loss and sadness of survivors.
But it was heartily worth the read for that middle portion. This is how a 19 year old woman thinks? About marriage? About what love performs/ equates for/ in actions to be viable? Some absolutely at 22 years of age maybe could be this simple of believability? Hard for me to believe, but I know it's true. This naivety level and this trusting to what love values compose? Lots of abstracts about "feelings" and values to view within these actions that occurred at Twentynine Palms, CA. And some raise quite a bit of questionable criteria of my own about what kinds/ types of professional testing to thought patterns are actually done with soldiers. Soldiers in the making and soldiers of aftermath. Even the jarheads.
Because in college dorms or any other small sized units like those framed in this book- and in nearly any era too- the mixtures! It's very different from long term lodgings of any other sizes. Renters so seemingly same but NOT same. Within personality and cognition and the resulting stew is compatible or NOT- but to me, intriguing. They just are- these lodging groups. Because you so often have same age, peer situations supreme, vocational and event similarities and at the same time nearly as many compelling competitions or melding meshes of quite the opposite of attraction. Not only the sexual attraction but skill/sport/hobby similarities. Often going from one to the other (attract/ repel) and back for the "melding" at that. I've seen it myself in small housing "new" sub-divisions too. Or public housing of workplace graded association occupancy mobility "stops". It's drama in the small pond. Often. Majority are "beginnings" places too. And can instigate either life long friendships and also quite the opposite. But nearly all the time it encompasses an almost supreme "knowledge" from one set of "flat" apartments about "the other". So all told not just a crime study here at all which escalated interest. The "eyes" look of Erin and the language of those who experienced her company, interesting and almost enthralling for the group psychology aspects alone. It did for me- that middle portion, the horse rescue farm too- absolutely compelling.
The beginning was rote and biographical and naming all the names. And origins. 3 star at best but also written simply and clearly. There are few extra asides and endless redundancies as sometimes occur in this genre when it is not well organized.
The last quarter of the book was anti-climatic. It just was. The reader knows all the answers and the reciting of all the police names and forms and procedures numb you. With outcomes you know will echo tragedy and ultimate loss and sadness of survivors.
But it was heartily worth the read for that middle portion. This is how a 19 year old woman thinks? About marriage? About what love performs/ equates for/ in actions to be viable? Some absolutely at 22 years of age maybe could be this simple of believability? Hard for me to believe, but I know it's true. This naivety level and this trusting to what love values compose? Lots of abstracts about "feelings" and values to view within these actions that occurred at Twentynine Palms, CA. And some raise quite a bit of questionable criteria of my own about what kinds/ types of professional testing to thought patterns are actually done with soldiers. Soldiers in the making and soldiers of aftermath. Even the jarheads.
April 19, 2019
Another great true crime book by this author. So far I have liked all of her books.
After reading half of it I wrote:
So far it is very good and I am invested. There was a little annoyance reading her last book because she did the victim has no faults and killer has no redeeming qualities thing I always dislike (Ann Rule's only fault was she did that writing some of her books) but with this book I do not feel it and she is just telling the story.
FInished this book and I recommend.
After reading half of it I wrote:
So far it is very good and I am invested. There was a little annoyance reading her last book because she did the victim has no faults and killer has no redeeming qualities thing I always dislike (Ann Rule's only fault was she did that writing some of her books) but with this book I do not feel it and she is just telling the story.
FInished this book and I recommend.
April 25, 2019
Although this book was uncomplicated and a quick read, it gave complete and absorbing details of the murder of 19 year old Erin Corwin, the wife of a Marine corporal, outside of Twentynine Palms, California.
Erin and her boyfriend Jon were very young when they fell in love and decided to get married. Although their parents worried about them jumping into the relationship so early, they gave their blessing, and the couple married in Las Vegas. They moved to Twentynine Palms, where Jon was stationed, and lived in base housing there. They grew to know the neighbors that lived close to them, including Chris and Nichole Lee. Before long, as their parents had feared, the young couple began having problems, and Erin eventually began an affair with Chris, a disastrous mistake that would prove fatal.
The author takes us on the journey of Erin's life as an adopted child in a loving, religious family, her passionate love of animals, and her teenage starry-eyed romance with Jon. The author also gives us information about her family and friends, as well as her neighbor, Chris, and the darkness that seemed to control him at times.
Necessarily graphic in some parts, the book tells of events leading up to the horrible death Erin encountered in an abandoned mine in the deserts of Twentynine Palms, and skillfully details the arrest and eventual conviction of her lover, Chris Lee.
This was a page-turner for me, and I thought it was very well-written. My one problem with the entire story was the title. It sounds like a corny Lifetime movie, and I actually expected the story to be the same. However, the writing was professional and skillful, and while I hesitate to say I enjoyed a true murder story, especially about a girl so young, it definitely kept me interested the whole way through.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Erin and her boyfriend Jon were very young when they fell in love and decided to get married. Although their parents worried about them jumping into the relationship so early, they gave their blessing, and the couple married in Las Vegas. They moved to Twentynine Palms, where Jon was stationed, and lived in base housing there. They grew to know the neighbors that lived close to them, including Chris and Nichole Lee. Before long, as their parents had feared, the young couple began having problems, and Erin eventually began an affair with Chris, a disastrous mistake that would prove fatal.
The author takes us on the journey of Erin's life as an adopted child in a loving, religious family, her passionate love of animals, and her teenage starry-eyed romance with Jon. The author also gives us information about her family and friends, as well as her neighbor, Chris, and the darkness that seemed to control him at times.
Necessarily graphic in some parts, the book tells of events leading up to the horrible death Erin encountered in an abandoned mine in the deserts of Twentynine Palms, and skillfully details the arrest and eventual conviction of her lover, Chris Lee.
This was a page-turner for me, and I thought it was very well-written. My one problem with the entire story was the title. It sounds like a corny Lifetime movie, and I actually expected the story to be the same. However, the writing was professional and skillful, and while I hesitate to say I enjoyed a true murder story, especially about a girl so young, it definitely kept me interested the whole way through.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
June 21, 2019
I loved your previous book and this one didnt disappoint either. This kept my interest the whole way through. Couldnt wait till I had time to read it. I think you did a superb job getting all the facts out and not focusing too much on the murder . You make it very personal which i like and it makes me feel like i know the people involved.
September 4, 2022
Shanna Hogan was only able to write four books before she tragically passed away and if you are a true crime buff, I highly recommend all of them. I love how she structures the stories. Starts with a great hook, introduces the players, builds up to the crime, and covers the finale and aftermath. You can tell she does her research and really gets to know the people she's investigating.
This book is probably my least favorite of the four, but still well done. I had a harder time getting into it, mostly because of one section at the beginning. There was way too much about horses. I've learned from several different novels and nonfiction books that in depth horse discussions are in my top ten least favorite topics. It's all incredibly boring to me. Once we got through that seemingly long section on horses was able to really dive in.
Erin Corwin was a young girl who met her husband at a horse stable. (Of course.) He joined the military and they ended up on a base where Erin started an affair with one of their neighbors. This would eventually lead to her death. After weeks of searching in the hot desert, they found Erin's body at the bottom of an old mine shaft.
Hogan does a great job getting eye witness accounts from a variety of people. I think that's what I enjoy most about her writing. Lots of first hand knowledge.
The audiobook was narrated by Sophie Amoss. She did a fine job.
I'm currently in the middle of the last book of hers that I had to read. It always makes me sad when I think of her passing, she was obviously an exceptionally bright, dedicated, talented individual.
This book is probably my least favorite of the four, but still well done. I had a harder time getting into it, mostly because of one section at the beginning. There was way too much about horses. I've learned from several different novels and nonfiction books that in depth horse discussions are in my top ten least favorite topics. It's all incredibly boring to me. Once we got through that seemingly long section on horses was able to really dive in.
Erin Corwin was a young girl who met her husband at a horse stable. (Of course.) He joined the military and they ended up on a base where Erin started an affair with one of their neighbors. This would eventually lead to her death. After weeks of searching in the hot desert, they found Erin's body at the bottom of an old mine shaft.
Hogan does a great job getting eye witness accounts from a variety of people. I think that's what I enjoy most about her writing. Lots of first hand knowledge.
The audiobook was narrated by Sophie Amoss. She did a fine job.
I'm currently in the middle of the last book of hers that I had to read. It always makes me sad when I think of her passing, she was obviously an exceptionally bright, dedicated, talented individual.
September 15, 2020
First, I would like to give condolences to the families of the author and Erin Corwin.
I read this book because I recently learned about the tragic death of the author and one of her books caught my eye. I've been around the military community all my life and I currently work on a Marine base, so I was very interested in this book.
I give the book 4 stars because I just don't think 5 stars is fitting for a book based on a true story about a murder. The book immediately caught my attention and it gave me Lifetime movie vibes. The author does an excellent job of character development, readers truly gets a since what everyone looks like and mannerism.
I recommend for those who are interested in crime stories and those who have a interest in nature especially caves and mines.
I read this book because I recently learned about the tragic death of the author and one of her books caught my eye. I've been around the military community all my life and I currently work on a Marine base, so I was very interested in this book.
I give the book 4 stars because I just don't think 5 stars is fitting for a book based on a true story about a murder. The book immediately caught my attention and it gave me Lifetime movie vibes. The author does an excellent job of character development, readers truly gets a since what everyone looks like and mannerism.
I recommend for those who are interested in crime stories and those who have a interest in nature especially caves and mines.
September 16, 2023
Superbly written true crime that highlighted the families involved, the details leading up to the crime and the aftermath. This audiobook was gripping and I burned through it in almost one sitting!
January 30, 2019
True Crime fanatic here!!! I love True Crime shows, books, podcasts. You name it, I'm down to look, listen or hear it.
Secrets of a Marine's Wife was a "good" read. Erin Corwin and her husband Jon are a newly married, young military couple. With a recent move to Twenty Seven Palms in California, they've learned to make some adjustments to living on base. Befriending two other couples in the same apartment complex, the couples often get together to have dinner, hang out and lean on each other in trying times.
In preparation for a visit from her mom, newly pregnant Erin takes a day trip to Joshua Tree Park, hoping to find great spots to show her. However, Erin never returns home. The heat increasing with each passing day and no word from Erin, suspicions being to mount in the quiet Marine Community. It's soon discovered by Detectives that Erin was having an affair with Christopher Lee (another Marine from the couple's circle of friends). Lacking a sense of direction, everyone thinks Erin is just lost. But, in the coming days it's revealed her disappearance is more sinister than they expected. Fingers start pointing, paternity becomes questionable and the clock is ticking to find Erin Corwin.
I enjoyed this true crime story, but the book could've used a little more editing. There was SO much information in the book that I sometimes found myself thinking, "was that really necessary to add"? Certain information that I felt was just shoved into the story in random spots. Otherwise, it was a decent read.
*Thanks to NetGalley and the Publishers for an ARC! *
Secrets of a Marine's Wife was a "good" read. Erin Corwin and her husband Jon are a newly married, young military couple. With a recent move to Twenty Seven Palms in California, they've learned to make some adjustments to living on base. Befriending two other couples in the same apartment complex, the couples often get together to have dinner, hang out and lean on each other in trying times.
In preparation for a visit from her mom, newly pregnant Erin takes a day trip to Joshua Tree Park, hoping to find great spots to show her. However, Erin never returns home. The heat increasing with each passing day and no word from Erin, suspicions being to mount in the quiet Marine Community. It's soon discovered by Detectives that Erin was having an affair with Christopher Lee (another Marine from the couple's circle of friends). Lacking a sense of direction, everyone thinks Erin is just lost. But, in the coming days it's revealed her disappearance is more sinister than they expected. Fingers start pointing, paternity becomes questionable and the clock is ticking to find Erin Corwin.
I enjoyed this true crime story, but the book could've used a little more editing. There was SO much information in the book that I sometimes found myself thinking, "was that really necessary to add"? Certain information that I felt was just shoved into the story in random spots. Otherwise, it was a decent read.
*Thanks to NetGalley and the Publishers for an ARC! *
December 7, 2020
My review is not based on the case itself but the writing/editing only.
I'm a true crime fanatic. News, books, radio, podcast, whatever is available, I devour every media type.
This book could have and should have been a half its length. There are many points that unnecessary information is added to the point that the story is stretched way too far. Also, assuming this is a "report" not a work of fiction, it's surprising that there are some subjective point of view of the author. If the book had all the necessary information and details of the case, some rambling and poor editing wouldn't have mattered. In a word that even a home podcast maker gets so much information to produce a truly information rich podcast, I don't recommend this book.
I'm a true crime fanatic. News, books, radio, podcast, whatever is available, I devour every media type.
This book could have and should have been a half its length. There are many points that unnecessary information is added to the point that the story is stretched way too far. Also, assuming this is a "report" not a work of fiction, it's surprising that there are some subjective point of view of the author. If the book had all the necessary information and details of the case, some rambling and poor editing wouldn't have mattered. In a word that even a home podcast maker gets so much information to produce a truly information rich podcast, I don't recommend this book.
February 28, 2019
The storyline seemed to really drag on and rambled on with no apparent direction. Then there are times when you get a little confused on who is who because everyone is being listed in the conversation.
I am not sure why there was not more attention placed on Nadine because she was definitely a true whack job. Also, isn't the husband always the first suspect?
I think that this case was a jumbled cluster junk from the very beginning. There are so many people who have so much to say and there are so many clues.
As a parent, I would be absolutely livid about so much of what is going on with the investigation. You read this and tell me if you don't agree with me.
I am not sure why there was not more attention placed on Nadine because she was definitely a true whack job. Also, isn't the husband always the first suspect?
I think that this case was a jumbled cluster junk from the very beginning. There are so many people who have so much to say and there are so many clues.
As a parent, I would be absolutely livid about so much of what is going on with the investigation. You read this and tell me if you don't agree with me.
April 11, 2019
Not necessarily a who done it, but more of a why and how. Hogan tells a pretty straightforward tale of the murder of a young woman caught up in an adulterous affair. She methodically layers the victim's background with that of all the players and then lays out the mounting evidence.The result is a true crime story that covers all of the bases.
Copy provided by the Publisher and NetGalley
Copy provided by the Publisher and NetGalley
February 21, 2019
I had been listening to the podcast about this case before reading the book. This was a sad and interesting book to read and it gave me a lot of mixed emotions. I felt sad for Erin and very angry at her killer. I also can't understand why the killer's wife wasn't charged with conspiracy. If you're interested in this case, this was a good overview of it.
March 26, 2019
I never miss a book by Shanna Hogan. She makes you feel like you are there living what she is writing. this one is the best so far. her books are always well researched and keep you on the edge of your seat. Can't wait for the next one!
March 14, 2019
Very well written True Crime book - this author is a gifted writer, complete with compassion and thorough thoughts on the crime. I’ll read anything she authors.
September 3, 2020
*Audiobook review* I usually don’t have the interest/attention to listen to 9+ hours of the same case. But this was so well written that I couldn’t wait to get to the next part!
March 15, 2019
I would like to thank St. Martin's Press for my advance copy.
This is a sad story of 19-year-old Erin who was basically just discovering who she might be and who she was in the world. Erin's life was taken by the man she thought she loved and knew. She was in her first trimester of her pregnancy with Chris's baby when he decided that she no longer served a purpose in his life. Both were married and living on the Marine base with friends that they shared a great deal with. Many thanks need to be said to the law enforcement agencies that worked this case and did not give up on finding Erin's body and Chris's involvement.
The story is told quite well and the details are explained neatly and in chronological order. Shanna Hogan does a good job of setting the scene by letting the reader know who Erin is by describing her early life and how she came to be in this world.
This is a sad story of 19-year-old Erin who was basically just discovering who she might be and who she was in the world. Erin's life was taken by the man she thought she loved and knew. She was in her first trimester of her pregnancy with Chris's baby when he decided that she no longer served a purpose in his life. Both were married and living on the Marine base with friends that they shared a great deal with. Many thanks need to be said to the law enforcement agencies that worked this case and did not give up on finding Erin's body and Chris's involvement.
The story is told quite well and the details are explained neatly and in chronological order. Shanna Hogan does a good job of setting the scene by letting the reader know who Erin is by describing her early life and how she came to be in this world.
January 3, 2020
A tragic, heart wrenching story but brilliantly reported. When I pick up anything written by Shanna Hogan I can’t put it down.
September 26, 2020
Great writing from the perspective of a journalist! The author did an excellent job interviewing different characters for her book, which is about love, betrayal and murder. I read the book in 4 days.
February 10, 2019
Secrets Of A Soldier’s Wife by Shanna Hogan, true-crime author and journalist, tells the gripping story of Erin Corwin’s life as daughter, wife, and friend and the evil she encountered shortly after arriving to Twentynine Palms, California as a young Marine’s wife.
*****
Secrets of A Soldier’s Wife is Shanna Hogan’s fourth true-crime novel and her ability to capture the true essence of Erin Corwin and who she was while sharing her tragic story involving love, betrayal and deception leaves you with an impactful story you won’t soon forget.
*****
A journalistic account of Erin Corwin’s life from those who knew her well and the details of her murder are shocking. I devoured the content of this book and spent hours looking into the life of Erin Corwin and the case surrounding her death. Shanna Hogan shares Erin’s story beautifully and thoughtfully despite the evil that captured her innocence.
*****
Secrets of A Soldier’s Wife is Shanna Hogan’s fourth true-crime novel and her ability to capture the true essence of Erin Corwin and who she was while sharing her tragic story involving love, betrayal and deception leaves you with an impactful story you won’t soon forget.
*****
A journalistic account of Erin Corwin’s life from those who knew her well and the details of her murder are shocking. I devoured the content of this book and spent hours looking into the life of Erin Corwin and the case surrounding her death. Shanna Hogan shares Erin’s story beautifully and thoughtfully despite the evil that captured her innocence.
February 4, 2019
As I started reading Secrets of A Marine’s Wife by Shanna Hogan, I realized it was vaguely familiar, then remembered that I had read the story in a magazine (People?) which had featured a cover photo of a young Marine and his wife in formal dress, attending a formal Marines Ball shortly before the wife disappeared. Although I had a slight familiarity with the story, I was happy to read all the sordid tragic details, thanks to a review copy provided by St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
Eric and Jon Corwin, a VERY young couple, lived in the California desert town of Twentynine Palms, near the base where Jon served. Christoper Lee, a Marine who lived next door, struck up a friendship with the Corwins. His relationship with Erin grew into a full affair as he used her as someone to whom he could vent about his depression. Their affair was no secret, so when Erin disappeared, the three main suspects were Jon, Chris, and Chris’s wife Nichole. All of them had a good reason to want Erin to disappear, particularly since Erin was pregnant, apparently with Chris’s child.
Chris was one of the dumbest criminals ever. He went into the desert a week prior to Erin’s disappearance, checking out abandoned mines with a friend who documented the sites, including the eventual dump site. He also explained his absence the day of Erin’s disappearance by saying he was going coyote hunting. Really? Hunting nocturnal animals in the middle of the day in 100-plus degree weather? Nearly two months after her disappearance, Erin’s body was found at the bottom of an abandoned mine shaft (captured earlier by his friend with a photo that made it possible for searchers to locate). She had a homemade garrote wrapped around her neck– an exact duplicate of which was found in Chris’s truck. Oh, and he had searched on his computer for how to dispose of a body.
It’s an interesting story, with no surprises other than how stupid Chris was. People with a particular interest in this case or just domestic true crime in general will be interested in reading this. It could have used some editing, however. For example, we read about “the scandalous ten-day trial” and are told about the “third week of the trial.” Possibly this is due to calendar oddities (ten actual court days spread over three different weeks?), but it stood out. I’d give it two stars, but I’m still an easy grader even in retirement, so let’s call it three.
Eric and Jon Corwin, a VERY young couple, lived in the California desert town of Twentynine Palms, near the base where Jon served. Christoper Lee, a Marine who lived next door, struck up a friendship with the Corwins. His relationship with Erin grew into a full affair as he used her as someone to whom he could vent about his depression. Their affair was no secret, so when Erin disappeared, the three main suspects were Jon, Chris, and Chris’s wife Nichole. All of them had a good reason to want Erin to disappear, particularly since Erin was pregnant, apparently with Chris’s child.
Chris was one of the dumbest criminals ever. He went into the desert a week prior to Erin’s disappearance, checking out abandoned mines with a friend who documented the sites, including the eventual dump site. He also explained his absence the day of Erin’s disappearance by saying he was going coyote hunting. Really? Hunting nocturnal animals in the middle of the day in 100-plus degree weather? Nearly two months after her disappearance, Erin’s body was found at the bottom of an abandoned mine shaft (captured earlier by his friend with a photo that made it possible for searchers to locate). She had a homemade garrote wrapped around her neck– an exact duplicate of which was found in Chris’s truck. Oh, and he had searched on his computer for how to dispose of a body.
It’s an interesting story, with no surprises other than how stupid Chris was. People with a particular interest in this case or just domestic true crime in general will be interested in reading this. It could have used some editing, however. For example, we read about “the scandalous ten-day trial” and are told about the “third week of the trial.” Possibly this is due to calendar oddities (ten actual court days spread over three different weeks?), but it stood out. I’d give it two stars, but I’m still an easy grader even in retirement, so let’s call it three.
March 5, 2019
I knew Erin through mutual friends so I was hesitant to start this one, but Shanna did an amazing job. She did a great job getting the truth and laying out the facts. Very well written true crime book.
March 4, 2019
The author wrote a book that reads better than any fictional mystery. The thorough research and attention to detail make this a must read!
February 20, 2019
4 stars
Secrets of a Marine's Wife
A True Story of Marriage, Obsession, and Murder
Shanna Hogan has written an incredibly compelling and complex book regarding the brutal murder of Erin Corwin. Hogan does justice to the victim and her family without sensationalizing her death, as far too many true crime authors fail to do, She also does not downplay the troubles in Erin’s life. Hogan does a phenomenal job of revealing the twisted evil mind of the man Erin thought she loved and the bizarre relationship between her killer and his wife.
This is an extremely well-written book. Anyone who follows true crime will certainly be interested in this book. It doesn’t feel right to say I enjoyed a true crime book, but I was intrigued by it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. The views given are my own. #SecretsofaMarine'sWife #NetGalley #StMartinsPress
Secrets of a Marine's Wife
A True Story of Marriage, Obsession, and Murder
Shanna Hogan has written an incredibly compelling and complex book regarding the brutal murder of Erin Corwin. Hogan does justice to the victim and her family without sensationalizing her death, as far too many true crime authors fail to do, She also does not downplay the troubles in Erin’s life. Hogan does a phenomenal job of revealing the twisted evil mind of the man Erin thought she loved and the bizarre relationship between her killer and his wife.
This is an extremely well-written book. Anyone who follows true crime will certainly be interested in this book. It doesn’t feel right to say I enjoyed a true crime book, but I was intrigued by it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. The views given are my own. #SecretsofaMarine'sWife #NetGalley #StMartinsPress
February 24, 2019
This book is very well written and thought out. The murder of Erin Corbin will keep you reading until the last page. This book gives very detailed information on all that knew Erin and the type of young woman she was. The writing on the crime itself, the trial, but more importantly, the person who took Erin’s life, Chris Lee. Great book on a horrendous crime. Extremely good. Thanks to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for the ARC of this book in return for my honest review. Receiving the book in this way had no bearing on my review. Highly recommend.
May 27, 2019
It's terrible to say that a horrible crime wasn't that "interesting", but the perpetrator here was simply a brain dead moronic thug. The poor little silly teenage victim should never have gotten married and landed in godforsaken Twentynine Palms in the first place, and certainly should not have had an affair and gotten pregnant by the creep next door. She was good to animals, (he shot coyotes for "fun" didn't that bother her?) but other than appreciating her for that I had a hard time summoning much feeling for anyone else involved here. The author does give it a good try.
December 10, 2019
A highly absorbing book, but a very sad story.
May 12, 2019
Lately I have been in a reading slump not really able to focus for long on a book. This story was just what I needed to help me out of that slump. A true crime story by one of my favourite true crime authors. The case is the murder of Marine wife Erin Corwin killed just days before her 20th birthday. I had heard about this case briefly before reading this book, back when HLN used to cover crime stories for three to four hours and have seen a few documentaries on it, but the book is a deep dive with far more details. Adopted into a loving family as a child Erin grew up a shy sweet natured child who adored her parents and siblings and all animals most especially horses. She meets her husband Jon at sixteen while caring for her horse Rye Leigh. They fall deeply in love and despite warnings they were too young the couple elope to Las Vegas and move to the Marine base at Twentynine Palms California. Of course being so young nd unprepared the couple quickly runs into trouble mostly over money. Then came the Lee family who lived next door. Also in a struggling marriage husband Chris begins an affair with Erin. When the affair comes out the two seem to part ways. Erin discovers she's pregnant and one week later she vanishes. This crime book has to be one of the saddest I've ever read. The tragic ending of a young life probably two, with such hope and promise, two marriages upended families torn apart. But it's also a story of hope. The cavers who never gave up on finding Erin's body, the amount of love and support that was shown to her grieving family. One of the better crime stories if not a devastating one it certainly kept me turning the pages later than I should've stayed up at night.
June 26, 2022
Marrying too young, adultery, and murder, are the elements behind the tragic short life of Erin Corwin. The book starts with the search and recovery of a body. The author then retraces the steps that led investigators to that exact spot.
Erin was only eighteen when she married the first boy she had ever dated, Jon Cowin. They married soon after Jon completed basic training for the marines. Erin was an animal lover who had a way with horses. She met Chris Lee at a horse stable. He was there because his wife thought it would help him overcome his depression. Chris and his wife, Nicole, were also neighbors. Like Jon, Chris was a marine.
Erin and Chris started spending more time together. They texted. They expressed affection for each other. Eventually, they began an affair. Erin soon lost interest in her new marriage and turned her focus on Chris.
When Chris's wife Nicole found out about the affair, Chris agreed to end it. But they were neighbors, and the affair continued. It all came to a head when Erin learned that she was pregnant and that Chris was most likely the father.
Who killed Erin? Was it Jon after learning about the pregnancy? Was it Chris who already had a daughter and a wife and didn't need the complication? Or was it someone else? This is a case where the circumstantial evidence points clearly and definitively in only one direction.
Erin was only eighteen when she married the first boy she had ever dated, Jon Cowin. They married soon after Jon completed basic training for the marines. Erin was an animal lover who had a way with horses. She met Chris Lee at a horse stable. He was there because his wife thought it would help him overcome his depression. Chris and his wife, Nicole, were also neighbors. Like Jon, Chris was a marine.
Erin and Chris started spending more time together. They texted. They expressed affection for each other. Eventually, they began an affair. Erin soon lost interest in her new marriage and turned her focus on Chris.
When Chris's wife Nicole found out about the affair, Chris agreed to end it. But they were neighbors, and the affair continued. It all came to a head when Erin learned that she was pregnant and that Chris was most likely the father.
Who killed Erin? Was it Jon after learning about the pregnancy? Was it Chris who already had a daughter and a wife and didn't need the complication? Or was it someone else? This is a case where the circumstantial evidence points clearly and definitively in only one direction.
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