First off, what occurred was a pure tragedy. Ellen did not deserve a brutal death that was clearly not her ending her own life. With the descriptions of the crime scene and the placement of the stab wounds, there was no was she could have done that to herself.

The way the story was written, however, was not exactly the best. It was all over the place without a clear, constant timeline. The repetition within each chapter became extremely tedious to read through. As far as a true crime novel goes, this one needs more editing, more refinement, and less chapters.

Thanks to NetGalley, Nancy Grace, and Post Hill Press for allowing me to read an advanced reader copy of What Happened to Ellen? in the return of an honest review.

Oh my goodness. I truly didn't realize that errors of such magnitude could happen in today's legal system. My heart broke for the parents of Ellen. My heart broke for Ellen's friends and extended family, not only the devastation of not getting anywhere legally but being left with the questions of the unknown. What really happened? Who killed her? Why was such a poor job done of investigating? It truly left me with a sense of sadness, especially with the brutality shown to Ellen in her final hours. The story itself helped me feel as though I knew Ellen. The case documents at the end appeals to those who love all things legal. It was a great combination of drawing the reader into the story to get to know Ellen the person and for readers to see all the evidence in front of them as well. Excellent book. Great read.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley and wasn't obligated to write a review. All opinions are solely mine.

I received a free copy of, What Happened to Ellen, by Nancy Grace, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. School teacher Ellen, was obviously murdered, but the police, detectives, coroner, screwed up, and did a horrible job on this case. Philadelphia did Ellen wrong, and is still doing Ellen wrong.

Release: April 22, 2025
-Nancy Grace
Publisher: Post hill press

Rating: 4 ★

What Happened to Ellen by Nancy Grace is a gripping and emotional true crime novel that delves into the real-life disappearance of 15-year-old Ellen Greenberg. Nancy Grace, a former prosecutor and renowned TV personality, brings her legal expertise and passion for justice to this chilling case, exploring the circumstances surrounding Ellen's mysterious death. The book is part memoir, part investigative report, as Grace passionately questions the official ruling and uncovers new angles of the case that might have been overlooked.
Grace uses her platform to highlight the flaws in the investigation and the subsequent handling of the case. The book is a blend of personal reflection and journalistic investigation, providing a deep dive into the complexities of the justice system and its impact on victims’ families. Grace's commitment to shedding light on Ellen's case, and possibly reopening it, adds a layer of urgency to the story. Her emotional connection to the case makes it all the more compelling, making readers question what really happened to Ellen Greenberg.
The tone is intense, driven by the author's unwavering determination to uncover the truth. Nancy Grace doesn’t shy away from confronting uncomfortable truths about law enforcement's role in the case, as well as the emotional toll it takes on Ellen’s family and loved ones. Fans of true crime, as well as those interested in legal justice, will find this book both informative and heartbreaking.

Summary:
What Happened to Ellen centers around the tragic and mysterious death of 15-year-old Ellen Greenberg, who was found dead in her apartment in January 2011. Initially ruled a suicide, the circumstances surrounding Ellen's death were suspicious, and Nancy Grace digs into the investigation, questioning the validity of the official findings. The book explores the flaws in the case, highlighting potential cover-ups and the emotional toll on Ellen’s family. Grace’s investigative approach and legal expertise bring fresh insight into the case, leaving readers with lingering questions about the true nature of Ellen’s death.

Favorite Quote:
"you can run from the past, but it always catches up with you - usually when you least expect it".

An excellent read for any and all readers! Author comes at you with both barrels and knocks you out of your shoes! Great job fleshing out all the characters. I give this book FIVE stars! Definitely recommend!

Already knowing of this case, I was intrigued to read more about the Ellen's life and get to know her and her family more than what other media outlets have reported on.
While this case is still heart breaking for the family, I don't believe this was the way to display the evidence of the case. I was offten confused more than understanding. A d i felt like I learned the same information from a true crime podcast.
Thank you to NetGalley for the e-arc.

I was familiar with this case before reading this book but I learned so much. This story is as frustrating as it is sad. I hope there will be justice for Ellen one day. She deserves the truth to come out. Nancy Grace did a wonderful job with this book and I hope it gets into the right hands and something can be done.

Twenty seven year old Ellen Greenberg seemed to have it all. Living in the Philadelphia area, a teaching job. And a loving fiancee. But on a snowy day in January 2011, everything changed, w when her fiancee Sam Goldberg discovers, Ellen dead in their apartment. She had multiple stan wounds, and old bruises on her body. The scene mis investigated. an autopsy is performed. The conclusion is suicide. This book, takes the reader from the discovery of Ellen’s body to the police investigation.
Surprisingly, with over twenty stab wounds her death is ruled a suicide. But not everyone believes Ellen would kill, herself. And then there are the logistics of inflicting so many stab wounds. NNancy Grace follows the story from the beginning . The discovery of her body to the police investigation.. She follows the timeline of the events.she highlights the error s and inconsistencies that occurred in the investigation. If you , are a fan of true crime this is a book you will definitely want to read.

Thank you to NetGalley and Post Hill Press for this eARC of “What Happened to Ellen?” By Nancy Grace.
This is the first true crime book I’ve read in a while about a case that I was unfamiliar with. This story was frustrating and heartbreaking to see how easily an “investigation” (if you can even call it that) can go wrong. When a young, newly engaged 1st grade teacher dies of multiple stab wounds in her own apartment it’s bad enough but when this tragedy is ultimately ruled a suicide, Ellen Greenberg’s family knows they will have to fight for their daughter. I loved that Nancy Grace is using this book to try and help Ellen’s family find some answers and peace. Reads much like a dateline episode and though it felt repetitive at times I believe this was the authors way of driving home important details about this case. I hope the Greenburg’s will someday get the justice for Ellen that they deserve.

I don’t think this is a particularly well written true crime account. I haven’t watched Nancy Grace but have seen a clips of her passionate presenting style. I could feel the same energy through the tone and phrases. That was fine but the story wasn’t coherent enough to really get a grasp of Ellen’s character or her fiancés family, or even what was going on in the lead up to the crime. It didn’t have that detached journalistic approach of exploring all angles of the crime in its entirety and laying it to the reader in a palatable way. I found this a frustrating read overall.

Thank you Netgalley and Regalo Press for a Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

First, the story it broke my heart. I hope that none of these investigators have jobs. Allowing anyone to "pay" to cover up a crime. (This is what I believe) is horrible. This woman went through hell and back with that man and you are telling me she stabbed her own self in the back of the neck. She would have had to be flexible to do that.I had forgotten all about this story until I was gifted this incredible read.

So, you ask why I gave it two stars? The story part was great. The court information and proceeding's part was so unedited and made for a tough read. Like really tough. Maybe it is because I had an e-arc. I plan to buy this book when it comes out and I will give it a higher rating.

This case will make you so mad. Ellen deserves justice! How her fiancee got away with murder is absolutely heartbreaking and disgusting.

I just finished this book, and honestly, it hit me hard. I remember when this case was all over the news, and even back then, something felt seriously wrong. Reading this, it just solidified that gut feeling. The whole thing is a massive, heartbreaking miscarriage of justice, and I honestly can't believe such a miscarriage of justice like this can even happen.

Ellen's family has been fighting for answers for years. You just can't help but root for them to finally get the justice they deserve. It seems like they take one step forward and ten steps back.

Now, if you were like me and followed the case pretty closely when it happened, you might not find a ton of brand new information in here but you will get more details about that information. But even if you know the details, it's still a compelling read. It's a reminder of how easily justice can go astray and how important it is to keep fighting for the truth.

If you're interested in true crime and want to see how a system can fail, this book is worth your time. It's a powerful and important story, and I really hope it helps Ellen's family continue to fight for their daughter.

Thank you NetGalley and Post Hill Press for an ARC of this book. I voluntarily read and gave an honest review.

Nancy Grace’s What Happened to Ellen? An American Miscarriage of Justice offers a gripping and deeply personal exploration of a legal tragedy that casts a spotlight on the flaws within the American justice system. Nancy Grace’s thorough investigation and heartfelt writing make this book a poignant reminder of the very real consequences of wrongful convictions, and the need for vigilance in ensuring that justice is truly served..

Nancy Grace’s What Happened to Ellen is a compelling and well-researched account, but it’s undeniably difficult to read due to the heartbreaking subject matter. My heart aches for Ellen’s parents, who have endured unimaginable pain. Grace’s background as a legal analyst is evident in the meticulous detail and extensive access to court documents, which provide a deep and thorough understanding of the case. While the book is tough to get through emotionally, it’s an important read. I truly hope justice is served for Ellen and her family.

I hope we get justice for Ellen! How could the system fail her so badly? Nancy Grace takes a deep dive into the case. The book also includes court filings.

Even though I love True Crime I had never heard of Ellen Greenberg so I was so intrigued to read these. I started it alongside a couple of other reads as I fully expected it to be a dense and heavy read. However, having said that I finished this in a couple of sittings because what happened to her was so awful, I just couldn't stop reading. Fantastically written

What Happened to Ellen?
By Nancy Grace
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Pub date: April 22, 2025

Thank you to netgalley for this arc. I couldn’t believe my eyes during this telling of the mishandled case of Ellen Greenberg. Recently I’d heard that Ellen was stabbed 20 times and it was ruled a suicide by PA police. Ellen’s case does not make much sense and to this day her parents are still fighting for her case to be reopened and reinvestigated. This true crime book was well written and included all of the important details of Ellen’s story and includes all of the shareable files/evidence of the case. I will continue to follow Ellen’s case as I hope she finally gets the justice she deserves!

An excellent read for any and all readers! Author comes at you with both barrels and knocks you out of your shoes! Great job fleshing out all the characters. I give this book FIVE stars! Definitely recommend!

I would say that "What Haopened To Ellen?" by Nancy Grace, is a good appetizer to what will become a really great read.

I have never heard of this case, and found myself immediately drawn to it. I truly can't believe this obvious murder was ruled a suicide but it was! Not only that, but people stand by that decision for so long. This book is very detailed, and is very gives great insight into the investigation for truth and justice.

I will say that this book does not have a good flow. There is a bit of jumping around that can be confusing. It can also be very repetitive, and most of if it also court documents.