ONCE UPON A TIME is absolutely gripping, and an example of true crime writing at its insightful best. Maclean is a master of the genre, and the case itself is fascinating. The family dynamics are horrific and tragically true -- and that means people lie to themselves and others with terrible consequences. The man accused of murdering a child was uncouth, unfaithful, disgusting, abusive ..and innocent. This book is important for anyone who thinks our justice system should react like an outraged victim instead of bending over backwards in the assumption of innocence. Even then, emotion and violations of the Constitution can put the wrong people behind bars.