ALMOST ELEVEN:
The Murder
Of Brenda Sue Sayers
This new non-fiction book factually presents the details of the abduction and murder of a ten-year-old girl in Brawley, California on January 7, 1965.
Take a guided tour of small town living during the 1960s. Follow the steps of a serial killer as he leaves a trail of death and sorrow throughout the United States to the small southern California town of Brawley.
In a chilling and compelling style of non-fiction narrative history, Crowson provides the readers a meticulously researched background of the killer, Robert Eugene Pennington. The book traces Pennington's childhood and subsequent life of crime in and out of prison, including his years as a circus roustabout and escaped convict.
Meet the family of innocent Brenda Sue Sayers, a beautiful young child whose wish to own a puppy cost her more than anyone could imagine.
The author's academic and investigative tone captivates the reader. The understanding of life in Brawley during this time and how this crime affected the community is very evident. Crowson's insight is provided with side stories and descriptions of overlapping crimes that deliver an historical, cultural, and legal perspective of this unique area.
ALMOST ELEVEN details the chilling and compelling method of law enforcement's search, capture, and trial of local boy turned evil. The book also details and honors their heroic work.
It was a horrific time for this family and for the history of this small town. This book ensures that Brenda will not be forgotten.
REVIEWS
“Almost Eleven is authentic….Crowson did an excellent job on covering the suspect Pennington’s life before the crime, the investigation and trial and
other interesting details. This book is worth a read. Well done, Mr. Crowson.”
Sheriff Cois Byrd, Former Sheriff of Riverside County, Murietta, CA. (Sheriff Byrd was a RCSO detective assigned to the Sayers case in 1965).
“A very well done true crime novel. Crowson does a good job of conveying the atmosphere of a small California agricultural community in the ‘60s.
Excellent read.” Honorable Judge Jeff Jones, Superior Court Judge of Imperial County, El Centro, California.
“In 1965, when I was in the 4th grade, Brenda Sue Sayers, my age, but at a different elementary school was kidnapped, raped, then murdered.
That crime changed my little town. The details filled our newspapers, but as a young child, I remember only the rumors swirling around my friends and
the fear instilled in our families, our neighborhood, and our schools. Finally, I get the whole gritty, terrible story. I know why little Brenda said yes to
going with the stranger, that and so many questions that remained in my head all these years get answered. I could not put the
book down.” Betty A. Miller, The Desert Review, Imperial Valley, CA
“This book was written about Brenda Sue Sayers and it took place in the town I live in. I remember what happened to her and knew most of the
people involved except for the murderer. It was well written and the author is also from here. Job well done.” Vickie Foster, Brawley, CA
“Definitely a must read.” Cindy Wright.
“Just finished Almost Eleven. It was fascinating…description of Brawley’s physical and cultural layout is spot on.
Really enjoyed the book!” Gretchen Seabolt Wendelin.
“It is amazing...factual and well written. Well done!” Kae Bradford Dessert.
“Captivating!” Evelyn DuBose.
“Fabulous. It is just great! As sad as the topic is, (Crowson) really nails it with all the research. All the names and all the historical references
brought back so many memories.” Mary Frances Fleming.
“Wow! Just finished Almost Eleven. So well written and I really enjoyed all the history included. It really took me back to 1965.” Leigh Ryder Leaming.
“It was great! Read it in a day, couldn’t put it down. Thank you for writing this!” Peggy Wilson.
“Very interesting. History of our little town. Well done!” Valerie McWilliams.
“The book was great! Thank you for writing it.” Carol Catchlow Shinn.
Take a guided tour of small town living during the 1960s. Follow the steps of a serial killer as he leaves a trail of death and sorrow throughout the United States to the small southern California town of Brawley.
In a chilling and compelling style of non-fiction narrative history, Crowson provides the readers a meticulously researched background of the killer, Robert Eugene Pennington. The book traces Pennington's childhood and subsequent life of crime in and out of prison, including his years as a circus roustabout and escaped convict.
Meet the family of innocent Brenda Sue Sayers, a beautiful young child whose wish to own a puppy cost her more than anyone could imagine.
The author's academic and investigative tone captivates the reader. The understanding of life in Brawley during this time and how this crime affected the community is very evident. Crowson's insight is provided with side stories and descriptions of overlapping crimes that deliver an historical, cultural, and legal perspective of this unique area.
ALMOST ELEVEN details the chilling and compelling method of law enforcement's search, capture, and trial of local boy turned evil. The book also details and honors their heroic work.
It was a horrific time for this family and for the history of this small town. This book ensures that Brenda will not be forgotten.
REVIEWS
“Almost Eleven is authentic….Crowson did an excellent job on covering the suspect Pennington’s life before the crime, the investigation and trial and
other interesting details. This book is worth a read. Well done, Mr. Crowson.”
Sheriff Cois Byrd, Former Sheriff of Riverside County, Murietta, CA. (Sheriff Byrd was a RCSO detective assigned to the Sayers case in 1965).
“A very well done true crime novel. Crowson does a good job of conveying the atmosphere of a small California agricultural community in the ‘60s.
Excellent read.” Honorable Judge Jeff Jones, Superior Court Judge of Imperial County, El Centro, California.
“In 1965, when I was in the 4th grade, Brenda Sue Sayers, my age, but at a different elementary school was kidnapped, raped, then murdered.
That crime changed my little town. The details filled our newspapers, but as a young child, I remember only the rumors swirling around my friends and
the fear instilled in our families, our neighborhood, and our schools. Finally, I get the whole gritty, terrible story. I know why little Brenda said yes to
going with the stranger, that and so many questions that remained in my head all these years get answered. I could not put the
book down.” Betty A. Miller, The Desert Review, Imperial Valley, CA
“This book was written about Brenda Sue Sayers and it took place in the town I live in. I remember what happened to her and knew most of the
people involved except for the murderer. It was well written and the author is also from here. Job well done.” Vickie Foster, Brawley, CA
“Definitely a must read.” Cindy Wright.
“Just finished Almost Eleven. It was fascinating…description of Brawley’s physical and cultural layout is spot on.
Really enjoyed the book!” Gretchen Seabolt Wendelin.
“It is amazing...factual and well written. Well done!” Kae Bradford Dessert.
“Captivating!” Evelyn DuBose.
“Fabulous. It is just great! As sad as the topic is, (Crowson) really nails it with all the research. All the names and all the historical references
brought back so many memories.” Mary Frances Fleming.
“Wow! Just finished Almost Eleven. So well written and I really enjoyed all the history included. It really took me back to 1965.” Leigh Ryder Leaming.
“It was great! Read it in a day, couldn’t put it down. Thank you for writing this!” Peggy Wilson.
“Very interesting. History of our little town. Well done!” Valerie McWilliams.
“The book was great! Thank you for writing it.” Carol Catchlow Shinn.
The book can be purchased through Amazon, Barnes and Noble or you can purchase hardback, paperback and audio versions direct from the author by visiting www.AlmostElevenTheBook.com
