A new book out today (Friday) explores the deaths of three Clinton kids at Clinton Lake in 2003.

Authors Edith Brady-Lunny and Steve Vogel explore the drownings of Amanda Hamm's three young children and the investigation and trial that followed. Brady-Lunny says "Unforgiven: The Untold Story of One Woman's Search For Love and Justice" will be received by the community in different ways but feels it is important to present to the public how the court system operates.

After Hamm was released from prison after serving five years of a ten-year sentence, she married, had three children and was enthralled in a custody battle with the State of Illinois upon the birth of her third child. Brady-Lunny wants the book to ask the question of how much punishment is enough for an individual.

Vogel says the victims deserve to be remembered and feels the community deserves to have the story told in an objective way. 

Publishers Daily Reviews wrote quote - "It's these broader questions of abuse, justice, and redemption which galvanize a story made even more powerful (if that is possible) by the personal involvement of author/reporter Edith Brady-Lunny, who witnessed much, if not most, of what's described in this book.

"The Unforgiven goes far beyond the usual 'whodunnit' true crime approach, offering pointed considerations of justice and forgiveness.

"That it moves beyond the usual documentation of events to consider not just motives but the hearts of all involved places The Unforgiven in a highly recommended category of its own in the true crime field. It deftly employs the high drama of fiction to weave a compelling, can't-put-it-down story that considers different viewpoints as events unfold to an unexpected, riveting conclusion."

The book is available at Amazon and wherever books are sold. The authors will be at Warner Library in Clinton June 15.