The Secret History of the Rape Kit

by Pagan Kennedy
The Secret History of the Rape Kit cover
Good Books rating 4.17
Investigative Journalism
Technical
  • ID: 3726
  • Added: 2025-10-20
  • Updated: 2025-10-20
  • ISBN: 9780593314722
  • Publisher: Vintage
  • Published: 2025-01-14
  • Reviews: 3

In 1972, Martha 'Marty' Goddard volunteered at a crisis hotline, counseling girls who had been molested. Driven by a mission to understand why so many sexual predators evaded justice, she designed the rape kit and new practices for evidence collection that spread across the country. Her groundbreaking work, however, was overshadowed when a man took credit for her innovations. Journalist Pagan Kennedy embarks on a quest to uncover the truth about this forgotten pioneer, delving into the problematic history of forensics in America. As Kennedy follows a trail of clues, she also reflects on her own experiences with sexual assault and her personal quest for justice. The Secret History of the Rape Kit is a thrilling investigation that combines elements of a thriller, feminist reclamation, and personal journey. It chronicles Kennedy's mission to understand a crucial innovation in forensics and the woman who championed it, offering a compelling narrative that is both informative and deeply personal.

Reviews
The New York Times · 2025-08-24
insightful 4.00

The book delves into the complex history of the rape kit and the woman who championed it. It highlights both the innovation and the systemic issues surrounding rape cases.

The reviewer praises Pagan Kennedy's exploration of the rape kit's history, noting the intricate story of its creation and the ongoing struggles within the justice system. They emphasize the book's ability to shed light on both the progress and the persistent challenges in addressing sexual violence. The narrative is compelling, though it also evokes a sense of frustration with the systemic indifference that has long plagued this issue.

Quick quotes

    In “The Secret History of the Rape Kit,” Pagan Kennedy explores the tangled story of a simple but life-changing innovation, and the woman who fought for it.

    The book delves into the complex history of the rape kit and the woman who championed it.

    It highlights both the innovation and the systemic issues surrounding rape cases.

What Is Quinn Reading · 2025-05-24
enraging 4.50

The book is both fascinating and infuriating, sparking a deep sense of rage due to its content.

The reviewer finds the book to be a captivating yet enraging read. They highlight how the narrative brings to light the injustices and systemic failures in handling sexual assault cases. The emotional impact of the book is significant, leaving a lasting impression on the reader. The reviewer appreciates the importance of the story but also acknowledges the distress it can cause.

Quick quotes

    This is a fascinating read, but I'm fairly sure it took years off my life (decades, even) due to the sheer amount of rage it sparked in me.

    The book is both fascinating and infuriating, sparking a deep sense of rage due to its content.

    The emotional impact of the book is significant, leaving a lasting impression on the reader.

Goodreads · 2025-02-03
impactful 4.00

The book is a challenging read due to its heavy subject matter but is praised for its thorough research and the important story it tells.

The reviewer acknowledges that this book is a difficult read, both emotionally and intellectually, but commends Pagan Kennedy's extensive research. They appreciate the effort to uncover and share the story of the rape kit and its impact, despite the heavy and sometimes distressing content. The book is seen as a significant contribution to understanding the history and implications of this crucial tool in forensic science.

Quick quotes

    This was a difficult read, it's going to be a difficult book to review and a difficult book to rate.

    Kennedy has done some great research in uncovering the ...

    A thrilling, novelistic work of journalism that uncovers the remarkable and hidden story of Marty Goddard, the woman who invented the rape kit.

Appears in Lists