Gabby Petito

Her Untold Story. The Light and Hope She Left Behind.

Published by BenBella Books
Distributed by Simon & Schuster
LIST PRICE $29.95

About The Book

Four parents, bound by love for one extraordinary young woman, come together to share the unfiltered truth about life, loss, and what it means to keep going when the unthinkable happens.

In 2021, Gabby Petito’s seemingly idyllic cross-country van life with her fiancé, Brian Laundrie, spiraled into a nightmare. Her tearful encounter with police captured the attention of millions around the world, who followed the chilling aftermath of her disappearance as it played out in real time.

For Gabby’s parents, the experience was doubly harrowing, as they faced the loss of their daughter while under an unrelenting media spotlight.

This book goes beyond the headlines and gives an inside look at the reality of domestic violence, family struggle, and loss that Gabby’s family and countless others are facing. Written from the perspective of her parents, Gabby Petito invites readers into the human side behind the media frenzy and reveals the painful reality of grief and resilience.

In these pages, the authors share:
  • Red flags they wish they hadn’t missed
  • Text messages and conversations made public for the first time
  • Exclusive family memories and insights into Gabby’s life
  • Their new mission with the Gabby Petito Foundation


Equal parts heartbreaking and hopeful, this raw, honest book serves as a reminder that even in unbearable tragedy there can be purpose, and even in darkness there can be light.

About The Authors

Tara Petito is also known as Gabby’s bonus mom. After the tragic murder of Gabby, Tara has committed herself to honoring Gabby’s legacy through the Gabby Petito Foundation. Tara continues to learn and grow into this new role as an advocate. The foundation focuses on supporting organizations that assist in locating missing persons and advocating for the prevention of domestic violence. Tara’s dedication to these causes is driven by her desire to create a positive impact in the world and ensure that Gabby’s story continues to inspire others. Through various initiatives and events, the foundation works tirelessly to raise awareness and provide resources to those in need.

Joseph Petito is the father of Gabby Petito, a young woman whose tragic disappearance and death garnered international attention in 2021. As a devoted father, Joseph has often shared fond memories of Gabby, highlighting her vibrant spirit, creativity, and passion for adventure. Following the heartbreaking loss of his daughter, he became a vocal advocate for missing persons and domestic violence awareness, using his platform to educate others about the signs of abusive relationships and the importance of supporting loved ones in distress.

In the aftermath of Gabby's case, Joseph has dedicated himself to honoring her memory by engaging in community outreach and speaking at events to raise awareness. He has emphasized the need for systemic change in how missing persons cases are handled, urging law enforcement and society to take proactive measures to protect vulnerable individuals, and aided in multiple law changes in several states. Through his efforts, Joseph aims to ensure that no other family has to endure the pain he has experienced, making a lasting impact in the lives of many.

Nichole Schmidt is the mother of Gabby Petito, whose tragic death in 2021 captured international attention. Out of the deepest pain, Nichole found a calling to use her voice and experience to help others. As president of the Gabby Petito Foundation, she has transformed grief into action, advocating for domestic violence awareness, missing persons, and victims’ rights. Her passion comes from love for her daughter and the belief that even through tragedy, change is possible.

Jim Schmidt is a nationally certified fire officer and instructor originally from Long Island, New York, with over 25 years of experience in fire service, EMS, dispatch, hazmat, technical rescue, and leadership roles. Jim’s family faced unimaginable loss when their daughter, Gabby Petito, was murdered by her partner. Since then, his family has dedicated their lives to advocating for missing persons and survivors of domestic violence. Jim now focuses on bridging gaps in prevention and bringing domestic violence training to first responders, because together, we can be the change.

Product Details

  • Publisher: BenBella Books (February 9, 2027)
  • Length: 352 pages
  • ISBN13: 9798902680444

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