"Evocative, and inspiring ... So much more than a true crime." - Steve Jackson, New York Times bestselling author of NO STONE UNTURNED After surviving the horrors of the Holocaust – in ghettos, on death marches, and in concentration camps – a young couple seeks refuge in Canada. They settle into a new life, certain that the terrors of their past are behind them. They build themselves a cozy little cottage on a lake in Muskoka, a cottage that becomes emblematic of their victory over the Nazis. The charming retreat is a safe haven, a refuge from haunted memories. That is, until a single act of unspeakable violence defiles their sanctuary. Poking around the dark crawl space beneath their cottage, they discover a wooden crate, nailed tightly shut and almost hidden from view. Nothing could have prepared them for the horror of the crate’s contents – or how the peace and tranquility of their lives would be shattered. Now, their daughter, Deborah Vadas Levison, an award-winning journalist, tells the extraordinary account of her parents' ordeals, both in one of the darkest times in world history and their present-day lives. Written in searing, lyrical prose, THE CRATE: A Story Of War, A Murder, And Justice examines man’s seemingly limitless capacity for evil... but also, his capacity for good. "THE CRATE is an impressive and important piece of work." Lee Child, #1 New York Times bestselling author of the JACK REACHER Series "Some stories are like a gut-punch, hitting you broadside with such harrowing moments that you have to put the book down and take a breath. THE CRATE is such a tale.Throughout this book, you'll find anecdotes both horrifying and uplifting,leading readers to a final resolution that feels earned, rewarding, and ultimately with a poignant sense of hope--for who we are and who we might be. Treat yourself to this journey and be transformed." James Rollins,#1 New York Times bestseller of CRUCIBLE "Exquisite. Haunting. Memorable." The Jerusalem Post "I finished THE CRATE last night, and I am overwhelmed. It is so beautifully written, so evocative. I can see why it has received so many accolades." Jewish News of Northern California "THE CRATE is the kind of book that you zip through because it's a true-life page-turner, but then you need time to process it all because there's so much depth. This compelling story will leave you gutted. You almost have to read this in a book club (or at least with a buddy) because there's so much you'll want to discuss afterwards." Lori Banov Kaufman, author of REBEL DAUGHTER "I read THE CRATE twice - and loved it both times. THE CRATE is one of those unique books that takes you on a thrilling journey through a true story, while at the same time linking it to the lived experiences of people with difficult family histories." Marilyn Sinclair, Founder, LIBERATION75 Global Conference on the Holocaust "Remarkable detail, very well written... this was a compelling story." Heidi Slowinski Book Reviews "An emotionally wrenching and riveting tale that bleeds heartfelt emotion on every page." Providence Journal "Levison is a gifted, insightful and evocative writer. She delivers a brilliant story." New York Journal of Books "Although it is her first book and she is highly ambitious in the way she weaves in and out of the various narratives, Levison pulls all of the various strands together with the deftness of an experienced novelist. Reading THE CRATE was a compelling and ultimately moving experience and should Levison turn to writing a novel, I will be most anxious to read it." Ottawa Jewish Bulletin "A deftly crafted and inherently riveting account from beginning to end, THE CRATE is a true story showcasing the complexities of the human experience in the face of genocidal horror and the striving for singular human justice in the face of a specific and horrific act of ultimate cruelty... very highly recommended." Midwest Book Review "Here is a wonderful debut, full of mystery and intrigue. This is a profound novel I could not put down." Checking Out Chapters "Although she is an award-winning writer in national and international media, this non-fiction book her first. This crime story is riveting as Levison entwines both the story of a murder victim that was buried on the family's lake side property in Canada and her parents' experiences during the Holocaust." Killingly Villager "THE CRATE is an intense read. It is not a beach book, nor a gentle summer read. It is a book to be read slowly, and gently digested. There is a lot of detail, all worth soaking up." The New town Bee "THE CRATE is a true crime story with disturbing details. It's a tough topic to contemplate and a grim reminder of the worst of humanity. 5 stars." Readers' Favorite "Reading Debbie's incredible story made me feel a few extra goosebumps. She writes with such passion and spirit that as I read her detailed descriptions of her family's past, I felt tears trickle down my cheeks. We've re