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On October 24, 1961, Joan Risch vanished from her home on Old Bedford Road in Lincoln, Massachusetts. This is her story, told by those who loved her most.

Joan was more than just a headline – she was my sister, a loving mother, and a vibrant soul whose disappearance left an indelible mark on our family. Born in Brooklyn in 1930, Joan's early life was marked by both joy and tragedy.
After losing her parents, my aunt and uncle, in a devastating house fire, Joan became part of our family. We welcomed her with open arms, and she quickly became not just my sister, but my dear friend and confidante.
Joan was intelligent, caring, and had a natural warmth that drew people to her. She had dreams and aspirations like any young woman of her time, and when she met Martin Risch, we could see how happy she was.
I had the honor of walking her down the aisle at her wedding to Martin Risch. It was one of the happiest days of her life, and seeing her joy filled our entire family with happiness. None of us could have imagined that just a few years later, she would disappear from her home on Old Bedford Road in Lincoln, Massachusetts.
The events of October 24, 1961, have haunted me for decades. It was a day that started like any other but ended in a mystery that would consume the rest of my life. Joan was at home with her young children, going about her daily routine in their house on Old Bedford Road.
What happened that day has been the subject of countless investigations, theories, and speculation. But for me, it was the day I lost my sister – not just physically, but the day our family was forever changed by questions that seemed to have no answers.
Over the years, I have wondered endlessly: what happened to my sister? Nothing made sense. I had just seen her a short time before, and she was happy and settled in her life with Martin and their children. She was a devoted mother who would never willingly leave her babies behind.
The investigation that followed was extensive, but as the years passed, the case grew cold. However, my determination to find answers never wavered. Joan deserved to have her story told, and her family deserved to know the truth.
For over six decades, I never stopped searching for answers. My quest took me through countless interviews, investigations, and sleepless nights wondering what could have happened to Joan.
In 2013, my wife Sherrie asked me a simple question that would change everything: "What really happened to Joan?" Her fresh perspective and unwavering support sparked a renewed investigation that would uncover new evidence and insights.
Together, Sherrie and I have spent years piecing together the puzzle of Joan's disappearance. We've uncovered new evidence, reexamined old clues, and developed theories that shed new light on what we believe happened to my beloved sister.

This book represents not just our investigation, but a brother's promise to never stop searching for the truth about his sister's fate. It's a story of family, loss, and the bonds that transcend time and tragedy.
Through years of investigation and with the unwavering support of my wife Sherrie, we've uncovered new evidence that sheds light on what we believe happened to Joan. While we may never have all the answers, we now have a clearer picture of the events surrounding her disappearance.
Joan was a loving sister, devoted mother, and cherished member of our family. Her story deserves to be told with the dignity and respect she deserves. This book is our tribute to her memory and our gift to all those who have wondered about her fate.
The Real Joan Risch is more than just a true crime story – it's a testament to the power of family love, the importance of never giving up hope, and the belief that every person's story matters, no matter how much time has passed.
Discover the complete investigation and the personal journey behind Joan's disappearance in "The Real Joan Risch: Her True Story"