Life Detonated: The True Story of a Widow and a Hijacker

“A raw, somber emotional journey that concludes with hope and a measure of forgiveness.” – Kirkus Reviews 

The gripping true story of Kathleen Murray, a young mother whose life was changed on September 11, 1976 when her husband, Brian Murray, a NYPD bomb disposal expert, was killed by a terrorist’s bomb. It details her childhood in the Bronx, her journey out of poverty with Brian’s help, and her own determination to take care of her two young sons after Brian’s death. While Kathleen heals, she launches a lawsuit against the city of New York to find out the real reason the bomb exploded, and at the same time begins a relationship through letters with one of the hijackers, Julie Busic. All the while, Kathleen becomes one of the founders of Survivors of the Shield, a group that advocates for and provides support and assistance to the spouses and children of New York City police officers killed in the line of duty.

Kathleen Murray Moran holds a BA in Journalism and an MA in English from SUNY Stony Brook. She taught writing and literature at Suffolk Community College for twenty-five years. 

 

She is the co-founder of Survivors of the Shield (SOS) and was instrumental in passing legislation that led to former Governor Mario Cuomo’s COPS program which protects the pension benefits of survivors, provides full scholarships for line of duty widows and children to all SUNY schools and a four year scholarship to St. John’s University.   Kathleen is a speaker, advocate, and tireless supporter of family members of police officers who have experienced loss.

 

She lives on Long Island where she organizes writing and book groups. Kathleen is currently working on her first novel.