Peterson reveals the sexual harassment she received as a young actress in the industry as well as being raped on two occasions. The memoir also recounts her abusive relationship with her ex-husband and former manager, Mark Pierson, and what finally led to their divorce after 21 years of marriage. The scars she received after suffering third-degree burns over 35% of her body left her feeling self-conscious, something she continues to deal with today. The memoir documents Peterson's humble beginnings, her turbulent relationship with her mother, and her venture into showbusiness. At the same she says that she felt like a hypocrite. Then there’s the other side of it, where it’s just a feeling that people should know this stuff.' While she was worried about revealing that she was in a relationship with a woman, Peterson said that it felt 'very liberating and a real relief.' She further explained her hesitation revealing her relationship explaining that she feared for her career, her livelihood, and the public being unable to separate Cassandra from Elvira. My fans don't like me.' I do have moments like that.

'I've told these stories to friends for, you know, 100 years, and they're all like, 'Oh, my God, you have to write about this! This is insane!' It really happened, and they just can't believe that.' Peterson also admitted to feeling vulnerable when it came to releasing the book saying, 'I do have things where I will wake up in the middle of night and have a slight panic attack going on, : 'People are gonna hate me. The reaction from these stories lead to people telling her that she should write a book.

Peterson, who had the reputation for being guarded when it came to her personal life gave bits and pieces about her early days in showbusiness in interviews. In wasn't until the COVID-19 pandemic that she was finally able to sit down and finish it as her gigs for 2020 were cancelled. Peterson revealed that her memoir was 15 years in the making. The release of the book coincided with the character's 40th anniversary and scored a spot on the New York Times Best Seller list. For the first time, Peterson opens up about her personal life, her experiences in showbusiness, and the creation of her iconic character Elvira, Mistress of the Dark. Yours Cruelly, Elvira: Memoirs of the Mistress of the Dark is a 2021 memoir by Cassandra Peterson.

Cruelly yours elvira