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20/20

Unforgettable true crime mysteries, exclusive newsmaker interviews, hard-hitting investigative reports and in-depth coverage of high profile stories. Now listen throughout the week with the official 20/20 After Show, the True Crime Vault, and our spotlight of true crime originals.

Episodes 480
Books 65

Recently mentioned

Latest Recommendations

Dear Jacob: A Mother's Journey of Hope cover

Dear Jacob

Patty Wetterling

Mentioned 3 days ago

Where Are You Jacob?

The memoir about the Wetterling family's ordeal after Jacob's abduction was highlighted as revealing more of the story, written by his mother together with a blogger.

In fact, Deborah, her book, Dear Jacob, A Mother's Journey of Hope, written with blogger Joy Baker, reveals even more of the story, and you can look into it there.

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Entrepreneurship: The Art, Science, And Process For Success: 2024 Release ISE cover

Entrepreneurship

Charles Bamford

Mentioned 1 month ago

The Snare: Peacekeeper

The host noted that detectives recovered a textbook about entrepreneurship from Angie Dodge's nightstand, indicating her interest in business studies.

Angie was also serious, determined, and seemed eager to grow up. She'd graduated from high school with honors the year before and was working full-time. Angie was interested in entrepreneurship and had taken some classes at Idaho State. Actually, one of the pieces of evidence detectives collected from her apartment was a textbook about entrepreneurship sitting on her nightstand.

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A Killer by Design: Murderers, Mindhunters, and My Quest to Decipher the Criminal Mind cover

A Killer by Design

Ann Wolbert Burgess

Mentioned 4 months ago

True Crime Vault: Lock the Door Behind You

The hosts noted that Ann Burgess, a professor and former FBI analyst, wrote the book to tell the story of Henry Wallace and that the case was featured because it was a compelling example for criminal profiling.

She was one of the few women in the FBI at the time doing that work. And I thought it was time to get her story out there. So after a little bit of convincing, she agreed to write this book, A Killer by Design. Wallace is featured in the book because he was a really interesting case.

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Murder on the Orient Express: A Hercule Poirot Mystery: The Official Authorized Edition (Hercule Poirot Mysteries, 9) cover

Murder on the Orient Express

Agatha Christie

Mentioned 4 months ago

The After Show: The Vanishing of Nancy Woodrum

The case was compared to the classic whodunit novel, noting its similarity to the mystery aboard a train.

And... it's almost like one of those crazy things, like on the train or something, like Murder on the Orient Express or something.

Buy on Amazon
Les Miserables (Les Misérables) cover

Les Miserables (Les Misérables)

Victor Hugo

Mentioned 5 months ago

Her Last Note

It was mentioned as the origin of a musical number, with a performer singing "Master of the House" from Les Misrables.

Here he is singing Master of the House from Les Misrables.

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Fugitive Atlas: Poems cover

Fugitive Atlas

Khaled Mattawa

Mentioned 6 months ago

The Hunt for Mr. Right

The book was described as a selfpublished online collection of musings that gave a firsthand testimony of the fugitive's whereabouts, featuring dark reflections on life, death and the American Dream.

After Sue's murder, Landeros is living a new life on the run, ... He selfpublishes an online book of musings fittingly titled The Fugitive Poems.

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The Stranger Beside Me: Updated Twentieth Anniversary Edition cover

The Stranger Beside Me

Ann Rule

Mentioned 6 months ago

Bad Romance: Tangled Web (Revisited)

The narrator mentioned that Ann Rule authored the book TheStrangerBesideMe, which recounts her friendship with TedBundy.

Rule is the daughter of legendary true crime author Ann Rule, who wrote the book The Stranger Beside Me, about her friendship with Ted Bundy.

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A Tangled Web: A Cyberstalker, a Deadly Obsession, and the Twisting Path to Justice. cover

A Tangled Web

Leslie Rule

Mentioned 6 months ago

Bad Romance: Tangled Web (Revisited)

The host noted that Leslie Rule authored a truecrime book titled ATangledWeb about the case.

Leslie Rule was so intrigued by this story that she wrote a book about it called A Tangled Web.

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The Princess Bride Deluxe Edition Hc: S. Morgenstern's Classic Tale of True Love and High Adventure cover

The Princess Bride Deluxe Edition Hc

William Goldman

Mentioned 7 months ago

The Rob Reiner Story: A Hollywood Tragedy (ABC News Special Podcast)

The speakers recalled reading the book 14 years earlier, describing it as a lifechanging experience that seemed written directly for them.

Princess Bride to this day is so many people's favorite film of all time I read this book 14 years ago

Buy on Amazon
A Hunger to Kill: A Serial Killer, a Determined Detective, and the Quest for a Confession That Changed a Small Town Forever cover

A Hunger to Kill

Kim Mager

Mentioned 7 months ago

The Hand in the Window: 'Dana'

The book was mentioned as written by Detective Kim Major about the case, intended to remind everyone that such tragedies could happen to anyone.

Detective Kim Major has written a book about it all called A Hunger to Kill, which is when Sean Great said to her that he just felt this hunger to kill. The book, she says, is to remind everyone that this could happen anywhere and it could have happened to any one of us. She said it could have even happened to me.

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Percy Jackson and the Olympians Hardcover Boxed Set (Percy Jackson & the Olympians) cover

Percy Jackson and the Olympians Hardcover Boxed Set (Percy Jackson & the Olympians)

Rick Riordan

Mentioned 7 months ago

The After Show : Inside the Courtroom with Brian Buckmire

The series was referenced in a promotional spot announcing a new season of its TV adaptation on Disney Plus and Hulu.

Percy Jackson and the Olympians. New season two episode premiere December 10th on Disney Plus and Hulu. Rated TV PGV.

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Sisters Loved and Treasured: Stories of Unbreakable Bonds cover

Sisters Loved and Treasured

Deborah Roberts

Mentioned 7 months ago

The After Show : "Sisters Loved and Treasured”

The host, Deborah Roberts, discussed her new book which was based on her own experiences growing up with six sisters. She mentioned that doing the book involved talking about their lives, growing up, and their perceptions of each other as children and adults, which helped reconnect them. The book's idea was further sparked by the positive mental well-being research associated with having sisters.

I have written a new book that has just come out called Sisters Loved and Treasured Stories of Unbreakable Bonds.

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Most Recommended

Victim F: From Crime Victims to Suspects to Survivors Cover

Denise Huskins

Victim F

From Crime Victims to Suspects to Survivors

The episode featured the author discussing the new memoir that recounts her and her husband’s kidnapping, explaining the choice of the title and noting that, despite its tragic content, it also serves as a love story. The conversation highlighted the personal transparency of the authors and presented the book as a compelling account for listeners.

Highly Recommended
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Episode: True Crime Vault: Taken

The book was presented as the new memoir recounting Denise and Aaron's kidnapping, explaining why they chose the title and noting that its content was tragic yet also a love story.

"

Your new book is called Victim F. Why'd you pick that name?

When the FBI agents were writing the affidavit for the arrest of Matthew Moeller, they asked us specifically, do you want your names in it? And typically, in affidavits like that, victims remain anonymous because of the sensitive and violent nature of the crime. But we weren't anonymous, and we said, of course, yes. We can't rebuild our lives until people can see the truth. I was Victim F for female victim. Aaron was Victim M for male victim.

Although a lot of what we wrote about in the book is tragic and sad, it is actually really our love story.

The Catcher in the Rye Cover

J. D. Salinger

The Catcher in the Rye

It was observed that the shooter was holding a copy of the novel The Catcher in the Rye at the time of the incident.

"

He had a copy of The Catcher in the Rye.

— Episode: John Lennon: His Life, Legacy, Last Days

Listen on Audible 7-day free trial

Episode: John Lennon: His Life, Legacy, Last Days

It was observed that the shooter was holding a copy of the novel The Catcher in the Rye at the time of the incident.

"

He had a copy of The Catcher in the Rye.

Please Don't Feed the Vampire! (Give Yourself Goosebumps Book 15) Cover

R.L. Stine

Please Don't Feed the Vampire! (Give Yourself Goosebumps Book 15)

The speaker said they were inspired by the bestselling Goosebumps books.

"

My research broke out of the basement. It's unstable and fragile. Is that a scream? Inspired by the bestselling books. What? Goosebumps. The Vanishing. Are you going to be okay out here. I'm not sure.

— Episode: The Lies Beneath

Listen on Audible 7-day free trial

Episode: The Lies Beneath

The speaker said they were inspired by the bestselling Goosebumps books.

"

My research broke out of the basement. It's unstable and fragile. Is that a scream? Inspired by the bestselling books. What? Goosebumps. The Vanishing. Are you going to be okay out here. I'm not sure.

Monster Blood III (Goosebumps #29) Cover

R. L. Stine

Monster Blood III (Goosebumps #29)

The host referenced the Goosebumps series as an example of a bestselling paperback book.

"

It has been described by everyone as non-fiction fiction that even John Grisham couldn't write. Goosebumps. The Vanishing.

— Episode: True Crime Vault: Murdaugh Family Murder...

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Episode: True Crime Vault: Murdaugh Family Murders

The host referenced the Goosebumps series as an example of a bestselling paperback book.

"

It has been described by everyone as non-fiction fiction that even John Grisham couldn't write. Goosebumps. The Vanishing.

The Book of Murder: A Prosecutor's Journey Through Love and Death Cover

Matt Murphy

The Book of Murder

A Prosecutor's Journey Through Love and Death

The book was introduced by guest Matt Murphy, with the host noting that he had written it and that it would be discussed later in the show.

Listen on Audible 7-day free trial

Episode: The After Show: Matt Murphy

Matt Murphy said he had written a book titled The Book of Murder, A Prosecutor's Journey Through Love and Death, and that they would discuss it later in the show.

"

When we come back, Matt literally wrote the book on murder. In fact, it's called The Book of Murder, A Prosecutor's Journey Through Love and Death. And we're going to talk about it when we come back.

Murder on the Orient Express: A Hercule Poirot Mystery: The Official Authorized Edition (Hercule Poirot Mysteries, 9) Cover

Agatha Christie

Murder on the Orient Express

A Hercule Poirot Mystery

The case was compared to the classic whodunit novel, noting its similarity to the mystery aboard a train.

"

And... it's almost like one of those crazy things, like on the train or something, like Murder on the Orient Express or something.

— Episode: The After Show: The Vanishing of Nancy W...

Listen on Audible 7-day free trial

Episode: The After Show: The Vanishing of Nancy Woodrum

The case was compared to the classic whodunit novel, noting its similarity to the mystery aboard a train.

"

And... it's almost like one of those crazy things, like on the train or something, like Murder on the Orient Express or something.

Les Miserables (Les Misérables) Cover

Victor Hugo

Les Miserables (Les Misérables)

It was mentioned as the origin of a musical number, with a performer singing "Master of the House" from Les Misrables.

"

Here he is singing Master of the House from Les Misrables.

— Episode: Her Last Note

Listen on Audible 7-day free trial

Episode: Her Last Note

It was mentioned as the origin of a musical number, with a performer singing "Master of the House" from Les Misrables.

"

Here he is singing Master of the House from Les Misrables.

The Princess Bride Deluxe Edition Hc: S. Morgenstern's Classic Tale of True Love and High Adventure Cover

William Goldman

The Princess Bride Deluxe Edition Hc

S. Morgenstern's Classic Tale of True Love and High Adventure

The speakers recalled reading the book 14 years earlier, describing it as a lifechanging experience that seemed written directly for them.

"

Princess Bride to this day is so many people's favorite film of all time I read this book 14 years ago

— Episode: The Rob Reiner Story: A Hollywood Traged...

Listen on Audible 7-day free trial

Episode: The Rob Reiner Story: A Hollywood Tragedy (ABC New...

The speakers recalled reading the book 14 years earlier, describing it as a lifechanging experience that seemed written directly for them.

"

Princess Bride to this day is so many people's favorite film of all time I read this book 14 years ago

when I was 26 I read it and I just flipped out I mean it was one of those experiences where somebody is writing just for you where they're like in your mind and you're reading every page and it's like boy this person knows exactly how I think

Princess Bride like imagine trying to pitch that well it's a comic fantasy it's got Andre the Giant in it it's got Wallace Shawn in it you know Robin Wright's in it too right and Carrie Elwes you know at the height of his Carrie Elwesness Death cannot stop true love all it can do is delay it for a while how can it possibly work how can it possibly work inconceivable

Percy Jackson and the Olympians Hardcover Boxed Set (Percy Jackson & the Olympians) Cover

Rick Riordan

Percy Jackson and the Olympians Hardcover Boxed Set (Percy Jackson & the Olympians)

The series was referenced in a promotional spot announcing a new season of its TV adaptation on Disney Plus and Hulu.

"

Percy Jackson and the Olympians. New season two episode premiere December 10th on Disney Plus and Hulu. Rated TV PGV.

— Episode: The After Show : Inside the Courtroom wi...

Listen on Audible 7-day free trial

Episode: The After Show : Inside the Courtroom with Brian B...

The series was referenced in a promotional spot announcing a new season of its TV adaptation on Disney Plus and Hulu.

"

Percy Jackson and the Olympians. New season two episode premiere December 10th on Disney Plus and Hulu. Rated TV PGV.

Burn After Writing (Pink) Cover

Sharon Jones

Burn After Writing (Pink)

Roberta Laundrie explained that a threatening letter referenced a book she had given Brian called Burn After Writing.

"

Roberta Laundrie would later say in an affidavit the letter was a reference to a book she had given him called Burn After Writing and it was intended as a way to bond with her son.

— Episode: Gabby Petito: Her Parents Speak Out

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Episode: Gabby Petito: Her Parents Speak Out

Roberta Laundrie explained that a threatening letter referenced a book she had given Brian called Burn After Writing.

"

Roberta Laundrie would later say in an affidavit the letter was a reference to a book she had given him called Burn After Writing and it was intended as a way to bond with her son.

The Killing of the Unicorn: Dorothy Stratten, 1960-1980 Cover

Peter Bogdanovich

The Killing of the Unicorn

Dorothy Stratten, 1960-1980

The book was brought up in a true‑crime episode as Peter Bogdanovich’s posthumous attempt to make sense of Dorothy Stratten’s murder, framing the tragedy like a mystery and critiquing Hugh Hefner’s influence on her life. The host noted that it served as Bogdanovich’s way of sorting out what happened and examined how the event unfolded. The discussion highlighted its focus on the circumstances surrounding her death rather than promoting it as a must‑read.

Listen on Audible 7-day free trial

Episode: True Crime Vault: Death of a Playmate

It was published five years after Dorothy's death and was described as a way for Bogdanovich to process what happened, framed as a murder mystery, and discussed Hefner's role in Dorothy's life.

"

Five years after her death, he publishes a book about Stratton.

I think The Killing of the Unicorn was a way for him to sort out what had happened and look at it almost like a murder mystery.

How did this event happen?

He went after Hugh Hefner with both barrels.

Dorothy, when she got to Hollywood, found herself maneuvered by Hefner into a sexual situation that she found very shocking and in fact it traumatized her.

The Red Book (Philemon) Cover

C. G. Jung

The Red Book (Philemon)

A witness saw Cheryl Dunlap reading a red hardcover book at Leon Sinks before her disappearance. Investigators later found a collection of similar red hardback books in her home, with one missing from the set.

"

A woman was sitting about maybe 35 feet away. She was sitting there just quietly reading a book.

— Episode: Wild Crime: Cat and Mouse | S3 Ep. 2

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Episode: Wild Crime: Cat and Mouse | S3 Ep. 2

A witness saw Cheryl Dunlap reading a red hardcover book at Leon Sinks before her disappearance. Investigators later found a collection of similar red hardback books in her home, with one missing from the set.

"

A woman was sitting about maybe 35 feet away. She was sitting there just quietly reading a book.

It was red in color and I believe it was a hard cover.

And they were in order except for one perfect space where the book was taken out.

This same description we got from the witnesses of her reading a red book.

And one book is missing out of this collection so it has to be the book that they were talking about.

For Whom The Bell Tolls Cover

Ernest Hemingway

For Whom The Bell Tolls

It was noted that James Sullivan liked to read, and one of his favorite authors had written a book called For Whom the Bell Tolls.

"

And one of his favorite authors wrote a book called For Whom The Bell Tolls.

— Episode: A Puzzling Murder

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Episode: A Puzzling Murder

It was noted that James Sullivan liked to read, and one of his favorite authors had written a book called For Whom the Bell Tolls.

"

And one of his favorite authors wrote a book called For Whom The Bell Tolls.

The Happiest Man on Earth: The Beautiful Life of an Auschwitz Survivor Cover

Eddie Jaku

The Happiest Man on Earth

The Beautiful Life of an Auschwitz Survivor

The book was briefly noted for its cover, which featured a man with a square jaw and a come‑hither stare. No host offered a recommendation or critique, and the discussion was limited to this visual detail.

Listen on Audible 7-day free trial

Episode: Wild Crime: The Skull | S2 Ep. 3

It was mentioned that the cover of a book Nicole was reading on her honeymoon featured a man with a square jaw and a come-hither stare.

"

The man on the book cover had a square jaw and a come-hither stare.

How to Make Disposable Silencers Cover

Eliezer Flores

How to Make Disposable Silencers

In the episode, the book was cited as incriminating evidence when a character's purchase of it and related silencer materials was uncovered, highlighting its role in the storyline. The hosts noted the title as part of the investigation details.

Listen on Audible 7-day free trial

Episode: Bad Romance: Death at the Door

It was mentioned that Marney Yang had purchased a book titled 'How to Make a Disposable Silencer' as well as the materials to make a silencer from Home Depot, which was presented as incriminating evidence.

"

They find a bank statement that they read and it says purchase on her debit card, Ray Rowling's Arms

And that's when they find out about the book how to make a disposable silencer and the fact that you're at a volume one and volume two

A Serial Killer's Daughter: My Story of Faith, Love, and Overcoming Cover

Kerri Rawson

A Serial Killer's Daughter

My Story of Faith, Love, and Overcoming

The host introduced the memoir as the title of the author's story about growing up with a notorious father, and the author explained that she wrote it to confront her father's legacy and to reach forgiveness. The discussion highlighted the personal and emotional motivations behind the book.

Listen on Audible 7-day free trial

Episode: True Crime Vault: My Father BTK

The host noted that the daughter's memoir was titled A Serial Killer's Daughter, indicating it was the book she had written about her experience.

"

Your book is called A Serial Killer's Daughter. Is that how you see yourself?

I wrote my dad in the summer of 2007 because I wanted to let him know I was pregnant. ... I do because in 2012 I was able to forgive my father.

The Lovely Bones Cover

Alice Sebold

The Lovely Bones

The book was brought up when the victim's mother quoted it while delivering her impact statement, speaking in her daughter's voice in court. She used the story to illustrate her daughter's bravery and the perseverance of those seeking justice. The hosts noted the reference as a poignant illustration rather than a formal recommendation.

Listen on Audible 7-day free trial

Episode: The After Show: I’m Going To Get You

The victim's mother referenced this book when she spoke in her daughter's voice during her victim impact statement in the courtroom.

"

And basically she talked about, I will never get married. I will never have children. I will never have the life that you took from me, essentially. And, you know, the only sort of inspiring part about it is that it was Beth's bravery, Jane Doe, number one, that helped keep investigators on this end. It was Sarah who kept crusading for her daughter. And it was Vince who just would not give up.

Math Refresher for Adults: The Perfect Solution (Mastering Essential Math Skills) Cover

Richard W Fisher

Math Refresher for Adults

The Perfect Solution (Mastering Essential Math Skills)

The hosts noted that a mathematics book the girl was teaching herself was found in her suitcase, using it to illustrate her loneliness and potential vulnerability.

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Episode: Wild Crime: A Gruesome Discovery | S2 Ep. 1

It was mentioned that Becky Powell, a young girl, was teaching herself mathematics, and her book was found in her suitcase, suggesting her loneliness and potential for being misunderstood or abused.

"

There was a mathematics book that she had been teaching herself.

And I was reading that book and it was bringing to tears if you could tell she was lonely.

Note: The book recommendations on this page are discovered automatically from podcast transcripts, and may be incorrect or incomplete.