Crime Junkie
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Crime Junkie

Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend B...

Episodes 578
Books 119

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Latest Recommendations

The Vanishing at Smokestack Hollow: A Missing Family, a Desperate Plan, an Unsolved Mystery cover

The Vanishing at Smokestack Hollow

Jake Anderson

Mentioned 1 month ago

MYSTERIOUS DEATH OF: The Jamison Family

The hosts noted that Jake Anderson's book reported Sherilyn had begun physically abusing him.

He told author Jake Anderson in his book, The Vanishing at Smokestack Hollow, that Sherilyn had started physically abusing him.

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Nancy Drew Starter Set - Books 1-5 cover

Nancy Drew Starter Set - Books 1-5

Carolyn Keene

Mentioned 4 months ago

MYSTERIOUS DEATHS OF: Steven Altman & Mary Ann Hayes

They recalled that reading Nancy Drew as children made them believe every investigation would have a clear answer.

Okay Brett, remember how growing up on Nancy Drew made us think that like every investigation had an answer?

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The Missing Half: A Novel cover

The Missing Half

Ashley Flowers

Mentioned 7 months ago

MURDERED: Linda Sherman

The host announced that her recent novel had been nominated for a Goodreads Choice Award and had become a New York Times bestseller, then urged listeners to vote for it.

My most recent novel, The Missing Half, has been nominated for a Goodreads Choice Awards for readers' favorite mystery and thriller of 2025. It already has meant so much that you guys showed up when the book was released and read it and all your feedback. I mean, it's what made The Missing Half a New York Times bestseller.

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Blood on Their Hands: Murder, Corruption, and the Fall of the Murdaugh Dynasty cover

Blood on Their Hands

Mandy Matney

Mentioned 9 months ago

INFAMOUS: The Murdaugh Family Murders

The host noted that Mandy Matney had authored a book about the Murdoch case, titled Blood on Their Hands, which covers the murder, corruption, and fall of the Murdoch dynasty.

Now, Mandy Matney ended up writing a book on this case called Blood on Their Hands, Murder, Corruption, and the Fall of the Murdoch Dynasty. And her work has been optioned into a dramatized limited series that's about to come out.

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Helter Skelter: The True Story of the Manson Murders cover

Helter Skelter

Vincent Bugliosi

Mentioned 10 months ago

INFAMOUS: The Mulholland Drive Murders

The detective recalled reading the book in 1976 and later revisited its epilogue, which speculated that Jane Doe59's murder might be linked to the Manson family.

He starts thinking about the book Helter Skelter by Vincent Bugliosi. It was a book that he read back in 1976, like very early on in his career.

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I'll Be Gone in the Dark: One Woman's Obsessive Search for the Golden State Killer cover

I'll Be Gone in the Dark

Michelle McNamara

Mentioned 10 months ago

INFAMOUS: The Mulholland Drive Murders

The hosts praised Michelle McNamara's truecrime book, calling it incredible and highly recommendable.

Michelle was an incredible true crime journalist who wrote the infamous book, I'll Be Gone in the Dark. It's incredible. Yeah. Highly recommend.

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The Idaho Four: An American Tragedy cover

The Idaho Four

James Patterson

Mentioned 1 year ago

INFAMOUS: University of Idaho Murders

The hosts referenced the book as a newly accessed source that provided detailed information about the murders, including victim locations, injuries, and forensic details, and later noted that its authors argued the suspect left a crucial piece of evidence.

According to a new book that we got access to, The Idaho Four by James Patterson and Vicki Ward, which had a ton of information about this case, Zanna and Ethan are found together in her room on the second floor.

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Gone Girl cover

Gone Girl

Gillian Flynn

Mentioned 1 year ago

MURDERED: Jennifer Farber Dulos

The episode referenced the novel when discussing a theory that Jennifer had written a manuscript mirroring its plot and asked listeners if they had read the book or seen the movie.

I know you have, but I don't know if all the crime junkies have read Gone Girl or seen the movie. ... And Norm says he read a manuscript that Jennifer wrote with a similar plot and says that Jennifer Gone Girl herself to try and ruin Fotis' life.

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Murder in the Dollhouse: The Jennifer Dulos Story cover

Murder in the Dollhouse

Rich Cohen

Mentioned 1 year ago

MURDERED: Jennifer Farber Dulos

The hosts cited the book to describe how Jennifer's black Chevy Suburban was found backed against a tree with the gear shift stuck in reverse and no sign of her inside.

According to Rich Cohen's book, Murder in the Dollhouse, the car is backed up against a tree. Gear shift is like stuck in reverse. Doors are locked. And when they look in the windows, they don't see any sign of Jennifer in the vehicle.

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Westside Park Murders: Muncie's Most Notorious Cold Case (True Crime) cover

Westside Park Murders

Keith Roysdon

Mentioned 1 year ago

INFAMOUS: The Westside Park Murders

The hosts repeatedly referenced the book as their primary source, noting that it detailed the crime scene, car layout, and investigative leads, and that it was heavily relied upon throughout the episode.

according to a book by Keith Roysden and Douglas Walker, a source we'll rely on very heavily here for this episode, Terry also has his canine partner Max with him.

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Life and its Reflection: through my lens and words: A confused soul's journey within: Exploring Life, Death and everything in between. cover

Life and its Reflection

Seeking Nomad

Mentioned 1 year ago

INFAMOUS: Indiana Dunes Disappearances

The hosts noted that Wiley claimed to have planned a book on the case, listed on Amazon as titled Life and Death Through the Lens with a 2004 publication date, but the book was not available.

He supposedly had plans to publish a book on this case. Like since the early aughts. There's even an Amazon listing for it still. It's called Life and Death Through the Lens. And it had like a publication date way back in 2004, I think. Except the book is not available.

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Free: My Search for Meaning cover

Free

Amanda Knox

Mentioned 1 year ago

MURDERED: Dana Ireland

The host mentioned the memoir as a new release and provided a link for listeners to purchase it.

Most Recommended

Phases of Gravity Cover

Dan Simmons

Phases of Gravity

The book was discovered in a pack‑rat’s nest at the crime scene, leading the hosts to suggest the victim might have been reading it when he died. They noted its original release in the late 1980s and a 2001 re‑release, but offered no recommendation. The overall tone was observational rather than endorsing.

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Episode: UNIDENTIFIED: Flathead County Doe

It was discovered at the scene amongst other items, in a pack rat's nest, and suggested that the victim may have been reading the book at the time of his death.

"

On one particular trip in April of 2004, they also found pages of a book which they determined to be Phases of Gravity by Dan Simmons.

The book was published in 89, 90 and then re-released in 2001.

So while it didn't help narrow down our timeline anymore, it at least told investigators and you listening something about this man. Potentially he was reading Phases of Gravity by Dan Simmons when he died.

A Season in Purgatory Cover

Dominick Dunne

A Season in Purgatory

The hosts discussed the title during the Martha Moxley episode, noting that it recounted the murder with altered details to avoid lawsuits and had contributed to renewed media attention on the case. They presented it as a useful source for understanding the investigation, without offering a strong endorsement.

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An Unexplained Death: The True Story of a Body at the Belvedere Cover

Mikita Brottman

An Unexplained Death

The True Story of a Body at the Belvedere

The host referenced the book as a source for details about the Rey Rivera case, citing its account of the mysterious note found on his computer and specifics about the alleged jump. Ashley Flowers highlighted passages describing the note's references to celebrities and technology, as well as the timeline of events. The episode treated the work as a factual reference rather than a recommendation.

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Episode: MYSTERIOUS DEATH OF: Rey Rivera

It was referenced as a source for details about the case and included a passage about Rey's strange note that was found taped to the back of his computer.

"

According to Makita Brotman's book called An Unexplained Death the true story of a body at the Belvedere She says he gets this call around 5 30

The note mentions current participants and refers to the actor Christopher Reeve who had died the previous year and The director Stanley Kubrick as well as a long list of Rivera's friends colleagues and relations with a request to make them and himself five years younger This is followed by a list of recent inventions and technologies portable data assistance flash drives the human genome genetic engineering Viagra type drugs the fuel cell Bluetooth overnight Express shipping airbags computer operating systems thermal depolymerization horizontal drilling Wi-Fi the Da Vinci surgical system hybrid engines muscle milk and Heads up displays. It also includes a series of media related abbreviations VCD DVD HDVD HD TV JPEG and MPEG.

the distance from the 14th floor rooftop that Ray was supposed to have jumped from to the hole on the lower roof below Was 43 feet

in a 2009 article from Baltimore magazine Allison said that you had to basically push the screen back in order to trip the alarm

According to unsolved mysteries because of the way their phone system was set up at the time the call was from an Extension that was routed through a switchboard.

Terror End Cover

Rick Maclean

Terror End

In the episode, the book was cited as a source for details about John Glendening's physique and how he was overpowered by younger men. The hosts referenced it to support their discussion of the case, but did not elaborate further or recommend it beyond that context.

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Unmasking the Killer of the Missing Beaumont Children Cover

Stuart Mullins

Unmasking the Killer of the Missing Beaumont Children

It was referenced several times throughout the episode as a definitive and comprehensive account of the Beaumont children's disappearance, published 40 years after the event.

"

In 1966, three young children left their home to go swimming at the beach on Australia Day and were never seen again.

— Episode: MISSING: The Beaumont Children

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Episode: MISSING: The Beaumont Children

It was referenced several times throughout the episode as a definitive and comprehensive account of the Beaumont children's disappearance, published 40 years after the event.

"

In 1966, three young children left their home to go swimming at the beach on Australia Day and were never seen again.

According to Alan Whitaker and Stuart Mullins' book called Searching for the Beaumont Children and their follow-up The Satin Man, the police spring into action right away.

I highly recommend it.

According to the book Searching for the Beaumont Children Mr. B's credibility as a witness is seriously shaky and they basically bring that up in court as well.

According to the book Searching for the Beaumont Children, Stan's boss told him like, dude you've got to let this go.

The Satin Man Cover

Alan Whitcker

The Satin Man

The episode referenced the book as a follow‑up to a previous work, noting that it introduced a new suspect named Harry Phipps and spurred renewed public interest in the case. The hosts highlighted how the authors used the book to revisit evidence and interview the suspect's widow, suggesting it added fresh perspective to the investigation.

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Episode: MISSING: The Beaumont Children

It was the follow-up book to 'Searching for the Beaumont Children', introducing a new suspect, Harry Phipps, based on a years-long investigation.

"

According to Alan Whitaker and Stuart Mullins' book called Searching for the Beaumont Children and their follow-up The Satin Man, the police spring into action right away.

Their findings become another book which they titled The Satin Man which we've also referenced throughout this episode.

Now the title of the book refers to a brand new suspect The Satin Man and The Satin Man is Angela's ex-father-in-law.

According to The Satin Man book police say that they've already reviewed their evidence and talked to Harry's widow which was his second wife and found that she's a dead end but Alan and Stuart decide to talk to her anyways.

Once The Satin Man is published in 2013 even more people come forward and once again this kind of stirs like all of the public interest it's completely renewed and this time all the renewed interest like they actually have a person of interest in their sites and they can maybe now use new technology to try and locate the children.

Dark Ambition: The Shocking Crime of Dellen Millard and Mark Smich Cover

Ann Brocklehurst

Dark Ambition

The Shocking Crime of Dellen Millard and Mark Smich

The book was referenced by Ashley Flowers as a source of detailed information about the victim, Igor, noting his large stature and the possibility that he could have overpowered the suspects. It was used to provide context for the case discussed in the episode, without any strong endorsement or criticism. The mention was purely informational, highlighting the book's utility for factual background.

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Episode: SERIAL KILLER: Dellen Millard

The book, written by Ann Broklehart, was mentioned as a source of information, specifically details about the victim, Igor, and his encounter with the suspects, and how he was likely a larger individual who could have overpowered them.

"

police said quote that he was a very large individual who could easily have overpowered the suspect.

By Richard Carlson - Don't Sweat the Small Stuff... and It's All Small Stuff: Simple Ways to Keep the Little Things from Taking Over Your Life Cover

Richard Carlson

By Richard Carlson - Don't Sweat the Small Stuff... and It's All Small Stuff

Simple Ways to Keep the Little Things from Taking Over Your Life

The book was referenced during a discussion of the D.C. sniper case, where it was listed among the self-improvement titles that John Muhammad played for Lee Boyd Malvo each night. Ashley Flowers mentioned it as part of the motivational material used in the tapes, without offering a recommendation.

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Episode: INFAMOUS: D.C. Sniper

It was mentioned as part of a collection of self-improvement and motivational books that John Muhammad used to play for Lee Boyd Malvo every night.

"

Every night Lee would fall asleep listening to John's homemade cassette tapes full of these motivational books and self-improvement speeches sprinkled in with like nation of Islam teachings.

God Calls Me Cover

J. Winston Pearce

God Calls Me

The episode highlighted an Audible exclusive that explored the D.C. Sniper case, offering a deeper look at the suspect’s profile and his alleged god complex. Ashley Flowers described it as a super interesting listen that expanded the initial investigation and noted she highly recommended it for listeners wanting more insight. The discussion framed the audiobook as essential background for understanding the case, though not a definitive solution.

Highly Recommended
Listen on Audible 7-day free trial

Episode: INFAMOUS: D.C. Sniper

It is an Audible audiobook that delves into the DC Sniper case and expands upon the initial profile of the suspect, including his possible god complex.

"

Audible recently released a new exclusive audiobook called Call Me God and the profilers in that book got a little more in-depth about their initial profile saying that the suspect was probably a lone white male in his 30s who possesses some kind of god complex that's pretty frequently characteristic of snipers and this is because basically by being so far away the sniper gets to play god with their sense of control over their target's life and death.

And as I was listening I mean it's a super interesting listen to hear them go into detail about this profile and how it evolved so if you want to check it out you can go to audible.com slash untold story I highly recommend it but having the profile is essential it can get you one step closer but it doesn't stop the crime in its tracks and it's not the end-all be-all.

Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Cover

David Michaels

Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon

The title was referenced in the episode as a sniper video game that John Muhammad reportedly urged Lee Boyd Malvo to play while developing his shooting skills. Host Ashley Flowers noted this detail while discussing the D.C. sniper case, highlighting the game's role in the perpetrators' preparation. The mention was factual rather than a recommendation.

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Episode: INFAMOUS: D.C. Sniper

It was mentioned as a video game that John Muhammad encouraged Lee Boyd Malvo to play as part of his sniper training.

"

John and Lee watched a lot of action movies and sniper documentaries and John also encourages Lee to play sniper video games in particular Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon.

The Encyclopedia of Modern Murder Cover

Colin Wilson

The Encyclopedia of Modern Murder

It was mentioned as one of a few 'creepy books' found in the home of a man obsessed with Kimberly McAndrew, suggesting his dark interests.

"

They also found a bunch of creepy books, which included one titled The Encyclopedia of Modern Murder.

— Episode: MISSING: Kimberly McAndrew

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Episode: MISSING: Kimberly McAndrew

It was mentioned as one of a few 'creepy books' found in the home of a man obsessed with Kimberly McAndrew, suggesting his dark interests.

"

They also found a bunch of creepy books, which included one titled The Encyclopedia of Modern Murder.

Invisible Killer: The Monster Behind the Mask Cover

Diana Montane

Invisible Killer

The Monster Behind the Mask

The author of this book theorized that Charlie Brandt was responsible for multiple murders, including the deaths of Carol Sullivan and Lisa Saunders, although these claims were not officially confirmed by law enforcement.

"

There was a book written about Charlie Brandt called The Invisible Killer, The Monster Behind the Mask.

— Episode: SERIAL KILLER: Charlie Brandt

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Episode: SERIAL KILLER: Charlie Brandt

The author of this book theorized that Charlie Brandt was responsible for multiple murders, including the deaths of Carol Sullivan and Lisa Saunders, although these claims were not officially confirmed by law enforcement.

"

There was a book written about Charlie Brandt called The Invisible Killer, The Monster Behind the Mask.

And in this book, the author theorized that Charlie was also responsible for two more murders.

And at least in the first case, the family was actually upset that the author just like lumped them all together.

In the book that I mentioned, there is a big section where they kind of line up Terry's daily journal entries with suspected victims.

And in the same book that I referenced earlier, it said that Charlie's mother nagged him. And growing up, his father, who grew up in Germany during Hitler's regime, was overly strict.

The Alice Crimmins case Cover

Kenneth Gross

The Alice Crimmins case

It was highly recommended as a source for further details about the Alice Crimmins case, specifically for those wanting to dive deeper into the complexities of this infamous story.

"

If you want to really dive into the details of this case I highly recommend the book by Kenneth Gross called The Alice Crimmins case.

— Episode: INFAMOUS: Alice Crimmins

Listen on Audible 7-day free trial

Episode: INFAMOUS: Alice Crimmins

It was highly recommended as a source for further details about the Alice Crimmins case, specifically for those wanting to dive deeper into the complexities of this infamous story.

"

If you want to really dive into the details of this case I highly recommend the book by Kenneth Gross called The Alice Crimmins case.

Where Are The Children? Cover

Mary Higgins Clark

Where Are The Children?

It was mentioned as the first book by Mary Higgins Clark, which was inspired by the Alice Crimmins case, and that it was a great read.

"

Oh an interesting fact about this case it was actually the inspiration for the very first Mary Higgins Clark book which I'm sure like all of our Crime Junkies know who she is. Oh my gosh Where...

— Episode: INFAMOUS: Alice Crimmins

Listen on Audible 7-day free trial

Episode: INFAMOUS: Alice Crimmins

It was mentioned as the first book by Mary Higgins Clark, which was inspired by the Alice Crimmins case, and that it was a great read.

"

Oh an interesting fact about this case it was actually the inspiration for the very first Mary Higgins Clark book which I'm sure like all of our Crime Junkies know who she is. Oh my gosh Where Are The Children? Yeah yeah she does this like fictional spin on the story where a woman is accused and acquitted of the murder of her two kids and she tries to like get away and start a new life and then she ends up having two more kids who go missing. It was I mean it's a great read obviously made her the writer that she is so check that out in between episodes.

The Franklin Cover-up Cover

John W. DeCamp

The Franklin Cover-up

The book was highlighted as a source for deeper insight into the Franklin scandal, which the host linked to the Oakland County Child Killer case. Ashley Flowers urged listeners to read it to understand the alleged large hidden child sex ring and the mysterious deaths of those who investigated it. The recommendation framed the title as essential background for the conspiracy discussion.

Highly Recommended
Listen on Audible 7-day free trial

Episode: CONSPIRACY: North Fox Island & The Oakland County...

It was suggested to research this book to learn more about the Franklin scandal, which has similarities to the Oakland County Child Killer case, especially the concept of a large, hidden child sex ring and the mysterious deaths of people who investigated it.

"

I mentioned in episode one the similarities to the Franklin scandal and I mean google it, but don't just google it because Wikipedia will just give you a half page telling you it's a hoax. Read The Franklin Cover-up book, learn about the people who tried to bring light to a massive underground child sex ring much like this one and how they ended up dying mysteriously.

Serial killers, psychopaths & unsolved true crimes t-shirt T-Shirt Cover

Serial killers, psychopaths & unsolved true crimes t-shirt T-Shirt

It was mentioned as a book written by a retired Montana cop who thought the serial killer Edward Edwards was responsible for the Coleman family murders, as well as other notorious cold cases.

"

It's Me, Edward Edwards the Serial Killer You've Never Heard Of

— Episode: MURDERED: The Coleman Family

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Episode: MURDERED: The Coleman Family

It was mentioned as a book written by a retired Montana cop who thought the serial killer Edward Edwards was responsible for the Coleman family murders, as well as other notorious cold cases.

"

It's Me, Edward Edwards the Serial Killer You've Never Heard Of

it is like the kookiest

he thinks he killed John Binet he thinks he killed the Black Dahlia he thinks he's the Atlanta child murderer the uh abduction of Adam Walsh he thinks he's the Zodiac Killer

that book is from what I've heard not very reputable

The Woman Who Vanished (The Imogen and Hugh Croft Mysteries Book 4) Cover

Katherine Pathak

The Woman Who Vanished (The Imogen and Hugh Croft Mysteries Book 4)

The podcast host stated that they read this book about Tanya Rider's case, and it contained details about her perspective and recovery.

"

And in the book that I read about this, Tom said that Tanya inspired him to be a better person. And Tanya said that he lit up her life with joy.

— Episode: IF I GO MISSING: Tanya Rider

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Episode: IF I GO MISSING: Tanya Rider

The podcast host stated that they read this book about Tanya Rider's case, and it contained details about her perspective and recovery.

"

And in the book that I read about this, Tom said that Tanya inspired him to be a better person. And Tanya said that he lit up her life with joy.

And there is this sort of recount in the book that she wrote that I assume she interviewed some people who were actually on the recovery team.

And there's a lot in her book and in the articles that I read and the documentaries that I've watched.

Inferno (Modern Library Series) - English translation Cover

Dante

Inferno (Modern Library Series) - English translation

It was mentioned as an audiobook that the host had listened to and enjoyed, which was compared to the views of Dr. Hugh Davis regarding population growth and birth control.

"

I don't know if any of you have read Inferno by Dan Brown, but it feels like his manifesto and I know it's a fictional book.

— Episode: WHITE COLLAR: The Dalkon Shield

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Episode: WHITE COLLAR: The Dalkon Shield

It was mentioned as an audiobook that the host had listened to and enjoyed, which was compared to the views of Dr. Hugh Davis regarding population growth and birth control.

"

I don't know if any of you have read Inferno by Dan Brown, but it feels like his manifesto and I know it's a fictional book.

It's insanely wonderful you can go to audibletrial.com/crime junkie you can get your free Dan Brown Inferno book so good but basically he kind of believed along the lines of this fictional book though is he believed the pregnancy rate was insane and it was almost his personal mission to stop it.

Adnan's Story: The Search for Truth and Justice After Serial Cover

Rabia Chaudry

Adnan's Story

The Search for Truth and Justice After Serial

It was described as the "bible" of Adnan's case, thoroughly covering it and the reinvestigations that followed the Serial podcast.

"

There was also an amazing book that was written called Adnan's Story, which thoroughly covers the case and those reinvestigations.

— Episode: ADNAN: What Serial Didn't Tell You

Listen on Audible 7-day free trial

Episode: ADNAN: What Serial Didn't Tell You

It was described as the "bible" of Adnan's case, thoroughly covering it and the reinvestigations that followed the Serial podcast.

"

There was also an amazing book that was written called Adnan's Story, which thoroughly covers the case and those reinvestigations.

She covers so much more than what we're going to be talking about today and it's truly the bible when it comes to Adnan's case.

She has done some amazing work laying out what happened in January of 1999 and how the investigation and the trials to follow got so messed up.

And finally if you want a consolidated narrative on this case please go get Rabia Chaudhry's book called Adnan's Story.

I'll Be Gone in the Dark: One Woman's Obsessive Search for the Golden State Killer Cover

Michelle McNamara

I'll Be Gone in the Dark

One Woman's Obsessive Search for the Golden State Killer

The hosts praised Michelle McNamara's truecrime book, calling it incredible and highly recommendable.

"

Michelle was an incredible true crime journalist who wrote the infamous book, I'll Be Gone in the Dark. It's incredible. Yeah. Highly recommend.

— Episode: INFAMOUS: The Mulholland Drive Murders

Listen on Audible 7-day free trial

Episode: INFAMOUS: The Mulholland Drive Murders

The hosts praised Michelle McNamara's truecrime book, calling it incredible and highly recommendable.

"

Michelle was an incredible true crime journalist who wrote the infamous book, I'll Be Gone in the Dark. It's incredible. Yeah. Highly recommend.

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