Going West: True Crime
Book Recommendations

Going West: True Crime

Daphne Woolsoncroft and Heath Merryman discuss haunting details of different disappearance and murder cases week by week. New episodes released every Tuesday and Friday.

Episodes 516
Books 129

Recently mentioned

Latest Recommendations

Gray's Anatomy: Anatomy Descriptive and Surgical (Leather-bound Classics) cover

Gray's Anatomy

Dr. Henry Gray FRS

Mentioned 11 months ago

The Craigslist Killer // 528

The medical textbook was found to have been hollowed out by the suspect to conceal a 9mm handgun.

9mm handgun which matched the shell casings found at the scene of Jalisa's murder and get this Philip was concealing this gun inside a hollowed out copy of the medical textbook, Grey's Anatomy.

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The Joy of Sex: The Timeless Guide to Lovemaking, Ultimate Revised Edition cover

The Joy of Sex

Alex Comfort

Mentioned 1 year ago

The Bellevue Killer // 521

It was mentioned as the predecessor to the book *More Joy of Sex*, which was discovered at one of the crime scenes.

under her left wrist was the book More Joy of Sex, which is the sequel to the book Joy of Sex, which marketed itself as a quote, gourmet guide to lovemaking.

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More Joy of Sex(Completely Revised and Updated) cover

More Joy of Sex(Completely Revised and Updated)

Alex Comfort

Mentioned 1 year ago

The Bellevue Killer // 521

This book, marketed as a "gourmet guide to lovemaking," was found positioned in the mouth of victim Randy Levine during the discovery of her body.

under her left wrist was the book More Joy of Sex, which is the sequel to the book Joy of Sex, which marketed itself as a quote, gourmet guide to lovemaking.

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Charmer: A Single Mom, Rockstar Romantic Comedy (Name in Lights Book 2) cover

Charmer

Kayley Loring

Mentioned 1 year ago

The Bellevue Killer // 521

This book detailed the crimes and legacy of George Russell, and contained a quote from an anonymous acquaintance about George's parents' desire to get rid of him.

there is an anonymous acquaintance who knew George from his childhood later divulged in the book Charmer, which detailed George's crimes and legacy quote, they both wanted out.

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A Man's Guide on How to Save Your Marriage Without Having to Talk About It cover

A Man's Guide on How to Save Your Marriage Without Having to Talk About It

Doug Holt

Mentioned 1 year ago

The Green Widow Murders // 520

Bob Samuels was reportedly reading this self-help book in an attempt to rehabilitate his marriage with Mary Ellen, even up until two months before his murder.

However, Bob continued to work on himself and consider rehabilitating their marriage. Like, even up until two months before his murder, he was reading the self-help book, How to Save Your Marriage.

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Night Watcher cover

Night Watcher

Daphne Woolsoncroft

Mentioned 1 year ago

Simeonette Mapes-Crupi // 519

The host's debut thriller novel was released and received positive feedback, with listeners picking it up after the previous episode discussion.

Big shout out to everybody who has been supporting my debut thriller novel, Night Watcher.

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The Gashlycrumb Tinies cover

The Gashlycrumb Tinies

Edward Gorey

Mentioned 1 year ago

The Hiding Man: Anatomy of a Serial Killer // 518

The speaker mentioned being exposed to the cover of this book years ago, which featured a skeleton man in a top hat with an umbrella, and this image later served as inspiration for a character's mask design in her own novel.

Sure. But years ago, I started a candle company and I had just been exposed recently to the cover of and the book itself, The Gashley Crumb Tinies by Edward Gorey. And on the cover, there's this skeleton man in a top hat with an umbrella.

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You Let Me In cover

You Let Me In

Camilla Bruce

Mentioned 1 year ago

The Babysitter from Hell // 516

This book was mentioned because it explored themes similar to the case being discussed, specifically focusing on two sisters where one escapes trauma by creating a fantasy world.

This actually is so reminiscent of this book I just read and loved recently called You Let Me In by Camilla Bruce because it explores these two sisters, one of whom is being abused and she creates this fantasy world to escape the trauma.

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How to Disappear: Erase Your Digital Footprint, Leave False Trails, And Vanish Without A Trace cover

How to Disappear

Frank Ahearn

Mentioned 1 year ago

Carol Kennedy // 508

Steve Demacher ordered books on how to disappear and change his identity to a rental apartment unit in his name before his second trial began.

The Garden Within: Where the War with Your Emotions Ends and Your Most Powerful Life Begins cover

The Garden Within

Dr. Anita Phillips

Mentioned 1 year ago

Kiplyn Davis // 505

The father of the missing girl wrote this book detailing his experience with his daughter's disappearance, and the proceeds were directed to a scholarship fund.

if it were their daughter, what would they want the parents to do? I would try to make it right.

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I Am Jessica: A Survivor’s Powerful Story of Healing and Hope cover

I Am Jessica

Jamie Collins

Mentioned 1 year ago

Prom Night Murders // 504

Jesse released this book in 2019, on the 30th year anniversary of the murders, detailing her journey with grief after the tragedy.

The New Sex Bible for Women: The Complete Guide to Sexual Self-Awareness and Intimacy cover

The New Sex Bible for Women

Amie Harwick

Mentioned 1 year ago

Amie Harwick // 467

Dr. Harwick published this book in 2014 after completing her academic studies, culminating her work in the field.

Most Recommended

Cave Exploring: The Definitive Guide to Caving Technique, Safety, Gear, and Trip Leadership Cover

Paul Burger

Cave Exploring

The Definitive Guide to Caving Technique, Safety, Gear, and Trip Leadership

Ben had been studying caving and diving books in the week leading up to his dive in an attempt to learn more about cave diving before his fatal dive.

"

His girlfriend Emily said that he had been pouring over Caving and diving books the week prior to his dive to learn even more about his hobby

— Episode: Ben McDaniel // 214

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Episode: Ben McDaniel // 214

Ben had been studying caving and diving books in the week leading up to his dive in an attempt to learn more about cave diving before his fatal dive.

"

His girlfriend Emily said that he had been pouring over Caving and diving books the week prior to his dive to learn even more about his hobby

Evidence of Love: A True Story of Passion and Death in the Suburbs Cover

John Bloom

Evidence of Love

A True Story of Passion and Death in the Suburbs

It was written by Dallas authors about the Betty Gore murder case, which was later adapted into a movie, and also featured in an episode of Snapped.

"

In 1984, Dallas authors Jim Atkinson and John Bloom wrote a book about this case called Evidence of Love, which was later turned into a movie called Killing in a Small Town.

— Episode: Betty Gore // 208

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Episode: Betty Gore // 208

It was written by Dallas authors about the Betty Gore murder case, which was later adapted into a movie, and also featured in an episode of Snapped.

"

In 1984, Dallas authors Jim Atkinson and John Bloom wrote a book about this case called Evidence of Love, which was later turned into a movie called Killing in a Small Town.

The Wrong Husband: A Sister's (Ex) Boyfriend, Marriage of Convenience Romance (Marriage by Contract Book 1) Cover

Maya Alden

The Wrong Husband

A Sister's (Ex) Boyfriend, Marriage of Convenience Romance (Marriage by Contract Book 1)

It was released in 2015 and was discussed in the podcast as a novel about a woman who escapes her abusive spouse during a shipwreck and falls in love with one of her rescuers.

"

In 2015, she released a novel titled The Wrong Husband, which is about a woman who escapes an abusive spouse during a shipwreck in the Mediterranean and then falls in love with one of...

— Episode: Daniel Brophy // 206

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Episode: Daniel Brophy // 206

It was released in 2015 and was discussed in the podcast as a novel about a woman who escapes her abusive spouse during a shipwreck and falls in love with one of her rescuers.

"

In 2015, she released a novel titled The Wrong Husband, which is about a woman who escapes an abusive spouse during a shipwreck in the Mediterranean and then falls in love with one of the men sent to find her.

The Wrong Lover: Wrong Never Felt So Right, Book 3.5 Cover

Nancy Brophy

The Wrong Lover

Wrong Never Felt So Right, Book 3.5

It was mentioned along with other books by the same author as part of a list of her works and was available on Amazon or Kindle.

"

Her other book titles include The Wrong Lover, The Wrong Brother, The Wrong Cop, The Wrong Seal, The Wrong Hero, and Hell on the Heart.

— Episode: Daniel Brophy // 206

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Episode: Daniel Brophy // 206

It was mentioned along with other books by the same author as part of a list of her works and was available on Amazon or Kindle.

"

Her other book titles include The Wrong Lover, The Wrong Brother, The Wrong Cop, The Wrong Seal, The Wrong Hero, and Hell on the Heart.

The WRONG Brother: A Friends to Lovers Romantic Comedy (Love You Forever Book 1) Cover

Alexis Winter

The WRONG Brother

A Friends to Lovers Romantic Comedy (Love You Forever Book 1)

It was mentioned along with other books by the same author as part of a list of her works and was available on Amazon or Kindle.

"

Her other book titles include The Wrong Lover, The WRONG Brother, The Wrong Cop, The Wrong Seal, The Wrong Hero, and Hell on the Heart.

— Episode: Daniel Brophy // 206

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Episode: Daniel Brophy // 206

It was mentioned along with other books by the same author as part of a list of her works and was available on Amazon or Kindle.

"

Her other book titles include The Wrong Lover, The WRONG Brother, The Wrong Cop, The Wrong Seal, The Wrong Hero, and Hell on the Heart.

The Wrong Cop (Wrong Never Felt So Right Book 3) Cover

Nancy Brophy

The Wrong Cop (Wrong Never Felt So Right Book 3)

It was mentioned along with other books by the same author as part of a list of her works and was available on Amazon or Kindle.

"

Her other book titles include The Wrong Lover, The Wrong Brother, The Wrong Cop, The Wrong Seal, The Wrong Hero, and Hell on the Heart.

— Episode: Daniel Brophy // 206

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Episode: Daniel Brophy // 206

It was mentioned along with other books by the same author as part of a list of her works and was available on Amazon or Kindle.

"

Her other book titles include The Wrong Lover, The Wrong Brother, The Wrong Cop, The Wrong Seal, The Wrong Hero, and Hell on the Heart.

The Wrong SEAL: Small Towns Hide the Biggest Secrets (Wrong Never Felt So Right Book 5) Cover

Nancy Brophy

The Wrong SEAL

Small Towns Hide the Biggest Secrets (Wrong Never Felt So Right Book 5)

The book was listed alongside several other titles by the author in a brief roundup of her works and was noted as being available on Amazon and Kindle. No additional commentary or recommendation was provided about its content.

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Episode: Daniel Brophy // 206

It was mentioned along with other books by the same author as part of a list of her works and was available on Amazon or Kindle.

"

Her other book titles include The Wrong Lover, The Wrong Brother, The Wrong Cop, The Wrong SEAL, The Wrong Hero, and Hell on the Heart.

The Wrong Hero (Wrong Never Felt So Right Book 2) Cover

Nancy Brophy

The Wrong Hero (Wrong Never Felt So Right Book 2)

The title was briefly noted in a list of the author's works, mentioned alongside several other books and noted as being available on Amazon or Kindle. No specific endorsement was given, indicating a casual mention.

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Episode: Daniel Brophy // 206

It was mentioned along with other books by the same author as part of a list of her works and was available on Amazon or Kindle.

"

Her other book titles include The Wrong Lover, The Wrong Brother, The Wrong Cop, The Wrong Seal, The Wrong Hero, and Hell on the Heart.

Hell On The Heart (Shadow Men Book 1) Cover

Nancy Brophy

Hell On The Heart (Shadow Men Book 1)

The hosts mentioned the title while listing the author's other works and noted that it was available on Amazon or Kindle. No specific endorsement was given, and it was presented as part of a broader catalogue of the author's books.

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Episode: Daniel Brophy // 206

It was mentioned along with other books by the same author as part of a list of her works and was available on Amazon or Kindle.

"

Her other book titles include The Wrong Lover, The Wrong Brother, The Wrong Cop, The Wrong Seal, The Wrong Hero, and Hell on the Heart.

Little Miss Murder (Ed Noon Mystery Book 22) Cover

Michael Avallone

Little Miss Murder (Ed Noon Mystery Book 22)

Sheila Kimmel, Lisa's mother, wrote this book detailing the horrific experience of losing her daughter to murder and offering hope to other parents who have endured the death of a child.

"

Sheila said that asking for the death penalty was the hardest decision anyone in the family ever had to make, and that they would have been open to Dale asking for a life sentence instead if he had on...

— Episode: Lisa Kimmell // 201

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Episode: Lisa Kimmell // 201

Sheila Kimmel, Lisa's mother, wrote this book detailing the horrific experience of losing her daughter to murder and offering hope to other parents who have endured the death of a child.

"

Sheila said that asking for the death penalty was the hardest decision anyone in the family ever had to make, and that they would have been open to Dale asking for a life sentence instead if he had only asked for forgiveness.

What will probably be her final confrontation with her daughter's killer, Sheila said directly to Dale's face, 'Can you remember Lisa's face? Can you remember her cries? Can you remember her tears? Can you remember her screams? Can you remember the fear in her eyes? Can you remember her pain? Can you remember her last breath? Can you remember her last heartbeat?'

Guerrilla Gunsmithing: Quick And Dirty Methods For Fixing Firearms In Desperate Times Cover

Ragnar Benson

Guerrilla Gunsmithing

Quick And Dirty Methods For Fixing Firearms In Desperate Times

In the episode, the hosts noted that Anthony Rauda owned a copy of the title, which focuses on gunsmithing techniques for desperate situations. The mention was brief and served only to point out his interest in the subject.

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Get Even (Don't Get Mad) Cover

Gretchen McNeil

Get Even (Don't Get Mad)

Get Even (Don't Get Mad) was mentioned on the podcast not as a literary recommendation, but as a relevant piece of evidence in a true crime case. The hosts noted that the alleged Malibu Creek Murder suspect, Anthony Rauda, owned the book, which is focused on the art of revenge. This detail was used to offer contextual insight into the suspect's profile during the investigation discussion.

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Where's My Tiffany? Cover

Hilary R Sessions

Where's My Tiffany?

The hosts suggested the title for true‑crime listeners, noting it was written by the victim’s mother and offered an extremely detailed, comprehensive account of the disappearance from the family’s perspective. They highlighted its emotional depth and encouraged the audience to support the author by purchasing either the ebook or a physical copy.

Highly Recommended
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Episode: Tiffany Sessions // 181

It was written by Tiffany Sessions' mother and detailed her daughter's disappearance, providing a comprehensive account of the case and the family's perspective.

"

If you're looking for a true crime book, I definitely suggest that you go support a woman who has suffered a very real and great loss of her daughter. It's extremely detailed as well.

Something very eerie that we wanted to mention from Hillary Sessions' book Where's My Tiffany? is that just over four months before Tiffany went missing, in September of 1988, Hillary woke up around 4am screaming Tiffany's name.

I haven't finished yet, but it's really amazing so far and super detailed.

I got the ebook you can get the ebook I was just trying to get something quick or you can buy a hard copy or a paperback. Whichever you prefer.

And on Friday we'll have an all new case for you guys to dive into. Again if you guys are interested in an even more detailed account of this case Tiffany's mother Hillary wrote a book called Where's My Tiffany back in 2011 so please check it out and support her if you'd like to learn more.

Behold a Pale Horse Cover

Milton William Cooper

Behold a Pale Horse

It was mentioned that the book, a detective fiction novel, features murder via thallium poisoning, a key element in the podcast's case. George Trapal had a copy on his table, and the book's plotline is believed to have saved several lives through identifying similar symptoms in victims.

"

And we're sure most of you guys probably know who Agatha Christie is But for those who don't she was a best-selling novelist from England who's known for her 60 plus detective novels including murder...

— Episode: Peggy Carr // 163

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Episode: Peggy Carr // 163

It was mentioned that the book, a detective fiction novel, features murder via thallium poisoning, a key element in the podcast's case. George Trapal had a copy on his table, and the book's plotline is believed to have saved several lives through identifying similar symptoms in victims.

"

And we're sure most of you guys probably know who Agatha Christie is But for those who don't she was a best-selling novelist from England who's known for her 60 plus detective novels including murder on the Orient Express and then there were none the mysterious affair at Stiles and many many more in 1961 she published a novel called the pale horse And this is the one that Susan noticed

But the pale horse is a detective fiction novel that includes murder by thallium poisoning coincidence, I don't think so

And Crazy enough. This book is known to have saved at least two lives After readers recognized thallium poisoning because of this novel

Poison detection in human organs (American lecture series, publication no. 521. A monograph in the Bannerstone Division of American lectures in living chemistry) Cover

A. S Curry

Poison detection in human organs (American lecture series, publication no. 521. A monograph in the Bannerstone Division of American lectures in living chemistry)

The book was cited during the discussion of the Peggy Carr case, where authorities found it in the home of person-of-interest George Trapal. Host Daphne highlighted its discovery, noting that its presence, along with other police manuals detailing death by poison and specifically thallium, was secured as evidence. The finding suggested Trapal's potential knowledge and interest in forensic toxicology and poison detection methods.

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Episode: Peggy Carr // 163

It was found in George Trapal's home, suggesting his potential knowledge and interest in poison detection methods. This book was among the evidence found at his house after the authorities were able to secure a warrant.

"

They also found a police manual in the home that included a chapter called death by poison and Also a page specifically on thallium and another book called Poison detection in human organs

Murder in the Stacks: Penn State, Betsy Aardsma, and the Killer Who Got Away Cover

David Dekok

Murder in the Stacks

Penn State, Betsy Aardsma, and the Killer Who Got Away

Host Daphne cited David Dekok's investigative work in Murder in the Stacks while detailing the murder of Betsy Aardsma. The book was specifically referenced for its interview with suspect Larry Marrer. The author reportedly found Marrer's responses evasive and attention-seeking, using the text to shed light on the suspect’s peculiar demeanor.

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Episode: Betsy Aardsma // 157

It was mentioned that the author of this book interviewed Larry Marrer, a suspect in Betsy Aardsma's murder, and found his responses evasive and attention-seeking.

"

In an interview with an author of a book called Murder in the Stacks, this author explains that when he tried to reach out to Larry Marrer, he seemed coy as if he was playing around and seeking attention from the murder.

Winter Mittens, The Cover

Tim Arnold

Winter Mittens, The

The book, Winter Mittens, The, was casually mentioned on the podcast and noted for being a children's story with a surprisingly darker tone. The discussion focused on its plot, where children grew fearful of a blizzard because one character could not remove their mittens.

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Lullaby: A Novel Cover

Chuck Palahniuk

Lullaby

A Novel

This novel was featured during the discussion of the Gabby Petito case, where host Daphne noted that the suspect, Brian Laundrie, was a frequent reader and quoter of Chuck Palahniuk on social media. The book was highlighted because its plot, which centers on a serial killer on a cross-country road trip, led to public speculation that it may have influenced or been referenced in the planning of Gabby Petito’s murder. The hosts used the book primarily as a point of grim circumstantial association in the ongoing investigation.

Critiqued
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Episode: Gabby Petito Part 2 // Statements, Dispute, and Th...

Brian seemed to read and reference Chuck Palahniuk frequently on social media, and Lullaby was mentioned as a potential link to planning Gabby's murder because of the book's plot.

"

She was also reading Lullaby and he reads a lot of Chuck Palahniuk books and he also quotes a lot of Chuck Palahniuk in his Instagram captions.

So a lot of people think that maybe he did do something to Gabby and that he planned it based on the book Lullaby.

I haven't read Lullaby, but they say that, you know, it's a book about a serial killer on a cross country road trip.

The Complete Sherlock Holmes Collection (The Sherlock Holmes Museum) Cover

Athur Conan Doyle

The Complete Sherlock Holmes Collection (The Sherlock Holmes Museum)

The Complete Sherlock Holmes Collection was mentioned in the context of true crime author James Ellroy's formative years. The hosts recounted how Ellroy received the book from his father on his 11th birthday, suggesting this classic collection, alongside Jack Webb's The Badge, was instrumental in sparking his future interest in crime novels and mysteries.

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Episode: Jean Ellroy // 132

It was gifted to James Elroy by his father on his 11th birthday, possibly sparking his interest in crime novels and mysteries in the future.

"

His father Armand gave him two books on his 11th birthday, The Complete Sherlock Holmes and Jack Webb's The Badge.

The Badge: Redemption Ranch Special Edition Cover

Lena Hendrix

The Badge

Redemption Ranch Special Edition

Gifted to James Elroy alongside The Complete Sherlock Holmes, this book, possibly related to law enforcement, may have also influenced his future career.

"

His father Armand gave him two books on his 11th birthday, The Complete Sherlock Holmes and Jack Webb's The Badge.

— Episode: Jean Ellroy // 132

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Episode: Jean Ellroy // 132

Gifted to James Elroy alongside The Complete Sherlock Holmes, this book, possibly related to law enforcement, may have also influenced his future career.

"

His father Armand gave him two books on his 11th birthday, The Complete Sherlock Holmes and Jack Webb's The Badge.

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