My Favorite Murder with Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark
Book Recommendations

My Favorite Murder with Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark

My Favorite Murder is a true crime comedy podcast hosted by Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark. Each week, Karen and Georgia share compelling true crimes and hometown stories from friends and listeners.  Since MFM launched in January of 2016, Karen and Georgia have shared their lifelong interest...

Episodes 1,279
Books 770

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Latest Recommendations

Apples to Oregon: Being the (Slightly) True Narrative of How a Brave Pioneer Father Brought Apples, Peaches, Pears, Plums, Grapes, and Cherries (and Children) Across the Plains (Anne Schwartz Books) cover

Apples to Oregon

Deborah Hopkinson

Mentioned 1 month ago

534 - Think About the Simulation

They introduced the book as a children's story about a 1800s Midwestern pioneer family traveling west, loosely inspired by Johnny Appleseed.

If you were a kid in the 90s, and in elementary school, a teacher read you a book about a family of pioneers. ... It's called Apples to Oregon by a writer named Deborah Hopkinson, and it follows an 1800s Midwestern family in their westward journey.

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Survivor of the Killing Fields cover

Survivor of the Killing Fields

Haing S. Ngor

Mentioned 1 month ago

534 - Think About the Simulation

They noted that a book titled The Killing Fields had been written and served as the source material for the film about the Cambodian genocide.

They had written the book, The Killing Fields.

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Death in the City of Light: The Serial Killer of Nazi-Occupied Paris cover

Death in the City of Light

David King

Mentioned 1 month ago

Rewind with Karen & Georgia - 98: Grasp It

The hosts noted that the book covered the dark, twisted tale of Marcel Petiot, providing location maps of Paris and details of his meetings, victims, and trial.

I came across a book in my local library called Death in the City of Light, the serial killer of Nazioccupied Paris. What a dark, twisted tale and man. The book provided location maps in Paris, including the house that neighbors reported burning, which led to Petrois being found out and arrested. The book also covers his meetings with specific victims and how he manipulated them to come to his home in the first place. It also covers the trial of Petrois, which was one of the most frustrating reads I've ever had to get through.

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Drawn to Injustice: The Wrongful Conviction of Timothy Masters cover

Drawn to Injustice

Timothy Masters

Mentioned 1 month ago

Rewind with Karen & Georgia - 98: Grasp It

The episode mentioned that Timothy Masters authored a book recounting his experience of being tried, imprisoned, and ultimately exonerated for Peggy Hetrick's murder.

Timothy Masters wrote a book detailing his experience being tried, jailed, and exonerated for Peggy's murder titled Drawn to Injustice, the Wrongful Conviction of Timothy Masters.

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The Woman They Could Not Silence: One Woman, Her Incredible Fight for Freedom, and the Men Who Tried to Make Her Disappear (True Story of the Historical Battle for Women's and Mental Health Rights) cover

The Woman They Could Not Silence

Kate Moore

Mentioned 2 months ago

533 - An Exercise in Frustration

The hosts highlighted Kate Moore's 2021 book, noting it revived interest in Elizabeth Packard's story and contributed to recent mentalhealth awareness.

Here's Kate Moore's book, she's an amazing author, oh yeah the one they could not silence, very cool.

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The Flowers in the Attic Saga (Boxed Set): Flowers in the Attic/Petals on the Wind; If There Be Thorns/Seeds of Yesterday; Garden of Shadows (Dollanganger) cover

The Flowers in the Attic Saga (Boxed Set)

V.C. Andrews

Mentioned 2 months ago

Rewind with Karen & Georgia - 97: The Hague

They referred to *Flowers in the Attic* as a V.C.Andrews book, calling it problematic and discussing its controversial content.

there's a V.C. Andrews book. Flowers in the Attic? No. It's a problematic book that they talked about and they said it was controversial.

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When a Killer Calls: A Haunting Story of Murder, Criminal Profiling, and Justice in a Small Town (Cases of the FBI's Original Mindhunter, 2) cover

When a Killer Calls

John E. Douglas

Mentioned 2 months ago

Rewind with Karen & Georgia - 97: The Hague

They mentioned that there is a book called *Mindhunter* which the case or show was based on.

there is a book called Mindhunter and that's what it's based on.

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ShadowMan: An Elusive Psycho Killer and the Birth of FBI Profiling cover

ShadowMan

Ron Franscell

Mentioned 2 months ago

Rewind with Karen & Georgia - 97: The Hague

The hosts said Ron Franshell had written the book *ShadowMan* about the case and the birth of FBI profiling, noting it sounded interesting to check out.

there are no case updates, but in January of 2022, journalist and author Ron Franshell wrote the book Shadow Man, an elusive psycho killer and the birth of FBI profiling about this case and the role it played in the FBI's first criminal profile, which I think is so interesting. We should all check that out.

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Nancy Drew Starter Set - Books 1-5 cover

Nancy Drew Starter Set - Books 1-5

Carolyn Keene

Mentioned 2 months ago

532 - We’re Being Artists Here

The hosts explained that the original 1930s Nancy Drew novel entered the public domain and they had annotated it for a $10 purchase.

Nancy Drew went public domain in January, and nobody is talking about what that actually means. The version of Nancy Drew that most of us grew up with, the 1959 version, is not the original version. As of January 2026, that original text is free. It's public domain. So I annotated it. The link is in my bio. Wow. It's $10.

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Shakespeare Comes to Broadmoor: The Actors are Come Hither' - The Performance of Tragedy in a Secure Psychiatric Hospital cover

Shakespeare Comes to Broadmoor

Murray Cox

Mentioned 2 months ago

532 - We’re Being Artists Here

They noted that the primary source for the episode was the book Shakespeare Comes to Broadmoor compiled by Dr. Murray Cox.

The main source for this story is a book called Shakespeare Comes to Broadmoor, which was compiled by the doctor who spearheaded this program, Dr. Murray Cox.

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Parts Work: An Illustrated Guide to Your Inner Life cover

Parts Work

Tom Holmes

Mentioned 2 months ago

532 - We’re Being Artists Here

They referred to a book titled Parts Work while discussing therapeutic concepts.

the book's called Parts Work.

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The Blind Side: Evolution of a Game cover

The Blind Side

Michael Lewis

Mentioned 2 months ago

Rewind with Karen & Georgia - 96: Live at the Hard Rock in Orlando

A brief reference was made to "The Blind Side" as a comparison while discussing a sensational story.

the blind side

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Most Recommended

Richard Dadd 15x17 Black Modern Framed Art Print Titled: Mercy,David Spareth Saul's Life (1854) Cover

Richard Dadd 15x17 Black Modern Framed Art Print Titled

Mercy,David Spareth Saul's Life (1854)

This book explores the life and artwork of Richard Dadd, a Victorian artist whose mental health issues ultimately led him to kill his father. The book uses letters he wrote home during a trip to Egypt, revealing his struggles with 'nervous depression' and how it eventually turned into psychosis. The author also touches on Richard's eventual confinement in an asylum and how he used his artistic talent to create extraordinary works.

"

There's a book called The Symbolism of Richard Dadd by Peter Ogwen Jones.

— Episode: 430 - Here's Your Reward

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Episode: 430 - Here's Your Reward

This book explores the life and artwork of Richard Dadd, a Victorian artist whose mental health issues ultimately led him to kill his father. The book uses letters he wrote home during a trip to Egypt, revealing his struggles with 'nervous depression' and how it eventually turned into psychosis. The author also touches on Richard's eventual confinement in an asylum and how he used his artistic talent to create extraordinary works.

"

There's a book called The Symbolism of Richard Dadd by Peter Ogwen Jones.

These letters that he writes home also suggest that Richard is struggling with his mental health.

nervous depression

miserable days

the excitement of these scenes has been enough to turn the brain and often I've lain down at night with my imagination so full of wild vagaries that I have really and truly doubted my own sanity.

The Wager: A Tale of Shipwreck, Mutiny and Murder Cover

David Grann

The Wager

A Tale of Shipwreck, Mutiny and Murder

It was mentioned as a book written by David Grann, with his older book called "Killers of the Flower Moon" also being discussed.

"

You might find a new title from an old favorite like David Gran who wrote killers of the flower moon and his new book, The Wager, a tale of shipwreck, mutiny and murder or listen to a...

— Episode: MFM Minisode 384

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Episode: MFM Minisode 384

It was mentioned as a book written by David Grann, with his older book called "Killers of the Flower Moon" also being discussed.

"

You might find a new title from an old favorite like David Gran who wrote killers of the flower moon and his new book, The Wager, a tale of shipwreck, mutiny and murder or listen to a classic novel for the first time like George Orwell's 1984 narrated by Andrew Garfield, Cynthia Erivo and Tom Hardy.

Darling Girls: A Novel Cover

Sally Hepworth

Darling Girls

A Novel

It was mentioned as a classic who done it book, set in the present day that flashes back to the memories of the past. It's about three girls who grew up in a foster care home.

"

It's a classic who done it. You know, I love those when it takes place in the present day and they keep flashing back to the memories of the past. It's about three girls who grew up in a foster care h...

— Episode: MFM Minisode 384

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Episode: MFM Minisode 384

It was mentioned as a classic who done it book, set in the present day that flashes back to the memories of the past. It's about three girls who grew up in a foster care home.

"

It's a classic who done it. You know, I love those when it takes place in the present day and they keep flashing back to the memories of the past. It's about three girls who grew up in a foster care home and what happened in it. It's called Darling Girls.

Shallow Graves: The Hunt for the New Bedford Highway Serial Killer Cover

Maureen Boyle

Shallow Graves

The Hunt for the New Bedford Highway Serial Killer

The book is victim-centric, talking to a lot of the victims' families and survivors. It's a true crime book that covered the New Bedford Highway Killer case, a cold case from the late 80s.

"

her features were unrecognizable. There was no smell, no flies. No one would ever know she was there even if they walked a few feet to the right or left

— Episode: 428 - Flip That Board

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Episode: 428 - Flip That Board

The book is victim-centric, talking to a lot of the victims' families and survivors. It's a true crime book that covered the New Bedford Highway Killer case, a cold case from the late 80s.

"

her features were unrecognizable. There was no smell, no flies. No one would ever know she was there even if they walked a few feet to the right or left

to me, it's today, it's yesterday, it's every day. It's not 30 years for us. The time doesn't really matter because it is every day. But at the time, the memories are there for every day

How to Hide in Plain Sight Cover

Emma Noyes

How to Hide in Plain Sight

It was a book about the Buffalo City Hall robbery, in which Calabrese and members of Magadino's crew were part of.

"

A book was written about it, Hide in Plain Sight by Leslie Waller and movie of the same title filmed in Buffalo in 1980 about the Buffalo City Hall robbery of which Calabrese and members of Magadino's...

— Episode: MFM Minisode 383

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Episode: MFM Minisode 383

It was a book about the Buffalo City Hall robbery, in which Calabrese and members of Magadino's crew were part of.

"

A book was written about it, Hide in Plain Sight by Leslie Waller and movie of the same title filmed in Buffalo in 1980 about the Buffalo City Hall robbery of which Calabrese and members of Magadino's crew were part of.

Under the Bridge Cover

Rebecca Godfrey

Under the Bridge

It was a chilling new original series on Hulu based on shocking real-life events. It told the haunting story of a 14-year-old girl whose planned meeting with friends ended in her shocking murder. An unlikely group of suspects emerged, and a novelist and a detective raced to solve the sinister crime.

"

Dive into Hulu's chilling new original series Under the Bridge.

— Episode: 426 - Hell Never

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Episode: 426 - Hell Never

It was a chilling new original series on Hulu based on shocking real-life events. It told the haunting story of a 14-year-old girl whose planned meeting with friends ended in her shocking murder. An unlikely group of suspects emerged, and a novelist and a detective raced to solve the sinister crime.

"

Dive into Hulu's chilling new original series Under the Bridge.

It's a riveting adaptation of the true crime novel written by acclaimed author Rebecca Gottfried.

Based on shocking real-life events, Under the Bridge tells the haunting story of a 14-year-old girl who's planned to meet up with friends ends in her shocking murder.

When an unlikely group of suspects emerge, a novelist and a detective race to solve the sinister crime.

This spellbinding series goes deep into a hidden subculture revealing a small town's darkest secrets.

The Devil in the White City: Murder, Magic, and Madness at the Fair That Changed America Cover

Erik Larson

The Devil in the White City

Murder, Magic, and Madness at the Fair That Changed America

It was mentioned as a book about the World's Fair in Chicago, and one of the hosts had read it previously.

"

Especially really the book The Devil in the White City. Yes, we were talking to you read that

— Episode: Rewind with Karen & Georgia - Episode 9:...

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Episode: Rewind with Karen & Georgia - Episode 9: Color Me...

It was mentioned as a book about the World's Fair in Chicago, and one of the hosts had read it previously.

"

Especially really the book The Devil in the White City. Yes, we were talking to you read that

I think there was a book and then I was like Don't call that one this second the words out of the month, and then I was like that's right. It's called devil

The Jungle Cover

Upton Sinclair

The Jungle

It was discussed as a catalyst for meat inspection after detailing the harsh conditions of Chicago slaughterhouses, which led to the Pure Food and Drug Act and the Federal Meat Inspection Act.

"

I remember reading that. It was so disgusting. So awful. Reading is good. Reading is fundamental. Books are great.

— Episode: 342 - The Debras of the World

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Episode: 342 - The Debras of the World

It was discussed as a catalyst for meat inspection after detailing the harsh conditions of Chicago slaughterhouses, which led to the Pure Food and Drug Act and the Federal Meat Inspection Act.

"

I remember reading that. It was so disgusting. So awful. Reading is good. Reading is fundamental. Books are great.

And people finding out about stuff that isn't right outside their front door and then caring about it is what books are for, aka don't let weirdos shut down your local public libraries.

Yeah. And banning books is fucking bad. Banning books is what fascists and Nazis do.

Pretty Girls: A Novel Cover

Karin Slaughter

Pretty Girls

A Novel

Georgia was listening to it on audiobook and couldn't stop listening. It features sister themes and a strong female lead and possibly a murder.

"

But mine's also like murdery and like a whodunit thing. And it's it's by this woman who's written like 20 mystery thriller, like those books that like we love to read on the beach on vacation. Hell ye...

— Episode: 222 - That’s How Water Works

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Episode: 222 - That’s How Water Works

Georgia was listening to it on audiobook and couldn't stop listening. It features sister themes and a strong female lead and possibly a murder.

"

But mine's also like murdery and like a whodunit thing. And it's it's by this woman who's written like 20 mystery thriller, like those books that like we love to read on the beach on vacation. Hell yeah. By Karen Slaughter. But it's I and Karen Slaughter.

And it's called Pretty Girls. And I can't I'm listening to it on an audio book. I can't stop fucking listening to it. And it's got like, you know, sister themes and it's got like strong female lead. Like it's and it's about them solving maybe a murder.

Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones Cover

James Clear

Atomic Habits

An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones

It is about how to create and stick to habits easily. It was said to be helpful for the brain if read before falling asleep.

"

It's called Atomic Habits by James Clear. And it's just about how to create and stick to habits easily.

— Episode: 438 - True Crime Sommelier

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Episode: 438 - True Crime Sommelier

It is about how to create and stick to habits easily. It was said to be helpful for the brain if read before falling asleep.

"

It's called Atomic Habits by James Clear. And it's just about how to create and stick to habits easily.

You're not lazy, you just haven't formulated the right habit of the thing you want to do that works for your brain. And so here's how.

I've been falling asleep to it, which is really, I feel like that's helpful if my brain absorbs it because I'm falling asleep.

Chaos: Charles Manson, the CIA and the Secret History of the Sixties Cover

Tom O’Neill

Chaos

Charles Manson, the CIA and the Secret History of the Sixties

It was mentioned in the context of the serial killer Donald Harvey's fascination with the occult, it was mentioned that he had been reading books on the occult.

"

two occult books, and a biography of serial killer Charles Sabraj.

— Episode: 110 - Live at the Palace Theatre in Colu...

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Episode: 110 - Live at the Palace Theatre in Columbus

It was mentioned in the context of the serial killer Donald Harvey's fascination with the occult, it was mentioned that he had been reading books on the occult.

"

two occult books, and a biography of serial killer Charles Sabraj.

The Silent Patient Cover

Alex Michaelides

The Silent Patient

It was mentioned as one of the first books that the host had ever read by the author, Anne Rule, who was discussing a case about a woman who shot her three children.

"

That's Diane Downs. That's the one. That's Diane Downs from, I believe Portland or like the Portland area. That's one of the first ones I ever did because that was one of the first Anne Rule books I e...

— Episode: MFM Minisode 186

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Episode: MFM Minisode 186

It was mentioned as one of the first books that the host had ever read by the author, Anne Rule, who was discussing a case about a woman who shot her three children.

"

That's Diane Downs. That's the one. That's Diane Downs from, I believe Portland or like the Portland area. That's one of the first ones I ever did because that was one of the first Anne Rule books I ever read.

Attached: The New Science of Adult Attachment and How It Can Help YouFind?and Keep?Love Cover

Amir Levine

Attached

The New Science of Adult Attachment and How It Can Help YouFind?and Keep?Love

The book was recommended as a self-help audiobook focusing on attachment styles, including anxious, avoidant, and secure attachments.

"

It is called Attached and the authors are Amir Levine and Rachel S.F. Heller and it is one of those fucking self-help books where you're listening to it and you're like, holy shit, th...

— Episode: 259 - Fake Snow In Glendale

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Episode: 259 - Fake Snow In Glendale

The book was recommended as a self-help audiobook focusing on attachment styles, including anxious, avoidant, and secure attachments.

"

It is called Attached and the authors are Amir Levine and Rachel S.F. Heller and it is one of those fucking self-help books where you're listening to it and you're like, holy shit, this is the thing I needed to hear and it's basically about everybody, people's different attachment styles.

It's about a bunch of different things and I think it's, I was talking to my therapist about it this morning. She's like, but it's not, everybody's not all one thing.

That's my recommendation. It's that good though. Like you're excited because it's that good.

Just listen to it. I mean, you know what you're gonna hear, but the shit, it just feels so nice to hear it.

The Secret (1) (The Secret Library) Cover

Rhonda Byrne

The Secret (1) (The Secret Library)

They noted that Andrea based her family's curriculum on the book, mentioning it alongside the movie version.

"

Andrea says she is basing her curriculum around the movie, not the book, The Secret.

— Episode: 500 - Knot for Naught

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Episode: 500 - Knot for Naught

They noted that Andrea based her family's curriculum on the book, mentioning it alongside the movie version.

"

Andrea says she is basing her curriculum around the movie, not the book, The Secret.

Ours Was the Shining Future: The Story of the American Dream Cover

David Leonhardt

Ours Was the Shining Future

The Story of the American Dream

The Shining was mentioned in passing as a haunted hotel that the storyteller stayed at during a construction job, alluding to Stephen King's novel.

"

almost being dumped and crushed in a garbage truck while dumpster diving and trudging through 12 inches of snow on crutches. Proud to be a margarino, Nicole.

— Episode: MFM Minisode 55

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Episode: MFM Minisode 55

The Shining was mentioned in passing as a haunted hotel that the storyteller stayed at during a construction job, alluding to Stephen King's novel.

"

almost being dumped and crushed in a garbage truck while dumpster diving and trudging through 12 inches of snow on crutches. Proud to be a margarino, Nicole.

while I was at this job I survived five hotel fires, staying at a haunted hotel reminiscent of The Shining,

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