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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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

A Scream on the Water: A True Story of Murder in Salem Cover

Margaret Press

A Scream on the Water

A True Story of Murder in Salem

It was a book about the murder of Martha Brailsford and was mentioned in the context of the author's reflection on Tom Maimone's death.

"

Although his death won't undo any of the harm he caused, I hope that the families who were so tragically impacted by his life can now in some small measure put this sad chapter behind them.

— Episode: 302 - Whistles & Flags

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Episode: 302 - Whistles & Flags

It was a book about the murder of Martha Brailsford and was mentioned in the context of the author's reflection on Tom Maimone's death.

"

Although his death won't undo any of the harm he caused, I hope that the families who were so tragically impacted by his life can now in some small measure put this sad chapter behind them.

The Institute: A Novel Cover

Stephen King

The Institute

A Novel

Patton Oswalt allowed his daughter to read this book as it has a similar vibe to Stranger Things, but with a grittier element.

"

And I did let her read The Institute, which is like Stranger Things, but a little grittier.

— Episode: Celebrity Hometowns with Patton Oswalt

Listen on Audible 7-day free trial

Episode: Celebrity Hometowns with Patton Oswalt

Patton Oswalt allowed his daughter to read this book as it has a similar vibe to Stranger Things, but with a grittier element.

"

And I did let her read The Institute, which is like Stranger Things, but a little grittier.

The Talisman by Stephen King (2001-09-05) Cover

unknown author

The Talisman by Stephen King (2001-09-05)

Patton Oswalt mentioned that his daughter was currently reading this novel co-written with Peter Straub.

"

And now she's reading The Talisman, the one that he wrote with Peter Straub.

— Episode: Celebrity Hometowns with Patton Oswalt

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Episode: Celebrity Hometowns with Patton Oswalt

Patton Oswalt mentioned that his daughter was currently reading this novel co-written with Peter Straub.

"

And now she's reading The Talisman, the one that he wrote with Peter Straub.

The Tommyknockers Cover

Stephen King

The Tommyknockers

Patton Oswalt revealed that he believes this book is actually a veiled exploration of Stephen King's own struggle with cocaine addiction.

"

And The Tommyknockers is a brilliant book about overcoming cocaine addiction.

— Episode: Celebrity Hometowns with Patton Oswalt

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Episode: Celebrity Hometowns with Patton Oswalt

Patton Oswalt revealed that he believes this book is actually a veiled exploration of Stephen King's own struggle with cocaine addiction.

"

And The Tommyknockers is a brilliant book about overcoming cocaine addiction.

He just hides it as alien, but it's about being a cocaine addict.

The Eyes of the Dragon Cover

Stephen King

The Eyes of the Dragon

Patton Oswalt mentioned reading this young adult novel to his daughter when she was eight years old, and she enjoyed it, which led to her interest in other Stephen King works.

"

So I have to review when she was like eight, I read her eyes of the dragon, which is his young adult novel.

— Episode: Celebrity Hometowns with Patton Oswalt

Listen on Audible 7-day free trial

Episode: Celebrity Hometowns with Patton Oswalt

Patton Oswalt mentioned reading this young adult novel to his daughter when she was eight years old, and she enjoyed it, which led to her interest in other Stephen King works.

"

So I have to review when she was like eight, I read her eyes of the dragon, which is his young adult novel.

The Suspicions of Mr. Whicher: A Shocking Murder and the Undoing of a Great Victorian Detective Cover

Kate Summerscale

The Suspicions of Mr. Whicher

A Shocking Murder and the Undoing of a Great Victorian Detective

It presented a new theory about the Road Hill House murder case, suggesting that Constance's brother William may have been involved, and was later adapted into a miniseries.

"

In 2008, author Kate Summerscale releases a book called The Suspicion of Mr. Witcher, and she has a new theory that Constance's younger brother, William, was the actual killer and Constance was coveri...

— Episode: 299 - London & England

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Episode: 299 - London & England

It presented a new theory about the Road Hill House murder case, suggesting that Constance's brother William may have been involved, and was later adapted into a miniseries.

"

In 2008, author Kate Summerscale releases a book called The Suspicion of Mr. Witcher, and she has a new theory that Constance's younger brother, William, was the actual killer and Constance was covering for him with her confession.

And Kate actually found while she was researching the book that Witcher did think that Witcher actually thought that William was involved as well as an accomplice, but kind of kept it to himself or that he was at least a confidant and like knew what his sister had done.

In 2008, Kate Summerscale wrote The Suspicions of Mr. Witcher and a TV series based on the book was released three years later.

Patti Consign is the star, and it is so good. I think there's only four of them, though.

The Whole Language: The Power of Extravagant Tenderness Cover

Gregory Boyle

The Whole Language

The Power of Extravagant Tenderness

It was recommended by Karen's therapist because she was experiencing a lot of 'feelings in real time'. The book, narrated by Father Doyle himself, details the successes of Homeboy Industries and includes many stories of redemption and forgiveness.

"

It's called The Whole Language, The Power of Extravagant Tenderness by Gregory Doyle.

— Episode: 298 - Feelings In Real Time

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Episode: 298 - Feelings In Real Time

It was recommended by Karen's therapist because she was experiencing a lot of 'feelings in real time'. The book, narrated by Father Doyle himself, details the successes of Homeboy Industries and includes many stories of redemption and forgiveness.

"

It's called The Whole Language, The Power of Extravagant Tenderness by Gregory Doyle.

It's so great to hear him talking.

It's all these stories about people who are trying... Who are just trying against all odds and succeeding. And it's really beautiful.

And it's just kind of all about, you know, he is a Catholic priest, obviously he's a Jesuit priest. But his whole thing is just kind of about God as a loving, accepting God and not this kind of weird way people who are quote unquote religious like to use the concept of God against each other and to other people and to keep them out.

And how the point of all of it is to include people and let them redeem themselves.

Thousand Days: John F. Kennedy in the White House Cover

David Sobel

Thousand Days

John F. Kennedy in the White House

Josh Mankiewicz mentioned reading it during his younger years, as it was about President Kennedy's presidency and life.

"

I remember reading about that in the newspapers in the mid-60s as the criticisms of the Warren Commission began and started growing.

— Episode: Celebrity Hometowns with Josh Mankiewicz

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Episode: Celebrity Hometowns with Josh Mankiewicz

Josh Mankiewicz mentioned reading it during his younger years, as it was about President Kennedy's presidency and life.

"

I remember reading about that in the newspapers in the mid-60s as the criticisms of the Warren Commission began and started growing.

But when I went to college, I went to Haverford College outside of Philadelphia, and one of my professors there was a guy named Josiah Thompson...He'd written a book called Six Seconds in Dallas, which you can still find, which by the way is a great book.

I remember devouring William Manchester's book about President Kennedy's life, or his presidency called A Thousand Days.

Six Seconds in Dallas: A Micro-Study of the Kennedy Assassination Cover

Josiah Thompson

Six Seconds in Dallas

A Micro-Study of the Kennedy Assassination

It was mentioned as a book that discussed the Kennedy assassination, challenging the official version of events and exploring alternative theories.

"

And he'd written a book called Six Seconds in Dallas, which you can still find, which by the way is a great book.

— Episode: Celebrity Hometowns with Josh Mankiewicz

Listen on Audible 7-day free trial

Episode: Celebrity Hometowns with Josh Mankiewicz

It was mentioned as a book that discussed the Kennedy assassination, challenging the official version of events and exploring alternative theories.

"

And he'd written a book called Six Seconds in Dallas, which you can still find, which by the way is a great book.

That's Six Seconds in Dallas. Very good. I bought it on Amazon a couple of years ago because I lost my original copy. But yeah, it's still out there.

Murder in Texas (The Cowboys of Cider Creek Book 6) Cover

Barb Han

Murder in Texas (The Cowboys of Cider Creek Book 6)

It was mentioned as a source for the episode's true crime story about the murders of Rhonda Johnson and Sharon Shaw.

"

If you want to watch it, there's a book by an author named Jamie Foster called murder in Texas.

— Episode: 297 - Lick the Difference!

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Episode: 297 - Lick the Difference!

It was mentioned as a source for the episode's true crime story about the murders of Rhonda Johnson and Sharon Shaw.

"

If you want to watch it, there's a book by an author named Jamie Foster called murder in Texas.

Black Girls Must Die Exhausted: A Novel Cover

Jayne Allen

Black Girls Must Die Exhausted

A Novel

It was mentioned as the title of a novel written by Jane Allen, a guest on another podcast in the same network.

"

She's the author of the novel Black Girls Must Die Exhausted.

— Episode: 297 - Lick the Difference!

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Episode: 297 - Lick the Difference!

It was mentioned as the title of a novel written by Jane Allen, a guest on another podcast in the same network.

"

She's the author of the novel Black Girls Must Die Exhausted.

Sudden Impact (Tom Rollins Thrillers Book 13) Cover

Paul Heatley

Sudden Impact (Tom Rollins Thrillers Book 13)

It was mentioned as a 1983 Clint Eastwood Dirty Harry film, which featured the memorable quote "Go ahead, make my day."

"

There's a 1983 Clint Eastwood Dirty Harry movie called Sudden Impact. That's the one that gave us Go Ahead Make My Day.

— Episode: MFM Presents: Waiting for Impact - Episo...

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Episode: MFM Presents: Waiting for Impact - Episode 1: "I'v...

It was mentioned as a 1983 Clint Eastwood Dirty Harry film, which featured the memorable quote "Go ahead, make my day."

"

There's a 1983 Clint Eastwood Dirty Harry movie called Sudden Impact. That's the one that gave us Go Ahead Make My Day.

Men's Notorious B.I.G. Logo Snapback Baseball Cap Black Cover

Men's Notorious B.I.G. Logo Snapback Baseball Cap Black

The book, 'Notorious Family Feud: The Hatfields & McCoys', was discussed in a segment where the podcast hosts mentioned an interview with the author about this famous family feud.

"

wicked words kate wrinkler dawson interviews the author dean king about notorious family feud the hatfields and the mccoys so check that out

— Episode: 296 - Stakeouts & Balloons

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Episode: 296 - Stakeouts & Balloons

The book, 'Notorious Family Feud: The Hatfields & McCoys', was discussed in a segment where the podcast hosts mentioned an interview with the author about this famous family feud.

"

wicked words kate wrinkler dawson interviews the author dean king about notorious family feud the hatfields and the mccoys so check that out

The Winter People: A Novel Cover

Jennifer McMahon

The Winter People

A Novel

It was described as a scary ghost story set near the woods, which had a rock formation called the Devil's Hand. It had a similar theme to the stairs that Georgia had in her head, but went in a different direction.

"

It's called Winter People.

— Episode: 295 - Twenty-Two To Go

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Episode: 295 - Twenty-Two To Go

It was described as a scary ghost story set near the woods, which had a rock formation called the Devil's Hand. It had a similar theme to the stairs that Georgia had in her head, but went in a different direction.

"

It's called Winter People.

Nice.

Jennifer McMahon has a similar idea to my stairs that go underground but just goes in different direction or down pick one.

The Truth Machine: The Blockchain and the Future of Everything Cover

Paul Vigna

The Truth Machine

The Blockchain and the Future of Everything

It was mentioned as a book for anyone who wanted to read more about the history of the lie detector, and contained many crazy stories about how much it sucks and doesn't work.

"

And then also there's a book called The Truth Machine by Dr. Jeff Bunn.

— Episode: 295 - Twenty-Two To Go

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Episode: 295 - Twenty-Two To Go

It was mentioned as a book for anyone who wanted to read more about the history of the lie detector, and contained many crazy stories about how much it sucks and doesn't work.

"

And then also there's a book called The Truth Machine by Dr. Jeff Bunn.

If anyone wants to read more about that, there's a lot of just crazy stories about how much it sucks and doesn't work.

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