Rotten Mango
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Rotten Mango

Rotten but still a little sweet! Rotten Mango is a true crime + all things spooky podcast. We love doing deep dives into the darkest crimes and we tend to not leave out any details - which can get a little rotten at times. If you want deep dives in the psychology of killers, no holding back storytel...

Episodes 675
Books 286

Recently mentioned

Latest Recommendations

Confession of a Serial Killer: The Untold Story of Dennis Rader, the BTK Killer cover

Confession of a Serial Killer

Katherine Ramsland

Mentioned 2 days ago

13 Year Old Realizes His Twin Brother Is A Killer In The Middle Of Interrogation

The hosts reported that investigators discovered a copy of the book in a nightstand drawer during the search of the victim's bedroom.

They find in the drawer of the left nightstand of a bed, Confessions of a Serial Killer, the book, and a brown leather journal that just reads on the first page.

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

Atomic Habits

James Clear

Mentioned 1 week ago

From “I’m Going to Self-Exit” To “I Hope You Die in a Fucking Accident”: Mackenzie's Manipulation

The hosts noted that Dom was reportedly reading Atomic Habits, implying it was influencing his behavior in the relationship.

He's probably just like reading Atomic Habits and the 48 Laws of Power.

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The 48 Laws of Power cover

The 48 Laws of Power

Robert Greene

Mentioned 1 week ago

From “I’m Going to Self-Exit” To “I Hope You Die in a Fucking Accident”: Mackenzie's Manipulation

The hosts mentioned that Dom had been reading the 48 Laws of Power, suggesting it was part of his strategy in the manipulative dynamics.

He's probably just like reading Atomic Habits and the 48 Laws of Power.

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Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (1) cover

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (1)

J.K. Rowling

Mentioned 2 weeks ago

“Gay for the Stay” & “Trains Run on Her”: Inside Mackenzie’s Prison Dating Life

Mackenzie told her mother she was reading all the Harry Potter books and said the first one was "good as fuck".

Mackenzie is telling her mom all the things she's been doing. She's been making oatmeal in her room. She says she's reading all the Harry Potter books and all she does is eat. ... Her literary review of the first book in the Harry Potter series is quote, good as fuck.

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The Hobbit & The Lord of the Rings Boxed Set Hardcover Illustrated edition 2020 June 25 cover

The Hobbit & The Lord of the Rings Boxed Set Hardcover Illustrated edition 2020 June 25

J.R.R. Tolkien

Mentioned 3 weeks ago

Mackenzie's Mom Calls Police For 'Mean Post' on Social Media- "There Are 2 Girls Bullying Mackenzie"

The hosts remarked that the differing definitions of good parenting might make one party feel like they were reading the Hobbit, implying a whimsical or exaggerated comparison.

our definitions of good parenting and bad kid are so vastly different that one of us might be reading the freaking Hobbit because like, what do you mean?

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William Wilson cover

William Wilson

Edgar Allan Poe

Mentioned 3 months ago

Influencer Hunts For Twin Lookalike On Instagram & Brutally Kills Her - But She Won't Say Why

The hosts cited Edgar Allan Poe's William Wilson as another classic illustration of a double who stalks the protagonist, reinforcing the discussion of doppelganger themes.

Sometimes the doppelganger in the main character, like Edgar Allan Poe's William Wilson, the main character is being stalked by a double who shares his name face, they even have the same birthday.

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The Double cover

The Double

José Saramago

Mentioned 3 months ago

Influencer Hunts For Twin Lookalike On Instagram & Brutally Kills Her - But She Won't Say Why

The hosts mentioned Dostoevsky's novel The Double as an early example of the doppelganger trope, describing its plot about a meek clerk meeting a man who looks exactly like him.

Even the classics love this trope. Dostoevsky wrote Double where the main character is like this meek government clerk and he meets a man who looks exactly like him. Same face, same name, same everything, same job, but everyone loves him. Nobody likes the main character, but everybody loves him.

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Source Code: My Beginnings cover

Source Code

Bill Gates

Mentioned 4 months ago

All The Emails Between Bill Gates & Epstein + Bill Gate's Mistress Speaks Out

The speakers noted that Bill Gates had authored a book titled "Source Code" and that they bought it to compare with other biographies.

I think that book is nicer about Bill Gates because that one you can buy, right? And then, and then, oh, and then Bill Gates released his own book, Source Code, which I also bought because I was like, ooh, the minute I get free time, I'm going to compare all three of them.

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Paradise Lost cover

Paradise Lost

John Milton

Mentioned 4 months ago

Unpacking 3 Million Pages Of Epstein Files + Epstein’s Secret 2 Hour Interview

Steve Bannon referenced Milton's Paradise Lost during the interview, noting its themes and quoting passages, while Epstein claimed to have seen a related quote in a documentary.

Steve Bannon asked, "have you read Milton's Paradise Lost? Satan was the number one archangel; he led the rebellion because he couldn't be the top guy. I'd rather reign in hell than serve in heaven."

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Mostly What God Does: Reflections on Seeking and Finding His Love Everywhere cover

Mostly What God Does

Savannah Guthrie

Mentioned 4 months ago

Kidnapping Of Nancy Guthrie: 2 Men Detained & Why Is The Internet Pointing Fingers At Son-in-Law

The host noted that a segment from Savannah Guthrie's memoir was being heavily discussed online, describing a childhood "kidnapping game" tradition, but considered it irrelevant to the case.

There is a segment in Savannah Guthrie's book that has been heavily discussed online. Though I think it's not really relevant, some people have brought it up just because they believe the whole thing is odd and eerie.

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Save the Cat!: The Last Book on Screenwriting You'll Ever Need cover

Save the Cat!

Blake Snyder

Mentioned 4 months ago

"Puppet Master" Killer Set Up The Most Elaborate Murder Plan To Kill A Woman

The host referred to "Save the Cat" as a popular storytelling framework, noting it as a common element in movies and books that helps audiences connect with the protagonist early on.

What saved a cat? I'm about to tell you. It's like a storyline. A lot of movies and books follow this exact point, progress. It's like the progression of a story.

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Empire of Orgasm: Sex, Power, and the Downfall of a Wellness Cult cover

Empire of Orgasm

Ellen Huet

Mentioned 5 months ago

Part 4: ‘Sex Cult’ Founder Wants EVERY Women To Heal Thru Orgasm Ends Up In Prison w/ Ghislaine Maxwell

The hosts described it as an amazing deepdive book on the One Taste case that had just been released, noting that the author also wrote the original expos article.

Ellen Hewitt is the author of an amazing deep dive book on this case called Empire of Orgasm.

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Most Recommended

Empire of Pain: The Secret History of the Sackler Dynasty Cover

Patrick Radden Keefe

Empire of Pain

The Secret History of the Sackler Dynasty

It was mentioned as Patrick Keefe's newest release at the time, and discussed as a popular book about the dark history of the opioid epidemic.

"

He recently put out a book called Empire of Pain which is like, I mean it's popular everywhere okay? I'm not like special. It's his newest release. I highly suggest go giving that a r...

— Episode: #132: The Sisters of Terror (Case of The...

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Episode: #132: The Sisters of Terror (Case of The Price Sis...

It was mentioned as Patrick Keefe's newest release at the time, and discussed as a popular book about the dark history of the opioid epidemic.

"

He recently put out a book called Empire of Pain which is like, I mean it's popular everywhere okay? I'm not like special. It's his newest release. I highly suggest go giving that a read.

Presumed Guilty (Presumed Innocent, 3) Cover

Scott Turow

Presumed Guilty (Presumed Innocent, 3)

It was written by the defense attorney of Casey Anthony and was described as being 'vastly skewed and biased' in comparison to the prosecutor's book.

"

yeah it's called Presumed Guilty by Jose Baez which by the way just the two names Imperfect Justice from the prosecution, the defense, Presumed Guilty.

— Episode: #146: The Pathological Liar & The Corpse...

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Episode: #146: The Pathological Liar & The Corpse (Case of...

It was written by the defense attorney of Casey Anthony and was described as being 'vastly skewed and biased' in comparison to the prosecutor's book.

"

yeah it's called Presumed Guilty by Jose Baez which by the way just the two names Imperfect Justice from the prosecution, the defense, Presumed Guilty.

So I skimmed the second one because I could not, I couldn't get through it.

The Radium Girls: The Dark Story of America's Shining Women (Thorndike Press Large Print Popular and Narrative Nonfiction) Cover

Kate Moore

The Radium Girls

The Dark Story of America's Shining Women (Thorndike Press Large Print Popular and Narrative Nonfiction)

It was praised for its thorough research and captivating narrative of the radium girls' struggles, making it difficult to put down.

"

but there is an incredible book on this case called The Radium Girls by Kate Moore.

— Episode: #176: Torture Deaths of the “Ghost Girls...

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Episode: #176: Torture Deaths of the “Ghost Girls”

It was praised for its thorough research and captivating narrative of the radium girls' struggles, making it difficult to put down.

"

but there is an incredible book on this case called The Radium Girls by Kate Moore.

I mean, this book, I loved it for so many reasons. It's wild. It's mind boggling that this even took place.

This book is such a fantastic deep dive on of this. I literally have nothing but praise for this book, which is honestly well researched.

It was difficult to put down.

I highly recommend the book. I think they turned it into a movie or a show called The Radium Girls.

Paradise Lost Cover

John Milton

Paradise Lost

Steve Bannon referenced Milton's Paradise Lost during the interview, noting its themes and quoting passages, while Epstein claimed to have seen a related quote in a documentary.

"

Steve Bannon asked, "have you read Milton's Paradise Lost? Satan was the number one archangel; he led the rebellion because he couldn't be the top guy. I'd rather reign in hell than s...

— Episode: Unpacking 3 Million Pages Of Epstein Fil...

Listen on Audible 7-day free trial

Episode: Unpacking 3 Million Pages Of Epstein Files + Epste...

Steve Bannon referenced Milton's Paradise Lost during the interview, noting its themes and quoting passages, while Epstein claimed to have seen a related quote in a documentary.

"

Steve Bannon asked, "have you read Milton's Paradise Lost? Satan was the number one archangel; he led the rebellion because he couldn't be the top guy. I'd rather reign in hell than serve in heaven."

Epstein replied that he had seen the quote in a documentary called American Dharma, and Bannon noted he loves Milton's Paradise Lost, which is why many quotes from that book appear in the film.

Dracula (Deluxe Hardbound Edition) Cover

Bram Stoker

Dracula (Deluxe Hardbound Edition)

Holly's 12 page essay mentioned 'Bram Stoker's demonic writings', which likely refers to Dracula, though not explicitly named.

"

She wrote a 12-page paper on the origins of witchcraft and the study of Bram Stoker's demonic writings

— Episode: #153: The Unicorn Killer (Case of Ira Ei...

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Episode: #153: The Unicorn Killer (Case of Ira Einhorn)

Holly's 12 page essay mentioned 'Bram Stoker's demonic writings', which likely refers to Dracula, though not explicitly named.

"

She wrote a 12-page paper on the origins of witchcraft and the study of Bram Stoker's demonic writings

When the Sea Came Alive: An Oral History of D-Day Cover

Garrett M. Graff

When the Sea Came Alive

An Oral History of D-Day

It was recommended highly, and was described as Nando's first-person account of the events, including the loss of his mother and sister and his journey through the ordeal.

"

There are two books that I highly recommend I'm gonna link them in my source notes amazing one of them is Nando's first person account of this entire situation of losing his parent of losing his mom l...

— Episode: #71: Cannibal Mountain (Case - Uruguayan...

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Episode: #71: Cannibal Mountain (Case - Uruguayan Rugby Tea...

It was recommended highly, and was described as Nando's first-person account of the events, including the loss of his mother and sister and his journey through the ordeal.

"

There are two books that I highly recommend I'm gonna link them in my source notes amazing one of them is Nando's first person account of this entire situation of losing his parent of losing his mom losing his sister the the journey the climb all of that so make sure to check that out

Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision (Dsm-5-Tr(r)) Cover

American Psychiatric Association

Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision (Dsm-5-Tr(r))

Jodi Hildebrandt disparaged the DSM5, calling it a psychology book from the 1960s that keeps being added to.

"

Jodi Hildebrandt goes on to rant about the DSM-5 by describing it as a psychology book from the 60s that just keep adding to.

— Episode: Ruby Franke Wrote "Abuse Diary" While Po...

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Episode: Ruby Franke Wrote "Abuse Diary" While Posting A “K...

Jodi Hildebrandt disparaged the DSM5, calling it a psychology book from the 1960s that keeps being added to.

"

Jodi Hildebrandt goes on to rant about the DSM-5 by describing it as a psychology book from the 60s that just keep adding to.

People Who Eat Darkness: The True Story of a Young Woman Who Vanished from the Streets of Tokyo--and the Evil That Swallowed Her Up Cover

Richard Lloyd Parry

People Who Eat Darkness

The True Story of a Young Woman Who Vanished from the Streets of Tokyo--and the Evil That Swallowed Her Up

It was highly recommended for its compelling and emotional narrative of Lucie Blackman's case, and was described as being difficult to put down.

"

It's honestly such a good book. I don't do it justice. Nobody does it justice. This book is amazing.

— Episode: #62: Vanished In Tokyo Part 2 (Case Luci...

Listen on Audible 7-day free trial

Episode: #62: Vanished In Tokyo Part 2 (Case Lucie Blackman...

It was highly recommended for its compelling and emotional narrative of Lucie Blackman's case, and was described as being difficult to put down.

"

It's honestly such a good book. I don't do it justice. Nobody does it justice. This book is amazing.

I was feeling so many emotions in it and it just gets you so riled up.

Please go read the book.

Hello, Shadowlands: Inside the Meth Fiefdoms, Rebel Hideouts and Bomb-Scarred Party Towns of Southeast Asia Cover

Patrick Winn

Hello, Shadowlands

Inside the Meth Fiefdoms, Rebel Hideouts and Bomb-Scarred Party Towns of Southeast Asia

The host noted that the interviewee's memoir, Scarred, described his early childhood heart defect and how it shaped his life.

"

I was reading in your memoir, Scarred. You were born with a hole in your heart.

— Episode: I Sat Down With A Killer

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Episode: I Sat Down With A Killer

The host noted that the interviewee's memoir, Scarred, described his early childhood heart defect and how it shaped his life.

"

I was reading in your memoir, Scarred. You were born with a hole in your heart.

You can get Clark's memoir. It's probably the most intense memoir that I've ever read, and I've read copious amounts of memoirs before. I think I finished the whole book the first time around in like four hours.

One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest: 50th Anniversary Edition Cover

Ken Kesey

One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest

50th Anniversary Edition

The hosts referenced the novel as a wellknown work while discussing a reallife case.

"

You know the book, One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest? It's like a very famous book.

— Episode: #405: Man From Viral Tiktok Looks Exactl...

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Episode: #405: Man From Viral Tiktok Looks Exactly Like Mis...

The hosts referenced the novel as a wellknown work while discussing a reallife case.

"

You know the book, One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest? It's like a very famous book.

How to Win Friends and Influence People: Updated For the Next Generation of Leaders (Dale Carnegie Books) Cover

Dale Carnegie

How to Win Friends and Influence People

Updated For the Next Generation of Leaders (Dale Carnegie Books)

It was Alexander Pichushkin's favorite book, and he used the advice within it to identify and befriend vulnerable people who he would later murder.

"

His favorite book was actually Dale Carnegie's How to Win Friends and Influence People.

— Episode: #24- The Chessboard Killer (Serial Kille...

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Episode: #24- The Chessboard Killer (Serial Killer Alexande...

It was Alexander Pichushkin's favorite book, and he used the advice within it to identify and befriend vulnerable people who he would later murder.

"

His favorite book was actually Dale Carnegie's How to Win Friends and Influence People.

So he starts just going around trying to find people that look vulnerable and this is what's called the sewer period.

He would befriend them How to Win Friends and Influence People.

Othello (Folger Shakespeare Library) Cover

William Shakespeare

Othello (Folger Shakespeare Library)

The podcast mentioned the play "Othello" in relation to Othello syndrome, a psychological disorder where a person has an irrational belief of infidelity, similar to the character Othello's jealousy and actions.

"

So this is from the Shakespeare play of Othello murdering his wife after he suspects her of cheating.

— Episode: #177: The LifeGuard Murder In Italy (Cas...

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Episode: #177: The LifeGuard Murder In Italy (Case of Marco...

The podcast mentioned the play "Othello" in relation to Othello syndrome, a psychological disorder where a person has an irrational belief of infidelity, similar to the character Othello's jealousy and actions.

"

So this is from the Shakespeare play of Othello murdering his wife after he suspects her of cheating.

Never Split the Difference: Negotiating As If Your Life Depended On It: Unlock Your Persuasion Potential in Professional and Personal Life Cover

Chris Voss

Never Split the Difference

Negotiating As If Your Life Depended On It

A book by a professional FBI negotiator, Chris Voss, was discussed as part of an example of how to use high-level communication skills. The example used was a scenario where a person mispronounces a word, and how a hostage negotiator would respond in a way that is both corrective and validating.

"

They have really great books.

— Episode: #347: “Lover boy” Gives LIVE TV Intervie...

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Episode: #347: “Lover boy” Gives LIVE TV Interview While Ho...

A book by a professional FBI negotiator, Chris Voss, was discussed as part of an example of how to use high-level communication skills. The example used was a scenario where a person mispronounces a word, and how a hostage negotiator would respond in a way that is both corrective and validating.

"

They have really great books.

Oh my god how funny. I actually learned that it was pronounced this way recently and funny enough there was a study done that found that avid readers often mispronounce words since they expand their vocabulary through reading rather than watching movies or watching shows. So through sound, I thought it was just really curious. What kind of books do you typically enjoy?

Congo by crichton, michael (1980) Hardcover Cover

Congo by crichton, michael (1980) Hardcover

Stefan asked his parents to send him the book Congo while he was incarcerated.

"

He requests his parents send two books to him, Congo and The Hobbit, potentially a third book on how to make origami...

— Episode: Teen Girl Found Dead - Police Find Texts...

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Episode: Teen Girl Found Dead - Police Find Texts Between H...

Stefan asked his parents to send him the book Congo while he was incarcerated.

"

He requests his parents send two books to him, Congo and The Hobbit, potentially a third book on how to make origami...

Long Haul: Hunting the Highway Serial Killers Cover

Frank Figliuzzi

Long Haul

Hunting the Highway Serial Killers

The speaker was currently reading this book and found it difficult to read at times.

"

I've been trying to finish your other book, serial killers. I've been reading it all the time. Sometimes my hands feel heavy when I have to read it, but I push through and I flip the pages. I thought...

— Episode: #334: Japan’s Twitter Killer Sleeps With...

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Episode: #334: Japan’s Twitter Killer Sleeps With 9 SEVERED...

The speaker was currently reading this book and found it difficult to read at times.

"

I've been trying to finish your other book, serial killers. I've been reading it all the time. Sometimes my hands feel heavy when I have to read it, but I push through and I flip the pages. I thought it would be impolite to not finish the book. So I kept turning.

The Spy and the Traitor: The Greatest Espionage Story of the Cold War Cover

Ben Macintyre

The Spy and the Traitor

The Greatest Espionage Story of the Cold War

It was highly recommended due to the book being based on interviews with Oleg Gordievsky himself. It provided a great insight into Oleg's personal struggles and his decision to betray an entire nation.

"

Like when I say get this book, get this book. It is so good. It's called The Spy and the Traitor by Ben McIntyre.

— Episode: #182: The People Who Spy On Us (KGB & MI...

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Episode: #182: The People Who Spy On Us (KGB & MI6 Spy Kidn...

It was highly recommended due to the book being based on interviews with Oleg Gordievsky himself. It provided a great insight into Oleg's personal struggles and his decision to betray an entire nation.

"

Like when I say get this book, get this book. It is so good. It's called The Spy and the Traitor by Ben McIntyre.

There's also a really good documentary in the source notes but wow this book was based on interviews with Oleg himself. It gives you a really good insight into Oleg's personal conflicts.

Crime and Punishment (Vintage Classics) Cover

Fyodor Dostoevsky

Crime and Punishment (Vintage Classics)

One of Ian Brady and Myra Hindley's favorite authors. They loved reading books about murder, torture, and Nazi atrocities.

"

And then there was Fyodor Dostoevsky. I can never say his name, but you guys will probably remember his name from Crime and Punishment, the author.

— Episode: #21- 120 Days Of Murder (Serial Killers...

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Episode: #21- 120 Days Of Murder (Serial Killers Ian Brady...

One of Ian Brady and Myra Hindley's favorite authors. They loved reading books about murder, torture, and Nazi atrocities.

"

And then there was Fyodor Dostoevsky. I can never say his name, but you guys will probably remember his name from Crime and Punishment, the author.

Fifty Shades Darker 10th Anniversary Edition (Fifty Shades of Grey Series, 2) Cover

E L James

Fifty Shades Darker 10th Anniversary Edition (Fifty Shades of Grey Series, 2)

The host compared an older French erotic novel to Fifty Shades of Grey, noting that the former was much older and not the same as the popular modern book.

"

was back in the day this was kind of like I wouldn't say it's as old as a hundred and twenty days of Sodom but it's like a older book it's not like a Fifty Shades of Grey book it's a much older book

— Episode: #23- The Girl In The Box

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Episode: #23- The Girl In The Box

The host compared an older French erotic novel to Fifty Shades of Grey, noting that the former was much older and not the same as the popular modern book.

"

was back in the day this was kind of like I wouldn't say it's as old as a hundred and twenty days of Sodom but it's like a older book it's not like a Fifty Shades of Grey book it's a much older book

Burn After Writing (Pink) Cover

Sharon Jones

Burn After Writing (Pink)

The host mentioned that Gabby purchased a journal titled Burn After Writing on Amazon, describing its format as a notebook where users write and then destroy the pages.

"

Gabby bought this book on Amazon. It's like Burn After Writing. You know those journals where you do the things on the pages, it's like smash an orange onto this page and it says Burn After Using or B...

— Episode: Brian Laundrie Is Alive? His Confession...

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Episode: Brian Laundrie Is Alive? His Confession Note For K...

The host mentioned that Gabby purchased a journal titled Burn After Writing on Amazon, describing its format as a notebook where users write and then destroy the pages.

"

Gabby bought this book on Amazon. It's like Burn After Writing. You know those journals where you do the things on the pages, it's like smash an orange onto this page and it says Burn After Using or Burn After Reading or Writing.

A Beautiful Child Cover

Matt Birkbeck

A Beautiful Child

It was discussed as a very in-depth account of the complex case, providing detailed information crucial for understanding the case.

"

There is a book called "A Beautiful Child" and another one called "Finding Sharon" written by the same author, Matt Birkbeck.

— Episode: #77: A High Schooler, A Stripper & A Sus...

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Episode: #77: A High Schooler, A Stripper & A Suspicious Mo...

It was discussed as a very in-depth account of the complex case, providing detailed information crucial for understanding the case.

"

There is a book called "A Beautiful Child" and another one called "Finding Sharon" written by the same author, Matt Birkbeck.

I mean it would not be possible without Nat Birkbeck's book to even talk about this case because of how complex it is.

So I encourage you to go read these books. I mean really good.

I think what's even more amazing about this book, and you guys really need to check out both of them, is that it I mean, it's not the world's most well-known book.

So they reached out to Matt Birkbeck and they gave the DNA.

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