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4.16 AVERAGE

challenging dark emotional informative mysterious sad tense medium-paced

Michelle is incredible for this. I wish I had as much passion for half of the things that I want to do in life as she did about finding the Golden State Killer. Regardless of the anecdotes at the end of the book, I think there’s no way that her work didn’t greatly affect the uncovering of that man’s identity. Banger.
hopeful informative mysterious reflective medium-paced

Rest well, McNamara. An enthralling account of the search for The Golden State Killer. McNamara, who unknowingly dedicated her last years to hunting California’s East Area Rapist (of Northern California), later coined by McNamara as The Golden State Killer, a name that better reflects the encompassing nature of his crimes throughout the state.

Michelle truly poured her heart and soul into solving this decades-long case. It’s unfortunate that she passed away just a couple of months before authorities revealed the monster's identity.

I found this book to be quite enjoyable. The writing style made it feel as if we were discovering the scenes and new evidence alongside both Michelle and the detectives.
 I’m looking forward to the follow up and possible interview with the killer himself. Patton Oswald, actor and widow to Michelle has claimed to complete the works in her honor. 

Though an easy read, I did find myself a little bored at some parts but overall, it was still a pretty captivating novel.

To those investigators that claimed MM book was coincidental to the nabbing of the killer…yeah right. I believe her research and discoveries most definitely helped you…”nO wE neeeVer ReAd tHe Booook” 🙄


Given the Goodreads score I had high hopes for this book but found it a frustrating and ultimately hollow read. The tragic demise of the author notwithstanding, this reads like a rambling, composite sketch of a killer thrown together using component parts of articles, research notes, blog entries and transcripts. There is little coherence or any substantive narrative other than a writer who became obsessed about an abhorrent criminal at large 30 years ago and devoted all her spare time to unravelling a mystery using Google that dozens of criminal investigators failed to manage with the first-hand resources at their disposal. Is there any point visiting a crime scene from 30 years ago other than for ghoulish titillation? And to annoy the current incumbents? Wholly unsatisfying fare for me I’m afraid. That said, I don’t read much true crime lit and won’t be rushing to do so in future if this is the benchmark.

If you're a fan of true crime, this is a must-read. It is almost unbelievable that one person was capable of so many brutal crimes over such a long period of time, and while Michelle does touch on many details of the crimes and victims, what I found most amazing was the dedication and persistence of the investigators (both professional and not) who did not give up to find this monster. At times it did feel a bit choppy and I'd have a hard time following McNamara's exact train of thought or the point she was trying to make, but this makes sense since she was not able to finish the book herself. I only wish she had been able to see all of the hard work come to fruition when in 2018 this monster was finally caught and made to "walk into the light."
informative fast-paced

it’s not a bad book by any means. i’m not a true crime girly so this was very much outside of my comfort zone. I’m happy i read it, but have been reminded of why i stay away from this genre. It’s just not for me. if you like true crime, you’ll probably like this book.
dark mysterious tense medium-paced
dark mysterious sad medium-paced

This book covers a topic I'm incredibly interested in, and I found it absolutely fascinating. It dives deep into the case of the Golden State Killer, and I was surprised by how many details I didn’t know. Michelle McNamara’s research is meticulous and compelling, and it's heartbreaking to know that she passed away before she could finish the book. Thankfully, her husband brought in others to complete it, staying true to her vision.

Even though some people described her as obsessed, her dedication helped keep the case alive in the public eye—and in a very real way, her work contributed to it finally being solved. That part is powerful.

I listened to the audiobook, and while it was long and occasionally hard to follow (especially with all the names and timelines), it was still very interesting and worth the listen. A must-read for true crime fans.