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A review by ashbydodd
Killer Story: The Truth Behind True Crime Television by Claire St. Amant
informative
medium-paced
3.5
Let me tell you, Claire St. Amant has led a life that reads like its own true crime series—minus getting murdered, thankfully. In Killer Story, she pulls back the curtain on her time as a producer for CBS’s 48 Hours, blending the adrenaline-fueled world of true crime television with her own personal journey as a wife and mom. If you’re a sucker for a personal behind-the-scenes look at high-stakes journalism (or you’re the type who can’t help but binge entire seasons of 48 Hours in one sitting), there’s a lot here to love. But, fair warning, this book leans more memoir than exposé.
It’s no surprise that competition between networks is brutal, but reading about their underhanded, last-minute antics to secure exclusives? That was fascinating. Claire St. Amant doesn’t shy away from the grit, either—detailing the grind of chasing leads, building trust with families and authorities, and somehow balancing it all with the demands of home life.
What really stands out are the cases St. Amant covered. Some were new to me, while others were nationally known crimes. Seeing these events from a producer’s perspective added a new layer to my understanding of how these stories are crafted for television. However, if you’re hoping the book will focus heavily on the cases, you might be a little disappointed. The book is focused on St. Amant’s career and her own experiences.
Killer Story is a good choice for true crime enthusiasts, especially those curious about what goes on behind the scenes of shows like 48 Hours. Just keep in mind that you’re signing up for a biography first and foremost—one that’s fascinating in its own right but doesn’t quite satisfy the craving for an in-depth behind-the-scenes breakdown of major true crime stories.
Would I recommend it? Absolutely, but with a caveat: go in for the compelling life of Claire St. Amant, and consider the true crime tidbits a bonus. It’s not perfect, but it’s an engaging peek into a world most of us only see from our couches.
Thank you to NetGalley and BenBella Books for the advanced reader's copy; all opinions expressed in this review are my own.
It’s no surprise that competition between networks is brutal, but reading about their underhanded, last-minute antics to secure exclusives? That was fascinating. Claire St. Amant doesn’t shy away from the grit, either—detailing the grind of chasing leads, building trust with families and authorities, and somehow balancing it all with the demands of home life.
What really stands out are the cases St. Amant covered. Some were new to me, while others were nationally known crimes. Seeing these events from a producer’s perspective added a new layer to my understanding of how these stories are crafted for television. However, if you’re hoping the book will focus heavily on the cases, you might be a little disappointed. The book is focused on St. Amant’s career and her own experiences.
Killer Story is a good choice for true crime enthusiasts, especially those curious about what goes on behind the scenes of shows like 48 Hours. Just keep in mind that you’re signing up for a biography first and foremost—one that’s fascinating in its own right but doesn’t quite satisfy the craving for an in-depth behind-the-scenes breakdown of major true crime stories.
Would I recommend it? Absolutely, but with a caveat: go in for the compelling life of Claire St. Amant, and consider the true crime tidbits a bonus. It’s not perfect, but it’s an engaging peek into a world most of us only see from our couches.
Thank you to NetGalley and BenBella Books for the advanced reader's copy; all opinions expressed in this review are my own.