Good Reads & Views

I Know Who You Are: How an Amateur Sleuth Unmasked the Golden State Killer and Changed Crime Fighting Forever by Barbara Rae-Venter 
Nonfiction

What it’s about: Nearly every week, there’s a news story about a decades-old murder that’s been solved using genetic genealogy. Barbara Rae-Venter gives us a suspenseful, behind-the-scenes look into this remarkable crime-solving technique that she helped pioneer.  

Why you might like it: Whether you’re a true crime reader, a science enthusiast, or a genealogy researcher, you’ll find this story riveting. Rae-Venter describes how she blended the knowledge from her biotech career with genealogical research techniques to discover the identity of an unknown relative—which then evolved into using DNA results to identify criminals. While genealogical research isn’t usually considered dramatic, her involvement in cracking the high-profile Golden State Killer and Bear Brook cases will have you turning the pages fast. (She identified the Golden State Killer in only 63 days!) 

Book buzz: “Her chronicle is a solid testament to the evolution of genetic forensic science and how it has made investigators more effective in apprehending criminals, both from cold cases and those in real time. It’s also an examination of corrupted humanity gone haywire and the thrill and release of an abuser being brought to justice” (Kirkus Reviews).

Visit Stacey’s My Librarian Page

I’ll Be Gone in the Dark by Michelle McNamara
Nonfiction

About the author: “Michelle McNamara (1970-2016) was the author of the website Truecrimediary.com. She earned an MFA in fiction writing from the University of Minnesota, worked as a consultant for "Dateline NBC," and had sold television pilots to ABC and Fox and a screenplay to Paramount. She lived in Los Angeles and is survived by her husband, Patton Oswalt, and their daughter, Alice” (https://www.bookreporter.com/authors/michelle-mcnamara).

Reviewers say: “What makes McNamara’s work so compelling is her empathy and sensitivity toward the people touched by these crimes.... I wish I could read the next 10 books she would have written” (Kate Tuttle, Los Angeles Times).

You might also like: When the Stars Go Dark by Paula McLain or Chase Darkness With Me by Billy Jensen (Journalist).   

Visit Roseanne’s My Librarian Page

Murder Book: A Graphic Memoir of a True Crime Obsession by Hilary Fitzgerald Campbell
Nonfiction

What it’s about: Like her mother and grandmother before her, New Yorker cartoonist Hilary Fitzgerald Campbell is obsessed with true crime. This memoir in graphic novel format explores the author’s fascination with the genre, her family’s intense interest in the topic, and our culture’s seemingly insatiable appetite for these horrifying true stories.

Why you might like it: If you, too, are a true crime reader who’s not exactly sure why you find it so compelling, this book is an engrossing exploration of the genre’s appeal. This graphic novel is an introspective, cleverly illustrated investigation of true crime reading habits.

Reviewers say: “Campbell uses a conversational tone and lots of humor to delve into the history of true crime and its various formats, including books, television, movies, and podcasts” (Booklist).

Visit Stacey’s My Librarian Page

Dead Man Walking by Helen Prejean
Nonfiction 

What it’s about: Sister Helen Prejean is a Catholic nun. I anticipated this book would be very one sided based on her religion. I didn’t become interested in the book until after I saw the movie. The movie combines the two executions included in the book into one death row inmate story. Sister Helen Prejean does an amazing job of exploring the topic of capital punishment through the role of a spiritual guide.

Why you might like it: If you enjoy being deeply drawn into a story that you feel as though you’re there witnessing all of it, then you’ll appreciate Sister Helen Prejean's writing style.

You might also like: American Prison by Shane Bauer.

Visit Misty’s My Librarian Page