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A Self-Indulgent Rehash of True Crime Rumors

Revisado: 02-11-25

This book could’ve been an email. Written and released before an arrest in the case, it’s little more than a rehash of rumors and a rundown of the usual suspects. Instead of offering new insights, the author spends most of the book spitballing theories and padding the page count with long tangents about unrelated cases. It feels like a self-indulgent project—an excuse to showcase his performative expertise as a true crime consumer by peppering in random facts rather than delivering meaningful analysis.

That said, he does make a handful of clever observations that I appreciated. I was ready to give this a one-star rating, but the section covering the arrest and trial was a solid, no-nonsense summary that cut through the B.S. I also respect his decision to omit graphic details out of consideration for Abby, Libby, and their loved ones.

Ultimately, though, this book is more about the author than the case. If you're looking for real investigative work, you won’t find it here. It feels like yet another entry in the growing trend of true crime enthusiasts trying to make themselves part of the story. I would not be so harsh if the podcast had helped to move the case forward. I feel like I wasted my time and money, hard pass on this one.

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Helpful relatable guide

Revisado: 07-03-24

Extremely helpful for understanding presentations of ADHD when you don't have access to professional respurces, and makes practical suggesttions. The last couple of chapters are sort of an ADHD and intersectional identity checklist (very common for California-based content creators) which is not offering any suggestions. That's my only criticism.

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Heard the author on a podcast, tried the book

Revisado: 06-18-24

I learned of this book because the author was featured on a podcast about mental health, and she gave great information. I figured the book with largely be a deeper dive into those insights. Unfortunately, there are a ton of political stances shoehorned in to the material and presented as fact. I regret buying this book even though I'm politically aligned with author, and it was not helpful.

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A book that will age well, but likely miss with contemporary audiences

Revisado: 09-29-23

The writing is quality and I appreciate that the author voiced the audiobook version. She has always come across as an ethical true crime reporter, and specifically her handling of this case has always been very respectful. I think, importantly, this book does not contain graphic and violent descriptions. That aspect makes it accessible to people who want to be informed but also filter out the disturbing specifics.

If you have closely followed this case as it has unfolded, or you became aware of it and did a deep dive, this book might not suit you. It covers some mostly familiar ground, often with transcripts of key events/press conferences in the investigation. It's not filler if you're completely unfamiliar with this case, but it could feel that way if you've already seen or heard that material elsewhere. The most compelling part of the story is Kelsey's narrative. It was wonderful to hear her insights, and about the family's journey, and dealing with an absolutely horrifying situation with incredible dignity and grace.

My primary criticism is that the narrative lingers on the behind the scenes reporting perspective and the more compelling central narrative is on pause. It's almost as if an editor insisted on including personal details in order to engage the audience in the style of I'll Be Gone in the Dark (which works fairly well given the content, but also feels like two different books thrown together). I think the insights about the author's personal experience are relevant, so I don't want to discount them entirely. But it's not quite an In Cold Blood or All the President's Men story, where the author is also heavily influencing events. What works well is the observations of the town, the people, and those heartfelt moments with the people closely affected. I really wanted more of that.

Overall, I did enjoy this book and I'm glad I listened to it. I am convinced that this book will age incredibly well. It's best suited to a reader that will pick it up in 10+ years or much further in the future. It's thoughtful and nuanced, but is not that one definitive comprehensive book about this case.

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