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I'll Be Gone in the Dark
I'll Be Gone in the Dark: One Woman's Obsessive Search for the Golden State Killer | Michelle McNamara
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GatheringBooks
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#BookBinge Day 1: Still one of the most riveting #TrueCrime stories I‘ve read. Here‘s my full review: https://wp.me/pDlzr-igY

Eggs Perfect 🖤🖤 2mo
31 likes1 comment
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Shawna
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Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks I want to read this one! So sad about the author 💔 2mo
Eggs Yes-wasn‘t she young? @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks 2mo
23 likes2 comments
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jrepka
Panpan

This book was all over the place. The writer did give a lot of detail to the crimes of the Garden State Killer, but as far as the pursuit of finding him and what she did to help the case (if at all) wasn't explained or detailed. I found myself bored... And it's not a boring topic.

It is unfortunate that the author died before the capture of the killer, but I did not like how the book told me she was a great writer (multiple times). I disagree.

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Deblovestoread
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Pickpick

I haven‘t read much true crime since my Ann Rule obsession years ago. This was one of my #Roll100 May numbers, the audio was available on Libby and I was in an organizing mood so it kept me company while I worked in my sewing room. It is a shame that Michelle passed away before she could see her book finished and in print. She was tenacious in keeping people‘s attention on these crimes. 4.5🌟

PuddleJumper 🎉🎉 4mo
61 likes1 comment
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Iharmon2025
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I am currently reading Ill be gone in the dark. I like it a lot becasue i like true crime stories like the show Law and Order. it is about the golden state killer on the rapes he did that turned into homicides. Then later the part I am on the Orange countys sherrifs goes on a hunt/investagtion using a DNA. I am on part 2 but this about how Mcnamara starts a blog on this. And she trys to fidn the killer.

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TheRiehlDeal
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Mehso-so

I‘m kind of on the fence with how to feel about this after listening to it. I‘ll be upfront and say I‘m not into true crime, so I only read this because I heard great things about the book and the HBO documentary.
This was a little all over the place in terms of the timeline. I‘m not sure if this was intentional, but I would‘ve preferred a more structured timeline with this one.
It is a shame that Michelle died before the GSK was finally… ⬇️

TheRiehlDeal put behind bars. But as the book stated, she didn‘t want all the spotlight focused on her, even if she were alive today to witness him in prison. 3.25 ⭐️ 12/1/22 10mo
37 likes1 comment
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HiMyNames_Alyssa
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Pickpick

True crime lover? This is a fabulous telling of one woman's obsession with the Golden State Killer. Finished by those thaylt worked with and loved her after her untimely death.

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bekakins
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Pickpick

Bingo!! #bookspinbingo this was a very well written, well researched book, and I‘m so glad we ended up with a happy ending (albeit after the book was published)

Leftcoastzen 👏🐶 10mo
14 likes1 comment
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DebinHawaii
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#WondrousWednesday

1) The tagged true crime book had me sleeping with lights on & constantly checking my doors & windows. 😱

2) I am in the midst of The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches & I‘m really living it. 🪄✨💜 And Garden Spells & its follow up First Frost by Sarah Addison Allen are two magical favorites.

3) Maroons & burgundies & deep dark reds.🍷

Any #Scarathlon TeamMonsterMash peeps who haven‘t played yet? 👻🐈‍⬛🧛🏻🧟‍♀️

JenReadsAlot I picked that book too!! 11mo
AmyG That book definitely freaked me out. 11mo
Eggs Thanks for playing and sharing 🧡😱🎃 11mo
36 likes3 comments
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JenReadsAlot
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KLyn1 I listened to this one a while back - so good!! 12mo
26 likes1 comment
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BeckyWithTheGoodBooks
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I hadn‘t heard of the Golden State Killer (and then McNamara‘s untimely death) until several years ago on the My Favorite Murder podcast. I then had the opportunity to hear Patton Oswalt (McNamara‘s widower) speak about getting the book published after her death, which added to my admiration. When an arrest was made two months after the book‘s release, the victory was felt by murderinos everywhere. #scarathlondailyprompts #crime #teamslaughter

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nitalibrarian
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I had 7 Audible credits, so I made a goal of reading at least one audiobook this month. So tonight I started this one. It's been on my to-read list for a while.

BrittanyReads This audiobook creeped me out so much 😬😬 it's so good! 12mo
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Bookwormjillk
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Looking forward to reading this true crime this month or next #Scarathlon photo prompt #Night

Clwojick This is one of the best true crime books I‘ve ever read! The documentary was fantastic too! 🖤 12mo
TheBookHippie Read it in daylight 😂 12mo
5feet.of.fury ❤️ so good 12mo
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DogMomIrene
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Pickpick

😲🤯🤩 About halfway through this audiobook, I watched the HBO docuseries and that‘s excellent as well. I‘d characterize the first 3 TV episodes as focusing on the material in this book and the last 3 on the capture & conviction of the GSK after Michelle‘s death. So continuing with the book was a must for me because Michelle‘s attention to detail impresses the 💩💩💩 out of me, and I‘m borderline OCD. True crime may be a new favorite genre for me!

Clwojick I loved the book and the docuseries! It was so well done! 🖤 1y
DogMomIrene @Clwojick Yes! Even though her book is truly an unfinished manuscript, the publisher made it work. The only weird audio element was when I was listening to an interview Michelle conducted. Not exactly narrative gold there, but it was a short section. 1y
50 likes2 comments
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FortunateSon
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Mehso-so

This was a bit of a disappointment. I'm convinced it's as popular as it is for 3 reasons: 1) McNamara died before she could finish it, 2) She was married to a celeb who ensured the book got finished and received plenty of publicity, and 3) the killer was caught shortly after the book's release.

If McNamara were still alive, this book probably would never have been a bestseller. She's a talented writer, but this book is kind of a mess.

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jlhammar
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Amazing true crime memoir. The Golden State Killer could definitely be described as evil. Michelle McNamara was a mother, wife and dedicated true crime journalist. Obsessive with her research and investigation and such a great writer. Heartbreaking that she didn‘t live to see the fruits of her labor, but what a legacy.

#Evil #MayMoms
@Eggs @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks Yes, so sad 💔 1y
Jess Did you read Paul Holes Unmasked yet? So good and a great companion to this one. 1y
jlhammar @Jess Just picked-up Unmasked at the library today! That is great to hear. Looking forward to it. 1y
46 likes3 comments
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jackilynn
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Crimes and Cocktails...finally a bookclub I am able to attend. I was the youngest person there but still a good time/discussion was had by all. I can't wait to see what our next book will be.

Bookish.SAM I would LOVE to find a local Crimes and Cocktails bookclub 😍 Right up my alley! Enjoy! 🍸 1y
aa_guer2021 That one is on my shelf. Let me know what you think of it! And for me it would be a mocktail, but still sounds fun! 1y
jackilynn @aa_guer2021 all of us at the book club really enjoyed it. We had quite the discussion. It was a interesting story. 1y
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jackilynn @Bookish.SAM it was a lot of fun. It all started because of my coworkers obsession with true crime. Now she wants to know how "dark" we are willing to go when it comes to book picks so it could be interesting lol 1y
Bookish.SAM Ha! How ‘dark‘ you‘re willing to go?!? That could make for some interesting reads! 1y
jackilynn @Bookish.SAM my thoughts exactly 😂 1y
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Kris10H
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Pickpick

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Like many, I have spent many hours of my life watching true crime documentaries, shows, and YouTube channels, and listening to true crime podcasts. This book is McNamara's comprehensive investigation of a monster who raped 50 women, and murdered 13 victims. Good read for true crime fans like myself.

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jackilynn
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Housework is done so now I can relax with some diamond painting and an audiobook. I figured it was about time I started this since the book club will be meeting in April to discuss this book.

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LibraryCin
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Mehso-so

I listened to the audio; that may not have helped keep things straight, but between following the rapist/murderer and his activities, and the author‘s sections that were memoir, it didn‘t help that nothing was in chronological order. There were so many murders and rapes, it was hard to follow. Maybe it would have been easier to read rather than listen to. I was a bit confused for a while trying to figure out who everyone was and where they fit in.

5feet.of.fury I agree, and when they would use all the different names for GSK, I was so confused listening to this. 2y
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Professional_Book_Dragon
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Pickpick

I don‘t read a lot of True Crime but I had a hard time stopping this audio book. I was engrossed in the way it was told.

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Professional_Book_Dragon
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I‘ll be listening to this over this next week in memory of Sharon @sharread from her TBR list. #litsylove #sharreadathon

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks 🖤🖤🖤 2y
Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks Let me know how it is!! 2y
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harp_schroeder
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Pickpick

I cannot recommend this book enough. Incredibly well written. I‘ve decided I spoiled myself by making this my first read in my 2022 book challenge - I‘ve read another book since and while it was interesting, it was not to the level of McNamara‘s writing. Thoughtfully organized and intentionally personable, this book is one I couldn‘t put down.

aa_guer2021 That‘s on my TBR! Might go 🆙 after that review! 😊 2y
harp_schroeder @aa_guer2021 I would highly encourage it! I just mailed my copy to a friend this morning because she was ready to read it too :) 2y
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Christy2318
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Pickpick

I think if she had been able to finish it, it would have been 5 ⭐️s for me but since others had to finish it from her notes, it was a bit disjointed. Still a solid ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️. I purposefully didn‘t read much when they caught him because I knew I wanted to read this. I googled after I finished & I have questions. It‘s so strange that he just stopped. Now I have to go watch or read something fluffy so I can sleep. #truecrime

Megabooks She died in the middle of completing it I believe. 2y
Cathythoughts Great book ... scary stuff 2y
LoverOfLearning Definitely one of the top 3 creepiest true crime books over read. Gave me the shivers reading it. 2y
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reading_rainbow
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Pickpick

Not bad. It mostly made me frustrated. I hate this man with a passion and I hate how he lived his whole life free and I hate how Michelle devoted so much of her life and didn‘t even get to see the bastard caught. It has also made me nervous at night and grateful for having very loud and unfriendly dogs.

reading_rainbow I probably would have enjoyed it more if I had read it prior to JJD‘s arrest 2y
EvieBee I read it prior and it scared me to death. The not knowing part. Chills. 2y
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reading_rainbow
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Starting a true crime club with my sister 🔪🔫🔎

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BkClubCare
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I listened to this in May 2018; have yet to watch the doco. Posting now to fit the #SerialKiller day for #Scarathlon #PhotoChallenge.

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ChaoticMissAdventures
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#scarathlon #photochallenge #truecrime @Linsy

Boyfriend and I have been watching the documentary for this. I have read the book and listen to a few podcasts, but I am always surprised at how women accept that this is the world we live in and men are utterly dumbfounded.

Chrissyreadit I love your chair- and completely agree. Unfortunately there are women who also turn a blind eye to what is happening to them. It breaks my heart. 2y
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5feet.of.fury
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Pickpick

So good, so tragic.
McNamara, with assists from armchair detectives chronicle the quest for “the EAR” who committed at least 13 murders, 50 rapes, and 120 burglaries across California between 1974 and 1986.

Really good as an audio book. Perfect narration and pacing.

Side note: I noticed a lot of similarities between the Golden State Killer and the killer in Cornwell‘s Postmortem.
#Scarathlon
#TeamSlaughter

Tera66 I need to give this another shot. I just need to suck it up and quit being a scardy cat.🐈‍⬛ 2y
Clwojick The documentary is amazing too! I highly recommend it! 2y
5feet.of.fury @Tera66 def thought every bump in the night was the Golden State Killer last night 🙃 usually stuff like that doesn‘t get to me, but I understand! It‘s worse when it‘s true. 2y
31 likes3 comments
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5feet.of.fury
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After the terrible last listen, decided to start a sure thing on today‘s commute #Scarathlon2021 #TeamSlaughter #truecrime

Tera66 I tried to get through this when I first got sent to work from home and kept getting too freaked out. Can't wait to see what you think, I may try it again. 2y
5feet.of.fury @Tera66 only an hour and a half in but enjoying it so far! 2y
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smalldogs_bigbooks2419
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@TheAromaofBooks I won‘t be done with either of the books I‘m reading now in time to join #bookspinbingo in October, but maybe in November. I‘m just excited to finally understand how it works! I tagged this book because it‘s so far outside of what I usually read, which I think is part of why I‘m excited to read it. It‘s also one of the few books on this list, that I don‘t think I‘ve already posted about at some point. Haha

BookBosomed1 I don‘t understand how bookspin works. Will you explain it to me please? 2y
BookBosomed1 @Megabooks thank you! 2y
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TheAromaofBooks Yay!! I will go ahead & tag you with October's numbers & if you decide to read them you totally can!! And that way you will already be in the loop for November, too!! 2y
TheAromaofBooks @BookBosomed1 - I host the #BookSpin challenge so please just let me know if you have any questions!! And if you'd like to join, tag me when you post your list!!! 2y
smalldogs_bigbooks2419 @TheAromaofBooks sounds great! Thank you 😊 Also, the fact that I sort of struggled through writing some of this list, tells me I “need” more books. Haha 2y
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jpj7474

The pursuit of this serial killer in CA is interesting. How he escaped detection for so long over the course of so many crimes. But equally as interesting is how McNamara with no background in law enforcement became so engrossed in this pursuit, to the point that it destroyed her. It's an unforgettable story even if you're not heavily into the true crime genre, which I'm not.

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Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks
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I haven‘t read this one, but I hear it‘s terrifying 😱💔🖤 Who has read it?

#Death
#ConflictedWorlds

ShelleyBooksie I had to dnf it- it is SO well written that it is terrifying. 2y
JackOBotts It was a phenomenal read…the HBO miniseries documentary is equally intense and remarkable… 2y
wideeyedreader I listened to the audiobook! I wouldn‘t call it terrifying, but I listen to/read quite a bit of true crime so that may be why. A very good read either way! 2y
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Eggs Great choice! But I think it would haunt me bc it‘s true crime not fiction. True crime can be more evil and terrifying than anything you could make up IMHO 2y
AmyG I was a bit scared while reading this. Lock all your doors first. 2y
DGRachel I read it right after I‘d adopted Bailey and she would randomly bark in the night while I was reading it. I was almost convinced someone was living in my attic crawl space. 2y
Dcueto I‘ve read it and enjoyed it! 2y
wisherwishinguponastar I am listening to it. McNamara‘s story integrated with the history of the crimes makes it compelling. 2y
Michael_Gee I recently read it. It‘s very well written! 2y
Prairiegirl_reading I‘m too chicken!!! 2y
EKonrad I read this when it first came out and I still think about it! Terrifying but so well-written. 2y
Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @JackOBotts I‘ve watched the first episode 😱 2y
Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @Eggs I agree… I‘m just looking for something different to pass the time looking at these 4 walls 🤯 2y
Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @AmyG and set the alarm!! 2y
Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @DGRachel that would scare me! I live in an 88 year old house with lots of creaks!! 😱 2y
Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @Michael_Gee awesome!! Thank you! 2y
Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @EKonrad ok so I‘ll read it next based on everyone‘s input!! 2y
80 likes21 comments
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Ericalambbrown
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Pickpick

This book is so good. It‘s obvious McNamara painstakingly researched the cases. Throughout there are places marked with ‘Editor‘s Note‘ that sadly remind the reader that the author did not survive to see the book published. McNamara was a rare talent - capable of conveying the horror in an oddly sterile manner without sensationalizing and dehumanizing the victims. She never gives into the gore for shock value. Excellent true crime read.

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wideeyedreader
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Pickpick

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ This book is painstakingly researched and incredibly insightful.

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K.Wielechowski
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Pickpick

Follows Michell McNamara‘s years-long hunt for the Golden State Killer.
It was strange listening to the book knowing GSK/EAR/ONS is in prison for his crimes. I kept waiting for his name to pop up but it never did. It‘s so sad that McNamara never got to see him arrested but she played a huge part in keeping the case alive.
Wonderfully written true crime that focuses more on the people than the crimes.

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BoleyBooks
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Tackle the TBR 🤓📚 #boleybooks #michellemcnamara #illbegoneinthedark #bookbeast #bookjoy #readwithme
What are you reading? 😊

LoverOfLearning This was an excellent and terribly creepy read 2y
Ericalambbrown This book is so good and HBO companion series is beautifully and respectfully done - the victims are given a voice without sensationalizing and exploiting them. Patton Oswalt produced and appears in it as well. 2y
BoleyBooks @LoverOfLearning yes, it‘s scary to know that individuals like this are out there for so long.😳 2y
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BoleyBooks @Ericalambbrown I did watch and that‘s how I knew to grab this copy. I feel so sad that she didn‘t get to see all of her hard work pay off....may she Rest In Peace now. 😔 2y
Ericalambbrown @BoleyBooks there is apparently a new episode out there that was recently added, too. Did you see that? I‘ve not watched it yet so I didn‘t know what that was all about. 2y
LoverOfLearning @Ericalambbrown oh I'll have to check into this 2y
BoleyBooks @Ericalambbrown I must take a look, thanks for the info. 2y
LoverOfLearning @Ericalambbrown yep! Watching it right now!! Thanksa 2y
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Brooke_H
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For any fans of this book or the adaptation series, HBO just released an extra episode!

Leftcoastzen Thanks for the tip! 2y
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NatalieR
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Pickpick

This is definitely one of the best written true crime books I‘ve ever read. It‘s so touching how so many people contributed to the book‘s completion. Michelle McNamara was such a talented writer and selflessly dedicated to finding this monster. I believe, without question, the Golden State Killer wouldn‘t have been caught without Michelle‘s work. #MountTBR

Prairiegirl_reading I love the idea of this book but I‘m way too chicken to actually read it! She definitely contributed to catching him. 2y
BiblioLitten @Prairiegirl_reading This was supposed to be my next read but I chickened out too. 2y
BiblioLitten Beautiful picture 😍 2y
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JenReadsAlot @Prairiegirl_reading @BiblioLitten I checked my doors and windows a few times reading this! It was great, but terrifying! 2y
Blueberry And sad that she died before finding out they would had catch him. 2y
erzascarletbookgasm Great shot 📸👍 2y
NatalieR @JenReadsAlot @Prairiegirl_reading @BiblioLitten 😆The book definitely reminded me to be mindful about security! It‘s an excellent book. I highly recommend. 2y
NatalieR @BiblioLitten Thank you! 😊 2y
NatalieR @Blueberry So tragic! 💔 2y
CaramelLunacy I am in the middle of this one (it's slower going because I can only read this when it's light outside) 2y
NatalieR @CaramelLunacy 😂 I totally understand! 2y
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kimmypete1
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Pickpick
Cathythoughts It is !! 2y
TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!! 2y
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Michael_Gee
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JenReadsAlot
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Thanks for the tag @Kshakal
1. True crime and a good psychological thriller
2. Tagged - I even checked my doors and windows!
#two4Tuesday @TheSpineView

TheSpineView Thanks for playing and happy Tuesday! 2y
22 likes1 comment
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allureofbeauty
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I have about 15% left of this book. What are you all reading today?
#truecrime #illbegoneinthedark #michellemcnamara #mystery #thriller #selfie #audiobook

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Lizpixie
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Pickpick

Bk7 of March & Bk3 of #MarvellousMarch is finally done! I was having trouble sticking to a book & ended up watching some true crime docos which led me to a reread of this fabulous book. I read a lot of true crime & I can honestly say this is in my top 3. Such a pity she died before this psychopath was caught. #NonFictionBingo #ByAWoman #PennyPerPage #328c #Pop21 #ReadItAgainSam #CloakDaggerChal #BookspinBingo #BookishBingo

Lizpixie And it matches the beautiful Roses my daughter bought me for my birthday!🌹 3y
LeahBergen This was such a good read! 3y
Cathythoughts This was really good !! Please can I ask you what your other 2 top true crimes are ... ? Whenever you get a minute 👍🏻 3y
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TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!!! 3y
Lizpixie @LeahBergen @Cathythoughts it‘s so awful she didn‘t get to finish it, if it‘s this good unfinished, how good would the end product have been! My other top true crime books are 3y
Lizpixie @Cathythoughts and a recent Australian true crime about the disappearance of a teenage girl in 1977 on the northern beaches of Sydney 3y
Lizpixie Honourable mention goes to the one that started my true crime obsession 3y
Cathythoughts Thankyou! I did read Helter Skelter before. .... So I‘m stacking Barronjoey Road & will get that one soon ❤️👍🏻 3y
Cathythoughts Oh stacking Ruby Ridge too 👍🏻 3y
Andrew65 One I‘m wanting to read 👏👏👏🙌 3y
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rachelk
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Pickpick

‘The East Area Rapist‘ later dubbed ‘The Golden State Killer‘ (by McNamara) is the subject of her well written, relentlessly investigative true crime book. Sadly, she did not live long enough to complete the book or to see the killer apprehended. However, her notes were posthumously pieced together to complete her work. It was done very well.

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks I can‘t wait to read this one!! 3y
sarahlandis Looooved this but it actually really terrified me 3y
rachelk @sarahlandis Yes, she did a great job but one true crime book a year is probably enough for me 😬 3y
rachelk @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks It was definitely engrossing! 3y
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bookish.mum
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February TBR

I'm taking part in a readalong for I'll Be Gone in the Dark, and Honeybee is a book I would like to read this month too! I'm mostly a mood reader so haven't decided on any other books to read just yet!