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True Story: Murder, Memoir, Mea Culpa
True Story: Murder, Memoir, Mea Culpa | Michael Finkel
31 posts | 23 read | 48 to read
In the haunting tradition of Joe McGinniss's Fatal Vision and Mikal Gilmore's Shot in the Heart, True Story: Murder, Memoir, Mea Culpa weaves a spellbinding tale of murder, love, and deceit with a deeply personal inquiry into the slippery nature of truth. The story begins in February of 2002, when a reporter in Oregon contacts New York Times Magazine writer Michael Finkel with a startling piece of news. A young, highly intelligent man named Christian Longo, on the FBI's Ten Most Wanted list for killing his entire family, has recently been captured in Mexico, where he'd taken on a new identityMichael Finkel of the New York Times. The next day, on page A-3 of the Times, comes another bit of troubling news: a note, written by the paper's editors, explaining that Finkel has falsified parts of an investigative article and has been fired. This unlikely confluence sets the stage for a bizarre and intense relationship. After Longo's arrest, the only journalist the accused murderer will speak with is the real Michael Finkel. And as the months until Longo's trial tick away, the two men talk for dozens of hours on the telephone, meet in the jailhouse visiting room, and exchange nearly a thousand pages of handwritten letters. With Longo insisting he can prove his innocence, Finkel strives to uncover what really happened to Longo's family, and his quest becomes less a reporting job than a psychological cat-and-mouse gamesometimes redemptively honest, other times slyly manipulative. Finkel's pursuit pays off only at the end, when Longo, after a lifetime of deception, finally says what he wouldn't even admit in courtthe whole, true story. Or so it seems.
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Caroline2
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Yep 😬

Coleen 🤣🤣🤣 2y
TiminCalifornia Indeed! 2y
Fr3NcHtOaSt This! 2y
See All 10 Comments
Leftcoastzen 👏😂 2y
Suet624 Yes indeed. 2y
MicrobeMom 😂😂 2y
SW-T 😂😂😂 2y
LeahBergen 🤣🤣 2y
TrishB 😂😂 2y
Tera66 😆🤣 2y
116 likes10 comments
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Suet624
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Yes, I can do two things at the same time.

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Sleepswithbooks
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A True Story: 2020 Version

#TeamSlaughter
#Scarathlon

Hazel2019 😂 3y
Clwojick 😂😂😂 3y
LibrarianRyan heheheheheheh 3y
Ruthiella 🤣🤣🤣 3y
Clwojick 1 pt 3y
51 likes5 comments
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Chelsea.Poole
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Pickpick

Read + listened to the #audiobook of this insane story for our #bookclub meeting last night. I run the program at the library & decide the books we will read from a list of pre-chosen book kits. This was one of the titles that I hesitated adding to our list because of the subject matter. I myself am a fan of #truecrime and #nonfiction but many of the members are not. Also, they all seem to prefer books with likable characters which this is not.⬇️

Chelsea.Poole Overall, this is a stranger-than-fiction account of two men who connect over a horrific crime and send letters to and from prison. Finkel, the author, is a disgraced journalist (and motivated by the story to keep the relationship between the men going). Longo is in prison, an accused murderer. I was unfamiliar with this story and it's terrible, but I found the book to be a page-turner because I had to know what happened. There's a film adaptation 4y
ljuliel Very good book ! 4y
80 likes3 stack adds2 comments
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Itchyfeetreader

@WanderingBookaneer @kaysworld1 I am so incredibly sorry I have not got your summer Santa in the post - I have had a terrible couple of weeeks and had half of it in work and half at home. I finally got it all to work today but then failed to get to the post office. This will absolutely go tomorrow but I am sorry you will miss opening day. I feel awful !

kaysworld1 It's ok. Did you get both of my parcel's? 5y
Itchyfeetreader You are too kind thanks - you‘ll have a fun Saturday I promise! Re parcels not until last night but I am not home yet (4th 13 hour day this week) will check when I get in 5y
kaysworld1 @Itchyfeetreader hahaha I've just got you mixed up with @squirrelbrain 🤦 silly me, I blame the weather! 😆 5y
26 likes3 comments
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Hooked_on_books
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Pickpick

Just as he‘s being fired by the NY Times, Michael Finkel learns he‘s been impersonated by an excused killer on the lam in Mexico. He subsequently develops a sort of friendship with the man. This was a fascinating portrait of a narcissist that I just couldn‘t look away from (train wreck style). It is also well-written true crime.

#ReadingUSA2019 #Montana (author from)

Librarybelle That sounds fascinating! 5y
NatalieR Great review! I love true crime and haven‘t heard of this story. Stacked!! 5y
Kaye Good book ! 5y
squirrelbrain Sounds fab and I need a Montana book - stacked! 5y
41 likes3 stack adds4 comments
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Caroline2
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True story!! 😯 👏

tessavi #3 definitely! 5y
GingerAntics All true. The third one is a definite loss. Anytime a library is burned intentionally, that‘s a huge problem. 5y
116 likes3 comments
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emilyhaldi
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Mehso-so

I ended up getting through this book mostly on audio while cleaning my house, unpacking (never-ending) boxes, and sorting through the many samples I received today to pick out blinds for the house 🤪 While this bizarre story did keep me entertained, I docked a ⭐️ due to my strong dislike for the author. He seems to be an egomaniac and is repeatedly dishonest in his journalistic career as well as in his relationships. His personal story left me 🙄

Tamra Yes, I felt the same. 5y
Cinfhen I didn‘t like his writing then so I might have the same problem as you!!! By the way HAPPY BIRTHDAY 🎊💗🍷😘 5y
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TrishB Happy birthday 🎉🎉 5y
Kalalalatja Happy happy birthday! Hope you get to take a break from unpacking and celebrate a bit 🎉🎉🎉 5y
rockpools Happy Birthday 🥳🎉🌸 5y
cathysaid Yes. Perfectly said. So clearly dishonest/unethical that I thought, “Does he actually read what he‘s written?!?” 5y
Hollie Happy birthday! 🎊🎉🎈 5y
kspenmoll Happy birthday!!! 🎁🎂🎉🎈 5y
emilyhaldi It is?!? @Cinfhen wow I had no idea 😆 I loved Stranger in the Woods but this one included way too much of his personal baggage 😝 5y
MicheleinPhilly Happy Birthday!!!! 5y
AlwaysForeverReading Happy birthday 🎉🎁🎈 5y
LeahBergen Happy Birthday, my friend!!! 📚📚📚📚📚 5y
DivineDiana Wishing you s fantastic year! 🎉🎈🎂 5y
emilyhaldi @Reviewsbylola please see my convo with @Cinfhen above 👆🏻 5y
Reviewsbylola 😂😂😂 The comments only loaded up to Michele‘s. 5y
Mdargusch I have this book in my TBR - Lori gave it 5 stars! He was also featured quite a bit in that tv series that just aired - Lake Erie Murders 5y
98 likes19 comments
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Tamra
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Mehso-so

Well written true crime, but I‘m uncomfortable with it. Reads as redemption of a disgraced journalist, which Finkel explicitly acknowledges. However, A. I didn‘t really care for Finkel‘s story (not that interesting and only tangentially relevant) or character (egotistical) and B. Finkel uses the tragic murders of 4 people in what he knows to be a cat & mouse game for his own ends. Writers write for a living, but there is something tacky here.

Izai.Amorim Happy new year! 5y
Tamra @Izai.Amorim to you as well! 5y
64 likes2 comments
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Reviewsbylola
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Pickpick

Clearly I have a problem with over indulging in baths and immersing myself in true crime.

This is the utterly fascinating account of Chris Longo, who murdered his wife and three children, and Michael Finkel, who was fired from the NYT just days before he discovered that Longo stole his identity while on the run. If you are into true crime memoirs, this is a must read.

If you followed the Chris Watts murders recently (ahem @Bklover ) read this!

Tamra I‘m listening to this now! 👍🏾 5y
OrangeMooseReads I have this one on my shelf. I should read it soon-ish. 5y
cathysaid This was really well written. I‘ve found I like a journalistic style with true crime. 5y
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Crazeedi Adding! 5y
Bklover Oh hot damn!!! Gonna have to get this one! 👍😘 5y
Cinfhen This is the guy who wrote about the hermit in the woods ~ right??? 5y
Reviewsbylola Yes! I didn‘t realize that initially. @Cinfhen 5y
Reviewsbylola It‘s crazy how similar Chris Longo is to Chris Watts in a way. And I think this book is proof that we‘ll never know the exact series of events in the Watts case. @Bklover 5y
Bklover I still can‘t get Chris Watts out of my head. I keep wondering if at some point it ever really hit him with what he had done. Any wait to get lost in a Longo obsession. 😉 5y
emilyhaldi Hmmm add this to my stack of books I need to borrow 5y
145 likes11 stack adds10 comments
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Reviewsbylola
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Another day, another bubble bar. 💁🏼‍♀️🛁

#bathandbook

Tamra In placed a hold on this one! 5y
Megabooks I wish I had a bubble bar and a larger tub! 5y
107 likes1 stack add2 comments
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Reviewsbylola
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I just started this true crime book (written by the same author as Stranger in the Woods!!) and its #awinterstale that starts days before Christmas in 2001 when Chris Longo murders his three children and wife and then flees to Mexico, where he assumes the identity of NYT writer Michael Finkel.

#winterwonderland #bathandbook

JennyM That sounds fascinating. Hope you enjoyed your soak 5y
Cinfhen This book sounds fascinating 5y
TrishB Wow 😮 5y
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Tamra Very interesting! 5y
Callemarie Want this made into a movie? With..... jonah hill and... James franco(?)? 5y
Callemarie *wasnt 5y
124 likes6 stack adds6 comments
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Reviewsbylola
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I‘m still wading through the documents of the Chris Watts murder case, and I really need to take a break and read something a little more chill. I‘m not sure why I‘m drawn to these #freakyfreaks that murder their whole family, but sitting next to me is this book about Christian Longo, who murdered his whole family almost 20 years ago. Please will someone save me from myself. 😂 #nofemmeber

JennyM Lol...I love how you love these murder crime books 📚 5y
BookNerd9906 🤣🤣🤣 5y
Cinfhen I‘m adding this one #stacked and I fear your obsession is leading me on a crooked path😆I literally had 19 TRUE CRIME books in my #BookOutlet cart yesterday 🙄I did not hit send.... yet 5y
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Kaye This is good ! @Cinfhen Buy all 19. We wanna see what you pick. 5y
Cinfhen Thanks @Kaye I‘m going to have to cull that list because hubby will freak out and I can‘t imagine how im getting all those books to Israel!! #BookNerdProblems (edited) 5y
Cinfhen I need to check which books are available on #overdrive & #kindleUnlimited @kaye 5y
emilyhaldi Oh dear 5y
britt_brooke Maybe you‘re the freaky freak?? 🤔😉 Btw, have you been following the New Jersey Mansion fire? That‘s a weird one. 5y
Billypar I feel like the Criminal Minds team should hire you: your backstory is you became an expert profiler after reading excessive amounts of true crime 😂 5y
Reviewsbylola The people at BO and your husband may be worried at why you need 19 true crime books. 🤣🤣🤣 @Cinfhen 5y
Reviewsbylola I for sure am not right. 🤣 @britt_brooke I have followed it a little but have been consumed with this crime to the point where I have little time for others. 😆😆 5y
Cinfhen I keep thinking if the FBI ever checked my computer history or book searches I‘d have A LOT of explaining to do!!!! And I‘m not sure “it‘s for my Litsy challenge” would explain it 😜😜😜 (edited) 5y
Bklover I‘m right there with you! I feel like I know Chris Watts personally! 5y
109 likes4 stack adds15 comments
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CuriousG
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Falling into this audiobook hard! I very literally have at least 100 tasks to do for work, and this is making it very difficult to get out of the car and go into the building. Truly bizarre circumstances

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KimHM
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Pickpick

This is a very strange book, very . . . instructive for people interested in journalism, enlightening for those intrigued by the nature of falsehood, convincing on the question of psychopathy. Definitely worth the $1.99 for the e-version. Though I don‘t usually, I will offer a trigger warning as Finkel‘s subject murdered his children. 💡💡💡💡

KimHM Addendum: the above isn‘t a spoiler, it‘s part of the premise. 6y
11 likes1 comment
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KimHM
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I gave in to #tbrtemptation. Because how could I not ^

😍📚❤️

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KimHM
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This is the same guy who wrote The Stranger in the Woods (about the hermit). I am soooo tempted. 📚📚📚📚📚📚

QueenJen Go for it! There are NEVER too many stories! 😉🥃 6y
9 likes1 comment
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cathysaid
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Since the weather is far too warm for #SockSunday here in the southern states...I bring you #SteakSunday !

As for the book, I am midway through and enjoying it. Finkel writes in a fast paced, engaging fashion. While sometimes he seems to take responsibility for his plagiarism (hence the "mea culpa"), in others he seems to try and avoid total responsibility. It's as if he hasn't fully made peace with his actions. Otherwise, it's a great read.

RebelReader That steak looks amazing! I liked his book A Stranger in the Woods, but I haven't heard of this one. 6y
Kaye Good book, I felt the same. I think he gave a reasonable explanation of what happened regarding his job.. Very good story. I have yet to read his second one. 6y
56 likes2 stack adds2 comments
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cathysaid
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I went to the library to pick up ONE hold that came in yesterday. The rest are from my Litsy TBR...therefore I AM NOT RESPONSIBLE!! Those are the rules, right? #blameitonlitsy #libraryhaul

britt_brooke Littens = Enablers (of the best kind) 6y
cathysaid That's my defense! 6y
Soubhiville Yes, those are the rules. Also, library=Free=no guilt! 6y
See All 9 Comments
Desha 🤣😂😂 and of course remember if you still feel guilt, there‘s always #MrBook to blame! 😄📚📚☺️ (edited) 6y
batsy White Tears ❤️ 6y
MicheleinPhilly Eeny Meeny! 🙌🏼 6y
cathysaid @MicheleinPhilly Yes, on your recommendation! 6y
cathysaid @batsy It does look good. 6y
cathysaid @Soubhiville @Desha Such validating bookish friends! 6y
80 likes1 stack add9 comments
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Skyler
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Monty's current toy obsession. I'll catch him at different points during the day just wandering around or lounging with that thing in his mouth. As for the book, I just started it, and it already has me hooked!
#dogsoflitsy

Nebklvr Adorable 6y
AlaMich 🤣🤣 6y
Zelma He‘s ready for a trip! 😆 6y
EvieBee So cute!!! 6y
12 likes4 comments
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Mdargusch
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Congratulations @niha923 🎉🎉🎉! You are the winner of my giveaway #3!
Please send your mailing address to me at mdargusch at aol dot com.

niha923 OH MY GOD THIS CANT BE TRUE IM HALLUCINATINGGGGGGG 6y
niha923 THANKS SO MUCH ❤❤❤❤ I'll send it asap 6y
99problemsbutabookaint1 Congrats @niha923 🎉🎉🎉📖 6y
See All 15 Comments
niha923 @99problemsbutabookaint1 Thanks a lot ❤❤❤ 6y
emilyhaldi Congrats! @niha923 - I heard they are both great books! 🎉🎉 6y
niha923 @emilyhaldi Thanks sm ❤❤❤ looking forward to read these great books 6y
Mdargusch Haha! @niha923 ! I‘m glad you are so excited! 6y
ElishaLovesBooks Congratulations @niha923 🎉 I really liked 6y
niha923 @Mdargusch Thanks again ❤ this made my day 6y
niha923 @ElishaLovesBooks Thanks ❤❤❤ Can't wait to read them 6y
Reviewsbylola 🎉🎉🎉 6y
niha923 ❤❤❤ 6y
Mdargusch @niha923 can you please send me your address? I don‘t think I got it. 6y
niha923 Is it okay if I send it tomorrow @Mdargusch ? 6y
97 likes1 stack add15 comments
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Megabooks
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1. Gravy 😝
2. I‘m sick of mystery thanks to BOTM, so let‘s go sci fi.
3. Twitter
4. 1 dog ❤️😍🐩
5. Absolutely

#friyayintro

Reviewsbylola BOTM sure loves their mysteries. 😂 6y
Megabooks @Reviewsbylola I know! 🙄🙄 6y
Cinfhen Truth on #2 6y
Megabooks @Cinfhen Right?!? 6y
85 likes4 comments
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Purrfectpages
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HotMessJess 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻 6y
valeriegeary 👏👏👏 6y
ReadingSusan 🤣 6y
mrozzz 😆😄🤓 6y
72 likes5 comments
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Mdargusch
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Pickpick

I found this story of the heinous murder of a wife and three children tragic. There are two stories here - one of murder by Chris Longo and another of the firing of the author from the New York Times when he made up part of an article he wrote. Neither man knew each other, yet the author gets involved in this story due to Longo using Finkel's identity after the murders. The ending had me completely disgusted in Longo and shocked by his testimony.

emilyhaldi Sounds depressing 😔 7y
Mdargusch Yes it was @emilyhaldi 😢 7y
Reviewsbylola The dual story line sounds interesting. 7y
89 likes6 stack adds3 comments
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Julsmarshall
Mehso-so

Hmm, definitely a so-so for me. While I found the story fascinating, the way the author inserted himself into the story was a little off putting. Both the author and the murderer seemed narcissistic and spent most of the book more focused on justifying their mis deeds than becoming better people.

Julsmarshall @Cinfhen Yes, but his writing was strong enough that I still want to read it! 7y
Cinfhen It's interesting bc people who criticized Stranger in the Woods had the same issues you did about the journalist inserting himself in the story. Seems, he has gotten any better at remaining objective 😶 7y
Julsmarshall Really @Cinfhen that is interesting. I mean I get that writing styles are different but objectivity is pretty important! 7y
44 likes1 stack add4 comments
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Julsmarshall
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This book is fascinating!

Cinfhen Sounds good, wonder why the Litsy rating is so low?!? Eager to hear your final review! 7y
MyNamesParadise For what it's worth I remember enjoying the movie and James and Jonah did well in their dramatic roles. 7y
47 likes1 stack add2 comments
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Julsmarshall
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A dark book on a beautiful day! The tag line, Some Mysteries are Beyond Belief sold me! #currentread

Kalalalatja Looks lovely! 7y
audiobooklover I always find True Crimes about someone that kills their own family very interesting 6y
51 likes2 comments
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Muniav
Mehso-so

Not sure how I expected to feel after reading a book about two narcissistic liars, one of whom murdered his entire family. While this was somewhat interesting, I mainly feel like I want to take a shower.

Sydsavvy Eek! 8y
2 likes1 comment
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Muniav
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Very interesting so far.

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Texasblues
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Pickpick

Hey - a book where I hated everybody, but still couldn't put it down. Compulsively readable, even if everyone is awful. Also, James Franco is probably perfect as one of the main characters in the movie because he's kind of creepy.

MyBookLife This book sounds great!!! 8y
8 likes1 comment