What do you think?
Rate this book
The Devil at His Elbow: Alex Murdaugh and the Fall of a Southern Dynasty
ŷ Choice Award
Nominee for Readers' Favorite Nonfiction (2024)Power, privilege, and blood—this is the definitive and thrilling true story of Alex Murdaugh’s violent downfall, from a veteran Wall Street Journal reporter who has become an authority on the case.
Alex Murdaugh was a benevolent dictator—the president of the South Carolina trial lawyers� association, a political boss, a part-time prosecutor, and a partner in his family’s law firm. He was always ready with a favor, a drink, and an invitation to Moselle, his family’s 1,700-acre hunting estate. The Murdaugh name ignited respect—and fear—for a hundred miles.
When he murdered his wife, Maggie, and son Paul at Moselle on a dark summer night, the fragile façade of Alex’s world could no longer hold. His forefathers had covered up a midnight suicide at a remote railroad crossing, a bootlegging ring run from a courthouse, and the attempted murder of a pregnant lover. Alex, too, almost walked away from his unspeakable crimes with his reputation intact, but his downfall was secured by a twist of fate, some stray mistakes, and a fateful decision by an old friend who’d finally seen enough.
Why would a man who had everything kill his wife and grown son? To unwind the roots of Alex’s ruin, award-winning journalist Valerie Bauerlein reported not just from the courthouse every day but also along the backroads and through the tidal marshes of South Carolina’s Lowcountry. When the jurors made their pilgrimage to the crime scene, trying to envision Maggie and Paul’s last moments, she walked right behind them, sensing the ghosts that haunt the Murdaughs� now-shattered legacy.
Through masterful research and cinematic writing, The Devil at His Elbow is a transporting journey through Alex’s life, the night of the murders, and the investigation that culminated in a trial that held tens of millions spellbound. With her stunning insights and fearless instinct for the truth, Bauerlein uncovers layers of the Murdaugh murder case that have not been told.
Alex Murdaugh was a benevolent dictator—the president of the South Carolina trial lawyers� association, a political boss, a part-time prosecutor, and a partner in his family’s law firm. He was always ready with a favor, a drink, and an invitation to Moselle, his family’s 1,700-acre hunting estate. The Murdaugh name ignited respect—and fear—for a hundred miles.
When he murdered his wife, Maggie, and son Paul at Moselle on a dark summer night, the fragile façade of Alex’s world could no longer hold. His forefathers had covered up a midnight suicide at a remote railroad crossing, a bootlegging ring run from a courthouse, and the attempted murder of a pregnant lover. Alex, too, almost walked away from his unspeakable crimes with his reputation intact, but his downfall was secured by a twist of fate, some stray mistakes, and a fateful decision by an old friend who’d finally seen enough.
Why would a man who had everything kill his wife and grown son? To unwind the roots of Alex’s ruin, award-winning journalist Valerie Bauerlein reported not just from the courthouse every day but also along the backroads and through the tidal marshes of South Carolina’s Lowcountry. When the jurors made their pilgrimage to the crime scene, trying to envision Maggie and Paul’s last moments, she walked right behind them, sensing the ghosts that haunt the Murdaughs� now-shattered legacy.
Through masterful research and cinematic writing, The Devil at His Elbow is a transporting journey through Alex’s life, the night of the murders, and the investigation that culminated in a trial that held tens of millions spellbound. With her stunning insights and fearless instinct for the truth, Bauerlein uncovers layers of the Murdaugh murder case that have not been told.
480 pages, Hardcover
First published August 20, 2024
1,602 people are currently reading
37.8k people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,068 reviews
May 22, 2024
This book was incredible. I have been following this case from the beginning. I am so happy to have found a book that detailed the entire history of this family - from the late 1800s until present day, spanning four generations. Four generations of deceit and trauma all in one book.
This is the true story of the Murdaugh family, a long line of prominent lawyers making their mark in small town South Carolina. In the public eye they were well-known good ol boys. Their southern hospitality was known all over the county. They would give you the shirt off their back, some said. But behind closed doors they harbored deep, dark secrets. Each decade and each generation had their own scandals including embezzlement, money laundering, suspicious deaths, outright murder, and fraud. This family got away with so much until it all came crashing down.
From the great grandfather to Alex Murdaugh and his sons, it was fascinating to see the timeline of their downfall. There is so much death and trauma surrounding this family. It could have been overwhelming with the amount of information packed into this book, but the author detailed the timeline in a way that made sense. I thoroughly enjoyed it and can't wait to read more from this author.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for letting me read this ARC in exchange for my honest review!
This is the true story of the Murdaugh family, a long line of prominent lawyers making their mark in small town South Carolina. In the public eye they were well-known good ol boys. Their southern hospitality was known all over the county. They would give you the shirt off their back, some said. But behind closed doors they harbored deep, dark secrets. Each decade and each generation had their own scandals including embezzlement, money laundering, suspicious deaths, outright murder, and fraud. This family got away with so much until it all came crashing down.
From the great grandfather to Alex Murdaugh and his sons, it was fascinating to see the timeline of their downfall. There is so much death and trauma surrounding this family. It could have been overwhelming with the amount of information packed into this book, but the author detailed the timeline in a way that made sense. I thoroughly enjoyed it and can't wait to read more from this author.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for letting me read this ARC in exchange for my honest review!
February 28, 2025
5.0 stars� I have been searching for a book that provided an in-depth look at the Murdaugh family after becoming transfixed by the criminal trial of Alex Murdaugh who stood accused of murdering his wife and son. There were several books that looked interesting but none that really seemed to offer anything new that I haven’t already read about this case� until I started reading Goodread reviews of “The Devil at His Elbow.� I am so glad I waited for this one because it was very well researched and written by an author I I had never heard of before, Valerie Bauerlein. Ms. Bauerlein does an excellent job of both filling in the background of the Murdaugh family tree and providing a great amount of details of each of the crimes that Alex and Paul were accused of committing. After watching a couple of documentaries on this subject (including the excellent one on Netflix) I didn’t think there was anything I hadn’t heard about these cases. Boy was I wrong. “Devil� is seamlessly written with details that you can find nowhere else. The book excelled in covering the numerous ways Alex committed and covered up his financial crimes as well as more than in-depth coverage of the murder trial of Alex. So, for all of you true-crime junkies who can’t get enough of this sensational case, do yourself a favor and read this book. I promise you, you will not regret it.
May 29, 2024
Ah, the piece of trash that is Alex Murdaugh. If you are unfamiliar with this poor excuse for a human, then allow me to compliment you on the mighty fine rock you have been able to live under because this case was everywhere for a while. His story was reported on daily and there was already (rushed) documentaries and books on the saga of him murdering his wife and son. I've watched nearly all of them, so the question is whether or not Valerie Bauerlein's The Devil at His Elbow is the definitive source for the whole story. Quite simply, yes.
Bauerlein was on hand for almost all, if not all, of Murdaugh's trial and has done amazing work pulling together all the little details in this tangled web. It's not enough to just talk about Alex Murdaugh. He did not come out of nowhere. He was part of a dynasty that ruled part of South Carolina for 100 years. You know those movies where someone gets jammed up in a small town where the villain seems to control everyone? That was Hampton County, South Carolina for a very long time and Alex wasn't the first villain.
Bauerlein's research is impeccable, but her storytelling chops are what I really need to highlight. Valerie Bauerlein had me going and she got me good. As I mentioned, I know a lot about the case already so the first half before you get to the murders felt like well-trodden ground for me. In fact, I caught myself thinking, "Ok, Valerie, you are stating too many unnecessary facts. Get on with it." Except they weren't unnecessary and like a magician, Bauerlein makes it all come together when the state prosecutor rips Murdaugh in half on the witness stand. I'd like to take a moment to humbly apologize to Bauerlein for being impatient. That's my bad. Won't happen again.
If you know the case, there is more to it and it's all in here. If you don't know the case, then you are in for a ride. It's a must read for everyone.
(This book was provided as an advance copy by Netgally and Random House.)
Bauerlein was on hand for almost all, if not all, of Murdaugh's trial and has done amazing work pulling together all the little details in this tangled web. It's not enough to just talk about Alex Murdaugh. He did not come out of nowhere. He was part of a dynasty that ruled part of South Carolina for 100 years. You know those movies where someone gets jammed up in a small town where the villain seems to control everyone? That was Hampton County, South Carolina for a very long time and Alex wasn't the first villain.
Bauerlein's research is impeccable, but her storytelling chops are what I really need to highlight. Valerie Bauerlein had me going and she got me good. As I mentioned, I know a lot about the case already so the first half before you get to the murders felt like well-trodden ground for me. In fact, I caught myself thinking, "Ok, Valerie, you are stating too many unnecessary facts. Get on with it." Except they weren't unnecessary and like a magician, Bauerlein makes it all come together when the state prosecutor rips Murdaugh in half on the witness stand. I'd like to take a moment to humbly apologize to Bauerlein for being impatient. That's my bad. Won't happen again.
If you know the case, there is more to it and it's all in here. If you don't know the case, then you are in for a ride. It's a must read for everyone.
(This book was provided as an advance copy by Netgally and Random House.)
October 27, 2024
An absolutely stunning piece of investigative journalism.
I knew there had to be so much more to this story, but I couldn’t really get a grasp on what had happened or why from piecing together the poorly organized, poorly written articles about it at the time. But here, the author constructs a riveting narrative and a clear, concise timeline—as well as a chilling portrait of a conscience-less killer who looked on human beings as commodities. All of it is presented with the history of the small southern town where the crimes occurred alongside the storied legal family legacy, both of which provide the context missing from what you’ve already read.
I very much appreciated her compassionate eye for Alex Murdaugh’s victims as well. And it was so interesting to see how the prosecution laid out the evidence and the timeline of events to assemble the case against him, and how it was his self-contradictory lies that were ultimately his downfall. Comeuppances don't come often, but they are so very satisfying on the rare occasions when we get them.
Audio Notes: Superbly narrated by Maggi-Meg Reed with a minimum of fuss.
I knew there had to be so much more to this story, but I couldn’t really get a grasp on what had happened or why from piecing together the poorly organized, poorly written articles about it at the time. But here, the author constructs a riveting narrative and a clear, concise timeline—as well as a chilling portrait of a conscience-less killer who looked on human beings as commodities. All of it is presented with the history of the small southern town where the crimes occurred alongside the storied legal family legacy, both of which provide the context missing from what you’ve already read.
I very much appreciated her compassionate eye for Alex Murdaugh’s victims as well. And it was so interesting to see how the prosecution laid out the evidence and the timeline of events to assemble the case against him, and how it was his self-contradictory lies that were ultimately his downfall. Comeuppances don't come often, but they are so very satisfying on the rare occasions when we get them.
Audio Notes: Superbly narrated by Maggi-Meg Reed with a minimum of fuss.
December 5, 2024
Five big stars and another favorite of the year
Most everyone knows the story of Alex Murdaugh, thanks to the broadcast of his trial and the Netflix documentary. The third generation king of Colleton County, there wasn’t much Alex couldn’t control. He was the current patriarch of a family of lawyers, politicians and criminals.
There aren’t many men that are more despicable. An alcoholic and drug user, he scammed poor clients out of their judgments, stealing millions, all the while playing the compassionate soul . Then, his wife and son are found dead on the family’s estate and Alex’s world finally crumbles.
The book covers not only Alex, but his grandfather and father and how the family came to dominate the county. It was nothing to hush up multiple crimes - attempted murders, bootlegging, suicide, drug trafficking and money laundering, plus a host of lesser crimes. It’s a reminder that absolute power corrupts absolutely.
Meticulously researched and full of detail, the story never comes across as dry. If anything, it’s mind boggling. I was continuously shaking my head, gasping and holding my heart. What this family got away with!
Alex’s son, Paul, was looking to become the fourth generation of slime. But his boat accident, which cost a young woman her life, starts the problems for Alex.
Bauerlein does a great job of explaining the why behind the murders.
I listened to this and it was a wild audio experience. It captured me from start to finish. I loved this so much, I just bought the book so my husband could read it.
Most everyone knows the story of Alex Murdaugh, thanks to the broadcast of his trial and the Netflix documentary. The third generation king of Colleton County, there wasn’t much Alex couldn’t control. He was the current patriarch of a family of lawyers, politicians and criminals.
There aren’t many men that are more despicable. An alcoholic and drug user, he scammed poor clients out of their judgments, stealing millions, all the while playing the compassionate soul . Then, his wife and son are found dead on the family’s estate and Alex’s world finally crumbles.
The book covers not only Alex, but his grandfather and father and how the family came to dominate the county. It was nothing to hush up multiple crimes - attempted murders, bootlegging, suicide, drug trafficking and money laundering, plus a host of lesser crimes. It’s a reminder that absolute power corrupts absolutely.
Meticulously researched and full of detail, the story never comes across as dry. If anything, it’s mind boggling. I was continuously shaking my head, gasping and holding my heart. What this family got away with!
Alex’s son, Paul, was looking to become the fourth generation of slime. But his boat accident, which cost a young woman her life, starts the problems for Alex.
Bauerlein does a great job of explaining the why behind the murders.
I listened to this and it was a wild audio experience. It captured me from start to finish. I loved this so much, I just bought the book so my husband could read it.
September 7, 2024
Last year, I was absolutely obsessed with the Alex (pronounced Alec) Murdaugh trial. I watched it on YouTube with Emily D Baker, and I even got my dad to watch it (he's currently obsessed with the Karen Reed case as am I). The Murdaugh case has everything. It has more storylines than General Hospital.
A brief rundown for those of you who haven't heard of it. The Murdaugh's were a very prominent family in the South Carolina Lowcountry. They were the law for over 100 years. Nothing moved in Lowcountry without Alex Murdaugh and his family. A suspicious amount of people have met violent ends around the Murdaugh's going back generations. Everyone either respected and/or feared the Murdaugh's, but that all changed one very humid night in June of 202. Alex's wife Maggie and 22 year old son Paul were shot execution style on the family property. Suddenly, Alex Murdaugh's whole house of cards crumbled.
I'm not going to lie and say I have any sympathy for Maggie and Paul because I don't. I have as much sympathy for them as they had for Mallory Beach, Stephen Smith, Hakeem Pickney and Pamela Pickney, and all the other victims... which was none. The Murdaugh's are bad people. The whole family is a waste of space... Alex is just the worst of the worst. Alex stole millions of dollars from poor people to indulge in an appetite for private jets, fancy houses, and clothes. Alex is a sociopath. He lies about everything and when he's backed into a corner he comes up with a new lie.
I watched everyday of the trial and watched several documentaries about this case and I still learned more from this book. The Murdaugh's are a low down dirty scum of the Earth type of people.
Obviously this book is a 5 star read and I highly recommend it.
#Justice4StephenSmith
A brief rundown for those of you who haven't heard of it. The Murdaugh's were a very prominent family in the South Carolina Lowcountry. They were the law for over 100 years. Nothing moved in Lowcountry without Alex Murdaugh and his family. A suspicious amount of people have met violent ends around the Murdaugh's going back generations. Everyone either respected and/or feared the Murdaugh's, but that all changed one very humid night in June of 202. Alex's wife Maggie and 22 year old son Paul were shot execution style on the family property. Suddenly, Alex Murdaugh's whole house of cards crumbled.
I'm not going to lie and say I have any sympathy for Maggie and Paul because I don't. I have as much sympathy for them as they had for Mallory Beach, Stephen Smith, Hakeem Pickney and Pamela Pickney, and all the other victims... which was none. The Murdaugh's are bad people. The whole family is a waste of space... Alex is just the worst of the worst. Alex stole millions of dollars from poor people to indulge in an appetite for private jets, fancy houses, and clothes. Alex is a sociopath. He lies about everything and when he's backed into a corner he comes up with a new lie.
I watched everyday of the trial and watched several documentaries about this case and I still learned more from this book. The Murdaugh's are a low down dirty scum of the Earth type of people.
Obviously this book is a 5 star read and I highly recommend it.
#Justice4StephenSmith
November 11, 2024
There are a bunch of books on Alex Murdaugh and I’ve read them all. If you only want to read one - this is it. I was surprised that, despite my extensive “knowledge� about this case I learned even more because of the level of research shared in this book. Well done.
July 6, 2024
I received a free copy of, The Devil at His Elbow, by Valerie Bauerlein, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Alex Murdaugh had it all, until he lost it all. Alex murdered his wife and one of his sons, his family has a history of crime. Alex Murdaugh was untouchable for so long, he thought he could get away from murder of his family, but he could not. This is a good read about the rise and fall of Alex Murdagh.
March 28, 2025
Such an impressive account of an extremely complex case.
September 19, 2024
Sometimes the most monstrous evils lurk beneath the most charming facades.
I don't know where to start. If you're looking for a gripping true crime saga, The Devil at His Elbow: Alex Murdaugh and the Fall of a Southern Dynasty is IT!! It's an unforgettable account of the crimes committed over time by the Murdaugh families.
Alex Murdaugh was more than just an attorney in South Carolina. He was also the man who could frequently be found glad-handing everyone he saw, dispensing favors, drinks, and invitations to his estate ... effortlessly. I had no idea that past generations of the Murdaugh family had such twisted pasts but Alex Murdaugh completely outdid all of them.
Ms. Bauerlein patiently attended every moment of the trial and then slowly and carefully peeled layer after layer away in her hunt for the absolute truth. I learned so much!!
Many thanks to #BallantineBooks and #NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review an early copy of The Devil at His Elbow
#ValerieBauerlein #CrimeAndPunishment #TrueCrime
I don't know where to start. If you're looking for a gripping true crime saga, The Devil at His Elbow: Alex Murdaugh and the Fall of a Southern Dynasty is IT!! It's an unforgettable account of the crimes committed over time by the Murdaugh families.
Alex Murdaugh was more than just an attorney in South Carolina. He was also the man who could frequently be found glad-handing everyone he saw, dispensing favors, drinks, and invitations to his estate ... effortlessly. I had no idea that past generations of the Murdaugh family had such twisted pasts but Alex Murdaugh completely outdid all of them.
Ms. Bauerlein patiently attended every moment of the trial and then slowly and carefully peeled layer after layer away in her hunt for the absolute truth. I learned so much!!
Many thanks to #BallantineBooks and #NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review an early copy of The Devil at His Elbow
#ValerieBauerlein #CrimeAndPunishment #TrueCrime
July 1, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Wow, this is by far the best true crime novel I've read in a long time! Most people know the gist of the Alex Murdaugh case, so I won't bore you with a play by play. Some of the family history was new and interesting information, though. Valerie Bauerline had me so entirely engrossed in this story from page 1 that I didn't even come up for air until 160 pages in. There was no waiting for this one to get good! This is her debut book, but she was previously a journalist. She was in the courtroom for the trial and relied heavily on the witnesses and evidence presented. The Murdaugh's gave her plenty of material to work with, and it's very clear this was a dynasty that needed to fall. I often say that truth is stranger than fiction, and this is an epic example of that. The lengths some people will go to to simply avoid saying they were wrong or just asking for help is incomprehensible to me. And the greed. Addiction to money can be as devastating as any addiction, and money moves morals. Attorney Mark Tinsley predicted that prison will just be another hustle for Alex Murdaugh. Unfortunately, I'd have to agree.
Bravo to Valerie Bauerline for a fabulous debut 👏👏👏 Thank you to Netgalley and Random House Publishing Group-Ballantine to the opportunity to read an early copy of this in exchange for my honest review. If you love true crime, check out The Devil at His Elbow coming out August 20, 2024!
Wow, this is by far the best true crime novel I've read in a long time! Most people know the gist of the Alex Murdaugh case, so I won't bore you with a play by play. Some of the family history was new and interesting information, though. Valerie Bauerline had me so entirely engrossed in this story from page 1 that I didn't even come up for air until 160 pages in. There was no waiting for this one to get good! This is her debut book, but she was previously a journalist. She was in the courtroom for the trial and relied heavily on the witnesses and evidence presented. The Murdaugh's gave her plenty of material to work with, and it's very clear this was a dynasty that needed to fall. I often say that truth is stranger than fiction, and this is an epic example of that. The lengths some people will go to to simply avoid saying they were wrong or just asking for help is incomprehensible to me. And the greed. Addiction to money can be as devastating as any addiction, and money moves morals. Attorney Mark Tinsley predicted that prison will just be another hustle for Alex Murdaugh. Unfortunately, I'd have to agree.
Bravo to Valerie Bauerline for a fabulous debut 👏👏👏 Thank you to Netgalley and Random House Publishing Group-Ballantine to the opportunity to read an early copy of this in exchange for my honest review. If you love true crime, check out The Devil at His Elbow coming out August 20, 2024!
August 28, 2024
The story of the Murdaughs was told perfectly here.
We’ve been flooded with TV documentaries and made for TV movies about this. I’ve watched a few of those. This is a case of the book is always better.
What I was not taking from the TV is a sense of the timeline that led up to Alex’s decision to kill Mags and Pau Pau.
The questions of how could he, and what was he thinking are well answered here.
It took about 100 years for the senior Murdaughs to build up their dynasty in this all but forgotten geographic area and it took Alex about 5 years to smash it to pieces.
If I’m summing this up, Alex’s opioid addiction and the 2008 real estate crash was the beginning of the avalanche and from this point to that horrific night when he murdered his son and wife at close range with multiple shots he was only running about a half step in front of the big snowball.
On the very day he took those shots, his CFO confronted him of theft and he was days away from having to disclose his financial records because of Paul’s boating accident. Alex knew he needed an eleventh hour save and this was it.
There are simply not adequate words to describe the chill this one left me with.
We’ve been flooded with TV documentaries and made for TV movies about this. I’ve watched a few of those. This is a case of the book is always better.
What I was not taking from the TV is a sense of the timeline that led up to Alex’s decision to kill Mags and Pau Pau.
The questions of how could he, and what was he thinking are well answered here.
It took about 100 years for the senior Murdaughs to build up their dynasty in this all but forgotten geographic area and it took Alex about 5 years to smash it to pieces.
If I’m summing this up, Alex’s opioid addiction and the 2008 real estate crash was the beginning of the avalanche and from this point to that horrific night when he murdered his son and wife at close range with multiple shots he was only running about a half step in front of the big snowball.
On the very day he took those shots, his CFO confronted him of theft and he was days away from having to disclose his financial records because of Paul’s boating accident. Alex knew he needed an eleventh hour save and this was it.
There are simply not adequate words to describe the chill this one left me with.
March 9, 2025
This book was the itch that I constantly needed to scratch! I knew a little bit about this case but was not overly interested when it was in the news. The author does such a great job researching this book and lays out each chapter in such an easy-to-read narrative that it feels like fiction. I could not put this down. One of the best true-crime books that I have ever read.
September 10, 2024
Wow. I'd give this book all the stars possible. This books was so well written - engaging, well laid out, everything I want from a non-fiction book. I haven't been this gripped by a non-fiction book since I read Bad Blood by John Carreyrou in one day. Because I had to go to work, it took me 1.5 days to read these 480 pages and the lost sleep was worth it. Many biographies lose my attention by telling the story purely chronologically. This author's choice to go back and forth in time during the first half really helps keep the reader engaged and lay foundation for the whys of what happened in the Murdaugh family. I am a career prosecutor handling compex cases from investigation through trial and I felt for the attorneys and law enforcement officers working to expose wrongdoing to their own emotional and physical expense, many of whom earning only modest compensation for those long hours. Thank you so much to the publisher for allowing me to read this book in exchange for my honest review.
July 11, 2024
"Alex Murdaugh had inherited his forebears' power and prowess and then squandered it, the work of a hundred years washed away in blood."
This whole case, from start to finish, is the very definition of "Life is stranger than fiction." And the Murdaugh family, or better yet, their legacy is the definition of betrayal, wickedness, greed. Alex squandered nothing. He merely put bricks atop an already built wall of them that was destined to crumble.
Superb writing. Well researched. Well organized. An excellent account of the most vile, despicable human beings to ever rot on this Earth.
This whole case, from start to finish, is the very definition of "Life is stranger than fiction." And the Murdaugh family, or better yet, their legacy is the definition of betrayal, wickedness, greed. Alex squandered nothing. He merely put bricks atop an already built wall of them that was destined to crumble.
Superb writing. Well researched. Well organized. An excellent account of the most vile, despicable human beings to ever rot on this Earth.
June 22, 2024
ARC for review. To be published August 20, 2024.
Oh, yes. Thank you. I’ve been waiting to get my hot little hands on this one, I’m a big fan of well done true crime and this the the post-trial story of that ENORMOUS piece of human excrement Alex Murdaugh (after reading this book I must go look for video to see how he pronounces his own name because, of course, he does that like a dick as well, apparently.). This was written by the correspondent from the “Wall Street Journal� who covered the case. Here we go!
There’s a saying in the South (maybe everywhere, but I come from the South) that there are some people who just need killin�. And I’m against capital punishment and all, but some people�.some people are just mad dogs. They can’t be redeemed. There’s something too, too wrong with them that can’t be made right (they are less likely to be on death row and more likely to be in a corporate boardroom somewhere, but I digress.).
Alex Murdaugh is one of those people. But, honestly? I believe Paul was too. And probably Alex’s grandfather, Buster Murdaugh. Jury’s still out on Alex’s son, Buster, but Paul definitely killed one person and likely killed two. Unless Buster, Jr. killed the other one. And regardless of which of them struck the killing blow the might have been in on in together. This is the Murdaugh family, the pride of the Low Country.
But you can’t blame the residents of the Murdaugh domain for being wary of crossing them. I don’t know that I would have done it. The Murdaughs and the law firm Alex was a member of controlled everything over a five county area. Everything. And when you control that, everyone in the state will listen to what you have to say.
Honestly, convicting Alex of murder was probably never a sure thing, and likely only happened because the jury saw a chance to be free of the Murdaugh curse and because Alex Murdaugh had stolen all the money from his firm such that his partners were forced to renounce him and all that evidence came in. Had the trial been limited to the murders and only the murders Alex would likely be a free man today.
The book is well done, following the Murdaugh family line from great-grandfather down. The author was with the jury when they visited the family home, Moselle, during the trial, and that is interesting. I would be so interested to read a current interview with Alex now.
Very well done. If you are interested, this is the book to read.
Oh, yes. Thank you. I’ve been waiting to get my hot little hands on this one, I’m a big fan of well done true crime and this the the post-trial story of that ENORMOUS piece of human excrement Alex Murdaugh (after reading this book I must go look for video to see how he pronounces his own name because, of course, he does that like a dick as well, apparently.). This was written by the correspondent from the “Wall Street Journal� who covered the case. Here we go!
There’s a saying in the South (maybe everywhere, but I come from the South) that there are some people who just need killin�. And I’m against capital punishment and all, but some people�.some people are just mad dogs. They can’t be redeemed. There’s something too, too wrong with them that can’t be made right (they are less likely to be on death row and more likely to be in a corporate boardroom somewhere, but I digress.).
Alex Murdaugh is one of those people. But, honestly? I believe Paul was too. And probably Alex’s grandfather, Buster Murdaugh. Jury’s still out on Alex’s son, Buster, but Paul definitely killed one person and likely killed two. Unless Buster, Jr. killed the other one. And regardless of which of them struck the killing blow the might have been in on in together. This is the Murdaugh family, the pride of the Low Country.
But you can’t blame the residents of the Murdaugh domain for being wary of crossing them. I don’t know that I would have done it. The Murdaughs and the law firm Alex was a member of controlled everything over a five county area. Everything. And when you control that, everyone in the state will listen to what you have to say.
Honestly, convicting Alex of murder was probably never a sure thing, and likely only happened because the jury saw a chance to be free of the Murdaugh curse and because Alex Murdaugh had stolen all the money from his firm such that his partners were forced to renounce him and all that evidence came in. Had the trial been limited to the murders and only the murders Alex would likely be a free man today.
The book is well done, following the Murdaugh family line from great-grandfather down. The author was with the jury when they visited the family home, Moselle, during the trial, and that is interesting. I would be so interested to read a current interview with Alex now.
Very well done. If you are interested, this is the book to read.
May 22, 2024
Alex Murdaugh’s words during his trial, "Oh, what a tangled web we weave," really resonated with me as I read this captivating book. Murdaugh's ability to spin endless lies was truly astonishing! This quote perfectly captures the complex dynamics surrounding Murdaugh and his esteemed family of well-known lawyers in South Carolina, portrayed in "The Devil at His Elbow: Alex Murdaugh and the Fall of a Southern Dynasty."
The book dives deep into the lives of four generations of the Murdaughs, revealing the sharp contrast between their public image of southern hospitality and their involvement in scandals ranging from embezzlement to murder. Author Valerie Bauerlein expertly guides us through this tangled history, vividly illustrating how the family's privilege fueled their wrongdoing, ultimately leading to their dramatic downfall. This gripping account offers a chilling look into the depths of human depravity and the crumbling of a once-prominent legacy.
While I couldn't watch the trial live every day, I diligently kept up with the daily recaps, which helped me fully appreciate the gripping chapters focusing on the trial. Prosecutor Creighton Waters fearlessly unearthed the truth and exposed Murdaugh's arrogance, deftly cornering him as he contradicted himself time and again while on the stand. As I read, especially the chapters on the trial, I found myself going back and re-watching these parts on YouTube. Re-watching those parts after reading Bauerlein’s words brought a whole different level to things for me. Bauerlein took readers through the complex connections between privilege, internal conflicts, and corruption, shedding light on the family's tragic collapse.
As someone who closely followed the Murdaughs after the devastating murders of Maggie and Paul, I found this book to offer the most comprehensive coverage, evoking both fascination and deep sorrow for the victims of Murdaugh's deceit and manipulation. Throughout the book, there is a common theme surrounding Paul Murdaugh and how out of control he truly was. It’s sad how Alex Murdaugh and Maggie Murdaugh openly allowed him to drink while underage. If not for their negligence, Mallory Beach would still be alive today.
A big thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and Valerie Bauerlein for the chance to read this advanced copy. I thoroughly enjoyed it & I wholeheartedly recommend it.
The book dives deep into the lives of four generations of the Murdaughs, revealing the sharp contrast between their public image of southern hospitality and their involvement in scandals ranging from embezzlement to murder. Author Valerie Bauerlein expertly guides us through this tangled history, vividly illustrating how the family's privilege fueled their wrongdoing, ultimately leading to their dramatic downfall. This gripping account offers a chilling look into the depths of human depravity and the crumbling of a once-prominent legacy.
While I couldn't watch the trial live every day, I diligently kept up with the daily recaps, which helped me fully appreciate the gripping chapters focusing on the trial. Prosecutor Creighton Waters fearlessly unearthed the truth and exposed Murdaugh's arrogance, deftly cornering him as he contradicted himself time and again while on the stand. As I read, especially the chapters on the trial, I found myself going back and re-watching these parts on YouTube. Re-watching those parts after reading Bauerlein’s words brought a whole different level to things for me. Bauerlein took readers through the complex connections between privilege, internal conflicts, and corruption, shedding light on the family's tragic collapse.
As someone who closely followed the Murdaughs after the devastating murders of Maggie and Paul, I found this book to offer the most comprehensive coverage, evoking both fascination and deep sorrow for the victims of Murdaugh's deceit and manipulation. Throughout the book, there is a common theme surrounding Paul Murdaugh and how out of control he truly was. It’s sad how Alex Murdaugh and Maggie Murdaugh openly allowed him to drink while underage. If not for their negligence, Mallory Beach would still be alive today.
A big thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and Valerie Bauerlein for the chance to read this advanced copy. I thoroughly enjoyed it & I wholeheartedly recommend it.
November 4, 2024
A force. One of the best true crime books ever written. Articulate, masterful, specific, concise.
January 25, 2025
4.5 stars
July 8, 2024
I’ve read an ample amount of true crime novels, but this one is at the top of my list and if I could give this book a thousand stars, I would. The layers upon layers of research that went into this book is astounding, and at times, I would often forget that I was reading a true crime about a monster named Alex Murdaugh.
This powerful novel takes us through the Murdaugh family, not just Alex’s family, but way back to 1940 to Alex’s great grandfather who took his own life because of his own demons. The Murdaugh family is known to sweep trouble under the rug for years, but after the night that Alex killed Maggie and Paul, his world and everything that he’d built came crashing down.
If you’re like me who devoured the documentaries on Netflix and wanted so much more, come down this rabbit hole with me. This book isn’t for the light hearted though, Valerie goes in depth into the harrowing details about the crime scene down at the kennels that fateful night. It breaks my heart to see this monster get away with so much in life that he would stoop so low as to kill his own family to keep his secrets tucked away. The only person Alex loves is himself and he deserves to rot in prison for the rest of his life.
This powerful novel takes us through the Murdaugh family, not just Alex’s family, but way back to 1940 to Alex’s great grandfather who took his own life because of his own demons. The Murdaugh family is known to sweep trouble under the rug for years, but after the night that Alex killed Maggie and Paul, his world and everything that he’d built came crashing down.
If you’re like me who devoured the documentaries on Netflix and wanted so much more, come down this rabbit hole with me. This book isn’t for the light hearted though, Valerie goes in depth into the harrowing details about the crime scene down at the kennels that fateful night. It breaks my heart to see this monster get away with so much in life that he would stoop so low as to kill his own family to keep his secrets tucked away. The only person Alex loves is himself and he deserves to rot in prison for the rest of his life.
May 20, 2024
This was the second book I’ve read about this awful family, and I can say without hyperbole that they got what was coming to them. Everyone kept praising their relatives, despite the fact that most of them were awful too. Almost every single Murdaugh was a corrupt jerk. The things they got away with� the things they did� it’s all so infuriating. Even worse is the fact that they almost didn’t even charge him with murder!!
I’ve said it again and again � our justice system is broken and needs a complete overhaul. I basically disliked almost everyone in the book.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC. This review contains my honest, unbiased opinion.
I’ve said it again and again � our justice system is broken and needs a complete overhaul. I basically disliked almost everyone in the book.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC. This review contains my honest, unbiased opinion.
January 15, 2025
Well-written and straightforward yet very informative. I watched some of the documentaries about the trial but this is so much more thorough. Highly recommend the audio version.
January 3, 2025
I have read and watched a lot about the Alex Murdaugh case and this is definitely one of the best. The author had some firsthand accounts and had obviously done a lot of research. Alex's immediate family was examined, but also his ancestors and how family issues were passed down from one generation to the next. I never can get over how conniving not only Alex was, but also the rest of the family. It is a real-life tragedy with facts that are so terrible that they seem fictional. This is a must-read for true crime fans and anyone following this case.
Many thanks to Netgalley, Edelweiss, Ballantine Books and Valerie Bauerlein for providing a complimentary e-copy ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Many thanks to Netgalley, Edelweiss, Ballantine Books and Valerie Bauerlein for providing a complimentary e-copy ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 4, 2024
If you have read and watched anything to do with the Murdaugh trial this book will definitely expand your knowledge on all the facts. Meticulously researched and the author went to all the locations of the many scenes in this twisted story.
I listened to this by audio and took every opportunity to listen to it. It was mind blowing 🤯! I feel there are a lot more “victims� that will come to light.
Even in jail, it sounds like Alex Murdaugh is up to his manipulating ways. I have never seen a case where the love of money has caused such destruction.
5 stars ⭐️
I listened to this by audio and took every opportunity to listen to it. It was mind blowing 🤯! I feel there are a lot more “victims� that will come to light.
Even in jail, it sounds like Alex Murdaugh is up to his manipulating ways. I have never seen a case where the love of money has caused such destruction.
5 stars ⭐️
November 22, 2024
5⭐️ well researched and thorough, this book goes far beyond what was reported in the news. Even for someone like me who follows true crime I was impressed by the deep dive into the family history and exploration of each family member and their tragedies. One of the best nonfiction of the year!!
November 12, 2024
Thoroughly researched, even the author’s notes will keep your attention!
January 28, 2025
This book should come with a warning: It will make you want to scream. Loudly. It is infuriating. How could one man be so evil and perpetrate his selfish crimes on so many innocent people for so long? And get away with it?
Masterfully written by Valerie Bauerlein, this is a deeply researched book told with a storyteller's touch that describes the powerful Murdaugh family of South Carolina and how for generations this legal dynasty scammed others in their seemingly unstoppable quest for power and wealth. But it was only when manipulative and cunning Alex Murdaugh took things too far, including massive theft from trusted clients that totaled in the millions of dollars, an out-of-control opiate addiction, and an attempted cover-up of a young woman's death caused by his son that the family faltered and then fell—after 100 years.
But the worst crimes of all were the murders and unexplained "accidental" deaths of four people close to Alex Murdaugh, among whom were his wife and son. Alex Murdaugh was a cold-blooded murderer. And he thought he could get away with it because in his mind he was above the law.
For generations, the Murdaugh family dominated tiny and desolate Hampton County, South Carolina, as well as four surrounding counties. Seemingly everyone—from sheriffs to judges—were cowed by them, owed them favors, or just wanted to be part of their good old boy network. The Murdaughs got away with everything—perhaps even murder—until suddenly it all crumbled.
This is the masterfully written, chilling account of how the entitled and brutal Murdaugh family built up their crooked, deceitful empire and how it all disintegrated with blood on their hands. It's an epic American saga and it reads more like a page-turner of a novel than a nonfiction book. Highly recommended.
Masterfully written by Valerie Bauerlein, this is a deeply researched book told with a storyteller's touch that describes the powerful Murdaugh family of South Carolina and how for generations this legal dynasty scammed others in their seemingly unstoppable quest for power and wealth. But it was only when manipulative and cunning Alex Murdaugh took things too far, including massive theft from trusted clients that totaled in the millions of dollars, an out-of-control opiate addiction, and an attempted cover-up of a young woman's death caused by his son that the family faltered and then fell—after 100 years.
But the worst crimes of all were the murders and unexplained "accidental" deaths of four people close to Alex Murdaugh, among whom were his wife and son. Alex Murdaugh was a cold-blooded murderer. And he thought he could get away with it because in his mind he was above the law.
For generations, the Murdaugh family dominated tiny and desolate Hampton County, South Carolina, as well as four surrounding counties. Seemingly everyone—from sheriffs to judges—were cowed by them, owed them favors, or just wanted to be part of their good old boy network. The Murdaughs got away with everything—perhaps even murder—until suddenly it all crumbled.
This is the masterfully written, chilling account of how the entitled and brutal Murdaugh family built up their crooked, deceitful empire and how it all disintegrated with blood on their hands. It's an epic American saga and it reads more like a page-turner of a novel than a nonfiction book. Highly recommended.
February 15, 2025
This book read like fiction, so it’s both horrifying (that Alex could be so devoid of empathy and full of narcissism) and impressive (that the author could weave such a page-turning masterpiece using only real conversations and evidence). Whew, this one was heavy, but so well done- I enjoyed it very much!
March 19, 2025
Four generations of Murdaughs created a legal dynasty in a small town in South Carolina making them seemingly untouchable as they began to commit crimes themselves. All of this would probably continue to be swept under the rug if it weren't for a tragic boating accident that left one young woman dead while a Murdaugh was at the wheel. The actions of Alex Murdaugh following the accident led to his eventual downfall.
A jaw dropping story of greed and deception in the heart of good ol' boy country. The sins of this family consumed the nation during the murder trial of Alex Murdaugh. This book covers the obvious crimes and suspicious circumstances through generations and concludes with the already infamous trial.
A jaw dropping story of greed and deception in the heart of good ol' boy country. The sins of this family consumed the nation during the murder trial of Alex Murdaugh. This book covers the obvious crimes and suspicious circumstances through generations and concludes with the already infamous trial.
January 30, 2025
| 5/5 Stars | ★★★★�
Trigger Warnings for The Devil at His Elbow:
The Devil at His Elbow is a nonfiction book by Valerie Bauerlein exploring the rise and fall of the Murdaugh dynasty. Bauerlein recounts, in detail, how the Murdaugh family started from humble roots almost a century before to having a member of the very same family take a blowtorch to those hearty roots. Alex Murdaugh decided he wanted more and would do anything to get there.
So I must admit, I came into this book already knowing so much. This is a case I have been super aware of and have done quite a bit of research into. The amount of podcasts and docuseries I've ingested about the Murdaughs is laughable. Due to this, I came into The Devil at His Elbow expecting a simple rehash of what I already knew, but it was so much more than that. Bauerlein does a phenomenal job of taking this already theatrical story and making it into a real-life soap opera. The way Bauerlein weaves the facts into a murder mystery is outstanding. I knew the answers, but I was always still on the edge of my seat waiting to hear them.
Honestly, this is one of the best true crime books I have ever read (even though I listened to it on audio book). The Devil at His Elbow is a longer one, but definitely worth the read. If you're like me and use Libby, get ready for a long wait because everyone wants this book. It really is worth the wait, though!
Follow all of my reviews and content with
Trigger Warnings for The Devil at His Elbow:
The Devil at His Elbow is a nonfiction book by Valerie Bauerlein exploring the rise and fall of the Murdaugh dynasty. Bauerlein recounts, in detail, how the Murdaugh family started from humble roots almost a century before to having a member of the very same family take a blowtorch to those hearty roots. Alex Murdaugh decided he wanted more and would do anything to get there.
So I must admit, I came into this book already knowing so much. This is a case I have been super aware of and have done quite a bit of research into. The amount of podcasts and docuseries I've ingested about the Murdaughs is laughable. Due to this, I came into The Devil at His Elbow expecting a simple rehash of what I already knew, but it was so much more than that. Bauerlein does a phenomenal job of taking this already theatrical story and making it into a real-life soap opera. The way Bauerlein weaves the facts into a murder mystery is outstanding. I knew the answers, but I was always still on the edge of my seat waiting to hear them.
Honestly, this is one of the best true crime books I have ever read (even though I listened to it on audio book). The Devil at His Elbow is a longer one, but definitely worth the read. If you're like me and use Libby, get ready for a long wait because everyone wants this book. It really is worth the wait, though!
Follow all of my reviews and content with
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,068 reviews
Can't find what you're looking for?
Get help and learn more about the design.