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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!