Meet the Karlsens, Christina, Karl and their 3 small children. Living in Murphys, California, Christmas 1990 was filled with mistletoe, ribbons and home-made cookies. But the joy was cut short, with tragedy striking. Grieving, the Karlsens move across the country to Romulus, NY, trying to settle into a new life. But back in California, investigators dig into the events of New Year’s Day 1991, where Christina Karlsen lost her life in a devastating fire. With question unanswered, suspicions rise, as Karl moves forward with his life. Sources, photos, diagrams, snack & wine pairing information is found on Jill’s blog at www.murdershelfbookclub.com  Use Jill’s code  murdershelf to save 10% on your Crimecon 2024 badges at https://www.crimecon.com/CC24   Look for Jill on Podcast Row! Check out the new designs on Jill’s Spreadshop!

Charged with 1st degree murder, Byron Smith’s trial beings for shooting Nicholas Brady and Haile Kifer to death in his basement on Thanksgiving 2012. Armed with damning evidence, the Prosecution presents its case of calculated revenge, as the Defense presents the Defendant as a fearful man, who only wanted to defend himself against violent intruders.  The wheels of justice turn, with some stunning decisions, as debates erupt over the Castle Doctrine vs homicide, with very real consequences for lead investigator, Jeremy L. Luberts. Where is Byron Smith today? Jill updates the case since publication, filling you in on his appeals. Sources, photos, diagrams, snack & wine pairing information is found on Jill’s blog at www.murdershelfbookclub.com  CRIMECON is coming- check out the new designs on Jill’s Spreadshop- free shipping April 11-April 15, 2024!  Use Jill’s code   murdershelf   to save 10% on your Crimecon badges at https://www.crimecon.com/CC24

In Pt 2, with two teenagers dead, the Byron Smith investigation heats up, focusing on the rash of burglaries that had occurred recently, including those at Smith’s previously, with damning conclusions.  Accomplices and witnesses are interviewed, arrests are made, and another search warrant unearths the ‘mother lode’ of evidence that turns this case upside down, causing huge media surge and dividing the town, state and country in this divisive, emotional case of self-defense vs homicidal rage. Sources, photos, diagrams, snack & wine pairing information is found on Jill’s blog at www.murdershelfbookclub.com . Check out the new designs on Jill’s Spreadshop- make your favorite Murder Bookies SMILE. CRIMECON is COMING!  Use Jill’s code   murdershelf  to save 10% on your Crimecon badges at https://www.crimecon.com/CC24

Enjoying a day with the family, Lead Investigator Jeremy Luberts is called into work at the Morrison County Sheriff’s Office to look into a concerning call. Arriving at the Elm Street residence, a retired Byron Smith meets him, telling him two burglars had broken into his house, and he’d defended himself, shooting them.  With 2 dead bodies, Jeremy Luberts begins an investigation that would change the small town of Little Falls, Minnesota and spark contentious debate across the country, changing his life forever. Sources, photos, diagrams, snack & wine pairing information is found on Jill’s blog at www.murdershelfbookclub.com  CRIMECON 24 is coming- check out the new designs on Jill’s Spreadshop.  Use Jill’s code   murdershelf  to save 10% on your Crimecon badges at https://www.crimecon.com/CC24

In Part 4 on Frozen in Fear, Jill chats with our author and survivor of the East Area Rapist, Jane Carson-Sandler.  Jane went from being a victim to a ‘Survivor-Thriver’, taking back control over her life, an extraordinary life of service, giving, and caring for others.   You may want to listen to Ep 1 & 2 on Michelle McNamara’s book on the Golden State Killer, I’ll Be Gone in the Dark in conjunction with this trilogy.   Donation Opportunity: Hope Haven of Lowcounty - Child Advocacy & Rape Center, Beauford, S.C.   Sources, photos, snack & wine pairing information is found on Jill’s blog at www.murdershelfbookclub.com . Check out the new designs on Jill’s Spreadshop- make your favorite Murder Bookies SMILE!

Part 3: In this uplifting conclusion of the Frozen in Fear trilogy, the voices of the survivors of the East Area Rapist are raised, allowing us to see how these brave souls overcame adversity, trauma, and worse, taking back control, rejecting fear Updating what’s happened since the 2018 arrest of EAR-the Golden State Killer, Jane Carson-Sandler and her sister survivors reflect on his arrest, and what’s happened since, as they enjoy the best revenge- living productive, satisfying lives. You may want to listen to Ep 1 & 2 on Michelle McNamara’s book on the Golden State Killer, I’ll Be Gone in the Dark in conjunction with this trilogy.   Donation Opportunity: Hope Haven of Lowcounty - Child Advocacy & Rape Center, Beauford, S.C.   Sources, photos, snack & wine pairing information is found on Jill’s blog at www.murdershelfbookclub.com  Check out the new designs on Jill’s Spreadshop- make your favorite Murder Bookies SMILE!

In Part 2- Struggling to climb out of the dark hole in the aftermath of rape, other challenges test Jane’s resolve and faith as she finds herself in rehab. With more rapes happening, Jane recounts the lessons learned from counselling & her work with other rape victims. And more voices of other EAR rape survivors are heard, sharing the impact he had on their lives, and their decisions to live their lives fully, on their own terms.    You may want to listen to Ep 1 & 2 on Michelle McNamara’s book on the Golden State Killer, I’ll Be Gone in the Dark in conjunction with this trilogy. Donation Opportunity: Hope Haven of Lowcounty - Child Advocacy & Rape Center, Beauford, S.C. Sources, photos, snack & wine pairing information is found on Jill’s blog at www.murdershelfbookclub.com  Valentine’s Day is coming- check out the new designs on Jill’s Spreadshop- On Valentine’s Day -Feb 14th: 22% OFF! Make your favorite Murder Bookies SMILE!

Crimecon 2024 is coming!  Use Jill's code  murdershelf   and save 10% on your badge! See you in Nashville, May 31-Jun 2, 2024!    Written by the 5th Victim of the East Area Rapist, Frozen in Fear tells Jane Carson-Sandler’s story of living a normal, fulfilling life in California in 1976- until the day a ski masked intruder, aka EAR, broke in and viciously raped her.  Surviving, Jane shares how the rape impacted her life, the shame and guilt, loss of self-esteem, and anger, all feelings shared by many of other EAR rape victims.  Painful unanswered questions are asked; Who was this guy? Why is he doing this? —And Jill provides some insights into this type of rapist.   You may want to listen to Ep 1 & 2 on Michelle McNamara’s book on the Golden State Killer, Ill Be Gone in the Dark in conjunction with this trilogy.   Donation Opportunity: Hope Haven of Lowcounty - Child Advocacy & Rape Center, Beauford, S.C. Questions? Email Jill:  jill@murdershelfbookclub.com Sources, photos, snack & wine pairing information is found on Jill’s blog at www.murdershelfbookclub.com . Valentine’s Day is coming- check out the new designs on Jill’s Spreadshop- make your favorite Murder Bookies SMILE!

Happy New Year 2024!  Crimecon 2024 is coming!  Use Jill's code  murdershelf   and save 10% on your badge! See you in Nashville, May 31-Jun 2, 2024!  Part 3: Franklin, Virginia was home to murder victim, Trent Whitley and the authors Anne Varner and Karen DeVanie.  These energetic, dedicated ladies are also the hosts of the Sugar-Coated Murder podcast.  Karen and Ann chat with Jill about how their book came about, their perseverance and determination to tell Trent’s story, and how they managed to get the insider information on the killers!  You won't believe whose advice they rejected and the rush to publish before disaster struck!  And, most importantly to them, how did they memorialize Trent Whitley, the 17 year old young man who had his life stolen away?  Anne and Karen also share what is next- and it’s something to behold! Winter merch designs are out on Spreadshop, so make your favorite Murder Bookie SMILE and support Jill and the Murder Shelf Book club podcast!  Sources, show notes, photographs, news articles, recipe and wine recommendations are on Jill’s blog at www.murdershelfbookclub.com By Jill, All Rights Reserved

Crimecon 2024 is coming!  Use Jill's code  murdershelf   and save 10% on your badge! See you in Nashville, May 31-Jun 2, 2024!   Trent Whitley’s family struggles with his loss and the uncertainty of what happened to their precious son. Certain someone knows something, Delores Whitley makes repeated appeals for that someone to come forward.   Meanwhile, a killer’s life fractures under the weight of the responsibility for killing an innocent classmate. He knows only a confession can save him, but betraying his bloody partner is fraught with peril as paranoia and conspiracy theories plague him. When the truth is finally revealed, disbelief and devastation rock a town. Will there be justice for Raymond Trent Whitley, June 19, 1972 – Feb 23, 1990?   Winter and Christmas designs are out on Spreadshop, so make your favorite Murder Bookie SMILE!  Sources, show notes, photographs, news articles, recipe and wine recommendations are on Jill’s blog at www.murdershelfbookclub.com By Jill, All Rights Reserved

Crimecon 2024 is coming!  Use Jill's code  murdershelf   and save 10% on your badge! See you in Nashville, May 31-Jun 2, 2024!    Blinding flash. BANG- and the target was dead.  A missing person report was filed in Franklin, Virginia by anxious parents, searching for their precious teenager. The investigation would follow lead after lead, to no avail. Suspects would emerge, but those responsible would not fall under suspicion, as the frightened family held vigils, offered rewards, and paced with worry, night after night.  Why a conspiracy to commit murder?  How had 'The Plan' evolved?  How did was the target selected?  Why did this happen?  Join Jill as she delves into the first of the Say My Name series, Click, Click, Click, by the hosts of the Sugar Coated Murder podcast, Anne Varner and Karen DeVanie. Happy Hanukkah!  Enjoy the holiday season! Spread the joy!   Holiday and Christmas designs are out on Spreadshop, so make your favorite Murder Bookie SMILE!  15% OFF Dec 7 -10, 2023! Shipping date holiday cutoff dates are coming! Sources, show notes, photographs, news articles, recipe and wine recommendations are on Jill’s blog at www.murdershelfbookclub.com By Jill, All Rights Reserved

Crimecon 2024 is coming!  Use Jill's code  murdershelf   and save 10% on your badge! See you in Nashville, May 31-Jun 2, 2024!    With the families engrossed, the prosecution of Sean Vincent Gillis begins, with the Defense committed to saving his life and avoiding the death penalty. With his 40-hour confession, this should be a slam dunk, but it is far from that! Legal maneuvering, calls for mistrial, and surprise rulings impact the trial’s progression. Then, the battle of the neuropsychologists begins, as they delve into Sean’s mental illness.  WHY did Sean murder and dismember? Why are cardinal human taboos violated? And, if Sean killed 8 women, who killed the other 50?   Source material, show notes, photographs, maps are found on Jill’s blog at www.murdershelfbookclub.com New designs are out on Jill’s spreadshop! Winter and Christmas- the holidays are coming! Make a Murder Bookie happy! Join Jill on Patreon and get the insider info, discuss all true crime, Q&A, tips and tidbits, and help pick our books! $4 a month! By Jill, All Rights Reserved

Crimecon 2024 is coming!  Use Jill's code  murdershelf   and save 10% on your badge! See you in Nashville, May 31-Jun 2, 2024!    In Part 2, They get it.  With over 60 women dead, Baton Rouge Sheriff Offices realize they have a serial killer on the loose! But they’re wrong. There are TWO; the murders of Sean Vincent Gillis are camouflaged by those of Derrick Todd Lee.  No one is looking for Sean Gillis.  As the victims’ families mourn, the investigation intensified, DNA works its magic, and finally, the police follow the tracks to Sean Gillis door. Arrested, he cannot stop talking, sharing the gruesome details of murder and dismemberment, acting like a child sent to the principal’s office instead of recognizing the gravity of his crimes.   Source material, show notes, photographs, maps are found on Jill’s blog at www.murdershelfbookclub.com New designs are out on Jill’s spreadshop! Autumn, Winter and Christmas! Join Jill on Patreon and get the insider info and help pickour books! $4 a month! By Jill, All Rights Reserved

Crimecon 2024 is coming!  Use Jill's code  murdershelf   and save 10% on your badge! See you in Nashville, May 31-Jun 2, 2024!    In Baton Rouge, Louisiana, a gruesome murder is discovered, with the Sheriff’s office investigating, but the case goes cold. Repeat this over and over, and over as serial killer, Sean Vincent Gillis, kills and mutilates all over the area.  An elderly woman and a housewife, he mostly preys largely on sex workers. But--no woman is safe-- the fear real. And he’s NOT the only one! WHO is Sean Vincent Gillis?   Source material, show notes, photographs, maps are found on Jill’s blog at www.murdershelfbookclub.com New designs are out on Jill’s Spreadshop! Autumn, Winter and Christmas! Join Jill on Patreon and get the insider info and help pick out our books! $4 a month! By Jill, All Rights Reserved

Crimecon 2024 is coming!  Use Jill's code  murdershelf   and save 10% on your badge! See you in Nashville, May 31-Jun 2, 2024!    Now deep into the murder motive, each of the suspects are investigated and the evidence scrutinized fully.  Who had a motive and opportunity to commit murder?  Who benefitted from the death of Amy Robsart? Given the court verdict, what happened to the suspects?  And, Jill shares her theory on how Lady Dudley, Amy Robsart died! 2nd cast looks ahead to 1567: Seven year later, Elizabeth I’s cousin, the King-Consort of Scotland, Henry Stuart, Lord Darnley is found strangled to death.  Another cousin, Darnley’s wife, Mary, Queen of Scots, begins an inquiry, with a very, very different outcome from Elizabeth I’s court.  Intrigue, conspiracy, betrayal, corruption, and the choices of the two Queens is examined.  How did Amy Robsart-Dudley die? Who killed Lord Darnley? Jill shares her conclusions about the suspicious deaths of the 1560s!     Sources, snack recipe, suggestions, show notes plus CRIMECON 2023 PHOTOS are found on Jill’s blog www.murdershelfbookclub.com Join Jill on Patreon for our zoom True crime and Book Club discussion!!  Get your merch – Jill’s putting pumpkin spice into True Crime! And- the holidays are coming!  Check out Jill’s holiday designs! By Jill, All Rights Reserved

Crimecon 2024 is coming!  Use Jill's code  murdershelf   and save 10% on your badge! See you in Nashville, May 31-Jun 2, 2024!    Jill discusses Crimecon 2023 in Orlando!  Being on Podcast Row, meeting her Murder Bookies and meeting so many in the True Crime community! Then, she continues the story of Lady Amy Robsart, found dead at the bottom of the stairs.  In every royal court in Europe, and across every town and hamlet in England, the people of England wonder what to believe of their beautiful, young and unmarried Queen, Elizabeth I, whose relationship with Amy’s husband, Robert Dudley, is described widely as “most intimate.”  Was Amy’s death an accident or suicide?  Where does the 500 yr old evidence take us?  What does the 1560 autopsy report reveal? And, who had motive if a ‘murder most foul’ was committed?  Sources, snack recipe, wine recommendation, show notes plus CRIMECON 2023 PHOTOS are found on Jill’s blog (soon!) www.murdershelfbookclub.com Join Jill on Patreon for our zoom True Crime and Book Club discussion!  Get your merch – Jill’s putting pumpkin spice into True Crime! By Jill, All Rights Reserved

Crimecon 2024 is coming!  Use Jill's code  murdershelf   and save 10% on your badge! See you in Nashville, May 31-Jun 2, 2024!    Episode 71: “The Original Staircase”- The Death of Amy Robsart: An Elizabethan Mystery by Sarah-Beth Watkins Part 1 1560: Tudor England. Amidst rumors of adultery, poisoning divorce, and murder, Lady Amy Dudley, nee Robsart, was found dead at the foot of the stairs. Immediately, suspicion fell upon her husband, Lord Robert Dudley, favorite of the newly ascended Queen of England, Elizabeth I. Had he done away with his wife to marry the Queen?  The investigation, interviews, interrogations, and inquest does little to snuff out the speculation and debate—How did Amy Dudley die?  Accident, Suicide, or Murder? 500 years later, we are still asking these questions. Join Jill as she combines the two passions of her life- The Tudors and true crime! And find Jill on PODCAST ROW AT CRIMECON 2023 ORLANDO!!!  So EXCITED! Sources, show notes, a ton of portraits, family trees, and more are found on Jill’s blog at www.murdershelfbookclub.com   Check out her MERCH shop on Spreadshop! Join Patreon here! By Jill, All Rights Reserved.

We met Russ Faria after he was charged with the murder of his wife, Betsy.  Wrongfully convicted, Russ spend 3 years in prison, until he was  finally exonerated (Ep 40-44). Enter new DA, Mike Wood, who begins investigating the investigators for corruption, determined to right the unbelievable wrongs.  In an alleged effort to derail the investigation, former Lincoln County detective, Mike Merkel is implicated, spirally the investigation. Listen to the latest from Russ Faria, who was in the Missouri court room himself.  And what is new with Russ and Carol McAfee? The story isn’t over yet!   Source material, show notes, photographs are found on Jill’s blog at www.murdershelfbookclub- May 2022.(Click here)   By Jill, All Rights Reserved

Our author, the "most prolific cold case investigator in the United States for single-event homicides", Chief Clay Bryant chats with Jill, discussing his cold case investigations and a bit on life itself.  His common sense and down to earth brilliance shines through, as Clay shares moments that simply take your breath away—What were the odds THAT could have happened? Get the inside story of the next book, on yet another cold case he solved and another killer off the streets. Murder Bookies, do not miss this discussion, it is sincere, poignant, and uplifting! AND- Announcement: Look for the Murder Shelf Book Club on Podcast Row at Crimecon 2023 in Orlando! Sources, show notes, photographs, maps and food and drink information on the Clay Bryant books is found on Jill’s blog at www.murdershelfbookclub.com Get your merch for CrimeCon! By Jill, All Rights Reserved

Episode 68 –2ndCast“ Alls Well that Ends Well”- The Cold Case Murder of Fred Wilkerson: Untangling the Black Widows Web in West Georgia by Clay Bryant Part III In Part III, we see Connie Quedens ensnaring Fred Wilderson in her web, entangling finances, escalating demands, culimnating with Fred abruptly vanished, leaving his beloved daughter and son behind. Who had a life insurance policy on Fred?  Connie.  But, nothing tied her to his disappearance.  17 yrs later, Clay Bryant begins to investigate this cold case, and he finds a witness that sets the case on fire! Hear justice arrive in all it’s glory, and the truth of who Connie Quedens is comes out, with many wondering what else she did.   Sources, snack recipe, wine recommendation and show notes are found on Jill’s blog www.murdershelfbookclub.com Join Jill on Patreon! HUGE ANNOUNCEMENT TONIGHT!   Get your merch for CrimeCon Orlando in Sept 2023! By Jill, All Rights Reserved