Once I’d committed to writing the story of Eddie O’Brien’s arrest, legal journey and trial, I sat down at the computer and wondered exactly how one organizes a book. Should I start with an outline? I realized I had no idea how to organize a book. I didn’t know anyone who had written a book who I could ask. Finally I decided that perhaps I should just start writing and see where that took me. I knew I wanted to start with the day of Janet … [Read more...]
Bestselling True Crime Author M. William Phelps: There Are Always More Bodies
I am convinced that part of the “high” a serial killer gets from his murderous path of violence after he is arrested and facing the iron fist of justice is taking pleasure in the fact that he alone knows there are additional bodies (his victims) somewhere out in the world. What’s more, there is no doubt he will use those bodies as a bartering chip in dealing with law enforcement and/or the legal system when the time comes. Or, maybe the … [Read more...]
Author Burl Barer on the Origin of the Cocaine Cops Featured In BETRAYAL IN BLUE
In the 1980s, there were two ways to make big bucks in the Big Apple: sell drugs or rob drug dealers. The main characters in this story did both, and they weren’t worried about the cops, because they were the cops. Drug dealers with a badge, criminals in a squad car, the Cocaine Cops of the NYPD were the most powerful drug gang in Brooklyn. CRACK! Some say that what happened in the 1980s was, when studied in retrospect, a … [Read more...]
MURDERERS’ ROW, Volume One, Photo Gallery Of Letters
Get a closer look at the photos included in New York Times bestselling author M. William Phelps's new true crime book, MURDERERS' ROW: A Collection Of Shocking True Crime Stories-Volume One. … [Read more...]
M. William Phelps: ON MURDERERS’ ROW SITS A PATHETIC, DESPERATE LIAR
There’s a certain familiarity with the sociopath one encounters after writing 30-plus books about one-off murderers and serial killers. Interviewing scores of these people, one tends to develop an almost inherent, instinctive sense for how they go about manufacturing and inventing lies, carefully orchestrating each one, and then inserting those lies into public discourse. Patricia “Pat” Olsen—the subject of “Murder in Massachusetts,” the … [Read more...]
Frank C. Girardot Jr. on Co-Writing BETRAYAL IN BLUE With Burl Barer and Ken Eurell
Working on the true crime book “Betrayal in Blue” reminded me of Charlie Brown from the comics. A classic Charlie Brown gag involves his nemesis Lucy and a football. She promises to hold it. He attempts to kick it. Inevitably Lucy pulls the ball away and poor Charlie lands flat on his back. There are those who say Charlie’s failed effort defines insanity. He does the same thing over and over and expects a different result. It could also … [Read more...]
Check Out This Video On The Story Behind True Crime Book BETRAYAL IN BLUE
Watch Edgar Award winning author Burl Barer as he discusses the story behind his upcoming true crime book, BETRAYAL IN BLUE, co-authored by award winning journalist Frank C. Girardot Jr. and former NYPD officer Ken Eurell. BETRAYAL IN BLUE becomes available from WildBlue Press on December 6th, 2016. Make sure to pre-order your copy before the price increases after its release! … [Read more...]
3 Ways that Releasing My First Novel Was Like Walking Down the Street in my Underwear (Plus a Giveaway)
In August, my debut novel, Crevice, released and I couldn’t be happier, but once it was out there I had this moment of panic. What did I do? My book baby was now on display for anyone to see. It was like those dreams I sometimes have where I've forgotten my clothes. I’m guessing I’m not the only one to ever feel this way, although I do tend to have control issues, so I thought I'd tell you why I felt this way. Note: keep reading to the end for … [Read more...]
New York Times Bestselling Author Anthony Flacco Praises Steve Jackson’s True Crime Classic ROUGH TRADE
"This taut and well-told crime tale ..." "... take does a fine job of getting into the heads of the principal players. JoJo Cordova is a perfect representation of a good person subjected to a dangerous drug addiction can go from being a working police officer to a working prostitute desperate for her next hit of crack. ' "Jackson writes with clarity and precision, and never strays into schmaltzy emotion when describing the horrors of … [Read more...]
ICE AND BONE by Monte Francis Receives Great Review from Anchorage Press
Monte Francis's ICE AND BONE: Tracking an Alaskan Serial Killer was featured in a book review by the Anchorage Press, titled "In the Wake of A Killer." This review recaps and praises Monte's work on the killer that was set loose to kill again when the prosecution failed to stop him, Joshua Wade. Read the full review here: http://www.anchoragepress.com/book-review/wake-killer "Monte Francis’ gripping thriller is not for the faint of heart. … [Read more...]