Three Bodies Burning: The Anatomy of an Investigation into Murder, Money, and Mexican Marijuana

by Brian Bogdanoff

A haunting triple murder... the inside story of the investigation.When two worlds collide—the illegal transportation of tons of Mexican cartel marijuana to inner city gang members in a Midwestern city’s “hood”—three bodies end up burning, caught in a web of greed as a major international drug deal goes very bad.The chilling trail of evidence from a remote wooded area where three bodies are set on fire leads homicide detectives across the country chasing down witnesses and conspirators in a two-year search for cold-blooded killers. This case has it murder, piles of cash stashed in the most unlikely of places, a blood-soaked crime scene, the remote dump site for bodies, luxury cars, flashy jewelry, and hundreds of pounds of illegal dope.An unbelievable break takes detectives down the rabbit hole where CSI meets Law & Order and where good old gumshoeing and meticulous forensic procedures bring down a mega-million-dollar drug conspiracy and lock up the bad guys for life.Follow the case through the eyes of the gritty homicide/narcotics detective. A handbook for the amateur criminologist, this book is for true crime fans, prosecutors and defense attorneys, and cops and This book contains graphic crime scene photos and adult language.

Genres: True Crime, Nonfiction, Crime

368 pages, Paperback

First published December 2, 2010

About the author

Award-winning homicide detective Brian Bogdanoff has retired from the Omaha Police Department. He holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from the University of Nebraska at Omaha and graduated from the Omaha Police Academy. Before his service as a homicide detective, Bogdanoff was a member of one of the most successful undercover narcotics units in Omaha.

Reviews

[Catherine Richmond]

In May 2005, bodies of three murdered men are discovered in the woods north of Omaha. The investigation connects the murders to drug trafficking from Mexico through Phoenix.

Three Bodies burning shows how much work is involved in solving crimes and why it takes so long to catch and prosecute a criminal. This book would have benefited from editing, especially for verb tense as it switches back and forth from present to past. I was frustrated with one gaping hole in the wrap up - what happened to Zach Woods? He heard the shots fired, was outside the house where the murders were committed, was suspected of firing one of the shots, and his testimony nailed the case. He seemed more involved than the girlfriend of the head honcho - she got twelve years in a Federal prison. What did Zach get?

[Lynze Wobig · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting read. I almost felt like a little sidekick on a murder investigation. It was pretty cool to see the entire process that goes into any type of investigation. TV is definitely lying to you about how simple it is! Keep in mind the writing is straightforward because while Bogdanoff is telling a story, he is stating facts. No need for flowery descriptors when the case has all the excitement.

[Monica · Rating 3 out of 5]

I met the author at a local vendor fair and was impressed with his ability engage me in conversation. Even though I’m an avid reader I almost never speak with authors, speakers, or performers if given the opportunity. I could tell that his passion for his career and story-telling ability would make this a great read and I was not disappointed. While reading you travel with the author through the timeline of discovery, investigation, prosecution, and conclusion. I found the book to move a little slow at times but I’m guessing the author felt that way during the course of the investigation at times himself. These things take time if you want to them done right. Very glad I had the opportunity to speak with this author and then read his first hand account of this true-crime case. I would definitely recommend this work to crime and mystery readers. Really good read!

[Martha · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wasn't sure initially if I would finish this, since it's not my usual kind of book and the writing was--clearly not by a professional writer, to put it kindly. However, it was ultimately interesting because you rarely get such a detailed and realistic account of exactly how a murder investigation is carried out. I was also intrigued to see that a good detective (which the author clearly is) operates in much the same way that a good reference librarian or historical researcher (my fields of interest)does, following each thread in an attempt to see where it joins to something else.

[Vicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to say, Brian Bogdanoff is good at his job! He profiled me as a book reader and I really enjoyed his book. I met him at a big craft show that my son was working at. He called us over, showed us some crime scene phots and told us a bit about the event. I was hooked and bought a book from him. Since this happened in Nebraska, where I live, I was so invested. He really did a great job telling the story and I loved getting to know the background work he did.

[Kate · Rating 1 out of 5]

Self-referential, and just sort of boring? I was alternatingly irritated and amused by the brazen voice of our author/narrator. The reading experience was somewhat redeemed by my native familiarity and appreciation of the crime scene and other locations referenced throughout the book. Eager for Book Club Discussion, as always!

[Sarah - All The Book Blog Names Are Taken · Rating 1 out of 5]

Sorry not sorry, I can’t abide the racist remarks made in the book. The investigation itself was truly interesting but all of the extra from the detective was unnecessary and off-putting. Had he stuck to the investigation, and not added in all his personal bullshit and the blustery bravado along with those remarks previously mentioned, this could’ve been a decent read.

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not what I typically read, but I'm so glad I read this one. The author obviously was on the police force and was able to tell the reader what really happened in Omaha. A must read for crime readers.

[Susan · Rating 2 out of 5]

this book reads like a police report. It could probably been better edited but the story is interesting and the action keeps moving.

[Janet Anderson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bad ass cops

All in all, it was good, very informational. The beginning was a little slow and at first it read as a teen wrote it, bit then it picked up.

[Kennedy Obure · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent read

Apart from the authors good guy vs bad guy vibes the book is an excellent read into a horrible crime. The details are vivid and it takes you from the crime to the conclusion in a chronological order. I had just moved to omaha from Oklahoma when this happened and it was quite sensational at the time. Omaha is a good sized city with its fair share of homicides but 3 bodies at once is just unheard of. The characters are well researched and explained and there is no guesswork. The judicial process and investigation is thoroughly explained. This is a proper read into a senseless crime and the massive amount of work put into solving it.

[Bob · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating subject matter and details of the crime and investigation made it hard to put down. Would have loved to see this edited and/or co-written so as to make it even more readable. Seems crass and roughly written at times. I tried to imagine what this could have looked like written from a third person or even omniscient point of view.

[Alexa Preister]

Brian came to my law studies class to present this book as well as tell us about other cases and situations he worked on. This whole situation was very interesting and intriguing. He brought in several pictures and other items to show us that he found/used and they were all super cool. I definitely want to read the book and I think that he is a very successful person!

[Mackenzie Ricke · Rating 3 out of 5]

Omaha is only a hop and a skip away from me so it was interesting to read about a huge case like this so close to home. The police jargon and explanations got to be a bit much but I also appreciated that certain processes and such were explained in lamens terms. This would be a great book if you’re just starting to get into true crime reading!

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely ate this up! Such an engaging and entertaining read. The author takes you through the investigative process he was actually a part of which is a new perspective on a true crime story for me and I loved it. The author’s personality also shines through the writing which I appreciated. Would recommend this to anyone, crime junkie or not!

[Allison Mccreath · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book immensely as it was a great insight to good detective work in the city of Omaha. The book gives a step-by-step guide as to how detective work occurs and a guide on how to solve murder through hard work. I would highly recommend this book to anyone living in the Omaha area or anyone who is interested in the detective process.

[Alexandra Barron · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m have always loved true crime. I watch many documentaries and read many true crime books. This is hands down one of my favorites. I met the author at a festival where I bought a signed copy. He had pictures and was so interesting to talk too. If you are interested in true crime, this book is for you.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

A page-turner! This true crime account, written by the investigating policeman, tells the story of three burning bodies found in Omaha, Nebraska. The book is written from the view and with the chronology of the investigators. Interesting how they tied all the information together.

[Conor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic!

The opening paragraph had me hooked. Growing up in Omaha I also had a draw to learning about the history of a historic case. I’d recommend it to anyone interested in the work it takes to solving a crime.

[Jenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. A great true crime story from my hometown made it such an interesting case to read. The officer who wrote it does a great job explaining how a case investigation works. Would highly recommend to any true crime fan!

[Madison Geurts · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bought this book from the author @ a farmers market in Omaha. Found the story to be quite a rabbit hole of witnesses & good investigating. Enjoyed the book being told from the perspective of the detective/ author. A must read for true crime fans.

[Todd McQueen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent true crime book. Written by a retired police officer that lead the case. I particularly enjoyed it being from Nebraska. Book is well organized and flows well. I found it hard to put down. 4+

[Jennifer White · Rating 5 out of 5]

True crime fan here. Loved the book. Takes place in my home town in 2005. I feel the author, who happens to be the main fictive on the case, did a great job writing it out. It gives you a clear idea what the detectives and other officers go through to solve a case. Job well done.

[Holley VanderBeek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Was a great read about real life events. Has great attention to details and information given keeps you wanting to turn the page. If you watch true crime shows or like law and order shows definitely worth a read.

[Tammy Hancock · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an amazing book based on a true story that happened in Omaha, NE! It is written by the Omaha police officer who was on the case. It sheds a whole new light on what goes into investigating a case, especially one as complex as this! Highly recommend!!

[Tony Benetz Jr. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book especially due to the fact that I’m from Omaha and related well to the locations mentioned throughout…and because I know the author. I could often hear him speaking as I read each page!

[Josey Fansher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very well written book. Meet Brian at a local flea market, my family loves true crime so we had to buy. Interesting and scary knowing all this happens so close to home. Brian’s dedication shines within the book!

[Chad Rea · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Great Case

Great read and a job well done.Deserving of their Commendations.What a result from little leads..well worth the read.Well done to all

[Don Nichols]

Purchased this book because I reside in Omaha. A great read and would recommend it to any reader as it keeps you in suspense from beginning to end.

[Cathy Wiser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book

I read this book in a day. It was very well written. I feel the same way about Waffle House and we plan vacation stops around them.