In My DNA: My Career Investigating Your Worst Nightmares

by Lindsey Wade

Dogged determination and DNA leads Detective Lindsey Wade and her team to the truth behind a thirty-two-year old cold case. In 1986, a young girl in Tacoma, Washington, Jennifer Bastian, went out for a bike ride in a local park and never came home. Later her body was found, mutilated and lifeless, but the case went cold, and Jennifer's killer was free. The senseless killing of an innocent girl left an indelible black cloud over Tacoma for three decades and was seared into the memory of young Lindsey Wade, also from Tacoma, who went on to become the detective who would crack the case. Horrifying crimes against women and girls motivated Wade's twenty-one-year law enforcement career and ignited her relentless pursuit of justice for victims. Journey with Detective Wade as she investigates shocking sex crimes and homicides in the Tacoma area, where she has been crucial in bringing new DNA evidence into each cold case. From serial rapists to cold-blooded killers, Wade never backs down from the challenges these investigations present--even adding Ted Bundy's DNA to the national database. At the heart of every lead and DNA test throughout the book, Lindsey's desire to find Jennifer Bastian's murderer never relents.

Genres: True Crime, Nonfiction, Audiobook, Biography, Memoir, Science, Crime

212 pages, Paperback

First published May 30, 2023

Reviews

[Bradley Graham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Detective Lindsey Wade takes you behind the yellow crime scene tape with her as she works cases. She's smart, funny, and a nightmare for those intent on spreading evil in her community. This book will give you insight into how a detective thinks and works on the job when forced to confront violent crimes and what it is like to go face-to-face with the monsters who walk among us.

[Peacegal · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Pacific Northwest is the setting for this true crime account of Detective Wade's experiences tracking down murderers and violent predators and bringing them to justice. Aside from a tendency to repeat itself, IN MY DNA is well-written and compelling.

[Elias Riker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Plan to read this book on a day/evening when you have nothing else planned. I "put it down" a few times and then looked around for what else I might get done and thought 'nahhh' ... and just picked it right back up, finishing it the same day. First... the writing, the 'voice', is amazing. I don't know why I didn't expect a police detective to have such a way with words. It just carries you right along from the first page to the last. Second, what Detective Wade has accomplished in her career -- so far! -- is staggering. Third, you have to think that with this kind of investigative intelligence out there... the 'bad guys' are eventually going to just QUIT. They have to KNOW they're going to get caught. And while it was horrifying to read about the kind of crimes Detective Wade solved, it was incredibly encouraging to know what she was able to actually accomplish. And finally, knowing that she's not done yet is a reason to celebrate. And I hope she will keep writing as well!

[Bookaholic · Rating 5 out of 5]

I heard Lindsey on an episode of Small Town Dicks, one of my favorite true crime podcasts, & immediately looked up her book at my local library. It’s absolutely heartbreaking & unputdownable! I read it in less than 24 hours. Most cases in this book relate to children, so be warned.

[kbreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

True crime, women in criminal justice, and a glimpse behind the yellow crime scene tape—this book had me hooked from the get-go. As someone in the same field, I found Wade's authenticity and insight into the world of criminal justice truly refreshing. The deep dive into cases like the Jennifer Bastian case, the chilling details of Bundy, and the investigation of Delbert Michaelson kept me on the edge of my seat throughout.

Now, I'll admit, there were moments when the pacing felt a tad slow, and I found myself getting weighed down. But let me tell you, I devoured this book in a single day—I just couldn't put it down.

Lindsey Wade is truly admirable. Her journey, her accomplishments—it's nothing short of inspirational. Reading about her experiences left me feeling a bit manic, in the best way possible. It's a reminder of just how much can be achieved with determination and passion.

And can we talk about all the cool shit she did? Working with legends like Ann Rule and Bob Keppel? Solving cold cases with an enviable tenacity? That's the stuff dreams are made of.

"In My DNA" is packed with intriguing anecdotes, gripping storytelling, and a behind-the-scenes look at some of the most notorious cases in criminal history. If you're a fan of Paul Holes' "Unmasked," "The Ghosts that Haunt Me" by Steve Ryan, or true crime in general, this book is a must-read. Lindsey Wade may just be my new idol, and "In My DNA" is a testament to her incredible talent and dedication to her craft.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars. Excellent book.

[Jon VanGesen]

In My DNA, Lindsey Wade gives readers a ‘snapshot’ into the criminal investigations of some of the PNW’s worst predators, who victimized women and children. Lindsey showed great courage and shared from her heart, the true terrors she experienced as an investigator. Lindsey, you are inspiration to those working cold cases, giving crime victim’s families and cold case investigators hope these cases will be solved. - Jon VanGesen, retired Acting Chief (WA) Detective (ID)

[Tiffany · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lindsey Wade recounts many of the cases she investigated during her police detective career in Tacoma. She highlights the work she did on cold cases and working to get the DNA of convicted sex offenders into databases. At times her book reads like a police report with precise dates and descriptions.

One thing that stood out to me in this book is that these cases take so much time and manpower to solve. Hopefully the work she did fighting for dna laws will yield results.

A must read for any true crime fan.

[Tony · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an amazing read!! The occasional insertion of humor and “colorful cop language” lightened the mood during the recounting of some dark stories. I really learned a lot about what goes into solving crimes and without the dedication, commitment and at times, obsession of folks like Detective Lindsey Wade I don’t think as many crimes would be solved.

[Magicsparkleprincess · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! Wade's voice was engaging, smart, witty, and badass. Her perspective as a woman detective working Tacoma's worst and most memorable crimes was healing in a way. The crimes she worked still affect our community--and it was comforting to know the care and passion she put into finding those responsible for horrific crimes.
I hope she writes more, and especially since she wasn't able to touch much on the Michella Welch due to it being in the courts at the time of writing.

[Mary Ann Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fascinating look into the world of a homicide and cold case police detective. Det. Wade lets us glimpse behind the headlines into the actual day to day work that leads to solving horrific crimes. Her point of view as a female investigator is unique and it shows in her tireless efforts to solve crimes whether the victim is a 12 year old child or an adult sex worker.

[Amy Scanlon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! The strength it takes to fight these crimes and then write about it is incredible.

[Yara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kept my interest throughout the entire book.

[lauren mcelhaney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lindsey is an inspirational woman, I am honestly in awe of how impressive and hardworking she js. She is the person everyone would want on their side. She has made a massive difference in the world and I would love to read more about her amazing career.

[Kelsea Dale · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the better true crime/ biographies I’ve read in a long time! It was really interesting to hear how DNA played a role in all the cases throughout her career and how DNA evidence changed and evolved with various databases. A must read for any true crime fans!

[Tammy Conatser · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed hearing about these cases and her achievements in her career and how she helped some of the advancements in the system.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

I became aware of Lindsey Wade and her work from hearing her on the podcast Small Town Dicks. She has an engaging way of telling a story and her book reflects her passion for bringing criminals to justice.
I like the way the book begins and ends with the Jennifer Bastian case, whose death affected Wade when she was a young girl. It was awesome to hear about the murderer finally coming to justice.
The book is a testament to how much legwork is needed to solve some cases. It also is a testament to the dedication of the detectives in getting justice for victims and their families.

[Danielle Russell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good memoir about Detective Lindsey Wade. She goes over her investigative career at the Tacoma Police Department, and talks about multiple cases she played a part in solving. The book is fantastic for those who are interested in true crime.

[Naomi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phenomenal listen.

[Linda Still · Rating 5 out of 5]

This had me in tears at the end. Probably because the Patti Bastian is a personal friend and we lived through the nightmare with Patti and Ralph. I believe this is an important read to make people aware of the importance of DNA in solving cold cases. However, it involves ALL police departments willing to enter the DNA results in each States CODIS and into the National CODIS data bases.
Thanks, Lindsey for writing this important book and for your determination in helping to solve so many of these cases and giving Patti some resolution.

[Evelyn Rios · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was titled perfectly! The stories told in this book were horrendous and unimaginable. To know that there are investigators who go above and beyond for a survivor was remarkable. Having to hear about the vile human beings in these stories was hard, the empathy that came across in the writing was needed for the heavy topics. Not everyone can take a career path into this kind of career, but we need people who are willing to walk alongside the victim/survivor and provide hope when I know sometimes there isn't any.

[April Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good read! Started reading and couldn't put it down. Lindsey shares what happened while investigating some of the cases she worked. I appreciated learning of all the things that she has done to get criminals DNA in the data bases that should have been there but were not. It was surprising to find out what has fallen through the cracks. Shes not just interested in solving the case that was in front of her but ensuring other cases could be solved too. Thank you Linsey!

[K.C. Wells · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating look at how a detective worked her cases and the impact that DNA had on finding the “bad guys.”

[Jacque' Spellman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. The author should definitely write more.

[Kit Wood · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you live in Tacoma area and like true crime this is such an interesting read.

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

In My DNA is a first person account from a retired Tacoma detective, Lindsey Wade, who worked on cases that you will know if you are a PNW native (think Jennifer Bastian, Zina Linnick, Michella Welch) and her relentless efforts to get victim’s families answers. It is succinct, witty, will likely make your blood boil and your heart break. Sprinkled in is the headwinds women face in the workplace, especially black and brown women.

If you know me, you may have some understanding of my obsession with True Crime. Aside from an arsenal of Judy Blume and Baby Sitters Club books, I’d stay up all night finishing books like Jack the Ripper, and Helter Skelter as a kid. I read anything (in the newspaper) I could about local abductions and the Green River Murders. (It's often said that the PNW breeds Serial Killers possibly due to the gloomy weather, but that would not explain the crazy in Florida #floridaman) Anyway, It made me look over my shoulder as a kid but also gave me some pretty great instincts around creeps. That interest evolved to listening to True Crime Podcasts as an adult and joking about being a self proclaimed armchair detective.

It's not that I love a mystery, I don’t, I want shit solved and I like justice. You will see some of that in this book. There are few things that make me more giddy than finding out a 30 year old ‘cold’ case is solved with advances in DNA testing. (Parabon NanoLabs is doing god’s work when it comes to cold cases, amirite?) The tables have turned and the hunters are becoming the hunted.

Read this!

[Skye · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have complicated feelings about this one.

I picked up this book specifically because I listened to Lindsey Wade talk on a couple of podcasts and I found her engagingly passionate about her work. Unfortunately, very little of that passion transferred into her writing - it's plagued by this flat, "just the facts, ma'am" style as though it were written to be presented in court. Wholly accurate, but lacking emotion for a bulk of the work. The other major pitfall is the lack of direction. It seems that this book could have been a lot of things - a memoir about investigating a murder that occurred when she was a child, a chronicle of cases that changed her, a study in being a woman of color in policing, or perhaps a case study of DNA's role in solving cold cases and Wade's stance on the legislative changes that are required to enable that role. Unfortunately, the book is both all and none of those options, and we the reader are left with this half-formed potpourri of topics and rememberings that is sort of dizzying to read, and not in a way that enhances the experience.

At the end, I'm left disappointed - Lindsey Wade claims to care deeply about victims and she comes across that way when she speaks, but the only real detail that the book provides is of nightmarish sexual assaults. I wonder what the victims she describes think of having their awful experiences relived in this fashion, and I wonder what the point really is.

[Laura Opstedal · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Tacoma childhood was deeply affected by the murders of Michella Welch and Jennifer Bastian. I remember those horrific events like it was yesterday. No longer was I allowed to ride my bike anywhere alone and I avoided walking through the woods or really anywhere by myself. I also grew up with Detective Wade, and from the time we were in the 7th grade, knew she was going to be the extraordinary person she is today. I know how hard she worked and how dedicated she was to her career in law enforcement. This book highlights many of the cases she solved while showing us snippets of her personality and sense of humor. I read this book cover to cover in a day and sat on the edge of my seat the entire time. I am incredibly grateful for people like Lindsey, to keep our streets just a little bit safer and find justice for the families of victims who thought no one would remember their loved ones. This book is fantastic and worth a read. Hoping for a part 2!

[Rena Kelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘In My DNA’ is an impressive yet haunting look into the career of Detective Lindsey Wade. Wade takes us through her childhood filled with personal encounters and local lore as fear pulsed through the streets of Tacoma. We follow Detective Wade through her rise in the Tacoma Police Department as she faces unique challenges as a woman in a male dominated role. She is relentless in her search for justice and bold in her pursuit for the truly frightening perpetrators within the community. Lindsey was clearly shaped and motivated by the devastating murder of a child in her local community and spent her career seeking justice for her and other victims of sexual violence. This book is a must read for any true crime enthusiasts as it pulls back the curtain on the work being done behind the scenes to bring violent offenders to justice.

[sliceofmini · Rating 3 out of 5]

I mean it’s understandable that it’s not as " entertaining " as it could be , the author goes into detail the cases she’s worked on in her career. And it was really interesting.

The only thing is it’s GODDAMN REPETITIVE.

Again it’s not the author’s job to write and I completely get that. And tbh she did a great job , I really enjoyed(?) the insider nuggets of sexism in her job and how she had to put in double the work to be recognised. And how some of them were just taken as silly jokes. e.g. being called a. "girl cop"

And I also appreciate how she got the people to finally admit DNA of all the offenders to the database. That was a goddamn power move.

In the end my rating is just reflecting the writing and how accessible it is rather than what she has done.