What do you think?
Rate this book
Down to the Bone: A Missing Family's Murder and the Elusive Quest for Justice
New York Times bestselling crime author take readers on a page-turning investigative examination of a multi-layered and confounding nationally high-profile murder case.
On February 15, 2010, Joseph McStay, his wife Summer, and their two young sons were reported missing from their new home in San Diego County. They left eggs and fruit rotting on the counter. Their Dodge truck sat in the driveway. Their dogs were abandoned outside without food. But investigators found no blood, signs of a struggle, or clues to their whereabouts. Did the family take an unannounced vacation? Were they running away from personal problems? Or were they victims of foul play?
Nearly four years later, a motorcyclist found the McStays’ remains in and around two shallow graves, one hundred miles away in the Mojave Desert. Their skulls showed signs of blunt-force trauma, likely due to the sledgehammer buried with them. Authorities focused on Charles "Chase" Merritt, a close friend and subcontractor for Joseph’s company. Despite a lack of physical evidence, scenarios that defied logic, and numerous unanswered questions, prosecutors convinced a jury of Merritt’s guilt. After an emotional sentencing hearing, the judge imposed the death penalty. But did another possible suspect, who was ignored by investigators and ducked a subpoena to testify, get away with murder?
In this twisting, deeply researched true-crime mystery, New York Times bestselling investigative journalist Caitlin Rother hunts for answers to reveal the truth behind a heinous crime that became a nation’s obsession, with a controversial trial in its wake, and lingering questions of justice.
On February 15, 2010, Joseph McStay, his wife Summer, and their two young sons were reported missing from their new home in San Diego County. They left eggs and fruit rotting on the counter. Their Dodge truck sat in the driveway. Their dogs were abandoned outside without food. But investigators found no blood, signs of a struggle, or clues to their whereabouts. Did the family take an unannounced vacation? Were they running away from personal problems? Or were they victims of foul play?
Nearly four years later, a motorcyclist found the McStays’ remains in and around two shallow graves, one hundred miles away in the Mojave Desert. Their skulls showed signs of blunt-force trauma, likely due to the sledgehammer buried with them. Authorities focused on Charles "Chase" Merritt, a close friend and subcontractor for Joseph’s company. Despite a lack of physical evidence, scenarios that defied logic, and numerous unanswered questions, prosecutors convinced a jury of Merritt’s guilt. After an emotional sentencing hearing, the judge imposed the death penalty. But did another possible suspect, who was ignored by investigators and ducked a subpoena to testify, get away with murder?
In this twisting, deeply researched true-crime mystery, New York Times bestselling investigative journalist Caitlin Rother hunts for answers to reveal the truth behind a heinous crime that became a nation’s obsession, with a controversial trial in its wake, and lingering questions of justice.
401 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 24, 2025
172 people are currently reading
4115 people want to read
About the author
Caitlin Rother
25 books319 followersNew York Times bestselling author Caitlin Rother has written or co-authored 14 books, ranging from narrative non-fiction crime to mystery and memoir. Her newest book is DEATH ON OCEAN BOULEVARD: Inside the Coronado Mansion Case (April 27, 2021). Her backlist includes HUNTING CHARLES MANSON; SECRETS, LIES, AND SHOELACES; LOVE GONE WRONG; DEAD RECKONING; THEN NO ONE CAN HAVE HER; I'LL TAKE CARE OF YOU; NAKED ADDICTION; POISONED LOVE; BODY PARTS; TWISTED TRIANGLE; LOST GIRLS; WHERE HOPE BEGINS and MY LIFE, DELETED. A Pulitzer Prize nominee, Rother worked as an investigative reporter at daily newspapers for 19 years before quitting the news biz in 2006 to write books full-time. Her journalism has been published in Cosmopolitan, the Los Angeles Times, The San Diego Union-Tribune, the Chicago Tribune, The Washington Post, The Boston Globe and The Daily Beast. She has done more than 200 appearances as a crime commentator on TV, radio and podcasts, ranging from "20/20," "People Magazine Investigates," "Nancy Grace," and "Crime Watch Daily," to shows on HLN, Oxygen Network, Investigation Discovery, C-SPAN, XM Radio and PBS affiliates. She also works as a writing-research-promotions coach and consultant.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews
March 21, 2025
ARC for review. To be published June 24, 2025.
2 stars
On February 15, 2010 Joseph and Summer McStay and their sons Gianni and Joseph, Jr. were reported missing from their home in San Diego County, California. It’s not clear on what day they actually went missing. There was food on their kitchen counter, their truck was in the drive and there dogs were in their backyard with no food. There were no signs of a struggle. Police searched for the family, but there were no signs.
Four years later their remains were found one hundred miles away in two shallow graves in the Mojave Desert. There were signs of blunt force trauma on all four bodies. Eventually Charles “Chase” Marriott, a business associate and close friend was charged with the murders.
This is a discordant jumble of a case. Terrible policing, shady business deals (and people) and a messy, bad trial. It all just fell apart on all levels and I think it’s impossible to be sure there was any justice here. However, and a feel badly for saying this about such a tragic incident, this book was dull, and it shouldn’t have been. The story seemed to just plod along, when there things that could have been made more exciting in defter (is that a word? “More deft?”) hands. Perhaps it would have been better had the author taken a side in the outcome, rather than just standing as a neutral reporter? Perhaps that would have injected some passion into what she wrote? Maybe. I don’t know. There just wasn’t any here, and the best true crime writers make you care. This was disappointing.
2 stars
On February 15, 2010 Joseph and Summer McStay and their sons Gianni and Joseph, Jr. were reported missing from their home in San Diego County, California. It’s not clear on what day they actually went missing. There was food on their kitchen counter, their truck was in the drive and there dogs were in their backyard with no food. There were no signs of a struggle. Police searched for the family, but there were no signs.
Four years later their remains were found one hundred miles away in two shallow graves in the Mojave Desert. There were signs of blunt force trauma on all four bodies. Eventually Charles “Chase” Marriott, a business associate and close friend was charged with the murders.
This is a discordant jumble of a case. Terrible policing, shady business deals (and people) and a messy, bad trial. It all just fell apart on all levels and I think it’s impossible to be sure there was any justice here. However, and a feel badly for saying this about such a tragic incident, this book was dull, and it shouldn’t have been. The story seemed to just plod along, when there things that could have been made more exciting in defter (is that a word? “More deft?”) hands. Perhaps it would have been better had the author taken a side in the outcome, rather than just standing as a neutral reporter? Perhaps that would have injected some passion into what she wrote? Maybe. I don’t know. There just wasn’t any here, and the best true crime writers make you care. This was disappointing.
April 7, 2025
What a mess. Down to the Bone by Caitlin Rother recounts the story of the murder of the McStay family in 2010. The case was a truly confounding one. Husband, wife, and two children seemingly disappeared one day with no signs of violence and no idea where they might have gone. Almost four years later, the bodies of the entire family are found in the desert. So who the heck did it?
Well, after finishing the book, I know that someone was convicted and it is probably not the person Rother thinks it is. When I said this was a mess, I meant the investigation, the personal relationships, and finally the trial can all be classified as less than stellar.
For the most part, I love when my true crime books are very factual. Tell the story with the facts at hand and skip the editorializing. For the most part, Rother does this. Yes, she clearly points to another suspect, but she sticks to what is in the record. In fact, I think she goes too far that way. The first half of the book reads like a police report with only a few asides to break up the blistering pace of names and dates. She foreshadows a few things and the reader doesn't get a chance to breathe. There can be no question that Rother has done her homework. Her research is beyond reproach. Unfortunately, she needed to present the case as a story to keep the reader's attention.
I wouldn't tell someone not to read the book, but I think the best audience for it would be people who are already familiar with it. I think those people would be less thrown off by the beginning of the narrative.
(This book was provided as an advance copy by Netgalley and Kensington Publishing.)
Well, after finishing the book, I know that someone was convicted and it is probably not the person Rother thinks it is. When I said this was a mess, I meant the investigation, the personal relationships, and finally the trial can all be classified as less than stellar.
For the most part, I love when my true crime books are very factual. Tell the story with the facts at hand and skip the editorializing. For the most part, Rother does this. Yes, she clearly points to another suspect, but she sticks to what is in the record. In fact, I think she goes too far that way. The first half of the book reads like a police report with only a few asides to break up the blistering pace of names and dates. She foreshadows a few things and the reader doesn't get a chance to breathe. There can be no question that Rother has done her homework. Her research is beyond reproach. Unfortunately, she needed to present the case as a story to keep the reader's attention.
I wouldn't tell someone not to read the book, but I think the best audience for it would be people who are already familiar with it. I think those people would be less thrown off by the beginning of the narrative.
(This book was provided as an advance copy by Netgalley and Kensington Publishing.)
June 24, 2025
This is a really difficult review to write. So, to clarify I’m reviewing and rating purely based on how much I enjoyed the book, which is usually how I work.
Firstly, kudos to Caitlin Rother for the years of dedicated research that have clearly gone into the writing of this book, kudos also for managing to uphold a journalistic neutrality. I feel like this must have been very difficult. I was completely unfamiliar with this case, I’m not a massive true crime buff, and I hadn’t seen any of the series or documentaries centred around the murders.
The whole thing seems to be stranger than fiction, it was exceptionally difficult to hear about the brutal murders of a whole family, those poor little boys especially. The whole case was botched, and I think it’s fair to say every detail was botched, and, does an innocent man now sit on death row.
Now, the hard part, I wonder if people familiar with the case or more into true crime than me would enjoy the book a lot more. While I credited the author for being so thorough, it’s also where I struggled. It felt like she crammed in every detail she had picked up, and I’m almost embarrassed to say that at times it was really monotonous. The book, and the case itself, certainly open up a discussion for future prosecutions and makes you question how often this happens or has happened in the past.
I didn’t love the narration, I don’t expect a bells and whistles production on nonfiction title, but it needed a bit of oomph.
2.75 guilty stars 🌟
Many thanks to Tantor Audio and NetGalley for the opportunity to review this audiobook which published today 🎧
Firstly, kudos to Caitlin Rother for the years of dedicated research that have clearly gone into the writing of this book, kudos also for managing to uphold a journalistic neutrality. I feel like this must have been very difficult. I was completely unfamiliar with this case, I’m not a massive true crime buff, and I hadn’t seen any of the series or documentaries centred around the murders.
The whole thing seems to be stranger than fiction, it was exceptionally difficult to hear about the brutal murders of a whole family, those poor little boys especially. The whole case was botched, and I think it’s fair to say every detail was botched, and, does an innocent man now sit on death row.
Now, the hard part, I wonder if people familiar with the case or more into true crime than me would enjoy the book a lot more. While I credited the author for being so thorough, it’s also where I struggled. It felt like she crammed in every detail she had picked up, and I’m almost embarrassed to say that at times it was really monotonous. The book, and the case itself, certainly open up a discussion for future prosecutions and makes you question how often this happens or has happened in the past.
I didn’t love the narration, I don’t expect a bells and whistles production on nonfiction title, but it needed a bit of oomph.
2.75 guilty stars 🌟
Many thanks to Tantor Audio and NetGalley for the opportunity to review this audiobook which published today 🎧
June 13, 2025
Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free, electronic ARC of this novel received in exchange for an honest review.
Expected publication date: June 24, 2025
In February of 2010, the McStay family, Joseph, Summer and their two young sons, were reported missing. Tragically, four years later, their bones were discovered buried in the desert, one hundred miles away from their home. The McStay family finally had closure but they wanted answers- who could have killed the entire McStay family, including the children, in such a brutal, senseless act? After a long, dragged-out trial, prosecutors put the blame on Chase Merritt, Joseph McStay’s best friend, eventually sentencing him with the death penalty. True crime author Caitlin Rother examines every angle of this case and its controversial conclusion, in her newest work, “Down to the Bone: A Missing Family's Murder and the Elusive Quest for Justice".
Whatever your opinion on this case, the crime itself is devastating and tragic, and I hope that whatever justice has been served has helped the McStay family find closure and peace. From my background reading, outside of this book, it seems that this case is very divisive, with people falling very clearly on one side or the other in their beliefs on whether or not Merritt was the murderer. Rother does not give her opinion, which is expected from any true crime writer worth their name, but does the best she can to express the facts from both sides, leaving readers to make their own assumptions.
Although the crime was tragic, “Bone” itself was dry. Joseph and Merritt were business partners, and Merritt’s supposed motivations stemmed from disputes in their business, so there is a lot of specific details about receipts, invoices, construction, debts, balances owing, etc. that you need to sift through in order to make any sense of the facts. Also, more than half of the story is the trial itself, which is entertaining surely, but only because of the ridiculous dramas that the lawyers engaged in.
Like most people who have any knowledge of this case, I’m not one hundred percent convinced of Merritt’s guilt, but it certainly is not due to Rother’s presentation. Rother provided as honest of a portrayal as one can when discussing an entire case surrounded by lies and liars, and it is obvious that she was passionate about bringing whatever truth she could to light.
Although I enjoyed Rother’s true crime story, “Body Parts: A Serial Killer’s Deadly Compulsions”, better than this one, her writing in “Bone” was just as fresh and polished. This case leaves a lot to be desired in every way, and I hope truth will out in the end, for everyone involved.
Expected publication date: June 24, 2025
In February of 2010, the McStay family, Joseph, Summer and their two young sons, were reported missing. Tragically, four years later, their bones were discovered buried in the desert, one hundred miles away from their home. The McStay family finally had closure but they wanted answers- who could have killed the entire McStay family, including the children, in such a brutal, senseless act? After a long, dragged-out trial, prosecutors put the blame on Chase Merritt, Joseph McStay’s best friend, eventually sentencing him with the death penalty. True crime author Caitlin Rother examines every angle of this case and its controversial conclusion, in her newest work, “Down to the Bone: A Missing Family's Murder and the Elusive Quest for Justice".
Whatever your opinion on this case, the crime itself is devastating and tragic, and I hope that whatever justice has been served has helped the McStay family find closure and peace. From my background reading, outside of this book, it seems that this case is very divisive, with people falling very clearly on one side or the other in their beliefs on whether or not Merritt was the murderer. Rother does not give her opinion, which is expected from any true crime writer worth their name, but does the best she can to express the facts from both sides, leaving readers to make their own assumptions.
Although the crime was tragic, “Bone” itself was dry. Joseph and Merritt were business partners, and Merritt’s supposed motivations stemmed from disputes in their business, so there is a lot of specific details about receipts, invoices, construction, debts, balances owing, etc. that you need to sift through in order to make any sense of the facts. Also, more than half of the story is the trial itself, which is entertaining surely, but only because of the ridiculous dramas that the lawyers engaged in.
Like most people who have any knowledge of this case, I’m not one hundred percent convinced of Merritt’s guilt, but it certainly is not due to Rother’s presentation. Rother provided as honest of a portrayal as one can when discussing an entire case surrounded by lies and liars, and it is obvious that she was passionate about bringing whatever truth she could to light.
Although I enjoyed Rother’s true crime story, “Body Parts: A Serial Killer’s Deadly Compulsions”, better than this one, her writing in “Bone” was just as fresh and polished. This case leaves a lot to be desired in every way, and I hope truth will out in the end, for everyone involved.
July 2, 2025
A family of four disappears and several years later their remains are discovered. Not being familiar with this true crime plot, I was excited to dig in! The author is clearly a master of research, with many texts, emails and other quoted correspondence being used to tell the story. The biggest problem being that she forgot to orient the reader to the crime and methodically introduce the victims at the start. The story literally jumps into correspondence between different people, some the victims, some their friends, family and business associates, which ended up being very confusing and difficult to follow.. Since I was listening to the audiobook, I was never able to catch up and understand who was who or their role in the story.
It saddens me to rate this book so low and perhaps had I been reading an ebook, it would have been possible to look back at previous chapters to puzzle together the different characters. However, I had the audiobook format which made it impossible to do that. By 40% I was hopelessly lost and couldn’t piece together the crime, the suspects or the purpose of the story. I ended up putting the book down and not picking it up again, which is very rare for me with true crime.
I wish the author had started with a narrative, presented the facts in a more story-like way, and used some of the correspondence to add some credibility rather than building the entire narrative using the correspondence. I think because the author knew so much about the crime, she wrote the book from her level of knowledge rather than for a reader going in blind. Not a true crime that worked for me but perhaps others would get more enjoyment if they go in already knowing a lot about this crime and read, rather than listen, to the book.
Thanks Netgalley for an audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
It saddens me to rate this book so low and perhaps had I been reading an ebook, it would have been possible to look back at previous chapters to puzzle together the different characters. However, I had the audiobook format which made it impossible to do that. By 40% I was hopelessly lost and couldn’t piece together the crime, the suspects or the purpose of the story. I ended up putting the book down and not picking it up again, which is very rare for me with true crime.
I wish the author had started with a narrative, presented the facts in a more story-like way, and used some of the correspondence to add some credibility rather than building the entire narrative using the correspondence. I think because the author knew so much about the crime, she wrote the book from her level of knowledge rather than for a reader going in blind. Not a true crime that worked for me but perhaps others would get more enjoyment if they go in already knowing a lot about this crime and read, rather than listen, to the book.
Thanks Netgalley for an audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
March 27, 2025
I hadn’t heard of this case and I was really interested. A family of four seem to vanish off the face of the earth. The book was very thorough and I really got a feel for the victims and who they were as people.
This book appeared to be meticulously researched. There is much ado about the victims business and finances and at times it could be hard to follow. I did get jaded with all the information as time went on. Sometimes I felt like it was going round in circles.
Thanks to Netgalley for the arc
This book appeared to be meticulously researched. There is much ado about the victims business and finances and at times it could be hard to follow. I did get jaded with all the information as time went on. Sometimes I felt like it was going round in circles.
Thanks to Netgalley for the arc
March 12, 2025
Dnf. Overly redundant and hard to get into.
August 3, 2025
What a mess. Honestly don’t think Merritt did it.
November 14, 2023
Patiently waiting for this one to come out, sad that it has been pushed back as I was looking forward to reading it very soon. Will buy as soon as it's out.
June 30, 2025
This true crime was a binge listen which felt heavy going in places and tried to be overly factual and balanced . The first half felt too factual for me as i had no prior knowledge of the case but it was worth while sticking with. It was true crime and therefore all the problems associated with the case were real. This was interesting once we got part the start, I'm not sure this has been fully solved but i would recommend this to any true crime fan especially anyone who has prior knowledge of the case. There were sections which could have been more people orientated and explained without so much background. The listener was lead to their own conclusions however it was clearly hinted that the true culprit may not have been punished. I found this a bit distracting as it then backtracked to maintain balance whereas it would have had more impact the other way round. The narrator did a good job with the source material. Thank you netgallery, publisher, author and narrator.
June 30, 2025
This book follows through the absolutely heartbreaking and horrific murder of the McStay family in 2010. When a husband, wife & two little boys vanish into thin air everyone is left scratching their heads. Caitlin Rother does an amazing job of taking us through every detail on this case. From who the family was, to the bodies being found to the evidence & then the suspects & most importantly the trial. This was a truly perplexing case that i (surprisingly) had never heard of.
thank you to the publishers and netgalley for the ARC!
thank you to the publishers and netgalley for the ARC!
March 21, 2025
Down to the Bone. A Missing Family’s Murder and the Elusive Quest for Justice is the latest book by author Caitlin Rother. The book delves into the perplexing case of the McStay family, who vanished from their San Diego home in 2010, only for their remains to be discovered in the Mojave Desert nearly four years later.
Rother presents a riveting story of a botched investigation, multiple suspects, and a web of lies. Every book I have read by Caitlin Rother has been amazing. This book is heartbreaking. “Down to the Bone” leaves you wondering if justice was ever served and offers an in-depth exploration of a case that has captivated public attention for years. Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers of this book for giving me a free advance copy to preview. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Rother presents a riveting story of a botched investigation, multiple suspects, and a web of lies. Every book I have read by Caitlin Rother has been amazing. This book is heartbreaking. “Down to the Bone” leaves you wondering if justice was ever served and offers an in-depth exploration of a case that has captivated public attention for years. Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers of this book for giving me a free advance copy to preview. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 24, 2025
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC.
This book started out strong- it immediately grabbed my attention and had me hooked. You can tell how thoroughly the author researched this case, almost to the point of boring her future readers.
There was SO much about the finances that I found myself zoning out. Yes, they were a very important aspect of the case, but unless you're more familiar with the case I wouldn't say it was useful to be so detailed.
I also disliked the level of detail that was gone into over Summer. It almost seemed like the author was attempting to take sympathy away from this woman who was ultimately a victim. Sorry she wasn't the "perfect" victim- she is a flawed human being just like the rest of us. I was genuinely waiting to turn the page and see some aspect of this somehow blamed on her. That didn't sit well with me.
This book started out strong- it immediately grabbed my attention and had me hooked. You can tell how thoroughly the author researched this case, almost to the point of boring her future readers.
There was SO much about the finances that I found myself zoning out. Yes, they were a very important aspect of the case, but unless you're more familiar with the case I wouldn't say it was useful to be so detailed.
I also disliked the level of detail that was gone into over Summer. It almost seemed like the author was attempting to take sympathy away from this woman who was ultimately a victim. Sorry she wasn't the "perfect" victim- she is a flawed human being just like the rest of us. I was genuinely waiting to turn the page and see some aspect of this somehow blamed on her. That didn't sit well with me.
July 4, 2025
This was a very interesting case but, as a crime journalist myself, I was disappointed in the writer’s execution of the story. There were clear opinions scattered throughout the book, an extreme lack of source citation that made it impossible to determine where quotes were coming from (court hearings, police interviews, author interviews?) and a confusing, repeated reference to “the author,” which would have been much more easily understood if it said “the author of this book.” Also regarding the lack of source citation, it didn’t seem like the author interviewed more like a few people for this story, which I think is necessary to make a book like this stand apart from standard news coverage of crime.
May 25, 2025
Book Review: Down to the Bone: A Missing Family’s Murder and the Elusive Quest for Justice by Caitlin Rother
Summary and Analysis
Caitlin Rother’s Down to the Bone meticulously reconstructs the haunting 2010 disappearance and murder of the McStay family—Joseph, Summer, and their two young sons—from Fallbrook, California. The case, initially a baffling vanishing act with no signs of violence, unraveled four years later when the family’s remains were discovered in shallow desert graves. Rother, a seasoned true crime journalist, delivers a research-heavy narrative, anchoring her account in court records, police reports, and interviews. While her dedication to factual integrity is commendable, the book’s clinical tone and excessive detail—particularly regarding financial minutiae and investigative missteps—may alienate casual readers.
The strength of Rother’s work lies in its unflinching exposure of systemic failures: shoddy policing, dubious business dealings, and a chaotic trial that left justice uncertain. The convicted suspect, Charles “Chase” Marriott, emerges as one thread in a tangled web, with Rother subtly questioning his guilt. However, her neutrality—while journalistically rigorous—drains the narrative of emotional urgency. The first half reads like a procedural dossier, sacrificing storytelling momentum for comprehensiveness. True crime thrives on human stakes, and Down to the Bone occasionally loses sight of this, particularly in its uneven portrayal of Summer McStay, whose flaws are scrutinized in ways that risk victim-blaming.
How I would describe this book:
- A forensic deep dive into one of California’s most perplexing crimes—Rother’s research is impeccable, even if the narrative lacks pulse.
- For true crime aficionados already familiar with the McStay case, this is a definitive—if dry—compendium of its failures and ambiguities.
- Rother’s neutrality is both the book’s strength and weakness: a masterclass in documentation, but a missed opportunity to ignite passion.
- Fans of Ann Rule will appreciate the detail, but may yearn for the emotional grip of The Stranger Beside Me.
Critique and Audience
This book is best suited for readers already invested in the McStay case or those seeking a granular study of investigative breakdowns. General audiences may struggle with its plodding pace and lack of narrative flair. While Rother’s commitment to accuracy is undeniable, Down to the Bone ultimately feels like a missed opportunity to elevate a tragic, convoluted saga into a gripping polemic or psychological portrait.
Acknowledgments
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an advance review copy. Rother’s work underscores the importance of dogged journalism in unresolved cases, even if the execution leans more toward archive than artistry.
Final Rating: 3/5 (Recommended with caveats for niche readers).
Summary and Analysis
Caitlin Rother’s Down to the Bone meticulously reconstructs the haunting 2010 disappearance and murder of the McStay family—Joseph, Summer, and their two young sons—from Fallbrook, California. The case, initially a baffling vanishing act with no signs of violence, unraveled four years later when the family’s remains were discovered in shallow desert graves. Rother, a seasoned true crime journalist, delivers a research-heavy narrative, anchoring her account in court records, police reports, and interviews. While her dedication to factual integrity is commendable, the book’s clinical tone and excessive detail—particularly regarding financial minutiae and investigative missteps—may alienate casual readers.
The strength of Rother’s work lies in its unflinching exposure of systemic failures: shoddy policing, dubious business dealings, and a chaotic trial that left justice uncertain. The convicted suspect, Charles “Chase” Marriott, emerges as one thread in a tangled web, with Rother subtly questioning his guilt. However, her neutrality—while journalistically rigorous—drains the narrative of emotional urgency. The first half reads like a procedural dossier, sacrificing storytelling momentum for comprehensiveness. True crime thrives on human stakes, and Down to the Bone occasionally loses sight of this, particularly in its uneven portrayal of Summer McStay, whose flaws are scrutinized in ways that risk victim-blaming.
How I would describe this book:
- A forensic deep dive into one of California’s most perplexing crimes—Rother’s research is impeccable, even if the narrative lacks pulse.
- For true crime aficionados already familiar with the McStay case, this is a definitive—if dry—compendium of its failures and ambiguities.
- Rother’s neutrality is both the book’s strength and weakness: a masterclass in documentation, but a missed opportunity to ignite passion.
- Fans of Ann Rule will appreciate the detail, but may yearn for the emotional grip of The Stranger Beside Me.
Critique and Audience
This book is best suited for readers already invested in the McStay case or those seeking a granular study of investigative breakdowns. General audiences may struggle with its plodding pace and lack of narrative flair. While Rother’s commitment to accuracy is undeniable, Down to the Bone ultimately feels like a missed opportunity to elevate a tragic, convoluted saga into a gripping polemic or psychological portrait.
Acknowledgments
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an advance review copy. Rother’s work underscores the importance of dogged journalism in unresolved cases, even if the execution leans more toward archive than artistry.
Final Rating: 3/5 (Recommended with caveats for niche readers).
Read
October 2, 2025Thank you to RBmedia, NetGalley & Caitlin Rother for the ALC in exchange for an honest review.
Rating: 1 star, dnf @53%.
Genre(s): true crime.
Overall impression: this didn't work for me for two reasons. Firstly, the narration was extremely dry with very little change in tone between characters and monologue. This made it difficult to engage with and it started to blend in as background noise. Secondly, the way the story was written - it didn't translate well to narration at all. A bunch of characters were introduced right at the start and then you were expected to remember how they were all related to the case later in the book. I instantly forgot who everyone was because of the information overload and then couldn't work it out later on. By the 50% mark, I had no clue where were up to in the case and had no desire to go back and re-listen to it for the third time. I had no idea who the suspects were - or who the author was suggesting was involved but not prosecuted. It got to the point where I had to call it quits because reading more wouldn't have improved my rating. I usually like true crime in the form of podcasts, documentaries and videos, so might try another audiobook in the future.
Tropes:
➵ True crime
➵ Missing family
➵ Cold case
➵ Homicide investigation
➵ Financial motive
➵ Shady business deals
Statistics:
➵ Date read: 01/10/2025-02/10/2025 (2 days).
➵ Page count: 11 hrs 50 mins.
➵ Type: audiobook.
➵ Volume: standalone.
➵ Special: NetGalley ARC.
Social Media Links:
Instagram | TikTok | Threads
Follow for reviews, unboxings and book aesthetic videos.
Rating: 1 star, dnf @53%.
Genre(s): true crime.
Overall impression: this didn't work for me for two reasons. Firstly, the narration was extremely dry with very little change in tone between characters and monologue. This made it difficult to engage with and it started to blend in as background noise. Secondly, the way the story was written - it didn't translate well to narration at all. A bunch of characters were introduced right at the start and then you were expected to remember how they were all related to the case later in the book. I instantly forgot who everyone was because of the information overload and then couldn't work it out later on. By the 50% mark, I had no clue where were up to in the case and had no desire to go back and re-listen to it for the third time. I had no idea who the suspects were - or who the author was suggesting was involved but not prosecuted. It got to the point where I had to call it quits because reading more wouldn't have improved my rating. I usually like true crime in the form of podcasts, documentaries and videos, so might try another audiobook in the future.
Tropes:
➵ True crime
➵ Missing family
➵ Cold case
➵ Homicide investigation
➵ Financial motive
➵ Shady business deals
Statistics:
➵ Date read: 01/10/2025-02/10/2025 (2 days).
➵ Page count: 11 hrs 50 mins.
➵ Type: audiobook.
➵ Volume: standalone.
➵ Special: NetGalley ARC.
Social Media Links:
Instagram | TikTok | Threads
Follow for reviews, unboxings and book aesthetic videos.
June 1, 2025
This case was one I had always found especially unsettling: a family with young children who seemed to leave their home in the middle of a regular day, food on the counter, things in disarray. Where did they go? Did they choose to leave, or did someone make them, and if so, why?
This is my second book by the author and she does an excellent job of laying out the facts and portraying people and events with objectivity, refraining from editorializing.
Now, for the aspects that didn't work so well: while Rother clearly did her research, the nature of the case meant delving into financial records and business dealings that were dry, detailed, and at times hard to keep straight in terms of the names of various people. In the absence of a narrative in this portion, it made it hard to keep turning the pages.
This book would be of interest to readers already familiar with the case and willing to put in the work for a deep dive into possible motives for the crime, but the general true crime fan may lose interest after the opening chapters as the story is removed from the victims and focuses on the financial/business investigation.
(Thanks to the Netgalley and Kensington for the ARC)
This is my second book by the author and she does an excellent job of laying out the facts and portraying people and events with objectivity, refraining from editorializing.
Now, for the aspects that didn't work so well: while Rother clearly did her research, the nature of the case meant delving into financial records and business dealings that were dry, detailed, and at times hard to keep straight in terms of the names of various people. In the absence of a narrative in this portion, it made it hard to keep turning the pages.
This book would be of interest to readers already familiar with the case and willing to put in the work for a deep dive into possible motives for the crime, but the general true crime fan may lose interest after the opening chapters as the story is removed from the victims and focuses on the financial/business investigation.
(Thanks to the Netgalley and Kensington for the ARC)
June 7, 2025
Caitlin Rother is an incredible true crime author. The cases that she writes about are complex and not always resolved how you’d assume they’d be. Down to the Bone is no different. Rother details the disappearance of the McStay family, the discovery of their bodies and the subsequent trial. She provides (in my opinion) an unbiased view of the case; providing details that don’t put anyone involved in a good light but a clear picture of who everyone is. Here, she details the case against Chase Merritt, Joseph McStay’s business partner, and provides enough detail for the reader to agree with the prosecution or lean into the defense’s position that Dan Kavanaugh (another business partner) was the more likely killer.
It’s infuriating to read how the detectives and county sheriff’s department created a blinded view of Dan Kavanaugh and his actions; taking his statements at face value and not following up on persistent leads from friends and family members. That despite the disarray of the house at the time of the family’s disappearance and items left in the vehicle, officials firmly believed they’d voluntarily disappeared. It’s no wonder many of them declined to be interviewed for this book.
Trials are overwhelming and mostly focus on scientific details that can easily bore you. This case in particular focused a lot on Quickbooks and financials that could make your head spin! Rother makes these dry details easy to understand. Ultimately, I feel the prosecution got this case wrong.
Thank you to Kensington Publishing and Citadel for this ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
It’s infuriating to read how the detectives and county sheriff’s department created a blinded view of Dan Kavanaugh and his actions; taking his statements at face value and not following up on persistent leads from friends and family members. That despite the disarray of the house at the time of the family’s disappearance and items left in the vehicle, officials firmly believed they’d voluntarily disappeared. It’s no wonder many of them declined to be interviewed for this book.
Trials are overwhelming and mostly focus on scientific details that can easily bore you. This case in particular focused a lot on Quickbooks and financials that could make your head spin! Rother makes these dry details easy to understand. Ultimately, I feel the prosecution got this case wrong.
Thank you to Kensington Publishing and Citadel for this ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
July 11, 2025
I remember first hearing about the disappearance of the McStay family and being so intrigued with the mystery of what happened to them. How could a family of four vanish? And then a few years later, their bodies were found and Chase Merritt was charged with their murders. I remember believing justice was served…that is until I read this book. Wow. If you are familiar with this case, I definitely recommend reading this book.
June 25, 2025
I ordered this back in May 2023 and have been anxious to get my hands on it. It was certainly worth the wait. I appreciate this author’s attention to detail. I watched the ID special on this case and felt it was settled. This book definitely showed reasonable doubt.
June 4, 2025
This was interesting, a page turner from beginning to end and sad for all involved in this story of murder!
October 4, 2025
Super meticulous and thoroughly written; Rother wrote without bias, just straightforward evidence (super detailed, the financial records got confusing). I have been invested in this case since the family went missing, I lost sleep over it. I really hoped for a positive outcome (surfing in Mexico?). Having seen the Two Shallow Graves docuseries and now read this book, I am more confused than ever as to if they truly have the correct person in prison. The family was sadly surrounded by a lot of shady people, and I really wish there was a more clear answer to what happened to them. I hope their family finds peace, but not at the expense of an innocent person sentenced to death.
June 24, 2025
Joseph McStay, his wife Summer and two young sons disappeared from their San Diego County home in early February of 2010. There seemed to be no sign of a struggle, but there was eggs and fruit left on the counter and their dogs were left out in the backyard with no food. Four years later, their skeletons were found in the Mojave Desert and law enforcement announced that the family was victims of foul play. But who was the culprit and why was the family targeted?
This true crime book, written by Caitlin Rother, investigates the circumstances surrounding the disappearance of the McStay family, the suspects in the case and the courtroom drama that follows after an arrest. I give the author credit, this case is meticulously researched. However, there is ALOT of information to be consumed with this case, which sometimes made the story feel overwhelming. There were times I had to step away from it because it was just too much to digest at one time. I think a reader who is detail-oriented would like this book. I would rate it 3.5 stars.
*I received an ARC from NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
This true crime book, written by Caitlin Rother, investigates the circumstances surrounding the disappearance of the McStay family, the suspects in the case and the courtroom drama that follows after an arrest. I give the author credit, this case is meticulously researched. However, there is ALOT of information to be consumed with this case, which sometimes made the story feel overwhelming. There were times I had to step away from it because it was just too much to digest at one time. I think a reader who is detail-oriented would like this book. I would rate it 3.5 stars.
*I received an ARC from NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
June 26, 2025
When I first started this book, I knew it was going to be a difficult read because of the subject matter. I soon found that it was a difficult read for other reasons too. There was far too much minutiae about business dealings, interpersonal conflicts and police investigations, sometimes with details that seemed to be irrelevant, or at least did not advance the story in any meaningful way. The story also jumped around a lot, with family, friends, customers and business associates coming and going, and sometimes out of sequence. Having lost interest after the first 100 pages or so, I decided to skim the rest. Not sure if this story was ever shown on "Forensic Files", but if it was, I definitely would have preferred that form of media over the book. {H}
July 27, 2025
Down to the Bone is the true crime story of the McStay family. It’s a tragedy on so many levels.
The family, Joseph, his wife Summer, and their two little boys, Gianni 4 1/2 and Joey Jr., who had just turned 3, recently moved into their first house, a foreclosure in Fallbrook CA they planned to fix and flip.
After being unable to get in touch with Joseph for over a week, highly unusual given Joseph was the owner of a custom waterfall business with several big projects in the works, the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department was finally called.
Although initially classifying this as a missing persons case, the actual assumption was that the family had simply gone off somewhere for a few days without telling anyone. This despite the moldy coffee, eggs sitting on the counter and their dogs left outside.
While extensively researched, the story just seemed to plod along, with the McStay’s merely a side note in their brutal murder. There were a lot of details about cell phone coverage and the long drawn out trial, but more unanswered questions were raised. Throw in sloppy bookkeeping, sketchy business associates, family baggage, a wife no one likes and haphazard police work, and the elusive quest for justice is an apt description. There are no heroes here. Even with a conviction, it didn’t feel as if justice was ever truly attained.
My thanks to GoodReads and Kensington Publishing Corp. for the ARC.
The family, Joseph, his wife Summer, and their two little boys, Gianni 4 1/2 and Joey Jr., who had just turned 3, recently moved into their first house, a foreclosure in Fallbrook CA they planned to fix and flip.
After being unable to get in touch with Joseph for over a week, highly unusual given Joseph was the owner of a custom waterfall business with several big projects in the works, the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department was finally called.
Although initially classifying this as a missing persons case, the actual assumption was that the family had simply gone off somewhere for a few days without telling anyone. This despite the moldy coffee, eggs sitting on the counter and their dogs left outside.
While extensively researched, the story just seemed to plod along, with the McStay’s merely a side note in their brutal murder. There were a lot of details about cell phone coverage and the long drawn out trial, but more unanswered questions were raised. Throw in sloppy bookkeeping, sketchy business associates, family baggage, a wife no one likes and haphazard police work, and the elusive quest for justice is an apt description. There are no heroes here. Even with a conviction, it didn’t feel as if justice was ever truly attained.
My thanks to GoodReads and Kensington Publishing Corp. for the ARC.
April 29, 2025
If you enjoy true crime, this is a book that gives it all. Was justice served? You will have to decide for yourself. What a job of research the author did to give us all and I mean all the facts.
At first, we learn about Joseph and Summer, their relationship, and their past relationships.
This little family, Dad, Mom, and two little boys ages 3 and 4. Then you realize that this family no longer exists. Murdering not only the adults but two innocent babies, sick!
There are two prime candidates that come to the attention of the justice system. We are given a lot of information about each of them, and whom we think did this horrific crime! The McStay family goes missing in 2010, from their San Diego, CA home, and it took four years for the bodies to be found. Four years of hoping for another outcome!
The author has spent a lot of time researching this read, and I felt like I was watching the news or reading the paper as the years progressed, more information comes, but for four long years no bodies. Then an arrest!
As we go through the trial, and testimony, I had the feeling justice was missing here! You will wonder even when the trial is done if we really know what happened!
Thank you Caitlin Rother, for such a thorough job of research!
I received this book through the Kensington Publishing, and was not required to give a positive review.
At first, we learn about Joseph and Summer, their relationship, and their past relationships.
This little family, Dad, Mom, and two little boys ages 3 and 4. Then you realize that this family no longer exists. Murdering not only the adults but two innocent babies, sick!
There are two prime candidates that come to the attention of the justice system. We are given a lot of information about each of them, and whom we think did this horrific crime! The McStay family goes missing in 2010, from their San Diego, CA home, and it took four years for the bodies to be found. Four years of hoping for another outcome!
The author has spent a lot of time researching this read, and I felt like I was watching the news or reading the paper as the years progressed, more information comes, but for four long years no bodies. Then an arrest!
As we go through the trial, and testimony, I had the feeling justice was missing here! You will wonder even when the trial is done if we really know what happened!
Thank you Caitlin Rother, for such a thorough job of research!
I received this book through the Kensington Publishing, and was not required to give a positive review.
March 10, 2025
Thank you to Netgalley for access to the ARC ebook in exchange for my honest review.
Caitlin Rother delivers a thoroughly researched and compelling true crime narrative with Down to the Bone. I had never heard of this case before, and I was fascinated by how much I learned through Rother’s in-depth investigation.
The book examines the shocking disappearance and murder of the McStay family, whose remains were discovered years after they mysteriously vanished from their California home. Rother meticulously unpacks the evidence, the twists in the investigation, and the trial of Charles “Chase” Merritt, the man convicted of the crime. But was justice truly served? Through extensive research and interviews, Rother raises critical questions about Merritt’s conviction, exploring whether he was wrongfully accused or if the evidence truly proves his guilt.
With a masterful blend of investigative journalism and gripping storytelling, Down to the Bone keeps readers engaged while challenging them to consider the complexities of the case. A must-read for true crime enthusiasts who appreciate deep dives into forensic evidence, legal battles, and the pursuit of justice.
Caitlin Rother delivers a thoroughly researched and compelling true crime narrative with Down to the Bone. I had never heard of this case before, and I was fascinated by how much I learned through Rother’s in-depth investigation.
The book examines the shocking disappearance and murder of the McStay family, whose remains were discovered years after they mysteriously vanished from their California home. Rother meticulously unpacks the evidence, the twists in the investigation, and the trial of Charles “Chase” Merritt, the man convicted of the crime. But was justice truly served? Through extensive research and interviews, Rother raises critical questions about Merritt’s conviction, exploring whether he was wrongfully accused or if the evidence truly proves his guilt.
With a masterful blend of investigative journalism and gripping storytelling, Down to the Bone keeps readers engaged while challenging them to consider the complexities of the case. A must-read for true crime enthusiasts who appreciate deep dives into forensic evidence, legal battles, and the pursuit of justice.
April 1, 2025
This was such a fascinating, yet heartbreaking read. The author took the time to study the facts and present them to the reader in a way that drew the reader in. I felt invested in the story and the lives of this family. I loved getting to know the four victims, but my heart broke at the crime committed and the violent way it was carried out. My heart also broke realizing how long it took for justice to be served; unsure whether the questions were sufficiently answered or not. There are so many motives to consider and more than one person thought they had motive in this case. Well-written, a book that stays with you after turning the last page.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from netgalley and was not required to write a review. All opinions are strictly mine.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from netgalley and was not required to write a review. All opinions are strictly mine.
April 19, 2025
I received this book as part of an ARC on Netgalley.
Overall, it was a great book that really delved into the details of the McStay Family case. It kept me reading, wondering what the next twist would be.
I noticed that a lot of those involved in the case declined to be interviewed for the book, this is not the fault of the author but I think that would have made the book a lot better.
The details of the investigation were mostly unknown to me and I enjoyed reading the nitty gritty of the police work that went into solving the case.
I would have appreciated pictures of the home, grave site and other locations to give a clear visual. I am not sure if this will be included in the final release.
I enjoyed this book, and look forward to more reads by Caitlin Rother.
Overall, it was a great book that really delved into the details of the McStay Family case. It kept me reading, wondering what the next twist would be.
I noticed that a lot of those involved in the case declined to be interviewed for the book, this is not the fault of the author but I think that would have made the book a lot better.
The details of the investigation were mostly unknown to me and I enjoyed reading the nitty gritty of the police work that went into solving the case.
I would have appreciated pictures of the home, grave site and other locations to give a clear visual. I am not sure if this will be included in the final release.
I enjoyed this book, and look forward to more reads by Caitlin Rother.
March 30, 2025
This was a really well researched book but the level of detail the author went into was personally too much for me. It was especially difficult to keep track of all the financial aspects. If you're already familiar with this case, it might be a more interesting read.
With thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.
With thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews