What do you think?
Rate this book
Exposed: The Secret Life of Jodi Arias – A New York Times Bestseller About the Gruesome Murder and Salacious Trial
The New York Times bestselling account of a gruesome, twisted crime and the salacious trial that gripped the American public On June 9, 2008, the butchered body of Travis Alexander was found in his Arizona home with twenty-nine knife wounds, his throat slit, and a gunshot to the head. The prime suspect was Alexander's ex-girlfriend, Jodi Arias, who claimed she killed Travis in self-defense. Soon, graphic stories about the Mormon couple's relationship and their lurid sexual encounters emerged, launching a trial filled with sex and deception and raising substantial questions about Arias's deceit-filled world. Award-winning broadcast journalist Jane Velez-Mitchell unearths Jodi's history to illustrate the disturbing pattern of a murderer in the making. With insider accounts from those closest to Travis and Jodi, she separates fact from fiction, reporting on the bizarre and explicit stories that emerged during the riveting trial. Complete with photos and a new afterword, Exposed takes readers behind closed bedroom doors to uncover the secret life of Jodi Arias.
400 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2013
380 people are currently reading
1568 people want to read
About the author
Jane Velez-Mitchell
9 books23 followersJane Velez-Mitchell (b. September 29, 1955) is an award winning gossip journalist and author. She currently has her own show on HLN, Issues with Jane Velez-Mitchell (replacing Glenn Beck who moved to Fox News Channel). She is often seen commenting on high-profile cases for CNN, TruTV, E! and other national cable TV shows. Velez-Mitchell frequently guest hosts for Nancy Grace on her Headline News show. Velez-Mitchell reported for the nationally syndicated Warner Brothers/Telepictures show Celebrity Justice. (Wikipedia)
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 283 reviews
November 21, 2017
One of my literary vices is True Crime. Growing up, my grandmother’s bookshelves were piled high with what my mother humorously dubbed her “black and red books.” As a child, I was fascinated with these mysterious black and red books (seriously, look at any True Crime cover. They’re all black and red). Although these stories were well above my reading (and maturity) level, I repeatedly poured through the photo pages hidden deep within the book’s center like buried treasure. As I grew older, like most teenagers, the allure of the forbidden took hold and I devoured True Crime books like a child who’s broken into the cookie jar. My taste sated, as an adult I rarely read True Crime. The lurid, TMZ-like quality that characterizes (most of) that genre is repellant to me. However, I stumbled upon the Jodi Arias case while researching a different topic and was intrigued. I only knew headlines of the case. I’m not a Court TV watcher. So I did some googling, but was dissatisfied with all the National Enquire-esque results. I was and still am interested in the WHY of it all. How does a seemingly normal adult woman commit such a heinous crime? What made her snap? So, like always, I turned to books. Unfortunately, Exposed: the Secret Life of Jodi Arias by Jane Velez-Mitchell is no man’s In Cold Blood.
"Jodi gradually became like a drug to {Travis}, and he progressed into full-blown addiction that he felt powerless to resist. The two had a sexual chemistry that may have melted any willpower either of them had."
Before I begin the remainder of my review, let me state outright that I believe murder is (rarely) ever justified. I don’t agree with or condone what Jodi Arias did. It was an unspeakably evil act. I don’t even like Jodi Arias. However the media coverage and more specifically, this book, does a remarkable job transforming a genuine crime into tabloid fodder. There’s no question that Jodi Arias was wrong in murdering her ex-boyfriend, Travis Alexander. Jodi has been proven a repeated liar and engaged in increasingly unstable behavior leading up the killing. But this book, and the media’s, need to force Jodi and Travis into a Madonna vs. the Whore, Saint vs. Sinner dichotomy is both ridiculous and unhelpful. Media has consistently portrayed Travis Alexander as a pious young man-- a millennial Beaver Cleaver--driven astray by the wicked siren-call of an oversexed Jodi Arias. That Travis was an addict and Jodi his drug of choice. SERIOUSLY??? Sorry, but Jodi Arias isn’t the serpent in the garden. Travis was a free-willing adult capable of making his own choices. Did he deserve to be murdered? OF COURSE NOT. But pigeon-holing Travis and Jodi into narrow morality boxes has no societal benefit. How can we stop violent crime if we don’t get to the root of it? How can the world prevent another Jodi Arias-like episode, if we still don’t understand WHY she made this horrific choice?
Our culture of 24/7 news coverage, spearheaded by overblown, thirsty pundits have transformed murder into a sideshow. Instead of genuinely reflecting on a crime’s gravity, murder cases have become TMZ-style feeding frenzies. They’re treated as a modern equivalent of soap operas. Here’s the thing though, they’re NOT. Murder is REAL. Travis was REAL. Even Jodi is REAL. REAL lives were forever altered by this crime. Sensationalizing it lessens the crime’s magnitude and absolutely removes any potential educational value.
"Finally, she thought maybe she was actually saving little boys from Travis's advances because of her willingness to wear boys' underwear, that she was mitigating his sick obsession."
In Jodi’s desperate bid to avoid jail time, her defense team tried to flip the Saint vs. Sinner paradigm to benefit Jodi. Travis was a sexual deviant and by having sex with him, Jodi was doing a public service. Preventing him from engaging in worse, more morally-reprehensible crimes. Again…..SERIOUSLY???? I’m not an attorney or judge. I have zero criminal law experience. But--to me--accusing a dead person of a severe crime should NOT be introduced as evidence when it’s solely based on hearsay. Making public accusations of pedophilia without any evidence to substantiate the claim is simply character assassination. Equally as ridiculous as the prosecutor’s depiction of Femme Fatale Jodi, so is the defense attorney’s claim that Jodi is a self-sacrificial angel.
Yes, reading Exposed: The Secret Life of Jodi Arias presented information I didn’t know. For trial watchers though, it will probably read as repetitive. But, what distinguishes a truly GREAT True Crime novel from its salacious counterparts is that it delves beneath the surface. It gets into the WHY of it all and forgoes convenient moral labelling. I wanted depth to this case. To really understand why Jodi, a young, seemingly intelligent woman with no real criminal history could snap in such a violent and profound way. I didn’t get that here. There’s no depth, psychological examination, or shades of grey to be found. It’s merely lurid. And Travis Alexander deserved more than that.
"Jodi gradually became like a drug to {Travis}, and he progressed into full-blown addiction that he felt powerless to resist. The two had a sexual chemistry that may have melted any willpower either of them had."
Before I begin the remainder of my review, let me state outright that I believe murder is (rarely) ever justified. I don’t agree with or condone what Jodi Arias did. It was an unspeakably evil act. I don’t even like Jodi Arias. However the media coverage and more specifically, this book, does a remarkable job transforming a genuine crime into tabloid fodder. There’s no question that Jodi Arias was wrong in murdering her ex-boyfriend, Travis Alexander. Jodi has been proven a repeated liar and engaged in increasingly unstable behavior leading up the killing. But this book, and the media’s, need to force Jodi and Travis into a Madonna vs. the Whore, Saint vs. Sinner dichotomy is both ridiculous and unhelpful. Media has consistently portrayed Travis Alexander as a pious young man-- a millennial Beaver Cleaver--driven astray by the wicked siren-call of an oversexed Jodi Arias. That Travis was an addict and Jodi his drug of choice. SERIOUSLY??? Sorry, but Jodi Arias isn’t the serpent in the garden. Travis was a free-willing adult capable of making his own choices. Did he deserve to be murdered? OF COURSE NOT. But pigeon-holing Travis and Jodi into narrow morality boxes has no societal benefit. How can we stop violent crime if we don’t get to the root of it? How can the world prevent another Jodi Arias-like episode, if we still don’t understand WHY she made this horrific choice?
Our culture of 24/7 news coverage, spearheaded by overblown, thirsty pundits have transformed murder into a sideshow. Instead of genuinely reflecting on a crime’s gravity, murder cases have become TMZ-style feeding frenzies. They’re treated as a modern equivalent of soap operas. Here’s the thing though, they’re NOT. Murder is REAL. Travis was REAL. Even Jodi is REAL. REAL lives were forever altered by this crime. Sensationalizing it lessens the crime’s magnitude and absolutely removes any potential educational value.
"Finally, she thought maybe she was actually saving little boys from Travis's advances because of her willingness to wear boys' underwear, that she was mitigating his sick obsession."
In Jodi’s desperate bid to avoid jail time, her defense team tried to flip the Saint vs. Sinner paradigm to benefit Jodi. Travis was a sexual deviant and by having sex with him, Jodi was doing a public service. Preventing him from engaging in worse, more morally-reprehensible crimes. Again…..SERIOUSLY???? I’m not an attorney or judge. I have zero criminal law experience. But--to me--accusing a dead person of a severe crime should NOT be introduced as evidence when it’s solely based on hearsay. Making public accusations of pedophilia without any evidence to substantiate the claim is simply character assassination. Equally as ridiculous as the prosecutor’s depiction of Femme Fatale Jodi, so is the defense attorney’s claim that Jodi is a self-sacrificial angel.
Yes, reading Exposed: The Secret Life of Jodi Arias presented information I didn’t know. For trial watchers though, it will probably read as repetitive. But, what distinguishes a truly GREAT True Crime novel from its salacious counterparts is that it delves beneath the surface. It gets into the WHY of it all and forgoes convenient moral labelling. I wanted depth to this case. To really understand why Jodi, a young, seemingly intelligent woman with no real criminal history could snap in such a violent and profound way. I didn’t get that here. There’s no depth, psychological examination, or shades of grey to be found. It’s merely lurid. And Travis Alexander deserved more than that.
April 20, 2014
If you followed this case and hate Jodi Arias, this is the book for you. If you like true crime and want a nuanced account of the case, look elsewhere.
I just couldn't finish the last 30 pages of this book. I also didn't need to. Mitchell clearly has an agenda. She is convinced Jodi is guilty and isn't at all concerned with presenting a objective or balanced account. She whitewashes the victim, Travis Alexander. He is a pure, almost saintly man who is under the sway of the evil sociopath Jodi. She does him a disservice by not presenting him as the complex person he was. Jodi is pure evil incarnate and a pathological liar. I have always had a weakness for the underdog. Mitchell actually had me sort of rooting for Jodi, someone who almost certainly killed Alexander in cold blood, because Mitchell's hatred is so strong that Jodi strikes me as the underdog. There are details that don't fit into her good vs. evil concept of the crime and she tries very hard to explain them away. These details hint at a more complicated case than the one Mitchell presents. Good true crime teases out those nuances. Bad true crime like this just makes more money and publicity for the talking heads. I should have known when I saw that Nancy Grace wrote the introduction. She sounds just as hysterical in print as she does on TV.
I just couldn't finish the last 30 pages of this book. I also didn't need to. Mitchell clearly has an agenda. She is convinced Jodi is guilty and isn't at all concerned with presenting a objective or balanced account. She whitewashes the victim, Travis Alexander. He is a pure, almost saintly man who is under the sway of the evil sociopath Jodi. She does him a disservice by not presenting him as the complex person he was. Jodi is pure evil incarnate and a pathological liar. I have always had a weakness for the underdog. Mitchell actually had me sort of rooting for Jodi, someone who almost certainly killed Alexander in cold blood, because Mitchell's hatred is so strong that Jodi strikes me as the underdog. There are details that don't fit into her good vs. evil concept of the crime and she tries very hard to explain them away. These details hint at a more complicated case than the one Mitchell presents. Good true crime teases out those nuances. Bad true crime like this just makes more money and publicity for the talking heads. I should have known when I saw that Nancy Grace wrote the introduction. She sounds just as hysterical in print as she does on TV.
October 21, 2013
While I liked this book because of all the information on the murder and the trial, I didn't like the way it was written. It is clear to anyone that reads about this case that Jodi deserved to be found guilty. You don't need to constantly write about how she controlled Travis with her vagina. Honestly, Travis wasn't exactly the saint the author is trying to portray him as either. Not because he liked having sex, but because I do feel he used Jodi for sex and his religion's misogynistic attitude towards women was also not something I'd brag about. However, no one deserves to be brutally murdered because they have flaws. I do believe part of why he kept Jodi in the background was the shame he felt because of his religion. It's just a shame that while a normal woman would just move on, Jodi decided to murder him.
I think portraying Travis the way he was in this book and trying to sweep everything not so great he did under the rug and excusing everything that was out of line on his part was a disservice to him. He is the victim here, he is no longer around to defend himself. He was an adult and honestly I don't think people should be so worked up that the man liked having sex. Again, he was a consenting adult. You don't need to try so hard to vilify the villain. Jodi is the one that ultimately took his life. He doesn't need to be a saint for people to be outraged. He did not deserve what he got.
I think portraying Travis the way he was in this book and trying to sweep everything not so great he did under the rug and excusing everything that was out of line on his part was a disservice to him. He is the victim here, he is no longer around to defend himself. He was an adult and honestly I don't think people should be so worked up that the man liked having sex. Again, he was a consenting adult. You don't need to try so hard to vilify the villain. Jodi is the one that ultimately took his life. He doesn't need to be a saint for people to be outraged. He did not deserve what he got.
February 5, 2014
Interesting, but the author's conviction that Jodi was all evil, while Travis was all pure goodness, became very annoying. People are not that black and white. She attacks Jodi for being sexual, while giving Travis a pass for his behavior. The relationship was toxic, but it came from both sides. NOT excusing the murder - just tired of women being condemned for doing the same thing men do.
There were also some annoying typo-type mistakes.
There were also some annoying typo-type mistakes.
February 2, 2014
I really liked Jane's book, the first of her books I've read. It was well edited, not filled with lots of annoying spelling and language errors like so many others out there, which made it a joy to go through. It seemed well researched, and we know she lived through so much of the trial there at the courthouse, along with Nancy Grace, and that both recently had threats by stalkers that turned out to be fans of Jodi's and dangerous too. And there were things in the book that I had missed at the trial, so that made it worthwhile, along with some behind the scenes stuff. I got the digital version, and enjoyed that it had lots of pictures, which some people don't think ebooks have. Just have to wait another day now till Monday, and we'll see what happens with the Penalty Phase again hopefully! I'm sure Jodi will make a circus out of that too, if she's allowed to.
November 25, 2016
Good narrator for the most part. My husband said "it sounds like a computer reading" but i didn't think it was that bad. I did have to speed it up a bit because she speaks very slowly!
The story is interesting for sure. I wasn't a huge fan of the back and forth of the timeline but it didn't ruin the book for me. If you like modern true crime, this is a book you will enjoy!
The story is interesting for sure. I wasn't a huge fan of the back and forth of the timeline but it didn't ruin the book for me. If you like modern true crime, this is a book you will enjoy!
June 6, 2014
If you are looking for an objective piece about Jodi Arias, this is not it. I can't fault the author for having strong feelings in regards to the case and sharing their opinion but I was hoping for an unbiased look. There are a lot of times where Jane states what other people think and how they think "There is no way it happened like that!"
This felt more like I was listening to someone ranting about Jodi Arias at dinner somewhere.
However, it was interesting to hear about some of the evidence and witness statements.
This felt more like I was listening to someone ranting about Jodi Arias at dinner somewhere.
However, it was interesting to hear about some of the evidence and witness statements.
August 19, 2019
Golly what a story! When this trial first came to light I was a new, bleary-eyed mom trying to stay awake and care for a newborn and thus missed a lot of this sensational story of femme fatale, Jodi Arias when it was broadcast on Court TV. Now with the resurgence of Court TV where you are able to go into archival trial coverage this had me interested in finally getting the whole story on this lurid tale of a young woman gone mad with jealousy and the brutal murder of her on and off boyfriend Travis Alexander, whom she repeatedly stabbed and shot to death.
This was a graphic, highly engrossing read filled with sex, jealousy, betrayal and gruesome details of the crime scene that some may find a little stomach churning so be prepared.
This was a graphic, highly engrossing read filled with sex, jealousy, betrayal and gruesome details of the crime scene that some may find a little stomach churning so be prepared.
November 1, 2013
Excellent book written by Jane Velez-Mitchell, a television journalist who followed Jodi Arias's murder trial from day one. She reported each day on her HLN program with daily updates from the courtroom in Arizona. Jane offers the full story on Jodi's early life and the road she took that lead to her meeting Travis Alexander from Mesa,Arizona. This book covers everything you ever wanted to know about Jodi and the things you might not want to know about her. I appreciated the fact that Jane uncovered more information than was reported during her murder trial. I had just finished another book before I had the chance to get my hands on this one. And in the first book, it offered not one piece of information I did not already know.Bravo to Jane for a great journalistic trip into the mind of one of the most notorious killer this century will ever witness.
July 28, 2015
Good, but not as good a book as I’d hoped for. Having read “Picture Perfect” by Shanna Hogan, I was interested in the case and hoped to learn more. The main new information I noticed was Jodi’s early life and some possible root causes for her mental instability.
What I didn’t care for was countless comments from the author sharing her opinion of Jodi Arias. Yes, I think most readers agree with Velez-Mitchell’s assessment of Arias, but I much prefer a storyteller type of author who doesn’t pound their opinions into the book. They let the reader make their own assessment. Velez-Mitchell really has strong opinions about Jodi Arias and it became distracting reading them so often (for me).
Other than that, and some punctuation issues that make my Word Nerd self a little crazy, it was a good book. I learned more about the case…I’d only hoped for more.
What I didn’t care for was countless comments from the author sharing her opinion of Jodi Arias. Yes, I think most readers agree with Velez-Mitchell’s assessment of Arias, but I much prefer a storyteller type of author who doesn’t pound their opinions into the book. They let the reader make their own assessment. Velez-Mitchell really has strong opinions about Jodi Arias and it became distracting reading them so often (for me).
Other than that, and some punctuation issues that make my Word Nerd self a little crazy, it was a good book. I learned more about the case…I’d only hoped for more.
September 2, 2013
In spite of having seen every day of the trial coverage I decided to read this book. I must say that I am very impressed that Jane was able to take all of the facts of the case and put it into a novel-like story that was so interesting I read it in 2 days! That's quite an accomplishment. I especially loved the epilogue where Jane condenses the summation of Dr. Drew Pinsky and others of the facts of Jodi's very real psychiatric disorder. This is the only way one can wrap their mind around the cruel and bizarre murder of her victim. I will now anxiously follow her resulting sentencing to either death or life behind bars. She cannot live among normal people.
June 22, 2015
Loved loved loved this book. I highly recommend. The way it was written was like I knew the people personally.
January 18, 2018
I never had much interest in the Jodi Arias trial while it was happening. BUT, recently one of my friends from high school commented on my crazy hair, and said it was "not Jodi Arias" smooth. So, I figured I should listen to this.
I don't believe Travis Alexander abused Jodi physically. I don't believe he was into child porn or little kids. I don't believe he was murdered out of self defense. He and Jodi had a weird obsessive relationship. Jodi couldn't get over him, didn't like not being invited on his vacation and murdered him.
Oh, I get the feeling that the narrator got exasperated with the phone sex tape part of the trial. She kinda sounded like she was rolling her eyes while saying it. (Not a slag on her. It was ridiculous to listen to)
I don't believe Travis Alexander abused Jodi physically. I don't believe he was into child porn or little kids. I don't believe he was murdered out of self defense. He and Jodi had a weird obsessive relationship. Jodi couldn't get over him, didn't like not being invited on his vacation and murdered him.
Oh, I get the feeling that the narrator got exasperated with the phone sex tape part of the trial. She kinda sounded like she was rolling her eyes while saying it. (Not a slag on her. It was ridiculous to listen to)
September 13, 2013
Fascinating subject but I have complaints. I wanted to hear Jodi’s voice. And I did not like hearing some parts twice.
This is an audiobook. And I really wanted to hear Jodi’s voice for at least some of the quotes. She was recorded during police interviews. She was recorded in TV and reporter interviews. And most of the trial was broadcast live on TV. She was on the stand for many days. I wanted to hear her tone of voice, emotions, and sarcasm. Instead I got the nice sounding narrator. Hearing Jodi’s voice would have made this “the best” for an audiobook.
In the physical book there are pictures. There are none for the audiobook. Other audiobooks have pdf files that can be downloaded for pictures. Not here. So that is a mark against it. I went to Google Images to see pictures. One of them was Jodi giving the finger to someone in the courtroom. I kept waiting to hear about that in the book, but it wasn’t mentioned. Bummer.
The title is misleading. Other reviewers who watched the trial and news coverage say there is nothing in this book that they did not already know. So the words “secret life” is not accurate for many people.
In this book, the author jumps back and forth between the past and the time starting after the crime and during the trial. That was ok except for some repetitive parts. I did not like hearing things twice, the past story and then later the same thing in the trial. It needed editing.
As to subject matter: Jodi’s story would make any book good (unusual, different, fantastical). She’s a stalker. She tells lies that are outrageous and unbelievable. Graphic details of sex acts are described during the trial causing courtroom watchers to squirm and be uncomfortable. I felt sorry for some witnesses who had to discuss their sex life in detail on the stand. One event was hearing a sexually explicit taped phone call between Jodi and her victim. That should have been in the audiobook, not the narrator’s voice.
One thought I took from this: people who seem normal can turn into something scary. Ugh.
DATA:
Narrative mode: 3rd person. Unabridged audiobook length: 12 hrs and 37 mins. Swearing language: I don’t recall any. Sexual language: strong. Many sex acts were described. Setting: 2007 to 2013 Arizona plus a few other places. Book copyright: 2013. Genre: nonfiction crime.
This is an audiobook. And I really wanted to hear Jodi’s voice for at least some of the quotes. She was recorded during police interviews. She was recorded in TV and reporter interviews. And most of the trial was broadcast live on TV. She was on the stand for many days. I wanted to hear her tone of voice, emotions, and sarcasm. Instead I got the nice sounding narrator. Hearing Jodi’s voice would have made this “the best” for an audiobook.
In the physical book there are pictures. There are none for the audiobook. Other audiobooks have pdf files that can be downloaded for pictures. Not here. So that is a mark against it. I went to Google Images to see pictures. One of them was Jodi giving the finger to someone in the courtroom. I kept waiting to hear about that in the book, but it wasn’t mentioned. Bummer.
The title is misleading. Other reviewers who watched the trial and news coverage say there is nothing in this book that they did not already know. So the words “secret life” is not accurate for many people.
In this book, the author jumps back and forth between the past and the time starting after the crime and during the trial. That was ok except for some repetitive parts. I did not like hearing things twice, the past story and then later the same thing in the trial. It needed editing.
As to subject matter: Jodi’s story would make any book good (unusual, different, fantastical). She’s a stalker. She tells lies that are outrageous and unbelievable. Graphic details of sex acts are described during the trial causing courtroom watchers to squirm and be uncomfortable. I felt sorry for some witnesses who had to discuss their sex life in detail on the stand. One event was hearing a sexually explicit taped phone call between Jodi and her victim. That should have been in the audiobook, not the narrator’s voice.
One thought I took from this: people who seem normal can turn into something scary. Ugh.
DATA:
Narrative mode: 3rd person. Unabridged audiobook length: 12 hrs and 37 mins. Swearing language: I don’t recall any. Sexual language: strong. Many sex acts were described. Setting: 2007 to 2013 Arizona plus a few other places. Book copyright: 2013. Genre: nonfiction crime.
August 16, 2015
This is a very disturbing true crime story about a young woman who brutally murdered her boyfriend. At the end of the book, the jury could not decide on the penalty; death or life in prison, but in the meantime, she has been sentenced to life in prison.
Many psychological experts have diagnosed her as a borderline personality with perhaps bipolar disorder. There did not seem to be much about her childhood that was really known, or which stood out as her having future problems. But she had problems with jealousy, stalking, revenge and other negative factors when it came to her relationships with men. Her last boyfriend, Travis Alexander, was the one she brutally murdered. The scenes described in the book were so graphic I had a hard time reading the details. In addition, Ms. Arias is a pathological liar and switched her story so many times from the 2008 murder until she was finally brought to trial in Maricopa County, AZ in 2013. I had a really hard time believing that this young woman traveled from Yreka, CA to Mesa, AZ, just to destroy the life of her former boyfriend. Apparently, she used to go in through the dog door, also, after she and Travis broke up. What complicated the situation even more was the fact that he had some kind of sexual addiction to her so that he would call her even after they broke up and they would see each other occasionally. When she found out he had planned to take a platonic friend to Cancun, Mexico for a business conference, that seemed to be what set Ms. Arias off for the final time. I had a really hard time believing that this attractive young woman could even think of doing something so horrible.
I am just thankful that I never knew anything about this case until I read this book. Sometimes reading news is just not worth it.
Many psychological experts have diagnosed her as a borderline personality with perhaps bipolar disorder. There did not seem to be much about her childhood that was really known, or which stood out as her having future problems. But she had problems with jealousy, stalking, revenge and other negative factors when it came to her relationships with men. Her last boyfriend, Travis Alexander, was the one she brutally murdered. The scenes described in the book were so graphic I had a hard time reading the details. In addition, Ms. Arias is a pathological liar and switched her story so many times from the 2008 murder until she was finally brought to trial in Maricopa County, AZ in 2013. I had a really hard time believing that this young woman traveled from Yreka, CA to Mesa, AZ, just to destroy the life of her former boyfriend. Apparently, she used to go in through the dog door, also, after she and Travis broke up. What complicated the situation even more was the fact that he had some kind of sexual addiction to her so that he would call her even after they broke up and they would see each other occasionally. When she found out he had planned to take a platonic friend to Cancun, Mexico for a business conference, that seemed to be what set Ms. Arias off for the final time. I had a really hard time believing that this attractive young woman could even think of doing something so horrible.
I am just thankful that I never knew anything about this case until I read this book. Sometimes reading news is just not worth it.
July 30, 2021
After reading any true crime book, I always wonder what it would have been like if Ann Rule had written it. Unfair, sure, but Rule has the ability to clearly communicate the details of a case, investigate all viewpoints, interview family members and friends as well as law enforcement, and put it all together in a compelling story line.
While this book is interesting, it feels more like someone relaying a story that they watched from afar, rather than interviewing family and friends or law enforcement and getting into the "meat" of the crime. There's also a ton of supposition, as in "One can only wonder if ......" or "While we will never really know ...." (my paraphrasing). 3 stars.
Visit my new blog "I Love True Crime Books"
While this book is interesting, it feels more like someone relaying a story that they watched from afar, rather than interviewing family and friends or law enforcement and getting into the "meat" of the crime. There's also a ton of supposition, as in "One can only wonder if ......" or "While we will never really know ...." (my paraphrasing). 3 stars.
Visit my new blog "I Love True Crime Books"
August 21, 2013
Really well written and tastefully done...well as tasteful as a book about a gruesome, pre-meditated murder and a psychotic killer could be. The first half of the book was better than the last half which was a tedious re-hashing of the trial with no new information. The first part was an insightful look into JA's upbringing and what made her tick as well as a look into her relationship with Travis. A few new insights that really helped understand how sick she truly is and how long her deficiencies had been manifest. I'd recommend this book to anyone interested in the highly publicized trial as I feel like it gives valuable insight into the making and mind of one of the nations most notorious (and narcissistic) killers.
June 26, 2014
I read this book only because I love all things true crime. Not surprising is the fact that an HLN anchor wrote a biased and ridiculous book. I have no doubt in my mind that Jodi killed Travis but this book borders character assassination. Velez-Mitchell makes a lot of assumptions and projections to further her story. Heaven forbid a book with a foreword written by Nancy Grace just focus on the facts of the case. If you are looking for a good true crime book read Jose Biaz's book about Casey Anthony.
March 31, 2020
True Crime
So, first let me say, if you're looking for an unbiased account of this case, don't get this book. The author very clearly believes Jodi guilty and makes that quite clear throughout. Aside from that, this book is an in-depth account of their relationship, the courtroom case, and Jodi herself. I found Jodi to be the most riveting part--an intriguing character. It was interesting to find out more of her off behavior than I previously knew.
So, first let me say, if you're looking for an unbiased account of this case, don't get this book. The author very clearly believes Jodi guilty and makes that quite clear throughout. Aside from that, this book is an in-depth account of their relationship, the courtroom case, and Jodi herself. I found Jodi to be the most riveting part--an intriguing character. It was interesting to find out more of her off behavior than I previously knew.
October 13, 2014
I was a bit wary picking this one up. I enjoy true crime (if enjoy is the correct word for it) and had I been smarter, I would have loved to work in forensics--it's amazing to me. I am also always interested in the psychology of murderers --what makes them different etc. I read a ton of true crime in the 80's and 90's when frankly most of it was trash. I had to lay off it in large doses as I found myself getting depressed (a not shocking reaction) when reading too much of it, so I now read it in doses.
I followed the Jodi Arias case when it was being televised. I only watched the trial itself as HLN is so over the top and obnoxious that I could not stomach it. I enjoy watching trials unfold and all of the various aspects of the criminal justice system played out but I don't need to hear Nancy Grace screeching or the various anchors posturing to understand what is going on in the trial. This trial was definitely one of the most fascinating I have watched, including the O.J. Simpson trial and the Phil Spector trial. The unusual nature of the crime (extreme brutality of a woman against a man) and the idea of someone attempting a self-defense defense in a case so vicious with obvious overkill was interesting to me. The behavior of Arias herself in general is pretty fascinating to any student of the human condition as well. These lures overcame my first instinct to avoid anything written by anyone employed by HLN.
The book was definitely interesting--decently written with much less of the exploitative nature of the coverage on tv. I have a bigger tolerance for Jane Velez-Mitchell, mainly because of her great work with animals, which I admit is specific to me, and the fact that next to Nancy Grace she seems restrained. It's been awhile since the actual trial so it was interesting to see the facts laid out in print without all of the sound and fury of the actual testimony and the effect of watching the very strange defendant and just seeing the facts laid out. The inclusion of various things that were not brought into the trial is also helpful in understanding the case. I liked the fact that the life of the victim was laid out as well as the life of the killer, although I don't think it diminishes Travis Alexander to be totally honest about some of his behavior and I think the book shies away from this so as not to offend--understandable considering the character assassination that was conducted by the killer as well as her defense team but not necessary--a person does not have to be perfect to be undeserving of being butchered in their own home.
Overall, it was a decent if flawed account of a truly horrific crime. I will take extreme exception to one passage where Velez-Mitchell refers to followers of the case as "crime junkies"--which sounds pretty derogatory--I find this more than a little obnoxious considering "crime junkies" are exactly who Velez-Mitchell and her counterparts cater to--most people interested in true crime had to wade through the pulpy coverage just to find out the facts of the case in court so it seems more than a little hypocritical to refer to an audience you are clearly courting in that way.
I followed the Jodi Arias case when it was being televised. I only watched the trial itself as HLN is so over the top and obnoxious that I could not stomach it. I enjoy watching trials unfold and all of the various aspects of the criminal justice system played out but I don't need to hear Nancy Grace screeching or the various anchors posturing to understand what is going on in the trial. This trial was definitely one of the most fascinating I have watched, including the O.J. Simpson trial and the Phil Spector trial. The unusual nature of the crime (extreme brutality of a woman against a man) and the idea of someone attempting a self-defense defense in a case so vicious with obvious overkill was interesting to me. The behavior of Arias herself in general is pretty fascinating to any student of the human condition as well. These lures overcame my first instinct to avoid anything written by anyone employed by HLN.
The book was definitely interesting--decently written with much less of the exploitative nature of the coverage on tv. I have a bigger tolerance for Jane Velez-Mitchell, mainly because of her great work with animals, which I admit is specific to me, and the fact that next to Nancy Grace she seems restrained. It's been awhile since the actual trial so it was interesting to see the facts laid out in print without all of the sound and fury of the actual testimony and the effect of watching the very strange defendant and just seeing the facts laid out. The inclusion of various things that were not brought into the trial is also helpful in understanding the case. I liked the fact that the life of the victim was laid out as well as the life of the killer, although I don't think it diminishes Travis Alexander to be totally honest about some of his behavior and I think the book shies away from this so as not to offend--understandable considering the character assassination that was conducted by the killer as well as her defense team but not necessary--a person does not have to be perfect to be undeserving of being butchered in their own home.
Overall, it was a decent if flawed account of a truly horrific crime. I will take extreme exception to one passage where Velez-Mitchell refers to followers of the case as "crime junkies"--which sounds pretty derogatory--I find this more than a little obnoxious considering "crime junkies" are exactly who Velez-Mitchell and her counterparts cater to--most people interested in true crime had to wade through the pulpy coverage just to find out the facts of the case in court so it seems more than a little hypocritical to refer to an audience you are clearly courting in that way.
February 3, 2014
This true crime story of Jodi Arias who butchered her ex boyfriend Travis Alexander on June 9 2008, Travis was heavily involved in the Mormon religion & after becoming involved with Jodi she also joined the Mormon Church. The Mormon religion is very strict especially about sex before marriage it is taboo big time although Travis was committed to his religion he did not follow the rules when it came to sex both Travis and Jodi were addicted to each other when it came to sex that included anything and everything personally I found pretty gross. Unfortunately Travis's downfall was not being able to say no to sex as Jodi only to well knew it became her weapon and Travis couldn't resist her. Jodi Arias is a manipulating evil killer who is a habitual constant liar. Travis Alexander was stabbed 29 times, his throat slit from ear to ear and then shot in the head God knows he certainly didn't deserve to die like this. I live in Australia so we didn't have the coverage of the trial that America did Jodi was found guilty of premeditated murder now a new trial will determine whether Jodi will get a life sentence or the death penalty I hope she gets the death penalty it wouldn't be a issue in Australia as we don't have the death penalty. This novel by JaneVelez-Mitchell was extremely well written and I couldn't put it down. I'm shocked and horrified that Jodi actually has supporters online who seem to adore her and even send her money and gifts and also that she has a online book club and has someone selling her drawings on eBay what a joke this is so wrong in fact everything about Jodi Arias is wrong...... Incredible read RIP Travis Alexander❤❤❤
September 4, 2014
A totally riveting and thought provoking book.
For those who may not be familiar with Travis Alexander and Jodi Arias case. Exposed goes deep behind the scenes of the the trial and exposes the actions and lies behind the cold blooded killer Jodi Arias. What this woman did is considered one of the most hideous crimes of all time. As of today her trial has not been closed and proceedings are set for later this month, when the family of Travis Alexander will again be dragged into the courtroom to relive the horrific killing of there loved one.
For as long as I can remember I have been fascinated with how the mind of a psychotic killer ticks. What was going on in the mind of Jodi Arias? How could someone like her commit such a crime and what was her motive? There are so many questions I have about this case. If I could turn back time, I would go back to college and study to be a criminal psychologist like Jodi Foster in “Silence of the Lambs.”.
I have followed this trial from the very start and was addicted once it began to be televised on HLN. When I was asked to review this book I was super excited and eagerly awaited it’s arrival. I found this book to be one of the best written books I have read in a long time. For those of us who are interested in learning how these psychopaths tick. This book is thought provoking, I learned so much from this book I didn't already know from watching the trial. I totally recommend it to anyone wanting to go back and follow this trail from the start, pickup what they may have missed or learn more about the Alexander family.
For those who may not be familiar with Travis Alexander and Jodi Arias case. Exposed goes deep behind the scenes of the the trial and exposes the actions and lies behind the cold blooded killer Jodi Arias. What this woman did is considered one of the most hideous crimes of all time. As of today her trial has not been closed and proceedings are set for later this month, when the family of Travis Alexander will again be dragged into the courtroom to relive the horrific killing of there loved one.
For as long as I can remember I have been fascinated with how the mind of a psychotic killer ticks. What was going on in the mind of Jodi Arias? How could someone like her commit such a crime and what was her motive? There are so many questions I have about this case. If I could turn back time, I would go back to college and study to be a criminal psychologist like Jodi Foster in “Silence of the Lambs.”.
I have followed this trial from the very start and was addicted once it began to be televised on HLN. When I was asked to review this book I was super excited and eagerly awaited it’s arrival. I found this book to be one of the best written books I have read in a long time. For those of us who are interested in learning how these psychopaths tick. This book is thought provoking, I learned so much from this book I didn't already know from watching the trial. I totally recommend it to anyone wanting to go back and follow this trail from the start, pickup what they may have missed or learn more about the Alexander family.
October 2, 2014
I really did not learn anything new from reading this book. I did follow the trial extensively and that may be the reason why this book gets only two stars.
I was a little surprised this book came out as early as it did by the publisher. Being the HLN show host that Jane Velez-Mitchell is; as of the date I am writing this review, they are trying to find a new jury who can follow-up on the penalty phase which was not concluded at the end of the trial last year. So, possible juror after juror has been excused over the past few days. How much longer can taxpayers continue this Jodi Show? As of the writing of my review, $2.5 million spent just on Jodi's defense. Has Jane Velez-Mitchell contributed to the education of the jury public regarding this case?
I wish I could share the lessons I took away from this unhealthy relationship between Jodi and Travis Alexander with young couples who are currently dating.
I also wish someone like Dr. Drew or Dr. Phil would explain in plain language how a person who is dating can weed out people like Jodi who has an obvious mental health problem or two. I agree she is so lacking of human value that she uses her sexuality with men, but I also think she has very serious mental health issues.
I will be waiting anxiously to see whether or not Jodi is going to get the death penalty. I feel that the Alexander siblings have been slowly re-victimized by this trial dragging out so long. The longer I live, the more I feel as though victims continue being victims way beyond the end of their life.
I was a little surprised this book came out as early as it did by the publisher. Being the HLN show host that Jane Velez-Mitchell is; as of the date I am writing this review, they are trying to find a new jury who can follow-up on the penalty phase which was not concluded at the end of the trial last year. So, possible juror after juror has been excused over the past few days. How much longer can taxpayers continue this Jodi Show? As of the writing of my review, $2.5 million spent just on Jodi's defense. Has Jane Velez-Mitchell contributed to the education of the jury public regarding this case?
I wish I could share the lessons I took away from this unhealthy relationship between Jodi and Travis Alexander with young couples who are currently dating.
I also wish someone like Dr. Drew or Dr. Phil would explain in plain language how a person who is dating can weed out people like Jodi who has an obvious mental health problem or two. I agree she is so lacking of human value that she uses her sexuality with men, but I also think she has very serious mental health issues.
I will be waiting anxiously to see whether or not Jodi is going to get the death penalty. I feel that the Alexander siblings have been slowly re-victimized by this trial dragging out so long. The longer I live, the more I feel as though victims continue being victims way beyond the end of their life.
March 6, 2018
An unbelievable story of jealousy and cruelty.
April 6, 2025
I've been laid up with an injury this weekend, needing of a quick, mindless, filthy, juicy read. This piece of hot trash particularly filled the description.
I guess you could say the case of Jodi Arias intrigued me, mostly because I wondered how such a horrific murder could have been carried out by someone so adorable.
Velez Mitchell's narrative guided me through the basic facts of the case and the trial. The facts/research are extremely basic. Her conclusion chapter draws largely from an interview she did with Dr. Drew. Neither of them had any contact with Jodi Arias. Throughout the account, her righteous indignation with Arias practically pops from the pages. At times, her tone grew overbearingly sanctimonious. I felt like I was being lectured that it's not okay to stab somebody.
To its credit, the classic true crime structure of Exposed is flawless. Starting with the grisly discovery of the body, weaving seamlessly back and forth through time, this awful book was deliberately edited to build into an epic sexplosion of the salacious events of the murder. It was a truly luxurious afternoon I spent in front of the fireplace, soaking my wounds with scandal.
I guess you could say the case of Jodi Arias intrigued me, mostly because I wondered how such a horrific murder could have been carried out by someone so adorable.
Velez Mitchell's narrative guided me through the basic facts of the case and the trial. The facts/research are extremely basic. Her conclusion chapter draws largely from an interview she did with Dr. Drew. Neither of them had any contact with Jodi Arias. Throughout the account, her righteous indignation with Arias practically pops from the pages. At times, her tone grew overbearingly sanctimonious. I felt like I was being lectured that it's not okay to stab somebody.
To its credit, the classic true crime structure of Exposed is flawless. Starting with the grisly discovery of the body, weaving seamlessly back and forth through time, this awful book was deliberately edited to build into an epic sexplosion of the salacious events of the murder. It was a truly luxurious afternoon I spent in front of the fireplace, soaking my wounds with scandal.
May 11, 2016
What can be said about Jodi Arias that has not been said before? That she is nuts? She is a very dangerous individual. I had heard and even followed this case somewhat when it went to trial but did not know the extent of the crime and Travis relationship with Jodi in full detail until I read this book. This was an astonishing book as far as the facts on the case. I can definitely understand the fascination people have with this case. I viewed interviews that Jodi gave after the case and got the chills when looking at her glassy eyes and her glances to reporters. She just gives me the creeps. I have no doubt this woman was a ticking time bomb and that she was a scary individual who was not only deceitful but very deranged in her views on her and Travis relationship.
Setting aside my personal beliefs on this murderer this was a very good read. I think true crime readers will find the read interesting and very informative on the case. I honestly get bored during the trial phase of most true crime books I have read in the past but this one kept my attention up until the very last page.
Setting aside my personal beliefs on this murderer this was a very good read. I think true crime readers will find the read interesting and very informative on the case. I honestly get bored during the trial phase of most true crime books I have read in the past but this one kept my attention up until the very last page.
September 30, 2013
There was a lot of backlash when this book was released because it seemed rushed and a way for HLN to keep capitalizing on the upped ratings they received from this case. Plus another book about Jodi Arias, Travis Alexander and the case that had been in the works for years was being released in September.
Despite this I purchased this book because I've become engrossed, if not obsessed, with this trial. Despite a few glaring mistakes, I felt it was a good book and an easy to the point read to someone who may not know everything about the case. Did she reveal Jodi's so-called "secret life", um, no. There is no secrets when it comes to Jodi Arias which Jodi herself makes sure with her media pandering. Still, I did learn a few things here and there and Jane did talk about Travis's first girlfriend whom I didn't know about.
If you are as deep into this case as I am, you will know most of what is written still it is interesting and flows easily. If you know someone who doesn't know much about this case you could suggest they read this to get them caught up.
Despite this I purchased this book because I've become engrossed, if not obsessed, with this trial. Despite a few glaring mistakes, I felt it was a good book and an easy to the point read to someone who may not know everything about the case. Did she reveal Jodi's so-called "secret life", um, no. There is no secrets when it comes to Jodi Arias which Jodi herself makes sure with her media pandering. Still, I did learn a few things here and there and Jane did talk about Travis's first girlfriend whom I didn't know about.
If you are as deep into this case as I am, you will know most of what is written still it is interesting and flows easily. If you know someone who doesn't know much about this case you could suggest they read this to get them caught up.
December 7, 2013
I think it is more the 'secret sex life of the Mormons'. The author, who is by the way a TV journalist, was more concerned to put herself on the back cover. To show that she was right in the middle of it. But by me, the book is shallow written and researched. A confused and social awkward young women, gets even more confused and mental unstable after starting a relationship with a young man, what let ultimately to his death. Jane Velez-Mitchell added far too many irrelevant factors, and extended it too much. That Travis pushed her into Mormonism may have added to everything. He knew that she was bad for him, but like in all toxic relationships, he couldnt say no. For me, this true crime novel is not well researched, to much dragged out and has no closure.
October 5, 2013
Even though I watched the trial on HLN every day, I figured I would read this book hoping that I would find out something that I didn't already know. I did find out a few new things.
I enjoy Jane Velez-Mitchell's writing, she kept the flow going. She put the story of this tragedy in perspective...from Jodi's early life, to Travis's early life, their relationship and ultimately to his tragic murder and the court case that found her guilty. I enjoyed this book a lot.
I enjoy Jane Velez-Mitchell's writing, she kept the flow going. She put the story of this tragedy in perspective...from Jodi's early life, to Travis's early life, their relationship and ultimately to his tragic murder and the court case that found her guilty. I enjoyed this book a lot.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 283 reviews