The Truth in True Crime: What Investigating Death Teaches Us About the Meaning of Life

by J. Warner Wallace

For decades, cold-case homicide detective J. Warner Wallace investigated the causes behind deaths and murders, chasing one lead after another for months as he attempted to solve the case. Several of these cases remain open, unsolved mysteries. Years later, Wallace investigated the most notable death in human history--the death of Jesus Christ--and it transformed him from an atheist into a follower of Jesus. Investigating death, surprisingly, taught him a great deal about life and the nature of people. In The Truth in True Crime , Wallace explores the clues lying behind our human nature as he uncovers fifteen life-truths gleaned from both contemporary murder investigations and ancient Biblical wisdom. Every chapter introduces you to an investigation of a death as Wallace and his partner Rick chase down leads and along the way learn guiding principles to help us to thrive and flourish as human beings created in the image of God. These fifteen attributes of human beings have been confirmed by modern sociological studies, but were first described on the pages of Scripture. Even if you don't believe in God, these are valuable insights into our human condition, helping you better understand your own identity and the identity of your Creator.

Genres: True Crime, Christian, Nonfiction, Crime, Christianity, Theology, Christian Living

282 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 1, 2024

About the author

J. Warner Wallace is a Dateline featured cold-case homicide detective, popular national speaker and best-selling author. He continues to consult on cold-case investigations while serving as a Senior Fellow at the Colson Center for Christian Worldview. He is also an adjunct professor of apologetics at Talbot School of Theology (Biola University) and Southern Evangelical Seminary, and a faculty member at Summit Ministries. J. Warner became a Christ-follower at the age of thirty-five after investigating the claims of the New Testament gospels using his skill set as a detective. He eventually earned a Master’s Degree in Theological Studies from Gateway Seminary.

J. Warner has appeared on television and radio, explaining the role that evidence plays in the Christian definition of “faith” and defending the historicity of Jesus, the reliability of the Bible and the truth of the Christian worldview. Jim also speaks at churches, retreats and camps as he seeks to help people become confident Christian case makers. J. Warner’s book, Cold-Case Christianity, provides readers with ten principles of cold case investigations and utilizes these principles to examine the reliability of the gospel eyewitness accounts. In God’s Crime Scene, he investigates eight pieces of evidence in the universe to make the case for God’s existence. In Forensic Faith, J. Warner makes the case for a more reasonable, evidential Christian faith.

J. Warner’s professional investigative work has received national recognition; his cases have been featured more than any other detective on NBC’s Dateline, and his work has also appeared on CourtTV and Fox News. He also appears on television as an investigative consultant (most recently on truTV) and had a role in God’s Not Dead 2, making the case for the historicity of Jesus. J. Warner was awarded the Police and Fire Medal of Valor “Sustained Superiority” Award for his continuing work on cold-case homicides, and the CopsWest Award after solving a 1979 murder. Relying on over two decades of investigative experience, J. Warner provides his readers and audiences with the tools they will need to investigate the claims of Christianity and make a convincing case for the truth of the Christian worldview.

Reviews

[Tristany Corgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you enjoy true crime and psychology research, you’ll love The Truth in True Crime! This book is a very unique apologetics book. Wallace reflects on his many years of experience as a homicide detective and shares the life lessons he learned along the way - lessons that not only align with modern research but are also rooted in biblical truth. The Bible really does teach us how to live a flourishing life on this earth, and Wallace shares this in a way that is very easy to read and comprehend. As a true crime fan myself, I loved hearing about his different cases. The research he presented is very compelling, and I liked the different illustrations that fill the pages of this book (which I believe he drew himself). This is definitely a book I would recommend, and I would love to read more of Wallace’s work!

[Becky B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Former cold case homicide investigator J. Warner Wallace shares some of the things he learned about human life and how to live well from the many cases he worked. For each truth of the 14 truths, he shares an example case from ones he worked that dramatically reveals this truth, he shares research that backs up his observations, and he shares how the truth relates to the wisdom shared by God to humans through the Bible.

This book is one part true crime, one part anthropology, and one part Christian apologetics. For part of his career, Wallace was not a Christian but he noticed these truths becoming clear and he shares how when he became a Christian and learned the better plan Jesus has for humanity, it made so much sense. Wallace's writing is well put together, the stories make it come to life and illustrate the points in memorable ways, he incorporates a lot of research from a variety of sources, and the biblical points he makes are very sound. This was not exactly the book I thought it was going to be, but I really liked it. I found the points that Wallace made poignant and thought-provoking. The cases he shared were interesting, and I appreciated the obvious amount of research that went into each chapter. Definitely recommended to true crime fans, human nature fans, and those interested in Christian apologetics from a unique perspective.

Notes on content:
Language: None
Sexual content: Wallace talks about this being one of the key motivators for murder and does bring up a case where a relationship between a guy and girl went bad, but no details about their sexual encounters.
Violence: Obviously there are 14 murders mentioned, there's also a suicide of an incarcerated convict and some murders of convicts after behind bars, but Wallace keeps the gritty details to a minimum especially for a true crime book. He mentions methods of killing, but gore descriptions are kept to the minimal details needed to understand the crime. Gang violence is involved in a couple of the cases.
Ethnic diversity: Cases involve whites, Blacks, and Hispanics. Korean gangs are mentioned in one case but we don't meet any of them.
LGBTQ+ content: None specified
Other: Obviously, the cases are examining human nature and how selfishness, greed, and other things can lead people to murder.

[Crystal · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was very well-written and full of wonderful, sound, godly advice from, by all appearances, a wonderful man. I truly hope it brings many to faith.

So why only two stars? Well, I bought this book thinking it would have, you know, true crime in it. Instead, it was more like a baccalaureate sermon with a few true crime anecdotes thrown in (and since Wallace didn't use real names, I couldn't even go look up the cases he worked on, either, for more information).

I love the justice and humanity in true crime, but it can be so dark and vile as a genre (some authors seem to love graphic descriptions for their own sake, for instance, and seemingly do not respect the sanctity of life). So when I saw this book, I thought, "Perfect -- I will get true crime from a Christian perspective." But it wasn't true crime at all. It was a philosophy book instead.

Good book that would be perfect for graduates/young people, but felt a bit like false advertising.

[Debbie Wentworth Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was surprised how much I enjoyed this book, given that the audience is younger people. I would like my high-school and college-age grandchildren to read it, though it held some guidance for me also. Using his cases, he leads the reader into principles for making wise decisions for life.

J. Warner Wallace, a former cold-case detective, starts each chapter with a case from his past. He uses quotations, research, and the Bible to reinforce that principle. One principle has to do with choosing good friends, another with when we make mistakes. He teaches 15 principles in this manner. He includes an application of the principle near the end of each chapter.

Highly recommended.

[Jimmy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fascinating book. The subtitle tells us what it is about: “What Investigating Death Teaches Us About the Meaning of Life.” This is an stimulating book that explores human nature especially the dark side of our sinfulness. There is an interest with true crimes stories these days whether as podcasts or books and here we see this from a Christian perspective for the purpose of life’s lessons.
The author has 15 chapters and each is a lesson drawn from his career as a law-enforcement officer and cold Case Detective. The book is fascinating to me in two ways. First it is interesting because of the personal stories that the author shares. They are riveting accounts from his days as a cold Case Detective and law-enforcement officer. Secondly the book is interesting because of the amount of research that the author poured into looking at social science statistical data and findings. The amount of footnotes that went into this work is amazing. It makes all his case compelling what it is that Jim is trying to establish. In terms of some of the personal stories that really was moving it includes the story of the gang member that did not have a father in his life and how Jim Warner Wallace used to be a gang detail officer trying to encourage and influence this young man to walk in the right path. There’s also the stories of murderers from all walks of life. There’s murderers with all sorts of motivations that drove them to the crime. Yet in the midst of all this there’s also stories of redemptions, stories of victims who do not remain victims. This book is not all rosy since it presented the real side of evil of human depravity and of course the need for God is judge. Yet this book is balanced by the truth and also there’s a need for humanity to turn to a Savior.
This book is evangelistic and has apologetics dimensions to it. I also read this book and hear the voice of a father and grandfather. I recommend this book.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t know what I was expecting, but this book was so different from anything I’ve ever read. Wallace goes through 15 crimes and looks at what they tell us about human nature and flourishing. He cites studies that back his claims. And then he shows how Scripture has always told us these truths. Super interesting and Gospel-focused. I loved it and it’s one I’ll want to reread.

[Rachel Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read Cold Case Christianity and really enjoyed it. When I saw this was out, I quickly listened to the audiobook. Excellent story telling, loved how he showed the ancient biblical wisdom being reflected in modern studies. Excellent book.

[Emily Walton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting and thought provoking.

[Paul Pompa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wallace is a Christian apologist for the average Christian. That is not a knock in any way. It's actually a complement. His vocabulary and writing style are easy to digest. Although I've ready man books over the last decade, I always come away from his books learning many new things. His background as a police officer and investigator are always a critical part of his books. The Truth in True Crime is no exception. While I'll be very quick to admit my Christian presuppositions, one would be hard pressed to not make similar conclusions as Wallace about the nature of man, the main problem and the main solution.

[Amanda B. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Advice, when paired with
Murder cases is hands down
Way more fun to read.

(3.5 stars)

[Larry White · Rating 4 out of 5]

Humanity and Christianity from a Unique Perspective

J. Warner Wallace is widely known in Christian apologetics for using his investigative skills as an accomplished cold-case detective for the Los Angeles Police Department to make a compelling case for the truth of Christianity. That endeavor famously turned him from atheism to full faith and evangelism for the truth he found in Christianity.
Now, in “The Truth in True Crime,” Wallace uses his crime-solving experiences in conjunction with his faith to reveal a number of important truths about human nature. No longer making an apologetic argument for the faith he found, but rather using the truths he found in faith along with his unique perspectives in law enforcement to observe important truths about humanity. It’s different from what you’ll find elsewhere in Wallace’s previous excellent books because in “The Truth in True Crime” he no longer is making an apologetic for the faith he takes as given and reliable and helpful. It’s about human nature in light of faith and not a defense of faith itself. I found that to be an interesting and welcomed new contribution from an admired Christian writer.

[Jerry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. Jim Wallace has a masterful way of storytelling. In this book, you will hear stories from his past as a Cold Case detective and truths from the Bible. He weaves these stories together in a way that ingrains each story in your mind. For instance, take the last chapter with Sandra. He doesn't just mention that she was depressed but describes her before and after effects so well that you can see in your mind's eye the reclaimed glow in her eyes.
He takes stories from his past and uses themes from them to help explain human behavior and God's plan of salvation. Again, with Sandra, he explains that she was depressed and feeling hopeless but that starting with her talk with Jim, she eventually found some hope again, which further led her (and her niece) to find God.
This book is perfect for any Christian who knows a non-believer on the fence—someone who doesn't believe but is open to learning. This goes for every book Dr. Wallace has written thus far.

[David · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is different from Wallace's other books. This is less of an apologetics book defending the truths of Christianity. Instead, Wallace uses true crime scenarios to teach truths about life. These are lessons about the deeper questions of life, questions about fame, relationships, marriage and money; questions of identity, suffering, sin, forgiveness and death.

These questions are age-old, but seeing them through the lens of true crime stories brought to focus that these questions are universal, no matter the age, society or walk of life.

Two chapters in particular stood out to me. The first is Lead #12 "A Good Guilt Trip" about the difference between shame and guilt and how each plays a role in our lives. The second is Lead #5 "Santa Claus and Misplaced Devotion" about our motives for sins and our design for worship of God.

[Kathy MacDonald · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to this as an audio book so I can’t say I devoured every word but I tuned in more carefully to the parts that really caught my attention. It is a story of true life murders (mostly revived cold cases) and the conclusions about human nature drawn by the atheist turned Christian author. I actually got more and more engaged as I went further and further into the book. This is not a light, heartwarming listen or read but it is also not a descriptive detail of any details of a murder scene. It is an in depth analysis of people in general and murderers specifically and what drives them to commit murder. I love the dots he has connected between the ancient truths of the Bible and the conclusions being drawn by renowned psychologists and psychologists of today.

[Elizabeth Salvatore · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't say enough good things about this book

I highly recommend The Truth In True Crime. Each chapter is engrossing, captures your attention and are written in a very unique format. Each chapter details a case and how it relates to what Wallace is trying to show us how to find meaning, even in terrible circumstances. Based on biblical principles, without preaching.
Not just detailing 15 instances in 15 chapters, but biblically how to relate and address each subject. Tons and tons of notes, references to studies that are relevant to each subject.
Done in very interesting presentations that keep you glued to the end of each chapter.
Highly, highly recommend Truth In True Crime. There is also a workbook and accompanying videos to really express the points brought up in each chapter.

[bookwyrmemma · Rating 4 out of 5]

J. Warner Wallace has a fantastic storytelling style, and I always enjoy how he presents his thoughts in a way that is both engaging and thought-provoking. His use of fun illustrations and real-life cases makes complex psychological and investigative concepts feel accessible and fascinating. As a fan of true crime, I found this book particularly compelling. The combination of criminal case studies and psychological research makes for a unique and insightful read. Wallace does not shy away from the realities of human depravity, presenting the dark side of human nature with honesty and clarity. However, the book is also balanced with truth and hope, emphasizing the need for justice, morality, and ultimately, a Savior.

Rated: 4.0/5.0

[A H · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book feels like an uncle, father, or grandfather giving life advice while telling old police stories. It does lean a little more towards lectures than stories, but I didn’t mind.

You can tell the author has a love for statistics and data, but he always backs up his advice with an interesting story that adds humanity, as well as, most importantly, Scripture. I preferred this method a lot more than reading a straight advice book.

Some of his points seemed forced, but that is ok. (Here is a story about a woman who got desperate for love and married a terrible man before she was a Christian, resulting in a tragic ending. By the way…statistics say you should get married young!Probably true, but I lost the connection to the story!) However, most of the stories and advice make a lot of sense.

I had the pleasure of listening to the first half this audiobook on a car trip with my fiancée. I highly recommend listening with someone like this. We had a lot of fun occasionally pausing and discussing. It led to some very good conversations:)

[Ashley Darlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

-This is one of the best books I’ve EVER read.
-I was sad when it ended, could’ve read so much more.
- I will definitely read it again!!

I love the structure of each chapter, opening with a true crime story, bringing in research and Biblical truths, and wrapping it up on how it applies to us.

I personally do not like true crime, I have experienced it with people in my life- and I didn’t think I’d like this book. I was wrong.

A HUGE chunk of the physical book is references and credits to his research and quotes - the proof. A detective wrote this for sure!

Lastly, I enjoyed the quote and research from Christians and secular resources. My ONLY complaint was his reference to humans as a “species”.

Also- the audiobook is VERY good!

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well-researched and fascinating read in which Wallace presents his findings on life and human nature from his career as a homicide detective. His background as both a cold-case detective and Christian apologist provides a very unique lens. The combined use of scientific research, biblical scripture, and personal anecdotes make this book quite enjoyable to read (for true crime fans!) and a practical resource for navigating life. The book of course reflects Wallace’s personal opinions, some of which I do not completely agree with, but overall a wonderful book by an inspirational author.

[Brian Frank · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great book by J. Warner Wallace. He uses his years of experience in law enforcement (police office, work with gangs, SWAT, and as a detective) to give insight to what motivates criminals and victims to do what they do. He supports these insights with scientific research and biblical truth. The Truth in True Crime shows who we are as humans and why.

[Dennis Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of J. Warner Wallace’s best

I was surprised how the truth in true crime exposes the reality of human psychology and behavior. I read, not expecting to find the average ordinary person described. It was chilling enlightening and hopeful because humanity was exposed but Wallace also reveals the solution we can find in Jesus and Christian faith.

[Rachel Grepke · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is not your typical read. It takes true crime accounts and matches them with Biblical truth. Which, is quite fascinating. His writing is easy to follow and I live that these were all investigations he did himself. The reason I gave it only three stars is because some of the stories felt a bit more lax than others. Yet, he is right on when it comes to the Bible and how it applies.

[Jonathan Z. · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent look at life through the lens of a Christian detective. Wallace uses his experiences investigating crimes to detail what crime happened, why it happened, a "debrief" to determine what should have happened, and what the Bible says about human nature.

Very well written and very well-reasoned.

[Deborah Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't give a lot of books five stars, but this one deserves six. I heard the author speak at a conference last year, and later realized his topic, how the characteristic of humility contributes to human flourishing, came from this book. He discusses fourteen other such characteristics as well. This is a book every teen, young adult, and parent should read.

[Adam D · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful read.
Jam- packed with great quotes and diagrams.
Excellent research only possible through the work of a detective. Very insightful snd inspirational.
One of the best books I’ve read in years.

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book lives up to its subtitle, “What Investigating Death Teaches Us About The Meaning of Life.” It is practical and has really cool graphic illustrations of concepts. I was hoping for more detail on the crimes and how they were solved.

[Jenna Townson · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you love true crime and theology this is the perfect book for you. Wallace’s storytelling is gripping and wonderfully dispersed throughout the biblical observations. He gives great thought provoking ideas of the Bible’s relation to true crime.

[Emma Filbrun · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book very readable and encouraging. The chapters that stood out the most to me were the ones about marriage and about work, but the entire book is very good. I am encouraging every Christian to read this book!

[Amanda Buhler · Rating 4 out of 5]

J. Warner Wallace writes books which challenge you to think from different perspectives. In this book he does the same, while hilighting important truths found in Christianity. I enjoyed the book, but not quite to the level as his other books.

[Eric · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think I understand what Wallace was getting at, from his subtitle, but I believe I shall have to listen again to fully appreciate his relating his cold case work to his Christian belief. And it probably ought to be fairly soon, I think.