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In Light of All Darkness: Inside the Polly Klaas Kidnapping and the Search for America's Child
Paced like a thriller and full of insider information on the history and science of Crime Scene Investigation , In Light of All Darkness embeds readers in one of the most famous true-crime stories of our generation—the kidnapping of Polly Klaas—a case as pivotal in the history of the FBI as the Unabomber or Oklahoma City bombing.
On October 1, 1993, a 12-year-old girl was kidnapped at knifepoint from her bedroom in Petaluma, California, during a sleepover with two friends, while her mother slept soundly in the room next door. This rarest of all kidnappings—a stranger abduction from the home—triggered one of the largest manhunts in FBI history. Riddled with red herrings, grave mistakes, dead ends, and false leads, from fake ransom calls to junior high pranks to dramatic SWAT raids, the 65-day search for “America’s Child” became every FBI agent’s—and every parent’s—worst nightmare.
Many Americans remember Polly's face, which appeared on the national news every night, on the cover of People magazine, and on more than 8 million flyers distributed as far as China. The emotional gravity of Polly’s story touched every agent, police officer, and forensic technician who worked on her case. Many of these investigators have never shared their stories—until now.
New York Times bestselling author Kim Cross has written the first comprehensive account of what happened on that fateful night in October, as well as how the case forever transformed the Bureau’s approach to solving crimes. With unprecedented access to files, crime scene photos, a videotaped murder confession, and inside sources, In Light of All Darkness follows the investigators who pieced together the evidence that led to the arrest and conviction of the kidnapper—a man currently on death row—and made the victim a household name and a girl who will never be forgotten. The book will be published on the 30th anniversary of Polly's disappearance.
On October 1, 1993, a 12-year-old girl was kidnapped at knifepoint from her bedroom in Petaluma, California, during a sleepover with two friends, while her mother slept soundly in the room next door. This rarest of all kidnappings—a stranger abduction from the home—triggered one of the largest manhunts in FBI history. Riddled with red herrings, grave mistakes, dead ends, and false leads, from fake ransom calls to junior high pranks to dramatic SWAT raids, the 65-day search for “America’s Child” became every FBI agent’s—and every parent’s—worst nightmare.
Many Americans remember Polly's face, which appeared on the national news every night, on the cover of People magazine, and on more than 8 million flyers distributed as far as China. The emotional gravity of Polly’s story touched every agent, police officer, and forensic technician who worked on her case. Many of these investigators have never shared their stories—until now.
New York Times bestselling author Kim Cross has written the first comprehensive account of what happened on that fateful night in October, as well as how the case forever transformed the Bureau’s approach to solving crimes. With unprecedented access to files, crime scene photos, a videotaped murder confession, and inside sources, In Light of All Darkness follows the investigators who pieced together the evidence that led to the arrest and conviction of the kidnapper—a man currently on death row—and made the victim a household name and a girl who will never be forgotten. The book will be published on the 30th anniversary of Polly's disappearance.
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First published October 3, 2023
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About the author
Kim Cross
4 books116 followersKim Cross is a New York Times best-selling author and journalist known for meticulously reported narrative nonfiction. A full-time freelance writer, she has bylines in the New York Times, Nieman Storyboard, Outside, Bicycling, Garden & Gun, CNN.com, ESPN.com, and USA Today. Her work has been recognized in “Best of” lists by the the New York Times, the Columbia Journalism Review, The Sunday Longread, Longform, Apple News Audio, and Best American Sports Writing. She teaches Feature Writing for Harvard Extension School and lives in Idaho.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 415 reviews
September 4, 2023
This was one of the most well-researched true crime books I’ve read in a long time. As opposed to many others, which center around the perpetrator or the victim, Cross shines a light on the investigation itself and highlights the techniques, protocols, and people who shaped it and ultimately changed some of the ways law enforcement works child abduction cases.
1993 was a year when technological advances were making their way into more mainstreamed uses and the agents and officers in Polly Klaas’ case created precedence when using some techniques. The cooperation between local law enforcement and FBI was also shown, something that does not always happen well, but here had a collaborative relationship that proved successful. It also dives into the shortcomings of the investigation, particularly how the child witnesses were handled, and I appreciated her showing all sides of the case.
This is still a challenging read, as the kidnap and murder of a child is a difficult subject, no matter what the author chooses to focus on. But I found the insight into the case procedures informative and interesting.
I received an advanced copy through Netgalley in return for an honest review.
1993 was a year when technological advances were making their way into more mainstreamed uses and the agents and officers in Polly Klaas’ case created precedence when using some techniques. The cooperation between local law enforcement and FBI was also shown, something that does not always happen well, but here had a collaborative relationship that proved successful. It also dives into the shortcomings of the investigation, particularly how the child witnesses were handled, and I appreciated her showing all sides of the case.
This is still a challenging read, as the kidnap and murder of a child is a difficult subject, no matter what the author chooses to focus on. But I found the insight into the case procedures informative and interesting.
I received an advanced copy through Netgalley in return for an honest review.
August 22, 2025
I listened to In Light of All Darkness: Inside the Polly Klaas Kidnapping and the Search for America's Child on audiobook. It is thoroughly researched and investigated by author, Kim Cross.
On October 1, 1993, twelve-year-old Polly Klaas was kidnapped from her home in Petaluma, California while two of her friends were at her house for a sleepover. These two young girls were witnesses to the abduction and were continually interviewed by local police and the FBI. They were also polygraphed.
The manhunt was extensive, and this well-known case significantly changed many of the FBI's processes and systems, particularly with large amounts of data and tips. Over 8 million fliers trying to locate Polly Klaas were posted electronically and physically. Her disappearance was highlighted on John Walsh's America's Most Wanted.
This book covers the apprehension of the abductor and the trial.
Very detailed and insightful book with tragic content.
On October 1, 1993, twelve-year-old Polly Klaas was kidnapped from her home in Petaluma, California while two of her friends were at her house for a sleepover. These two young girls were witnesses to the abduction and were continually interviewed by local police and the FBI. They were also polygraphed.
The manhunt was extensive, and this well-known case significantly changed many of the FBI's processes and systems, particularly with large amounts of data and tips. Over 8 million fliers trying to locate Polly Klaas were posted electronically and physically. Her disappearance was highlighted on John Walsh's America's Most Wanted.
This book covers the apprehension of the abductor and the trial.
Very detailed and insightful book with tragic content.
March 20, 2024
4.0 Stars
As someone fascinated by kidnapping stories, I was immediately drawn into this horrifying true fiction tale. I wasn't previously familiar with the case so I spent the entire book nervously wondering about the conclusion. As a parent, it's a nerve-wracking story. It was hard to read about the treatment of the young witnesses.
As someone fascinated by kidnapping stories, I was immediately drawn into this horrifying true fiction tale. I wasn't previously familiar with the case so I spent the entire book nervously wondering about the conclusion. As a parent, it's a nerve-wracking story. It was hard to read about the treatment of the young witnesses.
September 18, 2023
Kim Cross you are a great author. This book is one you don't want to put down. I remember the kidnapping of Polly Klaas. On an October night in 1994, 12 yr. old girl in California , who was having a sleepover with her 2 friends at her house and was kidnapped at knifepoint by an intruder. She captured the attention of the community and the nation. For 65 days, the FBI lead one of the largest manhunts in history. They followed false reports leading to dead ends. All of it, a parents worst nightmare. In this book, Kim Cross covers the comprehensive account of what happened that night. You'll read about how the detectives, agents, forensic technicians, and the bureau handled the case. Also, it's so interesting to read about all the changes that were made in investigations because of this specific case. I found this book to be very gripping and tense. Cross really had a way to pull you into this one, and people who like True Crime should check this out! Highly recommend.
July 31, 2023
This is the true crime story of the kidnapping and murder of twelve year old Polly Klass in Petaluma, CA. A stranger broke into Polly’s house while she was having two friends visit on a sleepover and took her at knifepoint. This book is being published as we approach the thirtieth anniversary of the disappearance of the girl who became known as “America’s Child” during the 65 day search for her.
This read like a thriller, albeit one with a lot of information on the background of agents, technicians, and techniques used both in this case and in other infamous and not so famous cases. Despite a lot of material, the narrative flowed, making this a fast, engrossing, and heartbreaking read. Cross treated all of those involved with respect and empathy; emphasis here was on the victim(s) and the investigators rather than the perpetrator. As the daughter-in-law of Case Agent Eddie Freyer, Cross had unique access to personnel, interviews, transcripts, and other documents that allowed for impeccable research.
This was a significant case influencing the future of investigations into childhood abductions, using and refining new technology, as well as learning from things that worked and things that could be improved upon. The Polly Klass case is still taught in classes around the world and lessons learned have helped in finding many missing children. It has also helped strengthen the methods used in other criminal investigations. Technology that we take for granted today, such as digitally transmitting a missing person flyer far and wide was first used to try to find Polly. Another contribution from this tragedy was the founding of the Polly Klass Foundation and the KlassKids Foundation, still in existence today and helping in finding missing children and preventing crimes against children.
For those who enjoy true crime books, this is an excellent read.
Thanks to #Netgalley and @grandcentralpub for the ARC
This read like a thriller, albeit one with a lot of information on the background of agents, technicians, and techniques used both in this case and in other infamous and not so famous cases. Despite a lot of material, the narrative flowed, making this a fast, engrossing, and heartbreaking read. Cross treated all of those involved with respect and empathy; emphasis here was on the victim(s) and the investigators rather than the perpetrator. As the daughter-in-law of Case Agent Eddie Freyer, Cross had unique access to personnel, interviews, transcripts, and other documents that allowed for impeccable research.
This was a significant case influencing the future of investigations into childhood abductions, using and refining new technology, as well as learning from things that worked and things that could be improved upon. The Polly Klass case is still taught in classes around the world and lessons learned have helped in finding many missing children. It has also helped strengthen the methods used in other criminal investigations. Technology that we take for granted today, such as digitally transmitting a missing person flyer far and wide was first used to try to find Polly. Another contribution from this tragedy was the founding of the Polly Klass Foundation and the KlassKids Foundation, still in existence today and helping in finding missing children and preventing crimes against children.
For those who enjoy true crime books, this is an excellent read.
Thanks to #Netgalley and @grandcentralpub for the ARC
May 21, 2024
The author’s stated goal was to set out to research and write the authoritative account of the landmark Polly Klaas case in part due to its importance in the history and continuing evolution of how societal sectors (including the media) and systems (including law enforcement and the legal and criminal justice systems) respond to child abduction cases. You’ll learn all about all of this if you read this book; it’s interesting and the case was more widely impactful than I’d realized.
(And, the evolution continues to this day with Polly’s sisters’ activism around restorative justice and ways they believe some of the harsh legislation developed out of Polly’s case, such as strict mandatory sentencing or “three strikes” laws, is discriminatory and does not serve the safety and best interests of society and of victims.)
The author has achieved her goal with thoroughness, accuracy, and importantly, respect. This is not one of those true crime books that was written to shock, titillate, or scare, as horrendous as Polly’s case was. The author puts facts and the victim and her family and friends first and foremost; you also really get a rare sense of who Polly was as a child and a person.
(And, the evolution continues to this day with Polly’s sisters’ activism around restorative justice and ways they believe some of the harsh legislation developed out of Polly’s case, such as strict mandatory sentencing or “three strikes” laws, is discriminatory and does not serve the safety and best interests of society and of victims.)
The author has achieved her goal with thoroughness, accuracy, and importantly, respect. This is not one of those true crime books that was written to shock, titillate, or scare, as horrendous as Polly’s case was. The author puts facts and the victim and her family and friends first and foremost; you also really get a rare sense of who Polly was as a child and a person.
December 9, 2023
I enjoyed the retelling of the investigation, but the author went waaaaaaaaaayyyyy too deep into the backstory of every cop and FBI agent as well as the history of every forensic technique. Contrary to the synopsis, I do not believe this reads like a thriller. This reads like an author who feels so indebted to the officers that gave her information, that she felt obligated to go into great detail about how each of them got into law enforcement and each’s hobbies and interests. I’m here for the true crime, not backstory on the police force and forensics … nor to learn about Johnny Depp’s Wino Forever tattoo that has literally nothing to do with the investigation.
November 25, 2023
The story was of course interesting but it just felt really overly dramatic and detailed. And the epilogue explaining “missing white woman” bias or whatever that crap was, it was really dumb. I’m really over literally everything being about race. Stars come off from now on with that crap.
January 28, 2024
A very difficult book to read, because of the subject matter…
Hard to believe all this happened so long ago; I remember it like it was yesterday. I will hear the song “Somewhere Out There” in my head for a long time after finishing this.
Hard to believe all this happened so long ago; I remember it like it was yesterday. I will hear the song “Somewhere Out There” in my head for a long time after finishing this.
October 30, 2023
What a captivating read. This is true crime in its best form- one that in no way glorifies the monster behind the crime. This took a look at the investigative side of the Polly Klaas case, while also providing a great background for her life. This book was definitely a heavy and long read, but I couldn’t put it down. It was very factual, and very respectful. I would 100% recommend this read for fans of True Crime.
Thank you to the publisher for sending me a gifted finished copy.
Thank you to the publisher for sending me a gifted finished copy.
August 13, 2024
I knew this would be sad and depressing, since it is about a kidnapping which we all know did not have a happy ending. What I didn't expect was that it would be so dull. I think a good editor would have helped winnow out the excessive detail about the investigative staff, Johnny Depp's tattoo, Winona Ryder's career, etc.
November 7, 2023
Full review on my blog!
Thank you to the author Kim Cross, publishers Grand Central Publishing, and also to NetGalley for an advance digital copy of IN LIGHT OF ALL DARKNESS. All views are mine.
Three (or more) things I loved:
1. The richness of detail is spectacular. (Maybe too much at times?) No, no, it's good, it's good. Honestly, in the details, I can really notice the depth of Cross's research. She's able to provide multiple descriptions of things, perspectives, or theories, because she has so many resources from which to pull.
Three (or less) things I didn't love:
This section isn't only for criticisms. It's merely for items that I felt something for other than "love" or some interpretation thereof.
1. I grabbed this book at least partly because it sells itself as being "paced like a thriller!" Won't be the first true crime nonfiction that pulled me in with that, but plods along, plotless! True crime fascinates with other magic, it doesn't have to break necks-- or at least not with twists or high speeds!
2. There is so much information in this book! So much of it is unnecessary. For example, Cross goes on for pages about the history of America's Most Wanted and its host, John Walsch, whose information is interesting, but not relevant, since his son Adam was kidnapped and murdered in the 80's. They only connect to the case at hand in a superficial way. Cross does this a lot; that's a big part of the reason the book is over 400p long.
...
Rating: 🦴💀☠️.5 human bones
Recommend? Sure, for readers looking for true crime nonfiction with a lot of details
Finished: Oct 3 23
Format: Digital arc, NetGalley
Read this book if you like:
⚗️ forensics
🩸 murder stories
🔎 true crime
Thank you to the author Kim Cross, publishers Grand Central Publishing, and also to NetGalley for an advance digital copy of IN LIGHT OF ALL DARKNESS. All views are mine.
Three (or more) things I loved:
1. The richness of detail is spectacular. (Maybe too much at times?) No, no, it's good, it's good. Honestly, in the details, I can really notice the depth of Cross's research. She's able to provide multiple descriptions of things, perspectives, or theories, because she has so many resources from which to pull.
Three (or less) things I didn't love:
This section isn't only for criticisms. It's merely for items that I felt something for other than "love" or some interpretation thereof.
1. I grabbed this book at least partly because it sells itself as being "paced like a thriller!" Won't be the first true crime nonfiction that pulled me in with that, but plods along, plotless! True crime fascinates with other magic, it doesn't have to break necks-- or at least not with twists or high speeds!
2. There is so much information in this book! So much of it is unnecessary. For example, Cross goes on for pages about the history of America's Most Wanted and its host, John Walsch, whose information is interesting, but not relevant, since his son Adam was kidnapped and murdered in the 80's. They only connect to the case at hand in a superficial way. Cross does this a lot; that's a big part of the reason the book is over 400p long.
...
Rating: 🦴💀☠️.5 human bones
Recommend? Sure, for readers looking for true crime nonfiction with a lot of details
Finished: Oct 3 23
Format: Digital arc, NetGalley
Read this book if you like:
⚗️ forensics
🩸 murder stories
🔎 true crime
July 12, 2023
There are some true crime cases which leave a mark. I was only 11 when Polly Klaas was kidnapped, but I remember the national uproar it caused. I don't remember many of the details, but Kim Cross is rectifying that with her book In Light of All Darkness.
To make a long story short, the book is excellent. Specifically the first part of the book which chronicles the crime and immediate response is masterfully told. I felt myself reading furiously as if I was part of the story and anxious to get to the next part of the journey. It cannot be understated that bad true crime will make you feel like you are having facts thrown at you without real feeling while good true crime adds an air of urgency. Cross completely nails the urgency in the first part of the story.
The second part covers the investigation of the crime after the initial stages. I have to say that this part dragged for me a bit. After the adrenaline of the first part of the book, this felt a bit too slow. However, I can't say Cross should eliminate the section either. The successes, missteps, and technological advances are vital to the story. Cross is unfortunately a victim of her own success because it can't have the energy of the beginning of the book.
The final portion of the book is the catharsis. While most people remember how the story ends, Cross walks the reader through without losing sight of all the characters along the way. It is a fitting and emotional end. Cross wisely points out how the Klaas case got outsized media attention without going into a full dissertation on the injustice of these cases. I think tackling the subject matter is best off in another book. This one is excellent enough.
(This book was provided as an advance copy by Netgalley and Grand Central Publishing.)
To make a long story short, the book is excellent. Specifically the first part of the book which chronicles the crime and immediate response is masterfully told. I felt myself reading furiously as if I was part of the story and anxious to get to the next part of the journey. It cannot be understated that bad true crime will make you feel like you are having facts thrown at you without real feeling while good true crime adds an air of urgency. Cross completely nails the urgency in the first part of the story.
The second part covers the investigation of the crime after the initial stages. I have to say that this part dragged for me a bit. After the adrenaline of the first part of the book, this felt a bit too slow. However, I can't say Cross should eliminate the section either. The successes, missteps, and technological advances are vital to the story. Cross is unfortunately a victim of her own success because it can't have the energy of the beginning of the book.
The final portion of the book is the catharsis. While most people remember how the story ends, Cross walks the reader through without losing sight of all the characters along the way. It is a fitting and emotional end. Cross wisely points out how the Klaas case got outsized media attention without going into a full dissertation on the injustice of these cases. I think tackling the subject matter is best off in another book. This one is excellent enough.
(This book was provided as an advance copy by Netgalley and Grand Central Publishing.)
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November 18, 2023I am not going to rate this one. I am also not going to finish it.
The research done here is outstanding. The author took great care with the survivors, their families, and their wishes, which is wonderful. Everything is handled delicately without it feeling like trauma porn. As promised the book reads like a thriller and this is why I can’t read it. I can’t seem to be able to read real stories. At least with fiction I can tell myself it’s fiction. It’s me, not the book. True crime lovers don’t miss this one.
DNF at 6%
The research done here is outstanding. The author took great care with the survivors, their families, and their wishes, which is wonderful. Everything is handled delicately without it feeling like trauma porn. As promised the book reads like a thriller and this is why I can’t read it. I can’t seem to be able to read real stories. At least with fiction I can tell myself it’s fiction. It’s me, not the book. True crime lovers don’t miss this one.
DNF at 6%
January 9, 2024
“You can’t grow a new heart. But when you have a big piece torn away, you can either fill it with anger and rage, or you can fill it with love. I just have to try and choose love.”
- EVE NICHOL, POLLY’S MOTHER
Most people have heard of the Polly Klaas kidnapping and murder in 1993. I remember hearing a lot about it myself, from the media. I love the author's approach to this book. It is well researched and particularly thoughtful towards Polly and her family, friends and the community of Petaluma. It’s heartbreaking that this ever happened at all.
I know people are imperfect, but some aspects of the investigation made me mad. I think a lot was learned, and important changes implemented as a result of this case.
I’d highly recommend this book if you have an interest in how things work in the course of criminal investigations. It’s pretty brief in detail regarding the trial of the suspect, which worked well for me.
CW | Instances of strong profanity, mostly from the record of interviews with the suspect.
- EVE NICHOL, POLLY’S MOTHER
Most people have heard of the Polly Klaas kidnapping and murder in 1993. I remember hearing a lot about it myself, from the media. I love the author's approach to this book. It is well researched and particularly thoughtful towards Polly and her family, friends and the community of Petaluma. It’s heartbreaking that this ever happened at all.
I know people are imperfect, but some aspects of the investigation made me mad. I think a lot was learned, and important changes implemented as a result of this case.
I’d highly recommend this book if you have an interest in how things work in the course of criminal investigations. It’s pretty brief in detail regarding the trial of the suspect, which worked well for me.
CW | Instances of strong profanity, mostly from the record of interviews with the suspect.
November 30, 2024
I was surprised that I didn't know anything about this case before reading this book, because it's quite well known. It's the case that led to the "3 strikes you're out" law in the U.S. The book was really well written and researched. A proper voice actor was used, so the narration was perfect. For a chronological retelling of a true crime case, it read like a fast paced novel.
I appreciate the author's note that such attention to missing white kids is not mirrored when the child is a POC. All missing children deserve this level of attention and this amount of resources.
I appreciate the author's note that such attention to missing white kids is not mirrored when the child is a POC. All missing children deserve this level of attention and this amount of resources.
January 22, 2024
I’m not quite sure how to rate this book.
The amount of detail and research was impressive.
I don’t think I’ve ever felt this reading true crime before - but it was too much. Too many stories and antidotes about the beginning of the thing that would later become the thing that helped these people start to find the thing… it got confusing and made me want to put it aside and not pick it up for weeks at a time. A lot of detailed back stories of officers and people who looked for Polly.
Was it well written? Yes.
Researched? Yes.
Did I as a true crime aficionado enjoy reading this? Not really.
It’s a first for me. (Also I skimmed the last third of the book and don’t feel like I missed much).
The amount of detail and research was impressive.
I don’t think I’ve ever felt this reading true crime before - but it was too much. Too many stories and antidotes about the beginning of the thing that would later become the thing that helped these people start to find the thing… it got confusing and made me want to put it aside and not pick it up for weeks at a time. A lot of detailed back stories of officers and people who looked for Polly.
Was it well written? Yes.
Researched? Yes.
Did I as a true crime aficionado enjoy reading this? Not really.
It’s a first for me. (Also I skimmed the last third of the book and don’t feel like I missed much).
April 6, 2024
I think I would have liked it better if it had been half as long.
December 2, 2023
True crime isn’t a genre I’m familiar with, but I was drawn to this book after hearing two glowing podcast reviews. The hook, for me, was the promise of insights into an unfolding investigation.
This book focuses on the disappearance of a American 12 yo girl, Polly Klaas, in the early 1990s.
It is indeed an excellent forensic examination of an unfolding volunteer centre and the cooperation between local police and the FBI squad. These groups exceeded hundreds of staff. The experience and training of many of these participants are detailed in an interesting examination of how their skills were mastered. There is close focus on polygraphs , fingerprinting, interview techniques, profiling, etc, all very informative.
The author writes in a clear, sequential narrative with no leaning into heightened drama. She is respectful of the parents and family members. Cross compares techniques used then to ones which are employed today. At the end, she highlights a case (in the same district) which found the victim alive due to the protocols established in the Klaas case.
Kim Cross also illustrates statistics on the attention white middle class victims receive in relation to black victims. In one such case, also in Petaluma, it’s unsettling and sad to read that the name of the young black victim is misspelled on posters and communications.
This is of course a harrowing event, and hard to read in places (and I don’t think I’ll read true crime again), but I did find it compelling, enlightening and very thoroughly researched.
This book focuses on the disappearance of a American 12 yo girl, Polly Klaas, in the early 1990s.
It is indeed an excellent forensic examination of an unfolding volunteer centre and the cooperation between local police and the FBI squad. These groups exceeded hundreds of staff. The experience and training of many of these participants are detailed in an interesting examination of how their skills were mastered. There is close focus on polygraphs , fingerprinting, interview techniques, profiling, etc, all very informative.
The author writes in a clear, sequential narrative with no leaning into heightened drama. She is respectful of the parents and family members. Cross compares techniques used then to ones which are employed today. At the end, she highlights a case (in the same district) which found the victim alive due to the protocols established in the Klaas case.
Kim Cross also illustrates statistics on the attention white middle class victims receive in relation to black victims. In one such case, also in Petaluma, it’s unsettling and sad to read that the name of the young black victim is misspelled on posters and communications.
This is of course a harrowing event, and hard to read in places (and I don’t think I’ll read true crime again), but I did find it compelling, enlightening and very thoroughly researched.
January 14, 2024
This was not what I was expecting and, honestly, it’s better for it.
My exposure to true crime storytelling has primarily been through the explosion of documentary series. As such, I steeled myself for a likely sensationalized story with ethical concerns regarding a lack of sensitivity for the victims and their families.
I was pleasantly surprised to find this was not the case. In fact, Cross herself calls out the genre and speaks to her own hesitancy to take on this story despite her access.
Cross clearly took the time and care to be respectful of boundaries as well as feelings of participants, hold nuance, and write with integrity. Extensively and meticulously researched, this deep dive of the FBI’s investigative processes before and after Polly’s case was impressive and kept my interest.
While I won’t be racing to read more in this genre, this left me with the feeling that I learned something and with great respect for the author’s purposeful approach.
(Book club read)
My exposure to true crime storytelling has primarily been through the explosion of documentary series. As such, I steeled myself for a likely sensationalized story with ethical concerns regarding a lack of sensitivity for the victims and their families.
I was pleasantly surprised to find this was not the case. In fact, Cross herself calls out the genre and speaks to her own hesitancy to take on this story despite her access.
Cross clearly took the time and care to be respectful of boundaries as well as feelings of participants, hold nuance, and write with integrity. Extensively and meticulously researched, this deep dive of the FBI’s investigative processes before and after Polly’s case was impressive and kept my interest.
While I won’t be racing to read more in this genre, this left me with the feeling that I learned something and with great respect for the author’s purposeful approach.
(Book club read)
April 17, 2025
The deepest of dives - so thorough and well researched. A must-read for anyone who loves true crime and rabbit trails.
October 4, 2023
Polly’s tragedy is not Kim’s story to tell. She did not have blessing from Polly’s family or best friend. Kim reached out to me- Polly’s best friend- and said that she had a letter I wrote to Polly from the case file. She held it like a dangling carrot to entice me to participate in the book. She never sent this letter despite having my mailing address. What should be a time for family, friends, and community to memorialize our Polly has turned into a Kim Cross media blitz. Gross.
May 17, 2024
The book started off really interesting and ended the same. The middle however, at times, went on tangents. For example (not giving spoilers) the author would talk about the FBI being involved in the case of Polly Klaas and then go off on a tangent about things the FBI was doing during that time, like history or advancements. Which I didn’t really care for, I just wanted to read about the parts that were about Polly’s case. Overall, not bad for my first true crime read.
December 16, 2023
As a true crime novel reader, I have read dozens and dozens of true crime this was just so disappointing. I will review more later. Just disgusted and disappointed and don't want to think about this book and all those involved that just sought their "15 mins of fame" it read like an award ceremony for every kid on the team being given a ribbon. Seemed forced and disingenuous in all ways. Blah.
May 30, 2024
Fantastic and respectful book about the kidnapping and murder of Polly Klaas. While factual and thoroughly written, it really captured the heartache and devastation of what a crime like this has on everyone involved in finding answers.
The narrator was excellent, her voice really suits this genre.
The narrator was excellent, her voice really suits this genre.
October 15, 2023
Cross has written a fascinating, in-depth look at the massive effort put forth to solve the 1993 kidnapping and murder of twelve-year-old Polly Klaas and how this investigation impacted future missing persons cases.
The structure of this book is great - each chapter focuses on a different aspect of the investigation or on a specific team or person working on the search — The Case Agent, The Composite, The Lab, The Profiler, etc. — and provides a behind-the-scenes look at how these cases are solved.
Cross had unique access to primary source materials because she is the daughter-in-law of the FBI case agent in charge, Eddie Freyer. But despite this close tie, she doesn’t shy away from shining a light on the massive mistakes that were made during the investigation, especially the way Polly’s friends were treated.
Overall, this was a brilliant book about a truly terrible story.
* thank you to Grand Central Publishing for sending me a finished copy for review. In Light of All Darkness published October 3rd.
The structure of this book is great - each chapter focuses on a different aspect of the investigation or on a specific team or person working on the search — The Case Agent, The Composite, The Lab, The Profiler, etc. — and provides a behind-the-scenes look at how these cases are solved.
Cross had unique access to primary source materials because she is the daughter-in-law of the FBI case agent in charge, Eddie Freyer. But despite this close tie, she doesn’t shy away from shining a light on the massive mistakes that were made during the investigation, especially the way Polly’s friends were treated.
Overall, this was a brilliant book about a truly terrible story.
* thank you to Grand Central Publishing for sending me a finished copy for review. In Light of All Darkness published October 3rd.
January 3, 2024
This is incredible on audio. I kept finding reasons to keep listening to it. This is a deep, deep dive into the Polly Klaas kidnapping case that occurred in 1993 and ultimately forever changed the way that these kinds of crimes are reported and investigated, which is a big part of the takeaway from an otherwise horrifying story. This is very thoroughly researched (the author explains in the beginning how and why she had unprecedented access to the details of this case) and really showcases every step of the criminal procedure. You’d think that some of that info would get tedious, but the author keeps it super engaging. This is close to a 5-star read for me, but it’s just so awful to imagine, and there are parts that are definitely difficult to hear. If you like true crime, absolutely put this at the top of your list!
December 6, 2023
If you think you know everything there is to know about the Polly Klaas case, read this book. I started reading this book and was immediately taken right back to 1993. How could this happen? Such an innocent time and in the perfect town .
This book contains astonishing details about the investigation the case and a fascinating look at how investigative technology has changed for the better.
Kim Cross does an excellent job of painting this picture. After I read the book, I went back and reread the prologue because I was even more interested in the life stories of the eyewitnesses and all parties involved.
This book contains astonishing details about the investigation the case and a fascinating look at how investigative technology has changed for the better.
Kim Cross does an excellent job of painting this picture. After I read the book, I went back and reread the prologue because I was even more interested in the life stories of the eyewitnesses and all parties involved.
April 4, 2024
It can be nearly impossible to find true crime media, in any format, that doesn’t feel overly gratuitous or exploitative. As someone who is interested in learning about psychopathology, forensic technology and the criminal justice system it can be frustrating and disappointing.
This was none of that it. It was thoroughly researched, vetted and approached with respect, sensitivity and meticulous precision. So many sources are not approved by a victim’s family and the fact that Polly’s family was involved in recounting this story gave me solace in reading it.
I was already familiar with Polly Klaas’s story, but still learned a lot. This is not a story about the man who took her laugh because he doesn’t matter. It doesn’t matter how bad his upbringing or circumstances were - they don’t excuse his behavior. It’s a story about a young girl’s life that was ended too soon, her family’s fight for justice, nascent forensic technology and a deeply flawed justice system. Lastly, I very much appreciated the acknowledgment that the efforts and money expended towards finding Polly are rarely or never afforded for missing BIPOC people.
If you’re a true crime fan or just someone who likes reading nonfiction that reads like fiction, absolutely pick this one up
5 ⭐️
This was none of that it. It was thoroughly researched, vetted and approached with respect, sensitivity and meticulous precision. So many sources are not approved by a victim’s family and the fact that Polly’s family was involved in recounting this story gave me solace in reading it.
I was already familiar with Polly Klaas’s story, but still learned a lot. This is not a story about the man who took her laugh because he doesn’t matter. It doesn’t matter how bad his upbringing or circumstances were - they don’t excuse his behavior. It’s a story about a young girl’s life that was ended too soon, her family’s fight for justice, nascent forensic technology and a deeply flawed justice system. Lastly, I very much appreciated the acknowledgment that the efforts and money expended towards finding Polly are rarely or never afforded for missing BIPOC people.
If you’re a true crime fan or just someone who likes reading nonfiction that reads like fiction, absolutely pick this one up
5 ⭐️
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February 5, 2025Really quite effective at capturing how terrifying the kidnapping and murder of Klaas was, to the degree that it boosted the chances of some truly odious laws. Cross is also pretty good at examining the halo effect of those laws, albeit very late in the story.
The book's focus on investigation is interesting, but I think it's maybe too close to the story in a way. Police officers were talking to Klaas's kidnapper just hours after she was taken and didn't know it, and the clue that broke the case open was a property owner finding some of Klaas's things. For all the investigation effort expended, the case was finally cracked thanks to happenstance. There's an implicit critique of the system in that, and the book doesn't care to engage with it. Oh well.
The book's focus on investigation is interesting, but I think it's maybe too close to the story in a way. Police officers were talking to Klaas's kidnapper just hours after she was taken and didn't know it, and the clue that broke the case open was a property owner finding some of Klaas's things. For all the investigation effort expended, the case was finally cracked thanks to happenstance. There's an implicit critique of the system in that, and the book doesn't care to engage with it. Oh well.
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