Shadow of the Bridge: The Delphi Murders and the Dark Side of the American Heartland

by Áine Cain

The haunting account of the Delphi Murders, a double-murder case that has held its unrelenting grip on the American heartland for over six years.

On February 13, 2017, two teenage friends went for a walk in the woods just outside the small city of Delphi, Indiana. They should have been safe — but Liberty German and Abigail Williams never made it home. The next day, searchers found their bodies in a clearing. The two girls had been brutally murdered. Incredibly, in the final moments of her life, Liberty somehow managed to capture a video of the man who would soon murder her and her friend. This blurry recording showed a man lumbering toward the girls and then gruffly commanding them to go “down the hill.” A fascinated public obsessed over those clues. Speculation about the killer’s identity ran rampant on social media. Meanwhile, a sprawling law enforcement investigation led to some of the darkest corners of the heartland. Still, the case remained unsolved for years. 

Everything changed in October 2022 when authorities announced the arrest of Delphi resident Richard Allen. But as the case began to make its way through the justice system, many began to question whether the small community had what it took to prosecute the case. They also wondered whether or not the police had even arrested the right man. Investigators, officials, prosecutors, and the defense attorneys found themselves stuck in an unprecedented firestorm of online controversy and subterfuge, with so-called internet sleuths hyping up conspiracy theories and trading leaks.

Now, Áine Caine and Kevin Greenlee, the investigative team behind a series of bombshell reports on the case have put forth the only definitive account of the entire investigation. Shadow of the The Delphi Murders and the Dark Side of the American Heartland goes deeper and offers more detail than what was shared on the popular Murder Sheet podcast, answering many of the questions that have haunted so many since the deaths of Libby and Abby. Most importantly, in working closely with the German and Williams families, Caine and Greenlee tell the stories of who these two warm, bright, and promising girls were to all who cared for them. With rigorous research and capitivating prose, Shadow of the Bridge is a powerful narrative of a complicated, twisting story of tragedy and a community determination to see justice.

Genres: True Crime, Nonfiction, Crime, Mystery, Audiobook

432 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 26, 2025

Reviews

[Emily Fletcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an incredible, honest, and factual retelling of a conspiracy-ridden case. The actual victims were grossly lost in this case, and created serious concern of the ability of a defense team to try a case within social media. The internet cranks that turned this case into a media circus, directly touting lies to ensure their clicks were satisfactory, should be ashamed of themselves.

My only feedback for this book (I refuse to call it a negative review) is that I would have loved to have seen more details that were listed in your podcasts, regarding the horrific group texts/facebook group that included the defense and how horrifically they schemed to perpetuate and encourage these social media attorneys to falsely report happenings in the case, all the way until the trial.

My most horrid feedback goes to Judge Francis Gull, in that all of this “media circus” she was so determined to avoid, could have been eradicated of the trial would have been visible to the public. I’m trying to protect this case, she managed to give these arm-chair sleuths the fuel needed to sustain this conspiracy fire that spread throughout this case.

Thank you to Áine and Kevin for your fierce determination to uphold the truth.

[Jim Cramer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jim Thoroughly researched. The authors were in the courtroom and heard the actual testimony, viewed the evidence as it was presented and have personally interviewed the majority of the individuals involved in this investigation and prosecution, Other versions of what occurred the day of the girls death is nothing than more than mere speculation based not in fact.

[Aubrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so captivating and well-written that it was really hard to put down. It was obviously very well researched and so compassionate to the victims, their families, and all of those who worked to bring them justice. A lot of people are getting this story wrong so I'm so happy that they took the time to write this book! It is definitely worth a read if you're interested in true crime.

[Leslye❇ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5* ... I thought this was an excellent look into the Delphi murder case. I followed the case closely, but not so close that I knew every single detail. This gave an insightful look into the friends and family of Abby and Libby but also into those who knew their convicted killer, Richard Allen. I did learn a lot about Allen that I didn't already know. It was also interesting to hear what was going on behind the scenes and the dynamics of everyone working to solve the case. The book was definitely respectful of everyone involved which is so important when it comes to true crime. The authors told the story of the girls with care, and I could feel the depth of respect in the ways their lives were portrayed. My only quibble- and it's not with the authors themselves- is that the sheer number of witnesses, suspects, and investigators made it a bit of a challenge to follow. Honestly, I found myself having to skim over a lot of the names and minutiae.

This book also clears up much of the misinformation and rumors that flooded the public space during the early stages of the investigation. It doesn't sensationalize. It just informs. It tells the truth, even when its painful. Not an easy read, but it was an important one. My heart breaks for Libby, Abby and their families. It's so sad these young girls didn't have a chance. I think this book honors their memory.

[Lisa Hardcastle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very sad topic
Very good read
The murderer is where he belongs

[Kristina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Impeccably researched and thoughtfully written, Shadow of the Bridge offers a compelling and respectful account of the Delphi murders. Cain and Greenlee balance rigorous reporting with compassion, making this one of the most definitive and important true crime books in recent years.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a controversial case that was not televised which lead to an information vacuum and clickbait content creators dream. What this case needs is coverage that cares about the victims and the truth, enter the authors of this book. They meticulously cover this case and time has shown them to be truthful and accurate. Even those who followed this case through trial will be surprised at some of the details revealed in this thoughtful, well researched, victim centered and accurate telling of a disgusting crime.

[Avid Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Áine Cain and Kevin Greenlee take on the Delphi murders with a mix of sharp reporting and genuine care in Shadow of the Bridge. Rather than chasing headlines or amplifying the louder corners of the internet, they step back and show the case in full: the investigation, the courtroom battles, the social media circus, and, most importantly, the lives of Libby German and Abby Williams.

The book doesn’t read like a typical true crime retelling. It’s measured, compassionate, and unafraid to show just how complicated and messy this case has become. Cain and Greenlee make space for the families’ voices, give weight to different perspectives, and resist the easy temptation of neat narratives. That honesty makes the story all the more powerful.

For readers who only know the basics of the Delphi murders—or for those who’ve followed every twist—this account manages to be both deeply informative and deeply human. It’s clear the authors poured years of work into getting this right, and it shows on every page.

[Sheree Schroeder · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a factual accounting of the true crime tragic horrific murders of Abby and Libby, including securing the murderer, who was convicted by a jury of his peers, Richard Allen. Cain and Greenlee are masterful authors, using each of their respective professions, to appropriately analyze and capture the facts only an attorney and journalist to do. This true crime book is smart, sensitive and thorough. Thank you for taking time to cover this case, I am looking forward to your next book.
Sincerely
SS

[Debbie Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Considerate, thoughtful account that put the victims and the family first.

[Kimberly Washington · Rating 5 out of 5]

After watching Capturing Their Killer: The Girls On The High Bridge, I was more than intrigued. The three episode series left me believing that there’s more to this tragic tale, and I found everything I was looking for in this novel written by two podcasters. With actual reports and interviews with investigators, the ending to the story finally made sense! Read this in four days! Hands down the best Labor Day weekend I’ve had in years.

[Mallory Bitterman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shadow of the Bridge is a thorough guide to everything-every piece- of the tragic Delphi murders in Delphi, Indiana in 2017. Kevin and Áine do a wonderful job of recounting the story in such detail that you feel like you’re in the woods with the investigators looking for the girls. Thorough research and due diligence went in to this book and it is evident in the way the book is written to reflect actual true events of the murders, the investigation, and the trial of Richard Allen.

For years to come, this will be the book at the top of the reference list when discussing the Delphi Murders. Kudos to Kevin Greenlee and Áine Cain.

[Rachael Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent research done on this book by authors who actually care and respect the victims of this heinous crime. As someone who lives in Indiana and whose area was rocked by this crime, I know first hand the care and respect these authors gave to this community. The research was accurate, complete, and done from a neutral stance. The facts of the case are presented, not biased or twisted to represent a false narrative, like so many others tried to do. Excellent read, to such a heartbreaking situation.

[Erika · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an intelligent, respectful, and extremely well researched telling of this tragic crime. You will come out of it with a factual understanding of the investigation and trial, and remembering the most important part, Abby and Libby.

[Angela Stinnett · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you want an honest detailed account of the Delphi case, this is the book to read. It was well written and put together in a chronological order so the reader can follow the case from beginning to end. It’s not an easy read, as it details the murder of 2 children. What Abby and Libby went through is gut wrenching but Anie and Kevin worked so hard to interview those involved from all sides and corroborate the information before putting in the book or on their podcast. It takes you through the thoughts and emotions of the families, the detectives, the prosecutors and the jury. It explains how and why the case stalled for so long, and the dogged determination of those tasked with solving it. The inspiration of the families and community to support one another and the process. It keeps Abby and Libby at the forefront of the story and showcases how they helped solve their own murder and the heroism of those girls to stick together. Expect to cry and occasionally laugh. I want to thank the authors for their hardwork, honesty, fair reporting, and giving everyone a chance to say their piece once the gag order was lifted.

[Kayci · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book encapsulates not only the Delphi case, but the surrounding circus. With their front row seat, Greenlee and Cain were able to truthfully report- with no agenda. To be able to hear the whole story end-to-end, in the voice of Greenlee, brings this case full circle. Heartbreakingly the outcome never changes, but at least reality has been acknowledged.

[Jennifer Kay · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF… I wanted to like this because this is a tragic, true story, but the authors gave too much unnecessary attention to the BF between the lawyers and judge and not to the real tragedy. I appreciate the authors effort, but too wordy.

[Tammi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am a HUGE fan of The Murder Sheet and followed every bit of their coverage of the Delphi case. I was very excited to hear they were writing a book and even more excited when I found out Kevin was going to do the audiobook! Overall, the book is good. I learned some particulars that I had not previously known about the case and trial. Kevin's narration was great. I was slightly disappointed in how wordy the book was...too many unnecessary details about things that just weren't pertinent to the case. This was a 14 hour audiobook that could have been much shorter had some of the fluff been cut. (Also, the over use of the words "bespectacled" and "bombastic" about drove me nuts!)

[Angie Chase · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ll be honest - I listen to a lot of true crime podcasts but I have not listened to The Murder Sheets. I do listen to The Prosecutors and Crime Weekly religiously and knew a lot about this case from their podcast but this book gave me so much more. It was thoroughly researched and well written. Knowing how much time and effort was put in to this investigation from the investigators and prosecutors was eye opening. Being able to solve a case with little evidence goes to show just how well of a job they did.

I will say it was disappointing to see how Abby and Libby were lost amongst the media mess. The age of social media has made people lose sight of what is really important but instead highlights that if you speak loud enough, you will get your 5 minutes of fame, even if it’s not the truth. The YouTubers, the “cranks,” didn’t care if they were putting out factual stuff or not and that is scary, but unfortunately doesn’t surprise me with the current administration in office. Also no family should see crime scene photos of their children!! Those lawyers should be debarred!!! No excuse for the bull shit that went down!

At the end of the day justice prevailed and the idiots lost! The passive aggressiveness and somewhat pettiness of this book was the best “fuck you” to them.

[Kelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting, heartbreaking, details. Those beautiful girls.

[Rachael · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Brynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having followed this case in great detail from the beginning, I was shocked at how gripping this book was. I was turning the page in anticipation, fear and heartbreak as if I didn't know what was coming next. It was wonderfully written - this isn't a book by two podcasters, this is a book by two gifted writers who also have a podcast.

[Caroline · Rating 3 out of 5]

Throw away the thesaurus!
Hire an editor instead. If you are writing a true crime book, the subject matter should be interesting enough that you don’t need to rely on every adjective in your junior high school thesaurus.

[Jordan Theune · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounded up.

I appreciate the lengths that the authors went to in order to get this story. I followed this case closely for years, so I can’t say anything in this book was new to me, but it was still worthwhile.

If I could make one giant suggestion it would be to STOP DRAGGING OTHER CONTENT CREATORS. It just makes you look bad, guys. I don’t subscribe to any of the BM/Defense Gang’s beliefs, but there is a way to talk about them without showing your bias so strongly. I heard plenty of it on the MS podcast, and I had hoped it wouldn’t be so blatant in the book. I would have really appreciated it if this all felt a little more balanced.

[Sheila Melo · Rating 5 out of 5]

SHADOW OF THE BRIDGE: THE DELPHI MURDERS AND THE DARK SIDE OF THE AMERICAN HEARTLAND stands as the definitive account of the case. It carefully traces the murders, the long and often frustrating investigation, the trial, and the evidence that ultimately led to a conviction. The book succeeds because it avoids getting lost in rumor or speculation. Instead, it presents the facts clearly and directly, showing how the pieces of the case fit together and why the court's outcome was decisive.

The structure is mostly chronological, and the tone is journalistic, which serves the story well. Each step of the investigation is explained in order, so the reader can follow the path from the day of the murders through the trial. The writing avoids sensationalism and focuses on presenting verified information, which makes the narrative both accessible and trustworthy.

One limitation of the book is the absence of the defense perspective. The authors make clear immediately in the introductory note that this was not their choice but the result of decisions made by the defense attorneys who could have provided that viewpoint. While that perspective might have added depth, the authors’ transparency about why it is missing gives the book credibility rather than diminishing it.

One of the strongest aspects of the book is its resistance to the pull of conspiracy theories. For years, online communities speculated endlessly about the case, often spreading misinformation and harming those most affected. This book rejects that noise and instead centers on the truth of what happened and how investigators built their case. By doing so, it provides a much-needed corrective to the public narrative that has grown around Delphi.

The authors also keep the focus where it belongs—on Abby and Libby. Too often, true crime narratives drift into glorifying the killer or indulging in sensational detail. Here, the care and respect for the victims is evident throughout. Their lives and the impact of their loss are never overshadowed by the circus that surrounded the case. Indeed, the authors could have delved more into the conspiracy world, but wisely kept the focus on the facts of the case instead of the sideshow.

This is also a story about failure. The book makes clear that the case should have been solved within weeks. Instead, it dragged on for years, in part because of missteps and in part because of the distractions caused by amateur “detectives” online. Those delays added to the suffering of the families and turned a tragedy into a public spectacle. By showing how the investigation finally reached its conclusion, the book highlights both the resilience of those who pushed for justice and the dangers of letting rumor override evidence.

In the end, this is not just a recounting of a crime but a reminder of how true crime should be written. It is grounded in fact, centered on the victims, and carefully avoids feeding the culture of speculation that often surrounded this case.

[Katie C · Rating 5 out of 5]

​In the often murky waters of true crime, Kevin Greenlee and Aine Cain's "Shadow of the Bridge" emerges as a brilliant and essential work, providing a meticulously researched and profoundly impactful account of the Delphi murders of Abby Williams and Libby German. This book isn't just a recounting of facts; it's a vital, timely commentary on the very nature of modern true crime reporting and the corrosive influence of online toxicity.
​From the outset, it is clear that Greenlee and Cain are committed to the truth. Their access to law enforcement, the victims' families, and local community members, combined with their diligent examination of every legal brief, forms the bedrock of a narrative built on fact-based evidence, not speculation or sensationalism. This isn't a book that traffics in fanciful hearsay or elaborate conspiracy theories; it's a testament to rigorous investigative journalism, offering readers a clear, reasoned, and humane perspective on a devastating crime.
​What truly elevates "Shadow of the Bridge" to a five-star masterpiece is its brave and unflinching look at the dangers inherent in modern true crime culture. The authors presciently detail how online platforms can be hijacked by those who refuse to engage with reason, instead propagating misinformation and engaging in bullying and harassment. Ironically, the very online trolls who have attempted to derail this book's reception with a barrage of one-star reviews serve as living proof of Greenlee and Cain's central thesis. These coordinated attacks, designed to obscure truth and promote unfounded narratives, only underscore the urgent relevance and courage of the authors' message.
​"Shadow of the Bridge" is a must-read for anyone seeking a comprehensive, compassionate, and critically aware understanding of the Delphi murders. It stands as a powerful antidote to the noise and negativity that often pervades online discussions of true crime, offering a pathway back to empathy, truth, and respect for the victims and their families. This book doesn't just tell a story; it performs a vital public service

[Jamie Canaves · Rating 1 out of 5]

Getting through Shadow of the Bridge felt less like engaging with serious nonfiction and more like trudging through a mean teenager’s diary masquerading as investigative journalism.
Cain laces every page with gaudy, overcooked adjectives, as if flowery language could paper over the lack of substance. Instead of sticking to verified facts, the author repeatedly & painfully inserts her own imagination and bias, warping events into a narrative that reads more like fan fiction than history.

Lines early in the book like “Perhaps if the girls behaved normally, he would leave them alone” and “They must have felt trapped there, between the bare trees and the blue winter sky” are pure author invention.

Juvenile, bombastic prose like “the little, lumbering man” or “eyes pale and bulging” read like cheap thriller clichés, not careful nonfiction reporting.

Cain presents self-centered, unverified inner thoughts and feelings of the victims as if they’re factual.
It isn’t just misleading, but Cain is blurring fact with imagination — putting words, feelings, and even thoughts into the mouths of victims who can’t speak for themselves.
That’s not just bad journalism — it’s exploitative.

And this book reeks of copaganda. In the very first chapters, Cain uncritically recycles police claims that were later shredded at trial as outright lies. Rather than correcting the record or even acknowledging the contradictions, she parrots discredited talking points, cementing misinformation instead of challenging it. This isn’t investigative work, it’s stenography for law enforcement, dressed up in melodramatic prose.

The result is a frustrating, misleading mess. Cain is more interested in dramatizing her own voice & interpersonal drama (to the point it raises some serious defamation concerns) than presenting a clear-eyed, fact-driven account.
Serious readers looking for accuracy & a gripping, coherent storyline will instead find themselves wading through juvenile bombast, biased asides, and uncritical police cheerleading.

[Teryn W · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shadow of the Bridge is the careful and attentive written account of the Delphi murders by journalist Aine Cain and attorney Kevin Greenlee. They have extensively investigated the Delphi murders, not only by interviewing the families and local authorities but also by being there in the courtrooms (when allowed). With the unique addition of this case going 'viral' and the fanatics that poured in from around the United States, Greenlee and Cain tread an honest path that not many could when writing about a crime such as this.

They take care to write with empathy and include facts from all sides- not just the popular ones, which made this an exceptional read. I feel as though with a lot of True Crime, the paths that are explored are the definitive ones only, making the stories lack the feeling of chaos that is present in many of these tragedies. Greenlee and Cain piece together the theories, facts, and feelings in such a way that it never felt overwhelming or misleading- rather, it was informative and real. The interviews with the families were emotional and raw, but so loving and compassionate.

I had only ever heard about this case briefly, so picking this up, I was fairly in the dark about all that had happened. I was immediately invested in this case like so many others and felt as though I could trust these investigators because of the extreme care I could feel within these pages. I would recommend this to anyone, including those wanting to get into True Crime, especially if they live in the Midwest.

[Shelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an in-depth examination of the murders of Libby German and Abigail Williams, as well as the search for the killer and the subsequent trial and conviction of Richard Allen. It is heartbreaking to realize that this case could probably have been solved within weeks of the murders had the tip monitoring been more organized, but honestly, with the huge number of tips coming in at the beginning of the case, I don't know how that could have been achieved. It was distressing to read of the actions of some YouTubers and online true crime followers. It is weird to say that, because I followed the case since the day the girls went missing on Websleuths.com. Because I did follow the case, there was not much information I had not heard presented in the book. It did give the name of the man who committed suicide over the leaking of the crime scene photos. It is sad to me that he killed himself over something that would have led to minor, if any, legal consequences for him. I know he is not really a victim, and he did share the photos, but from reading this book, I would not be surprised to find out he had been manipulated into it. Of course, we will never know the whole story behind that, or indeed, behind the murders. There are things only Richard Allen himself, as the only living witness to the events, could ever reveal, and I am sure he will not, unless it is on his deathbed. This book is as comprehensive as it could be, but it will be interesting to find out if an updated edition will be published when the trial transcripts are fully released.

[Jeff Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

DELPHI HOMICIDES SOLVED! I have been following this case since it occurred in February 2017, and heard a podcast about it. What really made this case memorable was that one of the victims managed to video and audio record their killer on a remote bridge in Indiana. After a few updates, the case disappeared. I'd heard suspects were developed and eliminated, and that possibly an unproven perpetrator had died with no resolution. Recently, I heard on CROSSING THE LINE with M. WILLIAM PHELPS that the case had been solved and the murderer convicted! He had the authors of this book on, and I immediately got the book. Such a great story and well-researched reporting. The cops and the prosecution did a bang-up job identifying this guy and bringing him to justice. Also, shows what snakes defense attorneys are, releasing nude pictures of the dead girls to the public, disparaging the efforts of the police throughout, and making up outrageous conspiracy theories to get the pedophile off. Just disgusting. There should be rules against defense misconduct. Great read. I highly recommend this book for True Crime enthusiasts who care about victims and don't want to see child killers portrayed as heroes.