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Jigsaw & Jane: Thirteen Years of Murder and Mayhem with Badge Number One
She was a suburban mom with a dream—until one bold call set her on a path of transformation, courage, and the adventure of a lifetime.
When Jane Howatt picked up the phone to call LAPD’s most decorated homicide detective, she never imagined it would lead to thirteen years alongside John “Jigsaw” St. John—inside squad rooms, crime scenes, and trials that would change her forever.
But this isn’t just a story about murder. It’s about becoming.
Jigsaw & Jane is a real-life memoir of grit, growth, and the unexpected places we find our voice. As Jane shadowed a man known for solving LA’s darkest crimes, she discovered something even more powerful than evidence—her own resilience.
This book is a true story of adventure and personal awakening. It is for anyone who has ever asked, "Could I really do something like that?"
With sharp prose, emotional honesty, and a quietly fearless heroine, Jigsaw & Jane is for fans of Wild, Eat Pray Love, and I’ll Be Gone in the Dark—a journey through justice, self-doubt, and the courage it takes to become who you were meant to be.
🥈 Silver Medal for True Crime— The BookFest Awards 2025
This true-crime memoir details the surreal journey of a suburban housewife who spends 13 years shadowing one of the Los Angeles Police Department’s top homicide detectives. A sharply written account of a veteran cop’s murder investigations. — Kirkus Reviews
When Jane Howatt picked up the phone to call LAPD’s most decorated homicide detective, she never imagined it would lead to thirteen years alongside John “Jigsaw” St. John—inside squad rooms, crime scenes, and trials that would change her forever.
But this isn’t just a story about murder. It’s about becoming.
Jigsaw & Jane is a real-life memoir of grit, growth, and the unexpected places we find our voice. As Jane shadowed a man known for solving LA’s darkest crimes, she discovered something even more powerful than evidence—her own resilience.
This book is a true story of adventure and personal awakening. It is for anyone who has ever asked, "Could I really do something like that?"
With sharp prose, emotional honesty, and a quietly fearless heroine, Jigsaw & Jane is for fans of Wild, Eat Pray Love, and I’ll Be Gone in the Dark—a journey through justice, self-doubt, and the courage it takes to become who you were meant to be.
🥈 Silver Medal for True Crime— The BookFest Awards 2025
This true-crime memoir details the surreal journey of a suburban housewife who spends 13 years shadowing one of the Los Angeles Police Department’s top homicide detectives. A sharply written account of a veteran cop’s murder investigations. — Kirkus Reviews
- GenresTrue CrimeNonfiction
397 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 13, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
April 18, 2026
Jigsaw & Jane: Thirteen Years of Murder and Mayhem with Badge Number One by Jane Howatt is a reflective and immersive true crime memoir that blends investigative proximity with personal transformation.
Chronicling the author’s thirteen-year experience alongside LAPD homicide detective John St. John, the book offers a grounded look at major criminal investigations while also charting a parallel journey of self-discovery. The narrative is strongest when it balances procedural detail with introspective commentary, showing how sustained exposure to violent crime reshapes perspective and identity.
Measured, personal, and thoughtfully written, Jigsaw & Jane stands as both a true crime account and a study in resilience and personal evolution.
Chronicling the author’s thirteen-year experience alongside LAPD homicide detective John St. John, the book offers a grounded look at major criminal investigations while also charting a parallel journey of self-discovery. The narrative is strongest when it balances procedural detail with introspective commentary, showing how sustained exposure to violent crime reshapes perspective and identity.
Measured, personal, and thoughtfully written, Jigsaw & Jane stands as both a true crime account and a study in resilience and personal evolution.
December 8, 2025
Jigsaw & Jane is a riveting true-crime memoir that blends suspense, personal growth, and the gritty realities of homicide investigation. Jane Howatt’s thirteen year journey alongside John “Jigsaw” St. John offers a unique insider’s perspective on some of LA’s darkest cases while simultaneously charting her own transformation. The book’s sharp prose, emotional honesty, and courageous storytelling make it compelling not only for true crime enthusiasts but also for readers drawn to stories of resilience, self discovery, and quiet heroism.
April 12, 2025
Excellent true crime book
This book was great. Every single word kept your attention. I just couldn't stop reading. The only thing I didn't like, was that the book ended. It was that great.Jigsaw John is a badass. Thank you Jane for sharing your story.
This book was great. Every single word kept your attention. I just couldn't stop reading. The only thing I didn't like, was that the book ended. It was that great.Jigsaw John is a badass. Thank you Jane for sharing your story.
February 16, 2026
Who doesn’t like a serial killer book? But I love how Jane made this a story about Jigsaw and her. Very well done! I love the development of the book.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews