Mothers, Murders, and Motivation: A Journey Through the Mind and Heart of a Prosecutor

by Jarrett Ferentino, Ron Lieback (Primary Contributor), Nancy Grace (Foreword)

288 pages, Paperback

Published April 21, 2026

Reviews

[Susan AK · Rating 5 out of 5]

This gripping true crime memoir pulls on your heartstrings with each case it recounts. Spanning his 20-year career, Jarrett Ferentino offers not only behind-the-scenes insight into these crimes, but also a deeply human perspective on the gut-wrenching emotions, struggles, and resilience of the mothers whose children were brutally murdered. His storytelling captures both the investigative process and the enduring strength of those left behind.

This haunting yet powerful read is not only hard to put down, but stays with you long after the final page. To the mothers in this book, your strength and determination are a beacon to all. And to Jarrett, thank you for telling these stories.

[T · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars! I highly highly recommend this book. The raw emotion… palpable . The prose… you sail through.

This is an incredible chronicling of lives touched by criminal justice. A former homicide prosecutor seeks to look back on events and come out on the other side with meaningful life lessons. He completely nails this endeavor!

This book really is a gift to humanity and Luzerne County, Pennsylvania in particular.

A must read for true crime lovers and justice seekers.

[Tuesday Beanreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mothers, Murders, and Motivation is an insightful and compelling true crime narrative that examines the pursuit of justice through a deeply human lens. Jarrett Ferentino draws from his experience as a prosecutor to provide a thoughtful perspective on the challenges, emotions, and responsibilities surrounding complex criminal cases. By highlighting the experiences of victims and their families, the book delivers a powerful message about resilience, compassion, and the importance of remembering those affected by tragedy. A meaningful and highly recommended work for true crime readers.

[Tuesday Beanreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mothers, Murders, and Motivation is an insightful and compelling true crime narrative that examines the pursuit of justice through a deeply human lens. Jarrett Ferentino draws from his experience as a prosecutor to provide a thoughtful perspective on the challenges, emotions, and responsibilities surrounding complex criminal cases. By highlighting the experiences of victims and their families, the book delivers a powerful message about resilience, compassion, and the importance of remembering those affected by tragedy. A meaningful and highly recommended work for true crime readers.

[Tanya Oleski · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love on Luzerne county in Pa and these cases were all over the news and just to read this book puts everything into perspective.. highly recommend