Blizzard of Lies: Karen Read, John O'Keefe, and the Shocking Unsolved Murder in Cop Town, USA

by Dave Wedge

In January 2022, a Boston police officer turned up dead in the snow, seemingly a victim of a simple hit-and-run.

But Officer John O’Keefe’s death kicked off a scandalous whodunit that invited federal scrutiny and triggered nationwide outrage.

The explosive story of O’Keefe’s death, and the subsequent accusation and trial of his girlfriend Karen Read, ignited one of the most high-profile true crime mysteries in decades. The apparently open-and-shut manslaughter case quickly devolved into a chaotic mixture of lies, institutional corruption, and police cover-ups that threw the Massachusetts law enforcement scene into turmoil.

And Read’s 2025 acquittal left O’Keefe’s death an unresolved mystery, with more questions than answers.

With dramatic twists including a rogue journalist, a mistrial, and polarizing public protests—along with revelations that called several other murder cases into question—Blizzard of Lies is a Boston-area veteran reporter’s detailed and immersive account of one of the most controversial crime stories of his career.

Featuring interviews with people on both sides of the case, including law enforcement, Read and her legal team, and the O’Keefe family, investigative journalist Dave Wedge shares inside stories and new details
John O’Keefe’s turbulent relationship with Karen Read Evidence excluded from the courtroom Additional cases now in jeopardy because of misconduct uncovered during Read’s trial Heroic acts from O’Keefe’s policing career The O'Keefe family’s civil suit and ongoing pursuit of the truth

The definitive narrative of a controversial, headline-grabbing tragedy, Blizzard of Lies dispels the myths and misinformation around John O’Keefe’s death to chronicle a vivid account of a complex case and the lasting emotional toll on all involved.

Genres: True Crime, Nonfiction, Crime, History

296 pages, Hardcover

First published July 28, 2026

Reviews

[Lindsay Nixon · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is so unbelievably boring, which is quite a feat considering how interesting this case is. This guy is trying to cash in on Karen’s life and does it while trying to paint her in a very unfair light. Perhaps it’s just the narrator but the way he reads Karen’s voice is offensive and inaccurate. Not sure why they couldn’t just play the audio or spring for a female narrator.

The first 12 chapters (or more) are as exciting as reading people’s CVs.

Eventually we get to the evidence/trial but it was still somehow boring with lots of complaints about all the YouTubers who covered the trial 🙄

If you’re curious about this case I would look up a podcast or the Emily show instead.

[chloereadsallday · Rating 2 out of 5]

Blizzard of Lies: Karen Read, John O'Keefe, and the Shocking Unsolved Murder in Cop Town, USA by Dave Wedge left a lot to be wished for. This book focused on extremely unimportant information for a large majority of the time. I don't think that many chapters of professional backgrounds is needed at all. I think it barely focused on the victim. The book just does not read well at all. Lack of useful information overall. And if there isn't enough information out yet from the case, then it is most likely too early to write and publish a book like this.

Thank you BenBella Books for providing this this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

[Lauren Carter · Rating 2 out of 5]

Reddit had more useful info than this...

[Stephfafahh · Rating 2 out of 5]

An ARC of this book was provided by Brilliance Publishing on the NetGalley platform in exchange for an honest review.

I closely followed the case as it unfolded and played out in the media.

The author did very little to centre John and provide an unbiased recount, despite promising “a definitive narrative”.

Only to do some simple research to find out to how the author is closely tied to the families in question. Regrettable? Can’t recall?

No new information or insight was provided - just jealousy about the attention bloggers and YouTubers received after covering the case.

If you’d like a much more in-depth recount, please consider Rotten Mango’s coverage of the case and subsequent legal proceedings.

[Kady · Rating 3 out of 5]

I followed the trial live so nothing really new here. I do appreciate learning more about John, but you can feel the bias against Karen throughout the entire book.

[Bridget · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley for the advanced copy of this audiobook!

Like every Massachusetts native, the Karen Read case completely sucked me in a few years ago. I followed this case closely and was shocked over and over again as details emerged in the trial. I think Blizzard of Lies is a great introduction to the entire case. It gives a good overview and I did learn a lot more about Karen and John's past before they met. However, if you closely followed the case, this book doesn't bring a lot else new to the table, so be aware of that going in. I also felt like it juuuust started to scratch the surface of each shady thing the party goers, investigators, and judicial staff did, but then didn't actually get into it. It felt like passing mentions of sordid histories, destroyed phones, and sallyport mayhem, but then we were onto the next topic. Truthfully, I was hoping this book would really dig into the shocking things uncovered in the trial, but unfortunately it didn't. Still, it was a good start to the trial for people outside of Massachusetts who may not have closely followed it.

[Davi Kladakis]

Thank you NetGalley for the audio ARC of this book. I was glued to the case from the very beginning, so I couldn't wait to read it. This is the full case from before the arrest. 4 stars.

[Britt Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Journalistic style makes for a quick read of a complicated story told with compassion for the deceased.

[Julie Maleski (juliereads_alot) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you @benbellabooks for the early finished copy of this book...this is my honest review.

📖 Blizzard of Lies: Karen Read, John O'Keefe, and the Shocking Unsolved Murder in Cop Town, USA 📖
Author: Dave Wedge
Pub Date: July 28, 2026

MY RATING: 4/5⭐

As a fan of all things true crime, I followed everything about the death of John O'Keefe and the subsequent criminal trials of his girlfriend, Karen Read, who was accused of intentionally running into O'Keefe with her car after a night of drinking and leaving him injured and dying in the snow during a blizzard.

Blizzard of Lies from Dave Wedge is the first major book released about this case that I know of, so when BenBella Books reached out and offered to send me an early finished copy, I was THRILLED! I read this book the day it arrived in my mailbox -- but it's taken me some time to process my thoughts. And I had a lot to say, so my review continues in the next caption. 🤷

I thought the book was well-written, with detailed information providing background and context to so many layers of the case and so many peripheral players about which the average person might not be aware. Overall, it was a fast read for me and I devoured it in an afternoon.

Based on the synopsis, I expected a comprehensive investigative deep-dive about this case. I am among those who believe justice was served when Read was acquitted of O'Keefe's murder because JOHN O'KEEFE WAS NOT HIT BY A CAR. Period. I believe O'Keefe was the victim of a crime perpetrated by someone else (or multiple someones) on the night he died.

However, in my opinion, this book seemed to slant toward believing Read was guilty and that her defense team used shady tactics to get her acquittal. It's kinda hard to argue otherwise when, on page 199, Wedge wrote that Read was a "media-driven femme fatale," comparing her to Pamela Smart and Amanda Knox.

On page 170, Wedge referenced the "FKR minions." (FKR=Free Karen Read) Maybe just call them Karen Read "Supporters?" I thought there were also a lot of negative connotations about Read's defense team, and occasions when some of the phrasing written to depict happenings or evidence in the trial was somewhat misleading. 

I know Wedge wanted to ensure O'Keefe wasn't lost in all of this. O'Keefe's death was a terrible tragedy -- I don't want him to be forgotten in all of this either. I was actually stunned to learn about the harassment and vitriol that's been spewed at the O'Keefe family & friends -- it's horrific and I don't support that in ANY way. 

However, I think it's entirely possible to believe Karen Read was innocent AND still support the O'Keefe family. I want justice for John O'Keefe. I want his family to be able to grieve his death and move forward knowing what really happened to him that night in January 2022. And I also don't want anyone in this country to experience the treatment Karen Read did at the hands of law enforcement and our courts. I want to believe police officers and court staff are ethical and doing the right things in their roles. 

I hoped this true crime read would fairly present both sides of the story in an unbiased manner. And while I thought it was incredibly thorough and well-written, I personally didn't enjoy what felt like intentional digs at Karen Read and her defense team. I think the book could have provided all of the comprehensive information it did -- but without that slant. And if it had done that, it would have been a five-star read for me. Maybe it was just my interpretation of what was written, so form your own opinion! If you're into recent true crime cases, grab your copy of Blizzard of Lies, read it, and let me know what you think!

[Read_with_Beans · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5 stars

Thanks to NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing Audio for an ALC of Blizzard of Lies
Karen Read, John O'Keefe, and the Shocking Unsolved Murder in Cop Town, USA by Dave Wedge and narrated by Chris Ciulla.

I admit that I was one of the millions of Americans who was fascinated by this case. The fact that there were so many things that simply didn’t add up evidence-wise made the story even more fascinating.

I thought this audiobook was perfectly narrated and produced. The quality of sound and the clarity made the listening experience enjoyable. I thought the narrator did a decent job of trying to match the Boston accent of the “characters” within the story he was quoting. I say decent because I am not a true Bostonian and can only speak to the accuracy as someone having not lived there. While this story is non-fiction, the case writes itself, but the narrator added to the salaciousness of elements of the story/trial by the change in tone of his voice and enunciation. I found the listening experience extremely entertaining and would recommend this narrator for future works.

The story itself was well done, and I appreciated that the author added information about other cases in the Boston area, which led to a better understanding of the characters in the story. This added background information about prosecutors, law enforcement officers, and the criminal justice system of the area. I found this added to the understanding of the story. I also liked how the author spoke about the media circus and all the things that may or may not have affected the trial, the victim’s family, and others. As much as I followed this case, I was unaware of a large portion of this information. I do feel that the author, at least appeared, to be biased toward believing Karen Read was guilty. He didn’t out and out state it, but I felt the portrayal of some information skewed that way. Overall, I found the entire story very entertaining and would recommend it to fans of true crime.

[Chrystal Mahan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Better than any of the TV documentaries!

If you followed the Karen Read and John O’Keefe case and thought you knew the story, Blizzard of Lies may still surprise you. Dave Wedge provides a detailed, immersive look at one of the most controversial true-crime cases in recent years, and I found the book far more satisfying than trying to piece everything together through the endless television coverage and documentaries.

What makes this case so fascinating is that it is anything but straightforward. John O’Keefe’s death initially appeared to be a simple hit-and-run, but the investigation quickly spiraled into questions about evidence, police conduct, conflicting accounts, institutional relationships, and what actually happened that night. Following the case through the book made it easier to understand just how complicated everything became.

I appreciated that Wedge included perspectives from multiple sides of the case, including law enforcement, Karen Read and her legal team, and members of the O’Keefe family. That helped provide a broader picture rather than simply rehashing the headlines. The discussion of evidence that was excluded from court and the questions surrounding other cases potentially affected by misconduct were particularly interesting.

The audiobook narration by Chris Ciulla kept the story moving and worked well for such a detailed account. There is a lot of information to absorb, but the storytelling kept me engaged.

What I liked most is that the book doesn't leave you feeling like everything has been neatly wrapped up. With John O’Keefe's death still unresolved, there are plenty of questions left hanging, and that's part of what makes this case so compelling.

If you've followed the Karen Read case, this is definitely worth adding to your true-crime reading list. Even if you've watched the documentaries, Blizzard of Lies offers a much deeper dive into the case and the controversy surrounding it.

4 stars for a fascinating, detailed, and frustrating look at a case that still leaves far more questions than answers.

[Jazisunray Skillern · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Blizzard of Lies" delivers a riveting, blow-by-blow account of the sensational case that gripped the nation: the mysterious death of John O’Keefe and the explosive trial of his girlfriend, Karen Read. What begins as a seemingly straightforward manslaughter investigation quickly spirals into a labyrinth of deceit, institutional corruption, and jaw-dropping police cover-ups, leaving the Massachusetts justice system reeling.

The book masterfully captures the dizzying chaos that followed O’Keefe’s death, chronicling the twists and turns that made this case the true crime story of the decade. From the relentless and sometimes reckless pursuit of the truth by a rogue journalist, to the dramatic mistrial and the fever-pitch of public protests, every page pulses with urgency and intrigue. The author, a seasoned Boston-area reporter, brings both a sharp investigative eye and a deep sense of empathy to the narrative, guiding readers through a maze of conflicting evidence, shadowy motives, and institutional failures.

Read’s stunning 2025 acquittal leaves the mystery of O’Keefe’s death frustratingly unresolved, but it’s the cascade of revelations that follow—implicating other murder cases and exposing cracks in the foundation of local law enforcement—that elevate "Blizzard of Lies" beyond a single case. The book is both a gripping true crime chronicle and a sobering meditation on justice, power, and the perilous consequences of unchecked authority.

Immersive, meticulously researched, and impossible to put down, "Blizzard of Lies" is essential reading for anyone fascinated by the dark intersections of crime, media, and the law.

Thank you, Dave Wedge, NetGalley, and Brilliance Publishing for the ARC.

[Drea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like many people, I followed the Karen Read case from a distance and found it nearly impossible to sort fact from speculation. One of the strengths of this book is that it attempts to bring order to an extraordinarily complicated and emotionally charged story. Dave Wedge clearly knows this case inside and out, and the reporting is thorough, detailed, and accessible even for readers who may not have followed every twist and turn in real time.

What I appreciated most was the way the book refocused attention on John O'Keefe. So much of the public conversation surrounding this case has centered on competing narratives, internet personalities, and courtroom drama that it can be easy to forget there was a real person at the center of it all. The sections devoted to O'Keefe's life and career added important context and humanity to a story that has often felt consumed by spectacle.

My one significant criticism involves the imagined dialogue and reconstructed quotations that appear throughout the book. For me, those moments were unnecessary. Rather than adding color or helping me better understand the people involved, they often felt contrived and pulled me out of the narrative. The facts of this case are compelling enough on their own, and I found myself wishing the author had trusted the reporting without embellishing scenes in that way.

Even so, this is a well-researched and engaging account of one of the most polarizing criminal cases in recent memory. Readers interested in true crime, criminal justice, or media influence will find plenty to consider here.

[Holley Desigio · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an audiobook copy of of "Blizzard of Lies" from NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. As a middle-aged woman, this case was hard to get away from when it first made its way through the courts. The book dives in John and Karen's relationship, their friendships with others, and the trial of Karen for killing John in 2022-2023. This was a high profile case, and one which I personally found complicated because while I believe there were issues with the prosecution, I can't fully rule out Read's guilt. The book takes a very sympathetic view of Karen, and seems to mostly support her claims of innocence. It also dismisses any issues people have with the tactics of the defense attorney she hired and his history of attacking victims of crimes. The beginning of the book felt a bit repetitive, as they set their relationship up and explain their dynamic of fighting and getting back together but flows better once they actually get into the night of John's death and the trial. Really the take away from the book is that guilty or not, all you need is enough media support and you can create reasonable doubt. Turtleboy and the other media are the most interesting part of this story, and seeing how the lawyers use them to get their stories out to sway public opinion really goes to show how criminal trials will probably move towards in the 21st century with social media becoming more popular. Rounded up from 3.5.

[Linda · Rating 1 out of 5]

1.5 stars

Sorry, Dave, that the prosecution did such a lousy job in the case against a women you so obviously dislike. It’s tough to convict someone for killing a person with a car when there is no evidence presented that the deceased was hit with a car.

I read this because so many of the media reports (mainstream and otherwise) were sensationalized, and I thought this might be a dispassionate deep dive.

Nope.

This was a love letter to John O’Keefe. For a while, I thought we were going to relive his entire law enforcement career, day by day. The first message was He was a good cop. He must have been quite lonely, given the many stories of law enforcement corruption outlined in the book.

The other message was He adopted his niece and nephew when their parents died. Yes, he did. He also seemingly went out drinking every single night, all night, after that, but that was okay, because he was a hard-workin’ good cop.

When Karen sat beside him and matched him drink for drink, however, that was a problem. She was a problem. She was mouthy. She was loud. She texted another cop. How dare she!

I was not a Karen Read superfan coming in, but the bias in this book against her is blatant.

I don’t know what to recommend for people who aren’t that familiar with the case and want a good overview-- but it’s not this book.

[Alex Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blizzard of Lies by Dave Wedge was an easy 5 star read for me.

I’ve followed the Karen Read/John O’Keefe case for quite a while, so I went into this already knowing a lot of the details. Even so, I found myself completely absorbed by this book and learned things I either hadn’t known or hadn’t fully understood before.

I’m firmly in the #KarenReadDidIt camp, but I also think it’s impossible to look at this case and ignore how badly the investigation was handled from the very beginning. There were so many mistakes, questionable decisions, and missed opportunities that made an already complicated case even more chaotic.

What I really appreciated about Blizzard of Lies was how it put so many of those details together in one place. Wedge does a great job laying out the not just the timeline, but also the evidence, the people involved, (& their backstories too!) and the twists and turns without making an already complicated case impossible to follow.

Even if you’ve been following this case for years, I think there’s something to get out of this book. And if you’re new to the Karen Read case, this is a great place to start getting the bigger picture.

Absolutely one of my favorite true-crime reads this year. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you to Dave Wedge and NetGalley for the ARC! 📚
Also, still praying for justice for JJ, as they called him in the book! IYKYK.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you live anywhere near Boston, you’ve probably heard about Karen Read. She was the woman who had too much to drink, ran over her boyfriend and left him to die in a snowbank. Or did she? At first, it seems like a simple case. The couple was fighting, both were drunk, he had shards of red plastic on his body and her car had a broken taillight. However, Blizzard of Lies shows how alternate stories and the manipulation of facts can distort the truth. The victim, John O’Keefe, was a Boston police officer with many friends on the Boston force and in his hometown of Canton. And Karen had a very good lawyer. The Read case and the two trials that followed became a media circus with a blogger called Turtleboy beginning a “Free Karen” movement. Suspicion fell on some of John’s fellow officers while the O’Keefe family was harassed and vilified. The verdict in the second trial, after the first mistrial, was a DUI conviction. “It was the most expensive DUI conviction in Massachusetts history” and we still don’t know what happened on that snowy night in January.

Blizzard of Lies is carefully researched and well written. Dave Wedge analyzes each part of this tragedy to present a true crime drama that reads like fiction and is impossible to put down. Bravo! 5 stars.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and BenBella Books for providing me with ARC.

Blizzard of Lies covers the Karen Read trial while also exploring the lives of Karen Read and John O'Keefe and the relationship they shared before his death. The book provides an in-depth account of the investigation and the first trial, detailing the competing arguments presented in court. It also examines the social media firestorm that surrounded the case, highlighting how online discussions, public opinion, and widespread media attention shaped the broader conversation surrounding one of the most closely watched criminal cases in recent years.

I thought Dave Wedge did a good job covering the many different aspects of the case in a balanced and engaging manner. Although the case focuses on Karen Read, he never loses sight of the true victim, John O'Keefe, ensuring that his life and legacy remain at the heart of the story. I also appreciated that the book concludes with a brief update on what has happened to each of the major figures involved since the first trial, providing readers with helpful context beyond the courtroom proceedings.

[Astraeus Rambles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of an advanced copy received by NetGalley

I have been interested in this case for a while, there’s just so much happening, so many lies, and so many people involved. You don’t need to know anything about the case to step into the respectful and descriptive way Dave Wedge lays out the case. An unsolved murder where the victim is often forgotten in the flurry of courtroom drama, lies, and police corruption.

Filled with unseen details and interviews from both sides of the courtroom. There was a lot I knew about the case and court proceedings going into it, there was a lot I didn’t know about John and all the things he’d accomplished on the force. It makes a sad and profound point that it this case is often referred to as the Karen Read Case instead of the John O’Keefe Case. When people talk about this case it’s the way the police wrongfully handled it and, depending on what you believe, framed Karen Read or let her get away because of their bad proceedings.

People aren’t talking enough about the man who died, the story and memories he left behind. The cop, the hero, the father, the human being that someone killed.

[Faithe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Blizzard of Lies: Karen Read, John O'Keefe, and the shocking unsolved murder in Cop Town, USA by Dave Wedge

This book follows the death of police officer John O'Keefe and the trial of his girlfriend, Karen Reid. This is a story of lies, corruption and police cover ups.

Having watched Karen Reid's Netflix special I went into this book with an expectation of how this story goes already. I was pleasantly surprised to find this book still gave me some insight to the story.

I liked that the book featured interviews from people on both sides of the story. It touched upon evidence that was excluded from the courtroom, and how because of Karen Reid's trials and the misconduct that was uncovered in them, additional cases are now in jeopardy.

I received an audiobook copy of this book from NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing in exchange for my honest opinion and review.

For the most part I enjoyed Chris Ciulla as the Narrator, but found the accents a bit off and cringe. Besides that, I thought the pacing and tone was good.

[Jeff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blizzard of Lies details the case of Karen Read, accused of murdering her boyfriend, Boston cop John O’Keefe in 2022. After a night of partying as a snow storm blanketed the Boston area, O’Keefe’s body was found in a snow bank early in the morning, and suspicion quickly turned to Read, who had a volatile relationship with O’Keefe.. The book is an impartial telling of the facts of the case and the trials that followed by an investigative journalist through trial transcripts, interviews and police reports, all laid out in an orderly fashion, letting the reader decide for themselves as to Read’s.culpability. This was a case that garnered national attention spawning a traditional media and social media frenzy that gripped the nation. A must read for true crime aficionados. Well done! I received an ARC of this book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Melanie · Rating 1 out of 5]

I would like to thank Brilliance Publishing and NetGalley for a free ALC of this title in exchange for an honest review.

I followed the Karen Read trials very closely as a resident of Mass. and I was really curious how this book focused on the story. In all honestly, I found it to be grossly biased. Written in a way to make Karen look guilty, up playing her being jealous, drunk and how people thought that John looked like he was "hit by a car" (when I saw the pictures... he doesn't to me) So much of what is absolutely key is bracketed by a qualifier while a lot of what people that have stakes have said is taken as gospel. I wouldn't have minded if this was telling both sides evenly (even though she was acquitted) but honestly, this is a hit piece and I found it to be really one sided. Shame.

[Eva M · Rating 5 out of 5]

The truth will never be known!

The book is really good. It provides insight into several aspects of John and Karen’s lives, and life in Canton as well.
One glaringly obvious thing I learned is that John and Karen’s relationship was completely toxic. They were two alcoholics abusing each other and holding onto a relationship that had died a thousand deaths long before John died on that frozen morning.
Second, the bars in Canton need better oversight. They over serve and then their customers are out driving drunk around town.
The police in Canton should have immediately called in an investigative team that had absolutely no connection to anyone related to the people involved.
Finally, the DA overcharged this case. If Karen did hit John with her car, it was not second degree murder.
Good reading.

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really fascinating case. I followed it from the beginning, when it was in the news. I was interested in reading this book to see if there was anything I hadn’t already heard. Though I didn’t really learn anything new, I still thought it was worth the listen. The narrator did a great job with the narration.

I thought the author did a good job writing a non-biased book about the case. It’s a very complex case with a lot of people involved. It’s interesting and almost shocking how much social media played a part in this story! I honestly had no idea just how much. This is definitely one of those cases that invoke strong opinions and emotions.

If you enjoy reading true crime, then I recommend picking this one up! Just know if you already know a lot about the case, you might learn any new information.

[Sean Patrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who followed the Karen Read case fairly closely I was impressed with the depth of coverage. It not only provided the most comprehensive coverage of the events and people involved but it did so with an equal perspective from both the FKR side and those who see it from a different perspective. To take such a polarizing story and present it in a truly balanced manner says everything about the journalist and storytelling skill of the author.
I found myself both saddened for the O’Keefe family, disturbed by the myriad systemic lapses (or worse), and enthralled by the confidence/tenacity of the Read team.
A unbiased, comprehensive retelling of a monumental Massachusetts criminal case. Highly recommend.

[Andi_loves_2_read · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this fast-paced, detailed book about the death of John O’Keefe and subsequent trial of his girlfriend, Karen Reed.
I was already familiar with the story; I’ve listened to podcasts and watched some of the trial on YouTube. The whole thing is so mind boggling that I jumped at the chance to hear the story from a new perspective.
The author shares information that I hadn’t already heard and I was sure I’d heard it all!
I recommend this book to anyone who paid attention to this tragic case and to those who are unfamiliar with it - buckle up because it’s a wild ride.
The narrator does a great job!
Thank you to Brilliance Audio & NetGalley for the free ALC in exchange for my honest review.
Pub date July 28th, 2026

[Ron Baumer · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am conflicted regarding this book. I was not following this case when it occurred so at first there seemed to be a lot of information on the background of the case and the participants. However, the further the story went along, it seemed the author had a bias against Karen Read, This seemed to conflict with what was being touted as a fair and comprehensive look at the murder of John O'Keefe, Also disappointing was that there was no resolution in the murder (or was it an accident?) The author also spent a large portion of the book providing background information that seemed not to be necessary in the telling of this story.

Overall, it had its good and bad points. An okay read for the true crime fan.

Thank you to #NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Jim Holscher · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you're still interested in the case of John O'Keefe and Karen Read this is a great place to start. I always find with true crime it is best to wait after all the hullabaloo has dissipated for a more balanced approach. This is certainly there here.

The thoroughness of the information presented can sometimes seen daunting. It is absolutely necessary. The thing about this case is that it is all the minute details, including the background of those involved and the town in which it took place, all add up to tell a very convoluted truth.
This is the full story warts and all. 4 stars.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers of this work in exchange for an honest review.

[Jonathan Rubin · Rating 1 out of 5]

While this book marginally “puts the focus back on John O’Keefe,” it offers nothing that isn’t already available by way of other media sources or court filings. If you know absolutely nothing about the case, it’s a decent starting point, but for people who have followed it even a little bit, nothing new is offered.

Of note, too, is the fact that this book is a love letter to the Albert and McCabe families. That’s not surprising, however, given the author’s well known connection to the Albert family.

I’m thankful I was given an advance copy by the publisher, because I’d be disappointed if I paid for this book.

[Lisa Welch · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to Netgalley and Brilliance Publishing for the advance listening copy!

Every once in awhile, I love a true crime book. This case was such a headline grabber not that long ago so I decided to pick this up to see what more I could learn. I don't think this book is going to offer anything new to the conversation if you are familiar with the case. I was hoping for something new, an eye opening revelation, anything.....but instead the reader is left with so many questions. I have a feeling there will be more media surrounding this in the future, and hopefully more questions will be answered.