The Sound of Burning: A Mother, a Daughter, a Murder

by Kristi D. Osorio

200 pages, Paperback

Expected publication October 1, 2026

Reviews

[Celia P]

This book was deeply moving. The way Osorio writes is real and personal, almost as if she were here, having a conversation with me about the darkest parts of her experience. Her story wasn’t sensational; it was grounding. Instead of feeling like a spectator to her and her family’s worst day, she creates an experience of empathy that you can’t escape—as a reader, I am better for it.

I appreciate Osorio bringing her reality to us in such an honest and unflinching way. I ended the book in tears, but oddly enough, it was because of her tributes. They added another layer of intimacy that broke my heart, but also gave me that yearned-for sense of conclusion that doesn’t happen between her and her mother. Osorio writes about trauma and anxiety with a candor that doesn’t try to package either into something simple or easily resolved. She allows the messiness of grief, fear, love, and memory to exist together, without forcing it all into a neat conclusion.

That is the beauty of this book. Life doesn’t always give us happy endings, and recognizing that, while still finding joy in other ways—and ultimatley, reasons to live inspite of the awful things that happen to us was the enduring ending I wanted.

[Gab]

Almost a decade ago now, I got swept up in the True Crime craze. I had always watched things like Forensic Files and Law and Order with my mother growing up, but there was something more addicting and sinister about the true crime podcast era.

I had not given any thought about the content I was consuming until I saw a post that Kristi made on social media, about the effects that this kind of “content” has on the victims, and anyone else who has experienced or witnessed these types of crimes.

My entire world view shifted from that one post, that one conversation I had with her that day. I still think about that post every time I see a true crime book at the bookstore, or scroll past a TikTok about a murder posted by someone who has no involvement in the crime.

This book only further cemented how I feel about the whole phenomenon. This is such an open and honest look into someone’s life who was on the other side of that — who dealt with strangers poking and prodding and questioning about her trauma.

It is a book that will change your world view in the way her post changed mine all those years ago.

[Michelle]

When Nathan told Kristi that she “had an important story to tell, one that could open people’s minds, challenge them to have more empathy” he was right. Kristi is a very talented writer; her writing and sharing of her lived experiences over the years certainly opened my mind regarding crime and incarceration.
Throughout this book when Kristi questioned Nick’s thoughts, I found myself sitting with the same questions. Ultimately, I felt reminded that this was only her own story to share, which is written in such a respectable way and definitely had me feeling emotional.
I hope others read this book and reflect on the humanity which she has brought to her story.