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Murder on Birchleaf Drive: The True Story of the Michelle Young Murder Case
Was Jason the monster who bludgeoned his beautiful wife to death, leaving his toddler alone for hours to walk through her blood? If so—would he get away with it? To the outside world, Jason and Michelle Young lived a storybook life—an attractive couple with great jobs, a beautiful home, a precocious two-year-old daughter, and a baby boy on the way. Soon after the 29-year-old pregnant mother’s brutally beaten body was discovered on their bedroom floor, a very different picture emerged. Of a marriage crumbling at its foundation. Of a meddlesome New York mother-in-law whose running critique left Jason frustrated and angry. Of a 32-year-old man who behaved like a frat boy rebelling against adult responsibilities. MURDER ON BIRCHLEAF DRIVE documents the gripping tale of a family’s marathon quest for justice, confounding crime scene evidence, persistence of law enforcement officers, and riveting courtroom combat. “A compelling and accurate description of a fascinating murder case, from the initial investigation through the twists and turns of two trials, and all the strategic decisions in between. One of the best true crime books I have read. Very entertaining.” —David S. Rudolf, defense attorney for Michael Peterson, featured in the Netflix series The Staircase “Psychological thriller meets true crime story at its best! MURDER ON BIRCHLEAF DRIVE is a riveting account of what, at first blush, appears to be a boy-meets-girl romance but ends in bloody horror. Epstein brilliantly details the unraveling of the couple’s relationship and eloquently captures the legal details, making the most complicated aspects of the murder case completely understandable. Prepare yourself for an intense, heart-pounding read!” —Dr. Jean G. Spaulding, Forensic Psychiatrist and Associate Consulting Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University “An amazing first book, by a talented new author, MURDER ON BIRCHLEAF DRIVE drops the reader into the complex web and dark beauty of the criminal justice system. Epstein skillfully recounts a chilling tale of human emotion, betrayal, and calculated murder.” — Joseph B. Cheshire, V, criminal defense attorney whose successful representation of Duke University lacrosse players falsely accused of sexual assault received national acclaim “Steve Epstein’s debut effort is an outstanding achievement in true crime writing ... This is a must-read for anyone interested in seeing our criminal justice system at work.” — Hon. Barbara Jackson, Associate Justice, North Carolina Supreme Court, 2011-2019; Judge, North Carolina Court of Appeals, 2005-2011 “This fascinating and well-told story of a North Carolina murder and the trials that followed has more twists and turns than the road to Murphy ... I enjoyed the daylights out of it.” — Hon. Robert H. Edmunds, Jr., Associate Justice, North Carolina Supreme Court, 2001-2017; Judge, North Carolina Court of Appeals, 1999-2001; U.S. Attorney, Middle District of North Carolina, 1986-1993 "A great read, and a must- read, for those who are fascinated with the drama of real life—it’s even better than fiction.” —Colon Willoughby, District Attorney of Wake County, North Carolina, 1987-2014 "An excellent book, and I recommend it highly.” —Jerry Boyd, Coronado, California Police Chief (ret.
272 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 1, 2019
2016 people are currently reading
1154 people want to read
About the author
Steven B. Epstein
5 books301 followersSteven B. Epstein is a native of Long Island who graduated twice from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill—first with a bachelor’s degree in political science (1987) and then with a law degree (1990). His career began as a law clerk to a federal judge and included a stint as a law professor at the University of Illinois. He’s been a practicing lawyer for more than 35 years and has tried dozens of cases to judges and juries across North Carolina and has handled numerous appeals in state and federal courts. Since 2010, Steve’s been a partner at Poyner Spruill LLP, where his practice concentrates on family law.
Steve’s writing career began more as an accident than an ambition—a mid-life crisis of sorts—and has morphed into quite the side hustle. His first book, MURDER ON BIRCHLEAF DRIVE (2019), reached #1 on Amazon's best-seller list in the true crime genre and cracked the Top 100 List of all non-fiction books sold on Amazon. His fourth book, DEADLY HEIST: The True Story of the Mile High Bank Massacre, was released in February 2025. He and his books have been featured on TV documentaries, including Dateline NBC, TV news broadcasts, talk radio, YouTube livestreams, podcasts, and in newspaper and magazine articles. Steve lives, practices law, and burns the midnight oil writing, in Raleigh, North Carolina. He and his amazing wife Aletia Ferreira have five children in their blended family, all of whom have flown from the nest.
www.StevenBEpstein.com
Steve’s writing career began more as an accident than an ambition—a mid-life crisis of sorts—and has morphed into quite the side hustle. His first book, MURDER ON BIRCHLEAF DRIVE (2019), reached #1 on Amazon's best-seller list in the true crime genre and cracked the Top 100 List of all non-fiction books sold on Amazon. His fourth book, DEADLY HEIST: The True Story of the Mile High Bank Massacre, was released in February 2025. He and his books have been featured on TV documentaries, including Dateline NBC, TV news broadcasts, talk radio, YouTube livestreams, podcasts, and in newspaper and magazine articles. Steve lives, practices law, and burns the midnight oil writing, in Raleigh, North Carolina. He and his amazing wife Aletia Ferreira have five children in their blended family, all of whom have flown from the nest.
www.StevenBEpstein.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 206 reviews
November 13, 2020
5.0 stars —I was trying to find a good true crime book, and I came across this well reviewed book on Kindle Unlimited. “Murder on Birchleaf Drive” by Steven Epstein is a well researched account of the murder of Michelle Young and the subsequent arrest and trials of the suspect in the case. I haven’t ever heard of Steven Epstein or this case before, but I was very impressed with this book from start to finish. Epstein does a great job of presenting just the facts of the murder without putting a spin on it and provides the kind of details only someone with an intimate knowledge of the case would have. He does not reveal too much too soon and does an excellent job of covering both the victim’s family’s perspective and the defendant’s perspective in the investigatory phase of the case. Once the suspect was arrested, Epstein does an equally good job covering the two trials that were held in this case. I can honestly say I couldn’t tell which side the author was taking as to guilt or innocence (when is the last time you can say you read an unbiased account of anything in today’s over politicized media). When all was said and done I really wasn’t sure of the guilt of the accused but I know all of the attorneys involved did excellent work in the Prosecution and the Defense in this case. I also know the author did a bang-up job in presenting the facts in a concise, interesting way that left me wanting to read more of his books. True crime lovers definitely need to give this one a try.
August 25, 2019
3 - 3.5 true crime stars
Kind of suspenseful - except in the documentation of the court proceedings. However, there was no doubt in my mind of the husband's guilt. He almost got away with it because there was no true direct evidence. The first trial ended in a mistrial. The murder was very brutal and their child was in bed with her. Heinous.
Kind of suspenseful - except in the documentation of the court proceedings. However, there was no doubt in my mind of the husband's guilt. He almost got away with it because there was no true direct evidence. The first trial ended in a mistrial. The murder was very brutal and their child was in bed with her. Heinous.
June 9, 2019
An okay true crime book, but it tends to belabor every point.
June 6, 2020
Murder on Birchleaf Drive by Steven Epstein is fact-based, well researched, and written in a logical manner as an objective journalist is expected to approach any subject. You don't really get the sense that Epstein is pulling for one side. All explanation is fair. Both sides are balanced.
You could never imagine that simple articles of clothing could tug a jury in two completely different directions. For the side of the prosecution the missing shirt was a big pull. For Jason's side, even though the shoe types matched, it was the mismatched size that threw everything off.
This book brings you through the case with great detail. Epstein really shows how difficult this case must have been for the original jury.
You could never imagine that simple articles of clothing could tug a jury in two completely different directions. For the side of the prosecution the missing shirt was a big pull. For Jason's side, even though the shoe types matched, it was the mismatched size that threw everything off.
This book brings you through the case with great detail. Epstein really shows how difficult this case must have been for the original jury.
July 31, 2019
Wow
It still shocks me that there is such evil in this world.
Jason, bored of being married, second baby on the way, 3 other women he’s in love with...... decides to get rid of his wife.
Michelle was brutally murdered, over 30 blows to the head... he only stopped when he got tired. Jason even drugged their toddler Cassidy and left her in bed beside her dead momma.
He had it all so well planned. However, that didn’t stop him getting life in prison!
My heart goes out to Michelle’s wonderful family, never giving up the fight, even after two trails. For never giving up on getting custody of Cassidy. I pray that Michelle and baby Rylan are finally at peace.
I hope Jason rots.
It still shocks me that there is such evil in this world.
Jason, bored of being married, second baby on the way, 3 other women he’s in love with...... decides to get rid of his wife.
Michelle was brutally murdered, over 30 blows to the head... he only stopped when he got tired. Jason even drugged their toddler Cassidy and left her in bed beside her dead momma.
He had it all so well planned. However, that didn’t stop him getting life in prison!
My heart goes out to Michelle’s wonderful family, never giving up the fight, even after two trails. For never giving up on getting custody of Cassidy. I pray that Michelle and baby Rylan are finally at peace.
I hope Jason rots.
October 31, 2019
Very strong writing, as a first true crime effort. True crime is one of my favorite genres, and this was a sad , yet fascinating story. It took awhile, and a lot of effort, to GetJason Young for the murder of his wife Michelle. It’s hugely interesting to read about the makeup of individuals like these and how on earth they become a murderer. A philanderer, yes. A guy who never grew into adult responsibilities, yes. But what a stretch to murder. Could easily be someone any of us knows. My favorite all- time writer in this genre is the late Ann Rule. Epstein’s writing reminded me of her at times.
April 3, 2021
Mini Review: Murder on Birchleaf Drive is a well written true crime novel. I liked how the author stated all of the facts of the crime and court case without making it seem like he was taking sides in terms of the husbands guilt or innocence. To me, that's extremely important for any true crime novel. If you enjoy these types of books and read with kindle unlimited I recommend giving this one a try!
July 8, 2023
Interesting case that in the end I think the jury got right, even if some of the issues brought up during the appeal process gave me pause. Ultimately I believe the right person is in prison for Michelle's murder. The book is well done if a little too long in my opinion.
September 9, 2019
Really well written true crime novel....it flowed so well that I breezed through it with interest and understanding.
September 20, 2019
I'm going to be honest, i found this book on Kindle Unlimited and I expected it to be a quick and trashy True Crime read. But it's actually a detailed and intriguing crime and a well-written book that I can recommend to anyone with an interest in the genre. I was very impressed with this book.
Spoilers about the case
The crime is the violent murder of Michelle and the main suspect is, of course, her husband Jason. There are some odd occurrences that are never explained and the book leaves the reader to make up their own minds. Yes Jason was convicted, but if I had been on the jury, I'm not sure I which way I would have voted. The two trials meant that the reader gets an interesting look at different tactics and types of evidence that the prosecution team uses and how effective they are. During the first trial, I was fairly convinced of his innocence, but during the re-trial I was a lot more convinced of his guilt.
Epstein does a great job of taking the reader through trial procedures, as well as explaining the reasons behind various actions (for example, why don't defense lawyers encourage their clients to take the stand in their own defense? Why is circumstantial evidence used if it's not based on physical findings?). The trial sections included many names and dates but overall it was very interesting to see the case taken from the crime itself, through the trial, and into appeals court.
There is a lot of relationship and family drama around this case, and the author chose to focus mainly on that instead of the police investigation. Epstein goes into detail about the forensics and the complex family dynamics after the death of Michelle. The story almost sounds like the plot of a crime fiction novel, and Jason is the typical "yes he's a cheating asshole, but does that make him a killer?" character.
Overall, a really thorough yet accessible True Crime book.
Spoilers about the case
The crime is the violent murder of Michelle and the main suspect is, of course, her husband Jason. There are some odd occurrences that are never explained and the book leaves the reader to make up their own minds. Yes Jason was convicted, but if I had been on the jury, I'm not sure I which way I would have voted. The two trials meant that the reader gets an interesting look at different tactics and types of evidence that the prosecution team uses and how effective they are. During the first trial, I was fairly convinced of his innocence, but during the re-trial I was a lot more convinced of his guilt.
Epstein does a great job of taking the reader through trial procedures, as well as explaining the reasons behind various actions (for example, why don't defense lawyers encourage their clients to take the stand in their own defense? Why is circumstantial evidence used if it's not based on physical findings?). The trial sections included many names and dates but overall it was very interesting to see the case taken from the crime itself, through the trial, and into appeals court.
There is a lot of relationship and family drama around this case, and the author chose to focus mainly on that instead of the police investigation. Epstein goes into detail about the forensics and the complex family dynamics after the death of Michelle. The story almost sounds like the plot of a crime fiction novel, and Jason is the typical "yes he's a cheating asshole, but does that make him a killer?" character.
Overall, a really thorough yet accessible True Crime book.
January 4, 2020
Spoiler Alert!
The pictures halfway through the book gave away the ENTIRE ending! Save the pictures until after you have finished reading!
The pictures halfway through the book gave away the ENTIRE ending! Save the pictures until after you have finished reading!
February 1, 2021
I'd never heard of this case, so this was quite suspenseful. A good example of how a case with entirely circumstantial evidence depends so much on the skill of the lawyers presentation.
August 12, 2019
Well written, straightforward TC
This book about the senseless murder of a young woman and her unborn baby is very well recounted here in a plain spoken and unassuming style. The author never presumes to know what someone is thinking, a facetious trick used by so many crime writers. There also isn't a lot of filler. Five stars if there had been more background and less courtroom verbatim starting at 30% through. That's just me. Decent photos including those of a few of Jason's mistresses (he liked to go out and get those burgers while he had steak at home, fo' sure)!
This book about the senseless murder of a young woman and her unborn baby is very well recounted here in a plain spoken and unassuming style. The author never presumes to know what someone is thinking, a facetious trick used by so many crime writers. There also isn't a lot of filler. Five stars if there had been more background and less courtroom verbatim starting at 30% through. That's just me. Decent photos including those of a few of Jason's mistresses (he liked to go out and get those burgers while he had steak at home, fo' sure)!
April 19, 2020
Wow I have been spoiled .Have discovered and read some very good true crime books lately and this was one of them. Very much enjoyed reading and as I was not sure if the killer would be published it was even suspenseful. I do think justice was done in the end. A very well written and interesting true crime book which I recommend. It is also very sad is mostly always the case with true crime.
June 9, 2019
The first third of the book was well written and gripping. The second two-thirds were just a rehash of the court transcripts. It was boring and didn't hold my interest at all, to the point that I didn't even care about the outcome.
August 12, 2019
Well written and so tragic
I've read true crime before and this is well written. I hadn't heard of this case before but it's still shocking the brutality of a such a crime committed by someone so close.
I've read true crime before and this is well written. I hadn't heard of this case before but it's still shocking the brutality of a such a crime committed by someone so close.
August 20, 2019
Quite a saga
Book is well written and replete with legal detail told in an interesting manner. Not too much and not too little. The story is honorific and makes you question how some individuals with everything going for them become so depraved. All in all an excellent read.
Book is well written and replete with legal detail told in an interesting manner. Not too much and not too little. The story is honorific and makes you question how some individuals with everything going for them become so depraved. All in all an excellent read.
July 2, 2019
Great True Crime Book!
This is one of the better true crime books I have read in years. I absolutely could not put it down until I finished.
This is one of the better true crime books I have read in years. I absolutely could not put it down until I finished.
December 30, 2019
Probably 3.5 stars. A very long drawn-out and convoluted case of domestic Homicide, told with detail, clarity, and enough narrative to keep the story readable through all its twists and turns.
November 29, 2021
Excellent Book
Excellent book written very well. Kept you on edge wanting to know if he really did it!! I would recommend.
Excellent book written very well. Kept you on edge wanting to know if he really did it!! I would recommend.
January 12, 2020
Outstanding!
As this is Epstein's first book, the 5 stars are righteous earnings for him! He managed to take what can often be an arduous, tedious time in the courtroom and bring out the drama and excitement and suspense without allowing it to become sensationalism!
As this is Epstein's first book, the 5 stars are righteous earnings for him! He managed to take what can often be an arduous, tedious time in the courtroom and bring out the drama and excitement and suspense without allowing it to become sensationalism!
Want to read
August 28, 2020So far, it was good! I have been reading new books from the library. I been behind on my Kindle. My Kindle trial has expired. If I renew, I will pick this back up.
July 6, 2020
Definitely recommend.
It was well written & I loved the courtroom scenes. I’m excited to read this author’s new book! Great read
It was well written & I loved the courtroom scenes. I’m excited to read this author’s new book! Great read
June 22, 2019
True crime that reads like a novel
On November 3, 2006, in Raleigh, North Carolina, the brutally beaten body of Michelle Young was discovered in her home. The only other person found in the house was Michelle's two-year-old daughter who had tracked blood through the rooms but was remarkably clean when she was discovered by her aunt.
From the outset, the number one suspect was Michelle's husband, Jason Young. Investigators learned that the couple had a troubled marriage, that Jason was having extramarital affairs, that they disagreed about visits from Michelle's mother, that Michelle was pregnant but Jason just wanted out. They learned that Michelle was insured for $2 million with a double-indemnity clause and that a previous accident might have been a first attempt.
There are lots of useful photos, but they're hidden in the middle of the book. By the time you reach them, you will be familiar with the people pictured.
I want to comment on the Allen charge, also called the dynamite charge. This was first used by Judge Isaac C. Parker, the Hanging Judge, in U.S. v. Alexander Allen, which was affirmed by the Supreme Court in Allen v. U.S., 164 US 492 (1896). If you're ever in Fort Smith, Arkansas, be sure to visit Judge Parker's Courtroom.
17
On November 3, 2006, in Raleigh, North Carolina, the brutally beaten body of Michelle Young was discovered in her home. The only other person found in the house was Michelle's two-year-old daughter who had tracked blood through the rooms but was remarkably clean when she was discovered by her aunt.
From the outset, the number one suspect was Michelle's husband, Jason Young. Investigators learned that the couple had a troubled marriage, that Jason was having extramarital affairs, that they disagreed about visits from Michelle's mother, that Michelle was pregnant but Jason just wanted out. They learned that Michelle was insured for $2 million with a double-indemnity clause and that a previous accident might have been a first attempt.
There are lots of useful photos, but they're hidden in the middle of the book. By the time you reach them, you will be familiar with the people pictured.
I want to comment on the Allen charge, also called the dynamite charge. This was first used by Judge Isaac C. Parker, the Hanging Judge, in U.S. v. Alexander Allen, which was affirmed by the Supreme Court in Allen v. U.S., 164 US 492 (1896). If you're ever in Fort Smith, Arkansas, be sure to visit Judge Parker's Courtroom.
17
August 22, 2019
Disclaimer: I know the author. But even if I didn't know the author, I would give this book 5 stars. I am an attorney but have never done criminal work. So, while I was able to follow along with all the legal jargon, the proceedings and strategy between the first and second trial fascinated me. I live in Charlotte so vaguely recalled hearing about the murder when it happened many years ago but didn't follow the story thereafter. Once I started reading, I couldn't put it down and finished in about 72 hours. I would have finished sooner but I had to go to work one day! If you enjoy reading true crime books, then I highly recommend reading this book!
July 3, 2019
It's good to see that justice finally prevailed
Well written combining the legal aspects to the horrible drama. I get a clear understanding of where this relationship seemed destined to bomb. I just want Michelle to survive somehow. But she can't.
Well written combining the legal aspects to the horrible drama. I get a clear understanding of where this relationship seemed destined to bomb. I just want Michelle to survive somehow. But she can't.
December 16, 2019
Well written and a must read!
This true life murder mystery is an amazing exercise in detail and a very careful presentation of the two lawsuits tried against the perpetrator. Fascinating in content and legal action.
This true life murder mystery is an amazing exercise in detail and a very careful presentation of the two lawsuits tried against the perpetrator. Fascinating in content and legal action.
July 14, 2019
Really enjoyed this book. Excellent details and information. Would definitely read more by this author.
January 28, 2022
Very good true crime debut! It was full of facts both legal and real life as well as allowing us to know these families. Justice surely turns slowly but generally gets there in the end.
August 25, 2019
This is one of the better true crime books I have read in a while. It is a story that you would expect from Jack Smith, Ryan Decker or even the great and rule. Having said that let me say that early on in the book you can tell which way the author sways because of how she refers to the victims family. Michelle Young is the victim and although not innocent she buy for doesn’t deserve to death her murderer add in store for her. They have so many inconsistencies in the prosecution story, I was screaming at my book. This is the reason why I cannot stand prosecutors they are diss honest underhanded backstabbing and ridiculous. They have a witness with a memory problem yet hold her up at the prime example to prove they are the retail and then the defense has a postal worker who drives down the same street every day and saw a strange vehicle with two occupants in it in front of the young house and yet the prosecution tries to discredit her. There is more so much more I was so angry at the end of this book it really is a very long very for filling story and although it left me angry at the prosecution , This is nothing new in my life. I recommend this book to anyone who likes true crime and especially those who like the court edition of a crime story. This is a really good book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 206 reviews