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Ripple: A Long Strange Search for a Killer
A chilling investigation into the unsolved “boy in the woods” murder; journalist Jim Cosgrove chronicles his decades-long quest to uncover the truth of a family friend’s disappearance and death — perfect for fans of I'll be Gone in the Dark and Memorial Drive.
For nine years, South Carolina officials struggled to identify “the boy in the woods,” whose body had been discovered just south of Myrtle Beach in a fishing village called Murrells Inlet.
Meanwhile, 1,200 miles away in Kansas City, Missouri, Frank McGonigle's family searched for him at Grateful Dead concerts and in the face of every long-haired hitchhiker they passed. Consumed by guilt for how they'd treated him, Frank's eight siblings slowly came to understand that — like Jerry Garcia sang — he's gone and nothin's gonna bring him back.
Frank McGonigle was finally found — and identified as “the boy in the woods.”
Four years later, the case still unsolved, Jim Cosgrove, a McGonigle family friend and investigative journalist, picked up the trail of Frank’s cold case and began uncovering connections to a ruthless local crime boss and blunders by the threadbare sheriff’s department.
When his research began to stall, a chance meeting with the soft-hearted, straight-talking “energy reader” Carol Williams provided a metaphysical spark that reignited Jim's resolve. Although his work as a journalist trained him to be skeptical, Cosgrove found himself starting to become a believer when Carol provided details about Frank’s murder that turned out to be freakishly accurate.
In 2019, Cosgrove returned to Murrells Inlet with one of Frank’s brothers to dredge up some old leads and settle Frank’s case once and for all…
For nine years, South Carolina officials struggled to identify “the boy in the woods,” whose body had been discovered just south of Myrtle Beach in a fishing village called Murrells Inlet.
Meanwhile, 1,200 miles away in Kansas City, Missouri, Frank McGonigle's family searched for him at Grateful Dead concerts and in the face of every long-haired hitchhiker they passed. Consumed by guilt for how they'd treated him, Frank's eight siblings slowly came to understand that — like Jerry Garcia sang — he's gone and nothin's gonna bring him back.
Frank McGonigle was finally found — and identified as “the boy in the woods.”
Four years later, the case still unsolved, Jim Cosgrove, a McGonigle family friend and investigative journalist, picked up the trail of Frank’s cold case and began uncovering connections to a ruthless local crime boss and blunders by the threadbare sheriff’s department.
When his research began to stall, a chance meeting with the soft-hearted, straight-talking “energy reader” Carol Williams provided a metaphysical spark that reignited Jim's resolve. Although his work as a journalist trained him to be skeptical, Cosgrove found himself starting to become a believer when Carol provided details about Frank’s murder that turned out to be freakishly accurate.
In 2019, Cosgrove returned to Murrells Inlet with one of Frank’s brothers to dredge up some old leads and settle Frank’s case once and for all…
208 pages, Paperback
First published April 5, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews
April 2, 2022
3.5 stars
I believe a family never gets over the loss of a child or a sibling. It is a tragedy that effects them for the rest of their lives.
For the McGonigle family, the disappearance of their twenty six year old son, Frank, left them heartsick and always wondering. They spent years searching for Frank a die hard Grateful Dead lover to the point of even going to concerts hoping to find him. They continually wondered what drove their shy sensitive son to leave without a good bye. The large Catholic family questioned themselves over the years. They were a loud boisterous lot so the fact that Frank often felt out of it might be the cause of his unhappiness, but to not know was a torment that drove the family continually.
For journalist Jim Cosgrove, a friend of the family as well, it was a lifelong search for Frank and who the killer might be which went on for many years only to be resumed twenty-five years later. It drove him and was always there at the back of his mind.
For some residents of Murrells Inlet., they continued wondering who was that boy found shot dead in the woods. It would be nine years until the answer to that question was solved.
This was an interesting true story of family thrown into turmoil, questioning themselves, searching the faces of every one who resembled Frank, hoping for the best. It was also a story of a determined storyteller, even assisted by a woman, Carol Williams, who is able to perceive and see things that others can't.
It is a story of persistence of not letting go when something drives you always.
Thank you to Jim Cosgrove, Steerforth, and NetGalley for a copy of this story due out April 5, 2022
I believe a family never gets over the loss of a child or a sibling. It is a tragedy that effects them for the rest of their lives.
For the McGonigle family, the disappearance of their twenty six year old son, Frank, left them heartsick and always wondering. They spent years searching for Frank a die hard Grateful Dead lover to the point of even going to concerts hoping to find him. They continually wondered what drove their shy sensitive son to leave without a good bye. The large Catholic family questioned themselves over the years. They were a loud boisterous lot so the fact that Frank often felt out of it might be the cause of his unhappiness, but to not know was a torment that drove the family continually.
For journalist Jim Cosgrove, a friend of the family as well, it was a lifelong search for Frank and who the killer might be which went on for many years only to be resumed twenty-five years later. It drove him and was always there at the back of his mind.
For some residents of Murrells Inlet., they continued wondering who was that boy found shot dead in the woods. It would be nine years until the answer to that question was solved.
This was an interesting true story of family thrown into turmoil, questioning themselves, searching the faces of every one who resembled Frank, hoping for the best. It was also a story of a determined storyteller, even assisted by a woman, Carol Williams, who is able to perceive and see things that others can't.
It is a story of persistence of not letting go when something drives you always.
Thank you to Jim Cosgrove, Steerforth, and NetGalley for a copy of this story due out April 5, 2022
April 15, 2022
3.5/5
I am still trying to figure out what my feelings are regarding Ripple: A Long Strange Search for A Killer by Jim Cosgrove. On one hand, I thought it was fascinating in general since I have never heard of this case before, but I was also left feeling slightly confused by the way Cosgrove chose to structure his story. It started out clear enough, but he jumped around a bit too much for my liking, and it made the book feel a little disjointed to me. That being said, I liked what he was trying to do here, and I also really loved the fact that he was a friend of the family who wanted to go on a search for some answers. Cosgrove was very sensitive to the McGonigle family in the way he went about this, and he made my heart just ache for that family and their lack of answers.
I would say I recommend listening to the book on audio since Cosgrove narrated it himself, and I was more than satisfied with the voicing of his own story. I love when memoirs are narrated by the author, and having true crime voiced by the author is just as good. I really enjoyed listening to Cosgrove talk, and from what he said in the book, it sounds like he has a lot of practice telling this story and it shows. It was a really quick audiobook, and I would imagine just as fast to read it, so if you are a fan of true crime and don't know anything about the Frank McGonigle case, I think Ripple would be good to check out. My favorite part was definitely getting to hear about Carol Williams, and it totally threw me to hear she had done some 'work' on the JonBenét Ramsey case. I didn't really believe in psychics (ahem, energy readers), before this book but Cosgrove's experience with Carol really left me thinking.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I am still trying to figure out what my feelings are regarding Ripple: A Long Strange Search for A Killer by Jim Cosgrove. On one hand, I thought it was fascinating in general since I have never heard of this case before, but I was also left feeling slightly confused by the way Cosgrove chose to structure his story. It started out clear enough, but he jumped around a bit too much for my liking, and it made the book feel a little disjointed to me. That being said, I liked what he was trying to do here, and I also really loved the fact that he was a friend of the family who wanted to go on a search for some answers. Cosgrove was very sensitive to the McGonigle family in the way he went about this, and he made my heart just ache for that family and their lack of answers.
I would say I recommend listening to the book on audio since Cosgrove narrated it himself, and I was more than satisfied with the voicing of his own story. I love when memoirs are narrated by the author, and having true crime voiced by the author is just as good. I really enjoyed listening to Cosgrove talk, and from what he said in the book, it sounds like he has a lot of practice telling this story and it shows. It was a really quick audiobook, and I would imagine just as fast to read it, so if you are a fan of true crime and don't know anything about the Frank McGonigle case, I think Ripple would be good to check out. My favorite part was definitely getting to hear about Carol Williams, and it totally threw me to hear she had done some 'work' on the JonBenét Ramsey case. I didn't really believe in psychics (ahem, energy readers), before this book but Cosgrove's experience with Carol really left me thinking.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
January 14, 2022
This was a fairly quick read about a fascinating case from back in the 1980s. It was well handled by the author with much sensitivity to the family of the victim, as the author was a family friend who grew up in that same area. Even the paranormal aspect of this case was believably expressed, which I found quite compelling. A well written true crime book that’s not your typical formula. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 20, 2022
Out April 5! Thank you to the publishe, author and netgalley for the gifted copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own!
I have been wanting to read more non-fiction, especially true crime. I thought this one sounded intriguing. The case of Frank McGonnigles disappearance and the mystery behind his murder definitely is a subject that I thought would grab my attention. I'm sad to say that this one just didn't work for me, although I did find certain parts Interesting. I definitely think this was a well written book, but it was a bit too wordy for me. I can see others enjoying this one if they're big true crime fans.
I have been wanting to read more non-fiction, especially true crime. I thought this one sounded intriguing. The case of Frank McGonnigles disappearance and the mystery behind his murder definitely is a subject that I thought would grab my attention. I'm sad to say that this one just didn't work for me, although I did find certain parts Interesting. I definitely think this was a well written book, but it was a bit too wordy for me. I can see others enjoying this one if they're big true crime fans.
April 19, 2022
In Ripple, Jim Cosgrove tells the story of the 1982 disappearance of Frank McGonigle, who grew up in the same Kansas City neighborhood as Cosgrove and hailed from a similarly large and spirited Irish Catholic family. Although Frank was the odd man out in his family and among friend groups, his sudden, unexplained loss was keenly felt by those around him, from the family members closest to him, to those, like Cosgrove, who merely knew of him. That "ripple" effect of unresolved grief, wondering, and searching for closure is the focus of this compelling true-crime debut.
This was a refreshingly different sort of true-crime read in that it was more about the living, and the impact that a single life makes, than it was about the gritty details of a violent crime. I liked that, along with the smart way Cosgrove handles the more "woo-woo" elements of his investigation into Frank's disappearance. He anticipates that readers might be skeptical (I was) and presents those parts in a straightforward, take-or-leave way that makes them go down easier. I also connected with this story through the texture of place. I lived for thirteen years in the Waldo neighborhood of Kansas City, MO, directly south of the Brookside neighborhood where the Cosgroves and McGonigles lived, and within walking distance of the famous McGonigle's meat market, so that added a layer of resonance for me. I also had the good fortune of working with Jim Cosgrove for a short time at Hallmark, where he was an editor and I'm still a writer. I always found Jim to be an incredibly kind and genuine guy, and I loved hearing those qualities come through in Ripple. As I read, I could easily imagine listening to him telling me this story in person.
By the way, my two daughters, now teenagers, have fond memories of watching Jim Cosgrove perform as Mr. Stinky Feet. They think it would have been fun if he had kept that stage name as his true-crime nom de plume, but they understand why he went with plain old Jim Cosgrove instead.
This was a refreshingly different sort of true-crime read in that it was more about the living, and the impact that a single life makes, than it was about the gritty details of a violent crime. I liked that, along with the smart way Cosgrove handles the more "woo-woo" elements of his investigation into Frank's disappearance. He anticipates that readers might be skeptical (I was) and presents those parts in a straightforward, take-or-leave way that makes them go down easier. I also connected with this story through the texture of place. I lived for thirteen years in the Waldo neighborhood of Kansas City, MO, directly south of the Brookside neighborhood where the Cosgroves and McGonigles lived, and within walking distance of the famous McGonigle's meat market, so that added a layer of resonance for me. I also had the good fortune of working with Jim Cosgrove for a short time at Hallmark, where he was an editor and I'm still a writer. I always found Jim to be an incredibly kind and genuine guy, and I loved hearing those qualities come through in Ripple. As I read, I could easily imagine listening to him telling me this story in person.
By the way, my two daughters, now teenagers, have fond memories of watching Jim Cosgrove perform as Mr. Stinky Feet. They think it would have been fun if he had kept that stage name as his true-crime nom de plume, but they understand why he went with plain old Jim Cosgrove instead.
March 12, 2022
This is one of the best true crime books I've read. The author, Jim Cosgrove (known to many families across the globe as children's entertainer "Mr Stinky Feet"), handles this murder case with sensitivity and respect. You get right in the trenches with him as he interviews Frank McGonigle's family members, friends, and others in Frank's circle. Cosgrove shares dreams and anecdotes, including his interactions with "energy reader" Carol Williams, that are weirdly uncanny. I really appreciated how peaceful and hauntingly beautiful the conclusion of this book is. I recommend this one to any true crime aficionado, especially those interested in Kansas City crime.
Many thanks to Netgalley for my e-arc.
Many thanks to Netgalley for my e-arc.
February 6, 2022
Jim Cosgrove’s book Ripple is about a personal journey he took to better understand the circumstances surrounding the disappearance and murder of a family friend from his childhood. The author’s personal account and interviews with family members and potential witnesses give the reader a touching and intimate look at a family’s grief and how their loss changed their dynamic. Rather than a book dramatizing the thoughts and actions of a killer, Jim Cosgrove’s connection with the family and his quest to find the truth is respectful and easy to follow. The author goes into this search as a regular person, he doesn’t have special privileges or access to lawyers, but he uses his investigative skills to track down available information and living witnesses to piece together an account of what happened in the best way anyone could if they took the time that he did. The author’s open-mindedness to spirituality gives this story a unique twist to other true crime type novels and as a Dead fan could relate to the victim, a few parts gave me goose bumps. I recommend.
July 10, 2025
My book club chose this book for its local interest - the involved family was prominent in our metropolitan area and the author is a known children’s entertainer in the region (some members of our group had seen him perform in person with their children).
It was an unusual book for being “true crime” in that the crime happened in the 80s, the body found 10 years later, then decades later the author decides to investigate it further, and uses a psychic (who doesn’t want to be called a psychic) to “figure out” what really happened. But with so much time having passed, all the potential murderers have died and no real conclusion can be reached in terms of hard evidence. So there is no satisfying ending.
I didn’t think the book was particularly well written or organized, and it seemed like more of a memoir about this author’s journey to search for the real story. It was ok, but compared to “real” true crime writers like Ann Rule, it falls short.
It was an unusual book for being “true crime” in that the crime happened in the 80s, the body found 10 years later, then decades later the author decides to investigate it further, and uses a psychic (who doesn’t want to be called a psychic) to “figure out” what really happened. But with so much time having passed, all the potential murderers have died and no real conclusion can be reached in terms of hard evidence. So there is no satisfying ending.
I didn’t think the book was particularly well written or organized, and it seemed like more of a memoir about this author’s journey to search for the real story. It was ok, but compared to “real” true crime writers like Ann Rule, it falls short.
January 17, 2022
Wow - I am totally blown away by how incredibly well written this book is.
Gripping, fascinating, haunting, riveting, compelling, emotive…
I have totally been on a journey with Jim Cosgrove right the way through this story, and now I’ve reached the end of the book I feel both overwhelming sadness and joy.
What an incredibly tragic tale it is, but the determination and stoicism of this guy is so admirable.
I’m so glad that he persevered and shared the story of Frank Mcgonigle with the world.
A 4+ star rating 💫
Gripping, fascinating, haunting, riveting, compelling, emotive…
I have totally been on a journey with Jim Cosgrove right the way through this story, and now I’ve reached the end of the book I feel both overwhelming sadness and joy.
What an incredibly tragic tale it is, but the determination and stoicism of this guy is so admirable.
I’m so glad that he persevered and shared the story of Frank Mcgonigle with the world.
A 4+ star rating 💫
March 16, 2022
The Case:
Journalist Jim Cosgrove gives a detailed account of his decades-long investigation into the unsolved case of "boy into woods", Frank McGonigle whose body was discovered in a wooded area at Murrells Inlet in the 1980s.
My thoughts: I have not heard of this case before and so I am glad to learn about it in this book. Any cold case investigation is definitely not an easy one and the author did an excellent job in trying to find out what happened to Frank, a family friend from his childhood. We read about his interviews with Frank's family, friends, and the people living in that community, including the author's interactions with psychic or energy reader Carol. To be honest, this part threw me off a bit.
The author shares this story with compassion, care and respect and I appreciated that a lot. But I did find the structure of the book was a bit confusing with jumpy timelines, and some parts did slow down a lot.
Overall, this was a pretty quick read and if you're looking for more of a memoir kind of true crime book, this may be the one for you.
Pub Date: April 5th, 2022
***Thank you Steerforth for this gifted review copy. All opinions expressed are my own.***
My thoughts: I have not heard of this case before and so I am glad to learn about it in this book. Any cold case investigation is definitely not an easy one and the author did an excellent job in trying to find out what happened to Frank, a family friend from his childhood. We read about his interviews with Frank's family, friends, and the people living in that community, including the author's interactions with psychic or energy reader Carol. To be honest, this part threw me off a bit.
The author shares this story with compassion, care and respect and I appreciated that a lot. But I did find the structure of the book was a bit confusing with jumpy timelines, and some parts did slow down a lot.
Overall, this was a pretty quick read and if you're looking for more of a memoir kind of true crime book, this may be the one for you.
Pub Date: April 5th, 2022
***Thank you Steerforth for this gifted review copy. All opinions expressed are my own.***
June 5, 2022
I enjoyed reading through this book. There were a lot of unique perspectives brought by the author, who had a tangible relationship to the family, due to his brothers friendships with some of the older McGonigle boys.
When Frank left home, his family thought that he would be back. But when days turned into weeks, then months, and finally years - the dread of what had happened to their son and brother was beyond the pale. They hoped that he was out looking for his fame and fortune, trying to make something of his life. But the hard truth was that he had been murdered, and was known as "The Boy in the Woods." As the case unfolds and the pieces started coming together, there was a lot of mistakes uncovered, the blunders of a small police office, and the mastermind that most likely got away with murder. As the family continued their search for answers, Jim started looking into the case, hoping to bring some closure. Instead, he found even more than he was looking for - and while the answers might not ever be known fully, there are enough inferences to draw from to figure out who was involved, and what most likely happened.
This was an interesting read, and an overall great book.
When Frank left home, his family thought that he would be back. But when days turned into weeks, then months, and finally years - the dread of what had happened to their son and brother was beyond the pale. They hoped that he was out looking for his fame and fortune, trying to make something of his life. But the hard truth was that he had been murdered, and was known as "The Boy in the Woods." As the case unfolds and the pieces started coming together, there was a lot of mistakes uncovered, the blunders of a small police office, and the mastermind that most likely got away with murder. As the family continued their search for answers, Jim started looking into the case, hoping to bring some closure. Instead, he found even more than he was looking for - and while the answers might not ever be known fully, there are enough inferences to draw from to figure out who was involved, and what most likely happened.
This was an interesting read, and an overall great book.
March 20, 2022
This was a quick easy read based on a true story and the disappearance of a little boy that the authors family grew up by. A case that took place in the 80s of an unsolved murder that took place in the woods in South Carolina. The boy had been taken 1200 miles from his home in Kansas City, Missouri and no one could identify him.. meanwhile his parents couldn’t find him.
Jim Cosgrove’s book takes a journey of personal understanding and personal accounts. He teams up with the missing boys brother to go over data to dredge up information. The McGonigile family was known for being a wealthy influential Irish immigrant and the ransom lead towards a crime boss wanting some money, but as this book explores there’s still no explanation as to why he was taken and killed.
This was an enjoyable non fiction, true crime book. The fact that the author had some connection makes it more formal and authentic.
Jim Cosgrove’s book takes a journey of personal understanding and personal accounts. He teams up with the missing boys brother to go over data to dredge up information. The McGonigile family was known for being a wealthy influential Irish immigrant and the ransom lead towards a crime boss wanting some money, but as this book explores there’s still no explanation as to why he was taken and killed.
This was an enjoyable non fiction, true crime book. The fact that the author had some connection makes it more formal and authentic.
August 18, 2024
Great KC history in this true crime story by Jim Cosgrove, aka Mr. Stinky Feet. I listened to this book in audiobook form because Jim Cosgrove was the reader, so it felt like he was telling me a story himself. I would recommend this book to other KC residents. Our book club discussion left us all wishing that the whole ordeal had a definitive resolution, but that’s how life goes more often than not.
August 24, 2022
An interesting story about a Kansas City murder. It reminds me of the expression “ Justice delayed is justice denied.” The writing style was extremely sloppy and in my opinion, more about the author’s journey than solving a murder. The descriptions of Kansas City were spot on, but the rest felt murky. It felt like the author hid as many facts as did the good people of South Carolina.
December 29, 2022
Maybe it's because I've seen Jim Cosgrove perform many times, or because I heard him present this story at an author event, or because I've spoken to him personally, maybe it's because I've lived in the Kansas City metro for 24 years...whatever the reason I was enthralled with this book. It was delightful and intriguing. I'm so glad I read it.
June 20, 2025
This is an especially interesting books if you are familiar with the KCMO area and McGonigle’s meat market. I hadn’t realized they’d lost a son back in the early 80s, and the unraveling story of his death is interesting.
March 10, 2023
2.5. Some things about it I liked; other things were "okay."
July 7, 2023
3.5 stars. Interesting as a KC native. Was not aware of this story despite shopping at the family market as an adult.
January 23, 2022
Jim Cosgrove’s book Ripple is a thoughtfully written and detailed account of the life and tragic death of Frank McGonigle. The author grew up in the same Kansas community as Frank, knew his family, and ultimately became involved in helping to uncover information about his murder.
Jim has documented this true crime narrative in a way that makes the reader feel like they are accompanying him on his journey of discovery. His attention to detail and wonderfully evocative descriptions of people, places and the emotional aspects of his odyssey are engaging and often poignant. The fortuitous meeting and relationship with Carol an energy reader is a fascinating and thought-provoking aspect of the story. Jim Cosgrove shares many personal insights while navigating his investigation of Frank’s story and imparts many deep and penetrating pearls of wisdom in concluding his book. Over the course of the many years it took to investigate and write the book, the author’s personal attitudes and mindset about the events and people surrounding Frank McGonigle’s life and death matured, and his reflections offer a sensitive and compassionate view applied to that experience and life in general. I found this a particularly strong, unexpected, and satisfying outcome.
Ripple is a captivating and worthwhile read and I would highly recommend it to others.
Thank you to NetGalley and Steerforth Press for an eARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Jim has documented this true crime narrative in a way that makes the reader feel like they are accompanying him on his journey of discovery. His attention to detail and wonderfully evocative descriptions of people, places and the emotional aspects of his odyssey are engaging and often poignant. The fortuitous meeting and relationship with Carol an energy reader is a fascinating and thought-provoking aspect of the story. Jim Cosgrove shares many personal insights while navigating his investigation of Frank’s story and imparts many deep and penetrating pearls of wisdom in concluding his book. Over the course of the many years it took to investigate and write the book, the author’s personal attitudes and mindset about the events and people surrounding Frank McGonigle’s life and death matured, and his reflections offer a sensitive and compassionate view applied to that experience and life in general. I found this a particularly strong, unexpected, and satisfying outcome.
Ripple is a captivating and worthwhile read and I would highly recommend it to others.
Thank you to NetGalley and Steerforth Press for an eARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
May 24, 2022
This true crime book is powerfully intimate. Beyond the plot itself, it will draw you in to think about the impact of something like this happening to your family. “The rock he threw in our pond has many ripples.”
April 15, 2022
As a fan of true crime investigations, I found this book super interesting and surprised that I hadn’t heard of it previously. I appreciated the journalist’s connection to the family and how he felt that this was a story that needed to be told.
November 16, 2022
3.5★s The true crime novel, RIPPLE: A LONG STRANGE SEARCH FOR A KILLER, follows author Jim Cosgrove’s journey to uncover the truth surrounding the 1982 disappearance and murder of Kansas City native Frank McGonigle. The author sensitively handles the crime’s impact on Frank’s family and on the communities of KC and Murrells Inlet, SC. Cosgrove meets an unusual cast of characters along the way, including a clairvoyant with extraordinary insights. At times, the writing reads like a newspaper article, but overall the story held my interest.
June 19, 2022
Being from Iowa and it's promixity to Kansas City plus my love of true crime novels and I was sold! This book did not disappoint, I loved learning Frank's story and how connected the author is to his family. While, I wish that the mystery had been solved definitively, I think it's telling that many of the main suspects didn't live well into old age.
I have not been to South Carolina but the descirptions were so vivid, I feel like I have been. The flow of the book is perfect and I hope to read more from this author.
Thank you @netgalley for the advanced reader copy!
I have not been to South Carolina but the descirptions were so vivid, I feel like I have been. The flow of the book is perfect and I hope to read more from this author.
Thank you @netgalley for the advanced reader copy!
March 1, 2022
The title very accurately describes the book. Decades later, an unsolved murder still has no explanation. Except for theories from small town gossip and a psychic. This book is more about the journey of grief this large family goes through- a different perspective than most true crime books. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a quick and different read.
Thank you, NetGalley for the gift copy.
Thank you, NetGalley for the gift copy.
April 5, 2022
True Crime and Nonfiction are not my norm at all, but something about this title got my attention so I checked it out. It was quite an interesting read, but it was a bit of a slow start that was hard for me to get into at first until I switched my focus/perspective and the narrative changed then it got more engaging for me.
Some of what's different with having read this story is that I'm used to reading fantasy and other fiction and always saying this was such a great story and I loved it, but it's hard to say that about this one. The reason it's hard to say that about this is because it's true crime and real life. I don't think a boy in the woods being murdered and having to solve the mystery of his death and how it affects his family and others are great the same way fiction is great. I don't love reading about murder and the pain and unresolved situations, but I do love that this mystery was solved with this particular boy's death.
This is well-written and keeps you interested and invested to discover the answers along with the investigative journalist. I found it intriguing to read about how the solution to the mystery unfolded and what it revealed about the people and the family members as they went through talking about it and figuring things out. It is a sad and hard thing to read about those that have a hard time in life and find themselves in the wrong place at the wrong time and lose their life for it. There are a few different aspects shown and talked about about how they approach things when investigating this boy, Frank's murder, first with the normal approaches and then with the unique with the psychic and those involved sharing their spiritual and other types of experiences relating to Frank and his death when they felt like they were being lead to answers or having some sort of communication sent to them by him from the other side. The investigation and journey to find answers take on a life of its own and when they find the answers they're right where they thought they were but others had been trying to hide the answers from view. The thing is even though they find the answers and solve the murder/death of Frank, there are still a lot of unanswered questions and unknowns. In the end, there's always more than one victim in these kinds of situations and it's a hard thing to have to deal with and face, but Frank's family had a good outlook on things and the experience of talking through things helped them all to break down some walls and find ways to talk and work on becoming closer to one another in their family.
If you're a fan of true crime and figuring out mysteries and what makes others tick or the like then make sure to take a look at this one and read it. Thanks to NetGalley and Steerforth Press for letting me read and review this enlightening story. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Some of what's different with having read this story is that I'm used to reading fantasy and other fiction and always saying this was such a great story and I loved it, but it's hard to say that about this one. The reason it's hard to say that about this is because it's true crime and real life. I don't think a boy in the woods being murdered and having to solve the mystery of his death and how it affects his family and others are great the same way fiction is great. I don't love reading about murder and the pain and unresolved situations, but I do love that this mystery was solved with this particular boy's death.
This is well-written and keeps you interested and invested to discover the answers along with the investigative journalist. I found it intriguing to read about how the solution to the mystery unfolded and what it revealed about the people and the family members as they went through talking about it and figuring things out. It is a sad and hard thing to read about those that have a hard time in life and find themselves in the wrong place at the wrong time and lose their life for it. There are a few different aspects shown and talked about about how they approach things when investigating this boy, Frank's murder, first with the normal approaches and then with the unique with the psychic and those involved sharing their spiritual and other types of experiences relating to Frank and his death when they felt like they were being lead to answers or having some sort of communication sent to them by him from the other side. The investigation and journey to find answers take on a life of its own and when they find the answers they're right where they thought they were but others had been trying to hide the answers from view. The thing is even though they find the answers and solve the murder/death of Frank, there are still a lot of unanswered questions and unknowns. In the end, there's always more than one victim in these kinds of situations and it's a hard thing to have to deal with and face, but Frank's family had a good outlook on things and the experience of talking through things helped them all to break down some walls and find ways to talk and work on becoming closer to one another in their family.
If you're a fan of true crime and figuring out mysteries and what makes others tick or the like then make sure to take a look at this one and read it. Thanks to NetGalley and Steerforth Press for letting me read and review this enlightening story. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
February 25, 2024
As an Irish Catholic Kansas Citian, I enjoyed and appreciated this very much. As a Deadhead, I was disappointed. As a local history buff, I was intrigued and satisfied. As an objective reader, I found a lot to like and some to criticize.
Cosgrove’s portrait of the Brookside neighborhood and St. Peter’s Parish in the 70’s and 80’s is a delightful contribution to local history. It’s the perfect way to begin this story, and his writing really shines here. If you like local color (and who doesn’t?) you’ll find a sensitive and satisfying treatment not only of an ethnic neighborhood in Kansas City, but also of the underbelly of a small town in the low country of coastal South Carolina. Cosgrove conveyed a vivid sense of place in both locales. Nice work, Mr. Cosgrove!
The Grateful Dead connection is a stretch, in my opinion. I had read a review or a promo that mentioned years of searching for Frank McGonigle at GD shows, but there was only the briefest mention of that. Frank and some of his brothers were bona fide Deadheads who traveled to shows in the 70’s and 80’s. They sang “Ripple” at Frank’s memorial service at St. Peter’s. The content exists, but Cosgrove fell short in capturing it. He does not seem to have been a Deadhead himself, which is fine, but also noticeable to Heads who will spot missed opportunity throughout the book. Cosgrove did a nice job with the ripple in the pond metaphor, and the “He’s Gone” conclusion is beautiful thanks to Mike McGonigle, but the GD content does not live up to the packaging.
I love a good 200-page nonfiction book. They’re not easy to find. After all, it’s no easy task to thoroughly tell a compelling true story with economy of style. Cosgrove succeed; Ripple comes in at exactly 200 pages despite containing a lot of information spanning several decades. Surprisingly, though, some of it is superfluous. I can think of several passages that didn’t seem to me to serve the story and could have been omitted to make more space for Frank’s siblings, the Grateful Dead, the Nance crime syndicate, etc. Some of these passages occur late in the book when Cosgrove writes in the first person. He addressed his violation of the journalistic rule to keep oneself out of the story in the introduction, and he was drawn into the narrative in service of the story, but I think he still could’ve reigned himself in a little more.
The psychic/spiritual side of this story came as a surprise and Cosgrove’s treatment of it was superb.
Among my many failures as a Catholic is a tendency not to pray for strangers, but this book inspired me to pray for Frank McGonigle and his family – people I’ve never met. I felt a kinship with them. If that’s not an endorsement for the book, I’m not sure what is.
Cosgrove’s portrait of the Brookside neighborhood and St. Peter’s Parish in the 70’s and 80’s is a delightful contribution to local history. It’s the perfect way to begin this story, and his writing really shines here. If you like local color (and who doesn’t?) you’ll find a sensitive and satisfying treatment not only of an ethnic neighborhood in Kansas City, but also of the underbelly of a small town in the low country of coastal South Carolina. Cosgrove conveyed a vivid sense of place in both locales. Nice work, Mr. Cosgrove!
The Grateful Dead connection is a stretch, in my opinion. I had read a review or a promo that mentioned years of searching for Frank McGonigle at GD shows, but there was only the briefest mention of that. Frank and some of his brothers were bona fide Deadheads who traveled to shows in the 70’s and 80’s. They sang “Ripple” at Frank’s memorial service at St. Peter’s. The content exists, but Cosgrove fell short in capturing it. He does not seem to have been a Deadhead himself, which is fine, but also noticeable to Heads who will spot missed opportunity throughout the book. Cosgrove did a nice job with the ripple in the pond metaphor, and the “He’s Gone” conclusion is beautiful thanks to Mike McGonigle, but the GD content does not live up to the packaging.
I love a good 200-page nonfiction book. They’re not easy to find. After all, it’s no easy task to thoroughly tell a compelling true story with economy of style. Cosgrove succeed; Ripple comes in at exactly 200 pages despite containing a lot of information spanning several decades. Surprisingly, though, some of it is superfluous. I can think of several passages that didn’t seem to me to serve the story and could have been omitted to make more space for Frank’s siblings, the Grateful Dead, the Nance crime syndicate, etc. Some of these passages occur late in the book when Cosgrove writes in the first person. He addressed his violation of the journalistic rule to keep oneself out of the story in the introduction, and he was drawn into the narrative in service of the story, but I think he still could’ve reigned himself in a little more.
The psychic/spiritual side of this story came as a surprise and Cosgrove’s treatment of it was superb.
Among my many failures as a Catholic is a tendency not to pray for strangers, but this book inspired me to pray for Frank McGonigle and his family – people I’ve never met. I felt a kinship with them. If that’s not an endorsement for the book, I’m not sure what is.
May 22, 2025
I love true crime books, and I love books that deal with Kansas City history. The combination of the two is a surefire "all systems go" for me, but the addition of Jim Cosgrove as the author really sold me on this one.
Parents, especially those around KC but also those from further out, might know Cosgrove better as "Mr. Stinky Feet," a popular kids' musician. I have met him in person on a number of occasions, both in my past career in the newspaper business and in my current position coordinating programs at my local library. When I learned that he had also written a true crime book, I knew I had to read it.
The thought isn't as crazy as it might sound at first. Cosgrove used to be a newspaper writer himself, out west in New Mexico. In fact, this book was originally a thesis he was writing for school. The subject matter isn't as far-out as it might seem either -- the Cosgrove family grew up alongside the McGonigle family, owners of a famed butcher shop and grocery store in Kansas City. The man at the center of this book was one of the McGonigle sons, Frank, who left home in the early 1980s and was never seen again.
That is, not seen by his family or friends. He was seen by folks in rural South Carolina, where for years he was a John Doe murder victim known as "The Boy in the Woods." In this book, Cosgrove works closely with the McGonigle family, as well as with various people in South Carolina -- including, possibly, people who knew far more about the crime than they would ever admit to.
I'd say the book doesn't necessarily read like a "regular" true crime, but in my experience there's really no such thing. A well-written story of crime and punishment could take all kinds of forms, and Cosgrove's style isn't so different from all of them. The biggest difference, perhaps, is his proximity to the victim's family -- while Cosgrove was several years younger than Frank and didn't really know him very much, he was friends with some of Frank's siblings.
A note for music fans: The title of the book, and several chapters and other mentions, are references to the music of the Grateful Dead. Frank McGonigle was a fan of the band, and for years his family wondered if he had perhaps become a "Deadhead," one of the fans who followed the Grateful Dead and attended their many concerts. The use of the band's music, in my opinion, helps to humanize Frank McGonigle's story and gives it extra poignancy.
Parents, especially those around KC but also those from further out, might know Cosgrove better as "Mr. Stinky Feet," a popular kids' musician. I have met him in person on a number of occasions, both in my past career in the newspaper business and in my current position coordinating programs at my local library. When I learned that he had also written a true crime book, I knew I had to read it.
The thought isn't as crazy as it might sound at first. Cosgrove used to be a newspaper writer himself, out west in New Mexico. In fact, this book was originally a thesis he was writing for school. The subject matter isn't as far-out as it might seem either -- the Cosgrove family grew up alongside the McGonigle family, owners of a famed butcher shop and grocery store in Kansas City. The man at the center of this book was one of the McGonigle sons, Frank, who left home in the early 1980s and was never seen again.
That is, not seen by his family or friends. He was seen by folks in rural South Carolina, where for years he was a John Doe murder victim known as "The Boy in the Woods." In this book, Cosgrove works closely with the McGonigle family, as well as with various people in South Carolina -- including, possibly, people who knew far more about the crime than they would ever admit to.
I'd say the book doesn't necessarily read like a "regular" true crime, but in my experience there's really no such thing. A well-written story of crime and punishment could take all kinds of forms, and Cosgrove's style isn't so different from all of them. The biggest difference, perhaps, is his proximity to the victim's family -- while Cosgrove was several years younger than Frank and didn't really know him very much, he was friends with some of Frank's siblings.
A note for music fans: The title of the book, and several chapters and other mentions, are references to the music of the Grateful Dead. Frank McGonigle was a fan of the band, and for years his family wondered if he had perhaps become a "Deadhead," one of the fans who followed the Grateful Dead and attended their many concerts. The use of the band's music, in my opinion, helps to humanize Frank McGonigle's story and gives it extra poignancy.
April 29, 2023
I was drawn to this true crime read due to a personal connection to the setting. The church mentioned throughout the tale is the one at which I taught for many years. I did enjoy hearing all about the neighborhood and community that I was a part of several decades before I came along. I did think it was interesting to follow an unsolved case over several decades and through several lenses (that of the family, the community where Frank lived, the community where Frank was found, law enforcement agencies, etc.). Unfortunately, the book as a whole fell pretty flat. While I knew going in that there probably wasn't going to be a conclusive ending, I didn't realize just how little there was to go on in general. Cosgrove often had to resort to a "this is probably what might have happened and how he/she/they may have felt..." which is not my favorite narrative device. And since there was very little to really describe as per the murder, Cosgrove often had to rely on overly descriptive passages about scenery and natural features. Not my favorite type of writing in any setting. Also, I think the blurb really undersold how much of this story revolves around an "energy reader/psychic's" interpretation. No shame if you believe in that, but it is a bit strange that that is the linchpin here.
Cosgrove does narrate the audiobook and does a great job. He is, by trade, a performer. But beware headphone users as he does breathe a bit heavily. Lol.
Cosgrove does narrate the audiobook and does a great job. He is, by trade, a performer. But beware headphone users as he does breathe a bit heavily. Lol.
April 7, 2022
The broken system still exists
Jim Cosgrove did an excellent job of telling Frankie's (I may be the only one that called him by that name) journey. And, he did an excellent job of relaying to his readers what the families of the missing go through. I couldn't put the book down, it is a must read.
What many of his readers do not know is that even in 2022, we have approximately 40,000 unidentified remains in the U.S. that are in coroner's offices and pauper graves that are not in any database, no hope of being matched with a missing person. They need to be given back their names and reunited with their loved ones. It is getting better but there are still families that wait for years and decades in the unknown as the McGonigle family did when they should have had their answer immediately. There are still families that get denied the critical first step of having the missing person report accepted and entered into the NCIC. And, then family DNA reference sample collected and dental and fingerprints collected, if existing is not routinely done. Families need the system to work with them not against them.
This book stirred up so many emotions for me. I had Frankie's car after it was found and returned to KC. I felt him every time I got in that car. Many tears were shed in reading this book. Thank you to Jim for all you did to bring this story to the public.
Jim Cosgrove did an excellent job of telling Frankie's (I may be the only one that called him by that name) journey. And, he did an excellent job of relaying to his readers what the families of the missing go through. I couldn't put the book down, it is a must read.
What many of his readers do not know is that even in 2022, we have approximately 40,000 unidentified remains in the U.S. that are in coroner's offices and pauper graves that are not in any database, no hope of being matched with a missing person. They need to be given back their names and reunited with their loved ones. It is getting better but there are still families that wait for years and decades in the unknown as the McGonigle family did when they should have had their answer immediately. There are still families that get denied the critical first step of having the missing person report accepted and entered into the NCIC. And, then family DNA reference sample collected and dental and fingerprints collected, if existing is not routinely done. Families need the system to work with them not against them.
This book stirred up so many emotions for me. I had Frankie's car after it was found and returned to KC. I felt him every time I got in that car. Many tears were shed in reading this book. Thank you to Jim for all you did to bring this story to the public.
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