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Unsolved: The JonBenét Ramsey Murder 25 Years Later
In 1996, six-year-old JonBenét Ramsey was tortured and murdered in her family home. Twenty-five years later, Emmy Award-winning investigative journalist Paula Woodward revisits the cold case to share new insider information on the heinous murder that gripped the nation.
After the murder of JonBenét Ramsey, rumors and misinformation planted by Boulder, Colorado law enforcement sped rapidly around the world. Suspicion immediately fell on the family as police sought to exploit her death in the media. Prosecutors and law enforcement intentionally manipulated existing evidence and ignored inconvenient evidence. Child beauty pageant photos of JonBenét whipped the case into a judgmental frenzy. Paula Woodward was one of the few journalists who reported the family’s side of the story. She’s still investigating the 25-year conspiracy to convict John and Patsy Ramsey by law enforcement who acted with arrogance, insecurity, incompetence, and benign neglect.
In Unsolved , the follow-up to Woodward’s award-winning and acclaimed true crime exposé We Have Your Daughter , Woodward explores outstanding questions still swirling around the cold case: Who wrote the baffling ransom note? What was found in the 11 pages of exclusive police report summaries backgrounding the Ramseys? And why has the case languished for years?
Included in the book are new, exclusive interviews with John Ramsey, his wife Jan, and his son John Andrew as they look back at the case, 25 years later, and react with stunning candor. New photos and reports from JonBenét’s teachers, friends, and family cut through the sensationalized headlines to show who JonBenét really was. Interwoven throughout the book is expert commentary on what the actual evidence shows, and whether the killer might ever be caught.
With never-before-released evidence from a now-passive investigation, Unsolved presents the known facts of the killing of JonBenét Ramsey, the bizarre yet intriguing aspects of this ongoing mystery, and gives you rare insight into whether a family member or an intruder savagely murdered JonBenét.
After the murder of JonBenét Ramsey, rumors and misinformation planted by Boulder, Colorado law enforcement sped rapidly around the world. Suspicion immediately fell on the family as police sought to exploit her death in the media. Prosecutors and law enforcement intentionally manipulated existing evidence and ignored inconvenient evidence. Child beauty pageant photos of JonBenét whipped the case into a judgmental frenzy. Paula Woodward was one of the few journalists who reported the family’s side of the story. She’s still investigating the 25-year conspiracy to convict John and Patsy Ramsey by law enforcement who acted with arrogance, insecurity, incompetence, and benign neglect.
In Unsolved , the follow-up to Woodward’s award-winning and acclaimed true crime exposé We Have Your Daughter , Woodward explores outstanding questions still swirling around the cold case: Who wrote the baffling ransom note? What was found in the 11 pages of exclusive police report summaries backgrounding the Ramseys? And why has the case languished for years?
Included in the book are new, exclusive interviews with John Ramsey, his wife Jan, and his son John Andrew as they look back at the case, 25 years later, and react with stunning candor. New photos and reports from JonBenét’s teachers, friends, and family cut through the sensationalized headlines to show who JonBenét really was. Interwoven throughout the book is expert commentary on what the actual evidence shows, and whether the killer might ever be caught.
With never-before-released evidence from a now-passive investigation, Unsolved presents the known facts of the killing of JonBenét Ramsey, the bizarre yet intriguing aspects of this ongoing mystery, and gives you rare insight into whether a family member or an intruder savagely murdered JonBenét.
- GenresTrue CrimeCrime
226 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 9, 2021
46 people are currently reading
89 people want to read
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October 19, 2021Hello,
I am the author of Unsolved: The JonBenet Ramsey Murder 25 Years Later.
I so appreciate the balance and fairness in K.S. Morgan’s review.
I wanted to correct some inaccuracies.
Lou Smit was pro Intruder. I am pro Evidence.
The 3,000 pages of summarized police reports are what I based a great deal of my research on.
JonBenet’s eyes were blue, not green, according to her parents, John and Patsy.
According to the summarized police reports, no person close to the case had Hi Tech shoes, like those prints found at the crime scene, including Burke.
According to the summarized police reports, the hair was not traced to anyone involved with the case.
I welcome any new information on the case. My goal is to provide the best factual evidence available.
Thank you again, K.S.
Paula Woodward.
I am the author of Unsolved: The JonBenet Ramsey Murder 25 Years Later.
I so appreciate the balance and fairness in K.S. Morgan’s review.
I wanted to correct some inaccuracies.
Lou Smit was pro Intruder. I am pro Evidence.
The 3,000 pages of summarized police reports are what I based a great deal of my research on.
JonBenet’s eyes were blue, not green, according to her parents, John and Patsy.
According to the summarized police reports, no person close to the case had Hi Tech shoes, like those prints found at the crime scene, including Burke.
According to the summarized police reports, the hair was not traced to anyone involved with the case.
I welcome any new information on the case. My goal is to provide the best factual evidence available.
Thank you again, K.S.
Paula Woodward.
December 25, 2021
"Unsolved: The JonBenét Ramsey Murder 25 Years Later" by Paula Woodward is the best book I've read, to date, about this horrific murder of a beautiful six-year-old girl. It is so sad this case still remains unsolved, twenty-five years later. Reading this book, the reader gets a clear picture of what did and didn't happen during the investigation and continued search for the killer. It also shows how justice can run astray when law enforcement is fixated on an outcome and stops searching for the truth. In this case, choosing to fixate on her parents and family, and not look, seriously, for the killer or killers. This family has suffered not only the loss of a loved one, but they have been maligned by the media, politicians and law enforcement. That too is a tragedy that can never be fixed. My heart breaks for them for for this little girl.
January 18, 2022
Not a standalone book, it reads more like a set of appendices to Woodward’s previous book.
October 17, 2021
Paula Woodward’s new book “Unsolved” takes its audience back to the events that happened in December 1996 in Boulder, CO. It reviews some of the evidence and provides unique insights into the Ramsey family, and like most books, it has its strengths and weaknesses.
First of all, what makes “Unsolved” unique is the previously unpublished photos of actual reports from the case. They include testimony from multiple people who knew the Ramseys and shared their opinions with the investigators (all 11 pages). There are also words from Jan, John Ramsey’s current wife. Her story about watching John break down after seeing a happy child resembling JonBenet is touching on every level. Regardless of what theory people hold about the identity of JonBenet’s killer, there are few doubts that John and Patsy Ramsey were deeply scarred by what happened. Woodward, being in a unique position to interview the family and get their perspective, provides tidbits with descriptions of their emotions and struggles that people who are fascinated with this case will find illuminating.
There are also some rare/previously unseen photos that make the book compelling. You can find brief updates about the life of the majority of key players and the positions they are holding at the moment. How JonBenet was seen, what she was like, what image the family has of her now — these are small but vivid aspects that anyone familiar with this case is going to appreciate. However, that brings me to another point.
Woodward majorly relies on the documents provided by Lou Smit, who was hired specifically to review the case from the defense perspective. It’s not a secret that he became very personally invested in it. By 2021, most of his beliefs were long refuted, and yet the book presents them anew. Several examples: Woodward claims that no one from the Ramseys owned Hi-Tec boots, the footprint from which was left in the basement and was thought to belong to an intruder. However, after GJ, it was discovered that Burke had such boots and left that footprint. The hair thought to be pubic and unknown was determined to come from Patsy or someone from her maternal line. No stun gun that would match the marks on JonBenet’s back was ever found: in fact, Smit himself admitted this. Stun gun manufacturers stated that their device didn’t leave those marks, too. And there are quite a few examples of this, so in many respects, Woodward’s info is outdated and contributes to confusion. There are smaller issues, too: for instance, JonBenet’s eyes were green, not blue. John and Jan got married in 2011, not 2014.
People who should read this book: everyone who has a passionate interest in JonBenet’s case and looks forward to getting new material will find it useful. Seeing photos of original files and testimony is always fascinating. Reading about the dynamics of the Ramsey family, the way John is living now and what he thinks are also insights you won’t get anywhere else.
Those who consider starting their journey through this case with this book: you should keep in mind that it is written from the perspective of the Intruder Did It theory strictly, to the point where 99% of conflicting information is not presented. So you should read it for getting the perspective of the Ramsey family and Lou Smit. It’s a big and relevant part of this case, and Woodward basically collected the entire theory in one place. It means that you’ll benefit by reading the book since you’ll learn everything about IDI — however, it should not be your stopping point because there is much more material to cover.
*ARC provided in exchange for honest review.
First of all, what makes “Unsolved” unique is the previously unpublished photos of actual reports from the case. They include testimony from multiple people who knew the Ramseys and shared their opinions with the investigators (all 11 pages). There are also words from Jan, John Ramsey’s current wife. Her story about watching John break down after seeing a happy child resembling JonBenet is touching on every level. Regardless of what theory people hold about the identity of JonBenet’s killer, there are few doubts that John and Patsy Ramsey were deeply scarred by what happened. Woodward, being in a unique position to interview the family and get their perspective, provides tidbits with descriptions of their emotions and struggles that people who are fascinated with this case will find illuminating.
There are also some rare/previously unseen photos that make the book compelling. You can find brief updates about the life of the majority of key players and the positions they are holding at the moment. How JonBenet was seen, what she was like, what image the family has of her now — these are small but vivid aspects that anyone familiar with this case is going to appreciate. However, that brings me to another point.
Woodward majorly relies on the documents provided by Lou Smit, who was hired specifically to review the case from the defense perspective. It’s not a secret that he became very personally invested in it. By 2021, most of his beliefs were long refuted, and yet the book presents them anew. Several examples: Woodward claims that no one from the Ramseys owned Hi-Tec boots, the footprint from which was left in the basement and was thought to belong to an intruder. However, after GJ, it was discovered that Burke had such boots and left that footprint. The hair thought to be pubic and unknown was determined to come from Patsy or someone from her maternal line. No stun gun that would match the marks on JonBenet’s back was ever found: in fact, Smit himself admitted this. Stun gun manufacturers stated that their device didn’t leave those marks, too. And there are quite a few examples of this, so in many respects, Woodward’s info is outdated and contributes to confusion. There are smaller issues, too: for instance, JonBenet’s eyes were green, not blue. John and Jan got married in 2011, not 2014.
People who should read this book: everyone who has a passionate interest in JonBenet’s case and looks forward to getting new material will find it useful. Seeing photos of original files and testimony is always fascinating. Reading about the dynamics of the Ramsey family, the way John is living now and what he thinks are also insights you won’t get anywhere else.
Those who consider starting their journey through this case with this book: you should keep in mind that it is written from the perspective of the Intruder Did It theory strictly, to the point where 99% of conflicting information is not presented. So you should read it for getting the perspective of the Ramsey family and Lou Smit. It’s a big and relevant part of this case, and Woodward basically collected the entire theory in one place. It means that you’ll benefit by reading the book since you’ll learn everything about IDI — however, it should not be your stopping point because there is much more material to cover.
*ARC provided in exchange for honest review.
April 12, 2022
I have been following this for some time. I have read all the books and I have to say Paula is honest and straightforward. She is an excellent journalist and has followed this case from the beginning. I was like many at first following the media and felt led by the nose. Quick judgements by the police department sent me wondering. It was just too cut and dried. It was obvious how badly this department handled this case. You do not have to be a rocket scientist to know something was very wrong. Paula has clearly presented the facts and evidence. This was a badly handled case and because of that a killer is still out there. I don’t believe for a minute the family is guilty. This book will open your eyes. Also read Johns book for his perspective.
July 21, 2025
this is an all-around terrible situation where a little girl died and her killer hasn’t been brought to justice. there are so many things that could have been done better and i hope that every aspect of this can be learned from so these mistakes won’t be made again.
here’s the thing about this case (and so many other unsolved cases): the police should have done better and the media should have gotten their facts straight before publishing information.
i’d recommend reading the first book Woodward wrote and then reading this, as it provides updates to work that’s already been published. HOWEVER, if you already know most of the facts and details surrounding this case, then this has great additional information.
here’s the thing about this case (and so many other unsolved cases): the police should have done better and the media should have gotten their facts straight before publishing information.
i’d recommend reading the first book Woodward wrote and then reading this, as it provides updates to work that’s already been published. HOWEVER, if you already know most of the facts and details surrounding this case, then this has great additional information.
July 6, 2024
Paula has done her research and this book provides insights into the case that seemingly have not been released to the general public. I saw Paula, along with John Ramsey, speak at Crime Con in Nashville. Their relentless dedication for truth and justice in this case is admirable. If you read ANYTHING about this heartbreaking case—read this book.
January 25, 2022
I have followed the JonBenet Ramsey case to the extent possible, books, TV documentaries, etc. Paula Wooward's book gave me an entire new perspective. She presents police reports, autopsy reports, etc which indicate that many lies have been told to the public. A stimulating read.
March 12, 2022
I wish there had not been such arrogance and ineptitude from the Boulder police. This little girl may have had justice if they had not wasted energy focusing on the family. Hopefully there will one day be a DNA match to catch the pedophile who killed her.
April 26, 2022
Good book and good info. Darn shame no one has been proven her killer yet.
January 12, 2023
Here in Colorado we heard about this case at nauseam - so much so, that I kind of stopped listening. Revisiting it (for bookclub) I am appalled by the mishandling of this case.
December 21, 2025
so many unanswered questions-still heartbreaking
After 25 years from the death of JonBenet this book begins to cover the family struggle and fight to solve the murder. Multiple theories and incorrect speculations continue. This book covers the events prior to and after the event.
For true crime fans this book is a worthy read. Don’t expect to find out who killed JonBenet, but the book will perhaps help you understand the situation outside of what the mainstream media has reported .
After 25 years from the death of JonBenet this book begins to cover the family struggle and fight to solve the murder. Multiple theories and incorrect speculations continue. This book covers the events prior to and after the event.
For true crime fans this book is a worthy read. Don’t expect to find out who killed JonBenet, but the book will perhaps help you understand the situation outside of what the mainstream media has reported .
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews