How to Survive a Murder Investigation

by Catherine Townsend

A searing account of the personal cold case that plunged journalist, private investigator, and podcast host Catherine Townsend (Hell and Gone and Red Collar) into the world of true crime, exposing the hidden rules that govern murder investigations­—and the ones you must break to get to the truth.

What does it really take to solve a murder . . . and come out alive?

In 2004, Catherine Townsend was working as a journalist in London when college student Rebekah Gould vanished near Townsend’s childhood Ozarks retreat. Rebekah’s body was found a week later, leaving behind a blood-soaked trailer, a devastated family, and rumors that refused to die. To local police, Rebekah was just another “high-risk victim” who dated a lot of men and made a lot of women jealous. As time passed, the investigation stalled.

Thirteen years later, Townsend left her home base in New York for Arkansas, determined to crack the cold case, force the police to finally pay attention, and reckon with the place that had made her. In the process, she discovered that the truth about cold case investigations is a long way from what we see on TV—and that the roles people play in a murder case are rarely as simple as they seem.

As an investigative journalist, Townsend has faced danger from the potential murder suspects she's trying to hunt down—and resistance from police who tell her that “investigations are grownup stuff” and to mind her own business. With How to Survive a Murder Investigation, she calls them all out as she recounts the audacious true story of her relentless search for the truth.

Genres: Nonfiction, True Crime, Memoir

Unknown Binding

Reviews

[Randi Himes · Rating 3.5 out of 5]

This was a good "behind the scenes" look at how private investigators / investigative journalists research their cases.

I LOVE true crime, and I swore I'd seen every single episode of Dateline there is. But I'm going to have to go back and watch Rebekah's episode. How to Survive a Murder Investigation was informative and entertaining...and LOTS of movie / book references. I hope Rebekah can now rest in peace.

Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for the advanced copy, in exchange for an honest review.
Publication Date : 11.17.2026

[twistedchapter13 | Stacy · Rating 3 out of 5]

📚 ARC Review 📚
Thank you to the author, Ballantine Books and NetGalley for the advance reader copy! It was a pleasure to read this before release, and as always, my review reflects my honest opinion.
If you love true crime, cold cases, and getting a behind-the-scenes look at what it actually takes to investigate a murder, this one is for you.
Catherine Townsend does a wonderful job taking readers along with her as she investigates the real-life murder of Rebekah Gould, a college student whose case went cold after her body was discovered in the Ozarks.
What I really enjoyed about this book is that it isn’t just about who committed the crime. It’s about what it takes to uncover the truth, the obstacles that can come up along the way, and the determination it takes when you refuse to let a cold case fall through the cracks.
Townsend draws on her experience as a journalist, licensed private investigator, and true-crime podcaster to give readers an inside look at the frustrating realities of cold cases and just how complicated the search for answers can be.
I especially enjoyed the behind-the-scenes perspective. There’s something fascinating about seeing how an investigation unfolds when you’re not getting the perfectly wrapped-up version we’re so used to seeing on TV. You get to see the questions, setbacks, discoveries, and persistence that go into trying to solve a case that has remained unanswered for years.
If you enjoy true crime, cold cases, investigative journalism, and real-life murder investigations, this is definitely one to add to your TBR.

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has one of the most captivating first chapters ever. I was hooked! It’s a very interesting look into what it’s like to investigate a cold case in small-town Arkansas. I wasn’t familiar with Rebekah’s case before and am glad I read this. There are quite a few different people that make up this case, which can make it slightly confusing at times, and I sort of wish there was a glossary at the beginning to use as a reference. I won’t give away spoilers, but I finished the book with some lingering questions, though it seems like the author did too. Catherine Townsend is brave to do what she did to investigate this case and I enjoyed reading about her work.

[Lori L (She Treads Softly) · Rating 3.5 out of 5]

How to Survive a Murder Investigation: A True Story of Death and Danger in the Ozarks by Catherine Townsend is part memoir and instruction manual set during her personal investigative into an unsolved murder. It is highly recommended for fans of true crime and the author's podcast.

In 2004 college student Rebekah Gould was murdered in the Ozarks of rural Izard County Arkansas and her body was found off Highway 9. Townsend grew up in the area years earlier so in 2017, when the case was still unsolved, Townsend went back home to investigate. As both a journalist and private investigator, as well as a former native to the area, she was uniquely qualified to look into the case. She understood wrongful convictions, dealt with dirty cops, and knew incompetence when she encountered it. Rebecca was clearly murdered in the trailer of her boyfriend. From there, the investigation flounders. It is full of rumors, suspects, presumed missing pieces of evidence, and no clear investigation

Townsend opens with personal background information before delving into the case of Rebecca Gould. She has the officer in charge of the case dismiss her, saying, “investigations are grownup stuff.” He also won't share any information. This sets Townsend on a mission. Each of the chapters are titled as steps in a murder investigation, starting with 1. Create Your Murder Board, and then followed by 2. Don't Go into the Woods; 3. Treat Dating like Detective work and Vice Versa; 4. Piece Together the Timeline; 5. Be a Victim; 6. Insert Yourself into the Story; 7. Pound the Pavement, and more. Also included between chapters are a few Sidecases.

It is an interesting real life story and did hold my attention most of the time. I'm not a true crime podcast fan, so I knew nothing about this case or Townsend before reading. She writes in a very conversational, accessible style, as if she's just talking to you about the case, who she questions, information uncovered, leads, etc. At times I did feel as if she was sharing way too much personal information rather than focusing on the investigation, which left me a bit bored, but others will likely enjoy this personable style of writing more. This is a true cold case investigation, so unlike a novel, everything won't be wrapped up with complete closure on all questions. You will likely still have questions that can't be answered. 3.5 rounded up when needed.

How to Survive a Murder Investigation, is a great choice for true crime devotees, along with those following Townsend and true crime podcasts. Thanks to Ballantine for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.

https://www.shetreadssoftly.com/2026/...

[Jen Ryland (jenrylandreviews & yaallday)]

I have loved True Crime stories forever (like books by Ann Rule and Truman Capote). Listening to Serial back in 2014 and being able to discuss the case with others reminded me of how absorbing a deep dive True Crime experience can be.
I don't think it's the crime itself that draws me in, or any sense of self-preservation, but rather that I am a lifelong student of human behavior with an advanced social science degree. The things that people do (and survive) never cease to amaze me.

I had not head of the Red Collar Crime or Hell and Gone podcasts before, and I'm sorry about that because Catherine Townsend is MY KIND OF PODCASTER.

I've been listening to Red Collar Crime. No fluff and chit-chat. No co-host (I'm not against them and sometimes think they're a plus, but they tend to lead to chit chat.) Just a fast-talking woman who is clearly OBSESSED with her cases in a way I deeply admire. I can tell she's not in it for the YouTube views or the podcast ad money, she genuinely wants to understand what happened.

Townsend's book, How to Survive a Murder Investigation, felt similar. At the start of the book, you learn more about her background and very unusual career trajectory, and then you are fully plunged into the case. You're right there with her as she roams around, talking to people who might not want her poking around in their business.

I was completely invested and even though I don't love audiobooks (which is weird, considering) I think this would have made a great one and YES of course she narrates it (I checked!). So this could be the way to go.

I am so happy to have "met" Catherine. I've subscribed to the podcast and really enjoyed her book!

Thanks to the publisher for providing an advance copy for review!

[Corinne Carson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Catherine Townsend is a journalist, private investigator and podcaster, who became interested in the 2004 unsolved murder of Rebekah Gould in Arkansas. Having lived in Arkansas, she became obsessed with digging through the case. In her book, she describes what she went through with the Arkansas State Police, the family & friends closest to Rebekah and the lead investigator on the case. The case went unsolved for many years, and she was met with a lot of resistance when she wanted to bring up the case in her podcast. Her book describes the process she goes through in a murder investigation. I found the book to be very informative and was shocked at some of the behaviors of the Arkansas good old boys when it came to investigating this particular case, as well as other cases in Arkansas.

Thank you to NetGalley & Ballantine Books for the invitation to read an eARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinions.

[Jen W · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoy shows like Dateline so I was excited to read this book.

I think Catherine does a great job of taking us behind the scenes of this investigation into Rebekah Gould's murder, the issues with this case and the approach the detectives had taken when trying to solve this.

I think that her drive really helped to move the case forward. I am sure that Larry Gould and Danielle appreciate her efforts.

I also think the book showcases how much time, space and energy have to be given to a cold case like this. It is almost like an obsession.

Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Karen Brooks - TheTxLitChic · Rating 4 out of 5]

How to Survive a Murder Investigation: A True Story of Death and Danger in the Ozarks
~Catherine Townsend

How to Survive a Murder Investigation by Catherine Townsend is part memoir, part true-crime case file, and part Here's What the TV Shows Won't Tell You. Most cold cases are like a stubborn jar of pickles. Everyone gives the lid a twist, shrugs, and passes it along. Townsend grabs a dish towel, braces herself against the counter, and keeps twisting until something finally gives. It's gritty, gutsy, and sprinkled with just enough humor to keep things interesting when the road turns to gravel, the trees close in, and your phone loses its signal.

In September 2004, 22-year-old Rebekah Gould disappeared after returning home from college and spending the weekend with her boyfriend in Izard County, Arkansas. At the time, Townsend was living in London and writing a dating column. The following week, Rebekah's body was discovered just off a hillside near Highway 9, not far from where Townsend had spent her childhood in the Ozarks. Left behind were a blood-soaked mattress in her boyfriend's trailer, a heartbroken family, and a collection of rumors that refused to die. The theories ranged from a boyfriend using a loose piano leg, something only he and a few others knew about, to a group of jealous women attacking Rebekah. Eventually, the case landed on the cold-case shelf, with police labeling her a "high-risk victim." Their reasoning? A girl who dated multiple men. Something about that explanation, and the case itself, never sat right with Townsend.

Thirteen years later, Townsend, an investigative journalist and licensed private investigator, returned to Arkansas determined to ruffle some feathers and find whatever answers she could for Rebekah's family. Her determination earned her plenty of resistance, including closed doors from police, one of whom informed her that "investigations are grownup stuff." She reopened old wounds with the family, conducted stakeouts, was followed herself, arranged secret meetings with potential witnesses, navigated dangerous territory, and even dug through trash (legally, of course). Along the way, she discovered just how far the truth can hide and how little real-life murder investigations resemble what we see on television.

Townsend is stubborn, self-aware, and fearless to the point that you'll occasionally want to reach through the pages and give her a good shake. She admits that surveillance is essentially legal stalking, and her fascination with it is both her superpower and her blind spot. She's not afraid to laugh at herself, acknowledge her mistakes, or admit when things don't go according to plan. One of her greatest strengths is her ability to connect with readers. This doesn't feel like a dry how-to guide or a stuffy memoir about herself. It feels like a one-on-one conversation over sweet tea and cookies on the back porch on a warm spring day. Most importantly, she refuses to let Rebekah become just another statistic or police label. Through the memories of grieving family and friends, Rebekah becomes a daughter, a student, and a real person whose life mattered far beyond the circumstances of her death.

The opening grabs you, and the story doesn't loosen its grip. Alternating between the investigation and practical, chapter-by-chapter lessons on conducting a safe and ethical private investigation creates an easy rhythm without burying readers in jargon. Side cases add depth and credibility to Townsend's experience as a PI, while offering a glimpse into just how complicated this work can become. But here's your fair warning: real life doesn't always deliver a neatly wrapped package with a pretty little bow. Although the case is now officially closed, some questions remain unanswered.

If you're looking for a gutsy, grounded, and surprisingly funny peek behind the police tape, How to Survive a Murder Investigation by Catherine Townsend deserves a spot on your TBR when it hits shelves on November 17, 2026.

I would like to thank Dan Denning, Senior Marketing Manager with Ballantine Bantam Dell Penguin Random House for reaching out asking for me to read and review How to Survive a Murder Investigation by Catherine Townsend.

As always, all opinions and reviews are of my own volition, Karen Brooks aka The Tx Lit Chic. I have not been promised any compensation, current or future, by the author or publisher for a fair and honest review of How to Survive a Murder Investigation.

 

[Jolene · Rating 4.25 out of 5]

This was quite an interesting read and definitely gave me a few things to think about.

Catherine Townsend was determined to bring attention to Rebekah Gould’s murder and find answers, even when it seemed so many others were content to let the case sit in a drawer. Over the years, things were overlooked, leads weren’t followed up on, and the investigation just never seemed to get the attention it deserved. Honestly, I found that frustrating. You can’t help but wonder how much might have been missed and whether things would have turned out differently if more people had cared enough to keep digging.

This book also reminds me just how difficult it can be to know who you can really trust. Not that we don’t already know that, but it certainly makes you think. Those of us who are true crime fanatics, sitting on our couches on a Sunday afternoon watching one Dateline rerun after another, are really only getting a small glimpse of the actual story. We’re seeing what law enforcement, the family, and even the producers are willing to share with us. It honestly makes me look at some of those shows a little differently. There’s so much happening behind the scenes that we’ll probably never know the real story.

Another thing that really stood out to me was how women are treated in this world. A woman, especially a young female journalist or investigator, isn’t always given the same respect or credibility as a man. And unfortunately, she may also be putting herself in much greater danger simply by asking questions and pushing for answers. Townsend’s determination is admirable, but the risks she faced are a reminder that being a woman in this line of work can come with an entirely different set of challenges.

What stayed with me most was the frustration of knowing that someone had to come in years later and push so hard just to get people to pay attention. Rebekah deserved that attention from the beginning. No victim should become just another forgotten name because an investigation gets pushed aside.

Overall, I enjoyed this book. It’s not just another true crime story with twists and suspects. It gives you a look at the messy, frustrating, and sometimes frightening reality of trying to solve a murder. If you’re someone who loves true crime, it’s definitely worth a read. Just be prepared to come away with frustrations about what really goes on behind the scenes.

[Amy Flanagan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read and reviewed for NetGalley; available November 17, 2026

How to Survive a Murder Investigation feels less like a clinical procedural guide and more like sitting down over a huge cup of coffee with a seasoned insider who is treating you like a trusted colleague. The author addresses us directly as if we’re up-and-coming true crime podcasters, offering pragmatic, chapter-by-chapter advice on how to navigate the messy, unglamorous realities of a homicide inquiry.

What makes this book standard-issue reading for armchair detectives is how accessible it is. The author deliberately strips away the thick layer of dense jargon that usually bogs down police procedurals. Instead of getting lost in vague legalities or acronym-heavy police speak, you get clear, conversational explanations that respect the layperson's intelligence without requiring a forensics degree to follow along.

To balance out the heavy subject matter, the author weaves in a healthy dose of self-deprecating humor. She readily pokes fun at her own past missteps, completely disarming the narrative and meeting readers right at their level. It keeps the tone grounded and prevents the darker elements of the case from feeling overwhelming.

Fair warning for readers who like everything neatly resolved: this isn't a glossy Hollywood mystery with a tidy bow at the end. Even though the case featured is officially closed, real-life investigations are notorious for leaving lingering questions, and the book doesn't hide those cracks. The remaining holes in the narrative only make it feel more authentic.

Verdict: Highly recommended for true crime enthusiasts, armchair detectives, and prospective podcasters looking for a genuine, highly readable peek behind the police tape.

[Janine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Compelling read that combines a murder investigation and advice on how to conduct an ethical review investigation - and helpful advice for future murder mystery reading.

The author looks into an unsolved murder of Rebekah Gould in 2004. Townsend, a native of Arkansas, was haunted for years by the murder of the young woman found beaten and battered off Highway 9 in the Ozarks. So in 2017 she returned home to investigate. Strange and persistent rumors abounded that she tackled. The police stifled all her efforts until a they finally cooperated. I’m going to stop my summary here because it’s good story with a surprise ending that if you read this book you’re sure to enjoy.

I liked the mixture of memoir and true crime investigation. Others have tried this but I think Townsend’s approach has been the best of those I’ve read. Her inclusion of what she learned studying to be a private investigator certainly gave me good ideas I can use for future readings. Also some of the side story of cases she looked into, like the Dirty John case (great podcast) highlighted at the beginning, add interest to the book.

I gave this book five stars because it hooked me immediately and I couldn’t put it down - while a lot of books can do that, Townsend’s had a different “feel” for me. I also loved the author’s persistence and unwillingness to be veered off course in her investigation - based on what I read, it seemed to me to be very thorough - and sought justice for Rebekah. I loved the inclusion of murder tips investigations - you get a lot in this book.

Readers who enjoy true crime books should enjoy this one.

My sincere thanks to NetGalley and Ballentine Books for granting me access to this ARC.

[Jennifer · Rating 3.5 out of 5]

I love true crime, especially when it involves a cold case, so this one immediately caught my attention. There's something about trying to piece together what happened and understanding how an investigation unfolds that I find fascinating.

Catherine Townsend takes us through her involvement in the investigation of Rebekah Gould's 2004 murder in Arkansas. What makes this book different from other true crime books is that we're getting the perspective of someone who was actually out there asking questions, following leads, and trying to find answers.

I really liked getting that behind-the-scenes look at the investigation. We hear about cold cases all the time, but I don't think we always realize how much work goes into them, especially when years have passed. I also appreciated that Catherine's writing was easy to follow without getting bogged down in technical details.

That being said, I did find myself wanting things to move along a little faster in certain sections. The case itself was interesting, but not every part held my attention equally. I also would have liked a little more detail toward the end because I finished with some lingering questions.

Of course, this is a real murder investigation, not a fictional thriller where everything gets wrapped up neatly. Sometimes there simply aren't answers to every question.

Overall, I found this to be an interesting read, particularly for the investigative side of the story. I think readers who enjoy true crime, cold cases, and investigative journalism will appreciate this one.

Thank you to Catherine Townsend, Ballantine Books, and NetGalley for providing an advance digital copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Heidi · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really don't like giving poor reviews to a book pre-publication, but unfortunately, I had an incredibly hard time with this book. The story itself was actually rather interesting, and it kept my attention enough to keep this from becoming a DNF, but I struggled intensely with the writing style.

As someone with ADHD, I find it challenging enough on a normal day to keep my mind from wandering while reading, but when the author continuously and frequently jumps from topic to topic with numerous side tangents (that are often just stream-of-consciousness and completely unnecessary information to the topic at hand), I REALLY struggle to stay invested in the main story. To be honest, this read much like a memoir that a high school student would have written for a class assignment, with "try-hard" moments that made me roll my eyes at how juvenile they came across.

Furthermore, when I took a moment to look up the author on social media, I noticed that her Instagram page is flagged as being an AI creator and every single post is labeled as AI-generated content, so I'm not even sure that this is an actual person, which makes it all that much weirder.

All in all, this wasn't for me, and I'm left scratching my head over all of it.

Thank you to the publisher for providing me with an ARC copy to review.

[Firetruckmama · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher, for which I thank them.

“How to Survive a Murder Investigation” is by journalist and podcaster Catherine Townsend. This book follows her investigation of the Rebekah Gould murder (2004). I found this book both interesting and at times a bit frustrating. Ms. Townsend both writes and explains things very well; being a Private Investigator in real life is very different from what is shown on TV. I also liked how she discussed being a chameleon when talking to people - how she’d change her accent or what she’d usually drink in order to make the other person feel more comfortable. I also liked how she explained some of the police tactics (learned from her own PI classes). While I didn’t know anything about the case (online sources for the win), I found it interesting how the truth of who murdered Ms. Gould came to light. Where the book fell apart for me a little was in some of the details - I’m still a bit confused on some of the finer points, but as Ms. Townsend might say, this is non-fiction, not a fictional “everything works out in the end in a clear-cut well explained manner.” Overall, an interesting read.

[Jim Holscher · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

I loved this book!! As a former Medicolegal Death Investigator I love when an author can dig into the weeds and give people a real glimpse of these death investigations. This work does just that in a great way that is done so with the right heart.

We are taken along on an investigation into the death of Rebeca Gould. The author is an actual, licensed private investigator. She is also known to the area and does an incredible job of telling the victims story while getting into the tools necessary to bring justice in an active investigation. It is a very fast read mostly due to the authors talent for carrying the story and keeping everything tidy.

If you are looking for a true crime book that hits all the right notes and tells you the critical thinking skills needed to solve a case this is the one for you!!
4 1/2 stars!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers, and especially Dan Denning and Random House for the digital ARC of this work in exchange for an honest review. As always this review is my own work and is AI an outside sources free!!

[Brittany | Lady in Read · Rating 4.25 out of 5]

I’m one of those stereotypical true crime goblins who started reading about serial killers before I was a teenager, so I have pretty high expectations and a high tolerance in my 40s.

This one, while not necessarily unique in its subject, hooked me in pretty fast with how Townsend wrote it. I can see how she’s been such a successful journalist and true crime podcaster because this read like I was watching a Netflix documentary. Each chapter gave information in a way that made Townsend relatable without compromising her integrity. There were times I even thought “this reminds me of Michelle McNamara’s I’ll Be Gone in the Dark.” Each chapter ends in a way where I was like “well I literally need to keep going.”

This is a quality read for true crime fans, and I left feeling satisfied with how it ended.

*Thanks to NetGalley, Ballantine, and Catherine Townsend for this eARC. This review contains my honest, authentic thoughts and opinions.*

[Jeremy Reppy · Rating 3.5 out of 5]

“How to Survive a Murder Investigation” was an interesting book. I was unfamiliar with Rebekah Gould’s case. The author does a good job of explaining all the uncertainties and confusion that surrounded the case, and how that colored the investigation. With some rare exceptions, the Arkansas State Police come across very poorly in this book, with the lead investigator fixating on theories and a suspect, which while not improbable, did not really fit well with the evidence.

The author explains how she became a private investigator and how she blends that role with journalism, highlighting similarities and differences between the professions. She provides a realistic view of PI work and how much it differs from the glamor portrayed in TV/movies/books. She includes useful tips and references to investigative resources available to anyone. She also provides more information about her personal life than I would have expected.

[Donna · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book definitely kept my interest, but at times it felt like it was jumping all over the place. Catherine Townsend talks quite a bit about her background as a journalist, private investigator, and podcaster, and she often compares herself to fictional detectives in an attempt to add some humor. For me, those parts didn’t always work and sometimes distracted from the story I really wanted to read.

Once the book focused on Rebekah Gould’s case, I was much more invested. I found the case fascinating and wanted to know more about Catherine’s investigation, but much of it felt fairly surface-level. I would have preferred a deeper dive into Rebekah’s life, the evidence, the suspects, and the investigation itself.

Overall, it was an interesting read and kept me turning the pages, but I was left wanting more depth on the case that drew me to the book in the first place.

Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine Publishing for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Andy Krahling · Rating 3.5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this, essentially a behind the scenes look at a private investigator's investigation of a crime that hit very close to home. The author did a nice job weaving together all the elements of her frustrating look into a cold murder case, and shared her insights both into her former local community and the local police force. The whole podcasting angle was not a major plot point and didn't really seem to play into the story.

This was a long, drawn out process, and the fact that it concluded with numerous open questions made me appreciate the author's drive and tenacity. Clearly without her work, this would still be an open case.

This kept my interest and made me want to learn more about the case -- well done.

Would I read more from the author? Yes.

I received a complimentary e-copy of the book from the publisher and NetGalley, and my review is being left freely.

[Pamela · Rating 4.25 out of 5]

I guess I’m just a basic chick who is riveted by true crime and a woman who won’t back down. And I’m saying it: without Catherine Townsend’s investigation into Rebekah Gould’s murder, the case wouldn’t have progressed as it did. No, this true story isn’t neat and tidy like fictional tv crime dramas, so if that’s what you’re looking for, you won’t be satisfied. But this story is filled with the grit and determination of a real woman seeking justice. I want the same thing Catherine wants as far as the case goes. As far as this book goes, I want more to the prologue!!

“I want justice here, now, in this world, where I can see it. Where her family can see it.”

Thanks NetGalley and Ballantine! I read this whole memoir in a day. Pub date November 17th

[Sarah | Sarahs.all.booked · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a true crime lover I absolutely ate this up! The author’s writing style feels like we’re just having an informative discussion over coffee while she talks directly to us. Everything is so detailed, but written in a way that we can all understand without knowing all of the legal jargon and terminology. It’s interesting hearing her side of things while she dives into a cold case from her home town. I think this is a great read for those of us that love trying to piece together a cold case.

Thank you so much Catherine Townsend and NetGalley for my gifted arc in exchange for my honest review!

[Alicia Schaper · Rating 3.5 out of 5]

Thank you, NetGalley and Ballantine, for the opportunity to read this ARC!

As someone who loves true crime, I thought this was such a fascinating read! I loved getting a behind-the-scenes look at how she researched her cases and the work that went into each investigation. While a few parts felt a little repetitive, I really enjoyed how she brought all the players to life and made you feel like you were right there alongside her, investigating every detail.

Her determination and passion for uncovering the truth came through on every page. It was an interesting, engaging, and eye-opening read! I don't read a lot of nonfiction, but this one was definitely a pleasant surprise

[SusanH · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good book for true crime and cold case readers, with a solid opening chapter. Catherine Townsend is a journalist and private investigator who had a first row seat to the murder and open case of Rebekah Gould, which happened near her hometown in the Ozarks of Arkansas. Townsend has an easy reading style as she writes a detailed behind-the-scenes exploration to find Rebekah’s killer. This is a fearless and often humorous account of what Townsend was willing to do to try and find justice for Rebekah. With thanks to Netgalley and Ballantine for this ARC. My opinions are my own.

[izzie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The publisher reached out to me to review this book, thank you so much! Despite the fact that the events in this book happened in real life and this is technically classified as nonfiction, the way the author recounted her real life events were very engaging and absolutely read like a thriller/suspence novel. I think it was even more haunting knowing that everything she wrote about was real, the people mentioned are real, and most importantly the emotions and grief are real. I appreciate that on top of being an engaging book, the victim's story was handled with respect and care.

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you, Ballantine, for providing the copy of How to Survive a Murder Investigation by Catherine Townsend. I grew up reading straightforward Ann Rule true-crime books, so I had a hard time adjusting to this one's writing style. I got used to the little ‘detours’ from the main story, but it always took me a while to get back into it. I’m not sure this book was for me, but if you love podcasts, true crime, and learning what it takes to be a PI, you will love this one! 3 stars

[Hadriana · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an easy 5 star read. If you are into true crime at all and interested in how investigations happen behind the scenes then this book is for you. I have listened to Catherine Townsend's podcast when she did Red Collar and I enjoyed that as well. I loved how this story progressed from beginning to end. Highly recommend!

Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for the ARC for this book.

[Cindy Bokma · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really like reading true crime stories and was eager to jump into this one. Catherine is a journalist and an investigator who jumped into the task of finding out who killed Rebekah Gould, a woman who was killed in the Ozarks. As Catherine investigates, looking at every possible suspect, we learn about Rebekah and her circle of friends.

I thought the book was good, the case interesting and devastating.

[Valerity (Val) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very readable story by the journalist/ PI/author about how she traveled back to the Ozarks to try and solve a cold case. The victim, Rebekah Gould, went missing while staying at her boyfriend’s trailer, who was reportedly at work. The author gets herself in some situations while investigating the case. She’s got guts, and has had some unusual careers in the past.

[Anya Rose · Rating 3 out of 5]

What makes this book fascinating is that the author doesn’t just investigate the murder of Rebekah Gould, she takes the reader along for the ride and essentially teaches us how to solve a murder. By the end, you feel as though you’ve been working the case alongside the author, moving pieces around your own imaginary murder board.

[Britney Ireland · Rating 3.5 out of 5]

This is a very interesting read on murder investigation. I enjoyed it. Thank you #NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC to read and review.

The storyline was good and the main female character done a great job on the murder investigation. It was a different kind of book to read but highly enjoyed it.