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The Carpool Detectives: A True Story of Four Moms, Two Bodies, and One Mysterious Cold Case
The incredible true story of a group of moms who, united by their love of true crime, attempt to solve a fifteen-year-old cold case
A lot of us like to think we could solve a murder mystery. Could these stay-at-home moms actually do it?
In 2020, four women found themselves at a Each of them had transitioned from full-time jobs to full-time parenting, and each was pushing against the new boundaries of her life as the pandemic looms. At a bowling night fundraiser for their kids’ school, they discover they all share a passion for true crime that crystalizes around a mysterious double homicide that took place a decade earlier. A married couple in their 60s vanished overnight from their home. A few days later, the family business was shuttered, and the bank financing it sued the missing couple for one million dollars. They were rumored to have absconded with the money until their bodies were discovered inside their car at the bottom of a steep ravine. And then the case went cold.
But what if, the moms think, they could solve it?
The women have no prior connection to the case and no law-enforcement background, but each brings a special set of skills to the Marissa’s background as a former forensic accountant; Jeannie’s passion for journalism; Samira’s ambition and drive; and Nicole’s nose for research. With the world now on pause due to the pandemic, the moms have unique access to witnesses and crime experts who are stuck at home. They make connections, draw conclusions, and experience breakthroughs in the case wilder than anything they could have imagined. When an awe-struck Assistant District Attorney reopens the case, enlisting the four women in the official investigation, they not only get further than anyone ever expected, but end up in real danger themselves.
Marissa, Jeannie, Samira, and Nicole’s story is the ultimate wish fulfillment for any true crime fanatic. An emotional and often terrifying odyssey through a DIY criminal investigation, The Carpool Detectives Club is an absolutely thrilling read for armchair sleuths and mystery fans alike.
A lot of us like to think we could solve a murder mystery. Could these stay-at-home moms actually do it?
In 2020, four women found themselves at a Each of them had transitioned from full-time jobs to full-time parenting, and each was pushing against the new boundaries of her life as the pandemic looms. At a bowling night fundraiser for their kids’ school, they discover they all share a passion for true crime that crystalizes around a mysterious double homicide that took place a decade earlier. A married couple in their 60s vanished overnight from their home. A few days later, the family business was shuttered, and the bank financing it sued the missing couple for one million dollars. They were rumored to have absconded with the money until their bodies were discovered inside their car at the bottom of a steep ravine. And then the case went cold.
But what if, the moms think, they could solve it?
The women have no prior connection to the case and no law-enforcement background, but each brings a special set of skills to the Marissa’s background as a former forensic accountant; Jeannie’s passion for journalism; Samira’s ambition and drive; and Nicole’s nose for research. With the world now on pause due to the pandemic, the moms have unique access to witnesses and crime experts who are stuck at home. They make connections, draw conclusions, and experience breakthroughs in the case wilder than anything they could have imagined. When an awe-struck Assistant District Attorney reopens the case, enlisting the four women in the official investigation, they not only get further than anyone ever expected, but end up in real danger themselves.
Marissa, Jeannie, Samira, and Nicole’s story is the ultimate wish fulfillment for any true crime fanatic. An emotional and often terrifying odyssey through a DIY criminal investigation, The Carpool Detectives Club is an absolutely thrilling read for armchair sleuths and mystery fans alike.
336 pages, Hardcover
First published July 29, 2025
367 people are currently reading
7619 people want to read
About the author
Chuck Hogan
55 books577 followersChuck Hogan is an American author. His story "Two Thousand Volts" appeared in The Best American Mystery Stories 2009. He is the co-author of The Strain Trilogy with Guillermo del Toro. His 2004 novel Prince of Thieves was adapted to film as the Ben Affleck directed The Town in 2010.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 210 reviews
June 16, 2025
I received a free copy of, The Carpool Detectives, by Chuck Hogan, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Nicole, Jeannie, Samira, and Marissa, are just living their lives until the pandemic happened in 2020 and shut everything down. These four women decided to investigate a crime, murder and money, from years earlier. This was an interesting read.
June 30, 2025
Four stay-at-home-moms join forces to try and solve a 15 year old homicide in The Carpool Detectives. An elderly couple is found in their car at the bottom of a deep ravine. The police investigation determines it to be a double homicide, but the investigation stalls and is relegated to the cold case files. One evening, one of the four women, taking a journalism class, sees old film footage of the bodies being recovered, which piques her interest. She soon bonds with three other women over a shared true crime interest, and they begin to investigate the unsolved homicide. The four women, who each has a background that comes in handy, juggle their responsibilities at home with using their respective skills to try and uncover enough info to go to the authorities, all with the Covid pandemic in the background, with astonishing results. Quite frankly, this is one of the best true-crime books I have read in a long time. The author lays out the women’s steps in an easy flowing, concise manner that’s a pleasure to read. As a retired LEO who once investigated cold case homicides, the women’s efforts are nothing less than remarkable, given their lack of access to important documents and evidence, not to mention their relative lack of investigative experience. Against all odds, their perseverance and dedication to this case results in an unbelievable conclusion. This is truly an amazing story, five stars! I received an ARC of this book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
July 26, 2025
3.75 stars
When four moms meet up and, early during COVID, want something more to keep them busy, they find a cold case they want to investigate. Marissa is, in fact, a student hoping to become an investigative journalist, so this isn’t as far-fetched as it might seem.
Joel and Angela Watson had a company that was not doing well. They disappeared in May 2005, and were later found at the bottom of a ravine where their car had gone off a cliff. But it wasn’t long before the police knew it wasn’t an accident. One of their sons and a son-in-law were acting oddly, but nothing came of that in the investigation and the case went cold. In early 2020. Marissa became obsessed with it, and found three mom-friends who joined her in trying to figure out the case.
This is a true story! I saw it in the subtitle but didn’t quite believe it. But there is a picture of the four women at the end and an author’s note. There was much money/financial stuff that kind of lost my interest in the explanations as they investigated, but the rest of the story was interesting to me. I really like how COVID was integrated into the story (but then, it was real-life at the time). There was mention at one point in the story of a true crime podcast I’ve just recently started listening to, so that was fun. I was a bit disappointed in how it ended, though I suppose it had to go that way (and again, true story, so it’s not like it can be changed!).
When four moms meet up and, early during COVID, want something more to keep them busy, they find a cold case they want to investigate. Marissa is, in fact, a student hoping to become an investigative journalist, so this isn’t as far-fetched as it might seem.
Joel and Angela Watson had a company that was not doing well. They disappeared in May 2005, and were later found at the bottom of a ravine where their car had gone off a cliff. But it wasn’t long before the police knew it wasn’t an accident. One of their sons and a son-in-law were acting oddly, but nothing came of that in the investigation and the case went cold. In early 2020. Marissa became obsessed with it, and found three mom-friends who joined her in trying to figure out the case.
This is a true story! I saw it in the subtitle but didn’t quite believe it. But there is a picture of the four women at the end and an author’s note. There was much money/financial stuff that kind of lost my interest in the explanations as they investigated, but the rest of the story was interesting to me. I really like how COVID was integrated into the story (but then, it was real-life at the time). There was mention at one point in the story of a true crime podcast I’ve just recently started listening to, so that was fun. I was a bit disappointed in how it ended, though I suppose it had to go that way (and again, true story, so it’s not like it can be changed!).
July 26, 2025
This is a true crime read that at times reads like a fiction novel and other times like accounting facts from a bank. Four moms, bored during the Pandemic and interested in the cold case of a couple found dead in their car, decide to join forces and investigate for themselves. They dive deeply into the backgrounds of the victims, their family members and the financial problems of the family-run company. I must admit that much of the parts about the financial details were rather boring to me as I plodded through them, but they do play a part in solving the murder. This is a slow-paced whodunit with multiple suspects and the personalities of the amateur detectives being the most interesting part of the book. I was not invested in any of the characters, really, I just wanted to know how these armchair detectives solved a murder mystery that had baffled the professionals. I enjoyed the mystery but not all of the history of what happened and why. I thought the book was too long and could have been well presented in a novella rather than a full-length novel. I also thought it meandered off the path several times as the women were caught up in the novelty of crime fighting and were portrayed as strictly amateurs who had nothing else to do with their free time. The story has a good premise, but it fell flat for me because it did not seem realistically portrayed nor particularly engrossing. Fans of true crime may enjoy the book as they pick apart the details to come to their own conclusions. I was not invested enough even to hazard guesses; I just wanted the book to end.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.
August 13, 2025
Overall a good true crime story but only two stars as it’s overly sanctimonious regarding everyone’s “Covid consciousness.” While the story unfolds over early 2020 through the following year, it seems that half the book is dedicated to highlighting how the four “carpool” detectives practiced “safe” social distancing, wore masks, met outside, etc. Covid times became its own character and not just a general backdrop framing the actual detective story.
July 29, 2025
A truly one-of-a-kind true crime book that delivers both suspense and inspiration in equal measure. Set in the heart of the pandemic, it follows a group of suburban moms who defy expectations and dig into a long-forgotten cold case. An inspiring and gripping read.
What makes this book stand out is how Hogan gives each woman a distinct voice and personality—showing how their different strengths, perspectives, and life experiences come together in a powerful and effective collaboration. The way they approach the case with both determination and empathy makes for an incredibly compelling narrative.
I was especially impressed by how seriously these women took their investigation, refusing to be discouraged by resistance or lack of support. Even when they hit dead ends or faced people who didn’t take them seriously, they kept going, driven by a sense of justice and community.
Hogan does a masterful job portraying their evolving theories and the building of their hypothesis—it felt like watching a real-time detective board come to life. This book isn’t just about solving a crime; it’s about resilience, teamwork, and the surprising places true heroism can come from.
Thank you Chuck Hogan, Random House, and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
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Un libro de crimen real verdaderamente único que ofrece suspenso e inspiración en partes iguales. Ambientado en plena pandemia, sigue a un grupo de madres de los suburbios que desafían las expectativas y se adentran en un caso sin resolver olvidado hace mucho tiempo. Una lectura inspiradora y cautivadora.
Lo que hace que este libro destaque es cómo Hogan le da a cada mujer una voz y personalidad únicas, mostrando cómo sus diferentes fortalezas, perspectivas y experiencias vitales se unen en una colaboración poderosa y efectiva. La forma en que abordan el caso con determinación y empatía crea una narrativa increíblemente convincente.
Me impresionó especialmente la seriedad con la que estas mujeres se tomaron su investigación, negándose a desanimarse por la resistencia o la falta de apoyo. Incluso cuando llegaron a callejones sin salida o se enfrentaron a personas que no las tomaban en serio, siguieron adelante, impulsadas por un sentido de justicia y comunidad.
Hogan realiza un trabajo magistral al retratar sus teorías en desarrollo y la construcción de sus hipótesis; fue como ver cómo cobraba vida una junta de detectives en tiempo real. Este libro no se trata solo de resolver un crimen; Se trata de resiliencia, trabajo en equipo y los lugares sorprendentes donde puede surgir el verdadero heroísmo.
Gracias a Chuck Hogan, Random House y NetGalley por el ARC a cambio de una reseña honesta.
What makes this book stand out is how Hogan gives each woman a distinct voice and personality—showing how their different strengths, perspectives, and life experiences come together in a powerful and effective collaboration. The way they approach the case with both determination and empathy makes for an incredibly compelling narrative.
I was especially impressed by how seriously these women took their investigation, refusing to be discouraged by resistance or lack of support. Even when they hit dead ends or faced people who didn’t take them seriously, they kept going, driven by a sense of justice and community.
Hogan does a masterful job portraying their evolving theories and the building of their hypothesis—it felt like watching a real-time detective board come to life. This book isn’t just about solving a crime; it’s about resilience, teamwork, and the surprising places true heroism can come from.
Thank you Chuck Hogan, Random House, and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
—————————
Un libro de crimen real verdaderamente único que ofrece suspenso e inspiración en partes iguales. Ambientado en plena pandemia, sigue a un grupo de madres de los suburbios que desafían las expectativas y se adentran en un caso sin resolver olvidado hace mucho tiempo. Una lectura inspiradora y cautivadora.
Lo que hace que este libro destaque es cómo Hogan le da a cada mujer una voz y personalidad únicas, mostrando cómo sus diferentes fortalezas, perspectivas y experiencias vitales se unen en una colaboración poderosa y efectiva. La forma en que abordan el caso con determinación y empatía crea una narrativa increíblemente convincente.
Me impresionó especialmente la seriedad con la que estas mujeres se tomaron su investigación, negándose a desanimarse por la resistencia o la falta de apoyo. Incluso cuando llegaron a callejones sin salida o se enfrentaron a personas que no las tomaban en serio, siguieron adelante, impulsadas por un sentido de justicia y comunidad.
Hogan realiza un trabajo magistral al retratar sus teorías en desarrollo y la construcción de sus hipótesis; fue como ver cómo cobraba vida una junta de detectives en tiempo real. Este libro no se trata solo de resolver un crimen; Se trata de resiliencia, trabajo en equipo y los lugares sorprendentes donde puede surgir el verdadero heroísmo.
Gracias a Chuck Hogan, Random House y NetGalley por el ARC a cambio de una reseña honesta.
July 24, 2025
Wow, pretty much sums up my thoughts on this book. It is based on an actual event, but the names have been changed to protect the privacy of those involved, outside of the four women who solved the case. This explains why I couldn't find anything in an internet search!
COVID was both a good and a bad thing, but for these women, it provided an opportunity to exercise their brains and discover something for themselves. They came in with fresh eyes to examine all the evidence they could gather and present it to the police and the ADA, along with their findings. These women were determined and, ultimately, successful.
While this is non-fiction, it does read like fiction at times. Granted, some of the evidence was repeated multiple times, but it helped keep the facts straight in my mind.
This book is perfect for true crime junkies. I wonder what the ladies will work on next?
We give this book 5 paws up.
COVID was both a good and a bad thing, but for these women, it provided an opportunity to exercise their brains and discover something for themselves. They came in with fresh eyes to examine all the evidence they could gather and present it to the police and the ADA, along with their findings. These women were determined and, ultimately, successful.
While this is non-fiction, it does read like fiction at times. Granted, some of the evidence was repeated multiple times, but it helped keep the facts straight in my mind.
This book is perfect for true crime junkies. I wonder what the ladies will work on next?
We give this book 5 paws up.
August 24, 2025
The title of this book is annoying, as none of these women meet through or are involved in a carpool; in fact, the majority of the investigation happens during Covid, when these moms are instead stuck dealing with kids in virtual school. But I guess "Carpool Detectives" just sounded "momcore." *eyeroll*
Beyond that, though, this is a straightforward but compelling account of a rare incident in which amateur detectives actually cracked a case. Though in many ways these women weren't exactly amateurs, but women studying journalism as a second career, or former researchers or forensic accountants. Those are the skills, plus perseverance, that they seriously bring to bear on this cold case.
Beyond that, though, this is a straightforward but compelling account of a rare incident in which amateur detectives actually cracked a case. Though in many ways these women weren't exactly amateurs, but women studying journalism as a second career, or former researchers or forensic accountants. Those are the skills, plus perseverance, that they seriously bring to bear on this cold case.
September 10, 2025
Non-fiction is not my normal genre, but this was a very compelling read. Hogan did an excellent job relaying these 4 moms during the covid pandemic, finding purpose in a time when so many people lost their direction. I was amazed they were able to crack the case and disheartened that justice was still eluded. At least the family got closure. The ending makes me think there might be a sequel down the road.
September 2, 2025
I loved this true story of four moms who teamed up during Covid lockdown to solve a 15-year-old cold case. It read like a novel and was so interesting and entertaining. I look forward to reading about the next cold case the moms try to solve! Thanks to NetGalley for the digital ARC.
August 20, 2025
Fun enough premise, and well done to the novice investigators!
July 30, 2025
I went all in on this book, and it was a ride. I spent a lot of time suspecting this would be revealed as a work of fiction written in a documentary-style. I wasn't convinced of the authenticity until I saw the photo of the 4 mom detectives at the end of the book.
The author did a great job of unspooling the compelling, complex narrative inside another compelling, complex narrative. The plot was so dense that it would have been easy to get lost in the details but Hogan managed to tell an organized story that was part narrative and part procedural. The characterization of the women themselves was built slowly through their conversations, their expertise, their doubts and their triumphs. We walked the path along with them, and I grew to like each of them immensely. I wish I could follow them on instagram or something.
I know this book took a long time to compile but I hope the author and the detectives decide to collaborate again soon. I'm looking forward to following their next case!
I appreciate NetGalley and the publisher for access to a digital ARC. My honest review is my own opinion.
The author did a great job of unspooling the compelling, complex narrative inside another compelling, complex narrative. The plot was so dense that it would have been easy to get lost in the details but Hogan managed to tell an organized story that was part narrative and part procedural. The characterization of the women themselves was built slowly through their conversations, their expertise, their doubts and their triumphs. We walked the path along with them, and I grew to like each of them immensely. I wish I could follow them on instagram or something.
I know this book took a long time to compile but I hope the author and the detectives decide to collaborate again soon. I'm looking forward to following their next case!
I appreciate NetGalley and the publisher for access to a digital ARC. My honest review is my own opinion.
July 23, 2025
I hesitated doing a rating as it was DNF for me. I never want to leave an ARC unread. I tried more than a couple of times to get into it since the story was of interest to me, but this one fell flat. I generally love mysteries, detective stories and true crime so I was happy to request this one. I kept trying to put my finger on why I didn’t connect to it and all I kept coming back to is it felt like I was reading a student’s attempt at writing what they thought they were supposed to for the genre. The best way I can describe it is it felt amateurish. I struggled to connect to the characters despite having a lot in common with the mom detectives. It was that reason that I kept trying again to get through it. For me it was dry and pedantic. I was surprised to see so many people loving it and saying that they have enjoyed the author’s other work. Having said this, I am always grateful to be given the opportunity to try new authors and recognize that our opinions are subject to our own tastes and experiences. There is plenty out there for everyone and I’m grateful to NetGalley for allowing me to read and review the ARC for this title.
August 4, 2025
I began reading this book thinking that it was going to be a fiction, humorous crime novel, but as I read, the author was adding so much background information to the characters, I started to wonder if I was reading a true story. Off to google to confirm, that yes, I was reading a true crime story.
Four moms recently acquainted through their children’s school become interested in a cold case about a car going over a cliff in their area. As a group, they decide to find out more. One thing leads to another and they find themselves deep into solving the case.
Most of their detective work takes place during the covid lock down, giving the women plenty of time to dig into the case, but also cutting into homeschooling and family time.
I liked how they each worked together according to their strengths, documenting everything as they went along. It seems the police and other detectives that had handled the case were impressed was well.
Some may not like they ending, but rest assured, this ladies definitely find out what happened and they also rule out who did not commit murder. I hope to see more true crime from this group of carpool detectives.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House for allowing me to read an advance copy. I’m happy to give my hones review and recommend this to my other readers.
Four moms recently acquainted through their children’s school become interested in a cold case about a car going over a cliff in their area. As a group, they decide to find out more. One thing leads to another and they find themselves deep into solving the case.
Most of their detective work takes place during the covid lock down, giving the women plenty of time to dig into the case, but also cutting into homeschooling and family time.
I liked how they each worked together according to their strengths, documenting everything as they went along. It seems the police and other detectives that had handled the case were impressed was well.
Some may not like they ending, but rest assured, this ladies definitely find out what happened and they also rule out who did not commit murder. I hope to see more true crime from this group of carpool detectives.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House for allowing me to read an advance copy. I’m happy to give my hones review and recommend this to my other readers.
July 20, 2025
Carpool Detectives is a riveting and inspiring true crime read about four ordinary women who accomplished something extraordinary. With shades of I’ll Be Gone in the Dark, this book highlights how grit, determination, and sheer intelligence led a group of women—brought together by circumstance and bonded during the isolation of COVID lockdowns—to solve a cold case that had haunted a family for fifteen years.
Their story is a fascinating look at what can happen when curiosity meets capability, and it serves as a powerful reminder that justice isn’t always served by the usual suspects. Instead, it can come from a carpool of women who refused to give up.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
Their story is a fascinating look at what can happen when curiosity meets capability, and it serves as a powerful reminder that justice isn’t always served by the usual suspects. Instead, it can come from a carpool of women who refused to give up.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
June 29, 2025
The Carpool Detectives is the compelling and captivating story of four moms who take it upon themselves to solve a cold case that is 15 years old.
Their tenacity, strength and determination is admirable and they certainly would not take no for an answer.
Its COVID and the four moms decide to investigate the murder of an elderly couple who found dead in their car at the bottom of a ravine.
Zoom calls were the order of the day as the ladies navigate and learn throughout the investigaton.
There are twists and turns to the story and it is a fascinating one to read let alone try and solve.
It will have the true crime junky thinking I could do that but I know I never could.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Carpool Detectives and read it one sitting as I just had to know.
Thanks to NetGalley and Random House for the opportunity of reading and reviewing this intriguing book.
Their tenacity, strength and determination is admirable and they certainly would not take no for an answer.
Its COVID and the four moms decide to investigate the murder of an elderly couple who found dead in their car at the bottom of a ravine.
Zoom calls were the order of the day as the ladies navigate and learn throughout the investigaton.
There are twists and turns to the story and it is a fascinating one to read let alone try and solve.
It will have the true crime junky thinking I could do that but I know I never could.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Carpool Detectives and read it one sitting as I just had to know.
Thanks to NetGalley and Random House for the opportunity of reading and reviewing this intriguing book.
July 11, 2025
Thank you to @RandomHouse and #NetGalley for the DRC of #TheCarpoolDetectives. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own. NO SPOILERS
This is the best amateur investigator/true crime book I've read! I could NOT put it down. It's so well written, you feel like you're part of the mom-gang, reading their texts and listening in to their zoom calls and interviews. There's enough background on each mom-investigator that's relatable - from balancing work, kids and covid-era homeschooling to mid-life career changes and finding your new normal. The cold case at the heart of the story has enough shady characters to keep you guessing until the very end.
If you're a true crime fan, I highly recommend this book.
This is the best amateur investigator/true crime book I've read! I could NOT put it down. It's so well written, you feel like you're part of the mom-gang, reading their texts and listening in to their zoom calls and interviews. There's enough background on each mom-investigator that's relatable - from balancing work, kids and covid-era homeschooling to mid-life career changes and finding your new normal. The cold case at the heart of the story has enough shady characters to keep you guessing until the very end.
If you're a true crime fan, I highly recommend this book.
July 24, 2025
The Carpool Detectives by Chuck Hogan, despite not knowing why they’re called carpool detectives and that the whole book seemed one-sided when it came to discussing the Covid epidemic we all live through. once I got into the story I found it very interesting I really thought Andrew would definitely be part of the answer but the answer turned out to be much more interesting than that. This was such a sad story of a case that caught the attention of Marissa on a whim and although I really wasn’t sure how they all became friends they wind up solving the case through Zoom calls every other night Marissa contacting the detectives and interviewing most of the witnesses and those giving filler to missing parts of the story it was about Joel and Angela and their horrible murders. their SUV went off the side of a cliff in California and they were missing for almost a month but finding them didn’t give all the answers they needed and with the detectives the case went cold but when Marissa and her friends Jeanie, Samira and Nicole not only solved the case but invited the two detectives to explain it all to them and they were totally impressed. this is when the women’s elation turn to fear because the cops explained not only what the implications were for what they uncovered but how far they could take it. I really thought this book was interesting I could’ve done without the life story of each individual woman from the time of their birth until their marriage and children and I think that caused the book to drag but once it got into the nitty-gritty of uncovering the clues and building the story I really found myself intrigued and not wanting to put the book down., I was really impressed by what happened after they solved the Watkins murders especially due to the case they picked which wasn’t going to be helped by the Internet. This is a pretty good book if you could get past the bios on the women which were longer than they needed to be in one I definitely recommend I have read other books by Chuck Hogan and have enjoyed them so if you love true Crime this is a great one to pick up. #NetGalley, #TheBlindReviewer, #MyHonestReview, #ChuckHogan, #TheCarpoolDetectives,
September 1, 2025
3:5 stars, this is a true story about four moms, forced to stay home with their kids due to Covid, who decide to pursue their love of true crime and look into a 15 year old cold case. These women had no connection to the original crime. But they were smart and determined, and because they weren’t cops, people were not afraid to talk to them. This case took some pretty crazy twists, and amazingly enough, they were able to put together pieces the police had not, providing much needed answers to the family of the victims. a fairly quick and uncomplicated read, but held my interest to the end.
September 2, 2025
This was a painful, painful read. The book, I mean. The actual effort of the 4 women who solved the murders is phenomenal. But the book was terrible!
The writing was rambling, dry and just not engaging. Each fact was repeated at least twenty times. Each dead end the friends encountered was presented to the reader in excruciating detail.
If you're going to write a book, at least make it slightly interesting, and redact certain useless details instead of rambling.
The endless banal descriptions of Covid were mind-numbing. The reader gets it. If someone is reading this book, they've lived through covid too. Spare us all the repeated details.
I'm sure the camaraderie formed amongst the friends who worked to uncover this mystery was heartwarming. But it just didn't come through in the book. Rather, all descriptions of the women's interactions felt forced.
The unkindest cut? If someone were to read only the last couple of chapters (page 282 through page 316) they would have read all they needed to.
I wish someone had told me this and saved me my time. The first 280 pages were a complete waste of time, sending the reader down a useless rabbit hole.
On the whole, an insufferable book.
The writing was rambling, dry and just not engaging. Each fact was repeated at least twenty times. Each dead end the friends encountered was presented to the reader in excruciating detail.
If you're going to write a book, at least make it slightly interesting, and redact certain useless details instead of rambling.
The endless banal descriptions of Covid were mind-numbing. The reader gets it. If someone is reading this book, they've lived through covid too. Spare us all the repeated details.
I'm sure the camaraderie formed amongst the friends who worked to uncover this mystery was heartwarming. But it just didn't come through in the book. Rather, all descriptions of the women's interactions felt forced.
The unkindest cut? If someone were to read only the last couple of chapters (page 282 through page 316) they would have read all they needed to.
I wish someone had told me this and saved me my time. The first 280 pages were a complete waste of time, sending the reader down a useless rabbit hole.
On the whole, an insufferable book.
September 5, 2025
This book was amazing. It is a story of four women who are either going back to school or working, have kids, and who also take on a cold case during COVID and their investigative journey. It is truly amazing what these women accomplished and where the case led. It felt like I was reading a fictional book because of how unbelievable it was at times (in a good way).
June 20, 2025
Interesting true crime.
August 2, 2025
While keeping a lot of the facts of the case secret (names of victims and people involved are pseudonyms) the way the case unfolds is super interesting. I loved the focus of the four women who set out to solve the case during the pandemic.
August 10, 2025
These women are badass
August 18, 2025
4.5 The audiobook was great. It was as if listening to a true crime podcast.
August 21, 2025
4.5 Audio - go girls! TW: COVID mentioned throughout but they do a really good minimally cringe job at discussing it
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August 27, 2025this felt pretty gross to me; i generally avoid true crime and i think i shall go back to that.
September 8, 2025
This book is so good and so inspiring. It’s amazing how much you can do as an amateur detective trying to solve a 15 year old cold case. Well worth the read. 4.5 stars
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