House of Mystery True Crime History

Edward George understand Charles Manson as few others ever will. Former prison counselor to the messianic killer, George enraged Manson as an agent of the state's criminal justice system, listened to him as a trusted confessor, spoke for him as an erstwhile press agent-and-almost-connected with him as a friend. George saw Manson in a way the public never would, witnessing the method to his madness, the charisma that underlies his sickness, the pathetic abandoned boy within the homicidal man. If you read Helter Skelter and think you know the whole story about Charlie Manson, think again. You don't know it all until you've read Taming the Beast: Charles Manson's Life Behind Bars.

A horrific triple child murder leads to an indictment and trial of three nonconformist boys based on questionable evidence. In collaboration with Bruce Sinofsky, Berlinger created such documentaries films as Brother's Keeper (1992),[2] Paradise Lost: The Child Murders at Robin Hood Hills (1996, about the West Memphis 3),[3] Paradise Lost 2: Revelations (2000),[3] Some Kind of Monster (2004),[4] Crude (2009),[5] Paradise Lost 3: Purgatory (2011),[3] and Whitey: United States of America v. James J. Bulger (2014).[6] Although Berlinger primarily is known for documentaries, he has made a number of films, such as Book of Shadows: Blair Witch 2 (2000).[7]

( Some Recoded Phone Conversations with Courtney Love Included)Just days before Kurt Cobain's body was discovered on April 8, 1994, Courtney Love hired private investigator Tom Grant to locate him. In The Mysterious Death of Kurt Cobain Tom Grant takes readers behind the scenes of the investigation. Here, you can read a day by day account of Grant's investigation and learn about the evidence for murder regarding Kurt Cobain's death. There are many new details contained in The Mysterious Death of Kurt Cobain, including new transcripts of recorded telephone conversations with Courtney Love and others, as well as an updated list of "persons of interest" in the crime. In this book, you will get a clear picture of 1) Why Kurt Cobain was killed and 2) Who is responsible for his death. The book also contains a compelling account of Tom Grant's struggles to blow the whistle on the botched investigation into Cobain's death. Did Kurt Cobain really commit suicide? Or was he murdered? You won’t be able to honestly answer that question until you read The Mysterious Death of Kurt Cobain.

The untold story from inside his family. Dramatic, unyielding, and provocative, Uncle Al Capone by Deirdre Marie Capone, Al Capone's grandniece, is a fascinating memoir and engaging biography. This moving, highly readable portrait of the Capone family and its mob trade examines what it has meant to survive the storied legacy of the family's forbearers. As Capone traces the arc of regret and what fuels the Capone myth, she finds redemption and a way to coexist with her legacy. In seventeen chapters with titles like "The Making of the Mafioso," "Trading the Chicago Outfit for the Chicago Cubs," and "The Saint Valentine's Day Truth," Capone outlines organized crime in Chicago and offers vignettes of American history during the early and mid-twentieth century. Using years of research and exhaustive interviews with her aunts, uncles, and cousins, she weaves an engaging anecdotal narrative of what it meant to be a Capone, what it meant to lose her father to suicide, and what it meant to have a mother who lived in constant fear. She offers compelling evidence that Al Capone was specifically targeted for prosecution by law enforcement agencies assisted by the media, which made gross exaggerations of her uncle's exploits and fueled a phenomenon of half-truths and utter falsehoods. From the family's roots in Angri, Italy to the author's ongoing investigations today, this debut offers a comprehensive and moving portrait of an iconic American family and one woman's efforts to make peace with the past.

Set in 1960s and ‘70s Australia, The Blood on My Hands is the dramatic tale of Shannon O’Leary’s childhood years. O’Leary grew up under the shadow of horrific domestic violence, sexual and physical abuse, and serial murder. Her story is one of courageous resilience in the face of unimaginable horrors. The responses of those whom O’Leary and her immediate family reach out to for help are almost as disturbing as the crimes of her violent father. Relatives are afraid to bring disgrace to the family’s good name, nuns condemn the child’s objections as disobedience and noncompliance, and laws at the time prevent the police from interfering unless someone is killed. The Blood on My Hands is a heartbreaking—yet riveting—narrative of a childhood spent in pain and terror, betrayed by the people who are supposed to provide safety and understanding, and the strength and courage it takes, not just to survive and escape, but to flourish and thrive.

On Halloween 1975, Martha Moxley was found brutally murdered outside her home in swanky Greenwich, Connecticut. Twenty-seven years after her death, the State of Connecticut spent some $25 million to convict her friend and neighbor, Michael Skakel, of the murder. At Michael’s criminal trial, the State offered no physical or forensic evidence, no fingerprints or DNA, no eyewitness linking Michael to the killing. The trial ignited a media firestorm that transfixed the nation. Now, Skakel’s cousin, acclaimed attorney and award-winning writer Robert F. Kennedy Jr. solves the baffling whodunit and clear his cousin’s name. Kennedy, with meticulous research and reporting, proves that Michael Skakel did not and could not have murdered Martha Moxley. He chronicles how Skakel was, nevertheless, railroaded amidst a media frenzy by the devious actions of a crooked cop, a trio of mendacious writers, a treacherous family lawyer nursing a secret grudge, a narcissistic defense attorney obsessed by the spotlight, a craven prosecutor gone rogue, and a parade of perjuring witnesses. These colorful characters leap off the pages like seedy villains in a dime-store crime novel…But it’s all true. Kennedy also shows how he tracked down the likely killers, a pair of ghosts who moved in and out of Greenwich and whose presence was detected by neither police nor press during 30 years of costly yet shoddy investigation. Today, those men walk free. This startling expose—an explosive exploration of murder and fame—is the tragic true story of Skakel’s conviction that the public has never heard. It is the product of hundreds of interviews with Skakel and those who knew both him and Martha Moxley. Kennedy gives us a real-life thriller with twists and turns, and finally answers the 40-year-old question, “Who killed Martha Moxley?” The book is at once a riveting drama and an impassioned critique of the American media and legal system.

The follow up to the best seller Cold Case KennedyPresents new information derived from unique photographs of Oswald's rifle and contact with two of Oswald's friends'Cold Case Kennedy, takes the proper forensic investigative approach to the assassination the only way that works.' - Bill Kelly, JKcountercoup De Mey received international praise for Cold Case Kennedy - 'Flip has written a very interesting book. I would recommend reading it.' Barry Ernest, author of bestselling JFK book The Girl on the Stairs Lawyer and forensic auditor Flip de Mey has for years studied the files on the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. His research, based on the original documents, led to a startling and ground-breaking theory, which he described in Cold Case Kennedy. In a follow-up to that bestseller, The Lee Harvey Oswald Files, de Mey investigates exactly what part Oswald played in the Kennedy assassination. With the same attention to detail that enabled him to prove Kennedy was the victim of a conspiracy, he examines the files and presents new information derived from unique photographs of Oswald's rifle and contact with two of Oswald's friends. De Mey's conclusion is unambiguous: Oswald could not have killed Kennedy. So who did, and why? Flip de Mey's answers to these questions are shrewd and supported by a multiplicity of arguments.

If Michael Crichton and Clive Cussler were to combine their talents to create the ultimate summer read, MEG would be the result--a jaw-dropping and terrifying page-turner of the deep. On a top-secret dive into the Pacific Ocean's deepest canyon, Jonas Taylor found himself face-to-face with the largest and most ferocious predator in the history of the animal kingdom. The sole survivor of the mission, Taylor is haunted by what he's sure he saw but still can't prove exists--Carcharodon megalodon, the massive mother of the great white shark. The average prehistoric Meg weighs in at twenty tons and could tear apart a Tyrannosaurus rex in seconds. Written off as a crackpot suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, Taylor refuses to forget the depths that nearly cost him his life. With a Ph.D. in paleontology under his belt, Taylor spends years theorizing, lecturing, and writing about the possibility that Meg still feeds at the deepest levels of the sea. But it takes an old friend in need to get him to return to the water, and a hotshot female submarine pilot to dare him back into a high-tech miniature sub. Diving deeper than he ever has before, Taylor will face terror like he's never imagined, and what he finds could turn the tides bloody red until the end of time. Steve Alten holds a master's degree in sports medicine and has a Ph.D. from Temple University. An avid amateur oceanographer, Alten has been studying Megalodons for over ten years. He lives with his wife and three children in South Florida. MEG is his first novel.

For decades, unsuspecting users of spirit boards have been pestered and attacked by a malevolent entity that calls itself Zozo, the “king of kings.” Evenings of entertainment have ended in anxiety and fear, with lingering problems ranging from hauntings to dream invasion to psychological terror. Darren Evans is a paranormal survivor who learned about Zozo the hard way—and took his story to the world. People around the planet responded with similar stories, and some that were even more shocking. In this ground-breaking book, Darren Evans and paranormal expert Rosemary Ellen Guiley probe the mystery of Zozo, from ancient gods to modern aliens, demons, and more. Who is Zozo, and what does Zozo want? The answers will surprise you!

Ashton Gray has spent many years investigating the circumstances and motives behind the Watergate break-ins of 1972, which ultimately led to the resignation of president Richard Nixon. The official story was that the Watergate "burglars" broke in to the offices of the Democratic National Committee (with Nixon’s knowledge) to plant bugs so that the Democratic party's election plans could be learned ahead of time. Gray claims that there was no "break-in" but that the so-called burglars wanted everyone to believe this to create the illusion that they were actually in Washington, D.C. at the time. Gray points to evidence that these men were in Morocco during these events, trying to take out Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard so that the CIA could steal his methods of psychic mastery and mind control. The illusion of the burglary, Gray believes, was to frame Nixon for an illegal wiretapping that never occurred. He says the fact the conspirators couldn't get their stories straight didn't matter, since "a confession in court trumps any evidence."

Orange Police Sergeant (Ret.) Michael W. Streed is “The SketchCop.” He’s a one-of-a-kind crime fighter who’s frequently called into action by police departments seeking help solving their most difficult cases. For over three decades, Michael has provided signature images for the country’s most notorious murders, rapes, and kidnappings, including the kidnapping and murder of five-year-old Samantha Runnion, as well as the Baton Rouge Serial Killer. The SketchCop has fought crime, coast-to-coast, from Los Angeles to Baltimore, Salt Lake City to Baton Rouge. Along the way, he has papered the walls of police squad rooms with sketches of their city’s most dangerous criminals. In this collection of true crime stories, Michael shares cases from his own portfolio. He describes how he connects with, and empowers, courageous victims and eyewitnesses, from all walks of life. Using their descriptions, the author creates life-like sketches of the assailants with an accuracy that has led to quick identifications and captures. SketchCop – Drawing A Line Against Crime provides readers a glimpse at some of Michael W. Streed’s career cases and the significant role he plays in the criminal justice system. "Mike Streed is a cop – and one of California’s most vital artists…a standout in his field!"– Orange Coast Magazine, Orange County, CA "SketchCop puts the entire investigation of my daughter’s murder in a context rarely available to the public. Sarah, her friend, will be forever remembered for her unbelievable courage. The two of you clearly made a wonderful team as you worked together to make sure the man who killed Samantha could never hurt another child."- Erin Runnion, Samantha’s mother and Founder - The ‘Joyful Child Foundation’ "SketchCop is a timely, compelling commentary on the power and importance of forensic art. Mike Streed’s work has been key to identifying many offenders. He has also been a great ally of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and this book brings the complex, difficult cases he has worked to life."-Ernie Allen, Former President - National Center for Missing and Exploited Children "As insightful a read as it is fascinating, written by an expert who is in the know. A must-read for true crime fans and those interested in the fascinating world of real police work.” — Gary C. King, author of Blood Lust and Driven to Kill

James Fairweather, 15, Britain's youngest serial killer would have continued to hunt random victims had it not been for an observant dog walker. Eerily, she was also Fairweather's third intended victim. Fueled by the grief of his grandmother's passing and anger from being picked on at school, Fairweather turned to violent video games, horror movies, and pornography to escape reality. Soon thereafter, he developed a deep passion for serial killers - becoming one dominated all of his thoughts. When asked by his school teacher what he wanted to be when he grew up, James replied, "A murderer." Fairweather, true to his word, struck twice before police apprehended him and put a stop to this teen-aged killer. With Photos This is the Chris's 5th book in his 'Homicide True Crime Cases Series' 1. Robert Black: The True Story of a Child Rapist and Serial Killer from the United Kingdom 2. Deadly Voices: The True Story of Serial Killer Herbert Mullin 3. Peter Manuel: The Beast of Birkenshaw Serial Killer 4. The Clairemont Killer: The True Story of Serial Killer Cleophus Prince, Jr. 5. James Fairweather: Britain's Youngest Serial Killer

Papa Spyk's book chronicles the author’s life and how it was turned around after suffering a near death experience. An ex professional rugby player, top international model, actor and stuntman. Born in the sixties. Spyk was trapped in a hopelessly dysfunctional world. He lived life on the edge until he suffered a near death experience. When he was told he would never walk again, be paraplegic, never father a child. He thought his life was over. Fortunately his amazing family and close friends gave him the strength to survive. Learning to walk again and father his very own little Angel, his saving grace Angelyna, the love of his life. A Naughty Thing called Life shares the honest story of Papa Spyk’s experience, hoping to make a difference to other people’s lives. Its about courage to love and be loved and the way he healed himself by going through hell and back. This book is a testament to Papa Spyk’s focus of his energy from self destruction to creation.

In January 2000, Illinois Governor George H. Ryan declared a moratorium on state executions. Three years later, Ryan commuted all Illinois death sentences to life imprisonment, saying, “Our capital system is haunted by the demon of error, error in determining guilt, and error in determining who among the guilty deserves to die.” This book chronicles over one hundred cases where journalism students, grassroots organizations, families, and pro bono lawyers—armed with DNA evidence and other instruments of justice—have defeated that demon. Cohen reveals how eyewitness error, jailhouse snitch testimony, racism, junk science, prosecutorial misconduct, and incompetent counsel have often populated America’s death row with the wrong men. Readers embark on journeys with men who were arrested, convicted, sentenced to death, dragged through the appeals system, and finally set free based on their actual innocence. Some languished for decades in our death houses. Notable cases of wrongful imprisonment outside of death row are also profiled. Although these stories end with vindication, there are those that have ended with unjustified execution. The Wrong Men is sure to fuel controversy over a justice system that has delivered the ultimate punishment 820 times since 1976, though it cannot guarantee accurate convictions.

Private Investigator Marc Stiles has taken on a cold case murder investigation at the request of the victim’s family. His own family. The case could not be more personal for Marc, whose uncle was found brutally stabbed in a frenzied killing that took place in the very home of Marc’s youth, and in the very bedroom where Marc had fostered memories of a warm, safe and happy childhood as he grew from a toddler through adolescence. It was in the darkness of the early morning hours on April 28, 1982 when Marc’s uncle fought violently for his life as his killer stabbed him repeatedly and mercilessly more than three dozen times. It was a classic overkill that left a morbid scene of death that rivaled the most gruesome of murders. For five years, a brutal killer remained on the loose, free to kill again. As Marc quickly learned, his uncle’s killer was the least of the threats he faced in a case filled with the unexpected. From the moment he accepted this assignment on the fifth anniversary of the murder to its unexpected conclusion, Marc struggled to navigate a maze of bizarre twists and untangle a web of deeply hidden secrets kept by some of the most powerful and influential people in his community and beyond. Through Stained by Blood, you will accompany Marc on a journey to an underworld that few know exist and fewer still refuse to discuss. It is a world that has been dismissed as conspiracy by those anxious to keep its secrets hidden. As you join Marc on his journey through danger, denials and deceptions, look around you, for you might never look at your city, town or its people the same ever again