Blood on Their Hands: Murder, Corruption, and the Fall of the Murdaugh Dynasty

4.4 | 1,182 ratings

Price: 22.04

Last update: 05-17-2024

About this item

The highly anticipated inside look at the collapse of the Murdaugh dynasty by the celebrated investigative journalist and creator of the #1 hit Murdaugh Murders Podcast, Mandy Matney.

Years before the name Alex Murdaugh was splashed across every major media outlet in America, local South Carolina journalist Mandy Matney had an instinct that something wasn’t right in the Lowcountry. The powerful Murdaugh dynasty had dominated rural South Carolina for generations. No one dared to cross them.

When Mandy and her reporting partner Liz Farrell looked closer at a fatal boat crash involving the storied family’s teenage son Paul, they began to uncover a web of mysteries surrounding the deaths of the Murdaughs’ long-time housekeeper and a young man found slain years earlier on a backcountry road. Just as their investigations were unfolding, the brutal double murder of Maggie and Paul Murdaugh rocketed Alex Murdaugh onto the international stage.

From the newsroom to the courtroom, to the kitchen-table studio where Mandy recorded her #1 Murdaugh Murders Podcast, Blood on Their Hands is a propulsive true crime saga, an empathetic work of investigative journalism, and an excoriation of the “good old boy” systems that enabled a network of criminals.

Gina W. Carpenter

A must read book!

Reviewed in the United States on April 20, 2024

Debut novel written by a young, brave and pesky journalist that rose to success reporting on the downfall of South Carolina’s “good old boy” disgraced former attorney Alex Murdaugh as well as victims Mallory Beach, Hawkeen Pinckney, Stephen Smith & Gloria Scatterfield. I finished easily in a day. It was so well written and flowed from one chapter to the next. Mandy exposes the truth and reports so much breaking news about the SC Lowcountry and the secrets held within. The book has so many interesting details that no one else would report. A fascinating read about Alex Murdaugh and his family starting with his son’s (Paul) boat crash that killed Mallory Beach. It details Mandy’s journey from a struggling journalist to starting her own podcast with the help of her husband David Moses. I loved the MMP podcasts so I knew I’d love this book. Can’t wait for the next book!

lwilson29

Relatable and riveting

Reviewed in the United States on February 8, 2024

I’ve been listening to her podcast from the beginning and became a premium member during the trial, so I thought I knew everything. Was I wrong. I learned so much more about the journalistic investigation and Mandy’s personal journey. The writing and story telling IS SO GOOD. The lessons she shares are enriching and relevant to my own life. And every chapter ending compels you to start the next one. Love it.

Melissa and Tyler

Fascinating, Engaging and BRAVE!

Reviewed in the United States on November 16, 2023

A fascinating, behind-the-scenes look at the tireless work that went into bringing the Murdaugh story — and the South Carolina justice system — into the sunlight. Mandy Matney is a fabulous story teller, who breaks down complex issues in a way that someone without a criminal justice background can understand. I live in a city known for the corruption of its political officials and Mandy’s story not only gives me hope for the future, but shows me that it’s possible for individuals to make a difference. I look at news so differently after learning about this story, and I have a much better understanding my own role in creating change in my city —and that is a big deal.

True crime lovers, community members, voters, journalists and anyone else interested in how a system works (or doesn’t work) will be captivated by this story and will probably be just as fascinated as I was when I read it.

Hats off to Mandy and those who have supported her along the way for taking on this dynasty and challenging everything that allowed them to gain such unchecked power in the first place. I cannot imagine how scary that must have been, and possibly still is. Their bravery and conviction are inspiring, and are just another reason I think everyone will enjoy this book!

James D Henry

MANDY'S STORY

Reviewed in the United States on January 22, 2024

This book about the Murdaugh crimes in South Carolina is written from the first person point of view of the dogged young investigative journalist who would not let it go even when others did. Some of the details of Mandy's personal life seem as if they were thrown in to fluff out a few extra pages, but it still well written, and I expect (and hope) we shall hear more from her in the future.

Dana T

Don't Hesitate, Just Read! Obsessed With This Story!

Reviewed in the United States on November 21, 2023

I have listened to Mandy Matney's podcast and followed the Murdaugh murder story from the time I first heard about the double homicide. Then when the roadside charade happened I was eager to find someone breaking this down. Mandy's podcast is incredible. She is a journalist with almost no filter. Which is so refreshing. Mandy's book is written in a polished version of how she talks.
I have said this before and I'll say it again. Mandy and Liz could write about almost anything and I would find it interesting. The way Mandy brings humor and honesty is refreshing in a field that is almost entirely filtered out so the journalist is lost. I love that Mandy is a journalist that brings herself as a character in the story. She isn't invisible. She stands up to political power and male egos that have never been questioned. She is authentic about areas where she struggles with competition, anxiety, and haters. She is transparent about mental health and when she isn't doing well. People criticize her because she shows her human side and lets the listeners and readers know about her journey through this Murdaugh madness. I have been a huge fan of Mandy Matney's work and believe her when she says something. Her listeners and readers trust her. She advocates for victims and develops deep love and care for the people she writes about. She doesn't use people and throw them under the bus. Mandy has an incredible team around her. She attracts people like her. Smart, authentic and really great company.
I can't say enough about this book, which I love, this writer, who I hope to watch her career take her beyond her wildest dreams. Mandy's work is making a difference and exposing corruption and the good ol boys system in South Carolina. Can't wait to see how this story ends!

SClarke

Just a thought.

Reviewed in the United States on April 19, 2024

I have followed MM’s podcast about the Murdaugh’s from the beginning. I appreciate the research and digging that she and LF have done in exposing the corruption in the AM family and in the rest of their state. However, I have one criticism - she is extremely biased against conservatives. In her book she wrote that she assumed that AM would be a conservative. Why? I’m a conservative but I haven’t committed any crimes. They’ve been blessed with good investigate skills. I hope they don’t continue to alienate a portion of their audience with unnecessary and insulting jabs at one political party. We can find plenty of crooks on both sides of the aisle.

Jeffrey McCullough

Gripping yet unconventional

Reviewed in the United States on January 23, 2024

This is a great read from so many angles – many of them unconventional and unforeseen. It gives you the expected lowdown of the comeuppance of the truly evil Alex Murdaugh – a liar, thief, and killer. Who took such carefree advantage of the weakest members of our society. An extra bonus for me was the behind-the-scenes peek at the current state of journalism – the politics, the misogyny. the shallowness. I never knew there is such pressure for journalists to have their work scored – with tally boards of the number of online hits for their pieces. Expected sign-up’s for new subscriptions. No wonder why the wrong things get covered and the important things get ignored. What an eye opener for me. It is true crime with a twist. It also is an interesting look at how a podcast starts and grows. Go out and get this book, and I can’t wait for the sequel.

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Blood on Their Hands: Murder, Corruption, and the Fall of the Murdaugh Dynasty

About this item

Top reviews from the United States

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