The Book of Murder: A Prosecutor's Journey Through Love and Death

4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars | 301 ratings

Price: 29.66

Last update: 12-21-2024


About this item

Examining murder from an insider’s perspective, Matt Murphy—a former senior deputy district attorney and current ABC News legal analyst—discusses cases from his career, how they strained his personal life, and how he found peace seeking justice for victims and their families.

Part taxonomy of murder, part prosecutor’s handbook, and part personal memoir, The Book of Murder goes through a dozen cases and his recollections of his 26 years in the Orange County DA’s office (17 in the Homicide Unit). Refreshingly honest about the toll such work takes on one’s private life, Murphy weaves his personal narrative throughout his casework in a way that humanizes the people entrusted with the duty of seeking justice on behalf of the public. As he does so, he lays bare the decision-making a prosecutor goes through in building a case to ensure justice is met while telling captivating tale after captivating tale of the world’s worst crime.

See how a prosecutor looks at—and lives with—the very worst crime. The insider’s perspective that Murphy gives on the notorious cases of Skylar Deleon, Rodney Alcala, “Dirty John” Meehan, and many others is a vital listen for true-crime fans everywhere.


Top reviews from the United States

Kauai10
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent tome from a prolific prosecutor
Reviewed in the United States on November 12, 2024
I was born and raised in Orange County, California and have known of Matt Murphy for many years. In fact, I was a member of one of his juries before he moved on to homicide. He was always a star but became a bonafide superstar as time went on.

While I was already familiar with all of the cases he recounted in this book, it was still fascinating to read the facts and tenor of the proceedings from his unique perspective. I also enjoyed reading the few personal stories he included which really illustrates the fact that he sacrificed a personal life for a prolific professional life. This sacrifice led to justice for the many victims' grateful families they may not have otherwise even seen.

The cases Matt highlighted were extraordinary but we know that there were also many, many more than just those cases that Matt has prosecuted (and won) over his career. If he decided to write another book, I would most definitely read it.

Matt was very deliberate in crediting others that assisted him in his many successes and for drawing attention to some of the unsung heroes in these sensational murder convictions. I also was pleasantly surprised to note a few people in his acknowledgments that I know personally.

If you have any interest in "true crime" or prosecutorial process or even just Orange County - grab this book!
Alyse Powers
5.0 out of 5 stars Just read it
Reviewed in the United States on November 10, 2024
This book is exceptional and Matt is a fantastic storyteller. Tales from his cases and experience in the courtroom are interwoven with heartfelt and vulnerable moments from his personal life. It's his raw honesty and deep introspection into these moments that makes this book truly stand out. I hope this is only book #1 for MM!!
Brian Gillespie
4.0 out of 5 stars True Crime with a Side of Wit and Charm
Reviewed in the United States on November 16, 2024
Matt Murphy’s The Book of Murder is a thoroughly engrossing exploration of true crime that skillfully balances intense storytelling with unexpected moments of levity. The author’s meticulous attention to detail immerses the reader in the case, offering a narrative that is both comprehensive and engaging.

However, Murphy’s reflections on his intimate relationships occasionally distracted from the otherwise compelling narrative.

Overall, it is an exceptional read for true crime enthusiasts who appreciate a blend of depth, humor, and humanity in their stories.
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Brian Gillespie
4.0 out of 5 stars True Crime with a Side of Wit and Charm
Reviewed in the United States on November 16, 2024
Matt Murphy’s The Book of Murder is a thoroughly engrossing exploration of true crime that skillfully balances intense storytelling with unexpected moments of levity. The author’s meticulous attention to detail immerses the reader in the case, offering a narrative that is both comprehensive and engaging.

However, Murphy’s reflections on his intimate relationships occasionally distracted from the otherwise compelling narrative.

Overall, it is an exceptional read for true crime enthusiasts who appreciate a blend of depth, humor, and humanity in their stories.
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M. Schulze
5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book, Good Man
Reviewed in the United States on October 5, 2024
I've lived in the OC since 1978 and followed most of the trials Matt Murphy prosecuted. It was fascinating seeing the crimes and trials through his eyes. His compassion shines throughout the entire book, as does his self deprecating wit. My son served as foreman on an Orange County murder trial where the husband strangled his wife in their walk-in closet, picked up his kids from play practice, drove them through fast food and tried to book immediate tickets for India. My son said it literally hurt his soul to see the autopsy photos and listen to the forensic pathologist testify. How Matt Murphy did that for 17 years is amazing. The OC owes him a debt of gratitude.
Doe ellis
5.0 out of 5 stars WOW-Couldn't put down
Reviewed in the United States on October 23, 2024
Best true crime book I've ever read! Really interesting, must read & so well written. Matt Murphy is amazing, a champion for the victims of crime and end of the road for the bad guys! Loved this book!
Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars You won’t want to put it down. It’s that good!
Reviewed in the United States on October 11, 2024
This book is so detailed and the way Matt Murphy tells his stories about his cases makes you feel like you are right there beside him. He is so empathetic to the victims and the families. You get to know some of his personality, insight on his cases and so much more. I definitely recommend this book and cannot wait until he writes the 2nd book. I am going to purchase the audio to this book as well.
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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars You won’t want to put it down. It’s that good!
Reviewed in the United States on October 11, 2024
This book is so detailed and the way Matt Murphy tells his stories about his cases makes you feel like you are right there beside him. He is so empathetic to the victims and the families. You get to know some of his personality, insight on his cases and so much more. I definitely recommend this book and cannot wait until he writes the 2nd book. I am going to purchase the audio to this book as well.
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Kindle Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Great read
Reviewed in the United States on November 16, 2024
I love to read and true crime is a favorite because I like to find out how these things happen. The book is very interesting and it was hard to tear myself away from it.
E. Ballard
5.0 out of 5 stars More than just murders. Loving it!
Reviewed in the United States on November 22, 2024
I had heard Mr Murphy talk about this book on Megyn Kelly's show so I bought it. Even though I am familiar with some of the crime stories, this book is deeper than just storytelling. But the storytelling is juicy and does not disappoint.

Murphy is a natural writer who delves thoughtfully and deeply into the many themes surrounding the intricacies of living in a world of crime, catching and dealing with criminals, their victims especially, and the effects a career such as this has on a serious and dedicated prosecutor.

I purchased a hard copy for a friend as a gift and got the audio for myself. It is also extremely well narrated. Highly recommend.

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