The Book of Murder

A Prosecutor's Journey Through Love and Death

By: Matt Murphy

Narrated by: Matt Murphy

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.

©2024 Matt Murphy Law Group (P)2024 Audible, Inc.

Great book

Inside the prosecutions of some of the West Coast’s worst criminals. Brilliantly written & just as brilliantly read by the author himself. Just very well done.

HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK!

HIGHLY recommend this book!
A real “page-turner” (or, if in audible version, an “all-nighter”)!
You will hate for it to end, yet, at the same time, you will be sort of glad, because, each case is so carefully described, in every angle of the murder, and the murderer, that your heart couldn’t take much more.!
I’m thankful that you WON every case, but LOST in “love,” Matt!
But … “time” isn’t over YET!

Excellent! A true crime loved must read!

If you like true crime or just a really great story you must read this book! It is part life lessons, part memoir, and completely interesting.

Compelling Read

Although I was familiar with several of the cases Matt Murphy describes in the book, the added detail and back story was interesting and well written. I enjoyed it!

Absolutely captivating and so real

Very well narrated by the author who wrote about his life as a homicide prosecutor. I didn’t want it to end. Highly recommend this audible listen, but warning you may not sleep, not because of the events depicted, but because you won’t want to stop listening.

Keep them coming.

Matt, as a small business owner and avid reader that consumes 6 to 7 books a week, I have to say that Cliff murder, is by far the most succinct, balanced, sincere, and well performed memoir of any law enforcement official I have ever read. It is the only author-narrated retrospective that I’ve ever started over again the moment it ended.

The book of murder , in my opinion, has instantly clawed its way through an oversaturated market and now sits a top the true crime memoir annuls next to “Helter skelter“ by Vince Bugliosi.

And with that, and on behalf of all other readers, I’ll say keep them coming! If you have the time and ambition you are sitting on a franchise of incredible books and a legacy of Douglas/Mindhunter proportions!

Fabulous!

Love Matt and this book! I love true crime and Hope he writes more books!

Excellent!!!

Matt, I couldn’t stop listening!! Best book I’ve read in a long time!! Extremely powerful and very moving!! Cannot wait for your next book!!!

Informative and Interesting!

I heard Matt on an interview with Nate Eaton and couldn’t wait to read the book after hearing their discussion. I loved it! Was so interesting to hear about some of his biggest cases, but more importantly, to hear about the work and the processes involved leading up to the actual trials. As someone who is an avid listener to trials on Court TV, I found the book educational in helping to understand all the behind the scenes work that might lead to an arrest and conviction. Book was very well written, easy to listen to and read well by the author himself. I was glued to each and every chapter, and literally gasped when I heard him say ‘conclusion’ as I was not wanting it to end. Such a successful career yet Matt was humble and kind when describing his work and involvement in cases, always giving credit to the homicide detectives, forensic scientists and crime scene techs, as well as his mentors. This was definitely a refreshing read and I definitely recommend l!! Thanks for writing this Matt!

Amazing!

Matt’s sense of humor while maintaining his sense of compassion and empathy is impeccable. An awesome read!! Having the author narrate makes it that much more personal!