Tell Me Everything: The Story of a Private Investigation
Winner of the 2023 Edgar Award for Best Fact Crime - A New York Times Book Review Editors' Choice
Part memoir and part literary true crime, Tell Me Everything is the mesmerizing story of a landmark sexual assault investigation and the female private investigator who helped crack it open. Erika Krouse has one of those faces. "I don't know why I'm telling you this," people say, spilling confessions. In fall 2002, Erika accepts a new contract job investigating lawsuits as a private investigator. The role seems perfect for her, but she quickly realizes she has no idea what she's doing. Then a lawyer named Grayson assigns her to investigate a sexual assault, a college student who was attacked by football players and recruits at a party a year earlier. Erika knows she should turn the assignment down. Her own history with sexual violence makes it all too personal. But she takes the job anyway, inspired by Grayson's conviction that he could help change things forever. And maybe she could, too. Over the next five years, Erika learns everything she can about P. I. technique, tracking down witnesses and investigating a culture of sexual assault and harassment ingrained in the university's football program. But as the investigation grows into a national scandal and a historic civil rights case that revolutionizes Title IX law, Erika finds herself increasingly consumed. When the case and her life both implode at the same time, Erika must figure out how to help win the case without losing herself.BUY THE BOOK
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Community Reviews
One of my top favorite books, stupendous writing, I loved everything about this book. When I saw it on the book list, along with Andrea Lankford’s Trail of the Lost, I knew the MCBC was my people.
I don't know why, but I could not stay interested in this book. I thought the story itself was interesting, but the writing was stiff and forced. It was like the author was trying too hard.
Heartwrenching and poignant. I really enjoyed Erika's writing style, her determination to help victims, and her thorough research. I was deeply moved by her own personal story involved in this book, and I have a staggering amount of respect that bordered on overwhelming for her to share that side of her life in this book.
TW: Parental abuse, sexual assault, sexual abuse,
Okay, I’ve had this one on hold via Houston public library for a good while now, & I was so excited to listen to it, because a book that is part true crime, part memoir is right up my alley.
This book is heavy but SUPER captivating and interesting. It’s somewhat disheartening, somewhat devastating, extremely detailed and ultimately disappointing. This book is not a tale of retribution, but when is true crime tied up that nicely?
This book gives readers such a different perspective as we follow the author through her time as a private investigator. Very different, but definitely worth it!
Okay, I’ve had this one on hold via Houston public library for a good while now, & I was so excited to listen to it, because a book that is part true crime, part memoir is right up my alley.
This book is heavy but SUPER captivating and interesting. It’s somewhat disheartening, somewhat devastating, extremely detailed and ultimately disappointing. This book is not a tale of retribution, but when is true crime tied up that nicely?
This book gives readers such a different perspective as we follow the author through her time as a private investigator. Very different, but definitely worth it!
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