The Book of Cold Cases

A Most Anticipated Novel by PopSugar * Crime Reads * Goodreads *

A true crime blogger gets more than she bargained for while interviewing the woman acquitted of two cold case slayings in this chilling new novel from the New York Times bestselling author of The Sun Down Motel.


In 1977, Claire Lake, Oregon, was shaken by the Lady Killer Murders: Two men, seemingly randomly, were murdered with the same gun, with strange notes left behind. Beth Greer was the perfect suspect—a rich, eccentric twenty-three-year-old woman, seen fleeing one of the crimes. But she was acquitted, and she retreated to the isolation of her mansion.
 
Oregon, 2017. Shea Collins is a receptionist, but by night, she runs a true crime website, the Book of Cold Cases—a passion fueled by the attempted abduction she escaped as a child. When she meets Beth by chance, Shea asks her for an interview. To Shea’s surprise, Beth says yes.
 
They meet regularly at Beth’s mansion, though Shea is never comfortable there. Items move when she’s not looking, and she could swear she’s seen a girl outside the window. The allure of learning the truth about the case from the smart, charming Beth is too much to resist, but even as they grow closer, Shea senses something isn’t right. Is she making friends with a manipulative murderer, or are there other dangers lurking in the darkness of the Greer house?

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368 pages

Average rating: 7.44

372 RATINGS

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Community Reviews

Anonymous
Mar 26, 2025
6/10 stars
Great book to read in October when unexplained beings are on the mind. A bit too cliche for my tastes.
jenisfedup
Jan 25, 2025
10/10 stars
Simone St. James did not disappoint! The story opens up the ghosts, literally, of a serial killer cold case. St. James kept me on the edge of my seat to hear more of Beth’s story and the growth of the main character. Is it too soon to be excited for her next novel?
readwithinsoul
Dec 11, 2024
10/10 stars
What can I possibly day about this book??
This book was deeply engrossing. It is about a murder which took place in 1977. Shea, who is a doctor's office receptionist but she also runs a true crime website called Book of Cold Cases. She starts investigating the 40 year old murder case and reveals the truth behind the lady Killer crimes.
Overall, I loved the book, it's so intriguing and engaging, I couldn't put it down.
I'd definitely recommend this to everyone who loves true crime, murder mysteries and thrillers. Give it a shot.
datewithathriller
Dec 10, 2024
8/10 stars
Another great spooky read by Simone St. James!! True crime vibes and then throw in some ghosts? I’m sold!! 🙌 I will say the big reveal was pretty predictable, but overall I really enjoyed this book!! I also listened to the audiobook while following along in the physical, and I thought the narration was really well done!! 👏
Allisonbernhart
Oct 15, 2024
8/10 stars
The Book of Cold Cases was a definitely a quick but enjoyable read. It was a little spooky, flowed well between Beth and Sheas POVs & timelines and kept me intrigued where I didn’t want put it down. Finished in just a couple of days. Excited to read more from Simone St James but may wait until the fall. I feel like her books would be great to read around Halloween.

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