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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Published Feb 28, 2023

368 pages

Average rating: 7.44

385 RATINGS

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Community Reviews

AbbeyLileTaylor
Aug 29, 2023
8/10 stars
Solid 4.5 Stars!

I was excited to have St. James back to doung what she does best: writing about ghosts. I loved her early work and haven't enjoyed her newer stuff as much. So I was beyond excited to see my girl back to her old tricks.

If you love a spooky story with a twist of crime solving, this is your book!
Mary Raven
Jan 28, 2023
8/10 stars
I love a mystery ghost story but this one didn’t grab me quite as much as her others.
Danielsgirl
Aug 10, 2022
8/10 stars
Great book! Couldnt put it down. It presents many mysteries and surprises.
wardbunch
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?

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